I hope we, the American people, will understand the value to our national security of supporting those democratic transitions.

Mr. Kim, our current Special Envoy for the Six-Party Talks on North Korea's nuclear program, is a wise and deserving choice to be our country's chief diplomat in South Korea.

The crisis in Syria is not about the United States directly. It does offer us opportunities to promote respect for our principles and ideals.

Congress should send Mr. Kim to Seoul with a ratified KORUS FTA.

If confirmed, he would be the first American of Korean heritage to serve our country in this post--a testament to the success of Korean immigrants who first began coming to the United States roughly 150 years ago.

We have expressed our clear concerns with the irregularities related to the recent electoral process in Nicaragua.

We have never wavered in our support of the right of people in Cuba to freely determine their own future.

Protecting democracy is a hemispheric value. When democracy is threatened, we must all speak up.

We believe in the power of proximity to turn growth across the Americas into recovery and jobs here in the United States.

Cuba clearly departs most fundamentally from the region's core democratic values and elections alone do not constitute a democracy.

I will also work to reinforce accountability and transparency while helping the South Sudanese deliver on their promises to end corruption.

If confirmed as the first U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan, I believe the challenges will be many; however, this is a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to work closely with the world's newest nation.

I welcome the opportunity to work collaboratively on strengthening a democratic state that promotes inclusiveness and good governance.

This concerns me as Taiwan's defense and deterrent capacity are in the U.S. national security interest, as well as promoted and compelled by the Taiwan Relations Act.

The outpouring by Americans to provide funds, to provide relief in Somalia, is incredibly heartening.

The purpose of the legislation, I want to emphasize, is not to discourage information sharing but rather to encourage it.

I intend, along with other colleagues, to propose one, a commercial privacy bill of rights.

I believe in this now vital resource for our country in so many ways.