▶ 0:12:14>> united states senate foreign relations committee will come to order. I don't see any issues here but we always welcome the public to come to these hearings and watch what we do and enjoy themselves. But we do not allow any communications from the audience in the form of protest or any other method of communication with either the nominees or anyone at the dias.
▶ 0:12:44If that's attempted the usual will happen. They will be arrested and banned from the committee. So that seems to have slowed that process down quite a bit since I have been chairman. We have three nominees to hear today. Peter mccoy, to be U.S. ambassador to montenegro. Daniel travis to be U.S. ambassador to the republic of sierra leone, and nate morris to be U.S. ambassador to the republic of colombia.
▶ 0:13:10The way this works is we will -- we will have one introduction, senator moreno will introduce nate morris. He hasn't shown up yet. So he will wait while I give an opening statement and senator shaheen gives an opening statement. We will do that, and by then I am sure the senator will be here. We will give him the floor.
▶ 0:13:38Then we will turn to the nominees and give you each about five minutes to talk with us and tell us what you are thinking. Please try to keep it to five minutes. If you need more we are happy to put whatever else you have into the record. We will then move to questions from the committee. So with that, I will start and say thank you to all of you for being here today.
▶ 0:14:02I know what a sacrifice it is to take these positions when you have to move overseas, and we also want to thank your families because we know how important it is to have the support of your families because they also make the sacrifices that are necessary to do these jobs. So we will start with montenegro. The U.S.
▶ 0:14:22Has a vested interest in making montenegro stronger by supporting its government efforts to implement reforms, modernize its national defense, and integrate itself within the transatlantic community. I look forward to hearing how you plan to promote bilateral and regional cooperation to advance U.S. interests and support montenegro's ambitions to become a key leader and partner in both the western balkans and across europe. Mr.
▶ 0:14:52Morris, a strong relationship with colombia is important to achieve our national interests in a prosperous, democratic, and secure western hemisphere. Our partnership has contributed to widespread economic growth as well as safer communities here at home and in colombia and the hemisphere at large.
▶ 0:15:15Colombia's internal security is under pressure due to flows -- flaws in the 2016 deal with the communist revolutionary armed forces of colombia and the misguided policies of that government. Equally concerning is the negative influence of maligned state actors like russia and china. Mr.
▶ 0:15:34Morris, I look forward to hearing how if confirmed you would work with the incoming government in colombia to unleash private sector, continued growth, confront transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, and reduce the maligned -- malign influence of china and russia. Finally, Mr. travis, sierra leone continues to face serious development challenges following years of civil war and disease. The U.S.
▶ 0:15:58Must remain engaged to counter china's influence and to ensure that sierra leone remains stable, democratic, and a true partner to the united states. These issues warrant strong attention from the united states. I am glad to see someone with extensive africa experience taking up the role if confirmed. Thank you again to our nominees for being here. Now I will turn it over to the distinguished ranking member.
▶ 0:16:25Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Welcome to each of our nominees today and to all of your friends an supporters who are here. I have an opening statement and as you listen to the beginning of this statement you will wonder how that's connected to your -- to the portfolio for the job you have been nominated for. But believe me, this is an issue that affects all of us. Global health security is deteriorating, and diseases we know how to prevent are resurging.
▶ 0:16:56Sen. Shaheen: Measles outbreaks, impacts, we had a tuberculosis case in new hampshire this year and the current ebola outbreak. Infectious diseases do not respect borders. With a happens overseas can quickly become an american problem. That's why there has been bipartisan support for one organization, one of the world's most successful public-private partnerships supporting immunization in low and middle income countries. More than one billion children have been immunized.
▶ 0:17:24Sen. Shaheen: 20 million lives have been saved. And after months of delay, the state department has finally transmitted a congressional notification to release the funds that congress appropriated. Recent announcements are encouraging, but congressional notifications are not the same as obligated funds. So far, the state department's track record has not inspired confidence.
▶ 0:17:47Sen. Shaheen: Just last week, state department officials presenting on global health had to apologize, and mr, health had to apologize, and mru health had to apologize, and mry appreciate this, after displaying a map that misplaced african countries pretty significant, including nigeria, the most populous country on the continent.
▶ 0:18:10Sen. Shaheen: It was an embarrassing mistake that underscored something that's very important, that the united states is going to lead on global health security in africa. We need experienced diplomats with the regional expertise do it well. Today we will consider Mr. travis' nomination to be ambassador to sierra leone.
▶ 0:18:31Sen. Shaheen: I am pleased that we have a career foreign service officer to represent the united states in a country at the forefront of global outbreak preparedness and disease surveillance. Sierra leone suffered more than 14,000 ebola cases during the 2014 epidemic. That experience has made it an indispensable partner in preventing the next outbreak before it reaches U.S. shores.
▶ 0:18:58Sen. Shaheen: We also need to ensure that our diplomats have the resources congress has previously provided, and so, Mr. travis, if confirmed, I hope you will be a strong voice inside the department on the importance of these partnerships to both sierra leone and america's health security. Mr. morris, you have been nominated to be ambassador to colombia, one of the united states' closest security partners in the western hemisphere.
▶ 0:19:25Sen. Shaheen: Colombia's success is critical to stability across the region facing economic turmoil, migration, and organized crime. In neighboring venezuela, maduro has been removed, but the essence of his regime remains in power. If confirmed, following a year and a half of an often politicized and erratic U.S.-colombia relationship, I hope you will ensure the U.S. is a reliable partner.
▶ 0:19:54Sen. Shaheen: Cooperating on counternarcotics, investing in economic partnerships, and supporting democratic institutions is critical. And finally, Mr. mccoy, you have been nominated to montenegro, a nato ally and a key strategic partner in the western balkans. The western balkans remain a front line of strategic competition. Russian influence operations, chinese economic coercion, and democratic backsliding continue to threatsen the region.
▶ 0:20:23Sen. Shaheen: That's why our bipartisan legislation, the western balkans democracy and prosperity act, was so important to cement U.S. leadership in the region. We cannot afford another hot spot for instability. Bosnia continues to face separatist pressure from persistent efforts to deny the genocide.
▶ 0:20:44Sen. Shaheen: If confirmed, I hope you will use the mission to montenegro to support montenegro's euro-atlantic ambitions and full integration, to reinforce regional stalt, and to promote -- stability, and to promote america's opportunities on behalf of all american business interests. The united states has spent more than three decades helping build a stable western balkans. We cannot afford to send mixed messages now. I look forward to hearing from each of you. Thank you all.
