▶ 0:19:51>> this morning we have five important nominations made by the president of the united states for various positions. We are going to have some introductions here any moment, and we are going to let the people here introduce. They have other thing they have to do so we will excuse them and make opening remarks.
▶ 0:20:17We will then hear from the nominees and then open to a round of questioning. Congressman, you are going to introduce leah campos from the dominican republic. >> that's correct. Thank you members of the committee.
▶ 0:20:44It is an incredible honor to introduce my good friend and president trump's nominee to be the next ambassador to the dominican republic, leah campos. Leah and I first met in 2015 and for the past decade I've known and I've seen her dedication and known that she's been destined to represent our nation at the highest levels. She's an incredible leader with a wealth of knowledge of the U.S.-dominican republic relationship.
▶ 0:21:12When you consider her background you clearly understand why president trump has chosen her to serve in this role. She's worked extensively throughout her career in strategic roles related to latin america and the caribbean in both public and private sectors. Like me, leah is a product of the american dream. She comes from a family focused on service and patriotism and she often highlights the inspiration her parents have been for her and her service.
▶ 0:21:38Her father came from humble roots in a mining town in her home state of arizona and went on to serve in the air force for over 28 years. Her mother is an immigrant from spain. Leah grew up abroad where she learned the importance of the U.S. role in the world. And her background makes are uniquely qualified to represent our nation and her role as ambassador. Her decade-long service with the U.S.
▶ 0:22:01Government makes are well-qualified to serve our nation and if confirmed, I'm confident that she will thrive in this role to support and strengthen the U.S. interest with the dominican republic. Mr. chairman, thank you again for the opportunity to introduce leah and thank you leah and your family for your willingness to serve our great country. With that, I yield. >> thank you for taking the time to come over here. I know it is a long walk.
▶ 0:22:30Would you be so kind as to introduce charles kushner. >> thank you so much for having this hearing for the wonderful panel that we have here. You all are about to have the opportunity to serve the greatest nation in the world to represent us. It is the honor of a lifetime, it certainly was for me to do a job like you are preparing to do and I certainly look forward to your confirmations very soon. Today is a special honor for me to introduce my good friend charlie kushner.
▶ 0:22:59Charlie is president trump's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to france and monaco. I've been very fortunate to get to know charlie and his family. They are going to be I think a terrific representation of us. Their children are all successful in their own right and I've had the pleasure to know and work closely with jerry and his wife.
▶ 0:23:27I think they will be extraordinarily proud that the children are a testament to america's values. The character they demonstrated in so many ways are your finest achievement. I think frankly you embodied the american dream and what you accomplished in your lifetime. At the son of holocaust survivors with absolutely nothing, charlie rose to become one of the country's most successful real estate developers.
▶ 0:23:55Indeed he is a skilled and talented negotiator, a leader to treat his employees like family and a respected philanthropist. For my perspective as a lifelong businessman who served as U.S. ambassador to japan during president trump's first term, I believe that the skills and experience that charlie has developed have made them successful in the private sector also will drive exceptional success in his role as america's ambassador to paris. Let me say this.
▶ 0:24:22President trump selected charlie for this role not because of his business acumen experience in tough negotiations, but also because charlie is a deeply patriotic american who recognizes the strategic and historical importance. A bond that is rooted in shared history, democratic values, and mutual interests. He's committed to advancing U.S.
▶ 0:24:48National security interest by deepening the U.S.-france alliance their pragmatic defense corroboration and fair and reciprocal trade negotiations. In short, charlie is a doer and is energized not only to represent our country, but to accomplish great things for the american people. I'm confident that when he is confirmed he will work tirelessly to build a more secure and prosperous future for both the american and french people. I look forward to his testimony today is to work with my colleagues on this committee to ensure his nomination moves auras we as possible.
▶ 0:25:19Thank you. >> thank you, senator, appreciate that. Senator graham, you have the floor. >> thank you very much, it is my honor to introduce edward sharpe. I didn't know his middle name was sharpe, it makes sense if you get to know him.
▶ 0:25:47Ambassador to ireland where we all like stopping on our way to someplace else. I've known him for many years now. He's a very close friend to president trump. Sent to our friends in ireland you're getting one of the closest friends that president trump has and that will benefit you because when ded takes up the phone, president trump will answer.
▶ 0:26:11He's a professional engineer, real estate developer in new jersey and has been in new jersey, I'm sure that is a challenging past to be in the real estate business and a builder, but he's the founder and president of the walsh company which is established in 2003. He's a highly respected business person, went to villanova, got in a car wreck, lost one of his classmates, spent the entire first semester in the hospital.
▶ 0:26:41He's a very determined fellow when it comes to succeeding. The biggest success was mirroring his wife. They have three beautiful daughters, rachel, agee and ana and two grandchildren, did I get that right? >> declan. >> two dogs and two goats, I met them all.
▶ 0:27:12I just want to let you know when president trump called me thinking about nominating the ambassador of ireland, that is a perfect fit. Ireland is a wonderful place, a very welcoming place. People are full of life and it is a great place to visit and they've been a good ally of the united states. To the people of ireland, again, you will be getting one of the closest friends that president trump has and in this business that matters.
▶ 0:27:42To the people of the united states and my colleagues in the senate, you will be getting a very accomplished man who is dedicated to his country, is very excited about representing our nation and ireland. He and his family are just top-notch people.
▶ 0:27:58He's been successful in every endeavor in his life, and I can assure you he will be a great ambassador to ireland for all of us and I would encourage this committee to support him and to ed and your family, congratulations, you've earned this honor. >> thank you. You are right about us all stopping in ireland. Unfortunately that usually has to do with the fuel capacity of the fleet that carries us, but we are always glad to stop there.
▶ 0:28:28I know you got other things to do so we will excuse you. Senator cornyn. >> thank you senator risch and senator shaheen, thanks for holding the steering on these very important positions. I am pleased to introduce my friend and fellow texan, joe pa -- popolo. Joe has been a great friend over the years. One time I visited his office and he showed me a keepsake on his desk which he saved from childhood.
▶ 0:28:59It was a framed page of scratch paper with a child's handwriting on it, which reads "I will behave in school." 14 times. [laughter] you can imagine the story behind that, but apparently that was one that his mother had given him that assignment as a result a particularly rambunctious incident in his early years.
▶ 0:29:25The fact that joe saved this sort of thing and keeps it on his desk every day speaks to his appreciation for the lessons he learned from his parents. Lessons and dedication and hard work, studious nissen school. Considering his outstanding achievements in life, it's clear that those lessons have served him well. He has an impressive track record in the business world and has made many great contributions to texas as senator cruz and I can both attest to.
▶ 0:29:55Under his leadership he tripled the size of freeman and company and built it into a world-class brand. Is the founder of charles potomac capital and private investment, a focus on venture capital and private equity. But joe is more than just a businessman, he is an active member of the community and has been involved with philanthropic organizations in texas, around the country and around the world. He was on the board of trustees at boston college, where he earned his ba.
▶ 0:30:26The board at the national world war ii museum and many other worthy causes. He's been recognized for his leadership by the dallas business journal, one of the most admired ceo, entrepreneur of the year by ernst & young. By the dallas entrepreneurial pact with governor william clements jr. Awarded by his alma mater, boston college with the john key curly award.
▶ 0:30:53I'm grateful that joe and his family will be willing to take on this important assignment, and I know his wife has prepared him well for this role to represent the united states abroad. As a U.S. ambassador to the netherlands. So congratulations, joe, on your nomination. Given the conflicting committee assignments, I'm glad I got here in time to deliver your introduction. Thank you and congratulations. >> thank you.
▶ 0:31:22I can assure you that the nuns that taught me were not nearly as generous as your mother was in such a short list. Senator cruz. >> thank you Mr. chairman. I'll confess I written many of those list, but I guess I had the good sense to throw them away afterwards. And not to follow them in the many years since. Good morning, chairman, ranking members of the committee.
▶ 0:31:52It is an honor to introduce my friend joe pol friend joe popolo. He is an incredible successful business leader in the set of texas. Joe graduated from boston college with a degree in finance, earned his mba in finance and economics, and after receiving his mba, he joined the freeman company in 1997 and transformed it into the world's leading live event brand experience company.
