▶ 0:19:26Chair Risch: Thank you all for attending today and I appreciate applause when I walked in. I don't usually get that but I certainly appreciate that from the audience. You didn't hear it? You should have been here, it was wonderful. In any event, we have a robust calendar today and we will get to that in a minute. First of all let me say that the usual protocol is in effect.
▶ 0:19:56Chair Risch: We welcome our guests here, we have a zero tolerance for interruptions, as you know, and secretary rubio, every time you show up seems to be when we have those issues, and we were fortunate enough to have bilingual protests while you were here on occasion, so we are glad to have you back, but we both see if we can avoid the excitement today.
▶ 0:20:20Chair Risch: With that, we do have a number of nominees here today and we're going to have some introductions to those. I know you've got a busy calendar, so I'm going to give you the floor to start with and you are welcome here, we are always glad to have you back in the committee. >> thank you you to all the members today.
▶ 0:20:45Chair Risch: We feel that we have before you a very good panel of excellent ambassadors to important places. To the bahamas where we have not been able to have a representative in almost nine years, maybe longer.
▶ 0:21:01Chair Risch: On the bureau that deals with population refugees and migration which is clearly an issue that has impacted the country but also on our neighbors in the region and around the world and then in jordan which I don't need to explain what a critically important relationship that is to the united states.
▶ 0:21:18Chair Risch: I'm here to introduce a fellow floridian and someone I've known for a very long time, sergio gor who is the nominee to india which is, I would say, one of the top relationships the united states has in the world today in terms of the future of what the world is going to look like.
▶ 0:21:35Chair Risch: I said when I appeared before you and I don't mean archivist, when I was here in the position as secretary of state and I repeated again that the toy first century story is going to be written in the indo pacific. It is so important we've actually changed the name of the combatant command, india is at the core of that. We are in a time of extraordinary transition in that relationship with india.
▶ 0:22:02Chair Risch: We've got some really important issues that we need to work with them on and work through that implicate what is happening from ukraine but ultimately what is happening in the region. I hope it will be your view that it is important that the U.S. representative of that post and I know of no one over the last certainly during this administration going back four or five years, no one who's had a better or closer working relationship than Mr. gor.
▶ 0:22:33Chair Risch: Someone who I've known since his time working here in the senate, by the way and since then has gone on to do different things, but is very close to the president, has the president's confidence. I've already seen it, when you interact with these countries, having a representative in a place like india that has direct access to the oval office, to the president who they know can get done both in the administration and through the oval office is critically important.
▶ 0:23:02Chair Risch: I don't know anyone out there better position to do that. I would add one more footnote, and that is that in addition to that, I've also seen his administrative abilities. 95% of the people working in the government now from political appointees came through a process that he had to operate. I don't know if we fully appreciate how hard it is to staff up a new administration.
▶ 0:23:30Chair Risch: I thought he did an excellent job so I think it choses exist rated abilities as well. They are all excellent nominees and I hope you will give them your full consideration and thank you for the opportunity to address that this morning.
▶ 0:23:40Chair Risch: Thank you, secretary. You are certainly welcome to stay with us but I know you've got a busy schedule being archivist and all these other things that you deal with every day. We will certainly excuse you and thanks so much for joining us today.
▶ 0:24:08Chair Risch: I was going to go to senator hagerty but I see he's got other things on his mind right now. Senator cruz, how about you?
▶ 0:24:18Se. Cruz: It's my privilege to introduce my friend herschel walker as nominee as the ambassador to the bahamas. Most americans know him as a legend on the football field. The university of georgia he became one of the greatest college players of all time, ultimately winning the heisman trophy ■in 1982 in the national championship.
▶ 0:24:42Se. Cruz: He went on to a remarkable professional career with the usfl and then the nfl where he played for the minnesota vikings , philadelphia eagles, new york giants, and dallas cowboys. And he still tells me, and it always brings a smile to my face that no matter where life takes them, he will always be a dallas cowboys. Texans are grateful for that and quite proud of him. His story is much bigger than football.
▶ 0:25:13Se. Cruz: He represented our country as an olympian in the 1992 winter games competing as part of the U.S. bobsled team. He's built successful businesses that supply products to schools, to the military and to communities across america, and he's dedicated time and energy to mentoring young people, to supporting charities and promoting health and fitness across the united states. While I've always been impressed with his achievements both philanthropic and athletic, I have an even deeper appreciation of his character.
▶ 0:25:43Se. Cruz: He is a man of great faith, discipline, dependability and resilience. Indeed when it comes to discipline one of the things I've learned about herschel's he doesn't eat breakfast and he doesn't eat lunch. He only eats dinner and I will say speaking for myself, I don't know of anyone else on the panel, but I could do to skip a meal or two. And there's a reason you become a world-class athlete when you have that kind of discipline.
▶ 0:26:12Se. Cruz: Herschel embodies the characteristics many texans hold dear. Determination, humility, and true patriotism. And I believe his voice and his perspective will be an asset to this nation. I'm proud to call him a friend and I look forward to his testimony today. Herschel walker will make a terrific united states ambassador to the bahamas and I encourage everyone on this committee to vote to confirm him.
▶ 0:26:39Chair Risch: Thank you, we appreciate that. Senator hagerty.
▶ 0:26:45Senator Hagerty: Thank you, chairman risch and ranking member shaheen, I appreciate you having this hearing today with my distinguished colleagues and I think you know it's a unique honor for me to introduce friends particularly to do such a critical job to serve as ambassador to the greatest, to any nation to represent the greatest nation in the world and that's the united states.
▶ 0:27:11Senator Hagerty: Today it's my great honor to introduce my friend sergio gor to be ambassador to india, an absolutely critical relationship. Sergio is absolutely perfect for the role. He is a proven leader across business and media. A senior staffer here in the senate. On top of all this, he's delivered results in one of the toughest and highest takes arenas in washington, the white house presidential personnel office.
▶ 0:27:38Senator Hagerty: He has maintained a record-setting pace for hiring, staffing nearly 4000 key roles across the government including over 1000 appointments on day one of the administration. Frankly, an amazing task. It didn't happen by accident. It took vision, discipline and frankly a relentless work ethic. But beyond the resume, he has achieved something that no resume 10 underscore enough, and that is the complete trust of president donald trump.
▶ 0:28:10Senator Hagerty: Sergio has stood by the president assad as a loyal and trusted advisor. In fact, sergio is one of the absolute go to people for president trump. He's helped shaped key strategies, deliver tough messages, ensure that the america first agenda is not just a slogan, but a governing reality. President trump has called sergio "a great friend and someone I trust completely to deliver for the american people." our relationship with india is now more important than ever.
▶ 0:28:42Senator Hagerty: If you think about the criticality of this, issues like trade, technology, defense and regional stability are all at the four of his vital relationship. We need someone who can speak with clarity, act with conviction and importantly, who has a direct line to the president. Sergio is that person.
▶ 0:29:05Senator Hagerty: When he speaks, new delhi will know that he speaks not just for the state department, but for the president himself and I strongly urge my colleagues to support his nomination.
▶ 0:29:13Chair Risch: Thank you, I appreciate that. First of all, I'd like to welcome janine with us today. Glad to be here and glad to have you here, thank you so much for coming. The way this is going to work as I'm going to make a few opening remarks.
▶ 0:29:34Chair Risch: I'm going to turn to the distinguished ranking member to do likewise and then we will hear about five minutes from each of the four nominees that we have, and then we will open that up to a round of questions. However, today being the day that it is, I would like to take a moment to remember the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack and their families. This moment changed our country forever.
▶ 0:30:01Chair Risch: We will never forget the lives lost and irreversibly altered that day. Please join me in a brief moment of silence in honor of the victims of september 11. With that, we will turn to our agenda, and I have a few remarks to open.
▶ 0:30:30Chair Risch: First of all, I want to thank obviously the nominees here today and importantly their families for being with us here and for your willingness to serve. Obviously there's a sacrifice involved in that and we are certainly appreciative that you are willing to make that sacrifice for your country. I'm going to start with Mr.
▶ 0:30:57Chair Risch: Veprek and his assistant secretary for refugees in migration. You will work alongside the president and secretary rubio to our borders and make american foreign aid targeted and in-service of our interests. I look forward to learning more about these plans and about the bureaus new organizational structure, which will include elements of the former bureau for humanitarian assistance at usaid.
▶ 0:31:25Chair Risch: As part of the much-needed state department of the organization I hope you will work to ensure that prm delivers assistance with a project and needs-based approach. In previous administrations they contribute almost exclusively to u.n. Agencies to deliver aid. We all know that u.n. Is certainly not the most effective way to make change to help those in need.
▶ 0:31:46Chair Risch: I look forward to sharing your plans to keep america safe while getting aid to the places it is needed and where it is most advantageous to the united states. Mr. walker, as president trump's nominee for ambassador to the bahamas, he would be the first U.S. ambassador in the country since 2011.
▶ 0:32:07Chair Risch: President trump and secretary rubio understand that the bahamas is an important economic insecurity partner of the united states and will work to improve this relationship. After all, the bahamas is just 50 miles from U.S. shores and shares our democratic values and economic insecurity interests.
▶ 0:32:26Chair Risch: As china looks to increase its foothold in the bahamas through its operation of the reporting tier terminal, its outsized diplomatic presence and while way's near monopoly of local telecom networks, we must push back. You have your work cut out for you. I hope you could help us understand how you go about strengthening our bilateral relations with the bahamas. Mr.
