▶ 0:19:29>> thank you all for being here today. As usual, I want to welcome everyone in the audience, our guests, we have guests that interrupt us sometimes, so any of those that may show up, doesn't look like there was any here today, we have zero tolerance for any attempt to communicate with the committee. Witnesses will be dealt with severely, you will be arrested and banned from the committee for a year.
▶ 0:20:00So with that, on a happier note, we are glad to see all of you here today have agreed to be with us, and to take on these difficult positions that you've been nominated for. And we are going to consider the nominations to the united states ambassador to the united kingdom, sir, character the ambassador to turkey and Mr. fertitta to be ambassador to italy.
▶ 0:20:30Before we ordinarily would make a living statements. However, we have committee members, senate members who would like to introduce some of their nominees. So let's start with senator hagerty. You have the floor.
▶ 0:20:47Senator Hagerty: I want to congratulate oliver nominees today. It's incredible honor to rep as of the greatest nation in the world and it is an incredible honor for me to introduce one of my good friends, someone I've known for more than a decade, tom barrack. As an international business leader and a true patriot. His nomination comes at a very important time for relations between the U.S. and turkey.
▶ 0:21:13Senator Hagerty: When you consider tom's background and his qualifications, you can see why president trump wants him as our nation's chief diplomat. Over a century ago tom's grandparents immigrated to the united states from a place that we now call lebanon. But back then it was part of the ottoman empire. His family settled here but they didn't forget their ties to a region where tom is now being called to serve.
▶ 0:21:42Senator Hagerty: Tom himself had humble beginnings, growing up working in the grocery store that his parents owned in southern california. By the time he went to college he had a deep appreciation from this family for the significance of culture, service and commerce. So after graduating from law school, it's no surprise that he began his professional career helping to promote business ties between the U.S. and the middle east.
▶ 0:22:06Senator Hagerty: He has built on this foundation in the decades since, showing he is an incredible leader with an exceptional ability to work across differences in culture and all the tics to both solve problems and to create value. In fact, nicholas or cozy recognized tom with an award in 2010 for his contributions. His proven success in bridging interest across the U.S., asia and the middle east make him uniquely qualified to serve as U.S.
▶ 0:22:35Senator Hagerty: Ambassador to turkey, a country that has long been at the crossroads of international relations. But his qualities don't stop there. He also served as undersecretary of interior for president reagan and in other words, tom has the heart of a public servant, intent on making our nation and our world a better place.
▶ 0:23:00Senator Hagerty: As a former ambassador myself, I believe strongly that america needs diplomatic leaders abroad who know how to make deals and how to stand firm in support of american interests. If confirmed, will make exactly the type of ambassador. Mr. chairman, thank you for the chance to introduce tom barrack. I look forward to our hearing and I encourage all my colleagues to support his nomination. >> I will now hear from senator cornyn, you have the floor. >> thank you Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:23:34Senator Hagerty: Ranking member shaheen, thank you for holding this hearing on the nomination of my friend and fellow texan Mr. fertitta to be the next ambassador to italy and san marino. I learned something this morning, san marino's population of 33,860, so congratulations on your nomination. I've had the pleasure of knowing tillman for quite some time.
▶ 0:23:58Senator Hagerty: We all know him as a successful entrepreneur, who was well on his way to expanding his first seafood restaurants in greater houston into what would later become one of the largest dining and hospitality enterprises in the country. What I later learned is that atonement is not only one of the nation's most prominent businessmen, he's also a visionary and a philanthropist who has dedicated much of his time and resources to bettering the community.
▶ 0:24:28Senator Hagerty: Over the years I've witnessed tillman make an incredible impact on the city of houston and the entire state of texas. He was born in galveston, texas where his family had settled after integrating from sicily in the late 1800s. His father owned a seafood restaurant on the island, which is how he got his start in the business. After school he helped his father peel shrimp.
▶ 0:24:53Senator Hagerty: Years down the road you would use the profits from that small family business to secure a small loan to acquire what would later become an empire. That's one of the things you learn about tillman as I have, the man keeps striving and challenging himself. His realization of the american dream will serve him well as a voice nation's nations interest and as an advocate for a strong relationship between the united states and italy.
▶ 0:25:23Senator Hagerty: His credentials extend beyond his prominent business career, though. He was first chosen by former governor rick perry to serve on the board of regents for the university of houston system in 2009, and the impact a settlement system during his first six years was so positive that our current governor, governor abbott has reappointed him now to two additional terms.
▶ 0:25:46Senator Hagerty: After identifying an opportunity for the university's flagship campus to further houston as one of the leading cities in the country in the world for medicine, he poured time and treasure and helping strengthen the new school of medicine in 20. He's also invested in the growth of other facilities on the flagship university campus to raise the school's profile, including its basketball stadium.
▶ 0:26:14Senator Hagerty: Those of you who are following march madness will tell you that the cougars were in the finals and we are very proud of them and I know tillman is as well. He's also served as the chair of the houston police department foundation, where he helped ensure our men and women in uniform have the support that they need and halloween the coven -- following the covid-19 pandemic uses unique experience and background to advise governor abbott on how to effectively and safely reopen
▶ 0:26:44Senator Hagerty: Businesses across the lone star state. But these are just a few of the things that tillman has done to better his community and our state. In short, tillman will bring a wealth of experience to his service to the nation as ambassador to italy. He will have an opportunity to work not only with members of this committee, but with the entire senate to help shape our partnership with this critical ally and I have no doubt he will do a stellar job as ambassador.
▶ 0:27:15Senator Hagerty: So it is my honor to support his nomination and I hope others will do the same. Thank you to members of the committee for allowing me the opportunity to introduce this exceptional houstonian and texan. And I thank you and your family for your willingness to serve. >> thank you, senator cornyn. Senator kelly, welcome to the committee.
▶ 0:27:43Senator Hagerty: >> thank you for allowing me the opportunity to appear here today to introduce my friend, longtime friend tillman for tita -- Mr. fertitta. The united states relationship it italy is an important one. It is grounded in centuries of diplomacy and exchange between our countries, including the millions of americans who are tied to their italian heritage.
▶ 0:28:09Senator Hagerty: Italy is a critical security partner and it is critical to our national security. They are a founding member of nato and host several U.S. military installations that are important to our interests in the region. And they are a key trading partner buying machinery, military hardware and technology from U.S. companies. I was glad to see tillman nominated for this job. He's the right person for the job.
▶ 0:28:35Senator Hagerty: The right person for the tillman and I have known each other for a long time, almost 25 years. We became friends when I was living in houston, texas, assigned to the johnson space center. And I think the best way for me to introduce tilman is to tell a story of about how he was there for me and my family and my wife gabby on the worst day of our lives.
▶ 0:29:00Senator Hagerty: On the morning of january 8, 2011, I got a call from gabby's chief of staff. And she told me that while meeting with her constituents and what she called a congress on your corner, a gunman had opened fire on her. It was at a safeway store and gabby had been shot. We hung up from this call and I was in shock. I thought to myself to this phone call just happened?
▶ 0:29:33Senator Hagerty: And I called her chief of staff back. And she told me that this was real and that gabby had just been shot, but she was shot in the head. My next phone call was to tilman . Because I needed to figure out a way to get from tucson or from houston to tucson as fast as possible. And I knew that tilman would be there to help me.
▶ 0:30:01Senator Hagerty: It wasn't just my next phone call, it was my next five or six phone calls was to him. And he was in a meeting and when he first looked down and saw a missed call and saw that I called back, he knew it must be something serious and he called me back immediately. And he dropped everything. And within minutes, he had a plan for me to get to tucson.
▶ 0:30:27Senator Hagerty: It was a couple hours later during that flight that cable news reported that gabby had died. And that was one of the darkest moments of my life. But tilman refused to believe it. And he refused to let me believe it. And he said to me on that trip, he said mark, there is no way that she is dead.
▶ 0:30:57Senator Hagerty: And he kept saying it over and over again. Of course, as we all know, he was right. Cable news was wrong. And thanks to him, I arrived at tucson medical center before she was even out of surgery. Tilman'a tilman's friendship meant everything to me and my family that day.
▶ 0:31:18Senator Hagerty: And when I think of the worst moment of our lives, and the impossible days and weeks and months that followed, tilman is one of those people that got us through it, and that I relied on. Significantly relied on. Tilman is a problem solver, a leader, and the right person for this job.
▶ 0:31:43Senator Hagerty: And I'm glad that all of you on this committee will have the opportunity to get to know him through this process and to get to know how he will serve our country. So thank you again for having me. >> thank you very much, certainly an impressive introduction for the nominee. We know you are busy, you are welcome to stay if you would like understand the pressure we are all under.
▶ 0:32:14Senator Hagerty: Let's see, we will move to bozeman. You've got a really wide circle of threats. You may as well take a seat up here with us. In any event, you're always welcome here and the floor is yours. >> good to be back here with you and good morning to my colleagues.
▶ 0:32:38Senator Hagerty: It's an honor to be here today with my friend and colleague senator cotton to introduce my friend and fellow arkansas an, Mr. stephens for united state ambassador to the united kingdom. Would also like to say hi to his family and friends were here in attendance to support him, we are more than happy to have you. Or nearly four decades, warren stephens has been part of the company founded in 1933 on a handshake by his father and uncle.
▶ 0:33:08Senator Hagerty: Since his humble beginnings, it's become one of our nation largest investment banks, not based on wall street, and we are proud that we are still in arkansas. Under his leadership, the business grew from employing 100 people at one location in little rock to boasting over 1000 employees and 28 locations domestically as well as in offices in london and frankfurt.
▶ 0:33:35Senator Hagerty: Throughout his career, warren has been devoted to the ethics instilled in him by his father and uncle to practice responsible debt management and be prudent and resilient enough to be still in business the neck today. That stewardship helped stephens, inc. Weather the great recession and actually add talent rather than lay off employees.