▶ 0:32:21He currently serves as the chairman of the board of pinnacle live. He's been instrumental in shaping multiple industries including technology, health care, media, energy and real estate. This knowledge across these diverse fields reflects his intellect and his qualifications to represent the interests of the united states of america at the highest levels of diplomacy overseas.
▶ 0:32:47Joe has earned great respect throughout the city of texas and throughout the country as a business leader who loves his state and loves our nation. And he will make an excellent ambassador to the netherlands, I'm grateful joe has agreed to serve.
▶ 0:33:09Chair Risch: With that, I'm going to make a few remarks. We will have the nominees give us their thoughts and then we will open up to questions. Mr. kushner, france is our oldest ally dating back to when it joined the newly declared united states in our fight for independence. Today the U.S.-france relationship as a pillar of global stability and a cornerstone of the nato alliance.
▶ 0:33:40Chair Risch: As ambassador, in large part of your role will be ensuring U.S. security interests are prioritized as we modernize and expand a military alliance to address the threats posed by russia and china. France has reached the 2% defense spending target, but that percentage doesn't match the recent rise in aggression from our shared adversaries. I hope you'll work at the french government to boot his defense spending to reach the necessary higher target. I also look forward to hearing your plans to work with rants to maintain a fair and balanced canonic relationship.
▶ 0:34:14Chair Risch: You will face similar challenges in your role as ambassador to the netherlands, a great friend of the united states. The netherlands is also a nato ally, a close economic and cultural tied to the united states. As you know, the U.S. and the netherlands share one of the longest continuous diplomatic relationships in history. Like france, the netherlands has managed 2% defense spending target. For the strength and security of our nato alliance we need to see that percentage grow. Mr. walsh, the U.S. and ireland share important, nations.
▶ 0:34:45Chair Risch: Island serves as a gateway for the critical telecom infrastructure linking europe and the united states and with the strategic position, comes responsibility to address the very real threats of it. I previously coffer ireland to increase defense spending to safeguard undersea cables from enemies and I hope you address this with your irish counterparts. Additionally, ireland is a recognized palestinian state.
▶ 0:35:12Chair Risch: This recognition fails to knowledge actual conditions on the ground and worse, the horrific attack against israel on the seventh of october. This is a mistake by ireland. Until hamas is destroyed, palestinian state is exceptionally unlikely. Calls for statehood failed to recognize israel to no longer tolerate terrorists in gaza or in lebanon. For too long these groups have been a dagger at the heart of jerusalem and must be destroyed.
▶ 0:35:38Chair Risch: I hope you ensure that I france and ireland understand that america strongly supports israel. I also look forward to hearing how you will continue with the historic role in implementing funding. The dominican republic a strategic partner with which we share democratic values as well as economic and security interests.
▶ 0:36:04Chair Risch: We are particularly grateful for the medic and republican support for the alliance, development and closer political and economic relationships with our country than other regional democracies in the face of china's maligned influence. I hope you will work with the dr to further these efforts especially given the proximity to haiti. In your role to work with your colleagues to address the instability.
▶ 0:36:30Chair Risch: Stability and haiti will benefit the dominican republic in the wake of the recent reorganization, it will all enter a state department and be more accountable to the american taxpayer than ever before. I hope you will take us responsibly seriously, I know you will, and I look forward to seeing how you use your positions once confirmed to make americans safer and more prosperous. Thank you again for being here.
▶ 0:36:58Chair Risch: >> thank you chairman risch, and welcome to all of our nominees today and to your families. Thank you for your willingness to consider serving this country. Weather is countering adversaries like russia and china, or promoting economic opportunity and trade, america's alliances and partnerships are one of our greatest assets. Unfortunately, this president is making it harder to be in partnership with the united states. Mr.
▶ 0:37:26Chair Risch: Kushner, france supported ukraine in the aftermath of putin's invasion and president macron has worked very hard to keep europe united in support for ukraine while pushing back against russian aggression. Right now the U.S. approach to negotiations to end russia's war in ukraine is straining that european alliance. Today, it had been a U.S.-european alliance, but now our european allies are anxious. So Mr.
▶ 0:37:56Chair Risch: Kushner, your nomination comes at a critical time. I hope people talk in your opening statement about the messaging plan to send the people of france and the french government and how you will leave the embassy in paris. If confirmed, how would you work to deepen the ties between the U.S. and france? Mr. popolo, either nominated to serve as ambassador to the netherlands.
▶ 0:38:22Chair Risch: The netherlands is native current secretary-general of the former prime minister of the netherlands, and the netherlands will host the nato summit at the in june. This makes the post of U.S. ambassador to the netherlands critical that transatlantic security.
▶ 0:38:45Chair Risch: I believe this administration's confrontational approach toward europe is a strategic mistake, especially in the case of the netherlands. The netherlands is home to one of the most specialized, important pieces of technology in the global economy today, and that is microchip manufacturers. Everyone in the world depends on microchips and china is keen to develop the technology required to make them. So Mr.
▶ 0:39:13Chair Risch: Popolo, given that the trump administration has levied tariffs on the netherlands, how would you make sure this trade war does not drive the dutch to send this technology to china? And Mr. walsh, ireland has been the target of tariffs by this administration. Tariffs on ireland not only raise prices for american consumers and businesses, but they undermined the delicate balance of peace that was made possible by the good friday agreement.
▶ 0:39:40Chair Risch: If confirmed I would like to hear how you will work to maintain the successful peace agreement. Finally, Ms. campos, you could nominated to serve as our ambassador to the dominican republic, the sight of this year's summit of the americas. The dominican republic is one of the bright spots in the western hemisphere in the caribbean in particular. The government is very supportive of the united states, as you know, and if confirmed, I hope you will work to address one of their major concerns, which is the situation in haiti.
▶ 0:40:12Chair Risch: It is critical that we find a way forward to bring the violence in haiti under control. Doing so is not only important to our relationship with the dr, it is critical to U.S. interests as well. So I look forward to hearing from each of you today and to the discussion that we will have afterwards. Thank you all.
▶ 0:40:34Chair Risch: Thank you senator shaheen. We will now hear from the nominees, Mr. kushner, you're up.
▶ 0:40:46Mr. Kushner: First, I want to thank senator hagerty for his very kind and gracious introduction. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and members of the committee, I am grateful to appear before you as I am truly humbled and honored for the opportunity to represent america in france and monaco under the leadership of president trump.
▶ 0:41:15Mr. Kushner: Now more than ever since world war ii, europe needs strong american leadership to advance president trump's agenda. I want to acknowledge my family, especially my wife and our children and each of our 14 grandchildren.
▶ 0:41:41Mr. Kushner: They are the pillars of my strength, the foundation of my life, and the love of my heart. I am a child of holocaust survivors who came to america in 1949 as poor immigrants without any means of education. I never knew my grandmothers and most of my family who were executed and thrown into a pit with 18,000 other jewish people.
▶ 0:42:13Mr. Kushner: I visited that site in belarus several times with children and grandchildren to recite the jewish memorial prayer. My parents loved and appreciated our great country. The land of opportunity, just as I do. I do not know much about french art and wine, but I do understand business.
▶ 0:42:38Mr. Kushner: I've spent my entire career defying challenging goals and working hard to achieve those goals. As the founder of kushner companies over four years ago, I've spent decades building and managing a diverse portfolio of assets.
▶ 0:42:57Mr. Kushner: My experiences have taught me a deep understanding of complex negotiations, strategic planning, and how to cultivate strong relationships. All essential skills in the diplomatic realm. My heritage is deeply rooted in the partnership between the united states and europe. If confirmed, the relationship between the united states and our oldest ally, france.
▶ 0:43:31Mr. Kushner: The relationship that was forged in the birth of the united states and cemented by an unwavering commitment to end the horrors of both world wars. This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in europe day. A day that symbolized the triumph of freedom over tyranny and oppression. For the united states, it represented the culmination of immense sacrifices made by american soldiers and civilians.
▶ 0:44:04Mr. Kushner: For france, it signified liberty, liberation and the restoration of its freedom and sovereignty. Our shared history is a testament to the strength of our alliance and the values that we hold dear. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for americans, liberty, equality, and fraternity for the french.
