▶ 0:16:22>> a reminder to those in attendance, if you disrupt this event at the hearing today you will be arrested and subject to a ban up to a year. I hope we can have a good hearing and keep it orderly. Before we start this morning, I will let senator budd introduce his witness today. Then I will start my remarks. I will turn it over to you.
▶ 0:16:51Sen. Budd: Thank you very much, chairman daines, ranking member kaine and colleagues on the committee. It's my honor to introduce george holding. I've had the privilege of knowing and working alongside my friend george of the U.S. house of representatives where we proudly served together for the state of north carolina.
▶ 0:17:22Sen. Budd: Ever since I began my career in public service, george had my back. He was my earliest endorser from the north carolina congressional delegation when I first ran for congress in 2016. There were 17 in that race. As I was a small business owner and I quickly became a trusted friend and respected colleague of george. When they had the great redraw of 2016, I inherited his district number, 13.
▶ 0:17:51Sen. Budd: For a few years I took a lot of his calls. As a former member of the house ways and means committee, george was known across the congressional delegation as the go to guy for all things tax policy. He consistently provided policy advice anchored in the principles of economic freedom and financial accountability to the taxpayer.
▶ 0:18:12Sen. Budd: Throughout his nearly 20 years in public service george has embodied the best of conservative economics, holding himself to the high standards of fiscal responsibility to ensure the hard earned tax dollars of the people of the eastern district of north carolina and all americans were spent wisely and not wasted.
▶ 0:18:31Sen. Budd: Since 1991, following the collapse of the former soviet union, the abrd eased the path for former communist countries across central and eastern embrace free markets, thereby providing economic freedom. Given our nation's leadership as the bank's largest shareholder, I believe we need a director with a proven record of stewarding american tax dollars. I cannot think of anyone better suited for the job in george holding.
▶ 0:19:02Sen. Budd: George's steady leadership in the public and private sectors coupled with a deep understanding of geopolitics has prepared him to lead in the role. As a firm believer in free markets he is committed to ensuring american investment is deployed strategically in no way that best serves the american taxpayer. I have no doubt he will keep american interests top of mind as he supports the bank's mission to promote private sector investment and free-market market economies while safeguarding american capital.
▶ 0:19:32Sen. Budd: Strategic and fiscally responsible american investment is important today, giving countries who threaten american economic interests around the world. I'm proud to join president trump and secretary bessent in endorsing george holding as a well-equipped and esteemed nominee to serve as U.S. director of ebrd. I hope my colleagues will come to agree with me. I have no doubt he will serve our country well. Thank you very much.
▶ 0:20:02Chair Daines: Thank you for the kind introduction. I want to thank the nominees for joining us and for your willingness to serve our great country. It's because of people like you've that we are able to further our national security and national interests and I extend my thanks to you and your families. I see many families here joining you behind you.
▶ 0:20:26Chair Daines: President trump and secretary rubio are working tirelessly to further the american national interest to make the world safer and more prosperous for americans and reform and revitalize U.S. diplomacy. Their efforts have produced incredible results, bringing peace to war-torn regions like the south caucasus. We got to see that firsthand. Seeing azerbaijan and armenia brokering a peace deal. A hot war for 35 years but not today.
▶ 0:20:56Chair Daines: They have in stemming the tide of deadly fentanyl entering our country, putting adversaries on the back foot, furthering U.S. business interests, and foreign investment in the united states. They should be commended for their hard work. Under their leadership america is back on the world stage. If confirmed, all four of you will become part of that effort to further the U.S. national interest.
▶ 0:21:23Chair Daines: While the countries and institutions which you will represent are both geographically and functionally diverse, once confirmed, you will all be a very important part of the state department's team and your efforts are critical to the president's initiatives. I would like to thank each of you personally as well as your families.
▶ 0:21:49Chair Daines: Speaking as someone who lived abroad for a number of years in the private sector, and for your willingness to serve. I look forward to your testimonies. I would like to recognize my friend, the distinguished breaking member, senator tim kaine.
▶ 0:22:02Sen. Kaine: Thank you to the chair and congratulations to the witnesses. These are all important positions for the united states, both the international organizations and the two companies -- countries whose nominees are before us today. The organization for security and cooperation in europe is not as well-known as organizations like nato or the eu, but it's extremely important because it has a broader universe of european nations that participate.
▶ 0:22:33Sen. Kaine: Nato's membership is smaller. The eu's membership is smaller but there's a broad membership with whom we have troubled relations. Having a broad extension -- expansion gives us the ability to communicate through other organizations.
▶ 0:22:54Sen. Kaine: The european bank for reconstruction and development was created by the united states in the aftermath of the fall of the soviet union to help economies that had been state-run socialist economies transfer into a rule of law-based free enterprise economies. Still very important. A successful economic transition goes hand-in-hand with human rights and technology. The U.S.
▶ 0:23:21Sen. Kaine: Is the largest shareholder in the institution and its important we be well represented. Tanzania has been an important ally the united states. There was a recent election in 2025 that was marred by violence.
▶ 0:23:38Sen. Kaine: That election led to the election of a candidate with a 97% vote, which that tells us we ought to be nervous about the state of democracy in tanzania but it has been an ally in the past and we want that relationship to be strong. Guatemala is a neighbor with a sizable american population, including in virginia where I live.
▶ 0:24:01Sen. Kaine: The election of the president a couple of years back was an election that was widely hailed by the population as a new chapter in guatemala and opened the doors to more transparency and less corruption.