▶ 0:21:15Chair Risch: Thank you, senator shaheen. We will now give each of you five minutes, if you would, to enlighten us. We will start with Mr. mccoy, please.
▶ 0:21:30Mr. Mccoy: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to appear before you with president trump's nominee to serve as the next united states ambassador to montenegro. I am profoundly grateful to the president and secretary rubio for their trust in me, and I hope to earn the trust and confidence of this committee as well. I would like to start with a thank you, a huge thank you to my wife of 16 years, jennifer, who is sitting behind me.
▶ 0:22:02Mr. Mccoy: Without her unwavering love and support, I would not be here today. She's a wife, a mother, and a circuit judge in the state of south carolina. She is my rock and I love her more than words can describe. I would also like to acknowledge my three children, may who is 15, lucy who is 13, peter who is 12. I am so thankful god has allowed each of these blessings in my life, and I am very proud to be their father.
▶ 0:22:31Mr. Mccoy: Following up on that, I would like to acknowledge my parents, peter and lucy mccoy. This coming october, they will celebrate 50 years of marriage. My mother was a dedicated retired school teacher, and my father retired from working from the south carolina paper manufacturing company. From birth they instilled the values of faith, hard work, treating everyone with kindness and respect, and pride in family.
▶ 0:22:58Mr. Mccoy: They worked successful careers putting the education and needs of myself and my brother oftentimes above their own. Again, very proud to be their son. I have been a practicing attorney for 21 years. I am proud to have served in the south carolina house of representatives for 10 years. I was known as a hard worker, an ethical worker, and a consensus builder.
▶ 0:23:20Mr. Mccoy: I was fortunate at the close of my tenure in the house to be elected by my peers, boat republican and democrat, unanimously to serve as the chairman of the house judiciary committee. Following my career in the statehouse, I was proud to have been nominated by president trump to serve as united states attorney for the district of south carolina. I am currently in my role right now also the chairman of the south carolina public service authority.
▶ 0:23:48Mr. Mccoy: The south carolina public service authority is a position that's appointed by our governor, and it is the fourth largest state owned utility in the nation. In closing I would like to thank the incredible, and I mean incredible, men and women at the state department. Working with them over the last few months has been absolutely incredible. The time they spent with me shows that they are dedicated public servants who have their best interests and the country's best interests at heart.
▶ 0:24:15Mr. Mccoy: It is an absolute honor to learn from them, and I am so thankful for their time that they have given me. I would also like to thank the late senator lindsey graham. He was an incredible friend, an ally to me. I miss his guidance especially right now more than ever, and I certainly miss his humor. Senator tim scott has been a faithful friend of mine going back to our days together in charleston, south carolina. I appreciate his continued counsel.
▶ 0:24:45Mr. Mccoy: South carolina is fortunate to is have both of their leadership. Turning back to montenegro, if confirmed I am committed to working with you to advance U.S. interests in montenegro through an america first foreign policy. Montenegro and the united states share an enduring bond rooted in 120 years of diplomatic relations. One that has only deepened in the last two decades since montenegro regained its independence.
▶ 0:25:11Mr. Mccoy: If confirmed I will lead our team with three priorities, beginning with the most fundamental, the safety and security of all U.S. citizens in montenegro and our dedicated embassy staff. With that foundation in place, if confirmed, I will work to expand commercial opportunities and advance U.S. prosperity, building on the intergovernmental agreement concluded in july. The U.S.
▶ 0:25:35Mr. Mccoy: Private had sector, the world's foremost engine of growth is ideally positioned to partner with montenegro on infrastructure, security, energy, and technology featured in the adriatic corridor and other projects. Our mission would strive to level the playing field for U.S. companies enabling montenegro to reduce its dependence on strategic competitors such as china.
▶ 0:26:02Mr. Mccoy: Beyond economic engagement, if confirmed I will deepen law enforcement and security cooperation with montenegro to safeguard U.S. interests. Under my leadership, the embassy would continue to support montenegro in countering threats from transnational, criminal organizations like those linked to the western hemisphere cartels that harm citizens in both countries.
▶ 0:26:25Mr. Mccoy: Additionally I would like to leverage two decades of collaboration through state partnership with the national guard to enhance operability and ensure montenegro meets nato capability targets and meets its hague summit spending commitments. If confirmed, I will be a partner with the government to ensure montenegro remains stalwart nato ally, helping to secure europe's eastern flank and promoting stability across the western balkans.
▶ 0:26:53Mr. Mccoy: Again I cannot thank this committee enough. Chairman, ranking member, for the opportunity to be here in front of you today, it is an absolute honor and I very much look forward to your questions. Thank you so much. >> chairman, ranking member, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
▶ 0:27:19Mr. Mccoy: I am honored by the trust president trump and secretary rubio has placed in me with this nomination and I am deeply grateful for my family for their support and willingness to take on this challenge alongside me. First and foremost, I want to thank my family. My wife who is here with me today and our children for their unwavering support over my 25 years of service to the united states.
▶ 0:27:43Mr. Mccoy: Since joining the foreign service september 10, 2001, they have accompanied me at postings in seven countries across three continents. Without them I would not be here. The united states is resetting its relationship with africa. We are moving away from aid and dependency toward trade, investment, and mutual benefit. Sierra leone is a place where that vision can deliver real results and if confirmed, I intend to make that happen. Sierra leone matters to american interests in concrete ways.
▶ 0:28:13Mr. Mccoy: It holds critical minerals essential to american manufacturing and national security. It has significant american commercial investment in telecommunications, energy, mining and specifically is poised to become a significant destination for l.n.g. Exports.
▶ 0:28:33Mr. Mccoy: Additionally, as the outgoing chair said, sierra leone's leadership is more consequence than ever at a time when strategic and diplomatic influence in west africa is intensifying. Foundation for a stronger partnership is already being built. American companies have invested over half a billion dollars in sierra leone's economy and we maintain a healthy trade surplus.
▶ 0:28:57Mr. Mccoy: A landmark health agreement signed under the america first global health security strategy is protecting both americans and sierra leone citizens' lives fostering freedom from dependency and pipeline of american-led projects such as agreement between the corporation of pennsylvania to design and build a bridge across the sierra leone river connecting freetown with its international airport has the potential to generate hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S.
▶ 0:29:27Mr. Mccoy: Exports and cement american leadership in sierra leone's economic future. The administration engages sierra leone as a capable commercial partner with shared interests, not as an aid recipient. The U.S. uses direct diplomacy and expects sierra leone to take american strategic commercial priorities seriously in return. When governance falls short and american interests are affected, I will raise these concerns directly and privately with the sierra leone leadership.