▶ 0:44:29Mr. Kushner: These principles guide our bilateral relationship in our efforts to safeguard national security. As ambassador, I would work tirelessly to strengthen this vital relationship, focusing on three key priorities. First I will ensure that trade between our two nations revitalizes american industry and drives economic growth.
▶ 0:44:58Mr. Kushner: France is our fifth-largest investor with over 360 billion dollars invested in the united states. However, president trump has made clear the importance of having fair and reciprocal trade. I will work closely with france to bring greater balance to our important economic relationship and combat harmful regulations that target american companies.
▶ 0:45:23Mr. Kushner: Through joint action, the united states and france can create even more opportunities for innovation and prosperity on both sides of the atlantic. Second, I plan to strengthen the U.S.-france defense relationship to better address common threats and ensure the safety of our citizens.
▶ 0:45:48Mr. Kushner: France is a key nato ally, and our collaboration on counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and military actions, operations is crucial for the security of america. France still spends far too little on its own defense, especially when the war in ukraine is on the footsteps of europe. I will urge france to invest more in its defense capabilities as well as leave the e.u.
▶ 0:46:16Mr. Kushner: To align with the U.S. vision of increased european commitments to security. Third, I will be an advocate for accurate holocaust education and will promote efforts to counter anti-semitism more broadly. I will seek to ensure the safety and security of the jewish community.
▶ 0:46:42Mr. Kushner: In france, recent reports revealed that 46% of young adults had never heard of the holocaust. These findings are disturbing and underscore the urgent need for comprehensive education to ensure that past atrocities are not forgotten. In closing, I am committed to serving the united states with dedication and integrity.
▶ 0:47:08Mr. Kushner: If confirmed, I will prioritize the well-being and safety of american citizens living and traveling in france. I believe that by fostering a more balanced trade relationship, pressing for more french defense investment and spending, and promoting historical education, we can create a more secure and prosperous future for both their nations. Thank you for your consideration.
▶ 0:47:37Mr. Kushner: I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:47:38Chair Risch: Thank you Mr. kushner, well said. Mr. walsh?
▶ 0:47:42Mr. Walsh: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, members of the committee, it is an honor to come before you today as a nominee for the U.S. ambassador to ireland. I am deeply humbled by the confidence placed in the my president trump in this nomination. If confirmed, I am committed to representing our country to protect, promote and advance our interests in ireland. First I want to thank my wife who is here with me today.
▶ 0:48:11Mr. Walsh: We've been together for 41 years ever since we met at villanova university where I was studying to be an engineer and she was studying to be a nurse. I can honestly say I wouldn't be standing here today without her love and support. I'd also like to thank my three daughters, rachel walsh mcgrath, maggie walsh kelly, and anna further constant love and support. Anna is newly engaged to a young man but the irish roots and hopefully planning a wedding in ireland.
▶ 0:48:39Mr. Walsh: They are here with us today while rachel's home with her irish twins. I'm confident that all three of our daughters along with their spouses will continue to carry on our irish traditions. Family has always been very important to me. I am the youngest of seven kids. And I'm grateful for the strong support of my siblings. Though my parents are no longer with us, I know they would be incredible he proud today.
▶ 0:49:11Mr. Walsh: And probably a little surprised. In 2003 I founded the walsh company, leading it to become a recognized leader in construction and development across the tri-state area. My experience in the industry, that strong leadership and the ability to navigate complex challenges are essential to building something that last. Principles I will take great pride in and ones I will carry with me in representing a country and advancing our interests in ireland if confirmed.
▶ 0:49:41Mr. Walsh: I've had the privilege of being involved in several nonprofit organizations in my community. Experiences that have also shipped my values and approach to leadership. If confirmed, those same values will guide me in my role as ambassador and advancing our mission in ireland. Ireland holds a special place in the hearts of many americans, including my own. Our two nations are deeply connected by a rich legacy of shared history, culture and values.
▶ 0:50:08Mr. Walsh: I am proud to come from new jersey, home to over one million residents with irish roots. 10% of our entire country has irish heritage. That could be a low number considering how many messages I get on a daily basis. As ambassador I will strive to uphold and enhance these enduring bonds, advancing the relationship marked by strength and vitality. One of our foremost priorities to be enhanced is the economic partnership between the U.S.
▶ 0:50:34Mr. Walsh: And ireland for bilateral trade and investment partnership is vital to the prosperity of both nations. Ireland has a population of 5 million people, yet is the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment in the united states. If confirmed I will strive to enhance this framework so it serves americans even more effectively. I will work to support american enterprises and facilitate irish investment in the united states.
▶ 0:51:03Mr. Walsh: By promoting innovation, entrepreneurship and equal opportunities for U.S. companies, we can create a path to shared economic success and greater prosperity. In addressing the global challenges of our time, ireland has been a steadfast partner. We collaborate closely on many issues and I look forward to working together to advance our common interests and goals and uphold the values we hold dear.
▶ 0:51:25Mr. Walsh: President trump has made it very clear that israel is a close ally of ours and that anti-semitism has no room in the entire world. I look forward to working constructively engaging on the issues that contributed to the tensions between israel and ireland.
▶ 0:51:43Mr. Walsh: The depth of our shared heritage is a testament to the enduring friendship between our nations, and I'm committed to expanding the cultural and educational changes that built the bedrock of the long-standing and enduring people to people connections, by promoting academic collaborations, cultural initiatives and tourism, we can further strengthen the bonds of understanding and goodwill that unite us and achieve us greater things together. Last year we celebrated 100 years of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and ireland.
▶ 0:52:14Mr. Walsh: The year before we salivated the 25th anniversary of the good friday agreement. I would be grateful to begin our next century of partnership with ireland and set aside have met the words diligence, fairness and dignity. I am fortunate that there is a long-standing bipartisan support for our interest in ireland. If confirmed by will work to continue the long tradition of bipartisanship. That only when we exchange shamrocks in march, but throughout the year.
▶ 0:52:42Mr. Walsh: I'm also fortunate to exercise diplomacy from the green lawns of ireland's fantastic golf courses. Chairman, ranking member and members of the committee, I am deeply honored by this nomination and the opportunity to serve as U.S. ambassador to ireland. I stand ready to answer any questions.
▶ 0:52:57Chair Risch: Thank you Mr. walsh. Mr. popolo.
▶ 0:53:02Mr. Popolo: Thank you chairman risch and ranking member shaheen and distinguish members of the committee. I'm grateful for the opportunity to appear before you today as president trump's nominee to be the U.S. ambassador to the kingdom of the netherlands. I'm deeply honored by the confidence president trump and secretary rubio placed in me. I'm grateful for the support of my family, especially my amazing wife of 32 years, was also my best friend.
▶ 0:53:28Mr. Popolo: I'm also honored to have our daughter and her youngest son here today our middle son who was a boston public school teacher could not be here today. I'm also glad to have my mom here today who apparently made me write that I will behave in school several years ago and Mr. chairman, the christian brothers also helped with some discipline along the way. And I'm honored that they are all here to support me. I'm an entrepreneur at heart.
▶ 0:53:59Mr. Popolo: I learned that under the nurse should watching my father and my mother build and grow their computer software company, and I will bring that either those of hard work, teambuilding and drive to preserve and strengthen our historic relationship with the netherlands. I spent over 18 years leading the freedom company, together with my team transforming us into the global leader in live events.
▶ 0:54:23Mr. Popolo: As its president for seven years and ceo for 11, my team and ieee growth $3 billion in revenue while leading 7500 full-time employees and 35,000 part-time employees on five continents including in the netherlands. Now as founder and ceo, 19 team and I invest in businesses that solve problems and create jobs. If confirmed I will bring that same passion to build something stronger and better in critical relationship with the dutch.
▶ 0:54:52Mr. Popolo: I'm also practice on the board of trustees of boston college and to support educational philanthropy. As an entrepreneur, ceo and philanthropist, I'm focused on bridging differences, building consensus and levering results. I'm confident I will do the same in our relationship with the netherlands if I'm so lucky to be confirmed. I admire the dutch people and their long-standing partnership with the united states.