▶ 0:32:48Chair Risch: Gor, as you know, india is a key partner in our countries have many opportunities to strengthen our cooperation on defense technology and trade. I really can't add much to what secretary rubio said either about deer or about the relationship with india. Both are incredibly important. As partners, in the U.S. play important role in maintaining a free, peaceful and prosperous novus.
▶ 0:33:17Chair Risch: While our relationship has its frictions, you cannot ignore that our countries are strategically aligned on the need to counter china's unfair economic practices and aligned influence in the region. At the same time, you must balance those heated priorities with difficult conversations. India's close energy relationship with russia is incredibly troubling.
▶ 0:33:41Chair Risch: President trump has taken action to address india's dangerous purchases of russian oil and I hope you will double down on those efforts, making clear to your indian counterparts that the united states will not tolerate support for the prudent war machine. Mr. holtsnider, the U.S. and jordan have a strong, long-standing relationship guided by shared goals of a peaceful, stable and prosperous middle east.
▶ 0:34:08Chair Risch: His majesty the king's jordan is a close friend of this committee and its members and there isn't any world leader who meets with us more frequently. Last fall our ally israel and jordan celebrate her 30 years of peace, but this relationship is facing strong headwinds. Anti-israeli sentiment is on the rise and this sentiment has only deepened in years since hamas' brutal terror attack. Had existing with career of service across the middle east in both the state department and the marine corps.
▶ 0:34:39Chair Risch: As a bathroom would be your responsibility to look out for americans in jordan and to work with your counterparts to combat extremism and promote stability in the region. I look forward to hearing your plans to do so. Thank you again to all of our witnesses today, our nominees, and for your willingness to serve. With fan, the distinguished ranking member shaheed.
▶ 0:35:01Senator Shaheen: Thank you to all of your friends and family who are here for you today. Unfortunately, historically both republican and democratic administrations have struggled with the senate's slow confirmation process. Sometimes delays have been political. Other times they reflect legitimate concerns about the nominees themselves, and their potential impact on american security.
▶ 0:35:27Senator Shaheen: Senator risch and I have spoken about the importance of advancing career nominees at our first business meeting of this congress and Mr. chairman, I appreciate that you continue to push for more career nominees as part of that commitment. Thank U.S. well for agreeing to postpone consideration of the nominee for kuwait as we wait for more information on his background.
▶ 0:35:49Senator Shaheen: All of this is to say that I too have been frustrated by the slow consideration of nominees, but I also believe that when a nominee requires further scrutiny, even for policy reasons or because of their backgrounds, that the senate must do its job. The nominees before us today like all of our nominees require careful scrutiny. Take india, for example.
▶ 0:36:15Senator Shaheen: Both democratic and republican administrations including the last trump administration anime series investments in a relationship with india. India has not only a major power in the region, its workforce will help drive the future of technology and economic growth, and we heard from both the chairman and secretary rubio how important that relationship is.
▶ 0:36:36Senator Shaheen: I was very concerned as I'm sure others on this committee were when I saw prime minister modi standing alongside vladimir putin and xi jinping at the summit in beijing earlier this month. But I worry that meeting should not come as a surprise for those who have read the committees minority report, the price of retreat.
▶ 0:37:01Senator Shaheen: China has been working diligently to capitalize on this moment of america's retreat and pushing india into a closer relationship with china is a serious setback to U.S. interests. Mr. gor, even nominated to serve as ambassador to new delhi. I hope he will speak about what you would do if confirmed to rebuild that critical U.S.-the relationship. Mr. walker, if confirmed you will serve as ambassador to the bahamas.
▶ 0:37:30Senator Shaheen: This nation is a close american neighbor off the coast of florida and china has long sought to expand its influence there. I'd like to hear from you what your plans are to advance american interests in the caribbean as china pushes deeper into the region. And Mr. veprek, given nominated to be assistant secretary for population refugees and migration. In the past this was a bureau focused on helping asylum-seekers ranging from russian journalists to afghan women.
▶ 0:38:01Senator Shaheen: Under president trump, rather than supporting asylum-seekers, the bureau has too often prioritized resettlement of groups like africomers from south africa. It's also supporting the administration efforts to deport people to countries where they have no ties including to el salvador, south sudan, or rwanda. If confirmed, will you do to ensure that the U.S. is not sending people to places where they faced torture, trafficking or sexual exportation?
▶ 0:38:32Senator Shaheen: And finally, Mr. holtsnider, you would serve as ambassador to jordan. Jordan has been outlined as an important american partner in the middle east. I was glad to visit there last month met with king abdullah and some of the operations in jordan that is very important to the united states. They worked closely with a U.S. military and intelligence community and host thousands of palestinian and syrian refugees.
▶ 0:39:04Senator Shaheen: I'm pleased the administration has nominated someone with experience and a long diplomatic career to this critical post. So I look forward to hearing from all of you. Thank you for your willingness to serve.
▶ 0:39:14Chair Risch: Thank you, and I certainly concur in your remarks regarding the advice and consent , constitutional obligation of this committee. If one of the heritages we got the fathers. This committee obviously take that seriously and I want to thank is evident and Mr. gor is here today who have work closely with me as we work through these nominations.
▶ 0:39:41Chair Risch: It is always some give and take on those, and I really appreciate the openness with which we have those discussions. We will now hear from our nominees. Mr. gor, we hope everybody with you to about five minutes. If you have lengthier statements we would be more than happy to include those in the record for this hearing, by the moment, five minutes each.
▶ 0:40:05Mr. Gor: Thank you, sir. Members of the committee, thank you for having me here today. Before we get started, I'd like to take a moment to a knowledge the senseless killing of one of my closest friends yesterday, charlie kirk. Charlie cared about our nation, loved his beautiful family and was always there if you need anything. Charlie was an optimist, and our prayers are with his dutiful wife and his two young children. Rest in peace, charlie.
▶ 0:40:34Mr. Gor: Members of the committee, it is truly an honor to be here. For those of you who have yet to meet, my name is sergio gor, and I currently have the honor of serving as assistant to the president and director of presidential personnel at the white house I can proudly report that under the president's leadership, the office of presidential personnel has stilled over 95% of jobs in record speed, beating every other administration american history.
▶ 0:41:01Mr. Gor: I also want to thank this committee for their incredible work you've done to confirm so many of our nominees, often in a bipartisan effort. I've also spent many years he on capitol hill including working for members of the sderot committee. Especially humbling to walk the halls today as president donald trump's nominee for ambassador to india. Serving at the pleasure president donald trump has been the greatest honor of my life.
▶ 0:41:28Mr. Gor: And if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I look forward serving the U.S. and abroad and india. We are fortunate to have a president who has made bringing peace around the world a top priority. I'd like to take a moment to thank president trump for his trust and confidence in me. India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond. Under donald trump strong leadership I'm committed to enhancing america's interest in this important partnership.
▶ 0:41:58Mr. Gor: India's geographic position, economic growth and military capabilities make it a cornerstone of regional stability and a critical part of promoting prosperity and advancing the security interest that our nations share. As secretary rubio noted, india is one of the most important relationships our nation has in the world. If confirmed as ambassador, I would work to deliver the president's agenda in advance U.S.
▶ 0:42:22Mr. Gor: Interests by increasing our defense, ensuring fair and beneficial trade, deepening energy security and furthering technology. If confirmed, I would prioritize deepening defense and security cooperation with india. This includes expanding joint military exercises, advancing codevelopment and comfort party defense systems and critical event sales.
▶ 0:42:47Mr. Gor: These efforts will enhance collaboration between our forces while supporting the american defense manufacturers and making america more prosperous. India's population of over 1.4 billion and is rapidly growing middle-class present immense opportunities for america. From artificial intelligence to pharmaceuticals to critical minerals, the potential for collaboration is vast. However in the past india's protectionist policies and regulatory carriers have prevented us from fully realizing this partnership.
▶ 0:43:18Mr. Gor: If confirmed I was working advanced trade that is fair, reciprocal and beneficial to the american workers and businesses. I'm an advocate for reforms that would india's markets more accessible and transparent. I would also work toward president trump and vicious goal , mission 500, to double bilateral trade the $500 billion by 2030. This will expand american exports, creating jobs and prosperity for our citizens.
▶ 0:43:48Mr. Gor: Improving U.S.-india tray times will not only both the U.S. competitiveness but also reduce china's economic leverage over other nations. I would encourage indian investment in U.S. manufacturing capacity and we would also be furthering any investment in the united states, we would also be furthering our strategic pharmaceutical supply chain to create more jobs right here at home in the united states. India's also a strategic partner and advancing critical and emerging technology.
▶ 0:44:19Mr. Gor: The U.S. india trust initiative launched in february by president trump and prime minister modi lays out a path to leverage the impressing capacity of the U.S. tech sector to outcompete china on the development of ai, quantum, semiconductors, and other critical and emerging technologies. I would advance this administration's ai action plan to ensure the dominance of american ai technology in india and globally.
▶ 0:44:47Mr. Gor: Her technology cooperation would require significant energy resources, another area with the U.S. and india can work together. If confirmed I would virtually recent american energy exports in the establishing the U.S. as a leading supplier of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. Finally in these role in ensuring stability and security of the region cannot be understated. A stable salvation is in the interest of the U.S. and all other nations. President trump's leadership, the U.S.
▶ 0:45:17Mr. Gor: India partnership will find the 21st century. It is only by working together that we can make that aspiration a reality. If confirmed as an faster and work to ensure the united states remains a global leader will have to drink a partnership that benefits both nations. I look forward to working with you all to achieve these goals. Thank you.
▶ 0:45:36Chair Risch: Thank you, and on behalf of the committee, of course we extend our condolences , me personally on the loss and discourse to the kirk family for this senseless tragedy that happened yesterday. With that, Mr. walker, you have the floor.