▶ 0:24:15Sen. Kaine: The inauguration of president was marred by an attempt to engage in a pre-inaugural coup and violence upon inauguration day is an important relationship because we are neighbors but it's also important for the united states to support a pro-democracy leader trying to battle corruption and in a culture of impunity that had been an endemic part of guatemala for many years.
▶ 0:24:47Sen. Kaine: These are important positions and I'm glad we are having this hearing today. I yield back.
▶ 0:24:50Chair Daines: Thank you. Mr. rodrigues and I had a good chat about that back in 2023. I happened to arrive on the scene in the transition. I want to think now secretary rubio, then senator rubio. We worked to ensure democracy prevailed there. We had another peaceful transition. It is so important to demonstrate that around the world.
▶ 0:25:21Chair Daines: You are well equipped to do a great job as an ambassador. Senator mccormick, the floor is yours.
▶ 0:25:27Sen. Mccormick: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Thank you for the opportunity to introduce the president's nominee to serve as united states permanent representative to the organization for security and cooperation in europe, darrell owens. Not just a highly qualified me but a fellow pennsylvanian. A former senate staffer and army officer who has dedicated his career to serving his country.
▶ 0:25:52Sen. Mccormick: I want to welcome his wife brooke, a commissioned officer in the air force reserve, and three children with you, including a seven week old baby so welcome. Great to have you here and darrell's parents. We are grateful for your service but also for the support you have all given darrell throughout his career. Darrell's roots run deep. They shaped both his character and commitment to service.
▶ 0:26:23Sen. Mccormick: He brings a grounded practical approach to leadership built on a career of hard work, accountability and a clear sense of duty. He understands this institution. As a former congressional staffer to senator pat toomey and congressman gt thompson, darrell spent years working behind-the-scenes to support the work of this body, preparing members, coordinating policy and helping ensure that congress could effectively carry out its important institutional responsibilities. That experience matters.
▶ 0:26:53Sen. Mccormick: He approaches this role with a genuine respect for the committee, its oversight function and for the importance of maintaining a strong partnership between the legislative and executive branches. In addition to civilian service, we share the common thread of service in the united states army. Him with deployments in south korea, poland and germany.
▶ 0:27:11Sen. Mccormick: He continues to serve to this day as an officer in the army preserve and that helped shape his strategic thinking, his leadership, his understanding of the security challenges facing united states. It is that perspective that comes from wearing the uniform, that emphasis of mission, accountability, and putting the country first that is an invaluable perspective he will bring to this important role if confirmed.
▶ 0:27:38Sen. Mccormick: Darrell has built a strong record of public service at the department of veterans affairs, including in the senior leadership role and within congressional legislative affairs he has demonstrated an ability to manage conflict issues, work across institutions and deliver results on behalf of pennsylvanians and americans. The role he has been nominated for is an important one.
▶ 0:28:00Sen. Mccormick: The organization for security cooperation in europe sits at the center of many of the pressing security and governance challenges in europe and eurasia at a time of continued instability. Strong leadership and that for at a time when nato and the role of many nato countries is in question, it could not be more significant. I'm glad you will be our representative. Darrell brings the unique experience of judgment, the sense of service and responsibly.
▶ 0:28:30Sen. Mccormick: I'm confident he will represent united states with professionalism and integrity. I strongly support his nomination and I urge my fellow committee members to support him as well. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:28:41Chair Daines: Thank you. I concur with your remarks. I very much enjoyed the time we spent yesterday. Senator kaine pointed out the importance of this role. Not that well known on this side of the pond but very important at expanding the aperture for central asia and the caucuses. This is an important time for you to be in this role and I think you are well-equipped with your background to do that and congratulations as a new dad as well. You will be the first witness today and that is Mr.
▶ 0:29:10Chair Daines: Darrell owens, now many to be U.S. representative the organization for security and cooperation in europe. The floor is yours.
▶ 0:29:18Mr. Owens: Thank you, Mr. chairman, Mr. ranking member, this english members of the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear as the president's nominee to serve as the U.S. representative to the organization for security and cooperation in europe. Senator mccormick, thank you for the introduction as well. Mr. chairman, thank you for the time meeting yesterday. I am grateful to president trump and secretary rubio for their confidence in me and the opportunity to serve my country.
▶ 0:29:46Mr. Owens: I want to acknowledge how meaningful it is for me to sit here today. Earlier in my career I had the privilege of serving as a senate staffer. I spent hours briefing materials, coordinate questions and supporting numbers of this body. I have an enormous respect for the role the senate plays in shaping american foreign policy and exercising constitutional responsibility of advising consent. I have respect for the professional staff who make this institution function every day.
▶ 0:30:12Mr. Owens: Having spent years on that side of the dais, it is both humbling and deeply meaningful to appear today on this side of the aisle. Public service has been a central thread of my career. I served as an officer in the U.S. army reserve, including time in europe. I also had opportunity to work in congress, the house and senate, on national security and foreign policy matters.
▶ 0:30:36Mr. Owens: I served at veterans affairs as deputy assistant secretary for legislative affairs and I'm grateful to secretary collins and my colleagues for my dedication -- for their dedication to our veterans or day. My wife brooke has been incredible and supportive, even with her own outstanding career as an air force reserve officer. I'm joined by my children, lincoln, madison and our brand-new little guy jackson. He was so excited last night he did not sleep at all in preparation for this hearing.
▶ 0:31:08Mr. Owens: My family is the foundation of everything I do. I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support. I'm thankful for my parents who are here today, my mother, lisa, make friends and colleagues who are here today who have been supportive throughout my career and excited to see me take on this new role. I will approach this role with a clear understanding that american leadership in europe remains essential to our security and prosperity.
