Barbara Boxer: “I rise today to urge the majority leader to schedule a vote on the nomination of James C. Hormel to be U.S. Ambassador…”

“I rise today to urge the majority leader to schedule a vote on the nomination of James C. Hormel to be U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg. He has my strong support as well as the strong support of Senator Feinstein, who has made an eloquent statement on the Senate floor on his behalf. James Hormel is a successful businessman, a loving father, and a loving grandfather. On October 29, 1997 before the Foreign Relations Committee, I introduced James Hormel for the position of Ambassador to Luxembourg. At that hearing, I spoke of his sharp mind, distinguished career and extensive knowledge of diplomacy, international relations and the business world. Like many of my colleagues, I believe that James Hormel was, and still is, clearly qualified for this position. Almost five months later, this nomination still has not come to the Senate floor for a vote. The full Senate has not even had the opportunity to debate the merits of Mr. Hormel's nomination. This is because a hold has been placed on the nomination by certain Senators-- apparently because of James Hormel's sexual orientation. I say, ``apparently'' because the arguments some have used to oppose Mr. Hormel do not ring true. The main argument is that Mr. Hormel, through his generous history of giving, has donated funds to certain projects--a library collection and an educational video--that contain controversial content. These are not valid arguments.…”