▶ 0:45:58Mr. Walker: Chairman, raking member should he and and members of the committee, thank you for holding this hearing. It is a privilege for me to be with you today. Those of you who don't know me personally musty wondering what qualification I bring to the table that well be served with distinction as U.S. ambassador to the bahamas. Throughout my life, many people have underestimated me in academics, athletics and business and I always proven them wrong.
▶ 0:46:28Mr. Walker: I've done it through discipline, determination, and by outworking everyone in every task large or small. No one has ever questioned my work ethic. If confirmed, I was a pleasure seeing work ethics to my role as ambassador. This tension and love deserve no less. I've also been blessed with the gifted being able to relate to people from all walks of life. I feel trust and compassion by finding things that unite rather than divide.
▶ 0:47:00Mr. Walker: Although I've never held an official title as an ambassador, I've spent decades serving as an informant ambassador encouraging them to get a good education and to stay physically fit. I've been ambassador to men and women in the military, stressing the importance of mental health. I've traveled hundreds of military deletions around the world making sure our servicemembers feel comfortable seeking mental health counseling and treatment. I've also served as ambassador to the athletic world.
▶ 0:47:29Mr. Walker: The united states as an olympian and a professional athlete, as the owner and ceo of two successful businesses in the foodservice service industry, I know firsthand what it takes a business. I understand the importance of tourism and trade, and in addition to hard work, the secret sauce is relationship building. That is my strength and my passion. As you know, there's not been a senate confirmed U.S. ambassador to the bahamas 2011.
▶ 0:48:00Mr. Walker: The american bahamian people deserve better. As ambassador, it would be my highest priority to keep american tourists and residents safe and secure. I would work closely with the bahamian government on all matters pertaining to our mutual security. Having an ambassador in places more important than ever. China is trying to increase its influence in the region, and it's built nearly a $3 billion deep water in the bahamas has made other modes that could threaten our national security.
▶ 0:48:31Mr. Walker: There is a rise in drug smuggling in the bahamas. This is real dangerous to the united states. The threat of american lives cannot be overstated. Tackling the serious problem requires leadership, cooperation between our government. The united states worked collaboratively with the northern caribbean to disrupt illegal trafficking. If confirmed I would see that initiative continues to be strong.
▶ 0:48:59Mr. Walker: The nearest island of the bahamas is only 50 miles from the U.S. the U.S. is the bahamas largest trading partner. If confirmed I would advise american businesses of trade and investment opportunities that exist in the bahamas. I would also make sure the bahamian government is for a record environment for the U.S. to invest some weekend expand america's prosperity.
▶ 0:49:26Mr. Walker: I will strive to build lasting relationship bahamas american community state the tradition and contributions are an important part of america's story. If confirmed I would deepen our economic and cultural ties with bahamian people. I would also showcase american excellence through sports diplomacy. Lastly, I'd make sure the bahamian people are included in a 250 of celebration.
▶ 0:49:53Mr. Walker: In closing, if confirmed I would partner with the people in the government of the bahamas three vans are shared interest. I would work with the elements of the U.S. government including and especially members of this committee to promote america's interests in the bahamas throughout the region. It would be my honor to serve my country as an ambassador to strengthen the ties between the U.S. and the bahamas. I would always ensure my staff and the people of the united states to the best of our ability. I think president trump, secretary rubio, and my wife.
▶ 0:50:27Mr. Walker: Thank you for this opportunity and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:50:30Chair Risch: We will now turn to Mr. veprek.
▶ 0:50:36Mr. Veprek: Chairman risch, ranking member chain and distinguished members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. As you did I would like to start ever calling september 11 attacks. It is fitting that we remember the americans lost their lives 24 years ago today as well as the service and sacrifices of many others in the sense to take on a country centers, president trump is nominated me eight euros charged with addressing what is, in my view, our country's greatest challenge,
▶ 0:51:06Mr. Veprek: Migration. I think him and secretary rubio for entrusting me this important task. I also like to thank my family. Over 23 years ago I entered the department of state with in-service orientation at september 11 attacks. Then I have the privilege of serving my country in a variety of cavities all around the world my family has supported me throughout, graciously accommodating many moves and long absences.
▶ 0:51:34Mr. Veprek: Measure of the committee, during president trump's current administration you seen a significant reduction in her encounters and a reversal of migratory flows in united states. These are important achievements. If confirmed I would ensure that the bureau of population, refugees and migration helps sustain the president whole of government effort to getting americans these orders they deserve and to ensuring the sovereignty of our nation. Yes diplomacy is an important part of that effort.
▶ 0:52:02Mr. Veprek: Whether it is ensuring that foreign countries facilitate the repatriation of the national who have no right to remain in the united states, negotiating arrangements to accept the transfer of illegal aliens from american communities, one working apartment of homeland security to facilitate cost-effective voluntary removals, the department of state has a leading role in the bureau of population, refugees and migration should be a front.
▶ 0:52:29Mr. Veprek: Regrettably in previous years the bureau took the opposite approach in the season promoted in the foreign assistance programs is managed. Instead of protecting our borders the facilitated mass migration into the united. That will not recur on my watch. If confirmed I will direct the bureau to support the voluntary real migration of those who have no right to be in our country, and support other countries that help us achieve our immigration enforcement goals. From that point, that we speak about foreign assistance generally.
▶ 0:53:00Mr. Veprek: I share secretary rubio's vision for america foreign policy that aligns with administration policies and advances concrete U.S. national interest. I believe that to be a commonsense approach for good stewardship of public funds. If confirmed I would seek to apply it in the foreign assistance programs managed by the prn bureau. That means streamlining staffing, consolidating programming were possible and getting other countries to set up so that the U.S. doesn't carry an outsized load.
▶ 0:53:33Mr. Veprek: Also we cannot engage in so-called forever aid, that open-ended blank check approach they can have the perverse outcome of prolonged humanitarian crises. Finally for our strategic assistance, there must be a clear and direct connection with U.S. foreign policy goals. In concluding let me return to my opening theme. The need to answer the challenge posed by migration.
▶ 0:53:58Mr. Veprek: Perhaps the most important root cause of mass and illegal migration today is the refugee and asylum systems. The current framework of international agreement and norms of migration developed at the second world war in a completely different geopolitical and economic context. It cannot be expected to function in the modern world and indeed it is not. The need for reform has been clear for his over the years. Under president trump we finally had a leader willing to consider it.
▶ 0:54:27Mr. Veprek: If confirmed I would seek to work with other treasury to build the support needed to reform the road insisted. I will aim to ensure the principles of national sovereignty and rule of law get proper consideration the global migration regime. Megs of the committee, thank you again for the opportunity to be here and look forward to answering your questions.
▶ 0:54:45Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Mr. holtsnider, you are up.
▶ 0:54:51Mr. Holtsnider: As we hear on september 11 I would like to acknowledge those who dive 24 years ago never forgotten. Chairman risch, ranking them or shaheen coming to stay with members of this committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today at the president's nominee to be united in ambassador to jordan. I'd also like to thank the centers on this committee for their focus on the bilateral relationship including recent travel to jordan by the ranking member and other members of this committee.
▶ 0:55:20Mr. Holtsnider: I'm honored by his nomination and grateful to president trump and secretary rubio for the confidence they shown the. I'm looking forward to advancing U.S. foreign policy jordan. As I've done previously I would again like to thank my family, my wife, and our children's and their unwavering support and sacrifice throughout my career, especially during my time in iraq, afghanistan and somalia. Throughout my career I had the opportunity to work on U.S.
▶ 0:55:50Mr. Holtsnider: Foreign policy in the middle east. From my earliest engagement as a young enlisted marines in the 1990's to my most recent overseas assignment leadership role at embassy in kuwait, I understand the importance of getting policy right in the region. The U.S. strategic partnership with jordan, a major non-nato ally spent seven decades and is rooted in nursing early relationship. I military and law enforcement cooperation with jordan helps us combat terrorism, narcotics lows encounter malign actors.
▶ 0:56:20Mr. Holtsnider: The defense cooperation agreement and I bilateral memorandum of understanding we had important opportunities to update and enhance our security partnership. If confirmed I commit to strengthening our security partnership and prioritizing work for a U.S. military colleagues around the region as I've done in previous assignments. As we execute president trump's decision to give the new syrian government a chance, our partnership with jordan is especially personal.
▶ 0:56:47Mr. Holtsnider: Jordan's leadership has also been instrumental in helping blunt the impact of the iranian adventurism this year. Jordan has also demonstrated recent activity to U.S. concerns regarding chinese tech nominee involvement in 5g infrastructure and other critical digital infrastructure and is aligned with the U.S. in mitigating the risks of china's technological expansion in the country. As the committee knows, jordan is an important multilateral partner on many issues.
▶ 0:57:15Mr. Holtsnider: I would encourage the canadian government to continue to play an important and constructive role as a regional leader and advance the president's efforts for peace in the region. Thousands of americans live in a jordan and many others visit as tourists or participants of U.S. government exchange programs. If confirmed, continuing to be a top priority for the mct.
▶ 0:57:39Mr. Holtsnider: Before I conclude I would like to thank the dozens of people in the department of state and then your congressional staff to assist with the nomination process. I'd also like to thank the members of this committee for this state focus on middle eastern partners. Mr. chairman, thank you for the opportunity to testify today and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:57:56Chair Risch: The appreciate again all of you. We are going to do a round of questions, five minutes percentage to start with, and I want to start with you, Mr. gor. Most people are aware of how close you are to the president and how important that is obviously in ambassador post.