▶ 0:55:16Mr. Popolo: The netherlands with the second country to recognize our republic it has a long history of peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with the united states. Our dutch friends are very proud of the sisera. They are thankful for the U.S. sacrifices that servicemen and women made to liberate the netherlands and world war ii. In fact later this month, the U.S. and the dutch will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the founding of the netherlands-american cemetery that is the second largest military outside of the united states.
▶ 0:55:46Mr. Popolo: At that cemetery, dutch families, many of whom have adopted nearly 8300 graves of men and servicewomen will come together and then in june, as you noted, nato will host its annual summit in the hague. With your support I hope to be -- to be there to represent the united states.
▶ 0:56:09Mr. Popolo: If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity of building on a legacy of this great relationship and important alliance and my priorities would include three things. First I will work for the continued growth of the trade relationship in a way that prioritizes the prosperity of the american people. The U.S. enjoys a trade surplus with the netherlands of more than $60 billion, and of the largest in the world and dutch traded investment support, more than one million american jobs.
▶ 0:56:36Mr. Popolo: The netherlands is a global leader in critical and emerging technologies and they are a valuable partner to the united states in this sector. Drawing on my experience in investment I will seek expert opportunities for U.S. companies to ensure high-tech cooperation between american and dutch firms continues and to grow dutch investment in the united states. Second, I will continue to encourage dutch contributions to U.S. national security priorities.
▶ 0:57:05Mr. Popolo: The netherlands, as you know, that highly effective fighting force and their defense spending exceeds the nato 2% of gdp spending target. With president trump's 5% goal in mind I will work with the dutch government to lead the way for europe in reaching this important goal. Third I will focus on our cooperation with the netherlands and emerging technologies. Some of the world's most cutting edge technology is produced and designed in the netherlands.
▶ 0:57:32Mr. Popolo: Dutch companies play a key role in advanced semiconductors, one of the most digitally advanced countries in europe, and home to a major global internet exchange. The netherlands is a vital partner for the united states in cybersecurity. This alliance is even more important as we respond to the growing threats from strategic predators like china. In closing I'm committed to serve the united states in a bipartisan manner with dedication and integrity, and if confirmed I will prioritize the well-being and safety of U.S. citizens living and traveling in the netherlands.
▶ 0:58:04Mr. Popolo: I am eager to work with this esteemed committee, the hard-working and patriotic american for service professionals of the U.S. mission in the netherlands and the indispensable staff to advance our nation's interest and strengthen our partnership with the netherlands. I believe that my foster economic growth, establishing a more balanced defense partnership and promoting critical technology we can create a safer, stronger and more prosperous future for both nations. I'm here to serve, to listen, and to make the U.S.
▶ 0:58:33Mr. Popolo: The strongest nation in the world, and I would also like to add in closing that I've had the chance to watch a lot of the series knowing I was preparing for my own. I want to congratulate both of you on the bipartisan and very collegiate and respectful manner in which you conducted these hearings. Thank you.
▶ 0:58:55Chair Risch: Well, we try to make it work. Thank you so much, I appreciate that.
▶ 0:59:02Ms. Campos: Distinguished members of the committee and staff, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I am deeply honored and humbled to be nominated by president trump to serve as united states ambassador to the dominican republic and I'm grateful for the trust president trump and secretary rubio have placed in me to lead our mission in santo domingo.
▶ 0:59:25Ms. Campos: I would like to take a moment to express my deepest condolences to the people of the dominican republic were still mourning the loss of loved ones following the tragic accident at a well-known nightclub in santo domingo last month. I would like to recognize my four beautiful children christian, isabella, maria and xavier were here with me today. My parents were watching from the home in arizona, I siblings and all of my dear friend to have kept me in their prayers.
▶ 0:59:55Ms. Campos: I come before you today a product of the american lien. My father was born in arizona, a copper mining town where he grew up in poverty working odd jobs to help his parents make ends meet when he wasn't at school, where he stood out as a star little league baseball player. At the age of 18, my father enlisted in the U.S. air force where he served for nearly 30 years, rising to the rank of the nine, the highest enlisted rank. His military service took an early in his career to madrid, spain where he met my mother.
▶ 1:00:27Ms. Campos: My mother was born in post-civil war spain to a family that had been pursued relentlessly during the spanish civil war by the communists, who targeted her parents for their devotion to the country and to the catholic faith. Together my parents are the most patriotic americans I've ever known. They transcended poverty through hard work and faith in god, raising my siblings and me to never forget the blessing of having been born citizens of this great country. To serve our country and to remain faithful to god.
▶ 1:00:56Ms. Campos: Thanks to my father's military service, I grew up living abroad right developed a deep understanding of the importance of our country's leadership around the world. With clear eyed focus on the vital national interests of the united states. After completing my graduate studies I joined the clandestine service of the cia, hoping to continue my family tradition of serving our country abroad in pursuit of peace, strength and prosperity for the united states.
▶ 1:01:22Ms. Campos: After years of service at the cia, I came to capitol hill where I served as senior foreign policy advisor on the western hemisphere to the then-chairman of the house foreign affairs committee. After some time in the private sector, president trump has given me the most incredible opportunity to once again serve my country. If confirmed, my primary focus as ambassador will be to advance president trump and secretary rubio's foreign policy priorities of ensuring a safer, stronger and more prosperous united states.
▶ 1:01:53Ms. Campos: As secretary rubio noted while busying the dominican republic during his first official trip abroad, the united states and the dominican republic share a robust, dynamic relationship. More than 2 million americans of dominican heritage reside in the united states and 5 million U.S. tourists visit the dominican republic every year. The united states enjoys a more than $5.5 billion trade surplus with the dominican republic with more than $30 billion in annual trade between countries.
▶ 1:02:25Ms. Campos: These connections provide a strong foundation for collaboration on key issues that impact both of our nations. Among my top priorities if confirmed will be to work closely with the dominican government to enhance border security and curb illegal immigration to the united states while stepping up the work we already do together to disrupt the operations of drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
▶ 1:02:48Ms. Campos: Importantly, I will work tirelessly to counter the chinese communist party influence in the dominican republic and throughout the hemisphere. In addition, I will make the morale and professional growth of all members of the U.S. mission to the dominican republic a key priority, especially among first and second tour officers.
▶ 1:03:07Ms. Campos: Serving one's country, being a good steward of taxpayer resources, representing the beauty and strength of our great country abroad is honorable, and I hope to help cultivate, value and strengthen the dedicated men and women of the foreign service. In clothing -- in closing, I am deeply honored and grateful to this committee for its consideration. If confirmed I commit to working closely and respectfully with this committee, the administration and my counterparts in the dominican republic to advance the president's foreign policy objectives.
▶ 1:03:39Ms. Campos: I look forward to any questions you might have for me. Thank you. >> thank you. We are now going to turn to a round of five-minute questions. For those of you who don't usually watch this committee, you see all the comings and goings that start with the people who introduced our witnesses, and then the panel has to come and go, but we all have overlapping demands on our time.
▶ 1:04:05Ms. Campos: It is awkward, but we somehow get it done and we appreciate your indulgence in that regard. So starting with questions. First of all, as far as the netherlands is concerned, I hope you will be able to convey to the dutch those of us who work at a national security lane so much appreciate their understanding of their place in the supply on semiconductors.
▶ 1:04:38Ms. Campos: Semiconductors our national security issue. It's a really unfortunate circumstance that we've been through in recent years where the united states invented this technology and then the manufacturers drawn by the siren of cheap wages moved everything to asia and now because it is so critical to everything we need, particularly defense but in
▶ 1:05:08Ms. Campos: Automobiles, refrigerators, anything you have, the dutch play an incredibly critical role because they are the bottleneck. They make the machine that make machines that make the semiconductors, and they've been very good with us as far as understanding that selling the highest technology to the chinese is a real problem for national security.
▶ 1:05:31Ms. Campos: They've been tremendous in that regard and I hope you will be able to appreciate, convey to them the appreciation that we have for that. >> thank you, senator. The state department did a great job breaching us ocertain things, and that is one of them. How critical a partner the dutch are in a national security and technology and export controls with respect to china, so absolutely I will convey those thoughts.