▶ 0:31:33Mr. Owens: The united states helped establish the osc with broad support from congress as nation's with profound the different systems could engage in dialogue, reduce tensions and promote stability across the euro atlantic region. The helsinki act articulated security that remains just as relevant today as it did in 1975. For decades the osce played a valuable role in respecting human rights.
▶ 0:32:03Mr. Owens: It was a form for arms control negotiations, confidence building measures and dialogue among nations that often see the world differently. The importance of that mission is as clear as ever. Russia's war against ukraine has fundamentally challenged the european security architecture. The osce remains one of the few institutions where states with differing perspectives can still engage directly on security issues.
▶ 0:32:29Mr. Owens: If confirmed, I will work with our allies had partners to ensure osce serves as a meaningful venue for dialogue,. Transparency and conflict prevention simultaneously, the organization must remain focused on its core mission. Over time the osce scope has broadened and it's important to reform, refocus and refined to ensure it can effectively meet today's challenges.
▶ 0:32:54Mr. Owens: I will work with participating states to ensure the organization remains focused, effective and capable of advancing peace and stability across the region. I want to recognize the important role congress has played in supporting the osce since its founding. The engagement of members of congress and the parliamentary assembly has been instrumental in advancing the principles reflected in the helsinki final act. I look forward to working closely with this committee, the helsinki commission and congress.
▶ 0:33:23Mr. Owens: I want to thank you for the opportunity to be here today and I yield.
▶ 0:33:26Chair Daines: Thank you. I have to watch the fan club behind you beaming with pride. Mr. juan rodriguez, the floor is yours.
▶ 0:33:40Mr. Rodriguez: Thank you, chairman daines, ranking member kaine, members of the committee, thank you for appearing before you as the president's nominee to serve as ambassador to the united states to the republic of guatemala. I'm honored by president trump's trust in me for the nomination and my responsibly to put the interest of the american people first in every aspect of this role.
▶ 0:34:06Mr. Rodriguez: I want to introduce my wife and my children for being here today. I am grateful to my family for their support. Representing the united states abroad is among the highest responsibilities our nation can bestow and I approach this nomination with humility and respect for the important and time-honored role of this committee and the constitutional role of this -- guatemala is a vital partner in central america , bound to the U.S.
▶ 0:34:34Mr. Rodriguez: By deep connection of economic ties, shared democratic aspirations and strong people to people connections. If confirmed, I will work to ensure our engagement reflects both our strategic priorities and our enduring commitment to economic growth and regional stability. Guatemala matters the united states because what happens or affects our security, economy and our border. If confirmed, my approach will be grounded in a clear principal.
▶ 0:35:06Mr. Rodriguez: U.S. engagement must deliver concrete results for americans, including safer communities, compelling economic opportunities and more. Insecure prosperous hemisphere I prioritize the protection of U.S. citizens and security of our personnel and guatemala -- in guatemala . Taxpayer dollars must be used transparency and effectively to advance our interests. I will insist on accountability, discipline and measurable outcomes in all U.S.
▶ 0:35:31Mr. Rodriguez: Funded programs and it activities in guatemala .my efforts will advance america first foreign policy. First, migration must be addressed with urgency and realism. Illegal immigration from guatemala strains our border, resources and communities.
▶ 0:35:52Mr. Rodriguez: I will press for stronger cooperation with the guatemalan government to stop illegal immigration, disrupt human smuggling networks, and ensure the prompt return of those who do not have a legal basis to stay the united states. Our message will be clear. Illegal immigration is not a pathway to entry. Economic engagement must support american workers, businesses and producers.
▶ 0:36:17Mr. Rodriguez: I will advocate for stronger enforcement of trade rules, aim to reverse unfair practices and promote opportunities for U.S. companies to compete and win. Expanding economic opportunity in guatemala can reduce incentives for illegal immigration but it must be done in a way that strengthens american competitiveness. Third, security cooperation will focus on results.
▶ 0:36:42Mr. Rodriguez: Transnational criminal organizations, narcotics traffickers and gangs, including those designated as foreign terrorist organizations threaten both our nations. I will work to ensure our security partnerships are targeted and effective to deliver on U.S. priorities to reduce the flow of drugs into our country, dismantle criminal networks and enhance regional stability. Lastly, china's economic expansion in the western hemisphere threatens U.S.
▶ 0:37:12Mr. Rodriguez: National security, prosperity, and critical supply chains. I will work to ensure guatemala can be work against chinese influence in the region. I will bring the clear results-driven approach to the role. I will work closely with the congress to ensure transparency and accountability and I will not lose sight of those who I serve, the american people. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:37:36Chair Daines: Risch
▶ 0:37:38Chair Daines: Ri Mr. rodriguez, thank you. You spent a lot of time in guatemala and will serve us well as the next ambassador. William trachman, the floor is yours.
▶ 0:37:54Mr. Trachman: Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. I'm honored by president trump's nomination to serve as U.S. ambassador to the united republic of tanzania. I want to thank president trump and secretary rubio for their faith in me and express my gratitude to my wife and our four wonderful children. I am personally the product of diplomacy done well. My father was from new jersey, my mother from fresno, california.
▶ 0:38:26Mr. Trachman: My father with a strident libertarian and my mother worked for the fresno county library system and was a member of the seiu. Across these differences we always met in the middle and emphasized our common interest in family. While working in the first trump administration I often thought of my mother and father, of blessed memory. At the department of education and helped enshrine into low protections against sexual harassment under title ix while also codifying due process protections on campuses.
▶ 0:38:57Mr. Trachman: We published important documents on racial equality and on the threat of anti-semitism. I try to find a win-win. I'm optimistic that when people come to the table, even if they sit down with a virgin interests they can stand up with mutual respect and shared understanding. That brings me to tanzania, a country of immense strategic importance.
▶ 0:39:20Mr. Trachman: With a population of more than 65 million, over 120 ethnic groups, and substantial natural resources, tanzania is vital for supporting regional stability in east africa. For decades our nations have cooperated closely and emphasized our shared interest. Today our relationship faces undeniable challenges. The october 2025 elections and the violence that followed raised serious concerns about tanzania's trajectory as a reliable partner.
▶ 0:39:50Mr. Trachman: While they understand that tanzania has taken positive steps, if confirmed I will ensure tanzania lives up to its commitments. I will push for cooperation in areas of advanced american interest and regional stability. If confirmed, my three priorities would be first, advancing american commercial interests in mining, energy, tourism, health and technology. Tanzania possesses nickel, graphite and rare earth elements which are critical to american national security.
▶ 0:40:22Mr. Trachman: American companies are poised to responsibly invest in tanzania, but have confronted consistent regulatory uncertainty. I will advocate for predictable investment conditions, codified into law by tanzania's national assembly and help unlock opportunities for both countries. Second, strengthening what works. Our security cooperation. Tanzania has been a partner in maritime security and counter narcotics.
▶ 0:40:47Mr. Trachman: I would work with authorities to deepen cooperation where our interests align, including in addressing transnational threats. Third, promoting perspective for national rights. Human liberty is the foundation of stability and prosperity. The tanzanian constitution itself states that citizens have a right to equality and freedom of religion. As justice scalia noted, it is easy to make promises like these on paper. The key is enforcing this promises.
▶ 0:41:17Mr. Trachman: I will also prioritize the safety of american citizens and U.S. personnel, the oldest and most important duty of U.S. diplomatic missions. I know that tanzania operates in a competitive international environment. In particular, china leverages influence their infrastructure projects and resource development. I will work to demonstrate the partnership of the united states grounded in transparency offers the best path forward for tanzania's development and its citizens.
▶ 0:41:46Mr. Trachman: If confirmed, I will keep this committee informed and support the diplomats and employed staff in dar es salaam who serve at dedication and professionalis m.I look forward .
▶ 0:42:06Chair Daines: Finally, the honorable george holding. We were elected together in 2012 to the house. We were freshman. George, good to see you back here. He not many bt director of the european bank for development. Congressman, the floor is yours.
▶ 0:42:25Mr. Holding: Thank you. It's an honor to appear before you today as a nominatee. The ebrd. I would like to thank president trump for the nomination and secretary scott bessent and assistant secretary francis broke for their confidence and encouragement. I would like to thank my wife lucy and our four children for their steadfast support that made possible by nearly 20 years of public service.
▶ 0:42:54Mr. Holding: I'm proud of our four children whose curiosity, resilience and optimism remind me daily that optimism remind me daily t of te promise of american leadership in the world. Our daughter has taken off from the united nations to support me here.
▶ 0:43:15Mr. Holding: I served her roles across all public policy and business, each shaped my belief in the power of free enterprise and democratic governance with governments and individuals alike. Having been an assistant united states attorney, and 2006, I was confirmed by the U.S. senate as united states attorney from eastern district of north carolina, a place I held until 2011. From 2013 to 2021, I represented eastern north atlantic congressional district.
▶ 0:43:46Mr. Holding: During my time in the house I served on the ways and means committee chairman budget committee, ethics committee, foreign affairs, and judiciary. Since leaving congress, I've experienced work in the private sector offering advice on geopolitics and political risk. The ebrd was established following the fall of the berlin wall to help transition to open market-based democracies.
▶ 0:44:11Mr. Holding: Over the last three decades it has been an essential instrument in promoting economic freedom and stability in post-soviet technologies, helping transform fragile state and allies and training partners of the united states. United states remains the bank's largest shareholder and influential voice.
▶ 0:44:32Mr. Holding: As such, our leadership is important to ensuring the ebrd advances free markets, sound governance, and private sector development rather than contrary political agendas. The bank's mission is not charity. It's a strategic investment in democracy, stability, security, and market-based prosperity.
▶ 0:44:54Mr. Holding: Every american tax dollar devoted to international development must be safeguarded, insuring it delivers measurable results and genuine opportunity for the people it seeks to empower. The focus should remain on nations where the investments have the greatest potential for transformation, particularly across former countries of the soviet union where american engagement is critical in the growing great power competition.
▶ 0:45:22Mr. Holding: The bank should pursue a disciplined graduation process for advanced european economies that have achieved sufficient market maturity. Having served in congress and the private sector I am keenly aware of the development institution succeed only on the remain mission driven, transparent, and efficient. The ebrd must strengthen governance, preserve its aaa credit rating, and maximize private sector crowding in to make the most of it shareholder capital.
▶ 0:45:51Mr. Holding: Investment funds, sovereign wealth funds and institutional investors represent the mets potential for partnership, particularly U.S. private investors. The bank's ability to catalyze those resources to do more with less will determine its relevance and impact and the decade ahead. The ebrd's down a mandate to strengthen legal systems and promote open markets remains as vital today as it was a 1990 one.
▶ 0:46:20Mr. Holding: Upholding that mission while adapting to the global realities is the task before us. Mr. chairman, throughout my career I have been guided by the conviction that economic freedom is the foundation for the foundation for principle of political freedom. Strong markets, democratic government and rule of law sustained when another. The work is not only investment prosperity abroad, it's a safeguard for peace and stability that benefits the american people at home.