▶ 0:33:59Senator Hagerty: His professional and personal capacities, he's been a truly tireless crusader for capitalism, championing its ability to expand opportunity and help others realize the american dream. Over three decades in the financial sector, he has rightfully earned a reputation as a thoughtful, a respected leader in the U.S. and abroad. He and his family have also distinguished themselves as pillars of central arkansas community through a long history of civic and philanthropic engagement.
▶ 0:34:29Senator Hagerty: Their efforts have been a driving force for programs that support education and the arts as well as working to revitalize our capital city and enrich the lives of others. I've had the privilege of knowing him for many years and I'm confident he will bring his many talents, skills and relationships to bear as our ambassador to the united kingdom. I'm thankful to president trump for choosing him to fill this very crucial diplomatic role.
▶ 0:35:00Senator Hagerty: His extensive experience and expertise in the private sector and dedication to enhancing the relationship between our two nations will serve him well as he represents america's interests in this critical post. It's clear he's is not only qualified, but is extremely well suited for the role. I strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same. Thank you. >> thank you, and we know all of us have other commitments. You are welcome to stay but if you can't, we understand.
▶ 0:35:31Senator Hagerty: With that, senator cotton.
▶ 0:35:34Senator Cotton: Thank you, good morning. I'm honored to introduce today a remarkable family man, businessman, philanthropist, patriot and not least my friend and fellow arkansas and, warren stephens. I've known warren and his family for many years. I'd like to acknowledge his wife harriet and his children miles, john and laura and their spouses for their support during his confirmation process.
▶ 0:35:59Senator Cotton: Along with his family and many other our consents, I'm pleased to offer my full support for his nomination to serve at the next U.S. ambassador to the united kingdom. For centuries, the U.S. and the u.k. Have enjoyed what prime minister winston churchill originally termed a special relationship. This friendship forged on the front lines of two world wars and on the side of freedom during the cold war is rooted in our two nations'shared history, culture and democratic ethos.
▶ 0:36:30Senator Cotton: Our 240 year diplomatic relationship is a bastion for freedom and peace worldwide. Warren is very well-suited to deepen and strengthen the bonds with one of our best and oldest allies. Inspired by the example of his father who graduated from the naval academy, warren has long aspired to surface country full-time. I'm pleased that president trump nominated him and that warren was able to answer the call. This commitment to service has guided him throughout his life and his career.
▶ 0:37:03Senator Cotton: At 29 he became president and ceo of stephens, ink, a relationship based family-owned financial firm that started with a handshake between his father and his uncle. Since exceeding his father in 1986, he dedicated himself to building up stephens in the united states including in london, where he has spent considerable time.
▶ 0:37:23Senator Cotton: At the head of stephens, he's dedicated nearly four decades to strengthening business relationships throughout the united states and across the atlantic while simultaneously forging relationships for service to his community. In recent years, he spearheaded a massive, multiyear fundraising campaign to transform the arkansas arts center into the arkansas museum of fine arts. Museum now hosts a 14,000 piece permanent collection and featured artists from arkansas and across the united states.
▶ 0:37:56Senator Cotton: Thanks to their vision, the museum has become the heart of its community, a place where children and students come to learn or neighbors and friends gather, and were all those who love art can explore their creativity. Warren is also the chairman and founder of the jackson t stephens club, named in honor of his late father. Launched in 2021, it showcases collegiate golfers from ncaa division I schools, historically black colleges and universities, and the united states service academies on the nation's preeminent golf courses.
▶ 0:38:27Senator Cotton: In addition to student athletes, warren actively supports numerous universities including his alma mater, and his dedication to and support for education also extends to the episcopal collegiate school in little rock he serves as chair of the schools foundation board. Time and time again he has answered the call to serve others, and now he has answered the call to serve his country in a critical role at a critical time.
▶ 0:38:55Senator Cotton: He has spent a lifetime building and fostering strong relationships with his family, his clients, and his community. I think he is exactly the person america needs to lead our strong, special relationship with the united kingdom as our next ambassador of the united states to the court of st. James. Thank you all, and I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this nomination.
▶ 0:39:17Chair: Thank you, senator cotton. What we are going to do now is I'm going to make a few remarks and senator shaheen, we will go to a round of five and a question for the senators. Actually, what we will do first is here from the nominees. Then I will make a few remarks. But senators, you are welcome to stay, of course, but we understand everybody has got overlapping meetings and what have you, so thank you for coming.
▶ 0:39:45Chair: With that, we will hear from the nominees and Mr. stephens, we will start with you, please. So please keep your remarks to about five minutes. Anything you have to say obviously beyond that we will include within the record, but the floor is yours. >> thank you, chairman risch, ranking member seen, member's of the committee.
▶ 0:40:11Chair: It is an honor to appear before you today as president trump's nominee to be the ambassador to the court of st. James. I'm truly grateful to president trump for placing his confidence in me to fulfill the important duties and responsibilities of this position. I commend president trump's plan in taking decisive and purposeful action as he wastes no time implement in his agenda. This will require all of us to not only work hard, but thoughtfully as well.
▶ 0:40:43Chair: If confirmed, I promise to advance the america first agenda throughout the united kingdom and to build upon the special relationship that is so critical to both of our countries. I want to thank my good friend senator boozman and senator cotton for their kind introductions. My home state of arkansas is fortunate to have them represent us in the U.S.
▶ 0:41:05Chair: Senate because their subject matter expertise and their personalities are formidable complementss. As my friend benjamin and reduction, I count my family as my greatest blessing in life. I want to thank my family for their steadfast support and love throughout this process I'd like to introduce them to the committee.
▶ 0:41:31Chair: My wife harriet and I have been married for 43 years throughout which she has given me her unwavering support. She is the backbone of our family, and I love her dearly. I am grateful that she is with me today and every day. Harriet and I have three adult children, miles, john and laura. All three of our children are married to wonderful people that harriet and I consider to be our own.
▶ 0:42:03Chair: Our children have blessed us with six grandchildren and I am delighted that our son john, our daughter laura and her husband cliff are also here with me today. My father jack and my uncle with instilled in me the value of hard work.
▶ 0:42:27Chair: These two brothers grew up on a farm in arkansas and eventually established an investment banking firm during the great depression. Buying bonds in default at $.10 on the dollar. My dad and uncle instilled in all with whom they worked the effort required to achieve success. When I was 29, my father named me the ceo of stephens, ink. For nearly 40 years I worked to grow the family business into a global financial institution.
▶ 0:42:57Chair: It gives me great pride that our children are now managing the firm. I'm confident they will continue to grow the business while maintaining the important principle of focusing on relationships and not just transactions. That same commitment to building and maintaining relationships that has been a cornerstone of my career and will be a guiding principle if I am confirmed to serve as the ambassador to the u.k. The united kingdom is one of our closest allies.
▶ 0:43:26Chair: Our special relationship is built on shared interests and values, mutual respect, and of commitment to global security and prosperity. Our collaboration spans every area from defense to trade to cultural exchanges. The u.k. Is a strong partner in tackling the toughest challenges throughout the world. At the u.k. As a top contributor to nato. If confirmed I will encourage the u.k.
▶ 0:43:50Chair: To lead on advancing plans for viable, long-term peace in ukraine, which should be structured and paid for by europe. With regards to our friends in northern ireland, I will work closely with the u.k. Government and all stakeholders as we abide by our promise to ensure northern ireland remains peaceful and stable, to build upon the good friday agreement. Our partnership is clearly demonstrated by our deep economic relationship. The u.k.
▶ 0:44:19Chair: Major bilateral economic part of the united states, however it is critical that the american people receive the full benefit of this partnership. As ambassador, I will work to make this relationship fair, our ties even stronger and ensure the americans continue to be the people the u.k. Depends upon as trusted business partners.
▶ 0:44:41Chair: For decades, I've been a proponent for a trade agreement with the united kingdom and post-brexit, I believe it is even more critical that we arrive at such an agreement. Any agreement should include public and private methods of raising capital. Our depth of capital markets and legal frameworks are very real assets and a great advantage we both have over the rest of the world, and we should take advantage of it. Our partnership with the u.k.
▶ 0:45:08Chair: Is ripe with opportunities to make americans safer and more prosperous and I am eager to strengthen those commitments. I am deeply humbled by this nomination. I recognize the incredible legacy of the americans who have been ambassadors to the court of st. James, five of whom later became U.S. presidents.
▶ 0:45:28Chair: So let me close with the words of the first of those appointees, john adams, who said "our obligations to our country never cease, but with our lives." chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, thank you again for this opportunity to appear before your committee and I welcome your questions.
▶ 0:45:49Chair Risch: Thank you, Mr. stephens. Mr. fertitta.
▶ 0:45:55Mr. Fertitta: Thank you so much, senator cornyn, mark kelly. Thank you for those kind words. Senator cruz, always thank you for your guidance and leadership and advice, even as late as 11:00 last night. I very much appreciate it.
▶ 0:46:21Mr. Fertitta: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, members of the senate foreign relations committee, it is an honor to be with you today. I am president trump's nominee to be the united states ambassador to italy and san marino. For this opportunity, I am eternally grateful to president trump, and I am honored if confirmed to represent all americans in such an important role.
▶ 0:46:46Mr. Fertitta: I'm joined today by my wife lauren and family and so appreciate the support of my five children. When my ancestors immigrated to the united states from italy at the turn of the last century, there is no way they could have envisioned the opportunities that would come to our family as a result of hard work and determination.
▶ 0:47:11Mr. Fertitta: From my very first restaurant I continued to grow, becoming a national leader in the industry with more than 60 award-winning concepts such as -- and many more that I hope you all dine at, some of them here in washington, D.C..
