Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing on September 17, 2026

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing. Witnesses included Michael Young to be Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia, Ronald Johnson to be Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovia, Julia Nesheiwat to be Ambassador for the Artic, Steven Gillen to be Ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, and Nutan Patel to be Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde.

Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:

"Good morning, everyone. We have a hearing this morning on five important nominations. We have a great panel in front of us. We want to welcome them and welcome the families. We all know that the families participate as much as everyone else does. It is a sacrifice not only for the nominee but for the family, indeed, at times, for the family, so we appreciate everyone's willingness to serve, and particularly, we appreciate the families who are willing to support the people who do serve…

"I am going to start with Mr. Johnson. Support for a strong, free, and united Bosnia remains a policy priority for the U.S. in the Western Balkans. If confirmed as ambassador, it is important that you continue to reinforce firm U.S. support for the Dayton Accords while finding ways to foster dialogue across all political factions.

"Today, I hope to hear how you plan to help protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina from, countering Russian malign influence and encourage the government to strengthen its institutions and advance the rule of law.

"Dr. Nesheiwat, as Russia and China continue to grow their influence and presence in the Arctic, this administration has taken meaningful steps to prioritize the region as a critical component of U.S. national security. If confirmed as ambassador to the Arctic, I trust that, with your professional background in the military and the intelligence community, you will continue this effort to advance our security interests and counter our adversaries in the Arctic while deepening cooperation with our partners and NATO allies.

"Mr. Young, as Serbia faces a number of challenges to the rule of law and political freedoms and in countering malign foreign influence, U.S. engagement must focus on helping Serbia address these issues, along with resolving divisions both in the country and with its neighbors.

"Russia and China also have footholds in Serbia, particularly in the energy and tech sectors. If Belgrade wants to improve relations with the U.S., it won't do so by continuing to work with our adversaries. I look forward to hearing your plan to convince Serbia to move in the right direction if confirmed as ambassador.

"Ms. Patel, the United States has had an enduring relationship with Cabo Verde, a country of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West Africa, for over 200 years.

"We opened the first U.S. consulate in sub-Saharan Africa in Cabo Verde in 1818. If confirmed, it would be up to you to continue this long tradition of diplomacy.

"I look forward to hearing how you plan to engage Cabo Verde on issues of trade and investment, as well as maritime security and counternarcotics work.

"Finally, Mr. Gillen, President Trump's landmark C5+1 summit last year launched a new era of engagement with Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia. I participated in that, and I believe it was a very positive engagement as we move forward and hopefully cultivate that relationship.

"As ambassador, you will play an important role in expanding cooperation and encouraging reform that facilitates U.S. investment in Kyrgyzstan's infrastructure development, energy, and critical minerals sectors. American involvement in these industries is vital to counter China's influence in the region.

"It's also crucial that you work with the Kyrgyz government to counter Russian sanctions evasion, its avoidance of international financial controls, and the flow of dual-use goods to the Russian defense sector.

"I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the U.S. can work with the Kyrgyz Republic to address these issues.

"Thank you all for being with us today, and again thank you to you and your families. With that, I will yield to the distinguished ranking member, Senator Shaheen."

These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.

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