▶ 0:29:55Mr. Mccoy: That is the basis of a productive relationship and is the approach I will bring to freetown. If confirmed the welfare of american citizens, our commercial diplomacy, and our development investments in sierra leone, particularly in public health, will be my top priorities.
▶ 0:30:12Mr. Mccoy: I will work to close transformational deals, open doors for american companies, and ensure that sierra leone's energy, infrastructure, and mineral sectors are shaped by an american investment, not by our competitors who play by their own rules. I will use the full range of U.S. government tools available, including m.c.c. Compacts, d.f.c. Investment, and bilateral engagement to advance reform that benefits american businesses. I am clear eyed about these challenges.
▶ 0:30:40Mr. Mccoy: Competition for influence in sierra leone is real and intensifying. Governance challenges persist and the resources available to american diplomacy are finite. But I believe that when U.S. diplomacy aligns with private sector opportunity and a clear sense of american interests, we can deliver results that no other partner can match. If confirmed, I will give this assignment, our commercial priorities, the welfare of american citizens and our development investment in sierra leone everything I have. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:31:14Chair Risch: Thank you, Mr. travis. Mr. morris, I am happy to report that bernie has sent me a note saying that he has been unavoidably detained so he will not be here to introduce you. But if he were I can assure you he would give you an enthusiastic endorsement. He has already told me much about you, but I guess you will be on your own this morning. I feel you will be all right. So you have the floor.
▶ 0:31:37Mr. Morris: Thank you, senator. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you as president trump's nominee for united states ambassador to the republic of colombia. I am so grateful to president trump, vice president j.d. Vance, and secretary rubio for their confidence and for implementing an america first foreign policy that puts our country first. Our mission of america first diplomacy is simple. To make america stronger, safer, and more prosperous.
▶ 0:32:07Mr. Morris: I would also like to thank my friend, senator bernie morenoer for his support. I would like to recognize my wife and son who are here today and my mother who is sitting behind me. I am grateful for all their love and support and allowing me to be here today. I come before the committee as a proud ninth generation kentuckian. My family descends from appalachia where people have thought for everything they have in hopes they can achieve the american dream.
▶ 0:32:34Mr. Morris: I was raised by a single mother and a family of union autoworkers, believe who -- people who believe that in this country if you work hard you can build something that matters. I will carry these values into the role of U.S. ambassador. As an american entrepreneur I founded one of the country's largest waste management companies, grew it from a $10,000 line of credit to take it public on the new york stock exchange.
▶ 0:32:56Mr. Morris: As a founder and c.e.o., I created thousands of good paying jobs, fought for my team and families, and provided 100% free health care for all my employees. Building my company taught me that success depends on accountability, transparency, and peal hard work -- especially hard work. Those are the principles I will bring to the embassy if confirmed.
▶ 0:33:18Mr. Morris: The commonwealth of kentucky and the republic of colombia have a history that reaches back to 1823, when the first american envoy to colombia took the post. If confirmed, I would be the fifth kentuckian to hold this ambassadorship and I am proud to carry that tradition forward. It is one of the most strategic posts in the world with the legacy of great american leaders at the helm, including a united states president.
▶ 0:33:44Mr. Morris: The future of american foreign policy rests on america's dominance in the western hemisphere. This is our neighborhood and I am proud and inspired that president trump is treating it that way again. The inauguration of colombia's new administration on august 7 will be an important moment in our relations with this key ally. If confirmed, I will work with the new government on three priorities. One, stopping the flow of drugs and illegal immigration. Two, expanding economic opportunity.
▶ 0:34:14Mr. Morris: And three, serving the americans who live and travel to colombia. Approximately 94% of the cocaine that is devastating american communities owe ridge thoughts in -- originates in colombia. It is a country for illegal migration. I will work with the trump administration achieving its goal of a zero tolerance policy toward drugs and illegal immigration.
▶ 0:34:37Mr. Morris: That means strengthening our cooperation on counternarcotics, supporting colombia's efforts to improve citizen security, and ensuring that violent criminal networks do not threaten the stability of the region or the safety of the american people. Colombia is one of the few countries in south america where the united states still today is the largest trading pat ner. I will keep it that way by advocating for U.S.
▶ 0:35:01Mr. Morris: Firms and advancing energy security with one goal, creating jobs and long-term economic opportunity for the american people. American business and investment will be the first choice over china or any other competitor every single time. I will also prioritize the safety of U.S. citizens in colombia ensuring that the embassy remains responsive, professional, and engaged across the country. Mr. chairman, members of the committee, I respectfully ask for your support.
▶ 0:35:31Mr. Morris: If confirmed I will serve with integrity, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the safety, prosperity, and strategic interests of the united states. Thank you, and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:35:42Chair Risch: Thank you so much. We appreciate all of your willingness to serve and some interesting appointments, no question. We are going to do a round of questions now with five minutes each. I am going to start and I will recognize senator shaheen. But let me start, Mr. travis, first of all, you come to us with a pedigree that we don't see frequently before this committee. We are glad to have you. That's an important assignment that the president has given you.
▶ 0:36:10Chair Risch: I want to focus for just a moment on the history of the millennium challenge corporation and tell me about your thoughts on where it is and how -- what you can do to help make it work.
▶ 0:36:26Mr. Travis: Thank you for that important question, senator. At the beginning of the trump administration, when the decision was made to reassess all of our foreign assistance, I took the lead for the african bureau on helping to assess the millennium challenge compacts in africa. I am pleased to say that sierra leone came out on the top of our list as being well aligned with president trump's priorities for the continent.
▶ 0:36:55Mr. Travis: The compact in sierra leone is focused on electrical distribution. From what I understand, it nicely fits on to a chain of U.S. investments from an l.n.g. Port and refinery to another investment -- d.f.c., pardon me, supported investment in power production.
▶ 0:37:13Mr. Travis: So these three projects together if carried out and brought online in time will essentially double the power available for the people of sierra leone and especially for the businesses and investment we hope to have there.
▶ 0:37:30Chair Risch: I appreciate that. Let's talk for a minute, Mr. morris, about colombia. The president signed the famous m.o.u. To join china's initiative, obviously not in our best interest and certainly with us going the other way. But he made that decision and here we are. What are your thoughts on that? What do you think the chances are of getting that reversed?
▶ 0:38:01Mr. Morris: Thank you, Mr. chairman. I have been encouraged by the president-elects and his commitment to withdraw from that m.o.u. And I believe obviously that I think all nations have to make a decision that it's either the ups or -- united states or china on who they wants to do business with. I think we have an extraordinary opportunity to open the colombia economy once again.