▶ 0:46:47Mr. Holding: I will vigorously defend our nation's interests, system upon accountability results and ensure the mains resources are used wisely, effectively and in accordance with the high standards of good governance. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:47:03Chair Daines: Thank you for leaving the private sector and come back to public service. Mr. owens, great to speak with you yesterday and I enjoyed our conversation. A lot of people forget central asian has a tradition of participation for security and cooperation in europe. How would you be equipped at osce to help advance U.S. interests in central asia?
▶ 0:47:35Mr. Owens: Thank you for the question and I enjoyed our dialogue in this question. Osce is a 57 member nations. I think people forget that the central asian nations are members. Four of our field missions are there in the central asian nations.
▶ 0:47:53Mr. Owens: I want to work closely with those missions to ensure the opportunities that present themselves in combating transnational crime and money laundering and countering russian and chinese influence is of utmost importance. Russia has been very focused on ukraine and they have taken their eye off the ball in the central asian nations. It presents an incredible opportunity for united states to engage those nations and work together especially now that armenia and azerbaijan have a peace deal.
▶ 0:48:23Chair Daines: You brought ukraine. Osce was created to advance peace and stability through political dialogue. I think the osce has experian's a bit of mission creep over the years. Mr. owens, how can the osce reinvest into its mission and direct attention to helping in the war in ukraine? -- end the war in ukraine?
▶ 0:48:53Mr. Owens: One of my top priorities is to reform and refocus the osce. When the helsinki accords were founded in 1975, the main purpose of this was to get the soviets and americans to talk with a broader european backdrop for security. If we can refocus that mission and get back to its very core elements I think they can be an effective organization, considering to the membership is.
▶ 0:49:19Chair Daines: My last question, Mr. holding, energy security is national security. I support the ebrd's investment projects. I have concerns about the project focused on intermittent energy sources that don't produce baseload power. Now on the fourth year russia's reward ukraine has demonstrated the need for europe to invest in baseload power generation capabilities.
▶ 0:49:51Chair Daines: If confirmed, how would you embrace a more strategic outlook for ebrd investment portfolio?
▶ 0:49:57Rep. Holding: It's a very good question and very relevant. I support all of the above energy policy for the ebrd. The ebrd, as I mentioned, it is not a charity. That heals the ebrd is involved in have to make good business sense.
▶ 0:50:22Rep. Holding: When looking at energy sources, whether it is directly investing in energy source or investing in deals, what energy sources it relies on, I would have it all of the above approach and out the bias against one form of energy for another.
▶ 0:50:40Chair Daines: Thank you. Senator kaine.
▶ 0:50:42Sen. Kaine: Thank you, Mr. chair and to the witnesses. Mr. owens, reach out to former virginia governor jean gilmore who helped your position during president trump's first term. I supported him and his confirmation. He was an army intelligence officer serving in europe so perfectly suited for a position. You might have a lot to share. My question will be to risch.
▶ 0:51:12Sen. Kaine: -- to Mr. rodriguez. Both chairman daines and me together with a number of colleagues from the committee on two separate visits went to guatemala to try to interrupt what we believed might have been a who would progress -- coup in progress.
▶ 0:51:36Sen. Kaine: Both of us in a bipartisan weight delivered tough messages to the outgoing president and encouragement to the elected president, president arévalo. We also spoke with the chamber of commerce, business leaders and others to save it's important the will of the guatemalan electorate be respected. I want to thank my colleague, secretary rubio at the time.
▶ 0:52:06Sen. Kaine: There was a strong bipartisan commitment on this committee generally in congress to see there was a peaceful transition of power. We are a couple of years in and this year is an important one for that effort. This year there will be a set of judicial elections. The supreme elect tribunal, the constitutional court and attorney general's office. Next year, guatemala is scheduled to hold elections for president and congress.
▶ 0:52:36Sen. Kaine: Talk about the support you will provide without interfering in guatemalan domestic politics to ensure the U.S. positions is well understood and guatemala.
▶ 0:52:51Mr. Rodriguez: Thank you, senator kaine. It's important for the embassy the first of all engage with candidates that are running for office and engage in the sense that I think it's important for them to let candidates know what the U.S. priorities are. I do not believe the embassy should be used to endorse any specific candidate.
▶ 0:53:17Mr. Rodriguez: I think that crosses the line to interference with domestic politics and I would not be supportive of that. As far as how we ensure a transparent and fair election in june of next year. I think the united states has to speak for the rule of law and I think we have to support the ongoing elections that are occurring in guatemala.
▶ 0:53:48Mr. Rodriguez: When I say support, I think we should ensure the domestic process is observed, that there is no interference from aligned actors, and that the guatemala is determined for itself who will be their representatives in these important institutions. As far as I can tell --
▶ 0:54:13Sen. Kaine: You would agree that pushing back against interference by malign actors would include not only the line actors, foreign aligned actors put domestic actors who were trying to interrupt the democratic process?
▶ 0:54:30Mr. Rodriguez: I completely concur. I believe the tribunal has already been elected. Right now there is election process going on for the attorney general position. Things are proceeding according to domestic law. We should support that.
▶ 0:54:52Sen. Kaine: The current attorney general has been subject to significant sanctions from the united states. If confirmed, would you continue to carry out U.S. policy with respect to that official who has been sanctioned by the united states?
▶ 0:55:10Mr. Rodriguez: Senator, I'm not aware as to the particulars as to why she has been sanctioned. The state department has not shared the information with me. I cannot opine as to whether or not with the bases for the sanctions are. I'm there to serve the instructions of the president and the secretary and I will fulfill those instructions.