▶ 0:47:37Mr. Fertitta: And today, my company through its hotels, entertainment and gaming divisions, I own approximately 600 properties in 36 states and 15 countries. I'm one of the largest employers in the nation with more than 50,000 employees and today, I'm fortunate to be the sole shareholder of one of the largest privately held companies in america.
▶ 0:48:04Mr. Fertitta: I'm also the proud owner of the houston rockets nba basketball team, which is currently second in the western conference. During my lifetime in business, I've taken two companies public, acquired six other public companies, and done over 40 major transactions as well as starring in the cnbc show "billion-dollar buyer" and also appearing regularly as a financial expert on many networks.
▶ 0:48:34Mr. Fertitta: Along the way, I've been guided by a pair of important life lessons. First, know your numbers. Numbers don't lie. This is particularly relevant when addressing the united states' $44 billion trade deficit with italy which I will work closely with businesses in both countries develop close this gap. And second, I don't ever think that your position is too high to teach others.
▶ 0:49:06Mr. Fertitta: I still teach every single day and perhaps even more important, I learn as much if not more from others every day. I'm currently serving my 12 year as chairman of the board of regents at the university of houston system where I have been so fortunate enough to give nearly $90 million to create the college of medicine and the center were the men and women's
▶ 0:49:37Mr. Fertitta: Basketball teams play and where we get to watch the houston cougars in the final four this weekend. We've been blessed to visit italy numerous times over the years, and I have long been an admirer of the country's culture, food, fashion, and true patriotic spirit.
▶ 0:50:00Mr. Fertitta: And no description of italy would be complete without acknowledging the country's important role in the history of western civilization, which has made it one of the most visited places in the world to this day. The bond between our two countries is as strong as ever. The country is led by a phenomenal prime minister in giorgia meloni, who I've had the pleasure of meeting.
▶ 0:50:30Mr. Fertitta: More than 25 hundred american companies do business in italy, making italy a key economic ally. And the military and defense support we've received from the italians over the decades has made italy a key strategic ally. Italy has provided robust support for ukraine throughout the war and will host the ukraine recovery conference in july.
▶ 0:51:00Mr. Fertitta: If confirmed, one of my top priorities is to continue to encourage italy to be fully engaged and aligned in the president's efforts to end the bloodshed in ukraine and to build a sustainable peace. Italy is a major investor in the western balkans with over $10 billion in regional investments and is a key contributor to the european peacekeeping mission along with sending many troops.
▶ 0:51:32Mr. Fertitta: If confirmed, I will encourage the government of italy to continue with robust engagement in the western balkans to ensure regional stability. Distinguished members of this committee, and the full senate, if confirmed, I take the responsibility of being an ambassador at this crucial moment in history as the most important job of my life.
▶ 0:52:01Mr. Fertitta: You have my commitment and america has my commitment to always represent united states and president trump with dignity, pride, friendship, and strength, and I hope I can earn your support today. Thank you also very much.
▶ 0:52:19Chair Risch: Thank you very much, Mr. fertitta: much, Mr. fertitta. I assure you that my colleagues work hard every day to keep your businesses open. Mr. barrack?
▶ 0:52:35Mr. Barrack: First of all, thank you for that gracious introduction for an amazing friendship and for the inspiration you provide to all of us every day. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
▶ 0:52:58Mr. Barrack: I am grateful to president trump for the confidence and trustee has placed in me at the sensitive and challenging moment in a critically complex and globally important region that all of you deal with everyday. I'd like to thank my family for their unrelenting support, love and sacrifice which affords me the opportunity to assume these responsibilities and I'm fortunate enough to be confirmed by this esteemed group at this very important post.
▶ 0:53:27Mr. Barrack: With me today are my four up my six children. Jody, tj, brett and nicholas. And my two youngest are cheering from afar. The strength and purity of their character is a piercing in a timeless reflection of the dedication and unrelenting values of their moms. A brief snapshot of my own journey which is nothing more than a tribute to the american dream.
▶ 0:53:56Mr. Barrack: A tiny modicum of success that I may have achieved but has everything to do with the selection by fate itself at the intersection of a free democratic america with the dna from an ancient cultural elixir of lebanese and amazingly, ottoman culture. The story of my family's journey to america from the very region to which I may return, if I'm fortunate enough to be confirmed, renders the humbled and grateful.
▶ 0:54:26Mr. Barrack: The rest is a story of america. My father, grandfather and our family lived and worked together in a small neighborhood grocery store in california. It's the story of immigrants and the story of america. Watching their lifetime of sacrifice and humility instilled in this -- my sister and myself the courage, resilience, compassion, gratitude and a blind eye toward race and religion. After a jesuit education in law so I began working for major U.S.
▶ 0:54:55Mr. Barrack: Law firms, represent global engineering banks and construction companies in the middle east. I was based in the eastern providence of saudi arabia at a time probably before many of you were born. Each night I go to elders and participate in arabian coffee, listening to men sharing stories of politics, tribal disputes, and business in a dialect that could not understand.
▶ 0:55:22Mr. Barrack: It was in those years in the middle east but I found my true north point, tolerance and the gift of immersion in understanding the on understandable. I found it meant business cadence that that was the key to whatever success I could achieve in the accompanying the teams that I built at the new york stock exchange international private equity firm.
▶ 0:55:49Mr. Barrack: Along the road I was blessed to have a stint in government under the reins of president reagan, where I learned the importance of the intersection of the executive and legislative branch and the brilliance of the people working in the bureaucracy and civil service. Now about turkey. Turkey itself is our valued nato partner sitting at the most strategic crossroads of europe, asia and the middle east.
▶ 0:56:18Mr. Barrack: It's nato's contributions are numerous, one of nato's largest military and naval fleets, assets such as an airbase and land,. A valued partner in her fight against isis. Turkey has supported nato in support of ukraine and supply the ukraine with its well-admired drones as well as meeting with the black sea great initiative. Turkey regulates passage under the montreal convention.
▶ 0:56:48Mr. Barrack: Turkey has met or exceeded president trump's guidance for financial contributions for nato. Trade between our two countries could easily reach the shared goal of president trump and president erdogan to reach $100 billion. Turkey is a place of poetry and I would like to close with a combined poem from america and turkiye.
▶ 0:57:16Mr. Barrack: From turkiye's sun warmed mountains to america's planes, the cradle of her upbringing weaves a quiet tapestry of home. Hazelnuts dripping from the trees, tables of cinnamon, cheese and olives. The tangy taste of sue myrick the scent of sage tea.
▶ 0:57:38Mr. Barrack: The soft aroma of burning oil, yet we roam far from the first tender echo of our heritage, the refuge shaped by the ways we were raised, the smells that stir within us. The flavors of an ancient being that we can still savor. All because we are allowed to bask in its beautiful, unbelievable, free, prosperous and secure america.
▶ 0:58:04Mr. Barrack: Thank you for your time, thank you for your attention, I will relentlessly pursue for the country, for president trump, for all of you, the goal of peace, prosperity and security should have the good fortune of being confirmed by this body. Thank you.
▶ 0:58:23Chair Risch: Remarks from senator shaheen and then we will go to a round of questions, five minutes each. This panel today is an important panel, one of the most important ones we will see collectively. Mr. stephens, you will work with america's closest ally and despite a few wars between us, our culture and history are shared during the most resin challenges of the 20th century and since. The u.k. Has been the indispensable and steadfast partner.
▶ 0:58:53Chair Risch: Going forward we have a number of issues were read to deepen our relationship, better trade, and defense cooperation are chief among them. The alliance between the U.S. and the u.k. Remain special and I recognize that the u.k. Takes an enormous political military wrist on the half of our collective interest, but friends need to be candid with one another. While the u.k.
▶ 0:59:18Chair Risch: Has announced a goal to spend 2.5% of gdp, european security requires a much higher level. While the u.k. Can project meaningful combat power abroad, unlike most nato allies, the british military still is too small. The british defense industrial base is in disrepair and defense spending is too small. We need to improve both our spending and defense development .
▶ 0:59:46Chair Risch: This is designed to have addressed these concerns, but the biden administration's failure to implement the laws on the books regarding vulcans has undermined these efforts. I expect you to help improve the situation and I hope you will. I would also note that foreign basing is important to the U.S. and the ongoing negotiations over diego garcia, the u.k. Surrender of sovereignty undermines deterrence, which I and many others have stressed to them. I hope you join us.
▶ 1:00:16Chair Risch: Like the u.k., italy remains a close ally an important partner in europe and it is a special place for a lot of americans. More U.S. college students study abroad in italy than anywhere else. While there are deep cultural ties to a number of areas where improvements are needed. On trade, U.S. producers have a hard time beating access to the italian market in part because of e.u. Regulations but also because of domestic industries finding creative barriers to keep U.S. products out. Not good.
▶ 1:00:46Chair Risch: In the security space italy remains below the 2% spending requirement. This is hard to understand based on both the challenges that putin has created for european security, but also due to the substantial security threat italy faces from the mediterranean and from north africa. While later should prioritize this a bit more, italy should be spending more to help secure nato's southern flank.
▶ 1:01:15Chair Risch: Czechia is going to be the most -- turkiye is going to be the most challenging, as a critical U.S. and nato ally but has been far from lockstep with america in supporting our mutual interest. Not the least of which of course was when this entire committee was trying to get sweden and finland into nato. They were a real barrier.
▶ 1:01:45Chair Risch: Turkey hosts nato and american forces and its supported efforts toward peace in ukraine, it has troubling ties with russia and hamas. Czechia also has a difficult -- turkiye has repressed dissent both in and outside its borders. The recent arrest of an opposition candidate a crackdown against protesters and journalists are particularly concerning. Their role in syrian security remains in question.
