▶ 0:22:39Chair Risch: The united states senate committee on foreign will come to order. Today we have a hearing on five nominees of president trump and the way we will handle this, we will have introductions. When we are done with the introduction than senator shaheen and I will give opening remarks. Each of you will be given about five minutes to speak and then we will open to a round of questions.
▶ 0:23:10Chair Risch: Before we start as a matter of course we run a tight ship your. -- we run a tight ship here and have zero tolerance for protest or anyone who tries to interfere with the committee or anyone testifying. I have started the policy since I started that if you interrupt you will be arrested immediately and taken and booked.
▶ 0:23:38Chair Risch: I've only had to do that one time and that slowed it down considerably. In addition to that you will be barred from the committee for a year. We welcome the public, we want the public. It is an open meeting but we have important business of the senate to do and we cannot do it if we have interruptions. There are other places that can take place. With that will do some introductions. Editor cruz, how about you first.
▶ 0:24:09Chair Risch: -- senator cruz, how about you first?
▶ 0:24:13Sen. Cruz: It is an honor to introduce my good friend melinda hildebrand the nominee to serve as ambassador to the republic of costa rica. She is a graduate of the university of texas at austin where she earned her bachelor in business administration and was honored with the presidential citation.
▶ 0:24:33Sen. Cruz: Since then she has become an accomplished entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader whose work has made an impact not only in my hometown of houston where she and her family reside but all across texas and across the country. She has served on numerous boards and advisory councils, including the anderson cancer center, the university of texas at austin, the university of st.
▶ 0:24:59Sen. Cruz: Thomas, the memorial park conservancy, the houston parks board, the life out houston -- the life house houston, a to end addiction, and the james beard foundation. She serves as vice chair of the hildebrand foundation which invests in critical causes such as cancer research, education, green space development, and faith-based community support.
▶ 0:25:27Sen. Cruz: She is also the president and owner of river oaks doughnuts, something for which I can never forgive her because it has contributed far too many pounds to my waistline and that of my children. It is a small business in houston founded in 2013 and they serve some of the best doughnuts in houston. We are proud of having the best rodeo in the world.
▶ 0:25:51Sen. Cruz: It is only fitting mindy has also served on the international committee of the houston livestock show and rodeo for 37 years. Her leadership experience spans from build -- from business to health care and from education to addiction recovery. There are hardly any areas left mindy has not had some kind of involvement or experience in.
▶ 0:26:19Sen. Cruz: These credentials reflect someone who is not only a successful business leader and philanthropist but a deeply committed citizen whose compassion and care for others is beyond reproach. Her work has garnered national and international respect and her sense of civic duty and diplomacy is evident in all she does. Knowing mindy and her family for as long as I have is a privilege. She is a dear friend and her friendship has meant a great deal to both heidi and me personally.
▶ 0:26:49Sen. Cruz: From her friendship I have seen her unwavering patriotism, great, courage, and care for others. I cannot think of anyone more qualified and more prepared and more principled to represent the united states of america as ambassador to costa rica and I encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support her nomination.
▶ 0:27:12Chair Risch: Senator peters, welcome to the committee. You have the floor.
▶ 0:27:19Sen. Peters: Distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to join you today to introduce Mr. bill bazzi as the nominee to be the ambassador of tunisia. Mr. bazzi is joined by his wife, nadia. Thank you for being here today supporting bill in this important endeavor. I've had the opportunity to get to know Mr.
▶ 0:27:44Sen. Peters: Bazzi over the years and I am confident that if he is confirmed he is well-positioned to represent the united states in tunisia. His long history of service to his community and his country showcases his commitment to public service. Mr. bazzi currently serves as the mayor of dearborn heights, michigan. Prior to running for office he served 21 years in the united states marine corps.
▶ 0:28:11Sen. Peters: Throughout that time he regularly engaged with diplomats and leaders to collaborate on the distribution of humanitarian assistance, defense training, and rebuilding critical infrastructure. This experience will serve him well and this new role if confirmed. In michigan he has been highly engaged with his community, not only in his role as mayor but also through volunteer work to better the lives of young adults and veterans, senior citizen and children.
▶ 0:28:41Sen. Peters: He has done this work not just in the state of michigan, he was part of a state department delegation to tunisia where he worked with other elected officials including members of parliament. Tunisia is not an unfamiliar place to Mr. bazzi. In 2021 he became the first muslim mayor of dearborn heights.
▶ 0:29:03Sen. Peters: Though he faced many challenges throughout his tenure from covid to severe floods he has remained steadfast in his commitment to finding solutions that work for his entire community. Mr. bazzi has demonstrated his willingness to show up for his community and his country.
▶ 0:29:24Sen. Peters: While we may not agree on any issue -- on every issue I am totally confident he will take on this new role with the same level of commitment and integrity he has taken on every assignment that has been given. Thank you chairman risch and ranking member shaheen for the opportunity to appear before you and thank you for your dedication to public service and you have my full support. Thank you.
▶ 0:29:47Chair Risch: Senator peters, we really appreciate that. You are welcome to stay but I understand you have other things you have to do. Thanks so much for coming. Senator cornyn, I understand you have something.
▶ 0:30:02Sen. Cornyn: I am also pleased to say a few nice words about our friend mindy hildebrand, nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to costa rica. As you have heard Ms. hildebrand is a highly accomplished texas businesswoman and devoted longhorn. Sorry about the game this weekend. We will be better next time.
▶ 0:30:31Sen. Cruz: That really hurts.
▶ 0:30:35Sen. Cornyn: She is a generous land therapist of well. She and her husband have been married more than -- she is a generous philanthropist as well. She and her husband have been married more than 30 years and have three children. One of my favorite title she holds is the present owner of river oaks doughnuts which senator cruz has already extolled. She is more than a businesswoman.
▶ 0:31:05Sen. Cornyn: She has demonstrated a record of using her talents to give back to the community and communities around her and devoted time and resources toward philanthropy on numerous boards and committees, some of which you've already heard about. Mindy has decades of volunteer service to her name, giving her time to important causes across our great state. She spent more than three decades serving on the international committee of the houston livestock show and rodeo.
▶ 0:31:34Sen. Cornyn: One of my favorite attributes of the houston livestock show and rodeo as the scholarships they produce for deserving young people in our state. Through her own charitable foundation she supports faith-based organizations across texas that provide for the poor and needy.
▶ 0:31:55Sen. Cornyn: Her leadership skills in the business world paired with her dedicated community involvement in texas and across our country make her an excellent candidate to continue to serve our country in this new capacity, representing the united states of america as ambassador to costa rica.
▶ 0:32:12Sen. Cornyn: I am grateful to mindy and her family for their leadership and contributions to the state of texas and I look forward to seeing her leadership role as the next ambassador to costa rica that I am happy to support. Congratulations on your nomination and I look forward to voting for your confirmation. Thank you.
▶ 0:32:35Chair Risch: We appreciate that. Today the committee will consider the nomination of melinda hildebrand to be U.S. ambassador to the republic of costa rica, bill bazzi to be ambassador to the republic of tunisia, todd wilcox to be assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security and riley barnes to be assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor.
▶ 0:33:05Chair Risch: With that I would like to make a few remarks and then I will hand over to the ranking member for some remarks. Thank you to our witnesses and the families for being here and your willingness to serve. I am very glad the senate is back in session and we can resume our important work to pass president trump's nominees as quickly as possible and get you in post as quickly as possible. As you know, Ms.
▶ 0:33:35Chair Risch: Hildebrand, costa rica is an important U.S. ally for security concerns and narcotics in our hemisphere. Secretary of state rubio visited costa rica in february signaling the importance of the relationship and the need to address chinese influence in the country in central america.
▶ 0:33:56Chair Risch: As a business leader and philanthropist you have the acumen to assure costa rica remains a strong partner of the united states and I look forward to hearing your plans to do so. Mr. negrea, president trump has made it clear it is time for reform at the u.n. He will help lead the charge. Two of a background in international organizations and financial institutions.
▶ 0:34:22Chair Risch: This skill set will help you cut through the bureaucracy at the u.n. And work with your colleagues to provide value for the american people at the u.n. After our massive investments over the years, the return for which is difficult to find at times. As our representative to the economic and social council at the u.n.
▶ 0:34:43Chair Risch: I know you will steer the council away from woke ideologies and the so-called "sustainable development goals" and instead advocate for reforms that enhance the efficiency, eliminate un-american mandates come and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. We need to make the u.n. Less of a burden to the american taxpayer and increase transparency and oversight. I look forward to your thoughts on these issues and your plans to reform the u.n. Economic and social council. Mr.
▶ 0:35:13Chair Risch: Bazzi, as ambassador to tunisia you will witness the growing pains of a fragile democracy and hold a seed of influence representing the voice and values of the united states. Tunisia is strategically located along the mediterranean sea and plays an increasingly important role in counterterrorism and freedom of navigation for international trade and commerce.
▶ 0:35:37Chair Risch: The president wants enjoyed over -- the president once enjoyed overwhelming support but tunisians have recently taken to the streets to exercise the rights of free speech and protest. We need to put boat stability in that -- we need to promote stability in the region. I introduced legislation to protect tenacious democratic institutions. -- tunisia's democratic institutions.
▶ 0:36:07Chair Risch: Mr. wilcox, as assistant secretary for diplomatic security you will manage the officers and keep our posts abroad secure and allow our diplomats to advance america's interest abroad. As I have said dozens of times, we date our people in the field, not sitting behind desks. We need an expeditionary mindset and a can-do spirit to accomplish this.
▶ 0:36:37Chair Risch: This was not the case during the previous administration and I will give you an example. When I was ranking member of this committee the head of the bureau of diplomatic security refused to give me information on a potential intelligence leak that I needed to do my job properly. I was also the senior member of the intelligence committee on the republican side at that time -- he refused the chairman of the committee. This is a shocking event I know will not happen under your watch .
▶ 0:37:06Chair Risch: I look forward to hearing about how you will keep our diplomats safe and congress informed during your time in office. Mr. barnes, president trump has shown his commitment to internationally recognized human rights through his many peace agreements and his work to end wars around the world. Secretary rubio has emphasized international recognized human rights in his engagements which is consistent with his excellent work during his time in the senate and on this committee and the intelligence committee.
▶ 0:37:39Chair Risch: As assistant secretary for democracy, human rights, and labor you will not only need to keep up with the record pace of peace talks and engagement with world leaders but also help the secretary and the president further these aims and bring stability. The united states has always been a leader in promoting and protecting internationally recognized human rights and I look forward to learning how you will expand on this. Thank you to all of our witness risk for being with us today.
▶ 0:38:06Chair Risch: I look forward to our conversations and getting you confirmed and getting to work as quickly as possible.
▶ 0:38:10Sen. Shaheen: Thank, Mr. chairman and welcome to all of our nominees. Thank you for your willingness to serve this country and welcome to your family and friends who are supporting you. From protecting our diplomats serving in dangerous posts to standing up for human rights in civil society to countering china in north africa and latin america, each of the posts you've been nominated for is critical to america's foreign-policy. Mr.
▶ 0:38:39Sen. Shaheen: Wilcox, if confirmed you'll be running the bureau of diplomatic security. This bureau is charged with safeguarding all personnel who serve american diplomatic missions and that is no easy feat. That mission includes counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and criminal investigations. On top of these the administration has deployed diplomatic security agents to work alongside ice.
▶ 0:39:09Sen. Shaheen: I would like to hear from you whether these reassignments are affecting our ability to protect our personnel overseas and the missions diplomatic security is responsible for here at home. Mr. barnes, if confirmed to lead the bureau of democracy, human rights, and labor you would take over an office long at the vanguard of supporting independent media and civil society in places like belarus, georgia, venezuela, and tibet.
▶ 0:39:40Sen. Shaheen: Unfortunately this administration has terminated most of these programs it is considering further cuts. It has gutted the annual human rights reports intended to hold country's feet to the fire on democratic backsliding and violations of human rights. If confirmed I am interested in hearing how you will carry out your mission and what support human rights defenders can expect in these countries where they are now under attack. Mr.
▶ 0:40:06Sen. Shaheen: Negrea, as the nominee to the u in economic and social council your responsibilities also include important human rights work. China has been stepping up its efforts to assert influence at the united nations, blocking nonprofit groups and silencing human rights defenders. If confirmed how will you work to limit china's reach while supporting voices from places like hong kong that beijing is trying to suppress?
▶ 0:40:38Sen. Shaheen: Finally, Mr. bazzi and Ms. hildebrand, you've been nominated to serve as ambassadors in countries where china's influence is rapidly expanding. Tunisia was the only arab spring country to transition to democracy but today many young people see china as the partner of the future. Costa rica faces similar dynamics as tariffs undermine economic ties and raise questions about whether the united states can be relied on as a dependable partner.
▶ 0:41:09Sen. Shaheen: At the same time the administration has cut the rule of law and anticorruption programs in costa rica which benefited transnational organized crime groups. I hope you will both speak your plans to counter china's influence and strengthen democratic institutions. I look forward to hearing from all of you.
▶ 0:41:29Chair Risch: Senator cornyn, I recognize you have a comment or introduction?
▶ 0:41:35Sen. Cornyn: I appreciate it. It is always a pleasure to sing the praises of a former member of my staff. Today is no different. If you look down here at his family how can you not say something about this group? What a good-looking group you have. It is my pleasure to introduce riley barnes, nominee to serve as assistant secretary for democracy, human rights, and labor at the state department.
▶ 0:42:08Sen. Cornyn: I've been fortunate to have a number of truly impressive speechwriters and riley is a star among their ranks, although I wish he had better material to work with. The son of uvalde, texas first came to my office as an intern in 2008. In 2015 he returned as my speechwriter. While his career in public service may have begun in my senate office it did not end there.
▶ 0:42:36Sen. Cornyn: After service in my office riley went on to the state department and the office of policy planning where he worked on communications and policy roles. He then served as senior advisor to a former colleague of ours, sam brownback who was then ambassador at large for international religious liberty and in 2020 he became deputy assistant secretary for the bureau of international organization affairs. In addition to his roles in government Mr.
▶ 0:43:06Sen. Cornyn: Barnes was also assistant director of the center for strategy and security at the atlantic council and whether it is uvalde, texas or washington, D.C. yes always been involved in his community and in particular his church in town. There are two titles I know he cherishes more than any others. That he is father to his three children and husband to his wife katie.
▶ 0:43:34Sen. Cornyn: I'm grateful for his willingness to continue to serve our country in this new capacity and I have no doubt his background and experience and character will serve him well -- him and our nation well in this new title. I've seen firsthand his intelligence, attention to detail, and integrity, and I cannot imagine anyone with better qualifications to serve in the supported position.
▶ 0:44:04Sen. Cornyn: Congratulations and I look forward to supporting your nomination.
▶ 0:44:06Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Now we will move to statements by the nominees. Ms. hildebrand, we will start with you.
▶ 0:44:21Ms. Hildebrand: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, distinguished members of this committee. >> the united states government is complicit -- you have an obligation to the constitution of the united states.
▶ 0:44:39Chair Risch: Off to jail. >> genocide! >> you are all complicit in genocide!
▶ 0:45:03Chair Risch: Officer, do you have somebody filming back there? Do you have somebody filming? Please continue.
▶ 0:45:22Ms. Hildebrand: It is an honor to appear before you as president donald trump's nominee to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to costa rica. I am sincerely grateful to president trump and secretary rubio their trust in me. Thank you senator john cornyn and ted cruz for your kind words , counsel, and encouragement throughout this process. We are fortunate to have you representing texas in the senate.
▶ 0:45:51Ms. Hildebrand: I would like to introduce you to my family. My husband of 36 years, our children brittany and john thomas, and jeffrey who is watching back home in texas. Also joining me are my mother and sister. I want to thank them for their support and confidence. My faith is very important to me and my family. My father was an ordained deacon in the catholic church and was a tremendous inspiration to me. I know he would be proud of my nomination.
▶ 0:46:23Ms. Hildebrand: If confirmed I will be a praying ambassador, specifically praying for the president, for americans who live and work or are visiting costa rica, for the residents of costa rica and for god's grace and guidance as ambassador. Giving back and serving others has long been a priority for me and my family. We traveled to mexico and costa rica and worked alongside property owners to build a home for their families.
▶ 0:46:49Chair Risch: All right. Someone else anxious to go to jail. [indistinct shouting]
▶ 0:47:08Chair Risch: We don't usually have this happen here but it happens. They have set off a noise device. We will take a short break with all of the racket going on in the hall.
▶ 0:47:39Chair Risch: It is distracting. Let's take a short break. Then we will come back in. Visit amongst yourselves.
▶ 0:51:37Chair Risch: Ms. hildebrand, sorry about the eruption. It is what it is. Be glad you are not going where they are going. Carry on.
▶ 0:51:48Ms. Hildebrand: As vice president and now president of the hildebrand foundation we have awarded grants totaling more than $390 million to provide resources for higher education, medical services, parks, supporting those in need, combating addiction issues and victims of sex trafficking in the houston area. I've also had the privilege to serve on the boards of anderson, university of texas at austin, among others.
▶ 0:52:19Ms. Hildebrand: My philanthropy has deepened my appreciation for responsible stewardship and public service. My time of the partnership to end addiction and through prevention programs I've helped create not only reflect my strong passion to address addiction issues but also provide insight into the effects of drugs on our young people. Lastly for 36 years I have served as a volunteer on the international committee of the houston livestock show and rodeo.
▶ 0:52:47Ms. Hildebrand: The committee host visitors from all over the world including many from central and south american countries and provides a forum to promote american businesses and connect with foreign visitors. As a small business owner for 12 years I have a unique perspective with how important they are to our economy and the challenges they face. I believe this experience and being a partner in building multiple larger businesses that employ over 6000 hard-working americans has prepared me to take on this role.
▶ 0:53:16Ms. Hildebrand: If confirmed I am committed to using these experiences and attributes as U.S. ambassador to costa rica to enhance the bilateral relationship to deliver america first win for the american people. If confirmed I pledged to protect the approximately 160,000 U.S. citizens who call costa rica home, including many U.S. retirees and the 1.5 million U.S. citizens who visit costa rica each year. Their safety and well-being will be my highest priority.
▶ 0:53:49Ms. Hildebrand: Costa rica has long been one of the united states most reliable and like-minded partners in the western hemisphere. As a long-standing democracy costa rica serves as a model of stability in a world that faces complex and evolving political challenges including the dismantling of transnational criminal organizations, counter narcotics, cybersecurity and combating illegal immigration.
▶ 0:54:14Ms. Hildebrand: In addition increasing chinese communist party economic portion poses risks for U.S. national security and prosperity. Mr. chairman, members of the committee, this is a great honor. If confirmed I will bring the same energy and commitment are brought my work in business and philanthropy to representing the U.S. in costa rica. I will work with costa rica as our partner to keep americans safe and create prosperity.
▶ 0:54:44Ms. Hildebrand: I also pledged to work tirelessly on behalf of the american people and keep this committee fully informed. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:54:54Chair Risch: Thank you. I think that was an excellent presentation about what an important ally this country is in a region that we do not necessarily have friends everywhere. It is good to have somebody like that. I know you will take care of us there. Let's turn to Mr. bazzi.
▶ 0:55:16Mr. Bazzi: Thank you, senator. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the privilege to appear before you today. I am deeply honored by the trust president trump and senator rubio have placed in me. Today I am here with my wife nadia who has stood by me many years in service serving in the marines. Thank you for her unwavering support.
▶ 0:55:47Mr. Bazzi: I also want to thank the doctor from flying from detroit to support me and also our good friend nadia flew in from detroit. When I arrived in america at age 12 I had no formal education. My journey was not easy but it eventually led me to the united states marine corps where I honorably served for 21 years and where I learned the value of discipline, resilience, and service.
▶ 0:56:17Mr. Bazzi: Today I am deeply grateful for the opportunity america has provided me and my path as a testament to this country. The marine corps it shaped me as an individual and reinforce the idea that with hard work and dedication new challenge is too difficult to overcome.
▶ 0:56:41Mr. Bazzi: From cutting edge innovation at boeing to the legacy of excellence at ford motor company and now as a mayor serving my community with pride and purpose , I have built a life routing and leadership, dedication, and deep commitment to progress. My story is not just my own.
▶ 0:57:00Mr. Bazzi: It is the story of what is possible in america, where perseverance meets opportunity and I have made it my mission to give back in gratitude for all this nation has helped me achieve. President trump and secretary rubio have articulated a clear vision for U.S. foreign policy emphasizing the importance of making america safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
▶ 0:57:29Mr. Bazzi: If confirmed these principles would be the cornerstone of our approach to tunisia. My foremost priority would be ensuring the safety and security of americans living in and also visiting tunisia. This commitment is unwavering. The united states seeks a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with tunisia, one that fosters cooperation and commercial opportunities, eliminates threats, and projects stability in the region.
▶ 0:57:58Mr. Bazzi: I am eager to build on over 200 years of friendship with tunisia to advance our shared interests, including countering terrorism, containing illegal immigration, and forging economic and cultural ties.
▶ 0:58:16Mr. Bazzi: To that end if confirmed I seek a mutually beneficial partnership with tunisia to ensure every dollar united states invests in tunisia yields a significant return on investment and if confirmed I would promote open markets for U.S. companies and products and strengthen the economic linkage between tunisians and americans. I also understand the challenges tunisia faces today.
▶ 0:58:45Mr. Bazzi: If confirmed I commit to engaging tunisians from across the political and economic spectrum to understand their aspirations, their plans for moving their country forward to a greater prosperity and identifying areas where we can work together in our mutual interests. My priority would be the respectful and constructive dialogue with tunisian counterparts to advance U.S. policies.
▶ 0:59:13Mr. Bazzi: Tunisia is a remarkable country I've had the pleasure of visiting multiple times throughout my career as a mayor and also in the private sector. It is a vibrant society and people hold enormous potential. I am excited by the prospect of meeting and working with tunisians from across the government, private sector, and civil society to advance our shared interests. Thank you, Mr.
▶ 0:59:40Mr. Bazzi: Chairman, ranking member, and members of the committee for this opportunity. If confirmed I look forward to leading a team of professionals at our U.S. embassy in tunis and working with congress to make america safer, stronger, and more prosperous. Thank you.
▶ 1:00:01Chair Risch: Thank you. Certainly tunisia is important. They have a robust population that are glad to be activists when necessary so it will be a challenge but I think you're up to it. With that we will turn to Mr. wilcox.
▶ 1:00:19Mr. Wilcox: Good morning chairman risch, ranking member shaheen and all the members of the committee. I am honored to appear before you today seeking your advice and consent regarding my nomination as the assistant secretary of state for diplomatic security. It is worth noting the sacrifices of the spouses and family members who have served our country. I would like to spend a few minutes to recognize some of my family members and address some of the stakeholders at diplomatic security.
▶ 1:00:50Mr. Wilcox: Christine wilcox, my wife of 20 years is the strength and center of gravity of our family. It is her strength that allows me to serve in such a demanding role. Christine, I acknowledge and appreciate the level of sacrifice you will endure as a step up to serve our country once again. All of the sacrifices over the many years, the harrowing and death-defying paths I have taken. You are and always will be the love of my life.
▶ 1:01:20Mr. Wilcox: To my daughters -- excuse me, a bit passionate about my family. My daughters are my pride and joy. Being her father has been the most purposeful part of my life. You've taught me the definition of unconditional love. I am very proud of you have learned from my example, one that is captured in a speech by teddy roosevelt known as the man in the arena.
▶ 1:01:49Mr. Wilcox: It is not the critic that counts, but the real credit belongs to the man or woman it was actually in the arena actively engaged in challenging endeavors, experiencing triumphs and setbacks. All three of you have chosen your own challenging endeavors while avoiding the path of least resistance and for that I cannot be more proud. I would like to thank president trump and secretary rubio for giving me the opportunity to serve our country in such an important role.
▶ 1:02:18Mr. Wilcox: I am honored to be nominated and I'm eager to become a part of this administration's winning team. I will lead with honor and distinction and loyalty and I will not let you down. To the men and women of the bureau of diplomatic security, if confirmed I will be honored to lead such an extraordinary and especially professional cadre of agents, engineers, technical specialists, protective officers and support personnel, not to mention the thousands of contract support personnel.
▶ 1:02:49Mr. Wilcox: I see this as a command position. You will recognize my command philosophy includes leading by example, leading from the front and being technically and tactically proficient. I will hold everyone accountable to high standards of performance including myself and I will except to the responsibilities of anything that happens or fails to happen at our bureau.
▶ 1:03:10Mr. Wilcox: If confirmed I will move quickly to build a high-performance team that will foster a culture that emphasizes mission first, disciplined execution, and a working environment that rewards learning and innovating. Our mission is critical to the execution of american diplomacy by providing embassy security, dignitary protection, and law enforcement investigative support.
▶ 1:03:38Mr. Wilcox: I will ensure the bureau's personnel, resources, and organizational structure are shaped to revolve around these lines of effort. To that end there will likely be changed but you should know my leadership team and I will fully and thoroughly assess every aspect of our operations and infrastructure for making that change. The world is a dangerous place. We are here to defend and serve the department and america against very determined enemies.
▶ 1:04:06Mr. Wilcox: We will certainly face significant challenges and there will be crises. In those moments you should know your lives in your well-being made more to me that my own. I am eager to take command and I look forward to working with all of you. To the committee, in advance I thank you for your candid and professional assessment of my qualifications to fulfill this assignment. I have been asked several times why I am saving this nomination.
▶ 1:04:36Mr. Wilcox: Frankly speaking it is the hardest job I am qualified for. Over the past 35 years of my professional life I've demonstrated the ability to build high-performance teams that can accomplish seemingly impossible missions with limited resources. If confirmed I will bring these qualifications to bear as I lead the team of highly qualified diplomatic security personnel in support of the president's america first foreign policy.
▶ 1:05:03Mr. Wilcox: My motivation to serve to be underscored by the words in the book of isaiah, "here I am, sent me." I urge this committee and the full senate to work diligently to confirm all of the presidents nominees. I look forward to answering your questions and working with all of you and your staff if confirmed.
▶ 1:05:22Chair Risch: Thank you. Everyone on the committee recognizes our people cannot do the job without being secure and every single one of us on the committee has experienced security in our embassies around the world and been impressed with it. I have every confidence you will maintain the kind of security we have seen that is so important to us. Mr. negrea?
▶ 1:05:53Mr. Negrea: Thank you for the opportunity.
▶ 1:06:39Mr. Negrea: Less dramatic than the interruption. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, distinguished members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I am honored to be nominated as the united states representative to the united nations economic consortium council. Please allow me to introduce my wife nikki -- ok.
▶ 1:07:14Mr. Negrea: This works? Much better. I will pass over the first paragraph. I am blessed with a great family. Allow me to introduce my wife nikki, my daughter victoria come and my sons peter and michael. Peter is a lieutenant in the connecticut national guard. Accompanied by our prayers he will leave soon on a one year deployment to the middle east.
▶ 1:07:47Mr. Negrea: Also attendant's family friend -- also attendant is a family friend. In my early 20's I came to this country as a political refugee from communist romania with just $200 to my name. I would be very grateful for the opportunity to serve this great country that accepted me so generously. I would bring to this position relevant business, diplomatic, and research experience.
▶ 1:08:18Mr. Negrea: I worked on wall street for 35 years serving the department of state on economic affairs, and wrote extensively on geostrategic development matters. United nations is at a critical juncture. It must reform to become more effective institution and under president trump and secretary rubio's leadership you and reform is not only possible, it is imperative -- u.n. Reform is not only possible, it is imperative.
▶ 1:08:49Mr. Negrea: 80 years ago the leaders of the united nations set out to solve problems of an economic, social, and humanitarian character. The ambassador is responsible for these matters across the u.n. System, whether in the 54 member economic and social council, the general assembly, or the executive boards of the operational agencies. If confirmed I will use my voice to refocus the organization on its core mission.
▶ 1:09:17Mr. Negrea: I will advance president trump's america first peace through strength foreign policy and I will ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent at united nation makes america stronger, safer, and more prosperous. We know freedom and prosperity go hand in hand. The historical purpose was to foster peace by building socioeconomic ties to complement the peace building efforts of the security council.
▶ 1:09:56Mr. Negrea: Eco-soc was intended to build business. It's trend towards -- has promoted worldviews antithetical towards america's ideals and has drifted towards an obsessive anti-israel bias. If confirmed I will bring common sense and purpose and belief in american exceptionalism back.
▶ 1:10:21Mr. Negrea: Through my leadership I will promote economic opportunity, free-market capitalism, and an unapologetic defense of america's sovereignty. If confirmed I will work to fulfill sec. Rubio's vision to prioritize trade over aid, opportunity over dependency, and investment over assistance.
▶ 1:10:44Mr. Negrea: We can thereby usher in a new era of global partnership, peace, investment and prosperity. We need to elevate the voices of the U.S. private sector at the u.n. And create business opportunities for american companies. Instilling change at the u.n. And advancing american objectives to not come without greater accountability, transparency, and reform within the u.n. System, all of which I pledged to pursue.
▶ 1:11:15Mr. Negrea: We must ensure that authoritarian countries like china do not exploit the u.n. To advance their set technical standards that undermine U.S. businesses. We can do so by forming coalitions of like-minded countries in pursuing leadership roles for americans within the u.n.
▶ 1:11:38Mr. Negrea: We also reject china's claim it is a developing country and is therefore entitled to the eight and benefits the united nations organizations extent to such countries. China has made great progress in its development and has the world's second-largest economy. If confirmed I will advocate for recognizing china as a developed country and for the increase in china's voluntary financial contributions.
▶ 1:12:08Mr. Negrea: Demands for more burden sharing at the u.n. Should not be limited to china. President trump was successful in convincing our nato allies to meet their commitments. If confirmed I will work to move other countries, particularly the richest nations of europe, to pay more for projects around the world. I understand that the united states is reviewing its participation in all international organizations. While the U.S.
▶ 1:12:36Mr. Negrea: Role in the multilateral system may evolve it does not mean the U.S. will disengage. As secretary rubio has stated, america first does not mean america alone. America will continue to be one of the most generous countries in the world when it comes to foreign assistance.
▶ 1:12:57Mr. Negrea: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, distinguished members, representing the united states at the united nations would be the honorable lifetime. I echo the ambassador nominee mike waltz's call to make the united nations great again. Thank you and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 1:13:17Chair Risch: Thank you Mr. negrea. Certainly a challenging job. Mr. barnes?
▶ 1:13:25Mr. Barnes: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, members of the committee, thank you for considering my nomination to be assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor. I want to extend my gratitude to president trump for this nomination. If confirmed it will be an honor and privilege to work for secretary rubio in this capacity. I am also grateful to senator cornyn for his generous introduction.
▶ 1:13:55Mr. Barnes: Texas is home and I am proud to have senator cornyn to represent me in the senate and as a former boss. I would like to next introduce my family. The love and constant help that make it necessary for me to pursue public service. With me is my beautiful wife katie, benjamin, nine, mary margaret. They are all very brave and I am proud of all of them.
▶ 1:14:19Mr. Barnes: I should also note that with katie is also little charlie who is due in november and is named in part after my father who passed away four weeks ago today. Secretary rubio emphasized that we are a nation founded on a powerful principle and that the powerful principle is that all men are created equal because our rights come from god, our creator, not from the laws or the government.
▶ 1:14:48Mr. Barnes: The secretary went on to say that we will always be strong defenders of that principle. That is why the bureau of democracy, human rights, and labor is important. We are all made in the image of god and for -- possessing inherent dignity. A truth that our founders understood as essential to american self-government. I believe our country and government is the best in the world and our strength comes from our enduring values.
▶ 1:15:16Mr. Barnes: It's not an endless list of rights that people create, change, and form to meet their own needs and desires. They are not identity politics. They are the historic natural rights that we as individuals have as individuals, pursuing life, liberty, and happiness in this world.
▶ 1:15:38Mr. Barnes: For the rights to be untethered from the core principle is to make them your sentiments easily manipulated by authoritarians and bad actors. Natural rights are a blessing and immutable reality. Like our founding fathers, the president and secretary rubio understand this sniff confirmed I will work diligently to elevate the inalienable rights and freedoms recognized in our founding documents with a firm foundation for the work of drl.
▶ 1:16:09Mr. Barnes: It's unique in human history and it is our duty to defend those rights for our citizens and champion them for the rest of the world to enjoy. When I started talking to my children about the opportunity, I told him the job of the bureau is to tell the truth and call out countries that violate these rights and expose and punish bad actors whose assault on human dignity threatens the american way of life, a life of freedom.
▶ 1:16:35Mr. Barnes: Part of this job would also require challenging those who censor those values. As the secretary has said, free speech is one of the most cherished rights we enjoy as americans. A right enshrined in our constitution, it sets us apart as a beacon of freedom around the world and it is important that we defend free speech as an essential element of good governance.
▶ 1:16:59Mr. Barnes: Our country is also the strongest defender of religious freedom around the world and championing this component of my job confirmed. Pushing back on the scourge of anti-semitism and strongly encouraging partners to do more to fight it is greatly needed. Combating human trafficking is also vital to protecting our communities and fortifying our national security.
▶ 1:17:25Mr. Barnes: To achieve these goals I'm committed to working with the nominees and the office of religious freedom, combating anti-semitism, and the office to monitor and combat the trafficking of persons. If confirmed I will ensure that drl ensures the interests of american workers on the global stage, fighting for a level playing field and protecting american workers and industry from foreign actors that violate labor laws and undermine national security.
▶ 1:17:54Mr. Barnes: Forced labor and child labor are reprehensible and they threaten american prosperity. The work of the tip office is critical to ensuring that the american economy flourishes. Thank you again for your time this morning. As a former senate staffer I have a deep respect for the institution, the committee, and the important role that you fulfill.
▶ 1:18:19Mr. Barnes: If confirmed I look forward to working closely with this committee on issues of mutual concern and promise to make myself available to committee members and I look forward to your questions. Thank you.
▶ 1:18:31Chair Risch: Thank you. That's another tough job. We will now embark on a round of questions. I will start with myself. Ms. hildebrand, could you take a minute and give us a thumbnail sketch of what the political and socioeconomic state of affairs is on the ground in costa rica?
▶ 1:18:53Chair Risch: And if you would, one of the things that is always escaping me is how costa rica stands out so much differently than the other countries who are our neighbors. Why is that? Maybe you can enlighten us a little bit on that.
▶ 1:19:11Ms. Hildebrand: Thank you for your question, senator. The political state of affairs between the united states and costa rica is strong. They are our strongest trading partner and I look forward to exploring additional opportunities to strengthen those ties. As far as your question as to why costa rica stands out, I look forward to working with you in this committee in exploring those reasons.
▶ 1:19:40Ms. Hildebrand: I know that costa rica serves as an example to central america I hope that other countries will take their lead.
▶ 1:19:56Chair Risch: That's good, and I agree, they should stand out as a beacon but they don't seem to a lot in the other countries don't have nearly the benefits as a result. It will be interesting, as you take your job and see if we cannot bring those others to the same status as costa rica. Let's see.
▶ 1:20:32Chair Risch: Mr. bazzi, same to you, tunisia seems to take their rights seriously, taking to the streets from time to time to express them. What, what, tell us your view of what the status is of the country from a political standpoint, from a geopolitical standpoint, and again, how it differs from its neighbors, algeria, morocco, and other countries in the region.
▶ 1:21:08Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question. From everything I have been reading, tunisia is a vibrant country. The people there are hard workers. Obviously, we heard about the uprising several years ago, the people that took to the streets and just wanted to do better things, wanted a better economy.
▶ 1:21:33Mr. Bazzi: And you know, again, if confirmed, I am going to be on the ground talking to different people from that government and from different organizations to see what we can do as americans to help with their, with their prosperity, trying to uplift their economy.
▶ 1:21:55Mr. Bazzi: With the help of the committee, I am willing to take any recommendations from the committee to, too, to have the better tools to help the people of tunisia as well.
▶ 1:22:16Chair Risch: They have been relatively stable, the president there enjoyed popularity for a time, but that seems to be waning. We have had recent demonstrations in the streets there in tunisia, people unhappy with the government. They are always unhappy with the government, I understand that, but it seems like, it seems like it has fired up a bit there. Can you shed a light on that for us today?
▶ 1:22:53Mr. Bazzi: I like to be boots on the ground to see what the key issues are. Just finding out what some of the concerns are. Working with the government counterparts in tunisia to see what we can do to work together and just to see what concerns I can bring up here to the committee to see what we can do to help the people of tunisia.
▶ 1:23:22Chair Risch: I appreciate that and that's fair, you haven't been there on the ground. With that I will yield to my distinguished colleagues.
▶ 1:23:30Sen. Shaheen: Mr. wilcox, I will start with you. I agree, the head of diplomatic security is one of the most challenging jobs in the state department and without security and safety for our diplomats, we cannot get anything else done. I had a very personal experience with that just over august when I visited syria and saw how many security personnel were required to come and ensure that we were safe during our time in syria.
▶ 1:24:04Sen. Shaheen: Now, this administration has tasked hundreds of diplomatic security agents -- [phone ringing] is the president calling?
▶ 1:24:17Chair Risch: Not this time. [laughter]
▶ 1:24:20Sen. Shaheen: Hundreds of diplomatic security agents tasked with rolls beyond the scope of the state department. For example, id federal law enforcement efforts in D.C. if confirmed, how will you balance the core responsibilities of the bureau, like protecting americans overseas, with other requests from the administration?
▶ 1:24:44Mr. Wilcox: Thank you for the question. My first priority is going to be to assess the personnel, resources, infrastructure, and organizational alignment against those priorities that we have an diplomatic security, embassy operation and security operations overseas. As well as dignitary protection and the full gamut of law enforcement investigations. As you know, our primary effort is passport and visa.
▶ 1:25:12Mr. Wilcox: As you alluded to, this hasn't been confirmed details on the number and the personnel, but personnel have been assigned to the D.C. task force. My understanding is that it is 28 to 30 personnel on the ground and additionally, as you know, in february the dhs secretary deputized ds, along with the fbi, doj, texas national guard, bureau of prisons, marshals,
▶ 1:25:42Mr. Wilcox: With title eight authority. Given the large gamut of requirements that we have, I am confident that the professionalism in the training of those special agents is enough to handle these missing means -- missions. We have 531 special agents here in the united states and my understanding is that they are adequately trained and resourced to handle these new missions here in D.C. and in supporting the dhs title 840.
▶ 1:26:12Mr. Wilcox: If confirmed, I will dig into this operational requirement. I am very sensitive to mission creep, having come from the military and spent time in the cia, I understand we cannot do more with less. I will assess the resources at my disposal to make sure they are allocated against the highest priorities. If we cannot do everything, I will be candid with my chain of command to articulate the trade-offs.
▶ 1:26:40Sen. Shaheen: I appreciate that. I think you will find that the resources of the diplomatic security office have been stretched thin in recent years. It isn't just a function of this administration, it has happened over years and I understand that 600 agents have been deputized to the department of homeland security for immigration enforcement, so that's a lot from a bureau that is not that big. So, I hope you will look closely at this.
▶ 1:27:10Sen. Shaheen: If there are concerns, I hope you will raise those concerns, even if they aren't consistent with what you are being told by the white house about what the needs are.
▶ 1:27:24Mr. Wilcox: My obligation to the workforce in the chain of command is to be professionally candid about the give and take of any mission set we are assigned.
▶ 1:27:33Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. Mr. bazzi, I understand that you went to tunisia in 2019 is part of an exchange program for public servants and it is that program that helped encourage you to think about this post the you have been nominated for. Can you talk a little bit about why you found that experience valuable?
▶ 1:27:58Sen. Shaheen: And how you will advocate for american students and professionals who should also have these kinds of opportunities in the future?
▶ 1:28:06Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question. I also want to thank your staff. I visited with them, they were professional and I commend them for asking a lot of great questions as well. So, my trip to tunisia, I have been there multiple times, but the one time that I met with the state department, it was the most eye-opening, with some of those things that I got a chance to experience.
▶ 1:28:34Mr. Bazzi: You know, just being in the military, I always liked to be boots on the ground, talk at the different people. When someone takes you on the tour and the person goes away from the tour, they want to engage people. I got a chance to do a lot of that in tunisia in 2019, under the state department program. I didn't just speak to elected officials, I spoke to constituents. I went to an orphanage.
▶ 1:29:06Mr. Bazzi: I went to schools and universities, also. It seems that there were just people trying to do the best they can to get an education. They wanted to get good jobs. They wanted their economy to be better. Just like any country I have been to. That's one of the fascinating things about the people of tunisia. They are resilient and they are hard workers and they just want to do great things.
▶ 1:29:41Sen. Shaheen: I think that that program is important in encouraging people into thinking about why what's happening in other countries is important to the united states. I'm disappointed that it is one of those on the chopping block, so I hope you will advocate to ensuring the funding continues. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:30:03Chair Risch: Senator ricketts?
▶ 1:30:07Senator Ricketts: Thank you to all of your nominees for stepping up to serve this great nation and for those serving under sees -- overseas, it's a big sacrifice to spend time away from your friends and family and I can tell you, having been a governor, diplomatic staff overseas does a fantastic job. Thank you for your willingness to do that. Mr. barnes, in your opening remarks you talked about forced labor.
▶ 1:30:36Senator Ricketts: Communist china has massed attention and surveillance of uighurs, making she and john a global symbol of human labor abuses. That is why the congress passed the forced labor prevention act. A recent article from the bureau of investigative journalism in the new york times revealed that beijing is now sidestepping that law.
▶ 1:31:01Senator Ricketts: Communist china is now transferring tens of thousands of uighurs out to factories across china. The state run labor transfers make it far more difficult for customs officials and supply chain auditors to detect these abuses. That is why in june I let a bipartisan letter with my colleagues urging stronger U.S. action to counter the invasion by the prc.
▶ 1:31:27Senator Ricketts: The bigger issue before us today is how the united states will use their tools to hold these perpetrators accountable. The bureau of democracy, human rights, and labor must be at the forefront of this fight. Mr. barnes, these labor transfer programs are deliberately designed to conceal forced labor from the outside world. What role should the dri -- sorry, drl play in documenting and exposing the extent of these abuses across china?
▶ 1:32:00Senator Ricketts: Thank you for the question --
▶ 1:32:03Mr. Barnes: Thank you for the question, senator. I'm not sitting in drl currently in my capacity at the state department, but I'm almost positive that there are several people in the bureau right now focusing on the issue and tracking that report that you just referenced.
▶ 1:32:20Mr. Barnes: You are right, as soon and you take action and have accountability measures for these times of things, china will bob, weave, and maneuver to circumvent and get around and I do think that drl is well positioned to close those loopholes with our partners on that and to really bring justice to those in she and john who are being trafficked and let out.
▶ 1:32:47Sen. Ricketts: Do you commit to taking this up if you are confirmed and then reporting back to us about the progress we are making in trying to stop this invasion that china is doing?
▶ 1:32:59Mr. Barnes: I'm happy to work with you and the committee on this.
▶ 1:33:03Sen. Ricketts: The european union has also enacted similar laws. If confirmed, how do you work with international partners to align the strategy and implement the presence of the drl in beijing.
▶ 1:33:17Mr. Barnes: A good question. Part of any strategy and it comes to getting after a supply chain, it will require the international community, right? We can do a good job with american companies and with the issue in the states, but when we say we need help, I think that secretary rubio said that america first doesn't mean america alone, so we are eager to engage on this issue.
▶ 1:33:44Sen. Ricketts: Costa rica has long been known for stability and democracy, we talked about that already. But today the reputation is under sees as they have become one of the tri-merrick primary shipment points for cocaine headed to the united states and europe. Local gangs are enforcers for cartels in the summer costa rica nationals were sanctioned for being tied to narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
▶ 1:34:11Sen. Ricketts: Chavez took significant steps, including constitutional reform to allow extradition of costa rica nationals. But the cartels are moving faster and fentanyl is seeping into the country, threatening to transform costa rica into a hub for synthetic drugs. As ambassador, miss hildebrandt, you will be on the front lines of this fight, protecting democracy and americans from the scourge of cocaine and fentanyl.
▶ 1:34:39Sen. Ricketts: If confirmed, what specific steps will you take to strengthen the U.S. costa rica and cooperation to disrupt these networks?
▶ 1:34:48Ms. Hildebrand: Senator, thank you for your question. Costa rica is a strong partner in the fight against drug trafficking in the region and I understand the embassy works closely with the national border police and costa rica to counter these efforts. If confirmed, I will continue that strong partnership with costa rica to counter drug trafficking.
▶ 1:35:10Sen. Ricketts: Thank. Mr. chairman?
▶ 1:35:13Chair Risch: Senator murphy?
▶ 1:35:16Senator Murphy: Thank you for being here. I read and I listened to your testimony and agreed with much of it, especially your focus on telling the truth about the defense of natural rights. Across the world. I guess I am having trouble squaring your testimony with the current reality, because we have seen a pretty unprecedented assault on democracy promotion from this state department.
▶ 1:35:44Senator Murphy: As you know, 389 of the drl's 391 promotional grants for democracy have been canceled. I guess I want to understand how you are going to make good on the promises you are making to this committee given the restrictions that exist on you.
▶ 1:36:04Senator Murphy: Another example, secretary rubio issued a memorandum this summer that says the state department should avoid opining on the fairness or integrity of the electoral process in simply congratulate the winning candidate.
▶ 1:36:21Senator Murphy: How can you tell the truth about an election that is rigged or patently unfair if you have essentially a gag order placed on you by the secretary telling you to provide no opinion and not tell the truth, even though you know that an election overseas isn't a fair or level election?
▶ 1:36:44Mr. Barnes: Thank you for the question. On the, on the, on the making statements about elections, the idea that you are putting something forward publicly and that that guidance, I received that guidance and was on a part of drafting the guidance and I saw it when it came out like you did. Public statements put out on that, I don't think it limits us to raising private concerns.
▶ 1:37:12Mr. Barnes: Another thing the secretary said is that he espouses what he calls a mature foreign policy, where whether it is an ally or adversary, we have to be able to raise issues with them.
▶ 1:37:24Sen. Murphy: When you say that telling the truth is important, you mean that to be in private behind closed doors, you don't believe that telling the truth of a foreign country's democracy or elections needs to be set out loud?
