Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, as the United States reasserts itself on the world's stage, it is time for robust engagement. We must reengage with our allies and regain our footing as a global leader. But we are standing in our own way. Mr. Speaker, 100 ambassadorial positions are currently unfilled, with 60 awaiting Senate action. Where is the Senate? Mr. Speaker, more than 300 national security professionals asked this same question this morning in a letter to Senate leadership. We do not have representatives to NATO, the European Union, ASEAN, or the Organization of American States. Despite our significant interests in the Middle East, we lack an Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs and an ambassador to Israel. Mr. Speaker, we are sending a dangerous message of neglect and indifference to our allies and adversaries. The Senate must act. I join the hundreds of esteemed former ambassadors and Pentagon officials in urging the Senate to begin hearings and to schedule votes for all pending State Department and USAID nominees. I include in the Record a letter from Foreign Policy for America. Foreign Policy for America, Washington, DC, October 28, 2021. Hon. Charles Schumer, Majority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Senator Bob Menendez, Chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Washington, DC. Hon. Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader, U.S. Senate, Washington, DC. Senator James E. Risch, Ranking Member, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Washington, DC.…”