▶ 1:02:11Chair Risch: We all know they can help stabilize syria but we must ensure its actions do not undermine U.S. counterterrorism efforts for U.S. troops in the region. I am open to working with turkey to address long-standing american concerns and find it have forward but must remove some of these.
▶ 1:02:32Chair Risch: I would especially highlight its ownership of missiles and your perspective it had to work with the turkish government and encourage it to enhance cooperation with our allies. The world faces enormous security challenges as russia, china, north korea and iran work together to undermine the U.S. and our alliances. We need all our allies including the united kingdom, italy and turkey going in the same direction to counter the threats we face.
▶ 1:03:02Chair Risch: Working alongside president trump administration I hope our witnesses today will work to rebuild the incredible deterrents and further strengthen our alliances.
▶ 1:03:10Sen. Shaheen: Thank you Mr. chairman and welcome to our nominees today. We are delighted to have your families here as well. If confirmed, you will be representing the united states in turkiye, italy and the united kingdom. Three countries that are important nato allies, strong supporters of ukraine, and key to advancing american interests.
▶ 1:03:34Sen. Shaheen: As you know, one of our greatest security assets is our alliances, and I agree that we need to have our allies pay their fair share of defense spending. To their credit, our allies have listened, at least most of them. More than 23 of 32 nato allies are now meeting the 2% defense spending targets. But U.S. support for these alliances is not charity, it is strategic investment in our own security. Mr. stephens, as you know, the U.S. and the u.k.
▶ 1:04:03Sen. Shaheen: Share a historic and very special relationship as you said in your opening statement. Today that alliance matters more than ever. The u.k. Is one of their biggest trading partners and last year we had a trade surplus of nearly $12 billion. The u.k. Also plays a critical role in the august agreement with australia helping to build our submarine base which means high-quality american jobs and a strategic edge over china in the indo pacific. The u.k.
▶ 1:04:32Sen. Shaheen: Role in nato is also critical. It serves as a bridge between the U.S. and europe. So if confirmed, I hope you will continue to build on the U.S.-u.k. Alliance. Mr. fertitta, you been nominated to italy which plays an important role in shaping the broader region. Italy backed sanctions against russia after putin invaded ukraine.
▶ 1:04:58Sen. Shaheen: It has supported efforts to stabilize the western balkans and ilize the western balkans and for e the western balkans and for managing tern balkans and for managing migrationans across the mediterranean to confronting russia's influence in africa, italy plays a critical role in securing nato's southern flank. As you pointed out, prime minister meloni has a good relationship with the trump administration. She was the only european leader to attend president trump's inauguration. So if confirmed, I hope he will continue to strengthen the ties between the united states and italy. Finally, Mr.
▶ 1:05:27Sen. Shaheen: Stephens: finally, Mr. stephens -- Mr. barrack, your nomination comes at a very delicate time as we discussed when we met. Many of us are concerned by the turkish government arrest of the mayor of istanbul who was a presidential candidate. We must continue raising issues like the intention of journalists and the violent crackdown on protesters. You will also need to be attentive to turkiye's interest in syria.
▶ 1:05:58Sen. Shaheen: Syria that emerges from the rubble of the assad regime stable and inclusive. It cannot be allowed to become a launching ground for terrorist attacks against the U.S. and our allies. And whether confronting prudence aggression or managing the conflict in the middle east, turkiye is a critical ally. It controls access to the black sea and it has been vital in helping ukraine such as facilitating the first black sea green deal. If confirmed, you certainly will have your work cut out for you.
▶ 1:06:28Sen. Shaheen: I look forward to hearing the thoughts and insights from all our nominees today. Thank you.
▶ 1:06:33Chair Risch: Thank you, senator shaheen. We'll do a quick round of five questions now. I want to start with you, Mr. stephens. I don't know how familiar you are with the august agreement, but it's been kicking around here for a while, and there's a lot of us who work hard to get where we are with it.
▶ 1:06:55Chair Risch: It has really breathe some life into our relationship with the office and certainly underscore the importance of our relationship with great britain. Can you give me your thoughts on it? I really think that in the decades to come, people will look back at this because I really think it has the potential to become a nato-like agreement for the indo pacific. Your thoughts?
▶ 1:07:21Mr. Stephens: Thank you for that question. I would agree with you, I think it has great potential. Now, what I've read about it is classified, and I know in my preparation for this hearing, I've learned a lot, one of them being I believe it is the transfer of technology and that seems to be a roadblock to
▶ 1:08:00Mr. Stephens: Helping that really get going. I know there is sensitive things involved in it and if confirmed, I look forward to learning more about that and helping find ways that we can address those issues, but I agree with you, I think there is great, great potential not only for the U.S.-u.k.
▶ 1:08:25Mr. Stephens: Ship-building industry and the australian ship-building industry, but as a deterrent in the indo pacific. >> you are right, it has caused some difficulty that it shouldn't be causing. It is a rub between what the first branch of government believes and what the previous second branch of the previous administration but it should be. There's a lot of classified information you will get after you are confirmed in that regard.
▶ 1:08:56Mr. Stephens: And I hope you will put it to good use and get those areas out-of-the-way so we can continue to move forward. Mr. barrack, turkiye is the most challenging ally, and I use that word cautiously, when talking about them. They are doing some things that are just awful.
▶ 1:09:19Mr. Stephens: I've gone round and round with erdogan head to head on things that he has done, not the least of which is putting the s4 hundreds in his country. I personally held up the f-35 that he purchased, they are still sitting here in the united states, but I told him they are not moving until those are gone from turkey. When we've given him a couple of offerings which he hasn't taken. They are a real problem.
▶ 1:09:49Mr. Stephens: They are a member of nato, and we have to deal with them. I wish you well as you go forward with them. We've had a number of ambassadors that have been interested as he got along. Have you had any contact with the turkish government over your career or in recent times or as you are getting ready for this?
▶ 1:10:15Mr. Stephens: >> I've had contact dealing with a businessman within turkiye where again great respect, by the way, for the entrepreneurs, the business, our trade opportunities. It is the spice road. It has a history of dealing with other cultures.
▶ 1:10:34Mr. Stephens: I think the key to all of this is for us to once and for all look at the opportunity as a one government process, not picking away at various issues.
▶ 1:10:50Mr. Stephens: My goal with the that we create what our priorities are and what the message is, understand from the government what their priorities and message is, and we create a firm and structured process to actually get those things done. I think the president's message of peace, prosperity and security is also a message for their population.
▶ 1:11:19Mr. Stephens: We have lots of wood to cut and I hope this combined basis will allow our teams, our mission on the ground to do what they do best in diplomacy. >> I don't think the turkish population is the problem, to be honest with you. I think the issues go a lot higher level than what the population is. But I wish you well. You have quite a challenge. Senator shaheen?
▶ 1:11:47Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Mr. stephens, I understand and the committee understands that there are some pending issues regarding your taxes. I appreciate your willingness to cooperate and provide additional details prior to confirmation. Do I have your commitment to continue to work with the committee on that?
▶ 1:12:04Mr. Stephens: Thank you, senator, for that question and absolutely. You have my commitment to continue to work with that or any other issue that comes to your office or to this committee.
▶ 1:12:19Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. Mr. fertitta, you mentioned in your opening statement the western balkans, an issue near and dear to my heart. As you pointed out, italy has been an important U.S. partner in dealing with issues in the western balkans, and they are a member of the quint, the U.S.-u.k., france, italy, and germany which often plays a pivotal role in aligning U.S. and european approaches to crises in the western balkans.
▶ 1:12:51Sen. Shaheen: Understanding that the administration is somewhat skeptical of multilateral diplomacy, if confirmed, will you commit to doing your part to maintain this important and formal mechanism for diplomatic --? >> thank you for that question, senator. Absolutely. For sure, we know how important the western balkans is to italy.
▶ 1:13:19Sen. Shaheen: But it is also important united states of america, and I will for sure continue to make sure that america supports the western balkans along with the republic of italy.
▶ 1:13:31Sen. Shaheen: And given the tensions that are heightened right now between serbia and also in bosnia, having as much diplomacy and interest and focus on what is happening there as possible is important, would you agree?
▶ 1:13:53Sen. Shaheen: >> totally agree, and america appreciates italy stepping up because when other countries step up, sometimes we don't have to step up everywhere like america so often has to do, so we are very thankful for them stepping up like they have in this situation.
▶ 1:14:12Sen. Shaheen: I agree. As I said, we had a very helpful meeting yesterday, and I found out that your story and your families story is very much like my husband's family story, so I certainly so I appreciated that connection and the story about the journey to america and ability to build on the american dream.
▶ 1:14:43Sen. Shaheen: I also raised an issue we have been paying attention to in new england because it involves a tough student from turkey -- tu fts student from turkey who was arrested in the middle of the day by two ice agents who were masked and took her in custody into prison in louisiana.
▶ 1:15:10Sen. Shaheen: If you are confirmed as ambassador in turkiye and turkish authorities arrest and american student living legally in turkiye in that way what would be your response as ambassador?
▶ 1:15:24Mr. Barrack: Thank you for being generous with your time and your staff's time. It was informative, illustrative, and inspirational and I appreciate it. Hypothetical questions are very difficult.
▶ 1:15:42Mr. Barrack: My emotional and compassionate response to everybody that is in the midst of what we are finding in these very difficult immigration issues everywhere is that personal consequence is something I cannot opine over because I don't have access to all the facts.
▶ 1:16:02Mr. Barrack: But I do know he as an american is violated in any aspect with any of their work -- rights, duties, and freedoms in any country, especially if I have a great opportunity to represent america, it is just unacceptable.
▶ 1:16:22Sen. Shaheen: Let me ask you, because I and other members of this committee worked on the case of pastor brunson of north carolina pastor, I think, a presbyterian pastor, that had been living legally in turkey for over 20 years practicing his faith with the church and he was directed by turkiye I believe
▶ 1:16:52Sen. Shaheen: Unlawfully. He was held for I think almost years in a prison in turk iye. I on this committee and throughout the senate and government of the U.S. worked to get him released because he was inappropriately being held.