▶ 0:55:37Sen. Kaine: Do you know Ms. por as?
▶ 0:55:45Mr. Rodriguez: I have never met her. In the sense that they told me the information was classified as a layperson, I'm not entitled to receive information.
▶ 0:56:00Sen. Kaine: I yield back.
▶ 0:56:01Chair Daines: Senator mccormick.
▶ 0:56:06Sen. Mccormick: To all the nominees, congratulations for being here today. Mr. owens, since russia's full-scale invasion of ukraine and 2022, the osce faced significant strain with consensus-based decision making repeatedly obstructed, including sovereignty, territorial integrity and resolution disputes being openly violated.
▶ 0:56:34Sen. Mccormick: The trump administration has argued the osce has potential for security dialogue but it must demonstrate proficiency, focus, and results that are aligned with U.S. national interests. How would you advance those U.S. objectives while preserving the osce as a vital forum for dialogue and stability in europe?
▶ 0:56:59Mr. Owens: Thank you for that question. The russian war against ukraine has been horrible with callous atrocities. The white house has prioritized trying to find a peaceful resolution to that conflict. President trump and secretary rubio are committed to peace and long stems -- long-term stability ukraine.
▶ 0:57:22Mr. Owens: My role would be to be ready to jump in and be credible body to help with the postwar peace. As you mentioned, it comes with significant reforms. It is trying to get back to the core roots of what the osce was meant to do, and that is dialogue. For a long time, my colleagues haven't talking past each other, not with each other.
▶ 0:57:49Mr. Owens: While others look at osce as a problem because rush is involved in the organization, I see that as an opportunity. Having rush involved to bring that dialogue and work with them instructed lee -- constructively is an opportunity.
▶ 0:58:02Sen. Mccormick: Thank you for being here today, Mr. rodriguez. U.S.-guatemala relations are marked by growth and bilateral cooperation, migration enforcement and counter narcotics. President arévalo has faced persistent obstruction for networks embedded in guatemala's judiciary, limiting his ability to govern effectively.
▶ 0:58:26Sen. Mccormick: If confirmed, how do you plan to sustain the strong bilateral relationship with the trump administration while navigating those domestic political constraints the president faces? What types of programs will you advocate for with the state department leadership when soliciting america first opportunity fund resources?
▶ 0:58:49Mr. Rodriguez: You built on the foundation that's already been established. There is a strong interagency cooperation with the guatemalan government to fight narco trafficking, to fight narco financing of political organizations. That can certainly be furthered.
▶ 0:59:09Mr. Rodriguez: With respect to aid, foreign aid is being handled by the embassy and there is a january global health memorandum of understanding which has earmarked about $65 million in aid that will go towards lifesaving financial assistance.
▶ 0:59:39Mr. Rodriguez: I think you can continue to pursue the financial assistance and training of the interagency task force.
▶ 0:59:47Sen. Mccormick: Thank you. Congressman, thank you for being here and for your decades of great service and your market oriented perspective that you will bring, which is relevant because many caution and warned that the ebrd has strayed from the market orientation and has strayed from its core mission.
▶ 1:00:13Sen. Mccormick: What reforms will you advocate to sharpen the ebrd's private-sector mandate to leverage private capital alongside ebrd financing? What criteria will you consider and use for graduating countries?
▶ 1:00:30Rep. Holding: Thank you, senator. That's an excellent question. The ebrd needs to be a demand signal to private capital, particularly U.S. investors. I envision if the ebrd is successful, it will be -- have a top-tier vetting system. Know your client, know your customer. The diligence of your counterparties.
▶ 1:00:59Rep. Holding: That is one thing that keeps some U.S. private capital out of the markets that the ebrd is focused on, whether it is corruption or just not knowing your counterpart. The ebrd can have top class diligence on the counterparties, that would be a good way to attract private capital, becoming involved in the deals that ebrd does.
▶ 1:01:30Rep. Holding: How you graduate a country? Should I be confirmed, one of the first things I hope to learn more about is how is the ebrd looking at that right now. It's my understanding from a reading that the czech republic is the only country that has been graduated out of the ebrd's jurisdiction and mandate.
▶ 1:01:54Rep. Holding: I would like to look at that process very closely and find ways to accelerate it and have a clear criteria for how you do that. I will be more than delighted to work with the committee is to learn more about that process.
▶ 1:02:09Sen. Mccormick: The fact there is one example of a graduation is probably instructive.
▶ 1:02:14Rep. Holding: Yes sir.
▶ 1:02:15Sen. Mccormick: Thank you.
▶ 1:02:18Sen. Kaine: I want to come back to you, Mr. rodriguez. One of the challenges in guatemala has been corruption. At the request of the country in 2000 seven, the u.n. Established an anticorruption organization that then exercised some independence to engage in anticorruption investigations and prosecutions, including people that were connected to the tenure of the two presidents previous.
▶ 1:02:50Sen. Kaine: Morale us refused to extend the mandate. I believe it was in 2017 or 20 18th. Since that time, there have been the emergence of a group known widely as the pact of the corrupt that included the attorney general. This was the reason for her sanctioning.
▶ 1:03:15Sen. Kaine: That is not an operation any longer but in conversations I think you suggested that you had concerns about the mandate in the sense it may have been a violation of guatemalan sovereignty. Obviously battling corruption would be in the U.S. interest in the U.S. interest and the interest of U.S. businesses that would want to participate in the guatemalan economy. Did you have concerns?