▶ 1:05:59Chair Risch: I appreciate that. Concerning ireland, my grandmother was a murphy. No relation I'm sure to senator murphy. In any event, I've got to tell you, it's heartbreaking to see the mistakes the irish are making regarding the jewish state and hamas.
▶ 1:06:28Chair Risch: It's absolutely heartbreaking is all I can say as far as watching that. With zero recognition of what hamas did on october 7. And I truly hope that, Mr. walsh, this is going to be tough when you got a close ally making a horrible mistake, but you have to thread the needle.
▶ 1:06:52Chair Risch: And I hope you will convey the message that they are very much out of step with the united states as far as their relationship with those countries in the middle east. >> thank you you for the question. It certainly is a topic that we are going to be discussing for a long time and I am looking forward to getting really detailed brief on all the issues relevant to this.
▶ 1:07:22Chair Risch: But I do know that president trump has been very clear along with many of you that ireland is an ally and there is no room for anti-semitism throughout the world. So it definitely will be a big part of my conversation with them, and I do look forward to that, I would be glad to meet with you on it. I will meet with you again on if you want to and hopefully when you come over we will meet and even have other meetings if you would like.
▶ 1:07:53Chair Risch: I do understand the issue, but I'm really looking forward to diving into more of the details.
▶ 1:07:58Chair Risch: It's going to be a tough needle to thread, but they are an ally. >> Mr. kushner, there's no doubt that even a successful businessman. You have a compelling personal story and obviously a very successful family.
▶ 1:08:16Chair Risch: But you also have been convicted of a felony, pleading guilty to 16 counts including fraud, lying to the federal tax fraud, lying to the federal commission and retaliating against a cooperating witness for which he spent two years in prison.
▶ 1:08:34Chair Risch: So can you speak to how you reassure this committee and the american public about your judgment to be able to manage one of the most important embassies and relationships in america in terms of our allies in our history?
▶ 1:08:51Mr. Kushner: First let me say I respect the question, understand the question, I respect the question highly and it is a question I would ask as well. My misjudgment and mistake was over 20 years ago. Since then I've been pardoned by president trump, and I don't sit here before you today and tell you I'm a perfect person. I am not a perfect person.
▶ 1:09:16Mr. Kushner: I made a very, very, very serious mistake and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake. My wife paid a heavy price, my children paid a heavy price, but since then, I look at life as a balance sheet. Many of us have assets, many of us have liabilities. I've had liabilities for sure.
▶ 1:09:46Mr. Kushner: The mistake I made in my past as one of my many liabilities. But I also like to think of my life in context that I had a lot of assets. My wife and I have given away over $100 million of our own money to charities through children's hospitals, education, and a whole bunch of other worthy causes, and I think that at the end of the day, there's only one accountant I trust, and it is god.
▶ 1:10:11Mr. Kushner: And god is going to assess my assets and liabilities and see how my balance sheet ways. In terms of my past that judgment and my future judgment or my current judgment, you are correct, it is a big responsibility, this ambassadorship, as it is for all of us.
▶ 1:10:32Mr. Kushner: But I think that my past mistakes actually make me better with my judgment, better in my view of life, better in my values to really make me more qualified to do this job. Maybe if I hadn't been on top of a mountain and fell off that mountain at some point in my life.
▶ 1:10:54Mr. Kushner: So thank you for raising it, and it is an issue that I'm sure is on a lot of people's mind that they don't have the courage to raise it, so thank you. And it is an example also for my grandchildren who are sitting here today that if I make mistakes, you have to admit your mistakes and you have to go on with your life and make it productive and worthwhile. >> well thank you for that frank response.
▶ 1:11:24Mr. Kushner: Also just a follow-up, your nomination is being advanced through the committee at a relatively quick pace for this committee. Because you were nominated in february but the committee only recently received your financial disclosure, which is quite lengthy. So do you commit to continuing to respond promptly and fully to any additional questions that the committee has about that financial disclosure?
▶ 1:11:49Mr. Kushner: Without a doubt I will respond and follow the guidance follow the guidance of the committee as to what I should be doing or not doing by way of to vestige or and relinquishing responsible of these -- responsibilities.
▶ 1:12:04Ranking Member Shaheen: Mr. walsh, the good friday agreement facilitates cooperation between the republic of ireland and what do you think should be the role of the U.S. to help be a guarantor of the good friday agreements and supporting this cross island engagement because clearly, it's going to be critical to maintain the relationship, both between the U.S. and ireland, and ireland and northern ireland.
▶ 1:12:34Mr. Walsh: Thank you senator. It is a great question but before I answer I just want to say that my meeting with your team was great and I want to thank them for the information they gave. This also has been a complicated situation. The U.S. has played such an important role in the good friday agreement in the past and it is going to continue that strong support.
▶ 1:13:04Mr. Walsh: I do plan on also meeting with ambassador stephenson to discuss with him and keep that line over -- I think communication is key to this whole issue.
▶ 1:13:30Mr. Walsh: As soon as the -- as soon as there is some thing that comes up, I will let you know but I am with you on it as a very important part and I know a lot of import -- I know a lot of senators have spent a lot of time and effort on this and we want to continue that support.
▶ 1:13:46Ranking Member Shaheen: As you point out, there are a lot of americans of irish descent who are watching this closely. Thank you Mr. chairman. One of the things that chairman risch did not point out is that we are in the middle of a vote and that is why people are going back and forth. That is why I will be leaving to go vote and I will be back shortly.
▶ 1:14:04Chair Risch: Thank you. What a great panel. We have a university of pittsburgh graduate, we have my friend charles kushner and my friend joe popolo. Congratulations to you and your families on this opportunity to serve. I will thank the chairman and the ranking -- I'm by myself now. This is good.
▶ 1:14:30Chair Risch: I will think the chairman and the ranking member for convening this hearing and thank you all for your service. Let me start with you Mr. kushner. It is great to see you. I really do think your life is representative of the american dream, this american story, to be sitting here today as a successful businessman, a citizen in the future ambassador to our oldest ally.
▶ 1:15:02Chair Risch: Three things I want to put into the record in terms of your qualifications. I am heartened by your testimony that holocaust education will be a priority for you in france. I think we have seen post-october 7, that the scourge of anti-semitism exists across america and across the world and I commend you in your commitment to leave -- lead on that front and I will be happy to support you in any way.
▶ 1:15:27Chair Risch: I also wanted to spend a minute thanking you and recognizing your leadership in criminal justice reform. A friend of mine, cory booker, and I have spoken about your leadership in new jersey, and all that you have done to help young men and women turning from prison get back on the right path in their lives and I want to share for the record a specific statement from senator
▶ 1:15:57Chair Risch: Booker, and I quote, I can unequivocally say that without charlie kushner we would not have passed the bipartisan first step act which led to the liberation of thousands of americans from unjust incarceration and unjustifiably long prison sentences.
▶ 1:16:15Chair Risch: His work has helped us reform the criminal justice system, save millions in taxpayer dollars and help nonviolent offenders have a successful chance -- a successful second chance at life, so I want to make sure we recognize that leadership and I think it answers senator shaheen's question of the leadership you bring to this important role.
▶ 1:16:39Chair Risch: Finally I want to say I was encouraged by the priority you put on strengthening the U.S.-france defense relationship will stop the french carrier strike group recently returned after a five month deployment in the indo pacific.
▶ 1:16:55Chair Risch: These deployments are absolutely critical to preserving freedom of navigation, against our greatest geopolitical rival and adversary and to make sure that france is leading alongside the united states in the face of the bla's increased assertiveness which we have seen throughout the region.
▶ 1:17:15Chair Risch: With all of that, me ask you the first question, will you commit to encouraging france to continue such deployments and conduct future taiwan straight missions?
▶ 1:17:30Mr. Kushner: Absolutely. France and america work in tandem with the same objective to keep that region safe and secure. The urging of the president, in terms of urging for more spending on defense give abilities is -- defense capabilities is critical to secure those areas of the world. I am committed to it absolutely.
▶ 1:17:58Sen. Mccormick: Thank you. Trump has put pressure on europe, france and other countries to pay their fair share of nato in defense investment but we are still not where we need to be. In your role as ambassador, what will you do to continue to assert the kind of pressure we need to make sure america's role in the world is supplemented by a robust defense spending on the part of france and others?