▶ 1:17:15Sen. Shaheen: Do not agree it is important for us to ensure american citizens are protected when they are in other countries and if they are unlawfully detained, they should be -- that we should advocate for their release?
▶ 1:17:30Mr. Barrack: Senator, absolutely. In that particular instance you and president trump did a fantastic job of drawing a very hard line to the turkiye government and the result was fantastic. My attitude is it is a process on all of these humanitarian rights that has to constantly be enforced. It is not an event.
▶ 1:17:57Mr. Barrack: It takes a strong hand from all of you come up from president trump who absolutely have his two hands. I look forward to the opportunity to deliver that message.
▶ 1:18:11Sen. Shaheen: And as ambassador you will speak up for human rights in turkiye and american citizens, I assume?
▶ 1:18:19Mr. Barrack: Senator, I will speak of always for the constitution, for peace, prosperity, and security and I will do whatever I can in the capacity I am in to protect the rights of american citizens entity appeared -- in turkiye.
▶ 1:18:43Chair Risch: Now I will call on senator mccormick.
▶ 1:18:49Sen. Mccormick: Congratulations to the three of you and your families and thank you for your willingness to serve. Mr. barrack good to see you. We have known each other a long time and I think you are taking on a particularly challenging assignment. I remember more than 30 years ago traveling throughout turkey and it traveling across the border from turkey into syria at end nokia and you see these incredibly porous borders. Enormous borders.
▶ 1:19:20Sen. Mccormick: We see that playing out today with turkiye and proxy forces having a significant president in syria. Those forces have aligned themselves come as you know, with the new syrian government, which, the governing authority in damascus led by eight U.S. designated foreign terrorist organization. How can the U.S. leverage its relationship with turkiye to address our counterterrorism concerns in syria?
▶ 1:19:53Mr. Barrack: Thank you, senator mccormick. As you know, I have been a great fan and I am honored to be here with you today. I think, out of chaos, comes opportunity. What we all agree upon is that the reseeding of the assad regime in syria provides our opportunity to rid ourselves of asea -- a she aggressive and
▶ 1:20:28Mr. Barrack: Eliminate an islamic state. But the rubik's cube of issues with which we are confronted is enormous. We have 10,000 ices prisoners. We have 35,000 members of their families. We have the confusion of a ypg that consists of a portion of the pp k, that both turkiye and we have assigned as a terrorist group that has been instrumental helping us eliminate isis.
▶ 1:20:59Mr. Barrack: We have is real the golan heights who has a vested interest in making sure the border and in the protection of its population is not infiltrated by russia, by iran, or, in fact, by turkiye. So I intend to try to cause discussion amongst ourselves and others to create the architecture of the syria policy . Honestly we don't have one at the moment.
▶ 1:21:31Mr. Barrack: In that regard again I think we have an opportunity in which all the surrounding countries, all the vested interests in gaza, israel, ukraine, and russia present an opportunity for everybody to sit at a table and say this is the moment and that is my hope.
▶ 1:21:51Sen. Mccormick: Mr. stephens welcome. You are taking on an assignment here were both president trump and the prime minister have spoken about the opportunity for further economic ties, growing the economic relationship. You have spent a lot of time in london and the u.k.. Where you see the most promising opportunities for deepening those economic ties?
▶ 1:22:18Mr. Stephens: Senator mccormick, thank you for your question. And I want to thank you for the time you have given me in preparing for since the process started. One of the things I have been told by friends and colleagues and -- in britain is there biomedical research is probably ahead of ours.
▶ 1:22:46Mr. Stephens: They have been able to do some things we have not been able to do. I think there could be great opportunity to explore their. There is also an opportunity to mine tin in cornwall, which was historically the backbone of that economy.
▶ 1:23:13Mr. Stephens: They think that with new improved methods, they can restart the industry. Obviously they need investment to do that. I think this is an opportunity for U.S. companies to help provide that capital. Those two come to mind. I mentioned in my opening statements the ability to raise capital, both in the U.S. and in the u.k.. I think we should take advantage of that.
▶ 1:23:46Mr. Stephens: I mentioned it to several people. In the administration, or in coming the administration. They seem to think it is a great idea. Those three are I think the ones that come to my mind right away.
▶ 1:24:00Sen. Mccormick: Very good. When you are in your new post thinking about biosciences and life sciences, what do you think about pennsylvania? Pennsylvania has an enormous life sciences industry. It's a hotbed of innovation and there is opportunity. Thank you.
▶ 1:24:20Chair Risch: Senator rosen. -- Sen. hagerty: senator rosen.
▶ 1:24:27Sen. Rosen: Thank you for holding the hearing today. I want to thank all are witnesses for willingness to serve and for being here today as well. Mr. barrack I want to start with you first. As you may know, turkey refused to condemn hamas for its horrific terror attack on israel. It does not consider hamas a terrorist organization. It provided safe haven for senior hamas leadership.
▶ 1:24:56Sen. Rosen: What's more important is that turkeys relationship with israel has deteriorated significantly under president erdogan who weaponizes antisemitism and anti-israel sentiment to advance his domestic policy interests. Mr.
▶ 1:25:14Sen. Rosen: Barrack how would you, if confirmed, worked to ensure turkey stops being a sanctuary for hamas and take steps to improve the security environment in the broader region including by taking steps to improve its relationship with israel?
▶ 1:25:30Mr. Barrack: Senator, thank you for that piercing and complex question. If I were given the opportunity. My attitude is to provide constant dialogue, constant pressure, constant, consistent focus of what our desire is with
▶ 1:26:01Mr. Barrack: The turkey a government. --turkiye government. The policies and practices set forth are to be implemented if I am fortunate enough to be in that position. In that direction, those practices, those policies, will be governed by the president of the united states and this esteemed body. Several rows and let me expand about turkey's role in syria.
▶ 1:26:34Mr. Barrack: According to multiple reports turkey is continuing to assess the suitability of locations within in syria to establish a military base. I am concerned amo wrote -- more robust turkish presence in syria will present challenges for israel and our kurdish allies. How will you work to address the kurdish -- turkish presence in syria?
▶ 1:27:02Mr. Barrack: At this moment I only have available what I read in nonclassified information. I just don't have the facts yet.
▶ 1:27:11Sen. Hassan: -- Sen. rosen: Mr. stephens I want to talk about the five is. It is one of the most successful intelligence sharing alliances in the world and has been a key to the success of our military responses in syria, iraq, and afghanistan yet that trump administration took actions that caused our allies to reconsider
▶ 1:27:42Sen. Hassan: What information can be shared with the united states. Mr.'s defense --Mr. stephens the five eyes alliance is based on a high level of mutual trust. Do you think it makes us safer, or more secure for our partners to decide to scale back intelligence out of concern they can't trust the U.S.?
▶ 1:28:04Mr. Stephens: Well, thank you, senator, for that.
▶ 1:28:09Sen. Rosen: How will you make sure we are resilient and five eyes remains operational.
▶ 1:28:17Mr. Stephens: I am not aware of our allies in five eyes in particular scaling back any information.
▶ 1:28:26Sen. Rosen: What would you base that on? It appears they have been nervous sharing information with us in light of recent events.
▶ 1:28:34Mr. Stephens: I was referring to something perhaps that is classified I have not been able to read. All I have been able to read is the unclassified importance of five eyes. I believe five eyes goes back with the u.k. And U.S. to world war ii and was critical with the allies prevailing. I think both the u.k. And U.S.
▶ 1:29:04Mr. Stephens: Realize that is one of the key components of our special relationship and I hope I can help strengthen that. I am unaware of any reluctance to share intelligence. In the five eyes.
▶ 1:29:28Mr. Stephens: But if that turns out to be the case, I would certainly do what I could to not -- to work to assure them they don't need to be withholding any information or shouldn't.
▶ 1:29:45Sen. Braun: Send that will be something we have to talk about when you are confirmed. Mr. fertitta the mediterranean sea contains an array of underwater cables that connect europe, africa, and asia. As competition across the region intensifies we have to protect this critical infrastructure from malign actors like russia and the prc.
▶ 1:30:09Sen. Braun: How would you work with the italians to strengthen their military capabilities in support of bolstering deterrence along nato's southern flank?
▶ 1:30:18Mr. Fertitta: Italy and the united states both realize how important this is. So much moves underwater today, as it does in space. America realizes, not only italy, but all nato countries, how important it is to continue to be so supportive of this protecting it from our enemies.
▶ 1:30:49Mr. Fertitta: I will truly work hard with the italian government to ensure how important it is to america and we will make sure that if there are any issues whatsoever I will be on top of it.
▶ 1:31:00Sen. Rosen: Thank you.
▶ 1:31:07Sen. Hagerty: Senator daines.
▶ 1:31:10Sen. Daines: I am struck by the quality of the nominees president trump put forward to be our ambassadors across the board. The three of you are examples of extraordinarily qualified business leaders with experience to represent our great country around the world, so thank you for doing this. Mr.
▶ 1:31:33Sen. Daines: Barrack one of primary responsibilities of an ambassador is working to develop a positive trade and economic relationship between the united states and their assigned post. If confirmed, how do you plan to work with turkey to advance U.S. trade relations?
▶ 1:31:54Mr. Barrack: Thank you, senator and for the time you have spent with me in this room. I am looking forward to visiting the bozeman stampede. Turkiye is a great opportunity. It was the polls and dashed-- pulse and heart beat of the spice road and silk road.
▶ 1:32:25Mr. Barrack: My belief is that it can, once again, be a new spice road and energy transport manufacturing benefit. Senator risch indicated we have lots of issues to chop through in order to get there, energy being one of the key starters.
