Political Quotes

“I wish to express my opposition to the nomination of Antony Blinken to be Deputy Secretary of State. There is no shortage of global conflicts or crises facing the United States, and as one of the key positions at the State Department, the Deputy Secretary of State will play a key role in developing and implementing our foreign policy. Unfortunately, I must oppose Mr. Blinken's nomination at this time because his track record on some of the most significant foreign policy and national security issues has raised serious concerns about the direction his leadership would take our Nation's foreign policy. Mr. Blinken has been a foreign policy advisor for several years and played a significant role in determining how and when the United States left Iraq. I believe this has contributed to the instability in the region. Additionally, Mr. Blinken has been less than forthright with some of my colleagues, and has misstated the Administration's position with respect to Iran sanctions. I am also concerned about the speed of this nomination. He was nominated a month ago and is being forced through in the lame duck. I believe a nominee of this significance should be subject to a more thorough review because at a time when the United States is facing critical national security challenges on many fronts, we must have proven and effective leadership. For these reasons, I must oppose Mr. Blinken's nomination.”