Political Quotes

“prior to the August recess, I, along with Senator Murphy, asked unanimous consent to confirm almost 30--30-- highly qualified Foreign Affairs and Development nominees who were languishing on the Senate floor. I noted then the danger of leaving these posts unfilled at a time that we were facing such a confluence of global challenges. Two Republican Senators blocked each one of our requests. Days later, Haiti was hit with a devastating earthquake, and Afghanistan imploded. While I continue to believe it is essential that this body swiftly confirm every single foreign affairs and development professional whose nomination is pending on the Senate floor, I rise again today to seek unanimous consent to confirm four nominees who are critical to addressing the crisis in Afghanistan and Haiti. Ambassador Donald Lu, a career Foreign Service Officer, is the President's nominee to serve as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs. The last Assistant Secretary for this Bureau was confirmed during the Obama administration. To say that this nomination is long overdue is an understatement, particularly now, given the incredibly dangerous situation in Afghanistan. Post-withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, the State Department is the main implementer of U.S. policy in the country. And given the regional implications of Afghanistan policy, it is essential that this role be filled with a seasoned and experienced diplomat like Ambassador Lu.…”