▶ 0:58:17Chair Risch: I think nothing underscores it more than the fact that he not only appointed you as ambassador to india, but also as envoy for south asian affairs. I wonder if you could talk about that for a minute and elaborate on that. That is a great honor. It's not a usual thing, tom barrett is making it work right now. Obviously in turkey and syria and lebanon.
▶ 0:58:47Chair Risch: Also, a receive but you're going to face the same thing in central asia. Tell us about it.
▶ 0:58:53Mr. Gor: As you mentioned, we do have a handful of envoys that represent this white house. Tom barrett and steve witkoff's are excellent examples. And capacity and will be able to work with 12 additional nations at the direction of the president on issues that might arise to that level.
▶ 0:59:14Mr. Gor: I'm not nominates to be ambassadors of 12 nations, and here is nominee to india's, so I am a special envoy to those 12 nations to complement the ambassadors, the career staff that we had at emphases. Should we have an issue that arises to a certain level from those posts were from the white house, I have the unique ability along with other envoys to be able to directly skip the president of the united states and raise it to that level.
▶ 0:59:44Mr. Gor: As a good thing. I am not there to subtract anything from those ambassadors should they need my help on anything. It will be an open door policy and we will take back the white house.
▶ 0:59:53Chair Risch: Fair enough, good explanation. Mr. veprek, I want to turn to you for a minute. Your na, you are in a really interesting and important all at the department. President trump ran as one of his signature promises to close the back room of the illegal immigration we were having 10 the american people responded and were very clear that they wanted that stock.
▶ 1:00:22Chair Risch: And he very quickly slammed the back door and there's nobody coming I think now there is side of that coin, and that is legal migration. It's not getting any attention, and it should.
▶ 1:00:36Chair Risch: I think most americans are not particularly focused on the fact that we have a long, proud history for all of her time as a nation of having legal migration to this country feeling there's been a steady stream of recent years, and I think it probably doesn't get attention because it doesn't cause trouble. Indeed, it complements the united states and we welcome it.
▶ 1:01:01Chair Risch: I think we are in a particularly important position right now to be examining that because as we have closed the back door, we have closed what has been an opportunity for agricultural community, for our home building community, for a number of communities here that use migrant labor.
▶ 1:01:29Chair Risch: So I think we will need to focus on that, make sure that these industries get a steady flow of workers that are needed. There is no doubt at all that these workers are needed in this country and he could be handled very well, and has been for many years that we had eagle migration to the country. So I like to hear your thoughts on that and how you might be addressing what is a real need here in america.
▶ 1:02:00Chair Risch: >> thank you. If I could address part the role I would play if confirmed as assistant secretary of the bureau population refugees and migration, and vera does have responsibility over one part of the legal migration of the talked about, and that is refugee admissions to the united states.
▶ 1:02:24Chair Risch: The bureau that would -- including for certain forms of temporary work visas. In force, the department of state works in conjunction with the department of labor and department of homeland security more broadly in order to chair
▶ 1:02:45Risch: Chair risch: operate these programs. I appreciate that, and I guess I should have refined the question in little bit more. The refugee issue is as important as the migration issue and really needs coordination between the two offices. Could you speak to that for a minute? >> yes sir, thanks for the opportunity to address that.
▶ 1:03:08Risch: In the past I've worked in the bureau population refugees and migration working very closely with department of homeland security and particularly U.S. citizenship and immigration services. So if confirmed for this role I would anticipate again close coordination with dhs and uscis to conduct U.S. refugee admissions programs in accordance with the president's determination for the populations to be admitted to the united states.
▶ 1:03:37Chair Risch: I appreciate that, and again, I hope along with coordinating, you raise the issue that really isn't getting much attention does need attention as these industries that use this kind of labor, they are in dire need. Select as a coordination as prescribed, but the issue itself these to be raised. Senator shaheen?
▶ 1:04:06Senator Shaheen: Mr. gor, I want to start with you. Because it's been reported that this administration has conducted loyalty tests for individuals who were seeking jobs in government and those people who are not deemed as loyal are purged and it is retribution against those people who are believed to have been disloyal to the president, if confirmed, you would oversee one of the largest U.S. post abroad.
▶ 1:04:36Senator Shaheen: He would manage a team of career personnel. Dup met to not pursuing retribution or retaliation against anyone under your purview across the government for their personal or political beliefs? >> senator, thank you for your question and I enjoyed our meeting yesterday. I do commit to that. Not only do I commit to that, the state department is uniquely positioned and we have some incredible talent in the foreign service, that is a unique skill that we bring over many decades of service there.
▶ 1:05:06Senator Shaheen: We do not have that across every of them. The foreign service is uniquely positioned to bring that expertise to our posts, to our embassies, and so I very much look forward to working with those careers and enhancing the america first agenda brought with them.
▶ 1:05:25Sen. Shaheen: For thank you, I appreciate that response. One of the things we talked about yesterday was india's reaction to tariffs on buying oil from russia, which are for fuel war in ukraine.
▶ 1:05:45Sen. Shaheen: Given that china is the world's largest purchaser of russian oil, how will you explain the distinction to the indians about why they have been spared the same kind of tariff treatment from the administration? >> three points on that. We are actively negotiating with the indians right now. The president has invited their commerce and trade ministers to come visit us next week and he will be needing that -- or in washington. Part of that will include a hopeful deal.
▶ 1:06:14Sen. Shaheen: We are not that far apart right now on a deal. In fact we are negotiating the nitty-gritty of a deal. Secondly, people are friends to different standards. Frankly we expect more from india and the view from other nations. I do think it will get results over the next few weeks, and finally, we commend you and the chairman, you're both cosponsors of senator lindsey graham's bill which seeks to impose 500% tariffs.
▶ 1:06:44Sen. Shaheen: Until that almost everything a member of the skillet is a cosponsor of is much higher so I think we are all in agreement on that.
▶ 1:06:49Sen. Shaheen: I certainly agree with that and I hope that you will encourage that we treat china in the same way as we treat india, given what they are doing to fund russia's war machine.
▶ 1:07:04Mr. Gor: Not only that, but as you know with the president, he very much open to that. He's encouraging our european allies to do the same, so I think we are on the same page.
▶ 1:07:15Sen. Shaheen: Mr. veprek:
▶ 1:07:18Sen. Shaheen: Mr. veprek, did I understand you to say in your opening statement that you believe the cause of migration is the refugee and asylum system that we have in the united states and in other countries?
▶ 1:07:27Mr. Veprek: Thank you very much for the opportunity to address that. In my view, one of the biggest root causes of mass and illegal migration phenomenon we are seeing around the world's recurrent migration regime that is to say, the framework of international norms that was built after the second world war for a completely different world we live in a different world now with quick international travel,
▶ 1:07:57Mr. Veprek: Rapid international stations. It is easier for people to retain their connections back home. It's not like people have to migrate and sever all connections back home. So now we have a system where it is possible for people who are seeking to migrate for economic purposes to exploit the current system. Not just in the united states, putting in other countries around the world.
▶ 1:08:23Mr. Veprek: We hear some some of our other partners that they perceive this same problem, and so if confirmed, one of the things that won't work on is working with former assistant.
▶ 1:08:36Sen. Shaheen: But you do understand that the root causes of migration aces annan, starvation, climate change, war, conflict in all its forms, drug cartels, violence. As it drives refugee populations to look for asylum and to try to take advantage of opportunities that may allow them to get away from those kinds of disasters. You do understand that, I assume.
▶ 1:09:06Mr. Veprek: Senator, thanks for the opportunity to address this a little further. For migration writ large I think there's many different motivations at there are migrants in the world. Everybody has his own reason for wanting to leave his home country and move to another. For refugees, we are talking about a narrower set of motivations. The definition of refugee is set in our law and is set in certain international --
▶ 1:09:30Sen. Shaheen: I'm not asking about the legal explanation for refugees, I'm asking you about what you understand the root causes that forced people to leave their homes. I have had an opportunity to meet with many refugees not only in the united states but around the world, and when I hear consistently from them is that they want to go home.
▶ 1:09:54Sen. Shaheen: The reason they have fled is because they are facing violence at home, because they are facing starvation, because they have no economic opportunities and can't support their families. That is the question that I'm asking you. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:10:10Chair Risch: Thank you, I appreciate that. Senator hagerty?
▶ 1:10:17Senator Hagerty: Thank you. Mr. gor, I'd like to talk about the relationship that exists between the united states and india. I think there are few relationships as critical for our national security and for economic relationships at the relationship that we enjoy with india.
▶ 1:10:41Senator Hagerty: And I've been fortunate, I would say, to be in the presence of both president trump and prime minister modi at the same time on multiple occasions. I can say this. There's a great relationship between the two leaders, there is a relationship that ic has mutual trust in a think is a wonderful foundation. I also see an issue. And I think it's very clear that president is dead serious about resolving the conflict. He is dead serious about bringing this to hand.
▶ 1:11:12Senator Hagerty: And india could play an important role in this. You and I have talked about that in the play critical role. I think my colleagues are aware of this. There is sort of a circular transaction network where india advised russian crude, I think that is true, they refine it and sell it back to the europeans. We need europeans to be buying american energy. We need russia's flow of funding to be shut down. We need to bring this conflict to an end.
▶ 1:11:40Senator Hagerty: You have a unique and strong relationship with president trump. Could you comment on how you would leverage that the personal relationship with leadership in india to help bring the conflict in ukraine to an end?
▶ 1:11:51Mr. Gor: Thank you for the question. Our president has a deep friendship with prime minister modi. That is something that is unique. In fact if you've noticed when he's gone after other nations, he tends to go after their leaders for putting us in that position, ends of the U.S. imposing those tariffs. When the president has been critical of india, he is going out of his way to compliment prime minister modi. They have any credible relationship. I've been with them in the same room.
