Charlotte R. Lane, a Republican of West Virginia, was sworn in yesterday for a full term as a Commissioner of the U.S. International Trade Commission. She was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on November 21, 2004; her confirmation means that she will continue serving on the Commission for the term expiring on December 16, 2009.

Commissioner Lane served as a Commissioner from August 27, 2003, through her confirmation under a recess appointment.

Prior to her appointment, Commissioner Lane served as a member of the West Virginia Public Service Commission and was Chairman of that Commission from 1997 to 2001. From 1990 to 1997, she was with the Law Firm of Dodson, Riccardi & Lutz in Charleston, West Virginia. From 1985 to 1989, Lane first served as Commissioner on the West Virginia Public Service Commission. In April and May of 1987, Lane served as Interim United States Attorney in the Southern District of West Virginia, and from 1980 to 1985, she was an attorney with the Law Firm of Jackson & Kelly. Lane served as a Member of the West Virginia House of Delegates from Kanawha County in the years 1979 to 1980, 1984, and 1990 to 1992.

Commissioner Lane holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Marshall University and a Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law. She has one daughter, Hatton Lane.

The U.S. International Trade Commission is an independent, nonpartisan, factfinding federal agency that provides trade expertise to both the legislative and executive branches of government, determines the impact of imports on U.S. industries, and directs actions against certain unfair trade practices, such as patent, trademark, and copyright infringement.