▶ 1:32:50Mr. Barrack: Turkiye itself is in a deficit of energy but has been a large importer of liquefied natural gas. It originally came through russia through three specific pipelines. With the current war and upsets in ukraine, it started to rely on the U.S.. So at 60% is now coming from the U.S..
▶ 1:33:19Mr. Barrack: Amazingly,t turkiye as a new spice road can be a resh ipping terminal for more gas to europe providing europe with another shield to russian intervention. Defense, aerospace, media, these are all areas in partnerships with american companies.
▶ 1:33:48Mr. Barrack: This is also a strategic international interface to keep china and the belton road initiative away for a while. I believe we can reach the stated goal of president trump and president everyone to try to get to 100 billion dollars in shared trade on a bilateral basis. We are at about $40 billion today.
▶ 1:34:14Sen. Daines: I want to talk about energy as it relates to italy. I was happy to see prime minister meloni's recent comments dismissing the idea italy has to choose between president trump and europe. I completely agree italy can cultivate a better relationship with the united states and with europe at the same time.
▶ 1:34:42Sen. Daines: And I think that will be an important role you will have as our ambassador if confirmed. Regarding energy, it only several floating storage and re-gassification units. Maybe it is only fitting or divine providence that a guy from houston, arguably, one of the energy capitals of the world anymore, will be our next ambassador to italy.
▶ 1:35:09Sen. Daines: How could italy partner with the united states to ensure it energy security -- to ensure energy security?
▶ 1:35:17Mr. Fertitta: Thank you so much for that senator. Prime minister meloni continues to speak out and show what an ally of the U.S. that she is. We truly appreciate that as a country. Next.
▶ 1:35:37Mr. Fertitta: From an energy standpoint, we would love for italy to do more business with our american companies and not buy so much energy from libya and other countries.
▶ 1:35:54Mr. Fertitta: This is something I have thought about tremendously and in talking to houston oil companies I look forward to bringing the two together, knowing so many of the ceos that are in the houston area to meet with the italian government and is there energy department to see what we can do to create more business and take that trade gap from $45 billion and make it a lot less.
▶ 1:36:22Mr. Fertitta: We should be doing a lot more business with the italian government.
▶ 1:36:29Sen. Daines: We have seen what has happened in europe certainly since the ukraine invasion, how important energy security is. It ties right in national security. The world would be a lot safer if the ratio relationship -- if the relationship between the U.S. and these other countries is stronger, at least when it comes to energy and trade. The u.k. Has long been one of the U.S.
▶ 1:36:54Sen. Daines: Is closest defense and intelligence partners, truly a force multiplier for capability around the world. I am almost out of time here so I will make this question short. Can you speak to the importance of the U.S. fulfilling its commitments to the u.k. Foreign military sales?
▶ 1:37:11Mr. Stephens: Thank you, senator daines. Again, I appreciate the time you have given me. As this process has gone on. The U.S. and the u.k. And, chairman risch mentioned it.
▶ 1:37:39Mr. Stephens: We are doing our best as a country I think and I think the trump administration is to grow closer militarily to the u.k.. I don't know the specifics of our commitment to provide the british military with their needs.
▶ 1:38:05Mr. Stephens: I know that just from reading what I can, the british military says while they are trying to increase defense spending to 2.5% of gdp, it should be 3%. I know that president trump thinks it should be more and I would not argue with that.
▶ 1:38:25Mr. Stephens: But I think the -- in my view, senator, unless it involves some double secret, triple secret technology that we just don't want to share, I would urge the united states to fulfill every commitment it has to provide the u.k. With the weapons and systems it needs.
▶ 1:38:58Sen. Hagerty: I will take the next question round. First a basic point, the responsibilities you all will bear if you are confirmed as U.S. ramp -- ambassadors. It is one of the greatest weights you will ever carry on your shoulders because he will represent the greatest nation in the world and to be the senior american in your host country. The host country is looking to you to represent america. First I want to talk about turkey.
▶ 1:39:28Sen. Hagerty: I think that turkey finds itself at a very interesting crossroads. Given their location, they find themselves deeply involved in the ukraine and russia conflict and, on the other hand, they are also playing a major role in the middle east. Specifically, we have conversations earlier about syria. I think it will require a very deft, capable approach.
▶ 1:39:54Sen. Hagerty: I want to hear your comments about how you envision managing the relationship in turkey as you navigate these dual
▶ 1:40:03Challenges Mr. Barrack: . Thank you, senator. I hope if I am fortunate enough to have that job I could do it as elegantly as you conducted the ambassadorship in japan. The turkiye situation in ukraine is a great example of the push and pull of what we need to do.
▶ 1:40:23Challenges Mr. Barrack: Turkiye supplied ukraine with its famous they wrapped her -- bay raptor tb2 drones at the very beginning of the content -- conflict. It negotiated and mediated ukraine grain deal and consistently maintains the treaty on the access of ships, warships, cargo ships up and down the black sea.
▶ 1:40:59Challenges Mr. Barrack: Syria has been a constant thorn in the entire region's side. The policy in front of all of us with syria is undecided. They don't have access to any classified information as to what our policy is. But I think that the process has to be a total government solution.
▶ 1:41:27Challenges Mr. Barrack: Part of my job, if I am fortunate enough to be selected, is to bring all of the counterparts together and say, what is our policy with regard to all these issues? It's impossible for agency by agency, for the executive branch on one hand, the legislative branch on the other hand, to be negotiating these issues for decades.
▶ 1:41:56Challenges Mr. Barrack: I think we have an opportunity, out of all of the plethora of crises we have around us, to have everybody feel urgent seem towards actually getting something done. My attitude is, to serve the will of president and this body, to try and stir and create an architecture with thoughts of viable solutions along with all the constituencies who have been
▶ 1:42:27Challenges Mr. Barrack: Delegated that responsibility. And, to execute swiftly and promptly with the idea we don't have time. Diplomacy is the last stop between blood on the boots. That would be my attitude.
▶ 1:42:50Sen. Hagerty: First I want to comment on the issues raised with the five eyes. You have an incredible role as ambassador and I would encourage you to do what I did, have a regular meeting. I did it every month. I had a breakfast every meeting and worked aggressively to make sure we stayed united in a critical region, at that time, the indo pacific. You will have access to the information you need and an ability to create that type of bond.
▶ 1:43:20Sen. Hagerty: The united states has an incredibly disproportionate information advantage because of the brats and extent of our defense posture around the world. So we will be in a place where I think that every one of our allies will want to cooperate with us and I am sure you can encourage that. With respect to the five eyes piece, one concern I have specifically about the u.k. Has to do with information sharing. That has been the integrity of their communications systems.
▶ 1:43:48Sen. Hagerty: We talked extensively about the presence of huawei, cte, and other similarly situated technologies. I encourage you to look to make sure these systems are clean and capable of communicating with us. Also foreign military sales were raised, a tremendous opportunity for us to tighten our bonds with our allies in the u.k..
▶ 1:44:09Sen. Hagerty: I would encourage you to go in as soon as possible and get your arms around what the foreign military sales process looks like they are and look for ways to improve that in terms of collaborative efforts and activities and finally, I understand the question from chairman risch that you are limited in what you can say now, but I encourage you to support that anyway you can and if you see opportunities for us to be supported back here on this community -- committee, I think you have broad support here for
▶ 1:44:40Sen. Hagerty: Seeing that relationship thrive and grow particularly when it comes to procurement processes and joint r&d. Tillman, I want to come to you to express concern that came to me in 2019. I vividly recall the and italian -- the italian ambassador to japan coming to me to tell me that italy was going to enter china's belt road initiative. I think italy suffered tremendously through the pandemic.
▶ 1:45:10Sen. Hagerty: I think italy has had a very challenging time. Dealing with china. It has the same time 2023, even though they pulled out of the belton road initiative, and I thought that was wise, now they have entered into some type of bilateral initiative with president xi jinping to deepen economic cooperation. My concern is, this creates yet another economic lever the ccp can utilize either against and I like italy, or against the european union.
▶ 1:45:41Sen. Hagerty: I look forward to any comment you might have with respect to how you will treat the china challenge in your print -- your new position is confirmed. -- is confirmed. -- if confirmed.
▶ 1:45:56Mr. Fertitta: I was glad to see they withdrew from the belton road in 2023. I'm concerned there are still 11 chinese service centers set up around italy. And if they aren't willing to speak too strongly against china. But, I do feel that there are number one ally is the united states of america. That is something I will monitor extremely closely.
▶ 1:46:25Mr. Fertitta: I think all countries, for some reason, want to keep their foot in the door with china. It is something all countries besides italy need to monitor very closely. And as ambassador over there if confirmed, it is something that I will get up every day and worry about to make sure we remain their number one ally.
▶ 1:46:51Sen. Hagerty: Thank you and thank you to the entire panel for being here today. Best of luck, and godspeed should you be confirmed. Senator van hollen.
▶ 1:46:59Sen. Van Hollen: Congratulations to all of you. It was good to talk the other day in my office. I appreciate all the issues we covered there. One of the issues we discussed was the fact that president erdogan recently arrested his major political rival, the mayor of istanbul.
▶ 1:47:24Sen. Van Hollen: He did it the very day the mayor of istanbul declared he would be a presidential candidate for the make preposition party. Thousands and thousands of people have taken to the streets. Over 2000 turks detained. I was looking to see if the trump administration had said much of anything about this and I saw secretary rubio was asked about it and frankly, his answer made it sound like he was channeling president or to one.
▶ 1:47:52Sen. Van Hollen: He did not talk about democracy or human rights. He talked about stability. We want stability. Of course we want stability. But, stability is always the priority of authoritarian leaders. Stability is the priority of dictators. What has set america apart as we have also been full throated in our support for democracy and human rights.