▶ 1:12:21Mr. Gor: We are not that far apart on a deal already on these tariffs. Steer point, getting india to stop buying russian oil is a top priority for this administration. Bringing peace around the world is a top priority. This president has engaged in trying to resolve war and conflict all over the world from africa to the middle east to ukraine and even southeast asia. So I agree with you wholeheartedly.
▶ 1:12:49Mr. Gor: I think that the time will arrive upon us in the next few weeks and months for all of this to get resolved. >> you know, I think we all saw the display in beijing we saw prime minister modi and other leaders joined xi jinping in china. A lot of pro clutching going on in america about what that means, is india drifting away?
▶ 1:13:17Mr. Gor: China and india have a long history of grievances and distrust. Barely five years ago china and india were fighting over a disputed border, and china used an electromagnetic weapon. They didn't use bullets, but they used an electromagnetic weapon to literally melt indians elders. It's clear to me and I think it's clear to all of us that international relations are a lot more than a photo opportunity. They really run deep.
▶ 1:13:42Mr. Gor: 100% right. The a shares a lot more in common with us for too long and touch. Not only will I be able to bring that to delhi, president has also extremely personally very engaged earlier this week, the prime minister modi, prime minister moody responded side the next day we had a great foundation that I hope if I'm confirmed to build upon.
▶ 1:14:07Mr. Gor: >> I think you're going to see a wonderful opportunity and I look forward to the results because having someone with your close personal ties to the president and prime minister, as prime minister modi tends to appreciate that tie, I think you're going to find it very receptive audience. Can I turn in the final moments to pakistan? Another critical relationship is there is a robbery that has been going on for ages.
▶ 1:14:38Mr. Gor: Both nations are nuclear equipped. In may, this erupted into open conflict. President trump and the administration stepped in to keep the fighting from for the escalating. You are in the white house. You are familiar. I would like for you to comment on the moments made about how you are thinking about the situation in pakistan and how you might address it.
▶ 1:14:59Mr. Gor: I am here to be nominated to be ambassador to india. This president is heavily engaged in bringing peace around the world. No matter where that is whether it is africa, europe, or the middle east, he very much likes to be hands-on and he feels like he has an obligation. If he can bring peace and around the world, that is what he wants to do.
▶ 1:15:21Sen. Hagerty: Haven't been in the position you are hopefully and I encourage my colleagues to support this that you are confirmed for, I will say this, our relationship with the president is going to prove to be an invaluable asset, to collude in a country like india that is so critical to our ties in the relationship or the foundation that is there with prime minister modi I think will be invaluable to us and I look forward to seeing your success.
▶ 1:15:43Chair Risch: Senator kaine. >> congratulations to the nominee.
▶ 1:15:51Chair Risch: For the information, we have members coming and going with note disrespect to you -- no disrespect to you. Excuse us as we come and go. >> I appreciate the comments you are making right as I walked in about the sad and sober Mr. kirk's death.
▶ 1:16:20Chair Risch: I put out yesterday as being invested a comet praying for his family and for the university community but I was struck when I walked into the armed services committee meeting today that many of my colleagues knew him. I never met him. For many in this body and I think many who are here, he was an acquaintance or friend.
▶ 1:16:40Chair Risch: I know how devastating it was to senators kolbuchar and smith when their friends were killed a couple of weeks ago, so this is something that is not just in the news but it is something that is personal to people in this place. It is just too common. It is just too common. We have a colleague in the senate mark kelly whose life was changed by political violence.
▶ 1:17:09Chair Risch: Steve's -- steve scalise whose life was changed by political violence. President trump survived an assassination attempt and another assassination plot was foiled. There have been 300 instances of political violence in the united states since january 6, 2021. Some known individuals, some officials, some personnel but also neighbors who are targeted with little violence by neighbors who don't agree with them.
▶ 1:17:38Chair Risch: I bring it up to express my sadness for colleagues who are personally affected because they know Mr. kirk but also the foreign relations committee meeting, one thing that is a little sad and I suspect all of us have this experience, we travel as members of this committee or the armed services committee and we meet with people overseas. They just think this is who we are.
▶ 1:18:00Chair Risch: I don't think this is who we are, but when we meet with people abroad and they sort of think this is who we are, it is hard to mount the evidence and make the counterargument. I don't have any answers. A sober sense of sadness today, especially for colleagues of mine who are personally affected by this. Mr. gor, have a question for you.
▶ 1:18:28Chair Risch: Bill hagerty knows a lot about diplomacy and he was asking you about the sort of photo op of modi and xi recently and said there has been some pearl clutching about it. Pearl clutching suggests maybe it is not that serious thing. But I am struck that we often said the same thing about russia and china. They can't get along together. They had a border dispute and have been at odds for very long time.
▶ 1:18:54Chair Risch: I have been in many hearings over the course of my 13 years, especially in the armed services committee where officials of both the trump, biden, obama administration's had put putin in the notion of deep cooperation between russia and china on the grounds that they had a lot of historical -- so there's going to be a limit to what they can do together. What we're seeing is russia and china and now together with iran and north korea, forming a tighter and tighter alliance between the U.S. allies.
▶ 1:19:27Chair Risch: I think it is worthy and I know you talked about how do you balance should you be confirmed, how do you balance being tough on where we need to be tough whether it is tariffs or markets on open U.S. products but also being mindful of the notion that U.S.-india relationship has been a very important one.
▶ 1:19:55Chair Risch: It has also been important in the indo pacific region, a little bit of a check against china's sort of writing the rules for everybody. How to be tough when we need to be but balance that with a real understanding that we want to be close to india. We don't want to push them in the wrong direction.
▶ 1:20:15Mr. Gor: I commend you on what you had to say about charlie kirk. I was in touch with them about two hours before and he said, I am going to a college campus and I will be in touch with you later this evening. I was with senator shaheen in her office when my phone started blowing up with what was happening. To your question, I do agree with you. I will say I think we have a lot more in common with india and we do with russia or china.
▶ 1:20:43Mr. Gor: Being the largest democracy at one point, we share a lot more common values with the indians. Secondly, we have a president who is extremely direct. You know where you stand with this president. I think the indians appreciate that. Far too often we have seen some of our partners from europe say one thing in front of a camera and nothing behind closed doors. With this president, people know where you stand. The indians have appreciated that.
▶ 1:21:12Mr. Gor: They have consistently reached out to us. There are active negotiations to resolve these trade imbalances, so we look out for our interest from the united states. Should I be confirmed, I will make it a top priority to ensure they are pulled in our direction not away from us.
▶ 1:21:35Chair Risch: I appreciate your comments also about charlie kirk. He was known to many of us and appreciate talking about the political violence as well and how horrible -- very anti-american. Thank you for your comments on that. Mr. gor, I want to pick up a little on the important relationship with india as well.
▶ 1:21:58Chair Risch: Certainly agree with senator kaine's comments that we don't want to take that relationship for granted that it is a very important relationship and we want to make sure we are continuing to work with indians on all areas of common interest. I agree we do have more in common with them than they have in common, say, with china or we have in common with communist china. I have had a chance to talk to the indian ambassador and talked about getting the trade relationship right, which I know is one of the things you are going to continue to work on as well.
▶ 1:22:28Chair Risch: And that also how important it is somebody such as you who is close with the president to be nominated to india we had and they recognize the importance of that and what that means for this administration to nominate you to this position. I think it is very important what you're going to be doing here so I'm looking forward in encouraging my colleagues to support your nomination. I want to talk a little bit about one of the areas, a short interest.
▶ 1:22:58Chair Risch: We have indian troops that work with us. We develop relationships. One of those areas is the quad. Since the start of this administration, but president trump and secretary rubio have committed to deepening the cooperation with the quad to counter communist china in its effort to dominate the indo pacific. The coach of the senate quad caucus along with senator duckworth, I am particularly pleased to see this focus on streamlining the quad to deliver tangible results.
▶ 1:23:29Chair Risch: Despite our trade negotiations with india, the fact remains communist china remains the greatest geopolitical threat to india and the united states. This reality is what revived the quad during president trump's first term and will ensure its relevance and resilience going forward.
▶ 1:23:47Chair Risch: For security and cooperation in shaping the regional technology standards to infrastructure investment to securing supply chains, quad countries have too much to gain to let bilateral differences stifle continued progress. Mr. gor, if confirmed, what actions we take to strengthen U.S.-india cooperation on the quad?
▶ 1:24:06Mr. Gor: Thank you for the question. Two points. The quad is vitally important. After secretary rubio was sworn in and clapped in at the state department, one hour after his first meeting at foggy bottom was meeting with the foreign ministers of the quad. The president is committed to continuing engagement with the quad. There has already been talks on a trip for the next quad meeting.
▶ 1:24:33Mr. Gor: Earlier this year, I traveled to japan and had the chance to meet with the prime minister. They are part of the quad. He emphasized the important relationship we must continue to build on we had on your earlier point of joint troop exercises, those continue to occur and we would fully encourage that to grow. Last week 500 indian troops trained with our troops in alaska. In spite of this little hiccup we have had over tariffs, our relationship is much stronger.
▶ 1:25:04Mr. Gor: It is built on many more decades. I will do everything in my power should I be confirmed to enhance that.
▶ 1:25:12Sen. Ricketts: And my conversations with the ambassador, the indians understand this is a trade negotiation and we are trying to work out a deal that satisfies both countries. I encourage the administration to work forward on that. We get a successful resolution would help pave the way to move forward. My understanding is there is a schedule to be a quad meeting later on this year in india.
