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.

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 understand that USAID assistance in Georgia focuses on supporting reform-oriented actors in civil society.

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

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.

this is a top priority of our regional delegation. And I would hope we will receive your full support.

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

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.

They are not a blank check for future use of force by the executive branch.

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.

the health of the Port of Baltimore is critically important. Maintenance dredging is absolutely essential.

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

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.

Thank you very much for your comments.

Egypt's Reich will also fall, but list fascist regimes before it.

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

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.

They have serious human rights issues on their workers, those that have come to their country being protected with internationally recognized labor rights.

I share your concern about the Kremlin's tendency to spread lies and false information about USAID's programs.

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

we are on schedule in this appropriations cycle. If the work of the committees ends up in an omnibus appropriations bill, there will be additional support there for Mid-Bay to start construction.

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 think Senator Kaine speaks for every member of this committee.

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

I have long appreciated the bipartisan support for Africa in Congress and, if confirmed, I look forward to working with you and others in Congress to continue to strengthen U.S.-Africa relations.