▶ 1:48:18Sen. Van Hollen: So to see him channeling president erdogan's defense of this action I found extremely troubling, but maybe not surprising. Donald trump has called erdogan a leader and it appears this is the kind of leader donald trump. Those that disregard the law.
▶ 1:48:40Sen. Van Hollen: I was thinking, and I know that senator shaheen raised this, that if you are president erdogan watching what is happening to this turkish student at tufts university whisked off the street by individuals who have no identifying uniforms, some of them in masks and literally disappeared to louisiana because of something she said or wrote about what is happening in gaza, this is something erdogan will
▶ 1:49:10Sen. Van Hollen: See and say, he will be unhappy it was a turkish student, but he will say, see? That is what they are doing right there in america. It's hard to argue with them. -- with him. I don't have a question with this part. But I hope you will take that back. When we start channeling erdogan's defense of locking up the mayor and saying this is all about stability, we just want stability.
▶ 1:49:41Sen. Van Hollen: Those 2000 demonstrators, lock them all up. This is not what the united states has stood for in my mind and I do not think it is what we have stood for in years. Assert -- yours. I certainly hope not. Whisking the a student? As you know, yes, visitors to this country have privileges, but they are protected by the first amendment. There is no evidence that first amendment protection should not exist in this case.
▶ 1:50:10Sen. Van Hollen: I know that the chairman asked you about the f-35's or made it clear it is a bipartisan position that turkey should not get the f-35 because they have the s4 hundreds. You understand that is a bipartisan view, right?
▶ 1:50:33Mr. Barrack: Senator, and I am motivating your question, thank you for leading the discussion we had because I found it stimulating, a lot to think about for all of us for sure. As for hundred has been an issue that you have dealt with and the previous administration has dealt with. It was dealt with since the acquisitions in 2016.
▶ 1:51:06Sen. Van Hollen: It was good to meet with you in the office to discuss these things at greater length but I have a very short amount of time. My question was whether you recognized presenting the transfer of the f-35 was a bipartisan view. I will let it play if you don't want to give a direct yes or no.
▶ 1:51:31Mr. Barrack: It requires detailed legislative intervention and isn't simply an executive decision.
▶ 1:51:43Sen. Van Hollen: We had a good conversation with syria. I think the risk of not trying to seize this opportunity is great. We can always re-impose sanctions. Obviously turkey has a major role to play including with respect to the syrian kurds. Do you agree that our syrian kurdish allies have been essential partners in the -- of the united states in the fight against isis?
▶ 1:52:07Mr. Barrack: Senator, honestly, I don't really have any information to our firm order nine any of it -- to affirm or deny any of it and it is such a sensitive issue that I will defer to the executive branch and the policies, practices, and procedures of this body to make that determination. This is not within my wheelhouse.
▶ 1:52:33Sen. Van Hollen: Which one?
▶ 1:52:34Mr. Barrack: For me to render an opinion on the value of which ever kurdish entity we are talking about.
▶ 1:52:46Sen. Van Hollen: The stf the syrian democratic forces.
▶ 1:52:47Mr. Barrack: I don't have the information to take that apart.
▶ 1:52:52Sen. Van Hollen: Thank you. I see my time is up. On a bipartisan basis I think it is a shared view certainly. I have teamed up with senator graham on legislation on this that we need to make sure we don't throw our syrian kurdish friends and allies and partners under the bus. Thank you.
▶ 1:53:16Sen. Hagerty: Senator shaheen.
▶ 1:53:16Sen. Shaheen: I know that we are running long, but I have some more questions. Follow up on the syrian democratic forces. I visited syria in 2018 with senator graham.
▶ 1:53:36Sen. Shaheen: During the first trump administration, we heard strongly from our military leaders in syria about the importance of the sdf to our mission there. Again I think that is something that generally has bipartisan support and agreement and agreement from our military leaders. So I do not think we should feel uncomfortable about acknowledging that.
▶ 1:54:01Sen. Shaheen: I had the opportunity to say that also to president erdogan and while he didn't agree with me, he listened to what I had to say. I want to go back to you, Mr. stephens. If confirmed you would serve as the ambassador to the united kingdom. But, president also appointed a special envoy, mark burnett, somebody who is reported to also be a close personal friend of the president, to serve as a special envoy.
▶ 1:54:33Sen. Shaheen: It -- if confirmed can you talk about how you would work with Mr. burnett and president trump to ensure you are not over laughing efforts or duplicating work you are trying to do with the u.k.?
▶ 1:54:48Mr. Stephens: Thank you, senator. I think that both mark burnett, the special envoy you mentioned
▶ 1:55:00Mr. Stephens: Sen. shaheen: do you know Mr. burnett? I met him. We are friends. But I have met him briefly. He frankly, seems very nice. We have stayed in touch as much as we can. Bottom line is, we both, if I am confirmed, we both will be representing the president and the united states. But I will be the ambassador.
▶ 1:55:31Mr. Stephens: I am nominated to be the ambassador. And I am confident I can work with really, all the embassy in the you came and in special envoy burnett back in the u.k. -- in the u.k. And in special envoy burnett to farther the U.S. agenda and the president's agenda.
▶ 1:56:01Sen. Shaheen: I have no doubt that is the case given your history of running your business. My concern is more how you envision responsibilities being delineated between those two roles so the british on confused about what we are doing.
▶ 1:56:16Mr.'S Defense Mr. Stephens: Mr.
▶ 1:56:18Stephens: : thank you -- thank you again for that, senator. I don't really know what the envoy -- the special envoy has been doing. But I do not envision divvying up responsibilities.
▶ 1:56:35Stephens: I envision it to be my responsibility and to the extent that mark has been working on things and can be helpful and useful I will certainly engage him with that and I will also use all the members of the staff at the embassy to do the same.
▶ 1:56:57Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. The united kingdom has consistently shown leadership on ukraine since russia's invasion. I think, is especially true now, as there is concern about how negotiations rollout in ending that war. Can you speak to what you believe is the importance of ukraine's future to the u.k. And the rest of europe?
▶ 1:57:28Mr. Stephens: Well, senator, I think the first order of business is to stop the killing in ukraine. It has been a vicious, vicious war. I think any time any country can attack another one and get away with it, that's it's a very bad example for the rest of the world.
▶ 1:57:57Mr. Stephens: I think that finding a way to end the conflict as quickly and equitably as we can will allow the rebuilding process in ukraine to begin. And, the u.k. Has been a leader, not only in providing them with weapons and support, military support, also humanitarian aid and others.
▶ 1:58:27Mr. Stephens: They have also taken the lead on these reconstruction talks beginning. I think that the u.k. And all of europe's ukraine as a very, very important part of their future and how this ends is extremely important to them and the united states.
▶ 1:58:53Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:58:58Sen. Hagerty: I will call on senator ricketts.
▶ 1:59:01Sen. Ricketts: I want to submit a march 20 economist article entitled "europe needs to spend more on defense." lately one of the things I have heard, a common theme in europe is in europe recognizes they have to do more for their own defense. Certainly, poland and the baltic states have been doing that for years.
▶ 1:59:30Sen. Ricketts: Currently companies -- countries like germany have taken bold steps to start spending more on their own defense. However, we still have not gotten the message out to some countries. As of the european union grapples with exhibiting member state defense spending, some appear more concerned by what they can reclassify as defense spending rather than actually spend on military readiness. Spain, for example, argued defense spending should include broader civil defense costs such as climate change.
▶ 2:00:02Sen. Ricketts: Italy has a set of measures related to economic competitiveness should count. The last time I checked, you actually need hard assets like bullets to be able to shoot. You can't shoot climate change at anybody. I realized defense spending is not just a matter of percentage of gdp. It's not a panacea. Italy hosts 30,000 military personnel and their families.
▶ 2:00:29Sen. Ricketts: One countries that still have not met the 2% nato target that was sent over one decade ago resort to accounting tricks to weaken our collective defense, this makes my position as a supporter of the transatlantic alliance more difficult. Mr. fertitta president trump called on our nato allies to get a 5% of their gdp on defense. If confirmed, what actions we take to ensure italy not only meets, but exceeds, this target and is committed to making serious investments in other defense capabilities?
▶ 2:00:57Mr. Fertitta: Thank you so much for that question, senator. Italy, like so many of the nato countries is trying to use fuzzy math to get to their 2%. I hope one day we can get them all to 5%. Italy has always been one that has been an ally that was one of the first to send troops when we need them, to send them somewhere.
▶ 2:01:26Mr. Fertitta: They like to count that and I do respect that from italy. They step up and we should give them credit. They were at 1.5%. They are at 1.6%. They also spent a lot on migration with the issues of having tunisia and libya and even an island 70 miles off the coast of tunisia where they had to set up processing centers and
▶ 2:01:57Mr. Fertitta: -- in albany and put so many patrol boats in that area to stop the migration but protects all of europe not just italy. So, where I do understand some of the elements, 1.6% is maybe enough, saying that. But it is absolutely not enough.
▶ 2:02:24Mr. Fertitta: I have to sit down with their government and work with them and understand their budget more so, especially their defense budget. If they will share it with me, help them to increase their 1.6. We have to get it to 2%. It is something in my term that is a personal goal of mine to get them from the one point 5%, 1.6% to 2%.
▶ 2:02:54Mr. Fertitta: By the time I have served the government there the united states. I just want you to know it's on my radar. I plan to do whatever I can to get us there.
▶ 2:03:07Sen. Ricketts: Thank you. I appreciate that. I agree about italy. Diego garcia is the largest island in an archipelago a home to strategic drunk U.S. u.k. Military base for decades. Given that -- a strategic U.S./ u.k. Military base for decades. Last week we employed be to still farmers from diego garcia to deter further aggression.