▶ 0:38:25Mr. Morris: For the last several years, they have been challenged because of the leadership that's been in place, but I am hopeful of the new president-elect and obviously our ability to make investments that I think will be in the best interests of the united states and long term security of both countries.
▶ 0:38:41Chair Risch: I appreciate that. Obviously, it's an important country, and it's been much on our mind because of the petro administration. Thank you for your willingness to serve. Mr. mccoy, montenegro is in an important place, but they've got some real problems with corruption and organized crime these days.
▶ 0:39:07Chair Risch: Their judiciary and law enforcement institutions are in desperate need of reform. Your thoughts on that?
▶ 0:39:17Mr. Mccoy: Thank you, Mr. chairman. That's a fantastic question. And really I would like to start with the winds that I think are moving in the right direction for montenegro, with the election of a new president in 2023, the election of a new prime minister in 2023. I think the country is moving in the right direction in terms of wanting to do the right thing, and one of those things is tackling corruption or issues of crime inside the country. Mr.
▶ 0:39:44Mr. Mccoy: Chairman, the law enforcement total population they have is roughly 3,300 folks. You don't have a lot of people that are there on the groundworking to defend. They're hard-working people. They want to do the right thing when it comes to tackling corruption, but that's where they need a little bit of help and assistance and guidance. Mr. chairman, my background as a former U.S.
▶ 0:40:07Mr. Mccoy: Attorney, having worked with a lot of different law enforcement agencies, whether it's on the state level or whether it's on the federal level, I think would be a fantastic fit if I were fortunate enough to be confirmed and be on the ground in montenegro to be able to assist. I will tell you, the I.n.l. Program that the country is using right now to the maximum ability I think is fantastic. The I.n.l.
▶ 0:40:29Mr. Mccoy: Program is working to help give the tools, give the resources, give the advice when it comes to having the local folks there prosecute work cases and move cases forward. Having that ability to do that, I think, has worked wonders. So far we have seen a huge increase, Mr.
▶ 0:40:48Mr. Mccoy: Chairman, in some prosecutions that have happened in the country, not only when it comes to crimes of conspiracy such as drug conspiracy, but also on the white collar realm dealing with cryptocurrency issues that are unregulated there as well. We are seeing that and the numbers they're bringing to the table in terms of prosecutions are growing. They also have a criminal justice advisor who is on the ground that works heavily with the I.n.l.
▶ 0:41:12Mr. Mccoy: And again I think the role that person plays is fantastic, works directly with prosecutors, works directly with judges, helps advise, helps lead and helps show how to build cases and move cases forward. So Mr. chairman, I think things are moving in the right direction there and if I am lucky enough to be confirmed, I want to be right there in the middle of that to help any way I can.
▶ 0:41:37Chair Risch: Thanks so much. Senator shaheen.
▶ 0:41:40Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. mccoy. I want to follow up on that a little bit because I completely agree. I think I.n.l. Does really good work and has been particularly helpful in countries like montenegro that are fighting corruption. One of the influences in montenegro that I think contributes to that corruption is russia. As I am sure you are aware, they've long sought to influence political developments notice country.
▶ 0:42:07Sen. Shaheen: In 2016, russian intelligence allegedly supported a coup to try and prevent montenegro from joining nato. So as you think about that challenge of russia, disinformation, misinformation, influence operations, how can the united states help montenegro to fight back against those kinds of influences? >> thanks an excellent question. You take a huge interest in the area.
▶ 0:42:36Sen. Shaheen: You know a lot about the history there and in the past, there was significant russian influence, not only in the government but also in the community, in the culture, always there. But I tell you what makes me proud about montenegro and what they've done so far in moving away from that and turning away from that influence is the joining of nato.
▶ 0:42:56Sen. Shaheen: Russia did everything they could, everything they could to exert pressure, to apply problems, to create problems, to push montenegro away from doing that. Montenegro stayed strong. They were steads fast in their pursuit of nato. They joined nato. Frankly, senator, I think they're doing a fantastic job of being a contributing member of nato. I want them to increase that and continue to do that.
▶ 0:43:25Sen. Shaheen: But again since that happened, you have seen a significant decrease in russian influence at least monetarily in the country. I've read a statistic that their influence money-wise is down 75% since that's happened. That's a fantastic --
▶ 0:43:43Sen. Shaheen: Putting it all on ukraine. >> well, I will tell you, to montenegro's credit, they have done everything they can to support ukraine. They have sent what they can monetarily as well as troops in defiance of russia there, ranking member shaheen, which I think is a huge positive in the culture of turning in the country and showing they want to do the right thing and not have this tie to russia.
▶ 0:44:10Sen. Shaheen: So ranking member shaheen, there will always be work to do and influence to be had there, but if I am fortunate enough to be confirmed and I can get on the ground there, that's something I would want to make a priority. A continued priority.
▶ 0:44:25Sen. Shaheen: I was also pleased to see the agreements between the united states and montenegro to ak celebrate -- accelerate opportunities for U.S. companies. It reflects the intent of legislation that congress passed in the last session, the western balkans democracy and prosperity act to increase economic ties in the region.
▶ 0:44:44Sen. Shaheen: I think it's important to ensure those commercial dealings are free and -- deals are free and open to competition and not just go to people with ties to powered interests in the united states. So will you commit to advocating in a partial way on behalf of all U.S. companies that are interested in investing in montenegro?
▶ 0:45:14Mr. Mccoy: Senator shaheen, way love to talk about the agreements you mentioned. The I.g.a. That was formalized and signed at the ends of this month, it just happened, it happened while I was in the ambassador school over the past two weeks. I think it's an exceptional piece of legislation. I think it opens the door widely to have a U.S. conversation, a U.S.
▶ 0:45:35Mr. Mccoy: Seat at the table in terms of helping with energy, infrastructure, jobs, transportation, all of the above that can come in and have a direct m pact on neglect neglec- direct m pact on neglect neglect direct m pact on neglect neglecg a helpful way. Two prime issues that came out of that adriatic corridor from the I.g.a. Is you are looking at the ability for billions of dollars to throw through the corridor, hopefully if things get up off the ground in the future.
▶ 0:46:03Mr. Mccoy: Also looking at cargo checkers, something the smallest checkers were part of that as well. That is a phenomenal way to show montenegro our interest in the country but like-wise how we can produce and bring together united states businesses, again not chosen by anybody but giving everybody a fair chance, senator, to come in to compete for the area.