▶ 1:18:29Mr. Kushner: I think president trump has done most of the work already because macron in particular, they have increased their spending but it still ranks the lowest third. They are 19 out of 32 of the allies, so they still ranked low in terms of what they are spending.
▶ 1:18:56Mr. Kushner: Macron himself because of the pressure has acknowledged he wants to get to 3% so it is the job of myself and whoever else can assert influence to get him up above that mark, and I plan to try and be influential to push just that.
▶ 1:19:13Sen. Mccormick: I will try and squeeze in one more question. Ms. campos, shifting to drug trafficking, it is a big deal in pennsylvania we have a huge fentanyl crisis. We have a lot of efforts by the cartels to further build out their drug traffic operations throughout the caribbean and south and central america.
▶ 1:19:38Sen. Mccormick: In your role, will you commit to working with law enforcement and making drug trafficking a priority?
▶ 1:19:46Ms. Campos: Thank you for that important question. As you know, the dominican republic and the united states already have a really strong relationship across all of the anti-drug trafficking, anti-criminality operations.
▶ 1:20:09Ms. Campos: We haven't had an ambassador in the dominican republic for four years, so I'm hopeful that if confirmed, that getting there will help reinvigorate, strengthen that partnership that we already have with the dominicans, strengthen their commitment and our commitment as well.
▶ 1:20:26Sen. Mccormick: Thank you all. >> in the absence of chairman risch, I'm going to take over. This is not an alexander haig moment, just to be sure.
▶ 1:20:45Sen. Kaine: Thank you to all of the nominees. My colleague senator shaheen brought up the circumstances of your criminal conviction but I know that is not the whole story I have heard from my colleagues. You played an important role in helping senator booker get the first step act to pass during the first term of president trump. Could you describe that a bit?
▶ 1:21:11Mr. Kushner: Senator booker and I, I volunteered at rikers island after my experience. I went there once a week and I tried to mentor young men between the age of 18 and 24. I asked senator booker to please come with me one day because I thought he would be an inspiration to these boys and rikers is not a federal prison. He went onto the floor and challenged these prisoners to push-ups.
▶ 1:21:41Mr. Kushner: He took off his shirt and did push-ups with them and inspired the daylights out of them. I think my experience, particularly having a family live through it, and jared, my son serving in the first administration, he felt passionate about this and it was of paramount import to him that he used as much political capital with the president to say this is important.
▶ 1:22:09Mr. Kushner: As a result of that criminal justice act, the thousands of people that have come home early, nonviolent offenders who have come home early to their families, I hear it all the time but I am proud of my son for it being important to him and him having the compassion for the human beings going through that and that have made mistakes, but I feel that again, through an act of god, that this somehow resulted in helping senator
▶ 1:22:39Mr. Kushner: Booker and my son jared.
▶ 1:22:43Sen. Kaine: He shared that story with a couple of us and I wanted you to share that too. Ms. campos, your role working with the leader of the western hemisphere subcommittee is something I am impressed by. With respect to the dominican republic, one problem we have in foreign relations and may in latin america, we don't shine a lot of spotlight on the good actors doing the right things.
▶ 1:23:12Sen. Kaine: The dominican republic is one of the nations that has done things right generally and this alliance for development and democracy with ecuador, costa rica and panama is an example of nations in the region where there is some democratic backsliding, trying to lean forward and do better. I was in the edenic and republic and we were trying to shine a spotlight on some of the positives.
▶ 1:23:40Sen. Kaine: I hope that that is one of the things you will be able to do, is in the position should you be confirmed, sort of uplift that there are good actors in the americas but sometimes we don't get attention from them. The U.S. is only at -- is only paying attention to the problems. You have the others that are doing things well and they feel kind of ignored.
▶ 1:24:06Sen. Kaine: One of the pressing challenges that the dominican republic that we face is the situation in haiti and secretary rubio talked about that. Should you be confirmed, what do you think you might be able to do with respect to trying to help both the united states and the dominican republic play a constructive role in a more positive chapter for haiti?
▶ 1:24:31Ms. Campos: Thank you for those questions and comments. The shining stars often get ignored and the dominican republic is one of them. I was very heartened that the dominican republic was included in the secretary's first trip abroad. That sent a strong message in terms of our partnership and commitment with the dominicans.
▶ 1:24:56Ms. Campos: The president announcing his intention to nominate me so early in the process I think sent a good message of the priority we will place on that relationship. In terms of haiti, I don't want to get ahead of the administration's intended policy but I will tell you that I look forward to working very closely with our mission in port-au-prince.
▶ 1:25:24Ms. Campos: Your staff raise this with me when I met with them, and the administration, to find solutions for stabilizing the situation in haiti, which is troubling at best.
▶ 1:25:39Sen. Kaine: It is a really important one and the worse it goes, it ends up affecting us and legal migration. We have a whole series of reasons to want to invest and get this right. I'm glad that the security force and the leadership of the kenyans with participation of others and funding is going forward and I think we need to retain a commitment to that but anyway, thank you for your answers and I yield back.
▶ 1:26:08Sen. Hagerty: Congratulations on the significant import -- appointments you have been nominated for. Mr. popolo, I would like to start with you on an issue I think your business background is going to bring incredible force and wait that has to do with foreign military sales. A current issue with the netherlands. The state department recently announced they would approve the sale of 200 tomahawk land attack missiles. A $2.2 billion sale.
▶ 1:26:39Sen. Hagerty: It is going to step up the netherlands defense capabilities and help support our defense industrial base. This committee has heard me talk many times about my frustrations with the foreign military sales process. It is sporadic and takes too long.
▶ 1:26:56Sen. Hagerty: To see a businessman come into this role makes me optimistic you will see an opportunity to go into the process when you are there and find significant improvements so I would like to get any thoughts that you have and let you know that my staff is ready to work with you on this process.
▶ 1:27:20Mr. Popolo: They are among the highest if not the highest in spending on military as a percentage of gdp in the eu. There is an opportunity to grow, however and I would love to get more information in more detail to dig into that process. It is a great opportunity for us. The eu has a big trade imbalance with us and although the netherlands is positive, military sales are a way we can drive down that deficit.
▶ 1:27:50Sen. Hagerty: Do you see an opportunity to work closer with the dutch?
▶ 1:27:55Mr. Popolo: Absolutely. I would say they are the most like-minded partner of ours in europe. They support jobs in the U.S. and I would love to open the door to any corporation that would love to do business overseas and come and visit our mission. We will be open and ready for business.
▶ 1:28:15Sen. Hagerty: I appreciate that. I'm going to go to Mr. walsh on this. You think about your business careers and the success it has brought you. I could not be more optimistic about how you will take that knowledge and that skill set and bring it to bear as ambassadors representing this great nation.
▶ 1:28:40Sen. Hagerty: I will first go to you charlie on thoughts on how you'll deploy your private sector expertise as ambassador representing our country.
▶ 1:28:48Mr. Kushner: There are so many issues. The fact that france, over 150 billion dollars of bilateral trade which results in a $17 billion deficit for america. That breaks down to about $14 billion of goods and $3 billion of services.
▶ 1:29:10Mr. Kushner: You take that deficit and you see what could be done in terms of so much trade going on, so to put more emphasis on what is being purchased from america rather than being sold, I think there is so much work to be done. The liquefied natural gas, france buys 34% of its imports from russia. 38% of its imports from america.
▶ 1:29:43Mr. Kushner: The parts that it gets from russia, they sell to neighboring countries, so why is that permitted? Why shouldn't we be standing there as cheerleaders for america saying you should be buying a lot more lng from america? Areas like that are very imbalanced and unfair that I think business people are going to understand, zero in on and make a difference.
▶ 1:30:07Sen. Hagerty: Terrific. Mr. walsh?
▶ 1:30:09Mr. Walsh: There are a few answers. One is that you generally have to lead a group of people and I am looking forward to leading the embassy in ireland if confirmed. And all the people that are there, gaining their trust is very important to me and just leading them with a bunch of goals which are your goals and president trump's goals and get them organized enough and get some timelines going so we can reach those goals.
