Jay Rockefeller: “I would like to state how delighted I am that the President has nominated a statesman of such skill and integrity to…”

“I would like to state how delighted I am that the President has nominated a statesman of such skill and integrity to serve as our Ambassador in Japan. Senator Baker had just completed three terms when I entered this body, including terms as majority and minority leader. He was well known as a man of courtesy and thoughtfulness, who managed difficult political battles with grace and good humor. He took those traits with him to the White House, where as Chief of Staff he played a key role in rebuilding public confidence in a presidency that was racked by foreign policy scandal. Throughout his career Senator Baker has often been called into service to help heal the ruptures created by difficult issues like Watergate, the Panama Canal and Iran-Contra; and he has repeatedly played a key role in forging the bipartisan consensus necessary to move our government and our nation forward. There is no relationship more important for the U.S. than Japan.”