Max Baucus is uniquely qualified to address issues regarding U.S. tax reform, world trade, China and the Asian Continent. As Ambassador to China (2014 - 2017) and Chair of the Senate Finance Committee (2007 - 2014), Max Baucus has extensive experience in international trade issues. Ambassador Baucus led the passage and enactment of Free Trade Agreements with 11 countries and worked to increase U.S. exports by knocking down trade barriers. He was deeply involved in orchestrating congressional approval of permanent normal trade relations with China in 2000 and in facilitating China’s entrance into the World Trade Organization in 2001, and is credited with holding China accountable on issues of intellectual property, human rights and currency. Baucus served in Congress from 1978 until his appointment to Ambassador to China, during which time he fostered and enacted groundbreaking legislation, not the least of which is the Affordable Healthcare Act (Obamacare). As the Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he ushered the Act through Congress, vocal even at the time about his concerns regarding costs and lack of bipartisan support, two issues which now threaten the Act's durability under the Trump administration.