Political Quotes

“I have sought recognition to oppose the nomination of Mr. Samuel W. Brown, Jr., and not to oppose the nomination of Mr. Derek Shearer. I believe that the broadest latitude ought to be allowed the President in his selection of Ambassadors. While there has been considerable opposition to Mr. Derek Shearer, it is my view that his basic qualifications, and the nature of his appointment as Ambassador to Finland, are sufficient so as not to bring my opposition to his nomination. With respect to Samuel W. Brown, it is my conclusion that the position of Ambassador to the Conference on Security and Cooperation is so important that it requires someone with considerably more background and expertise in dealing with the very important issues of security, considering the matters involving the Russians as a military force, and concerning the issues of the conflict in Bosnia, and the unrest in the states of the former Yugoslavia. As I have reviewed the record on Mr. Brown, I know of the committee report on these questions: (A) What practical experience do you have in working in the former Soviet Union? (B) What educational background do you have on the former Soviet Union? The answer to both (A) and (B): 'I have no direct experience.'”