Political Quotes

“Madam President, I want to offer a few brief comments on the confirmation of Ms. Jennifer Newstead and the situation in Yemen. Ms. Newstead was nominated to serve as the legal adviser of the Department of State. This is an incredibly important position. The legal adviser is the principal adviser to the Department of State on all legal matters, domestic and international. The legal adviser is also the principal adviser to other Federal agencies on legal matters involved in foreign relations. Through the Secretary of State, the legal advisor advises the President and the National Security Council. For an individual to serve well in this position, they must understand the law and be willing to provide objective and reliable legal advice. I believe Ms. Newstead is well qualified to serve in this position. She has an impressive educational background, and she has served in senior positions at OMB, the Department of Justice, and in the White House. That is why I supported her nomination in committee. With that said, before she received a floor vote, I wanted to confirm that she had a full and accurate appreciation for U.S. law as it relates to impediments to humanitarian assistance, and the clear application of those statutes to Saudi Arabia and Yemen. That is why, over several weeks, I engaged in three rounds of specific written questions and answers with Ms. Newstead related to the law. After those detailed exchanges, I am confident that Ms.…”