▶ 1:37:40Mr. Barnes: I think it is always important to tell the truth. We have a lot of reporting underscoring those issues. We have listened to many civil society groups on these topics. We discuss them, certainly, internally, and I think we raise the issues privately and publicly when it serves our interests.
▶ 1:38:01Sen. Murphy: Is the freedom of assembly and natural right?
▶ 1:38:05Mr. Barnes: I think I would include that.
▶ 1:38:08Sen. Murphy: Can you explain why it has been removed from state department human rights reports? It is no longer listed as a right that this administration protects and advances globally?
▶ 1:38:21Mr. Barnes: I've not been in there for months now, but I understand the rationale, and I don't know the exact rationale for freedom of assembly, but I know that some sessions were cut that didn't adhere directly to the request and statute. I know that the secretary had a vision for the reports being shorter, being more readable, digestible, and reports that tact as close to statute as possible.
▶ 1:38:50Sen. Murphy: I just don't know how you're going to follow through on these commitments. We are not funding organizations or groups that help us tell the truth anymore. We have cut all but two grants and effectively you have a gag order placed on you, as you admitted in front of this committee, you can only raise private concerns over the health of a democracy, you can no longer raise those concerns publicly.
▶ 1:39:15Sen. Murphy: This is a watershed moment for the country and if we effectively sees publicly advocating for democracy and the freedom of assembly abroad, I want to ask you about how this new direction from the state department might impact your work, Sen. shaheen: -- Mr. bazzi.
▶ 1:39:38Sen. Murphy: We had hoped that they would be reformers there, not desperate's , but there was recently in order of arrest for one of my constituents on charges of terrorism. The charge, essentially, is that my constituent sent a report on human rights abuses to the state department and now if he returns to tunisia, he will be locked up. Do you believe that under the current guidance issued to you by secretary rubio that you have the ability to speak up for this particular constituent?
▶ 1:40:08Sen. Murphy: I know we have raised this with you in private meetings. Do you believe you are limited as an ambassador in the ways you can speak up against the targeting of human rights defenders, particularly american citizens inside of and outside of tunisia?
▶ 1:40:27Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question, senator. I met with your staff yesterday and had a great conversation, so thank you for that. One of the things in my statement also said that somebody might, if they had emigrated to the united states, if it was someone who grew up in a bad area during a war, you've always got to protect.
▶ 1:40:52Mr. Bazzi: I wasn't american at the time, but even in the military it's one of the biggest things you have to safeguard, americans abroad. That's one of my missions, making sure that our americans are safeguarded in tunisia, either they are visiting, working, or living abroad.
▶ 1:41:12Mr. Bazzi: If there are issues or concerns about any americans being arrested or detained on any charge, I would confirm with our administration and government counterparts to see what the issues and concerns are for, for , for the issues they have with the individual.
▶ 1:41:43Mr. Bazzi: Relating adhere to the U.S. administration to see what we can do to get that person out.
▶ 1:41:49Sen. Murphy: I understand that your first responsibility is to protect american safety but I do think it is important for you to speak up on the rights of tunisians and asian americans when it comes to criticisms of their government. Thank you.
▶ 1:42:10Senator King: I was struck by your opening comments, Mr. barnes, I wanted to get a copy to make sure I quoted them correctly. This was a state from secretary rubio, our rights come from god, our creator, not the laws or the government. I find that very troubling. I'm a devout person. I'm a missionary in honduras. We have other developed folks in this industry. Christian, jewish, muslim.
▶ 1:42:40Senator King: The notion that rights don't come from laws or the government but come from the creator, that's with the iranian government believes. It's a theocratic regime that bases its rule on shield law and targets sunnis, jews, christians, and other religions and they do it because they believe they understand what natural rights are from their creator. So, the statement that our rights do not come from our laws or our governments is extremely troubling.
▶ 1:43:11Senator King: I think that the motto over the supreme court is equal justice under the law. We took an oath to not arbitrarily defined natural rights. I am a strong believer in natural rights, but I have a feeling if we debated natural rights in the room and put people around the table with different religious traditions that would be some significant differences in the definitions.
▶ 1:43:38Senator King: You go on to say that I believe that our country and our government is the best in the world and our strength comes from our enduring values, I believe that. Then you say -- and you get to choose what to say in your opening testimony -- that these values are not an endless list of "rights," demeaning this notion of rights, that people create change to meet their own needs and desires.
▶ 1:44:04Senator King: These values are not identity politics, they are the historic natural rights we have as individuals pursuing life, liberty, and happiness in the world. The state department human rights report just struck out all references to the rights of lgbtq people in certain countries. Do they have a right to liberty? Do they have a right to life? Do they have a right to happiness?
▶ 1:44:30Senator King: Senator murphy pointed out that the human rights report took out information about freedom of association and expression. About expectation of children. About prison additions. These were all a part of the human rights reports we've done for years. I think that these are things that are connected to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness and they have all been removed from the state department human rights report.
▶ 1:44:55Senator King: The notion of we wanted to make it shorter and more readable just doesn't pass the laugh test with me and many others on this committee. I'm not really going to ask you about your testimony, I believe you offered that in a sincere way and I don't want to try to change your opinion on something you sincerely believe, but the notion that our rights don't come from our laws or our government should make people very, very nervous.
▶ 1:45:20Senator King: People of any religious tradition, or none, are entitled to the equal protection of the law. It shouldn't matter what their religious background is, what they think about god, their creator, or what their church affiliation is. In this country every person is entitled to the equal protection of the laws.
▶ 1:45:44Senator King: So, to demean laws and governments and suggest that rights don't come from laws and governments, again, I think there are such a thing as natural rights and I try to live in accordance, but I would never demean the law. We are a nation of laws, not men . Laws, not people.
▶ 1:46:03Senator King: If we now after 250 years suddenly start to demean or diminish that and suggest that it's natural rights as defined by a leader, the leader of iran, the leader of any nation, that does not create a place of safety or comfort for folks. Mr. wilcox, I wanted to just now move to you quickly. Important position. It might be the largest group of employees in the state department in virginia.
▶ 1:46:33Senator King: We have cared deeply about it, those who guard the embassies in quantico, southern virginia, training the state department personnel to keep themselves and their families safe. I am worried about the effect of the massive rifts in the state department on this security mission. Can you tell me how you would try to make sure that your division has the resources needed to get the job done?
▶ 1:46:57Mr. Negrea: Could you repeat
▶ 1:46:59That -- Mr. Wilcox: Could you repeat that?
▶ 1:47:02Sen. Kaine: I'm worried about the rifts in the mission on department of state. How would you make sure we have the resources needed to make sure that security is job one?
▶ 1:47:14Mr. Wilcox: Appreciate the question. Diplomatic security wasn't as impacted as other bureaus. We are the largest one by budget and personnel. It is my understanding that only two special agents were riffed and they were not in special positions at the time. We had other security engineers and a few others in the labor categories who were involuntarily riffed.
▶ 1:47:45Mr. Wilcox: I will be doing a full assessment of the infrastructure I have to accomplish our three primary lines of effort, embassy operations, dignitary investigation and law enforcement. There is impact anytime you conduct one and we lost 1300 people on the 13th of july.
▶ 1:48:02Mr. Wilcox: There is no doubt that that impacts morale and morale is probably more important to see in any other component in a paramilitary organization in the should be no mistake that diplomatic security is embedded within law enforcement and is paramilitary. Morale is first and foremost in my thoughts. I think that my candor, my style of leadership, clearly articulating my expectations and standards for personnel will help that.
▶ 1:48:29Mr. Wilcox: There are a lot of other things we can do in terms of the allocation of personnel to make sure they are right sized against the mission sets, but it will be a key focus of mine and I will be focusing keenly on the impact and I will be candid with the chain of command what I understand the impact to be.
▶ 1:48:45Sen. Kaine: Thank you very much. >> Mr. chairman, may I respond briefly, if you don't mind?
▶ 1:48:52Chair Risch: Briefly. >> thank you for my comments. My daughter was born in your state, I was educated in your state. My fourth child will be born there lord willing in november, I'm grateful for the state of virginia and her leadership of it. I want to clarify something, when secretary rubio made the comment that you referenced, when I make it in my prepared statement as well, I am certainly speaking of my faith, but also hearkening to the declaration of independence, right?
▶ 1:49:24Chair Risch: Endowed with inalienable rights. That is what is in this desire, this kind of driving back.
▶ 1:49:30Sen. Kaine: How do you square that with removing all the lgbtq references?
▶ 1:49:34Mr. Barnes: I wanted to talk about, and I mentioned it to senator murphy, the idea of tacking closer to statute in the human rights reports. I did just want to note that I served for years with ambassador brownback at the religious freedom office.
▶ 1:49:52Mr. Barnes: I have an incredible respect for other faiths, people who have no faith, and believe that you champion those rights into newer remarks come up which I agree with, all our certainly equal under the law, but these rights inherent in human dignity predate the law, I think that's what we are getting at when we talk about endowed by the creator. Thank you for your comments, I wanted to clarify that.
▶ 1:50:18Chair Risch: Thank you, appreciate that. Senator barrasso? Congratulations to each of you, I look forward to your serving. For the last 20 years, wyoming and tunisia have shared a strong connection, and 2002 the wyoming national guard partnered with the tunisian military as part of the dod national guard state partnership program.
