WASHINGTON, Jan 29 (Reuters) – The top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee asked the U.S. Trade Representative’s Office on Thursday to explain the decision to cut U.S. tariffs on Swiss imports to 15% from 39% shortly after a meeting where Swiss business executives gave lavish gifts to U.S. President Donald Trump. Senator Ron Wyden asked USTR to explain by February 11 which officials helped set the initial rate of 39% and why; which officials recommended lowering the duties; and whether Swiss negotiators told USTR about the gifts given to Trump. During a speech in Davos, Switzerland last week, Trump said he had agreed to lower the 39% U.S. tariff rate on imports from Switzerland to 15% amid pressure from Swiss companies, including Rolex, but the rate could rise again. No comment was immediately available from USTR. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Diane Craft)Brought to you by www.srnnews.com