▶ 0:46:28Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. mccoy. I am pleased to see that you share my interest in the western balkans and particularly in montenegro. Thank you. Mr. morris, venezuela as you know hags served as a sanctuary for training for arms trafficking and attacks against colombian security forces over the last few decades and particularly under maduro.
▶ 0:46:53Sen. Shaheen: Their incoming president has said that he will conduct relations with venezuela via the united states. What is your understanding of what the relationships are between the incoming president and key actors in the maduro regime?
▶ 0:47:09Mr. Morris: Thank you, ranking member shaheen. I can't speak for the president elect and the conversation he has had and dialogue that has taken place but what I will tell you is I believe a strong colombia is in the best interests of the region and the hemisphere. I think as a U.S. ambassador, one of the things that I can do as someone who is coming from the private sector is to help create and foster more economic opportunity which the colombian people have been suffering for several years because of that lack of opportunity.
▶ 0:47:39Mr. Morris: I think that is one of the key things we can do as a country, in the region, in the hemisphere, to bring about more security, more safety for the colombian people and also for the united states.
▶ 0:47:51Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:47:54Chair Risch: Thank you. Senator kaine.
▶ 0:47:56Sen. Kaine: Thank you, Mr. chair. Congratulations to the nominees. Before I ask a question or two, I would like to introduce into the record an article that is dated today in "the new york times," U.S. revokes visa of top brazilian diplomat dialing up tensions.
▶ 0:48:12Chair Risch: It will be entered in the record.
▶ 0:48:15Sen. Kaine: As committee members know, there will be a vote on the floor today on the nominee to be united states ambassador to brazil, who I voted for, very excited to vote for him. I think he will do a good job. But the U.S.-brazil relationship which should be a good relationship is really bol locked up right now. I hope members of the committee might help figure out a way to unstick this unnecessary tangle.
▶ 0:48:42Sen. Kaine: The challenge began in april of 2025 with the president's announcements of liberation day tariffs against virtually every nation in the world, including brazil, and the professed reason for the liberation day tariffs was other nations were ripping us off as measured by trade deficits. Brazil, we don't have a trade deficit. We have a $40 billion annual trade surplus with brazil. They buy a lot more stuff from the U.S. than we buy from them.
▶ 0:49:10Sen. Kaine: And so given that we have a trade surplus with brazil, why put tariffs on brazil? Well, it later became apparent when the president added tariffs that the tariffs were being added to punish brazil's political leadership. The current government of brazil was prosecuting a friend of president trump's, the former president. So the president added even more tariffs against brazil using the ieepa statute that the supreme court struck down.
▶ 0:49:40Sen. Kaine: How is it an emergency for the united states if a nation of brazil is prosecuting somebody in a court with their own system of justice? This has now led to a set of back and forths rmt there were U.S. diplomats who would be assigned to brazil. Brazil would not allow them to enter. Brazil has raised questions about whether ambassador nominee perez and I suspect he is going to get the votes today to actually be the ambassador, they're slow walking him coming in.
▶ 0:50:09Sen. Kaine: So now we have retracted the visa of the brazilian ambassador to the united states. This is no way for two big nations with really important economies who have got a lot in common, who have been friends in the past, it's no way for us to treat each other. I am hoping that cooler heads may prevail on both sides. We can figure out what we can do here on the U.S. side and wra disillians -- brazilians can figure it out on their side. I think we need a confirmed ambassador and I think Mr. perez will be a good ambassador.
▶ 0:50:38Sen. Kaine: I hope we can untangle this knot. Mr. mccoy, I want to ask you a question, really, I think you are uniquely suited to this position. The most uniquely suited of the career state department f.s.o.'s but the political appointees have an important role. As a U.S. attorney, you had a great track record.
▶ 0:51:00Sen. Kaine: One of the things that I particularly appreciated is in the aftermath of the attack on the capitol on january 6, 2021, when you were then the U.S. attorney. Your social media account had you say this. Let me be perfectly clear. Federal crimes were violated today at our nation's capital building. Anyone who traveled from the district of south carolina with intent to aid this travesty or commit acts of destruction will be prosecuted by our office. I appreciated that.
▶ 0:51:31Sen. Kaine: It matched in tone what I heard your friend, senator graham, say on the floor that same day. And I appreciated that you were so clear about it. You are going into a country that is a nato member and that's fantastic. But would also like to join the e.u. And one of the obstacles for montenegro joining the e.u.
▶ 0:51:51Sen. Kaine: And you have been asked questions about this by the chairman has been a history of corruption that needs to sort of get resolved prior to the likelihood of accession. Because you have prosecuted corruption cases and this has been an area -- you can't dictate the domestic politics of another nation, but I think you do have a unique skill set in having prosecutessed corruption and been a strong advocate for the rule of law to help advise, encourage montenegro in this
▶ 0:52:21Sen. Kaine: Bath to tackle corruption. You've already responded to this a bit but I wonder if you have more to say about how your unique skill set could assist in that endeavor.
▶ 0:52:36Mr. Mccoy: I greatly appreciate the question, senator. Thank you for that. As a point of personal privilege, if you don't mind, when I did come up to washington, D.C. to start the process to learn and meet folks to be U.S. attorney, I encountered you in the hall, senator, and we had a fantastic conversation. I know you may not remember it, but I will never forget it.
▶ 0:53:00Sen. Kaine: I remember you are a hampton-sydney grad. That goes a long way with me.
▶ 0:53:05Mr. Mccoy: Senator, that's something that stands out in my mind. I will never forget it. I thank you for giving me that time. Senator, you are right. This is my back ground. It's what I love to do. It's something that I would love to be able to help with. This is something that is in my wheelhouse. I think it's something I can help others with, but senator, you can't do it alone.
▶ 0:53:23Mr. Mccoy: You can't do it without the good folks that are there in country right now, the local law enforcements in the country right now, being able to have that working relationship and working through I.n.l., working through a criminal prosecutor that's on the ground there. And again, senator, we have talked a little bit, very high levels about the budgetary issues with the I.n.l. And hopefully I will learn more about that if I am lucky enough to be confirmed. I think it's an outstanding program, senator. I think we have to utilize that.
▶ 0:53:54Mr. Mccoy: We have to use it. We have to work together. I would love to have as many as possible, one, two, three, four, five f.b.I. Agents or d.e.a. Agents on the ground. Interoffice working together as well to help advise and see this through.
▶ 0:54:12Sen. Kaine: Thank you. If I could, senator scott, you are up next but a quick word of a suggestion for Mr. morris. You are not confirmed yet and you don't' -- don't assume any duties until you are but here is a piece of advice. The U.S.-colombia relationship really beginning with the plan colombia toward the end of the clinton administration. Clinton, george w.
▶ 0:54:35Sen. Kaine: Bush, obama, president trump first term, president biden, president trump second term, it's been a very steady relationship even though at the presidential level whether I have gone through a lot of presidents of different parties, I could go through the colombian presidents, left, right, left, right, while there has been turn at the political level, I would encourage you to spend time with southcom because the mill to mill cooperation between U.S.
▶ 0:55:02Sen. Kaine: And colombia has stayed very continuously, very steady and very reliable even as things at the top might be changing and I think one of the first things I would urge you to do and maybe you have already begun this dialogue is spend some time with southcom to get a sense for what that mill to mill relationship is has been like. I think it's been solid. I am sure there's more we can do, but I think you'll be encouraged when you see the degree to which that relationship has been a very mature and steady one. With that I will yield.
▶ 0:55:35Mr. Morris: Thank you, senator.
▶ 0:55:41Sen. Scott: We have to figure out how to build these relationships better. I want to recognize senator shaheen and senator kaine. They care about latin america. They put a lot of effort into it. I think as we all think about this, we have a lot of opportunities right now, but there is a lot of challenges in latin america. We have to keep figuring out how it's a win-win in all these countries from brazil to colombia, to venezuela to cuba. It's an exciting time. So congratulations each of you.
▶ 0:56:12Sen. Scott: You will have a ball. These are great jobs. You will be able to accomplish something which is really nice. So Mr. morris, you have some background in colombia?
▶ 0:56:23Mr. Morris: I do, yes.
▶ 0:56:26Sen. Scott: Talk about your background first. Why do you care about colombia?
▶ 0:56:31Mr. Morris: I am so proud of kentucky's tradition in colombia. I would be the fifth ambassador from kentucky to go to colombia. Our state has had a long tradition with the colombian people and the nation. I recognize the important strategic relationship that colombia has played and the relationship with the hemisphere and how the two countries have worked together.
▶ 0:56:55Mr. Morris: I think the opportunity economically and to continue to promote safety and security is always paramount, and that's something I think that's so important to get right about this relationship. But I've got friends in colombia that I've met through business, former head of state there. I've also got family that have great ties there.
▶ 0:57:18Mr. Morris: So colombia is something that's always been near and dear to my heart and I am very enthusiastic if confirmed to serve the american people in that capacity but also help the colombian people and help their economy.
▶ 0:57:32Sen. Scott: Petro has been despicable. He has not been a great friend to the united states. When I was governor of florida, I think a lot of people up here probably had a bigger impact but we got the free trade agreement done. When I left as governor, I think they were our second biggest trading partner to canada. It's a big deal for florida. How are you going to fix all the problems he caused?
▶ 0:58:00Mr. Morris: Senator, I think first and foremost, security is always paramount and stopping the flow of crime, illegal immigration, drugs, but I think the best thing that I can do in the role of U.S. ambassador is someone who is coming from the private sector, someone who created thousands of jobs, is to let the world know that colombia is open for business again.
▶ 0:58:22Mr. Morris: My grandfather, who worked in an auto factory for over 50 years, he ran a local union, used to tell me if you got a job that solves a lot of problems. One of the great things I can do for the relationship between the U.S.
▶ 0:58:37Mr. Morris: And colombia is continue that trust and rebuild the trust that's been lost over the last several years with the private sector and get them enthusiastic to invest and to want to work in colombia long term, not just for short term projects but how do we build long term sustaining relationships? They're going to make all the difference and I believe colombia has shown that it is the capital of latin america in many different ways.
▶ 0:59:04Mr. Morris: I think we need strong leadership from america to help continue that and continue on the relationship that we have had such a cherished relationship with them for a very long time.
▶ 0:59:18Sen. Scott: Montenegro is a small nato ally what do they bring to the table and what will you help make sure they do their part with regard to the allianc part with regard to the alli alliance? >> great question. They are a small country. They're one of the newer members to nato. But what I can tell you is they bring in a strong people and bringing a strong commitment. They want to do the right thing. The president has put an emphasis on making sure that nato countries can secure and defend themselves at all times.
▶ 0:59:48Sen. Scott: That's a huge priority for us, senator, being able to have a country secure and defend itself at all times. Part of that is a system of being able to use roughly 5% g.d.p. In a country to be put towards that. I tell you, montenegro is making a significant stride in doing that, senator. It's very important to what they're doing. They take the qualifications and chips that they need to knock off in terms of follow, in terms of doing the right thing.
▶ 1:00:17Sen. Scott: They take it exceptionally seriously.
▶ 1:00:22Sen. Scott: Mr. travis, china has been -- with the initiative they've had an adverse impact to our relationships in africa. How will you change that?
▶ 1:00:34Mr. Travis: Thank you for the question, senator. China's overgrowing influence in sierra leone is a top concern for me mainly in three areas. First, in their continued dominance of critical minerals area. Also in illegal fishing and lastly, their increasing investment in the media.
▶ 1:00:55Mr. Travis: When it comes to critical minerals I was very happy to see recently the government of sierra leone canceled a $300 million mining contract for a chinese company that they felt wasn't going to benefit their people. I think that is an excellent signal from them and something that I hope to encourage deep looks at deals and making sure that they're getting what they deserve out of them. For my part, if confirmed, I will do everything I can to ensure that we have a better value offer.
▶ 1:01:25Mr. Travis: I think we are already on the way with our power projects there which will help sierra leone move up the value chain in processing, something they wants to do and china does not want them to do. The other thing I think is to pay closer attention to what they're doing in the media space. They're copying things we have been successful with in the past and I think we need to go to our strengths and make sure that we respond and compete as best we can.
▶ 1:01:52Sen. Scott: Congratulations to all of you on your nominations. >> thank you, Mr. morris, colombia hosts one of the largest U.S. embassy in the world with important mission to counterterrorism, drug trade and migration. A very serious job. As a candidate you used heated rhetoric against one of our colleagues. The job of candidate is very different from that of a diplomat.
▶ 1:02:18Sen. Scott: So I would like to give you a chance to spell out how you are going to transition from a heated campaign to a diplomat where the role you will be advancing in that role the interests of the united states broadly and representing all americans, not really yourself. Occasionally actually hosting senators and members of congress who you may passionately disagree with. How will you ensure that your personal political views never interfere with that responsibility? >> thank you, senator, for that question. It's great to be before you.
▶ 1:02:50Sen. Scott: Certainly I have had a lot of different jobs throughout my career. I am very proud that I am an entrepreneur. I took about $10,000 on a credit card and built very large company creating thousands of jobs, and obviously have interacted with lots of different types of folks throughout my career and led them in different ways. Being a candidate and being a diplomat are radically different positions as you know.
▶ 1:03:16Sen. Scott: My belief is that as someone who has been a leader in the private sector bringing that same type of leadership that's going to include everyone at the embassy and all americans and their interests in this relationship with colombia.
▶ 1:03:30Sen. Scott: So I recognize that being a political candidate is a much different job than a diplomat you but what I can tell you is in my role in the private sector in my role in the private sector in my role in the private sectot in my role in the private sectoe experiences in bogota it confirmed.
▶ 1:03:50Sen. Curtis: With your hopeful diplomatic hat on, is there anything that you would like to say to rectify, or have you taken any steps to rectify perhaps damaged relationships?
▶ 1:04:02Mr. Morris: Senator, what relationship?
▶ 1:04:06Sen. Curtis: I will read them if you would like, the word that you set against some of my colleagues. If you don't know what they are, I'm happy to read them.
▶ 1:04:15Mr. Morris: Senator, I would say campaigns are very spirited.
▶ 1:04:19Sen. Curtis: And you are no longer in campaign, you are here as a diplomat. Italy working with us. You don't have to do it, but I'm giving you a chance to say I can be a diplomat. If I had the opportunity, I would do things differently. I don't want to put words in your mouth.
▶ 1:04:36Mr. Morris: I'm very proud of the campaign we ran. I think that obviously getting the nomination from the president is one of the great honors of my life, but I think the way that we exited our campaign as well tells you everything that you need to know about my character, bring people together.
▶ 1:04:55Sen. Curtis: No regrets? Nothing to say? That is all I'm asking.
▶ 1:05:01Mr. Morris: I am very proud of the campaign we ran.
▶ 1:05:04Sen. Curtis: All right. It is hard to me to see that you have not taken off your candidate hat. You are still acting like a candidate.
▶ 1:05:14Mr. Morris: I remain proud of everyone that worked on my campaign, the campaign we ran. I thought we were met with tremendous enthusiasm from kentuckians, people all over the country.
▶ 1:05:25Sen. Curtis: Thank you. I yield my time. >> senator cruz, please.
▶ 1:05:33Sen. Cruz: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Congratulations to each of the three nominees. Mr. morris, I want to congratulate you on your excellent judgment in marrying a texan. I will say, like me, you vastly out kicked your coverage, so I know you can be really persuasive. The post you have been nominated to is a very important one. I want to talk to you first about illicit gold-mining.
▶ 1:06:04Sen. Cruz: Listen gold mining has become one of the largest sources of revenue for criminal organizations and terrorists across the western hemisphere. For some groups, it's a more significant source of revenue than drugs. They use the proceeds to purchase weapons, expand territorial control, and undermine our allies through the region, all at the expense of american national security. The situation in colombia has become particularly challenging.
▶ 1:06:34Sen. Cruz: Criminal organizations operate across the colombia-venezuela border and profit from it illicit gold-mining in both countries. Earlier this year, this committee advance legislation to especially like our sanctions and anti-money laundering authorities to target illicit gold. We should use every financial tool available to disrupt these criminal registries.
▶ 1:06:57Sen. Cruz: Please walk us through the role that illicit gold-mining plays in financing dissident groups and criminal groups operating in colombia today, and it confirmed, how do you intend to tackle that?
▶ 1:07:09Mr. Morris: Thank you for the question. It's great to be before you. First and foremost, with any industry, you have to understand the roles of the road. I believe the new president has an incredible opportunity to reset the way this industry is operated for many years. Many times, off the grid come in the dark ages, bring technology transparency and accountability to the industry I think is paramount.
▶ 1:07:38Mr. Morris: There is no excuse to let any criminals get access to the funds, whether it be in any industry. One of the things I can tell you, experience in the private sector, sunlight is the greatest disinfectant. The accountability and transparency that I believe this new president will provide is going to clean up an industry that have been very tough for a long time.
▶ 1:08:01Sen. Cruz: When gustavo petro was elected, I went down to the senate floor to outline the threats he posed to american national security interests, many of which were subsequently confirmed. Colombia has long been one of america's key security partners in latin america and renewed ties with israel would reinforce that partnership and promote U.S. interest across the region.
▶ 1:08:27Sen. Cruz: In addition to directly undermining americans across the hemisphere, petro said almost ostentatiously, sought to undermine our allies. For example about israel, he compared israel to nazi germany, refused to condemn hamas' terrorist attack in which dozens of americans were killed and taken hostage, he severed colombia's long-standing diplomatic relationship with israel, and he joined south africa's case before the
▶ 1:08:57Sen. Cruz: International court of justice, which the united states has identified as a threat to not just the sovereignty of our allies but our own. I'm encouraged colombia's incoming administration is preparing to reverse nearly every major element of that policy.
▶ 1:09:15Sen. Cruz: The president-elect has said that he has pledged to restore full diplomatic relations with israel, establish colombia's embassy in jerusalem, and officially withdraw from the icj case. My hope is that colombia Rep.
▶ 1:09:30Pitts: That behavior with the full range of our regional and global allies and partners. Talk about the opportunities you see emerging in colombia specifically as they relate to renewed bilateral, trilateral, multilateral cooperation?
▶ 1:09:43Mr. Morris: Absolutely, thank you for the question. Colombia has been through a tough couple of years. Growth has been stagnant because of that. I think the ability to build relationships and have trust among nations all over the world has compromised colombia because of leadership that you just outlined.
▶ 1:10:09Mr. Morris: As united states ambassador, one of the best things I can do is convene and facilitate opportunities to rebuild that trust, rebuild that cooperation between colombia and united states and also all nations that rely on that relationship, need that relationship to be effective in the hemisphere. That really starts with roles like the U.S. ambassador and the new president that is coming to office this week.
▶ 1:10:32Sen. Cruz: Thank you, Mr. chairman. >> thank you, senator cruz. I will stay on that line of questioning because I think you did a good job highlighting the concerns that we had with Mr. petro. With the president-elect coming into office august 7, there is a real opportunity for a reset. I will add to what senator cruz said.
▶ 1:10:54Sen. Cruz: I spent three and a half hours with president petro in 2023 going through what the opportunities might actually look like in colombia were they to cooperate with us. I reminded him of the role that I play when I was in the commerce secretary in tennessee. We converted our state from an agrarian economy to a manufacturing economy in one generation. We moved from a cash crop, tobacco, into an area that now has tennessee at the forefront of economic development.
