the U.S. decision to diplomatically aid the peace negotiations in Colombia which have led to a ceasefire

We have a rule in this committee and I think generally that nominees should not presume confirmation.

I was honored to sponsor the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.

I pledge to use my energies and the range of diplomatic tools to strengthen international religious freedom issues.

I fully understand the important role of the Commission in informing United States decision makers.

[Stand] for liberty and [stand] with the persecuted.

I pledge to you to continue that bipartisan effort on it.

This is a fundamental right that you have, to do with your own soul what you choose.

I think both you and the ranking member have outlined some of the challenges: human trafficking, other issues around building strong democratic institutions in India.

The United States and India are the two largest democracies in the world.

We have seen the trade relationship grow from about $10 billion to $115 billion.

I think Ken will serve our Nation well, and again, let me reiterate both my and John Cornyn's strong bipartisan support.

We need to work together to deal with the human rights struggles, with the commerce issues.

This relationship between the two world's largest democracies is absolutely critical.

I will also acknowledge that Ken and I went to law school together. He did slightly better than I at law school.

Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to a dear friend and colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, as she retires after three decades in the U.S. Senate. Senator Mikulski has been serving the people of Maryland in one form or another for…

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Mr. President, I wanted to indicate how disappointed I am in the provisions affecting miners that have been included in the continuing resolution. While I will vote for final passage of the CR because we must not shut government down, the…