Barbara Lee: “As I said earlier, it is quite despicable to target dedicated public servants and threaten their livelihoods--public…”

“As I said earlier, it is quite despicable to target dedicated public servants and threaten their livelihoods--public servants doing their jobs and carrying out the policies of this administration or any administration. They deserve to be commended, not demonized. Our government is dependent on being able to attract the best talent to bring their skills to public service, especially when in most cases they could earn much more in the private sector. Who is going to be willing to do that if their names can be dragged through the political mud? Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield retired as one of our most distinguished foreign service officers after 35 years of service to this country. {time} 1300 She returned from retirement in order to take on her current role as United Nations Ambassador, and she represents the United States admirably each and every single day. This is how we solve our policy differences? We should not make it personal and about people doing their jobs. I have worked with and have known Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield. All the unbelievable bashing of who she is, her credentials, and what she has provided for this country is unacceptable and disgusting. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment. Mr. Chair, I hope that the gentlewoman and others really understand that public service is public service. This is not a private corporation. This is our Federal Government.…”