Dick Lugar: “I rise to address the body this morning on the importance of Senate action to confirm pending nominations for…”

“I rise to address the body this morning on the importance of Senate action to confirm pending nominations for ambassadorial and other foreign affairs posts. Together, Republicans and Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee have worked to move nominations as expeditiously as possible. During the past few weeks, the committee has held hearings and considered nominations for more than 30 such posts. As a group, these nominees received bipartisan support. Our members voted unanimously in favor of confirmation of each one at a business meeting last Thursday. I was pleased last night when the Senate confirmed Paul Applegarth to be chief executive officer of the Millennium Challenge Corporation. I appreciate the work of Senator Frist and Senator Daschle to move this important nomination. The launch of the Millennium Challenge Corporation presents an important opportunity for the United States to enhance the effectiveness of its development assistance. Last year, Congress appropriated $1 billion for the MCC, and having a chief executive officer in place and ready to provide leadership in this new enterprise is a vital first step to ensuring its success. I hope the Senate will now move with some dispatch on the rest of the pending diplomatic nominees.”