▶ 1:50:45Chair Risch: I have been there and worked with the guards closely in the military partnership is a valuable opportunity for troops to use their skills in the field under real-world. I want to visit with you, the rest of you, take a break. I'm really proud of your incredible work there.
▶ 1:51:05Chair Risch: They have trained personnel in finding and clearing various kinds of minds and explosive materials, building classrooms, constructing culverts, carried out engineering projects, worked closely together. How do you feel the partnership between tunisia and the wyoming national guard or any state national guard can contribute to strengthening the bilateral relationship in the areas of military cooperation and professional development?
▶ 1:51:32Mr. Barnes: Thank you for the --
▶ 1:51:35Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question. I met one of your staff about a month ago. They were very helpful. They offered, you know, to help if confirmed with some of the things they can help me with. One of the things was I had been reading and talking to various people about the wyoming national guard partnership and I started to do homework myself to see that, if confirmed, I would
▶ 1:52:06Mr. Bazzi: Love to visit wyoming and the national guard. I was speaking to the michigan national guard and others that I know and I guess they have a great relationship with your national guard, michigan and wyoming. One of them also offered a visit with me to wyoming just to be able to get a chance to meet the staff that, if confirmed, I would be working with.
▶ 1:52:39Mr. Bazzi: With my military experience, I want to get a better idea rather than see what kind of training we are engaged in with these tunisian programs on counterterrorism. There's the issue of fighters coming back into tunisia and from other countries, where they have fighters coming in, terrorism, the risk of terrorism coming in from two countries that border tunisia.
▶ 1:53:06Mr. Bazzi: I'm very curious and very optimistic about the meeting with the wyoming national guard to see what we can do to work together to put training and work with the committee to see what we can do to make sure that areas stay stable and safe.
▶ 1:53:31Sen. Barrasso: I agree with you in terms of the risk of terrorism, when you look at the location and what is so nearby. How would you describe militaries with fear -- field artillery and that current state of U.S. tunisian relationships today?
▶ 1:53:48Mr. Bazzi: Since from what I know from being a private citizen, senator, thank you for the question, I read a lot of great things about what the wyoming national guard is doing with training the tunisian military.
▶ 1:54:05Mr. Bazzi: I have read a lot of things about the tunisian military doing a great job with their counterterrorism with the help of the wyoming national guard, which is why am eager, if confirmed, to get boots on the ground and work with the national guard and the tunisian military. >> last year the university of wyoming signed memorandums of understanding with four tunisian universities.
▶ 1:54:37Mr. Bazzi: How do these academic groups, this relationship, how does that help to strengthen the relationship nations?
▶ 1:54:46Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question, senator. I read the same thing about the different universities and that they have a great partnership. It is critical to have that partnership also.
▶ 1:55:04Mr. Bazzi: I am also looking forward to, if confirmed, to go to some of the universities in wyoming and see what kind of partnerships we can , to see what we can do, especially if confirmed as a U.S. ambassador.
▶ 1:55:17Sen. Barrasso: Congratulations to all. Mr. chairman, thank you.
▶ 1:55:22Chair Risch: I understand you yielded to senator cruz on a temporary basis? [inaudible] we do. Thank you. Senator cruz?
▶ 1:55:36Senator Cruz: I appreciate it, senator rosen. Ms. hildebrand, last week I traveled to el salvador, panama, and mexico to tour facilities critical to national security. The chinese encroachment across the region is extensive, dangerous, and must be acknowledged. A bipartisan failure that stretches back decades. Undoubtedly, biden was a disaster.
▶ 1:56:03Senator Cruz: I sat down with the new president there and he described how the biden officials pushed governments across central and south america towards the chinese communist party. I traveled around the panama canal and saw the vast infrastructure projects the chinese were building to seize control of the waterway. As you said in your prepared testimony, the challenge in costa rica is acute.
▶ 1:56:33Senator Cruz: They maintain the longest standing diplomatic relationships with china going back to 2007. The ccp has poured billions into costa rica. Nevertheless, costa rica remains a critical american ally. They play an instrumental role in rebuilding the american alliance system across the hemisphere. There is enormous frustration with coercion across costa rica.
▶ 1:56:59Senator Cruz: What policies in your judgment can we pursue to help our costa rica and allies resist chinese pressure?
▶ 1:57:11Ms. Hildebrand: Chinese expansion into the western hemisphere is a threat to national security and prosperity and we cannot allow the ccp to control our critical supply chains. Maintaining ties with the U.S. and costa rica is essential. If confirmed, I will work with public and private sectors to counter the ccp influence and support their use of trusted vendors, especially when it comes to implementing 5g technology.
▶ 1:57:43Sen. Cruz: Tell us about how your background has equipped you for this role.
▶ 1:57:49Ms. Hildebrand: Thank you for the question. I think that my service on boards, in philanthropy, as a small business owner and being a partner in building multiple large businesses equips me for the role and if confirmed I hope I take my interest in education and prevention programs for high-risk behaviors and the support we have lended to organizations that assist those who have been trafficked, I hope
▶ 1:58:19Ms. Hildebrand: To make a difference in those areas at a much higher level if I am confirmed to be the ambassador to costa rica.
▶ 1:58:31Sen. Cruz: Thank you. Mr. barnes, I would like to go back to the exchange you had with senator kaine, who I wish was still here. Senator kaine and I were elected together 13 years ago. He is a friend. I would encourage observers to go back and listen to what he said, because I have to say, it I think was disturbing. It showed much of where today's democratic party has gone wrong.
▶ 1:58:58Sen. Cruz: Senator kaine said in this hearing that he found it a radical and dangerous notion that you would say our rights came from god and not from government. I just walked into the hearing as he said that and I almost fell out of my chair. Because that radical and dangerous notion, his words, is literally the founding principle upon which the united states of america was created.
▶ 1:59:29Sen. Cruz: If you do not believe me, and you made reference to this, Mr. barnes, you can believe perhaps the most prominent virginian to ever serve, thomas jefferson, who wrote in the declaration of independence that we hold these truths to be self-evident. All men are created equal and endowed by their creator.
▶ 2:00:01Sen. Cruz: Not by government. Not by the dnc. By god, it's with certain inalienable rights. Among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happyness. It is stunning to me that the principle that god has given us natural rights is deemed by democrats some radical and dangerous notion. Mr. jefferson was right when he wrote those words.
▶ 2:00:31Sen. Cruz: Government exists to protect those rights. Slavery was not ok when U.S. law allowed it. It was wrong then, it's wrong now, it's always wrong. I, I guess I would ask you, your role is going to be very much a role designed to defend human rights across the globe.
▶ 2:01:01Sen. Cruz: Do you agree with what I just said and what do you think about the concept that the founding principles of america are radical and dangerous, what do you think of that notion?
▶ 2:01:10Mr. Barnes: I appreciate the question. I will just say, I think that the, one of the ideas behind, we have a new office of natural rights post the reorganization and one of the ideas behind it is that you have the most consensus behind these natural rights than the kind of, you know, hot button issues of the day.
▶ 2:01:36Mr. Barnes: So, we should champion those, as mentioned, they are all created issue it -- equal in we agree with that. As endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights. Thank you.
▶ 2:01:51Chair Risch: Thank you. Senator rosen?
▶ 2:01:55Senator Rosen: Thank you, chairman. Ranking member, I appreciate it. I can see your family smiling behind you, I appreciate your willingness to serve, thank you for being with us. I'm going to build on what senator barrasso talked about with his comments on tunisia. It's really important that we counter the violent extremism there. I was in morocco a few years ago .
▶ 2:02:21Senator Rosen: I have been in the region and we know that there is a lot of extremism going on, as you alluded to. Over the past decade factors like inadequate social services in limited opportunities have been drawing tunisians to violence and extremism in the middle east and beyond. Reports indicate that the number of young tunisians who joined isis was the highest of all arabs and muslim nationalities.
▶ 2:02:46Senator Rosen: The highest was among the young people from tunisia, get this administration terminated critical programs that counter violent extremism in tunisia, including a $60 million investment to improve youth access to opportunities for civic engagement and economic empowerment so that they don't join a group like isis.
▶ 2:03:09Senator Rosen: These types of violent programs, they target these root causes of extremism and prevent the vulnerable populations from being recruited to terrorist organizations. We know this to be fundamental. Given your military experience and other life experiences, you have seen firsthand the consequences of extremism.
▶ 2:03:30Senator Rosen: Do you agree that these programs are critical to combating extremism in places like tunisia and other places around the world and if confirmed, would you advocate for programs like the one I just mentioned?
▶ 2:03:44Mr. Bazzi: Thank you for the question. With my military experience I have seen what extremism and terrorism can do to any country. It just destroys its fabric. Especially for us in the united states. Have to go back and work extra hard to change things. If confirmed, I want to be on the ground working with the government counterparts to see what the issues are and what the concerns are.
▶ 2:04:16Mr. Bazzi: I am a hands-on person. I want to sit and talk to a lot of people in the civil society. The youth, the colleges. I want to visit every place I can get a chance to visit to see what the issues and concerns are and I can relate that to our administration to see what is needed in tunisia.
▶ 2:04:37Sen. Rosen: It's easy to know that that's for people to take care of their family will turn to those with obviously terrorist or unsavory, unsavory thoughts and unsavory actions that they want to do, as we see. When people are desperate they turn out of desperation to take care of themselves and this is one of the factors that causes those young men and women to join isis. Thank you, I look forward to working with you on that.
