WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) made the following statement today after a vote by the Senate to confirm President Obama's nominee to be the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq, Christopher R. Hill of Rhode Island:
"It took much longer than it should have, but I am pleased that Chris Hill has finally been confirmed as President Obama's Ambassador to Iraq. He is one of the best diplomats we have in our country. Despite the significant security improvements, Iraq remains in a precarious state, and we need our Ambassador on the ground immediately. Ambassador Hill has personally assured me he will get to Baghdad as quickly as he can, and I look forward to working with him and supporting his efforts in any way I can."