▶ 1:03:43Sen. Kaine: You might describe that but more generally, what do you think we should do to assist guatemalan officials were battling the culture of corruption in the country?
▶ 1:03:54Mr. Rodriguez: Thank you for the question. I represented the canadian company that had the very first case filed before cicig. I was very aware -- well aware of the organization.
▶ 1:04:14Mr. Rodriguez: The problem with the organization is that it runs counter to our long-standing principle of allowing countries to govern themselves and the principle of self-determination. Ultimately that is the struggle faced at the same time, which is why president morales refused to renew it.
▶ 1:04:38Sen. Kaine: Did you not believe president morales' decision was based on his some concern about prosecution, folks connected to his administration in this climate of corruption?
▶ 1:04:54Mr. Rodriguez: I was not there and I don't know exactly the reasons why that happened. I'm only aware of -- from press reports that was the stated reason was the threat to sovereignty. I think the way you deal with corruption is simply to strengthen the rule of law and domestic institutions that are designed to fight corruption.
▶ 1:05:23Mr. Rodriguez: If you want to fight corruption, strengthen the attorney general's office. That is where the united states can be very instructive and persuasive.
▶ 1:05:35Sen. Kaine: I actually agree. Cicig was an instance where the guatemalan government made it sound decisions that the culture of corruption was so endemic that they needed to ask the u.n. To set up an independent agency to help them deal with that.
▶ 1:05:57Sen. Kaine: We are not talking about reinstituting cicig, but cicig was not a completely outside actor. It was invited in by the guatemalan government. You are correct that the best way to deal with corruption is strong institutions, courts, prosecutors and others who are committed to the rule of law.
▶ 1:06:23Sen. Kaine: Should you be confirmed, I hope you will dig into the reasons for the sanction of the current attorney general. It's important having lived in latin america and central america and spent some time in guatemala, it's important the U.S. assist efforts to battle against a long history of corruption and open the right chapter for guatemalans.
▶ 1:06:54Sen. Kaine: I encourage that. Mr. cheer, you'll back.
▶ 1:06:57Mr. Rodriguez: I'm committed to doing just that.
▶ 1:07:00Chair Daines: Senator shaheen.
▶ 1:07:04Sen. Shaheen: , thank y -- thank you, Mr. chairman and senator kaine. Congratulations to all of our nominees this morning. Welcome to you and your families and supporters who are here. I want to start by pointing out I'm glad we are having this hearing this morning. As we have commented in this committee multiple times, we are at a place where we have fewer than half of our ambassador post filled around the world.
▶ 1:07:33Sen. Shaheen: At a time when china has more diplomats than any other country on earth. Given our competition with china , both economically and militarily, it's very important we get ambassadors on the ground. I want to begin with you, Mr. owens. There is strong bipartisan, bicameral support for the country of georgia.
▶ 1:07:59Sen. Shaheen: Any effort to restore ties should include commitments by the georgian dream to allow civil society, media and opposition groups to operate without oppression and without intimidation. I think the osce has a critical role to play in doing this. Can you talk about if confirmed how you might use your platform and work within the inter-agency to implement the recommendations of the moscow mechanism report on george?
▶ 1:08:30Mr. Owens: Thank you for that question. I want to say it's great to see you again. When I was in uniform I had the pleasure of hosting you and I enjoyed our time together so thank you for your time.
▶ 1:08:46Sen. Shaheen: Thank you for your service.
▶ 1:08:47Mr. Owens: I share your concern on georgia. When I was in europe in 2019, they were one of our best allies. We sent an entire brigade to train with them extensively and often. It is heartbreaking to see what has happened in the past six years in georgia. I share your concern.
▶ 1:09:08Mr. Owens: Especially in the osce we can do, especially regarding money laundering, anticorruption efforts to really try to stem the tide of russian influence and chinese influence within georgia.
▶ 1:09:20Sen. Shaheen: Thank you very much. Another question on the osce. It's me critical in limiting the women in p security agenda. Member states report annually on efforts by their security services to implement wbs commitments. If you commit to ensuring the U.S. have hills it's voluntary reporting requirement on women, peace and security?
▶ 1:09:45Mr. Owens: This is an important issue for me. I'm not at the department now so I can't talk specifics but I will say since I have young family, protecting women and children is about most important. One of the key fundamental points of wps was protecting women and children. I believe there is an essential american value and lines -- aligns with the osce priorities. The U.S.
▶ 1:10:14Mr. Owens: Has extensive planning processes for the military and state department to protect women and children. That separates us from our adversaries, especially russia who clearly do not.
▶ 1:10:22Sen. Shaheen: I would point out that the women, peace and security initiative is not just about attack -- protecting women and children. Is ensuring they are participating in conflict negotiations and decision-making in their states and countries. Mr. trachman, am I pronouncing your name correctly?
▶ 1:10:48Sen. Shaheen: In october of 2020 five, tanzania witnessed unprecedented violence which led up to and after their general election and its estimated over 2000 people were killed in state-sponsored violence against protesters. I will introduce bipartisan legislation with some other members that would mandate a comprehensive review of the U.S.-tanzania relationship that will assess our current and future relationship with the country.
▶ 1:11:16Sen. Shaheen: In light of upcoming elections in ethiopia, kenya, nigeria, the continent is watching our response to how we deal with what happened in tanzania. If confirmed, what accountability measures and reforms would you advocate for with the government to address some of the violence and conflict around their elections?
▶ 1:11:45Mr. Trachman: It was a privilege to meet with your staff last week. I completely agree that the october 2025 election raises serious questions about tanzania's future introductory as a partner with the united states. The commission report last week came out saying only about 500 people died. I think the commission report is not fully public yet. In the event, tanzania must be held to account.
