The significance of that issue of empowering women will not be downgraded, no matter what happens to the office.

There is no intention or plan to fold USAID into the State Department.

Congress is committed to American diplomacy and to the many patriots of the Department of State who work long hours, serve the American people, and advance our interests abroad.

Actions speak louder than words, and I can offer all the platitudes that one can think of on diversity and how important it is, but actions speak louder than words.

I commit, to doing all we can to have a diverse State Department. Why? It is the right thing to do as Americans, because equal opportunity is enshrined in our Constitution.

You have been consistent and tireless in fighting the insidious crime of human trafficking.

Through hearings like this one, and strong legislation, you have been consistent and tireless in fighting the insidious crime of human trafficking.

I commit to you today that, as I engage with foreign government officials, I will, like many of you, raise anti-trafficking concerns, as well as broader human rights issues.

Individual liberty and the freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government are at the core of who we are as Americans.

Addressing Iran's continued support for terrorism, and violations and abuses of the human rights of its citizens remains a priority for the United States.

I will support and uphold laws enacted by Congress such as the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act.