I am confident that you will represent the United States well and that you will advocate for our interest as a nation and help move forward the values that I think are our greatest resource in our engagement with the world.

I rise and ask unanimous consent to speak as if in morning business. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered. startup america legislative agenda

I agree that keeping your family and your coworkers secure and providing appropriate support for Americans... is a critical part.

The next Ambassador will have a number of challenges in working with the Mozambican Government to consolidate democratic gains, use resources wisely, and increase trade with the United States.

Senator Durbin, but also Senators Casey and Feingold... have been urging the government to allow greater press freedoms.

I think there is a lot of potential for the State Partnership Program, particularly in nations where you have militaries where accepting civilian rule, as is the case in Guinea, transitioning out of great conflict, as is the case in…

If confirmed as American Ambassador, of course, I would speak consistently and forcefully for press freedom in every case.

Having founding executives, Presidents, Prime Ministers who voluntarily relinquish their elected role is a critical piece in most countries' transition to democracy.

I am really grateful for Senator Isakson's focus and leadership on this.

I think AFRICOM has the opportunity as a combatant command that does not have a lot of legacy assets.

U.S. interests in The Gambia include concerns about drug trafficking, human rights, and governance.

One of the things that I think would be especially important would be an express commitment from the Government of Zimbabwe to welcome international as well as national election monitoring groups.