I guess I just ask you to pay attention to one phenomenon.

Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to congratulate Art Gratias of Mason City, IA on receiving the Legion of Honor from the French Government for his contribution to the liberation of France. Art Gratias enlisted in the U.S. Army…

I am proud to wholeheartedly support Caroline Kennedy's nomination to be the next Ambassador to Japan.

I am proud to present her as President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next Ambassador to Japan.

I want to thank you and Senator Corker, not only for the courtesy of introducing our great constituent, but for the great job you have been doing on this committee.

It is a career that leaves me no doubt she is well qualified to take on this great task that awaits her if she is confirmed as the next United States Ambassador to Japan.

As has been mentioned before and Senator Schumer commented on, I was in business for 20 years...

I want to thank you, thank the Committee, and Freddie, congratulations on the nomination.

I am also sure that her father, mother, her uncles, and extended family are looking down with pride upon this hearing.

Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Joint Committee of Congress on the Library will meet on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 10 a.m., in SC-4 to conduct its organization meeting for the 113th Congress. For further information regarding this…

Mr. President, I wish to announce that the Joint Committee of Congress on Printing will meet on Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 10 a.m., in SC-4 to conduct its organization meeting for the 113th Congress. For further information regarding this…

She is an excellent candidate for the position of Assistant Secretary for Africa and I join my colleague and friend Bill Nelson in looking forward to supporting her nomination.

But in all seriousness, Rick has always been a public diplomat.

Thank you Mr. Chairman. It is my great privilege to introduce Mr. Richard Stengel, President Barack Obama's nominee to be the next Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs.

As Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, he will be responsible for leading 'America's public diplomacy outreach, cultural programming, communication with international audiences, and U.S. Government efforts to confront…

His ability to express strong convictions, yet find a way to reach across the aisle, was a compelling example of what good governance is all about.

The Kennedy name has been synonymous with public service for over a century.

We firmly oppose coercion whether it is military coercion or economic coercion and the threat and the use of force.