WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing. Witnesses included Mr. Reed Rubinstein to legal advisor of the State Department, The Honorable Mike Huckabee to be ambassador to Israel, and The Honorable Kevin Cabrera to be ambassador to the Republic of Panama.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“Today, we’re going to hear from three more of President Trump’s national security nominees. These positions are key to advancing President Trump’s America First foreign policy priorities and helping America’s friends while pushing back against our enemies.
“Governor Huckabee, as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, you would represent us at one of the most important postings in the world. Israel is one of America’s greatest allies, a bastion of freedom in the Middle East, and our closest partner in countering Iran’s destabilizing efforts in the region.
“For years, the previous administration withheld American support that was necessary for Israel – not all of it but some of it – in the wake of the horrendous attack on October 7th. Despite this, Israel had the courage to confront Iran and its proxies – and it decimated them.
“Now, thanks to President Trump’s tough negotiations and Israel’s courage, Iran is at its weakest point in decades, hostages are returning home. The Middle East now has an opportunity to free itself from Iran’s grip, and America would be safer for it. To promote stability in the region and protect our national security, we need to continue to support Israel’s efforts however we can.
“This includes providing Israel the weapons it needs to defend itself and working with Israel to ensure both American and Israeli hostages are brought home from the clutches of Hamas. Governor Huckabee, I look forward to hearing how you will support our ally and help facilitate peace and stability in the region.
“Mr. Cabrera, Panama is a strategic ally, and our long, historic partnership is anchored in shared economic and security interests. The United States is Panama’s largest foreign direct investor, with a total of $3.8 billion invested in a range of sectors. But as you know, China seeks to undermine our work in Panama—particularly when it comes to the Panama Canal. The president is right to focus on China’s involvement in this critical infrastructure.
“The fact is China will continue to use footholds in Latin America to threaten the U.S. and our economic interests. We need to counter its presence in Panama and make sure China cannot control shipping through the Canal like a pawn in its malign chess game. Additionally, more must be done to counter transnational criminal organizations that profit from illegal migration and the trafficking of illicit narcotics that kill Americans.
“President Trump is leading the charge on a generational shift in American politics and American foreign policy. The president meant business when he told the American people that he would put their interests first, and he has taken extraordinary action in his first weeks in office to make this happen.
“Mr. Rubinstein, as legal advisor, you will be charged with providing Secretary Rubio sound legal advice as he executes President Trump’s foreign policy agenda. Your background in complex litigation and prior experience in the Executive Branch will serve you well in this challenging role.
“Just like all of the nominees who have testified before us this year, you will all have a big job. You will be tasked with defending the interests of the greatest nation in history during a very turbulent time. Americans are counting on your leadership.
“I look forward to a productive conversation today and for all of your swift confirmations.
“Thank you.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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