▶ 1:25:41Sen. Ricketts: I would ask for your commitment to getting that trade relationships worked out but also continuing to push forward with that meeting. Can you make that commitment? Can you tell me you think that might work out?
▶ 1:25:51Mr. Gor: Without committing to exact dates come in the president is fully committed to continue to meet with the quad and strengthen it. Sen. ricketts great. One of the other things important for my state, talking about the trait issue with india, we are an agricultural state. India has been one where they have agricultural products going into india. I think we have a lot to offer them an it comes to that.
▶ 1:26:20Mr. Gor: With the trade negotiations restarting, do agree getting india to reduce their tariffs on U.S. agriculture should be prioritized as part of the overall finalized trade agreement?
▶ 1:26:28Mr. Gor: 100%. I got everything. Ambassador greer is working on individual items that in the past tariffs and barriers made it prohibitive to be imported into india. That will hopefully be changing soon over the next few weeks.
▶ 1:26:45Sen. Ricketts: A friend of mine was just in india. He sells popcorn. He was telling me since independence they have had a rule you can only own two acres of land as our farmer. Consequently, 11 thousand farmers farming 22,000 acres and clearly to me that is -- I do think there's a lot we can offer india with regard to how they can improve agricultural production for their country. With that, I believe Mr. murphy, you are up.
▶ 1:27:16Sen. Ricketts: Murphy co. Thank you -- Sen.
▶ 1:27:21Murphy: Thank you, Mr. chairman. When you are the deputy assistant secretary for this bureau, you are engaged in a discussion at the human rights council run what had previously been deeply uncontroversial resolution titled the incompatibility between democracy and racism. It was normally adopted without a vote, same language, every few years.
▶ 1:27:50Murphy: But in 2018, you raised serious concerns about that document. Apparently suggesting and questioning whether political leaders actually do have a duty to condemn racism.
▶ 1:28:05Murphy: My understanding is that much of our learning, especially from the holocaust, is that without a sense of proactive obligation by political leaders to speak out against hate speech, it can grow and metastasize and end up turning into large-scale violence. So this idea that leaders do not have a duty to condemn hate speech or incitement sounds like a really dangerous viewpoint.
▶ 1:28:36Murphy: Do you want to spend a minute expanding white took that stance in 2018?
▶ 1:28:44Mr. Veprek: If memory serves in 2018 we withdrew from the u.n. Human rights commission because the president determined it was not a good use of U.S. resources to engage in this form that is self spent a great deal of time anti-american and anti-israel activities. I understand that is the same reason why the president decided to withdraw us --. >> I only have three minutes.
▶ 1:29:15Mr. Veprek: The question I asked.
▶ 1:29:15Mr. Veprek: Referring to the comments I made on a draft resolution that was being circulated for clearance at the state department so I understand the thing we're talking about?
▶ 1:29:26Sen. Murphy: Do you believe leaders have a duty to speak out against racial hate speech or incitement?
▶ 1:29:35Mr. Veprek: I believe that is a political judgment. That is why we elect them to be leaders. If memory serves -- the language was somewhat stronger, duty to do it all the time. Sir, I can't police twitter all day. I don't think any of us has time to police twitter all day. We all have jobs to do. The idea the u.n. Human rights council saying we have duties to condemn these things --.
▶ 1:30:04Sen. Murphy: That is a red herring. I don't have a duty to speak out against beach I don't see but if I encounter hate speech, I think of a moral duty to speak out against it. News was sent to this committee overnight that the administration is going to put a cap of 40,000 to 60,000 on refugee resettlement from the coming year and that almost the entirety of that quota will be met by resettling 40,000 to
▶ 1:30:35Sen. Murphy: 60,000 afrikaners. That is an extraordinary break with precedent. And an extraordinary message to send of the world that the united states is only going to allow for white people to be processed through the refugee program. Don't you worry about the very dangerous message that sends and why, in your understanding, is our entire refugee program this you're going to be limited to whatever gainers -- afrikaners?
▶ 1:31:09Mr. Veprek: I have not been involved in making recommendations to the president on which populations would be admitted as refugees.
▶ 1:31:17Sen. Murphy: Is that something you would support?
▶ 1:31:18Mr. Veprek: If I'm confirmed for this position, I anticipate I would be involved in making recommendations to the president. Now why the president has selected to give this group priority in refugee admissions, I think he is articulated very well in the executive orders where he has described the situation on south africa. I would mention also throughout our history, the united states has prioritized certain groups for refugee resettlement.
▶ 1:31:49Mr. Veprek: For example, during the cold war, people from the eastern blo were selected among other reasons to make up local statement vis-a-vis our relationship --.
▶ 1:31:59Sen. Murphy: We have never come ever before field the entire quota with one ethnic or racial group. Why is it we believe that no one with the exception apparently of 300 afghans are meritorious a resettling in the united states other than white afrikaners?
▶ 1:32:19Mr. Veprek: Everyone admitted as a refugee will have been adjudicated by a refugee by the legal authority to do so. They are all refugees according to our law.
▶ 1:32:34Sen. Murphy: Thank you, Mr. chair.
▶ 1:32:38Sen. Ricketts: Mr. lee.
▶ 1:32:42Sen. Lee: I am grateful you are willing to start. Mr. gor, I've known you for many years, traveled together, spent a lot of time together, really appreciate your service on behalf of the administration. It is an exciting thing for the united states ambassador to india. Major power, major economic force in the world. One with potentially increasing significance to the united states.
▶ 1:33:11Sen. Lee: That ambassador is going to be someone who has a close relationship with the president I think it is wonderful and an added plus that in a large embassy like that one, a lot of personnel, we have a personal expert -- personal expert and someone who seems to know every man, woman, and child in america, never known anyone who knows as many people as sergio gore.
▶ 1:33:36Sen. Lee: Since taking office, president trump has reinvigorated economic statecraft in a way that has enabled us to exert more power as a country. To that end, I've committed his use of authority over tariffs and trade matters in order to secure more favorable terms for the united states.
▶ 1:33:58Sen. Lee: Both as it relates to tariffs on our products and also as it relates to what very frequently surfaces as nontariff trade barriers. Sorta below the surface trade restrictions that often go overlooked. I remain very optimistic that president trump will continue to do use this in a way that will make for a more robust trade environment on better terms for the united states.
▶ 1:34:23Sen. Lee: In the past nine months, that approach has paid some significant dividends, bringing allies and some competitors alike to the table in a way they have not been brought to the table in the past. This is also resulted in a lot of bilateral trade discussions with an eye toward bilateral trade agreements -- which I think are good for us. Multilateral trade agreements may have their place, but they have and worked out as well for us.
▶ 1:34:50Sen. Lee: Just yesterday president trump and prime minister modi committed to reopening trade negotiations with this in mind. I want to ask a little bit about india and the energy sector in india in particular. India continues to purchase russian oil. That is a fact.
▶ 1:35:12Sen. Lee: It is also a fact that actors like russia and iran leverage their energy exports in order to constrain our allies freedom to maneuver and to fuel regional destabilization. That is not ideal, to put it mildly. The best way to reduce that kind of vulnerability for the U.S. energy exports to dominate the international market, we want to be sufficient at home.
▶ 1:35:42Sen. Lee: We want to be exporting and significant quantities. Enough so we can exert a significant degree of dominance there. So with trade talks reopened, how do you see U.S. energy exports as being part of the conversation and what are some of the things you think you could do as ambassador to try to facilitate those conversations?
▶ 1:36:02Mr. Gor: I think it is vitally important that we do have reciprocal open trade. For far too long, it has been one-sided. All over the world. It took president from coming in there and sang, you know what? This has been working one way but not the other. We currently have a $45 billion deficit with our trading partners in india.
▶ 1:36:25Mr. Gor: We will make it a top priority on lng, petroleum products, and we will endeavor to make sure we have access to those markets. Your earlier point on hiring personnel, I want to thank the majority committee, majority members of this committee because we have been able to successfully hire a lot of individuals from every single member I think on this committee. Senator cruz as chief of staff, and we have taken 20 individuals from senator hagerty.
▶ 1:36:58Mr. Gor: We appreciate that. I think we have taken for me also, senator lee. We have a great bench across the federal government because we are able to utilize these incredible individuals that have worked here in the senate.
▶ 1:37:09Sen. Lee: What are some of the other areas of mutual interest between us and india look forward to exploring? After come of course, become fluent in at least hindi and two or three others?
▶ 1:37:24Mr. Gor: I think the biggest priorities are U.S. economic and business interests, the security and stability advancing security and stability, expanding U.S. -india cooperation in defense, energy, strategic technology, also enhancing diplomatic and cultural ties. We have an incredible diaspora. A lot of individuals in texas. It is incredible diaspora and something that should be fostered and grown.
▶ 1:37:49Sen. Lee: My time has expired. Thank you all for your service and thank you for answering my questions.
▶ 1:37:56Chair Ricketts: Senator rosen.
▶ 1:38:00Sen. Rosen: I want to thank you for holding this hearing today and all of our witnesses, or families I see are here, your willingness to serve. I want to start with you. I am going to stay with you for my time this morning, Mr. ve prek. I want to talk about the lundberg program. I am disturbed about the persecution of religious minorities living in iran.
▶ 1:38:28Sen. Rosen: For more than 20 years, it has provided a safe and legal pathway for iranian religious minorities to settle in the united states as refugees with only two exceptions, during the first trump and administration when the program was suspended in february 2017 and right now due to an executive order. As the walls closing on the iranian regime, these religious minorities well they need more help for the struggles they are facing.
