Haley Stevens: “I am delighted to follow our leader, speaking about our former majority leader, Howard Baker, and his lovely lady…”

“I am delighted to follow our leader, speaking about our former majority leader, Howard Baker, and his lovely lady, Senator Kassebaum. As one whose home is closer to Tokyo than it is to Washington, DC, I welcome this appointment. This is the century of the Pacific. If one really studies geopolitical affairs in this world, they can only come to the conclusion that the Pacific is going to be the region of great interest to the world, of great potential, and of great strife if we are not careful. I am delighted the President has chosen Howard Baker to become the Ambassador to Japan. He has shown his leadership on the floor of the Senate and in activities he has participated in around the world since he left the Senate. His wife, as we know, is one of the distinguished leading ladies of this country. The President is very smart. He gets two Ambassadors for the price of one. We will welcome him going to Alaska on his way to Japan and on his way back because he is a great friend. It was my privilege to serve with Howard Baker. During the 8 years he was the leader I was assistant leader, and I consider him one of the finest Americans who has ever lived. I am glad to see he continues being willing to serve our country, and I shall vote for him. I yield the floor.”