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 nominations hearing. Witnesses included Mr. Brian Burch to be ambassador to the Holy See, Ms. Nicole McGraw to be ambassador to Croatia, and Mr. Brandon Judd to be ambassador to Chile.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“I’m very glad to be here today to consider three more of President Trump’s nominees.
“I’ll start with Mr. Burch. As you know, the voice of the Pope has a wide impact around the world. As ambassador to the Holy See, you will keep a direct line between the United States and the Vatican and Pope Francis’ leadership. The U.S., with our devout Catholic population, has an important relationship with the Holy See, and I am eager to discuss how you will lead this important and unique U.S. diplomatic mission.
“Ms. McGraw, if confirmed, you will be assuming a post in a country that is a critical U.S. partner at what is, needless to say, a turbulent time for Eastern Europe. As ambassador to Croatia, you will be responsible for advancing efforts toward peace and stability in the Western Balkans which is key to U.S. and global security.
“Croatia is the newest member of the European Union and a NATO member. In these roles, the U.S. should encourage Croatia to partner with other European nations and serve as a positive force in the region amid unrest in Serbia, a constitutional crisis in Bosnia, and unresolved disputes in Kosovo. I also hope you will urge Croatia to meet its two percent defense commitments to NATO which will certainly be an important part of your work to improve the U.S.-Croatian relationship and secure our mutual interests in the region.
“Mr. Judd, since you’re an Idahoan, I know this is going to be an easy job for you – we Idahoans know how to step up. As you know, Chile is a strategic security and economic partner, whose democratic experiment has come under pressure from terrorist organizations tied to the Maduro regime of Venezuela, and Russian malign influence. Chile’s wealth of mineral resources and strategic geographic location has also earned the country the attention of China, with heavy predatory Chinese investment in its infrastructure and energy sectors. To counter this influence, I hope that you’ll help strengthen ties with Chile to keep our hemisphere democratic, prosperous and safe from international criminals and authoritarian governments.
“I’m grateful to you all for your willingness to serve our country abroad in these challenging times. President Trump, the members of this committee, and most importantly, the American people are counting on your leadership. Thank you, and now I’ll turn it over to our ranking member, Senator Shaheen.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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