The issue of trafficking in persons has been one of my personal priorities.

But we cannot be complacent anymore.

It is an incredibly important issue and especially right now for people who are refugees already.

I am particularly concerned about how we support the women and address potential trafficking issues.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to each of our nominees this morning. Thank you for your service to the country and for your willingness to continue to serve.

The situation in Lebanon is quite dire--the humanitarian situation, the economic situation.

I hope each of you will work on what is continuing to get worse in Afghanistan with respect to the rights of women and the economy in that country.

I have been closely following increased reports of directed energy attacks that have affected U.S. Government employees.

What we know is that societies that empower women, that have rights for women and girls, tend to be more stable societies.

I would hope that you would take a very strong stand in encouraging the OAS to take a very strong position to support the rights of women.

I certainly agree with that.

I am particularly interested in what is happening looking at space because this is a new frontier, really, in terms of the potential to put weapons in space.

the Office of Global Criminal Justice is imperative to coordinating U.S. Government efforts to bring to justice perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Putin is trying to rewrite history by rebuilding the Soviet Union--challenging the international values, laws and institutions that have kept our world safe since World War II.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations to each of our nominees, and thank you for your willingness to serve the country.

I would ask you if you would commit to doing everything you can, if confirmed as ambassador, to ensure that those visa applicants are given due consideration and that that process works as smoothly as possible.

this is a period where it is very clear who is on the side of good and who is on the side of evil

We saw a decline in that, I think, as the result of a number of factors, but now we are seeing it increase again.