▶ 1:38:58Sen. Rosen: Could you explain what efforts you made as deputy assistant secretary of state for prm in the first trump administration to reopen the lautenberg program and what role you intend to play in supporting this program if confirmed as assistant secretary for prm? >> thank you, senator rosen. I appreciate the opportunity to address this. When I worked in prm before us assistant secretary, I had refugee admissions and in that capacity oversaw the U.S.
▶ 1:39:28Sen. Rosen: Refugee admissions program including lautenberg program under it. Before I had come on the job they are, the lautenberg program, which worked to resettle iranians who are suffering persecution from iran to the united states via an intermediate european country had been interrupted due to some logistical problems that probably I would have to go into in a different environment.
▶ 1:39:59Sen. Rosen: While I was deputy assistant secretary, I worked on that trying to get that process restarted for about two years. The principal issue was say overcoming some reluctance on the part of european partners. At the point that I left that position would have been spring 2020, I thought we were fairly close to getting there but that was at the very beginning of covid.
▶ 1:40:27Sen. Rosen: Then I moved on to a different job and did not have the opportunity --.
▶ 1:40:31Sen. Rosen: I have other questions to ask her where you work with us on reviewing this program and helping now that we hope iran is on its back foot, weakest point in decades and we know that there is a burgeoning movement there for some freedom and we want to protect those religious minorities. I'm going to kinda build on senator murphy's question because I want to talk about vetting afrikaners and anti-semitism as we think about persecution.
▶ 1:40:59Sen. Rosen: Despite president trump's indefinite suspension of the U.S. refugee admission program, reports suggest of course we know right -- white afrikaners have been resettled in rapid fashion. Some approved in just weeks. I want to talk about the vetting. One of their very first africana refugees resettled is openly anti-semitic including on social media. The irony of this situation is the administration has used the pretext of combating anti-semitism to attack individuals and institutions it doesn't agree with.
▶ 1:41:30Sen. Rosen: So combating anti-semitism and other forms of hate wherever it manifests, absolutely necessary. But why is this expedited admission f&f o'connor of e.g. With a documented history of -- afrikaner with a document in history? It is unacceptable and offensive. How do you think this individual slipped through the cracks? We commit to committing others to the same high standards applied to other refugee applicants?
▶ 1:41:57Mr. Gor: --
▶ 1:42:00Mr. Veprek: I'm not in a position to talk about how the vetting works or what may have happened. If I am confirmed, I can commit to ensuring that all refugees are vetted and screened to the highest possible standard.
▶ 1:42:19Sen. Rosen: You would agree that someone who is anti-semitic and continues to do this would not be a person you would may consider clearing?
▶ 1:42:27Mr. Veprek: Just to be clear on the process for refugee admission, it is uscis that makes the determination of her who is a refugee and who gets refugee status to be admitted to the united states in that way. That would not be a decision I would be able to make personally.
▶ 1:42:42Sen. Rosen: You be committed in the fight against anti-semitism with all of us and bringing these folks in maybe not necessarily the best idea. Just generally.
▶ 1:42:50Mr. Veprek: I am quite committed to the fight against anti-semitism.
▶ 1:42:56Chair Risch: Senator cruz.
▶ 1:43:00Sen. Cruz: Thank you. Mr. walker, I am extremely alarmed by china's encroachment across the western hemisphere. Just a couple of weeks ago I traveled to el salvador, panama, and mexico and met with leaders who all echoed the same concern. This is dangerous and it is the result of bipartisan failure stretching back decades.
▶ 1:43:25Sen. Cruz: As you noted in your testimony, we have had no senate confirmed ambassador to the bahamas since 2011 under both republican and democrat administrations. That has left an enormous vacuum, allowing china to make inroads in the bahamas for over a decade, pouring billions into a deep water port and other critical sectors of the economy. The bahamas is just 50 miles off the coast of florida and serves as a key regional gateway.
▶ 1:43:55Sen. Cruz: The proximity makes any major foreign investment or infrastructure project directly relevant to american national security. The united states should work with our partners to curtail china's growing influence in the caribbean and the broader western hemisphere. Your role will be vital in advancing this critical partnership. What policy approaches in your view should we pursue to help bahamas resist chinese pressure?
▶ 1:44:27Mr. Walker: Thank you for your question. First of all, I can't set policy. It is set by the president. But what I see china doing now is they are doing a lot of influencing in the caribbean. One of the things I feel I would do to get china -- work with the bahamian people and make sure we become the partner of choice being so close, 50 miles an proximity from the united
▶ 1:44:58Mr. Walker: States. Work with the bahamian people in the bahamian government to make sure we become their partner of choice. And at the same time, work with a lot of the american companies to come to the bahamas to see the key investments they can make down in the bahamas to combat against china because I think they're coming down with a lot of money.
▶ 1:45:24Mr. Walker: So if you can get other americans companies to come down to invest as well in the bahamas, that would be a starting point.
▶ 1:45:32Sen. Cruz: Fully agree. Thank you. Mr. gor, congratulations. You and I go back a long, long time. Just the other day, we were laughing at 13 years ago when a former colleague of ours john mccain labeled your than voss rand paul, mike lee,,, collectively, wacko birds.
▶ 1:46:02Sen. Cruz: As you know -- I could not find it, but I've a baseball cap in my office given to me by grassroots supporter with daffy duck labeled wacko bird. I remain proud wacko bird. I feel pretty confident senator lee and senator paul do as well. You're going to be terrific in india. India, as you know quite literally on the frontline against chinese expansion. The U.S. and india are both acutely threatened by chinese expansionism.
▶ 1:46:32Sen. Cruz: President trump and modi undeniably respect each other and have signaled again and again that the united states and india are natural allies. Nevertheless, our relationship with india is far from perfect. You have talked about that several different ways today in your testimony and in response to questions. I would like to ask you to talk a little more specifically about how india views chinese expansionism and aggression and what that means for U.S.-indian relations.
▶ 1:47:00Mr. Gor: Thank you for the question. India is very concerned. I think senator hagerty pointed out five years ago they are in open conflict. While we might have our moment of hiccups right now, we are on track of resolving that. Our relationship with the indian government, with the people of india extends many more decades and it is a much warmer relationship than they have with the chinese. Frankly, to our concern by chinese expansionism.
▶ 1:47:32Mr. Gor: Chinese expansionism is not just on the border of india, it is all over the area. So we share a lot in common and we share a lot of the same concerns that other nations in the region do. So should be confirmed, we will make that a top priority that india is pulled into our side and away from them.
▶ 1:47:50Sen. Cruz: I fully agree. Another area that remains under discussed his cooperation with india, specifically on it ♪ ♪ ♪ india, specifically on it ♪ -- specifically on energy. It is on track to become the world's largest economy in future years. President trump is committed to american energy dominance and my home state of texas is a powerhouse when it comes to energy. Talk a little bit about the possibilities for U.S.-india energy cooperation.
▶ 1:48:20Mr. Gor: We fully intend these trade talks going on right now to open the markets to liquefied natural gas and petroleum products. You're talking about a population of 1.4 billion individuals. Their middle class by our definition is larger than the entire united states of america. We have countless possibilities to expand into those markets. We fully intend to do that.
▶ 1:48:46Sen. Cruz: Excellent.
▶ 1:48:46Chair Risch: Senator scott.
▶ 1:48:50Sen. Scott: Thank you. Mr. gor, congratulations first of all to all of you come and I know each one of you is going to be dedicated to do a great job. Mr. gor, india's purchase of russian oil is a significant issue for foreign policy. As our next ambassador to india, how do you view and use choice in light of U.S. tariffs and strategic goals?
▶ 1:49:11Mr. Gor: President trump has been crystal clear on this. They must stop buying russian oil. I believe almost every single member of this committee has cosponsored senator graham's legislation which has proposed a 500% tariff on secular purchase and reselling of russian oil. The president has imposed a 25% tariff and he is full of distally encouraging others to stop that.
▶ 1:49:38Mr. Gor: Our tariffs work if our partners around the world are on the same page. If we unilaterally put tariffs on someone that they are able to buy the same oil and resell the same oil through china, india, brazil, that is a problem. We intend on fixing that.
▶ 1:49:55Sen. Scott: Our relationship is very important with india. I'm concerned they are a member of the brics organization alongside some of our adversary so how will we deal with that?
▶ 1:50:10Mr. Gor: I share those concerns. With that said, they've been on our side on various issues within brics including several that have pushed for years to move away from the U.S. dollar. India has been the stopgap for that. India is much more willing and open to engage with us then with some of those other individuals that are in brics.
▶ 1:50:35Sen. Scott: Thank you consider a clear measure of success is your time as ambassador? How would you like to leave the U.S.-bahama relationship after your term as ambassador?
▶ 1:50:47Mr. Walker: Sir, thank you for the question. I feel a true measure of success because the charge d'affaires can furnish and her group in the bahamas have done an excellent job and a true measure of success if I could contain and let the bahamian people know we are there country of choice.
▶ 1:51:15Mr. Walker: With china making a large influence in the caribbean and we are able to keep china from being too close to the united states because that can become a security risk and letting the bahamian people know we are the country of choice will be a measure of success for me.
▶ 1:51:31Sen. Scott: Thank you. Mr. veprek, three years I've opposed the united nations relief agency choice to categories palestinian arabs as refugees, decades after the conflict that created refugee situation. No other refugee population treated this way. I've yet to be told to reset behind this decision.
▶ 1:51:50Sen. Scott: This means palestinian refugees have to live in camps that become cauldrons of puritanism and violence and are never, ever resettled or recategorized which allows israel's enemies to falsely accuse israel violated international law. What plans she had to address the situation?
