Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing

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 nominations hearing. Witnesses included The Honorable Bill Bazzi to be ambassador to Tunisia, Ms. Melinda Hildebrand to be ambassador to Costa Rica, Mr. Todd Wilcox to be assistant secretary of State for diplomatic security, Mr. Riley Barnes to be assistant secretary of State for democracy, human rights, and labor, and Mr. Dan Negrea to be U.S. representative to the Economic and Social Council at the UN.

Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:

"Thank you to our witnesses and their families for being here today and your willingness to serve. I'm very glad that the Senate is back in session and that we can resume our important work to pass President Trump's nominees and get you to post as quickly as possible.

"As you know, Ms. Hildebrand, Costa Rica is an important U.S. ally in addressing shared security concerns and counternarcotics efforts in our hemisphere. Secretary of State Rubio visited Costa Rica in February, signaling the importance of this relationship and the need to work together to address Chinese malign influence in the country and Central America.

"As a business leader and philanthropist, you have the acumen to ensure that Costa Rica remains a strong partner of the United States. I look forward to hearing your plans to do so.

"Mr. Negrea, President Trump has made clear that it's time for reform at the UN, indeed it's past time, and you will help lead the charge. You have a background in international organizations and financial institutions. This skill set will surely help you cut through the bureaucracy at the UN and work with your colleagues to provide value for the American people at the UN after our massive investments over the years the return for which is difficult to find at times.

"As our representative to the Economic and Social Council at the UN, I know you'll steer the council away from woke ideologies and the so-called "sustainable development goals", and instead advocate for reforms that enhance efficiency, eliminate un-American mandates, and prevent further waste, fraud, and abuse.

"We need to make the UN less of a burden to the American taxpayer and increase transparency and oversight. I look forward to your thoughts on these issues and your plans to reform the UN Economic and Social Council.

"Mr. Bazzi, as ambassador to Tunisia, you will witness the growing pains of a fragile democracy and hold a seat of influence, representing the voice and values of the United States in Tunis.

"Tunisia is strategically located along the Mediterranean Sea and plays an increasingly important role in counterterrorism, immigration control, and freedom of navigation for international trade and commerce.

"While President Kais Saied once enjoyed overwhelming domestic support, Tunisians have recently taken to the streets to exercise their rights to free speech and protest.

"Amid this turbulence, we need to promote stability in the region to protect American interests. To this end, I introduced legislation last congress to safeguard Tunisia's democratic institutions and checks and balances in the country. Stability is key, and I look forward to hearing your plans to work with the Tunisian government during this time of upheaval.

"Mr. Wilcox, as Assistant Secretary for Diplomatic Security, you will manage the officers who keep our posts abroad secure and allow our diplomats to advance America's interests abroad.

"As I've said from this dais dozens of times, we need our people in the field, not sitting behind desks. We need a Bureau of Diplomatic Security with an expeditionary mindset and a can-do spirit to accomplish this.

"This was not the case during the previous administration, and I'll give you an example. When I was Ranking Member of this committee, the head of the Bureau of Diplomatic Security refused to give me information on a potential intelligence leak that I needed to do my job properly. This was a shocking event that I know will not occur under your watch, or under the leadership of Secretary Rubio.

"I look forward to hearing about how you will keep our diplomats safe, and Congress informed during your time in office.

"Mr. Barnes, President Trump has shown his commitment to internationally recognized human rights through his many peace agreements and work to end wars around the world, and Secretary Rubio has emphasized internationally recognized human rights in his bilateral and multilateral engagements, which is consistent with his excellent work during his time in the Senate and on this committee.

"As Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, you'll not only need to keep up with the record pace of peace talks and engagements with world leaders but also help the Secretary and the President further these aims and bring stability to the world.

"The United States has always been a leader in promoting and protecting internationally recognized human rights, and I look forward to learning how you will expand upon this work.

"Thank you again to all of our witnesses for being with us today. I look forward to our conversation today, and to getting you confirmed and to get to work as quickly as possible.

"With that, Senator Shaheen."

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

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