▶ 1:11:24Sen. Cruz: We did that by making certain tennessee was a great home for capital investment. It has taken 15 years. Tennessee is at the forefront now but that effort started out by creating a set of circumstances that attracted capital. My question to you, Mr.
▶ 1:11:38Sen. Cruz: Morris, given your extensive background in business, how do you see your role in attracting american capital to a country that has been so hostile to this point, at least under president petro, how do you intend to reset relations under this new president who offers such great hope?
▶ 1:11:57Mr. Morris: Thank you, senator. Great to be before you today. We know that capital always goes where it is safe, celebrated, and there is transparency and accountability for every dollar that is put into a state, country, company, whatever it might be. The private sector has certainly shown me that time and again.
▶ 1:12:19Mr. Morris: I believe in revitalizing an economy like colombia, it begins with leadership particularly from the united states, the role of ambassador. We have a unique platform to show business why colombia will be a great bet for many years to come.
▶ 1:12:40Mr. Morris: What I think the united states should be interested in in that relationship is a long-term economic plan together to continue to allow american businesses to invest in colombia with certainty and security. We have a number of methods in the government which we have done that, dfc, other measures. These are things that I think we'll get great confidence to the private sector to say, america, we understand. Private sector can solve a lot of challenges.
▶ 1:13:09Mr. Morris: It will make us safer, more secure, get us off the coca trade that has devastated many aspects of colombia and also american society. Also provide opportunity for colombians that have not had a chance to participate in the economy. About 75% of it is local, so it's been off-line come off the grid.
▶ 1:13:30Mr. Morris: We have the ability, I believe through private investment in infrastructure, to bring these people online, show them new economic opportunities they can have, which will have a long-term impact on the relationship between the two countries but also allowing the united states to continue to thrive with american industry and their investment in the region.
▶ 1:13:55Sen. Hagerty: Opted to be an effective ambassador, you will need to give tough medicine, tough message. To your host country. I want to raise another concern. Regarding colombia and their relationship with the ccp. Under president petro, colombia joined the belden road initiative. China has made massive inroads in colombia.
▶ 1:14:20Sen. Hagerty: I like to get your perspective on the national security issue that might raise, the messaging that you'll provide to help the colombian government, colombian people realize the risk they are undertaking with china.
▶ 1:14:33Mr. Morris: Thank you, senator. As we have realized, the belt and road initiative has threatened the security of the world. In particular with colombia, the colombian government needs to make the decision if it is the united states or china. I don't believe it is productive to have both of us in the country investing.
▶ 1:14:57Mr. Morris: I am very encouraged by the new president and his commitment to remove colombia from that mou, belt and road initiative. I think that's an incredible step to showcase where allegiances lie and to continue to celebrate a cherished relationship the two countries have had and economic cooperation that has gotten great results over the years. I'm very encouraged by that.
▶ 1:15:21Mr. Morris: Again, I believe this is about long-term economic sovereignty and security, getting off the belt and road initiative is one of the key steps to that.
▶ 1:15:31Sen. Hagerty: One more point, I see a great opportunity for a reset here, certainly an opportunity to turn things around. So that colombia can become a shining example of what it looks like to cooperate with united states and address the concerns that we have highlighted under president petro. There is something going on under president petro that is quite disturbing to me, has come to my office, others on this committee, having to do with U.S. investor groups.
▶ 1:16:00Sen. Hagerty: They have gone through the entire process of locating and finding the san jose shipwreck there off the coast of colombia. The colombian supreme court has recognized the rights that the colombian government has chosen to ignore. Another situation where U.S. investors are being treated poorly in a country where we need to see a turnaround. I like to get your commitment on trying to turn around this situation as well with the colombian government.
▶ 1:16:25Mr. Morris: Absolutely you have my commitment.
▶ 1:16:28Sen. Hagerty: I would also encourage you to look at our energy opportunities. I think energy security with colombia will be a great opportunity to advance our mutual interests. Senator shaheen, I understand you want to ask some questions.
▶ 1:16:44Sen. Shaheen: I have two more questions for Mr. travis. In this third country agreement with the united states, for which the united states provided $1.6 million, sierra leone committed to upholding its international legal obligations including not sending vulnerable individuals, migrants back to countries where they would face torture, persecution, or death. There is no credible evidence that sierra leone is violating this commitment.
▶ 1:17:15Sen. Shaheen: If confirmed, do you commit to reporting back to this committee on the implementation of that third country national agreement, and to also raising with the government of sierra leone any violation that they may be doing of that agreement?
▶ 1:17:34Mr. Travis: Thank you for the question, senator. I have seen media reports on what you are commenting on. If confirmed, I can assure you that I will abdicate that this government of sierra leone, that they comply with all of their agreements with the united states government to include third country nationals to the letter.
▶ 1:17:55Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. In your statement, you talked about the finite limits of U.S. diplomacy. After the 2020 three presidential election in sierra leone, the previous ambassador played a key role in brokering an agreement for national unity between the ruling party. That ushered in key reforms.
▶ 1:18:16Sen. Shaheen: As you look at that agreement, what still needs to be done under that agreement to ensure that sierra leone's next election does not result in another wave of violence?
▶ 1:18:27Mr. Travis: Thank you, senator. Yes, the agreement that investor hunt help to negotiate, I think, is a very important one. My understanding is they have come up with 80 recommendations out of that agreement. I am not familiar with the specifics of how much progress they have made, but I understand they are not near half.
▶ 1:18:52Mr. Travis: You can be assured, if confirmed, I will make progress an important priority for me, working with our partners who helped to negotiate that agreement, and the government, civil society, to make sure that we get to where we need to go. As you know, the violence in sierra leone's civil war is like a cloud over all of sierra leone politics and civil life.
▶ 1:19:20Mr. Travis: I think we will have a strong commitment from both sides on the political fronts in sierra leone to move forward.
▶ 1:19:25Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:19:28Sen. Hagerty: I want to commend all of our panelists today. It's an honor to be nominated to her present the greatest country in the world to any nation. I think you all take that responsibility on very seriously. You have done an impressive job today. I understand what you have been nominated to serve. We will be adding letters of support the committee may have received to the record today.
▶ 1:19:52Sen. Hagerty: Members of the committee, just the two of us, but your staffs are here, the record will remain open until the close of business thursday, august 6, in order for members to submit records. With that, the hearing is adjourned.