▶ 2:03:37Sen. Ricketts: With the backing of the biden administration the u.k. Struck a deal last october to transfer. The deal was sold as protecting british and american interests that the u.k. Would take control of diego garcia for an additional period. Communist china is expanding into the indian ocean and this could put our base under their threat.
▶ 2:03:58Sen. Ricketts: If the deal is ratified it would allow communist china to maneuver ships and planes to near diego's garcia for intelligence gathering and potentially allow beijing to acquire a militarized nearby islands like the tacos in the south china -- like in the south china sea. U.k. Foreign minister lam he says if president trump does not want to deal the deal won't go forward. Negotiations are ongoing. You believe the impending u.k. Malicious -- the impending u.k.
▶ 2:04:29Sen. Ricketts: Deal is in our best interests?
▶ 2:04:30Mr. Stephens: What I know is what I read on to the press about the negotiations there. Just as a person that can read a map. That is a very key base for the U.S.. The military has used this for many missions for many years. I know the administration is considering it.
▶ 2:05:00Mr. Stephens: I'm confident they will come to the right decision on whether to approve the deal or not. It is a critical little piece of land for both the u.k. And the U.S.. But, I have to believe that the administration will come to the proper conclusion and will go forward from there.
▶ 2:05:30Sen. Ricketts: Do you share my concern about communist china and threats around there?
▶ 2:05:35Mr. Stephens: I share your concerns about china, not only around there, but everywhere.
▶ 2:05:54Mr. Stephens: Sen. ricketts: great. That is very much at the forefront of, I think all of our minds.
▶ 2:05:56Sen. Ricketts: I do think again, this is a bad deal for us and the administration should work with the u.k. To make sure we retain that possession and I would harken back to president trump's seeming very unhappy with the panama canal treaty and this seems like another version of that. Thank you for indulging me.
▶ 2:06:14Sen. Cruz: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Welcome, all three of you. The three of you have all had exceptionally successful business careers and I appreciate your willingness to serve. I appreciate your willingness to represent the united states of america in three critically important countries. I appreciate your service to the country. Mr.
▶ 2:06:37Sen. Cruz: Barrack as you know the international criminal court has issued arrest warrants against israeli officials including israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu. To punish israel for its campaign against hamas. Those warrants are disgraceful and legitimate. They are breathtakingly dangerous to america's national security interests.
▶ 2:06:59Sen. Cruz: The warrants are disgraceful because israel's war against hamas is a legitimate campaign of self-defense in response to the october 7 terror attacks. I believe our israeli allies should not stop until they have utterly eradicated hamas. They are illegitimate because israel is not a member of the icc and the icc has no jurisdiction over israel.
▶ 2:07:22Sen. Cruz: They pose an acute threat to the safety and security of americans because the president being threat would allow the icc to prosecute american officials and american troops that are likewise outside of the court's jurisdiction. In response to this thread president trump issued an executive that reads "the united states expects are authorized to oppose any icc actions against the united states, israel, or any other ally of the united states that has not consented to icc jurisdiction.
▶ 2:07:53Sen. Cruz: " turkey and erdogan in particular have been active in boosting the icc campaign. Are said "we support the arrest warrant." erdogan met with the icc prosecutor responsible for the warrants. Occurring calm. And he expressed his support for the icc attack against israel. Erdogan's position puts both ham and turkey on -- him and turkey on a collision course with president trump and the united states.
▶ 2:08:23Sen. Cruz: Talk about how it's confirmed you intend to approach this challenge?
▶ 2:08:26Mr. Barrack: Thank you, senator. My first advice would not be the welcome wagon to senator erdogan. It would be to please don't get on a collision course with president trump. That would not be a wise direction. My attitude and intention is simple. The practices and policies of president trump, of this body, are my gps. I'm not a policymaker. I'm an executor of policy.
▶ 2:08:57Mr. Barrack: And I intend to promote within the bounds of whatever diplomatic tools I have available. To enforce that, to make it clear that that is our position.
▶ 2:09:08Sen. Cruz: I think the executive order is an extremely important first step in countering the threats posed by the icc that allows the president to impose powerful sanctions against anybody that directly engages in efforts by the icc to detain americans are our allies that aren't subject to icc jurisdiction. Those sanctions were long overdue and it is vital they be enforced and widened. The prosecutor with whom erdogan met has already been sanctioned.
▶ 2:09:38Sen. Cruz: Last year turkish officials and lawyers sought to provide evidence to the icc against israel. One of those officials was a former turkish lawmaker for murder once -- lawmaker from president erdogan's party. Are you concerned that those directly linked to the turkish government are boosting the icc attack against israel?
▶ 2:10:00Mr. Barrack: Thank you for the rendition of facts I am actually not aware of in any classified format. My intent is to try to get prepared to look forward on issues which are impending and that I have some ability to actually dissect and understand. I can't really render an opinion on facts I don't have.
▶ 2:10:24Sen. Cruz: I will follow-up with you in writing and ask for more. Mr. fertitta you talk in your opening statement about the economic opportunities between the united states and italy. And expanding those opportunities. Sure your thoughts on the best more growth for more trade and commerce between america and italy.
▶ 2:10:48Mr. Fertitta: There are 25 hundred companies in america doing business in italy from america. We need to bring more companies over there. We need to sell more goods to italy. It's not only italy that has wonderful products, but the united states of america does too.
▶ 2:11:12Mr. Fertitta: One of my huge goals will be to get even more companies over there and at the same time, find a way for the companies doing business as they are to do even more business with the italian government and the citizens of italy.
▶ 2:11:28Sen. Cruz: I can personally attest that last night you were already doing your part with senator kelly and me providing us both with very fine italian wine. For the record, they do an excellent job of that.
▶ 2:11:44Sen. Kelly: Thank, senator cruz.
▶ 2:11:47Sen. Scott: [inaudible] >> congratulations. The U.S./u.k. Alliance is I think one of our most important alliances. It has been disappointing.
▶ 2:12:16Sen. Scott: The labor government's treatment of one of our best allies, the state of israel. Our most important ally in the middle east. In england, the labour party treats israel like a problem, not a solution, even after october 7. As ambassador, how you -- how will you go about trying to work with the british government to try to educate them or Mr.
▶ 2:12:42Stephens: Help them understand the importance of israel? Well, thank you, senator. Thank you for spending time with me in at your office before. What I have read about that, with the u.k.
▶ 2:12:55Stephens: Halting some of their shipments to israel is certainly concerning and I would do my part to encourage them to reinstate those permits and try to get them what they need to continue the fight.
▶ 2:13:24Stephens: I am a little perplexed about why they did that. But I look forward to trying to help present our position, meaning the U.S. position. On a white they should be more supportive. Congratulations on the nomination. You have done a lot of deals in your life.
▶ 2:13:51Stephens: What do you think it will take for italy to be more receptive to U.S. companies in a variety of areas? I assume there are opportunities in defense and other areas. With your background, what do you think it will take to make a better opportunity for american companies to do business in italy?
▶ 2:14:13F I --Mr. Fertitta: I do know this, senator. The feedback I received from italy as they are very excited about having an american true entrepreneur come over there. And work with them. When you look at the trade between the two of us, so much more can be done.
▶ 2:14:44F I --Mr. Fertitta: Since we don't have some of the issues that my friend Mr. barrack has we should be able to concentrate more and concentrate more on trade between the two. I truly believe they are very very receptive of doing a lot more business with the united states of america.
▶ 2:15:05F I --Mr. Fertitta: They recognize us as their number one ally and I look forward to sitting down with them is confirmed, coming up with so many different ways, doing deals. Fortunately, I have had a lot of experience doing that and finding ways through energy, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, to do so much more business together.
▶ 2:15:37F I --Mr. Fertitta: Even something I know it's important to some of y'all, even getting more american beef over there from different parts of the united states. Our products are very, very good in america. Nato nations need to enjoy more of them.
▶ 2:15:54Sen. Scott: The relationship with turkey has been pretty strained. Whether he has 400, their role in syria, erdogan threatening to invade israel, warmongers hosting hamas leadership. But, they are eight nato ally. Do you think you will be able to navigate to bring them back in to what we would perceive to be a great nato ally?
▶ 2:16:23Sen. Scott: Or do you think it will be impossible?
▶ 2:16:25Mr. Barrack: Senator, thank you for spending the time. I enjoyed our conversation about our texas roots. I absolutely think I can be a small hammer in chipping away at a consistent theme of letting them know that the best thing for them long-term is to adhere to being a great nato ally.
▶ 2:16:57Mr. Barrack: And that all of the other interferences over time need to evaporate. I think this is just part of what we are dealing with in the middle east. It is a very complicated zip code. It is a rubik's cube of complexity that needs to be taken as a whole.
▶ 2:17:13Mr. Barrack: But I would not ever think of taking this very, very difficult position if I did not think that with your help, with president trump, with the government of turkey, including president erdogan, and everybody searching for a solution at a delicate moment between israel, palestinians, ukraine, russia, china, syria, the gulf.
▶ 2:17:48Mr. Barrack: Everybody has to step back and say maybe this is the moment for sanity. If I could be some litmus test supplying clarity to that, I would be elated. I just want to say I am so grateful for Mr. fertitta by taking the best -- grateful for tillman taking the best basketball player turkey had.
▶ 2:18:16Sen. Hagerty: Thank you senator scott and thank you to the three nominees today for the testimony, for answering our questions. And now I am looking behind you to think your families. You all played an incredibly supportive role, especially your spouses. An incredibly important role in your effectiveness. I want to express my appreciation for all of them now. Before closing I want to ask unanimous consent to add any letters of support the committee received to the record.
▶ 2:18:44Sen. Hagerty: I want to note for the information of members of the record will remain open until close of business tomorrow wednesday, april 2 for members to submit questions for the record. With the thanks of the committee, the hearing is now adjourned.