We have also, with Senator Young, introduced legislation that would provide a clearer direction on dealing with anti-corruption around the globe.

Vietnam was making progress, I would suggest, on basic human rights even though it is an authoritarian government.

I want to thank both of our distinguished nominees for their service to our country.

The resolution also called on the U.S. Government to help bring about and support that dialogue.

We firmly oppose the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.

There is legislation that Senator Wicker and I have put in to make the Global Magnitsky statute a permanent statute.

I want to ask you some questions in regards to a troubling trend we have seen globally on the decline of democracy.

We really do need to concentrate and find better ways to deal with them.

I would just quote from my friend, Kara-Murza, who is one of the leading opposition leaders in Russia, who says that Putin steals from the Russians to spend it in the West.

We could do much better in getting support at the United Nations if our missions recognized how important those votes are...

Eighteen weeks is unacceptable. Unacceptable.

It is absolutely essential that, as we talk about arms sales that human rights be a component of those discussions.

I share the administration's serious concerns about the ICC's attempts to exercise jurisdiction over Israeli personnel.

We have not done well with their voting at the United Nations or at OAS, for that matter...

When we put conditionality on aid, it gives the administration... additional strength in dealing with the governments.

I want to thank both of our nominees and their families. This is a tough time to serve in government.

I am concerned about the shrinking environment for the exercise of freedoms of expression and association online.

I agree that the Saudi Government must be held accountable for the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

We just saw with the report released in regards to the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi some transparency, which I think was very much appreciated.

It was a very clear finding, so that was refreshing to see.

The importance of American values in our policies.

We have a decline in the number of democratic states in the world.

Promoting human rights and democracy has been central to my work as a writer, advocate, and diplomat.

I helped persuade France to cancel a multi-billion dollar defense sale to Russia in the wake of the Crimea invasion.

My entire professional life has been dedicated to public service, often in direct promotion of human rights and democracy.