▶ 1:30:38Mr. Walsh: My other background is as an engineer and I do think the engineering mindset of just analyzing a situation and coming up with a solution is generally pretty good, but I've also been in sales my whole life and I think that is also a pretty important part going to ireland. I am talking and communicating with everyone there and getting consensus and getting things done.
▶ 1:31:06Sen. Hagerty: The irish deputy prime minister came to visit me recently and there is a desire to do more with america. He clearly had a desire to help reduce our trade deficit. There is a great deal of intellectual property that goes through ireland and I think you will have great opportunities and I wish you all the best.
▶ 1:31:27Chair Risch: Senator scott. Excuse me, senator ricketts was next. Just was not paying attention to the list.
▶ 1:31:37Sen. Ricketts: First of all, thank you to all of our nominees here for your willingness to serve our great nation. I want to especially thank your families because they will serve alongside you and make it possible for you to serve our country, so thank to the families leaned to sacrifice along with our nominees. Mr.
▶ 1:32:00Sen. Ricketts: Kushner I'm going to start with you because we talked about how important the relationship with france is, and there has been a recent united nations report confirming that iran produces enough -- -- this escalates the threat beyond the U.S. and israel, posing a direct threat to our allies across the middle east and europe. This enrichment defies a un security council resolution.
▶ 1:32:30Sen. Ricketts: I applaud president trump's decisive move to impose maximum pressure on iran as well as entering into negotiations with iran on a nuclear deal. However the credibility and strength of these talks hinge on the united states entering with room with mac for -- with maximum leverage. That is why I have introduced a resolution urging the e3 to trigger the snapback of u.n. Sanctions before the october deadline.
▶ 1:33:00Sen. Ricketts: The french have supported the snapback of sanctions but have stated it is contingent on reaching a nuclear deal. Mr. kushner, do you believe restoring human sanctions would give president trump a stronger hand in confronting the uranian regime?
▶ 1:33:15Mr. Kushner: Without a doubt it would, and why the french have not used that snapback to date is a mystery to me because I would think that they would have used it. I'm not sure if they don't have the will or the desire or whatever it may be but I will be pushing that because I think that should be exercised and it expires within months. The fact that they have that right and have not used it is a shame.
▶ 1:33:40Mr. Kushner: I think we should be standing up and lobbying very hard for them to exercise it, and I think maximum sanctions, I think president trump really has this issue, and it's either going to be negotiated no nuclear or it's going to have to be an alternative military and I think president trump has made that clear, so I think maximum leverage on the iranians, I
▶ 1:34:11Mr. Kushner: Think france and america are in total agreement.
▶ 1:34:13Sen. Ricketts: I agree with you 100%. During the first trump administration, we saw the because of the sanctions, we were able to bring iranians foreign reserves to under $14 billion in that cut off their ability to fund the terrorism we see around the world and continued to put pressure on the way that we have is important. My colleague Mr.
▶ 1:34:41Sen. Ricketts: Mccormick was talking about the indo pacific and that is an emergent area of threat from communist china and we talked a little bit about france as well, home to 1.6 million french citizens who live across -- recognizing this, france became the first european country to adopt an indo pacific strategy in 2019 and they participate in the freedom of
▶ 1:35:12Sen. Ricketts: Navigation exercises that we were talking about from the taiwan strait but we have seen communist china be incredibly aggressive with their illegal coercive deceptive practices, especially with a -- relating to our allies in the philippines and taiwan as well.
▶ 1:35:30Sen. Ricketts: I offered the bolster act to encourage european engagement in support of taiwanese security with one of the largest militaries in europe and naval forces as well, extending their presence into this region, france could play a great role. Could you talk about how you can work with france to get them to better support taiwan and the relationship, given its leadership in the indo pacific?
▶ 1:35:56Mr. Kushner: I think france recognizes the same thing america recognizes, what a threat china is to the world. I don't think there is daylight between them in terms of assessing their capability and infiltration and stealing technology and all the other things and devaluing currency and robbing us of trade. I think france and america are very aligned.
▶ 1:36:23Mr. Kushner: It is just that france has to step up to be more aggressive like america is stepping up. I see it as my job as future ambassador to meet with the officials and apply that pressure knowing that they should be more in step with the american policy. I'm all for your proposal and for supporting it.
▶ 1:36:44Sen. Ricketts: Thank you very much Mr. kushner. I hope once you are confirmed as ambassador that you will work with whoever is the leadership in france, to remember that even though we certainly respect france as having their own policies and wanting to have the independence that they deserve as a sovereign nation, that we work better together as a team, especially when confronting
▶ 1:37:15Sen. Ricketts: Communist china. This is the single biggest threat that we have faced internationally it's not just a threat to the united states, it is a threat to france and all of the other freedom loving countries of the world. Xi jingping is a dictator bent on world domination and for it -- and for france to go another way undermines our security.
▶ 1:37:37Chair Risch: Well said. Senator scott.
▶ 1:37:41Sen. Scott: Thank you chairman. First of all congratulations to each of you. It is a great opportunity to be ambassador and you will have the opportunity of a lifetime to have an impact on relationships with each of these countries. Let me start with Mr. popolo. We have a strong relationship with the netherlands. It is nice to see the government is committed to the threshold for defense spending.
▶ 1:38:09Sen. Scott: It has taken a long time and I was just in finland, denmark, and they are spending significantly more. If you listen to what nato's needs are, they are absolutely convinced that pruden will invade -- that putin will invade after the ukraine war is over. What are you going to do to get them to step up and be a better nato partner?
▶ 1:38:40Mr. Popolo: As you noted, they are currently above 2%, they are a founding nato partner, so I feel like we are aligned. President trump has made clear that we have to share the burden more equitably in the eu and frankly russia is primarily a european problem so I'm going to be pushing on behalf of the president and secretary rubio to see what we can do to get them closer to 5% as requested.
▶ 1:39:09Mr. Popolo: There is going to need to be forces in ukraine after president trump is successful negotiating a peace deal. The threat of china continues to grow, so the europeans and the dutch also need to step up.
▶ 1:39:25Sen. Scott: It seems to me that the world is dividing up between communist china, russia, iran, north korea and a few others and then the democracies. It seems to me we have to align our economic interests.
▶ 1:39:46Sen. Scott: How are you going to help the netherlands get better at aligning their economic interests with ours, where both countries have the opportunities for their workers to sell products and services into each other's countries and we stop buying from the people who want to demolish our way of life?
▶ 1:40:03Mr. Popolo: We are blessed to run a trade surplus with the netherlands although a lot of that does come into notre dame -- does come into rotterdam. We will see if we can sell more lng. Generally speaking I would love to be a representative for the U.S. business community and would like to come over and expand our relationship. They are currently supporting over one million U.S.
▶ 1:40:28Mr. Popolo: Jobs but I think generally speaking, they have been really good partners, where there have been issues around national security or export controls. Clearly I'm going to be trying to build that relationship. We share an existential threat with china and there is no reason we should not be tighter together in opposition to what they are doing.
▶ 1:40:46Chair Risch: Mr. walsh. -- Sen. scott: Mr. walsh, several members of the irish government have made inflammatory one-sided statements blaming israel for the conflict in the middle east. While ignoring -- while ignoring terrorism by hamas and hezbollah. How do you plan to push back against this rhetoric and hold them accountable for disparaging a U.S. ally?
▶ 1:41:13Mr. Walsh: Thank you for the question. It is a very important topic and something I look forward to getting a lot more information on in the future. But first I would like to say that ireland did condemn the act of october 7. That was a good start. President trump has made it clear that israel is an ally, and I am fully on board with that and any antisemitism throughout the whole world will not be tolerated.
▶ 1:41:43Mr. Walsh: I agree with that and I would love to meet with you or anyone else in the committee to actually talk about that further , but it is certainly on my mind and something that I'm looking forward to discussing more and just having open conversation with them to talk it through so they understand what our role is.
▶ 1:42:07Sen. Scott: The dominican republic has had some issues because of the unrest in haiti. What are your plans to be able to address the refugee crisis that the dominican republic is dealing with, in trying to make sure that the dominican republic is part of the solution with regard to haiti?
