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Senate Hears Steel Nomination, Raises Market Access Concerns

5/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard nominee Michelle Steel as ambassador to South Korea on May 23, 2026, pledged market access for firms, and noted post has been vacant since January 2025.
Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) raised concerns—discrimination against firms such as Coupang and lack of transparency on $350 billion pledge—prompting Steel to say she will follow up with Seoul, provide details, and note she needs Senate approval.

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Story summary

Senate Foreign Relations Committee heard nominee Michelle Steel as ambassador to South Korea on May 23, 2026, pledged market access for firms, and noted post has been vacant since January 2025.
Senators Bill Hagerty (R-TN) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) raised concerns—discrimination against firms such as Coupang and lack of transparency on $350 billion pledge—prompting Steel to say she will follow up with Seoul, provide details, and note she needs Senate approval.