Grassley Backs Iowa Native for Federal Trade Court Judgeship

Senator supports Cedar Rapids resident Kara Westercamp's nomination to U.S. Court of International Trade

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:54pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior space with warm, diagonal sunlight streaming through windows, casting deep shadows and a sense of quiet power and bureaucracy.The nomination of an Iowa native to a prestigious federal trade court judgeship reflects the state's political influence.Cedar Rapids Today

Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley has voiced his support for Cedar Rapids native Kara Westercamp's nomination to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Why it matters

Grassley's endorsement of Westercamp, an Iowa native, for this federal trade court position is seen as an important step in the confirmation process and reflects his influence in the Senate. The U.S. Court of International Trade plays a key role in overseeing trade disputes and policies.

The details

Westercamp, who currently resides in Cedar Rapids, was nominated by President Biden to fill a vacancy on the U.S. Court of International Trade. During the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Grassley voiced his support for Westercamp's qualifications and experience, which include over a decade of work in international trade law.

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing took place on March 29, 2026.

The players

Chuck Grassley

A U.S. Senator from Iowa who has served in the Senate since 1981 and is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Kara Westercamp

A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa who has been nominated by President Biden to serve as a judge on the U.S. Court of International Trade.

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What they’re saying

“Kara Westercamp has the experience and qualifications to serve with distinction on the U.S. Court of International Trade.”

— Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator

What’s next

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to vote on Westercamp's nomination in the coming weeks, with a full Senate confirmation vote to follow if the committee approves her.

The takeaway

Grassley's support for a fellow Iowan's nomination to the federal trade court underscores his influence and the importance of the U.S. Court of International Trade in overseeing critical trade policies and disputes.