▶ 1:42:24Ms. Campos: Thank you for that question. As I mentioned earlier to senator kaine, I'm not able to get ahead of what the administration wants to do, but I do commit to working very closely with our embassy, with the administration, with you and your staff on this committee to try and find solutions to stabilize haiti because you are right, the intended effects of the instability on the dimmick
▶ 1:42:54Ms. Campos: And republic and in particular your state of florida are serious, so I will be working hard with my colleagues in port-au-prince to come up with some solutions.
▶ 1:43:08Sen. Scott: Thank you. Mr. kushner, good luck with france. I don't see them as the perfect ally but they always seem to cooperate with us to make sure countries like iran are held accountable. I know you'll work your but off. Congratulations to each of you.
▶ 1:43:23Chair Risch: Thank you senator scott. We don't use the word perfect in the same word with allies most of the time, just a fact of life. Senator shaheen.
▶ 1:43:37Ranking Member Shaheen: Mr. popolo, the netherlands recently announced an additional $2.2 billion in security assistance to ukraine, focused mostly on drone technology and in october, the netherlands -- I'm having so much trouble with that, they announced it is going to deliver 24 f-16 fighter jets to ukraine.
▶ 1:44:04Ranking Member Shaheen: As we see the dutch staying the course and standing up to putin's brutal invasion of ukraine, how will you continue to advocate for their ability to support ukraine and help bridge the gap between that approach and the approach that the white house may be taking to ukraine?
▶ 1:44:32Ranking Member Shaheen: >> we have to get europe to take more responsibility for their defense. The dutch are also really good about buying U.S. military hardware. Some of the feedback I have gotten is there our supply chain issues preventing them from getting even more, so they would like to purchase more from us. I will be a very forceful advocate to make sure everything we have agreed to deliver, that they will be able to do that.
▶ 1:45:00Ranking Member Shaheen: I am pleased to hear that. I would point out as a member of the armed services committee, one of the challenges has to do with our industrial base ability to produce the armaments that other countries would like to see from us. Ms. campos, as I said in my opening statement, the next summit of the americas is scheduled to be in the dominican republic in december of 2025.
▶ 1:45:29Ranking Member Shaheen: That would occur during your tenure and it has historically provided an opportunity for strengthening regional coordination with key U.S. partners on shared issues like migration, security, economic challenges. What issues would you like to see addressed during this upcoming summit and how can -- will you commit to doing everything you can to ensure that we have some high-level officials from the administration at the summit?
▶ 1:46:00Ms. Campos: Thank you for that question. It is scheduled to take place sometime in early december. I also understand there is already a committee on the ground at the embassy working with the dominicans on trying to come up with an agenda.
▶ 1:46:14Ms. Campos: I have not been briefed on the details of that but if confirmed, of course that will be a top priority of mine, to understand what the agenda is and ensure that it aligns with the interests of the united states and our interests in keeping the region stable, democratic, secure.
▶ 1:46:38Ms. Campos: Combating criminality in the region is an important topic that I hoped would become a key issue in the region at the summit and I intend to get involved if confirmed and I will report back to you if you have any questions about it.
▶ 1:46:52Ranking Member Shaheen: I appreciate that. One of the topics that has come up as we have had hearings for other nominees to be ambassadors to latin american countries has been concern about china's increasing influence in the hemisphere, about their engagement with other caribbean nations and particularly in latin america.
▶ 1:47:19Ranking Member Shaheen: I hope that will be an issue that will be considered for the summit as well.
▶ 1:47:25Ms. Campos: Absolutely. It is one of my key priorities and as you know, the demand can republic switched its recognition from taiwan in 2018 -- the dominican republic switched its recognition of taiwan in 2018. I hope if confirmed to be a positive advocate for turning away from the maligned influence of china in the dominican republic.
▶ 1:47:52Ranking Member Shaheen: Thank you all very much.
▶ 1:47:54Chair Risch: Thank you senator shaheen. Senator cruz.
▶ 1:47:58Sen. Cruz: Welcome, congratulations to each of the four of you. Mr. kushner, let's start with you. Iran's push to build a nuclear arsenal poses the most immediate threat to U.S. national security.
▶ 1:48:14Sen. Cruz: I agree with president trump at the only acceptable nuclear deal is one in which the regime fully dismantles its enrichment capacity and that the united states should impose maximum pressure against the full range of the ayatollah's maligned activities. That pressure should include stepping back sanctions against iran which were undone by the biden administration.
▶ 1:48:43Sen. Cruz: I asked secretary of state rubio whether he intends to go to the united nations and do so as part of his written testimony to this committee. Here was his response. Quote, I believe it is in our national security interest for the un security council to snap act the suit the sanctions that were distended. I will execute the president's guidance and work with our allies to ensure that snapback takes place.
▶ 1:49:14Sen. Cruz: He emphasized he believes it is imperative for the national security of the united states to invoke the snap act mechanism. Our european allies including france are also able to invoke the snapback mechanism. First, do you agree with the assessment of secretary rubio and the deputy secretary that it is in the national security interest of the united states to snapback the u.n. Sanctions?
▶ 1:49:40Mr. Kushner: I 100% agree with the secretary of state and with chris landau, and why it has not occurred to date is beyond my belief, truthfully. Part of my responsibility will be to assist, to apply maximum pressure on the french at the highest levels that I can to go ahead and make sure that this snap act is effectuated.
▶ 1:50:10Sen. Cruz: Thank you. Mr. popolo and Mr. walsh. As you know, the international criminal court has been engaged in a campaign against our israeli allies which in turn poses an acute threat to american national security interest. The icc has issued arrest warrants against israeli officials including the prime minister, to punish israel for its campaign against hamas. These warrants are utterly illegitimate.
▶ 1:50:40Sen. Cruz: They are setting a precedent to go after countries that are not members of the court which exposes american officials and soldiers to acute risks. Ireland has filed a motion to directly boost the icc campaign. The netherlands hosts the icc and its foreign minister has said that they will enforce the icc warrants. We have heard multiple times today that ireland and the netherlands have deep partnerships with the U.S. which is undoubtedly true.
▶ 1:51:11Sen. Cruz: It is equally true that their support for the icc endangers core american interests. If confirmed, how do each of you intend to approach these issues? Let's start with you Mr. walsh.
▶ 1:51:28Mr. Walsh: There's a lot to talk about. I have not been fully briefed on that item. I know that it is a big issue and I know it is a big concern of yours and others and even president trump.
▶ 1:51:44Mr. Walsh: What we need to do about it is communicate the way we feel about it, and then relay that message back to you guys and figure out a way to hold them reliable to actually helping us. We are an ally of israel, so it is a difficult conversation to tell you the truth. I would be glad to relay your message and president trump's message over to them at any time.
▶ 1:52:13Sen. Cruz: That is helpful and it is a clear assault on israel but israel is not a party to the icc but it is also a clear assault on america and the same illegitimate authority that claims the ability to issue an arrest warrant for benjamin netanyahu would also claim the ability to issue an arrest warrant for president trump, the secretary of state, the secretary of defense, american generals or soldiers.
▶ 1:52:40Sen. Cruz: We are not a party to the court and the court has no jurisdiction and it is illegitimately asserting power over countries that have not ceded to its authority.
▶ 1:52:49Mr. Popolo: President trump and secretary rubio have been very clear this is unacceptable. While the dutch are great partners, we have a very clear difference here. I'm going to be delivering the message that this is illegitimate, that they should not be targeting people who are not a party to the agreement stop we have partial sanctions in place and the president may increase that pressure if we don't get the proper recognition from the icc.
▶ 1:53:16Sen. Cruz: Thank you.
▶ 1:53:17Chair Risch: Thank you senator cruz and as far as the court is concerned, it was set up to address the issue where a country did not have a democracy and a legitimate believable judicial system. That is what it was for, not to handle cases for countries that take care of their own problems. Thank you for bringing that up.
▶ 1:53:44Chair Risch: 92 our witnesses for being here today -- thank you to our witnesses for being here today. I will also note that the record will remain open until close of business tomorrow to cement questions for the record which if you get that, I hope you will answer quickly. It will help move along your nomination. Thank you to the committee and for your families and your willingness to serve the country.
▶ 1:54:13Chair Risch: With that, the committee is adjourned.