Trump administration tabs Issa for Trade Agency Director

SAN DIEGO - President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Sept. 19 nominated retiring Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, to be director of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.

Issa, 64, announced in January that he would not seek re-election this year. He represents parts of north San Diego County, including Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, and Encinitas.

"Throughout my service, I worked hard and never lost sight of the people our government is supposed to serve,'' Issa said in a statement in January. "Yet with the support of my family, I have decided that I will not seek reelection in California's 49th District.''

Representatives of Issa's office could not be reached for comment on the nomination, which is subject to confirmation by the Senate.

Issa has been in Congress since 2000 and served as the chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee from 2011 to 2014. He has also served on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Prior to his election to Congress, Issa worked in the private sector and founded Directed Electronics in 1982. Issa "advanced technology solutions in manufacturing, development and global trade,'' according to a White House statement on the nomination.