▶ 2:05:10Sen. Rosen: Turning to Mr. barnes and talking about labor protections, it's no secret that the state has increasingly focused their attention on advancing the economic interests of U.S. businesses abroad, something that on face value would enjoy bipartisan support.
▶ 2:05:25Sen. Rosen: It is equally important that pushing for stronger protections and practices overseas, I want businesses to thrive and we are talking about their values that are in. Dachshund out and we are a nation of laws. We can be endowed by a creator and still be a nation of laws and we do have separation of church and state because people do have different opinions. That's not the question I'm asking you.
▶ 2:05:55Sen. Rosen: I want businesses to thrive, but we cannot compromise our values. The values that you believe are endowed by our creator. The values of dignity, safety, life, liberty, the pursuit of happyness. How do we allow businesses to thrive without compromising your values? Mr. barnes, we cannot turn the other way if unacceptable labor practices are staring us in the face.
▶ 2:06:22Sen. Rosen: If confirmed, how would you balance these interests while safeguarding the rights of some of the most vulnerable populations around the globe often making up these workforces in low and middle income countries?
▶ 2:06:36Mr. Barnes: Thank you for your question and your interest in that topic. Our label -- labor office, though I'm not currently serving in drl, it is a big focus of theirs and I think it is because that office really is at the intersection of economic interests and human rights interests.
▶ 2:06:56Mr. Barnes: If other countries and governments are coming up and bringing up their labor regulations and labor laws to protect the people working there, that is good for american businesses and companies who have, typically, are setting the gold standard for labor issues. So, it is in part hearing from industry, in part having these conversations with partnered governments around the world in raising these concerns.
▶ 2:07:26Mr. Barnes: As I mentioned with senator ricketts, talking to other like-minded countries who could exert influence or have these conversations with other countries as well.
▶ 2:07:35Sen. Rosen: Thank you.
▶ 2:07:37Chair Risch: The hour is getting late but without getting too far into the weeds, Mr. wilcox, coming back to you briefly, an issue important to senator shaheen and I and for america, really, is the two countries trying to get their feet under them. One of them is syria, the other one is lebanon. He countries in the middle east of that are going through some real changes right now.
▶ 2:08:03Chair Risch: We have issues regarding what's going on in both countries. Lebanon is a couple of years behind and need some work there. The people of syria really want an open embassy there. Again, we are struggling there to get our feet under us. It is important that we get both of those up and running.
▶ 2:08:30Chair Risch: It is really important that we fly the flag in each and every country, no question about it, and those embassies play a critical role. Obviously in your position in both of those, security is a real issue. Help me out, where are we, what can you tell me about where we are in both? I have spoken to secretary rubio and tom barrick about it. What say you?
▶ 2:08:58Mr. Barnes: I appreciate -- Mr.
▶ 2:09:03Wilcox: I appreciate the question and senator shaheen, I look forward to understanding your experiences on the ground and I understand some of our personnel were there and I look forward to your feedback on that trip. Return to embassy operations will be critical in syria, lebanon, as it gets stood back up. Libya as well.
▶ 2:09:27Wilcox: I think that the work that this committee has done and the bipartisan work you've done on the embassy in a boxed legislation will give us the capability to execute smart risk management on the ground. I know that that is something that will fall to me when it comes to making recommendations on what that structure looks like. As I understand it, and I have been brief, we are currently accompanying ambassador barrick on the ground in and out of syria.
▶ 2:09:56Wilcox: We have limited capabilities to engage with the fledgling government in syria now. I cannot speak authoritatively as to what that structure will look like or what the costs will be, but it will be significant as we return's in syria. Obviously there is an increased threat to personnel on the ground and we will have to take that threat seriously.
▶ 2:10:21Wilcox: There will be a thorough assessment of what the threats look like and we will take every action to mitigate those and come back to congress for more funding in the fy. I can only tell you that I know we are engaged currently and making trips that are ongoing as need be, driven by the chief of mission in his threat assessment recommendations.
▶ 2:10:47As You Know -- Chair Risch: As you know, isis remains a threat because the government is fledgling and doesn't have the capacity to completely deal with isis as it should. So, that will be a challenge for you. I am glad to hear that that is on your radar and look forward to how you move forward.
▶ 2:11:13Mr. Wilcox: And I should point out that we have special relationships there with centcom and liaison partners with officers working hand-in-hand in the operations center.
▶ 2:11:27Chair Risch: That security there will certainly be enhanced compared to a lot of countries, even in that region. We appreciate your working there.
▶ 2:11:36Sen. Shaheen: Let me just second the comments about syria. It's not only in the U.S. interest, but it is in the regional interests to have a stable syria. I think that if we can get the caesar sanctions lifted, and I applaud trump for coming out in support of doing that, it will help as it encourages commerce in the free flow of people and material going in and out of the country.
▶ 2:12:04Sen. Shaheen: I am hopeful congress can get that done this fall. So, I want to go to you, Mr. negrea. We don't want you to get through the hearing without having to answer any questions. I am concerned about the review of the united states involvement in and -- in international organizations. I fear that refusing to pay our dues at the u.n.
▶ 2:12:31Sen. Shaheen: And other organizations and withdrawing is really going to hamstring our ability to counter the p.r.c.. As you know, the prc is increasingly using its position to block legitimate ngos and human rights defenders from accessing u.n.
▶ 2:12:48Sen. Shaheen: Facilities and at the same time it is deploying government organized ngos that they have chosen that reshaped the narrative on china's human rights abuses and intimidate those who speak out. Can you talk a bit about how you envision addressing that kind of p.r.c. Influence at an organization like that?
▶ 2:13:15Mr. Negrea: Thank you for your question and for not letting me go through without any question whatsoever. It would be buying a priority number one to address the threat that china represents to U.S. interests at the u.n.. China is our most significant adversary, probably the most dangerous adversary the united states has ever had in its history, in so many domains.
▶ 2:13:45Mr. Negrea: In diplomacy. In the field of ideas. In the field of a military contest. And also on economic matters. All of these aspects are reflected at the united nations. The united nations is unique in providing a platform where we can present our vision of development for the countries around the world. 120 of the 190 countries around the world are developing countries.
▶ 2:14:13Mr. Negrea: China is presenting its vision for development, and a ferret -- authoritarian development. We want and we will present our vision, which is based on freedom. Countries should want to have freedom inspired reforms in their countries. To create an enabling environment in which the private sector of the united states will come to do business.
▶ 2:14:43Mr. Negrea: This is a mutually beneficial relationship where the united states benefits from jobs and wealth for doing business in the countries, where they the developing countries themselves will benefit.
▶ 2:15:00Sen. Shaheen: Sorry to interrupt you, I understand that philosophy and I agree with much of it, but if we are not at the table, if the U.S. isn't represented by international organizations, how can we advocate for that philosophy and for what we need to do? That's the question I'm asking you, given the review of whether we should participate.
▶ 2:15:27Sen. Shaheen: How do you make the argument to those countries who see china there, who see an increased presence from china, who see the U.S. withdrawing, we are still there and still interested in what they are doing and want to support the efforts in those developing countries?
▶ 2:15:46Mr. Negrea: Thank you for the question. Following executive order 14199, we withdrew from a number of international organizations and are reviewing our involvement in others and, I expect a result of that review anytime soon. The organizations from which we withdrew, we were well justified to do so. For example, unesco --
▶ 2:16:16Sen. Shaheen: I'm really not asking you about the justification. I'm asking how we make the argument on behalf of the united states if we are not there. You haven't really answered how you see being able to do that.
▶ 2:16:30Mr. Negrea: There are organizations in which we should not be involved. Unesco recognizes palestine as a state. There is a statute on the books that says the united states may not fund institutions, international organizations where palestine is recognized as a state. Reagan withdrew us from their and under president obama --
▶ 2:16:56Sen. Shaheen: I'm very aware of that, thank you. You haven't really answered my question, but I appreciate the argument you are making. I would like to however make a final point, one of the, one of the important initiatives of ecosoc is the commission on the status of women. The trump administration has sought to weaken and remove long-standing provisions encouraging number states in the u.n. To expand the role of women in peacekeeping and diplomacy.
▶ 2:17:29Sen. Shaheen: It is well documented that societies that empower women are more stable, that women in those societies give back more to their families and their communities and countries. So, one of the pieces of legislation that I helped to champion that was signed in the first trump administration was legislation on women, peace, and security that recognize that important role of women in
▶ 2:17:59Sen. Shaheen: Society, so I hope that if confirmed, you will support striking that language that would remove the role of women in peace and security. I would just point out for you, Mr.
▶ 2:18:13Sen. Shaheen: Barnes, that it is very disappointing that in the effort to shorten our human rights reports, that not just freedom of assembly was removed, but free and fair elections. Violence and discrimination against women, and sexual violence against children were also removed.
▶ 2:18:38Sen. Shaheen: I would hope that we are going to, if you are confirmed, that you will look at ways in which you can restore information about how women and children are treated in societies as we are trying to encourage countries around the world about the values of ensuring the human rights of all individuals being protected. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 2:19:02Chair Risch: With that, we are closing the meeting and before we do, I'm ordering any letters of support regarding any of the nominees be included in the record and for the information of the committee I will keep the record open until close of business tomorrow, 5:00 p.m., september 4, so that members can submit questions. If you get one, I would appreciate you answer it as quickly as you can. It would help in the confirmation process.
▶ 2:19:32Chair Risch: With that, thank you to you all for your willingness to serve and a special thank you to your families who are supporting you in that. With that, the committee is adjourned.