Ben Cardin

I would urge our nominees to try to complete those answers as rapidly and as thoroughly as possible.

I think you have clarified that point, and I do not really think there is any misunderstanding here.

The Middle East is, obviously, a critically important area for U.S. national security.

It was imperative for the U.S. to 'no longer be in the unseemly position of providing taxpayer largesse--however small in the grand scheme of things' to the Sisi Government.

If confirmed, it will be one of my highest priorities to work with the Qatari Government to solidify the gains that they have made, but also to move them forward in labor and human rights reform.

Do you commit to promptly responding to requests for briefings and information requested by the committee or its designated staff?

Women's equality is a moral and economic imperative of U.S. foreign policy.

I am hopeful to hear from all of our nominees today on how they will advance American leadership and interests in this pivotal region of the world.

Mr. Ratney would serve at a critical time in U.S.-Saudi affairs as relations have been strained.

This committee has a great tradition of working across party lines and working with the executive branch on foreign policy.

But, again, if our policy actions drive them into the arms of Russia and China we will be undercutting these very priorities.

As the regime in Tehran marches towards a nuclear weapon and foments terror in Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and throughout the Gulf, we must employ some empathy in understanding the threat that our partners in the region are facing.

The outstanding lack of accountability on the tragic death of Khashoggi is an issue that America cannot ignore.

Do you commit to keep this committee fully and currently informed about the activities under your purview?

If we want to succeed in this competition, we must find the best way forward to balance our interests while remaining the partner of choice for those in the Middle East.

I apologize for and deeply regret the poorly considered remarks on Cuban Americans and Jewish Americans I made as part of a 1998 oral history project about foreign affairs.

The choice of words were--fit into the traditional tropes of antisemitism

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Let me thank all of our nominees for their willingness to serve our country.

Those comments in no way reflect my views then or now about the important political, economic, and cultural contributions of both communities to the fabric of our society and to the democratic institutions of our great country.

I am a firm supporter of the state of Israel.

I was just urging the Ambassador to have capacity to deal with the democratic institutions within Ukraine as they rebuild, particularly in fighting the corruption that has been so prevalent in their country over such a period of time.

I would just point out this is the third year that they have been on the Tier Two watch list. Belize may be making progress but not fast enough.

I think this level of cooperation, coordination, and dialogue among legislators across the hemisphere is coming at a critical time in the region when democratic governance is being threatened.

I believe Chile's commendable tradition of openness, combined with a responsible investment screening mechanism that considers national security interests, would maintain the security of Chile's critical infrastructure and sensitive…

I believe that USAID should continue to support the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus.