President Donald Trump has nominated former Congressman Darrell Issa, a Lebanese American, to lead the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
Issa will replace Thomas Hardy, who has been the acting director since President Trump took office in January 2017.
The USTDA was established to advance economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle income countries, according to the USTDA website.
Earlier this year, Issa announced he would not run for re-election, which set up a competitive campaign in one of California’s biggest swing districts.
The California Republican is currently the wealthiest congressman in America, with a net worth projected to be around $460 million.
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The congressman’s book, “Watchdog,” mentions his travels to Lebanon during a time he traveled to locate buyers for land that his father inherited.
He said his trip to Lebanon was “a blessing,” and he met his grandfather’s brother and sister during the occasion.
Read the official White House press release about Darrell Issa’s nomination, here.