▶ 1:12:15Mr. Trachman: This will not be swept under the rug. This will be part of a comprehensive bilateral view that is already ongoing I look forward to seeing and considering the legislation you just mentioned. Human liberty is the foundation of prosperity and stability. My background in civil rights, free speech and free association indicates that an administration cares about the presence of those things in the country.
▶ 1:12:40Sen. Shaheen: I would point out that the officials in tanzania responded pretty dramatically to comments about how they behaved. I think there is a real opportunity for U.S. ambassador to make a point here that the people of the country will listen to. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:13:05Chair Daines: Senator cruz, I know you are coming in hot here but you are out.
▶ 1:13:11Sen. Cruz: . Good morning and welcome. Mr. trachman, tanzania has engaged in a sustained and escalating assault on religious freedom. The government is carrying out a deliberate campaign to intimidate christians and suppress religious activity.
▶ 1:13:32Sen. Cruz: In the lead up to the october 2025 election, tanzanian authorities barred christian gatherings, restricted church activity, and weaponized state power to control religious expression. Those elections were marked by the dismantling of opposition parties and the arrests and abduction of political leaders. Look at nigeria. This is how it unfolds.
▶ 1:13:58Sen. Cruz: The persecution of christians is downplayed by senior officials while violence escalates, especially in nigeria's middle belt with zero accountability. We should not repeat that mistake in tanzania. The trump administration was right to initiate a review of the U.S.-tanzania relationship. The ongoing repression of christians should be met with consequences.
▶ 1:14:26Sen. Cruz: Do you believe that tanzania's engaging in serious religious freedom violations?
▶ 1:14:30Mr. Trachman: Thank you for the question, senator. I am aware of and agree with your observations about the banning of opposition parties and targeting of christians before the october 2025 election and the bilateral view that it's and that will hold tanzania to account. There is a critical part of the ongoing bilateral blue.
▶ 1:14:55Mr. Trachman: It is nonnegotiable for me as someone who cares deeply about religious freedom and has litigated in that area, something that I'm attuned to. I will be keenly observing what threats continue in the country and ensuring that that is a part of the bilateral review. There is a provision in the tanzania constitution guaranteeing freedom of religion. Those armor that have to have meaning. As justice cleo said, it's easy to make those promises on paper, not enough that they have to be lived.
▶ 1:15:26Sen. Cruz: Thank you for being vigilant on that. It's needed. Mr. rodriguez, migration from guatemala continues to impact the united states. Human smuggling networks have moved tens of thousands of guatemalan migrants into the united states. Transnational criminal organizations profit of chaos at our border and undermine U.S. law enforcement efforts.
▶ 1:15:53Sen. Cruz: When I travel last fall to el salvador, panama, and mexico, I saw firsthand how migration routes are organized and facilitated across the region. Guatemala sits at the center of that below. Though it as a source country and as a transit country.
▶ 1:16:10Sen. Cruz: We should continue engaging guatemala in counter narcotics, cartel activity, and illegal immigration, and recent efforts to strengthen port security and build guatemala's first centralized targeting center serve as cornerstones of the U.S.-guatemala relationship. We are moving in the right direction but more should be done. What specific steps will you take to reduce illegal immigration from guatemala to the united states, and to make sure that reduction is long-term?
▶ 1:16:43Mr. Rodriguez: Senator cruz, thank you. The primary focus has to be on developing more interagency involvement with guatemala's police and law enforcement. We already provide training, we have vetted groups inside guatemala, we provide financial assistance for the training. I think that has to be furthered.
▶ 1:17:12Mr. Rodriguez: My understanding is that the arevalo administration have been very cooperative with united states in that regard.
▶ 1:17:22Sen. Cruz: Additionally in guatemala, the chinese communist party is aggressively working to flip guatemala and to strip taiwan of one of its last remaining allies in the western hemisphere. This is part of a broader campaign to isolate taiwan, to erode its global standing, and to expand beijing's influence in our own backyard.
▶ 1:17:46Sen. Cruz: Panama and honduras were promised economic opportunity after cutting ties, but what they got instead were opaque deals and deeper dependence on beijing. Now the chinese communist party is applying the same model in guatemala, targeting political and business elites to push a break with taipei. What would it mean for U.S.
▶ 1:18:08Sen. Cruz: Interests if guatemala flips from taiwan to china, and if confirmed, what is your plan to ensure guatemala stays aligned with taiwan and more broadly aligned with united states rather than china?
▶ 1:18:21Mr. Rodriguez: It would be a blow to national security if guatemala were to flip its support from taiwan to china. In my view, the way to counteract the economic coercion of china, because that is what it does, is to encourage more direct for an direct for eign direct investment by the taiwanese government and united states.
▶ 1:18:49Mr. Rodriguez: I think the united states could be doing a lot more with respect to countering maligned influences of china, for example, in the cybersecurity area. I think we could do a lot more to encourage the cell phone companies for example to migrate away from the huawei software.
▶ 1:19:10Mr. Rodriguez: There is no reason why the cell phone company, which is owned by a united states holding company, cannot be using a trusted vendor from the united states for its backbone.
▶ 1:19:22Sen. Cruz: Thank you.
▶ 1:19:23Chair Daines: Senator cruz, thank you. Sincerely thank you to all the witnesses attended today and providing us with the benefit of your testimony, willingness to serve. The record will remain open until the close of business tomorrow, april 29. We ask the witness is to respond as promptly as possible. Your responses will also be made a part of the official record. With the thanks of the committee, the hearing is now adjourned.