Congressman to examine trade opportunities

FORT MYERS — Newly elected U.S. Rep. Trey Radel was appointed vice chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere subcommittee.

“We have a tremendous opportunity to work with the countries in our hemisphere, to strengthen our national security at home and foster trade that will bring jobs right here to Southwest Florida,” says Radel, in a statement.

The Fort Myers Republican, who is fluent in Spanish and has traveled and worked in Latin America, is one of the few from the freshman class of U.S. representatives to earn a leadership role on the committee.

“There are real opportunities in this region for increased trade and economic expansion. Congressman Radel's background and expertise will be instrumental as the committee engages our neighbors in the western hemisphere,” says Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Ed Royce, a Republican from California, in a statement.