▶ 1:52:11Mr. Veprek: You raise an interesting and important point which is the definition of refugee that unwra a place with regard to certain palestinians is not the same as a definition of refugee that is applied or generally when it comes to other international instruments.
▶ 1:52:33Mr. Veprek: I would note that united states has drastically adjusted its engagement with unrwa recently so when it comes to looking at whether and how the united states will continue to assist in gaza and palestinian territories, we going to have to consider what partners we engage with their.
▶ 1:52:58Sen. Scott: The U.S. have entertaining relationship is important. Given the current regime's instability and pressures of our enemies on jordan is a difficult one. Do you believe this relationship can be improved and can jordan become more stable and less at risk from its own population and terrorist threats?
▶ 1:53:16Mr. Holtsnider: Thank you for the question. I do believe their relationship can be strengthened. The relationship between the U.S. and jordan is good and very strong and next to many members of this committee who have invested in that relationship over many, many decades. I think there's always more work to do to strengthen the bilateral relationship, particularly given the important role that jordan placed in the region right now and has for many, many years.
▶ 1:53:43Mr. Holtsnider: Particularly as we look at implementing the president's policy on syria and activities going on in israel. If confirmed, look forward to working with besser huckabee and special envoy tom barrick and others to do the best we can to strengthen that relationship to support the jordanian government.
▶ 1:53:59Chair Risch: Senator van hollen.
▶ 1:54:03Sen. Van Hollen: Thank you. Mr. gor, if I can begin with you. I think senator shaheen raise this issue, I just want to make sure we get it on the record. I co-chair the bipartisan foreign service caucus here in the senate along with senator sullivan.
▶ 1:54:22Sen. Van Hollen: One of our goals has been to make sure we have a foreign service that upholds the highest ideals of our country, that recognizes they have to follow the policies of the president but also recognizes their duty to the constitution. You agree those are all important considerations for foreign service officers, right?
▶ 1:54:45Mr. Gor: Not only do I agree, I think it is vitally important we rely on some of those experts that we have. The state department has incredible talent that has been built over many decades. When we are able to combine that with the president's vision, I think we can have incredible success around the world.
▶ 1:55:03Sen. Van Hollen: I appreciate that. If you're confirmed as ambassador to india, it is going to be very important all those employees be treated I think with respect they deserve. I am only raising this issue because there have been a number of reports about how in your current position you have applied essentially trump loyalty tests not just to political appointees but to some of the career folks at the national security council. Is that true?
▶ 1:55:33Sen. Van Hollen: Have you insisted on loyalty to the president as part of that screening process?
▶ 1:55:40Mr. Gor: Two points, senator. First of all, I do not hire the national security council. That is outside of my purview. Most of the jobs within the white house do not fall under my portfolio. I have not hired or fired anyone within the national security council. On your second point come of the individuals we do hire across the federal government and the different agencies, the president was elected by 78 million people and given a mandate by the american people for a certain agenda.
▶ 1:56:12Mr. Gor: We do hire individuals that agree with that agenda. If you are a butcher, not a plan to go work at peta. We want to hire the best qualified individuals but those that do agree with the president's agenda and are able to implement that.
▶ 1:56:26Sen. Van Hollen: I understand. Of course you have a lot of federal employees are ready working on behalf of the united states -- already working on behalf of the united states. They understand the responsibility is to implement the president's agenda but they also recognize the duty to respect the rule of law and constitution. In any event, I understood your answer to senator shaheen. I think it is going to be very important that you signal very early on --.
▶ 1:56:56Mr. Gor: The president has sent several nominees for ambassadorship that are career, including the gentleman to my left. Last week we nominated 400 promotions within the state department to different levels of counselor and officer, so we fully intend to continue doing that.
▶ 1:57:13Sen. Van Hollen: Thank you. Mr. veprek, let me ask you and I know you had some questions about the situation with south africa because early on the president issued an executive order essentially saying he was going to penalize south africa because of what he has described as genocide against afrikaners, against white south africans.
▶ 1:57:40Sen. Van Hollen: I don't know what extent you have been involved in those decisions, but I do have a very simple question. Do you agree with what I think is an outrageous claim that the government of south africa is engaged in genocide against the afrikaners?
▶ 1:57:55Mr. Veprek: Thank you for the question prayed with regard to the president's executive order and his comments in it, made it possible for certain ethnic minority groups --.
▶ 1:58:11Sen. Van Hollen: My question was very specific. Do you agree the government of south africa is engaged in genocide against the afrikaners? Do you believe that?
▶ 1:58:23Mr. Veprek: I would refer to the president's executive order including the recency gave for deciding privilege --.
▶ 1:58:33Sen. Van Hollen: I'm going to stop you there. The notion that south africa is committing genocide against afrikaners is sort of laughable on its face from a legal perspective. Let me ask my last question. Mr. holtsnider, thank you for your service. I just happened to be on a trip a couple of weeks ago that included a stop in jordan.
▶ 1:58:55Sen. Van Hollen: One of the clear messages we got from the government of jordan was how they had worked very hard to open what is called the jordan corridor to provide humanitarian assistance into gaza, to help people who are starving in gaza. And are all sorts of obstructions that have been put in place by the netanyahu government.
▶ 1:59:16Sen. Van Hollen: Senator murphy and I released a report today, I urge you to take a look at it, and I just ask that you work with us to address those issues should you be confirmed. Do I have that commitment?
▶ 1:59:26Mr. Holtsnider: Thank you for the question. If confirmed, I commit to working with this committee to do what we can to get the assistance.
▶ 1:59:34Chair Risch: Senator daines.
▶ 1:59:39Sen. Daines: Mr. gor, congratulations on your nomination. I want to talk about india. I'm confident you will be the next ambassador to india. You carry another important title and that is the special envoy and president to both central asia and south asia. I want to bring central asia back into the forefront, foreign relations committee, I don't think it gets enough attention. I want to jump into the central and some of the questions.
▶ 2:00:10Sen. Daines: We spoke the other day about how U.S. adversaries are really undermining the increased use engagement we are seeing today in central asia. Clearly, that breakthrough peace agreement that president trump led between osborne jean and armenia is one of these moments underreported in my opinion, under appreciated the significant geopolitically for central asia.
▶ 2:00:39Sen. Daines: Question for you, how important is it that we show our allies in central asia the united states is turning the page from the last administration now looking to real investments and shorter cooperation in the region?
▶ 2:00:54Mr. Gor: It is vitally important. I want to commend you, have been one of the few individuals that have visited the area for my understanding, not to send a delegation close to a decade there. When the president announced he had a special envoy to the region, we have gotten outreach from some of those were ministers and including presidents from those countries and for far too long felt ignored by both administrations. We are fully engaged with those nations.
▶ 2:01:24Mr. Gor: The president has already spoken to some of those individual leaders over the last week alone. He will be meeting with additional leaders during his time at the u.n. So we are fully committed to bringing them into the fold and for the longest time, frankly, they have been ignored. If I'm able to do my small part should I be confirmed and bringing them in, would be thrilled by that.
▶ 2:01:46Sen. Daines: Having visited all five of the central asian countries in the last 18 months, met with the presidents of each in their respective capitals, there was one common thread. There were several that one was there great respect and appreciation of president trump. They truly want to engage. They think so highly of the president. It is a great opportunity for us. I'm grateful for engaging more now in central asia.
▶ 2:02:12Mr. Gor: We are actively planning a trip, the deputy secretary and I chris landau, in october to visit possibly three or four of those countries. We are fully committed to that relationship.
▶ 2:02:24Sen. Daines: One of the specific issues that gets brought up is certainly the outdated policies of jackson-vanik. That was the soviet-area type policy that serves no purpose today as we move forward. Senator chris murphy and I have been working on this and congress in a bipartisan way to repeal it. I look forward to working with you and your special envoy capacity central asia to see if we can get jackson-vanik repealed in working with the chairman as well.
▶ 2:02:54Sen. Daines: That will be one of the top topics. He shows a lot of respect I think for central asia. In fact, they moved on from the soviet era in the past.
▶ 2:03:02Mr. Gor: And secretary rubio has spoken of his willingness and his desire to repeal that. We will work toward that.
▶ 2:03:13Sen. Daines: To wrap up, Mr. walker, good to see you here today. Thank you for your willingness to serve as ambassador to the bahamas. I will cut to the chase. As you know as ambassador, you will be working to strengthen this relationship with the bahamas and with our government.
▶ 2:03:31Sen. Daines: Can you work to build an even stronger law enforcement and counter narcotic relationship between the united states and bahamas and work to stem the tide of this poison entering our country?
▶ 2:03:48Mr. Walker: Thank you for your question, senator. One of the things I put a lot of pride in myself is bringing people together and working with law enforcement. I feel if you can get law enforcement to communicate with each other and how important they are, and I feel that is the most important thing to make all of law enforcement feel they are important.
▶ 2:04:12Mr. Walker: I think they have gotten so much negative that now I love to let them know they are important, they are the reason why I can build a championship team if we are all working together. I can commit to that. And I can get them to know how important they would be in the bahamas and getting things done.
▶ 2:04:31Sen. Daines: I am confident you can build another championship team there in the bahamas.
▶ 2:04:36Chair Risch: Thank you to our nominees and their families once again for your willingness to serve. We have received letters of support. I will order those put into the record. The purposes of the committee, the right to remain -- record will remain open until the close of business tomorrow at 5:00. If you get questions, I urge you to immediately answer them to move the process along. Thank you to the panel. Thank you to the committee for participation. With that, the committee is adjourned.
▶ 2:05:06Chair Risch: [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap.org]