On Thursday, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing to consider pending nominations.
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00:00We have, not unusually, a lot of issues today as we try to move these two matters forward.
00:07We have a business meeting where we have a number of nominations to consider,
00:12but we have Archean rules as to how we have to do that and who has to be in the room,
00:17and those rules are not met at this moment.
00:21So what I'm going to do is the other item on this morning is nominations hearing
00:27for a number of very good nominees that the president has given to us,
00:31and the way we always start those is we have introductions,
00:36and so we will do that, and then we'll proceed through that hearing.
00:42And when I get the right number in the room, we're going to take a break,
00:46and you can stay right where you are, and it won't take us but a few minutes to run through getting the noms to the floor.
00:51But in any event, that's where we are.
00:53And we have some of our colleagues here that are very busy, including Senator Collins,
00:57who's always up to her elbows in budgeting matters and leads us faithfully in that regard.
01:03So, Senator Collins, I am going to give you the floor for an introduction.
01:07Thank you very much, Chairman Risch and members of the committee.
01:13I am delighted to appear before you today to introduce Caleb Orr
01:20and to recommend his nomination to become Assistant Secretary of State for Economic and Business Affairs.
01:31A native of Texas, Caleb received his B.A. from Aveline Christian University
01:39before coming to Washington to serve on the staff of then-Senator Marco Rubio 10 years ago.
01:48He received his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center in 2023
01:56and worked in private practice for the late Ambassador C. Boyden Gray.
02:03He was serving as a judicial law clerk for the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Houston
02:10before being called back to Washington earlier this year.
02:15He and his wife, Gabby, have two young daughters, Poppy and Lily.
02:21I just met Poppy, who is behind us.
02:25I want to tell you a bit about how I got to know Caleb.
02:29It was back in 2020, at the height of the COVID crisis,
02:35when I was working around the clock with then-Senator Marco Rubio,
02:42along with the ranking member of this committee, Senator Shaheen,
02:47and former Senator Ben Cardin.
02:49We crafted the small business relief package known as the Paycheck Protection Program, or PPP.
03:00That bipartisan program was signed into law as part of the CARES Act on March 27, 2020,
03:09and within three weeks, using the private sector,
03:13had distributed $342 billion in crucial economic aid to help nearly 1.5,
03:231.7 million small businesses meet payroll and avoid shutting their doors.
03:30Over the full life of the program, the PPP provided nearly 43,000 forgivable loans in my home state of Maine.
03:42As the Deputy Staff Director of the Small Business Committee,
03:48Caleb played an absolutely essential role in creating, crafting, and implementing this crucial lifeline.
03:59We were talking before the hearing about the 2 a.m. calls that he had with a counsel on my staff,
04:08and that is no exaggeration.
04:11He literally worked night and day to address countless complex issues that had to be resolved
04:19to stand up this program in a rapidly changing pandemic environment.
04:26That same attentiveness will be required of him as Assistant Secretary,
04:34where he will be responsible for helping American businesses navigate the many challenges they face every day across the globe,
04:45advocating for their interests both within our government and abroad.
04:50I am confident that Caleb is not only up to the task,
04:56but also will bring the same creativity, energy, commitment, and hard work to the State Department's Economic Bureau
05:08that he did in helping to manage small business relief during the pandemic.
05:15It is thus my great pleasure to introduce Caleb Orr to you today
05:22and to recommend to this committee positive consideration of his nomination as soon as possible.
05:32Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
05:34Thank you, Senator Collins, and certainly credit to you and everyone who worked on the PPP program.
05:40That's probably one of the most impactful things that's happened to American citizens over recent years
05:46with the difficulties we had.
05:48So thank you for your work.
05:49I know you're busy on other matters, so we will excuse you.
05:53You're welcome to see if you'd like, but I know the answer to that question.
05:57Only because I have three hearings going on at once.
06:01Don't we all?
06:02I know.
06:04Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
06:05Thank you, Senator Collins.
06:06Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to all of the nominees,
06:13an excellent slate of ambassadorial nominees and friends.
06:17I have the honor of introducing someone I've known for a long time,
06:21a fellow Texan and a friend, Ken Howery.
06:24Ken embodies the spirit of Texas.
06:27Hard work, genuine hospitality, and fierce leadership.
06:31He excelled at Stanford, where he earned a degree in economics,
06:37but was also managing editor of the Stanford Review.
06:40He graduated from Stanford in 1998, and that same year began a career of innovation and investment
06:46that literally transformed the financial world when he helped found and run PayPal.
06:52Over the years, Ken has been recognized for his success and vision.
06:58He's served on the boardrooms of venture capital firms.
07:00He's held leadership positions in various companies,
07:03and he's operated at the highest and most respected levels of diplomacy.
07:10And throughout all that time, parallel to his financial and corporate success,
07:14Ken has been devoted to public life and service.
07:17In college, he interned in Washington for my predecessor, Senator K. Bailey Hutchison,
07:24in the speechwriting department.
07:26That passion has extended into his diplomatic work.
07:31From 2019 to 2021, he served as ambassador to Sweden.
07:36He worked to advance our national security interests and to push Sweden to insulate
07:41its telecom networks from Chinese malign activities.
07:44He helped implement the Trump administration's burden-sharing strategy,
07:49contributing to Sweden's historic 40 percent increase in defense spending.
07:55And he championed American businesses, encouraging trade and innovation and investment
08:00between the two countries.
08:03Ken is a strong leader with a clear-eyed understanding of diplomacy, strategy, and partnership.
08:08And he's exceptionally well-qualified to serve as our next ambassador to Denmark.
08:12There are real challenges in our friendship with Denmark,
08:17including, of course, the president's stated interest in acquiring Greenland,
08:21which will make this appointment critical to the future of this country.
08:26And I have every confidence that Ken has the integrity, the experience, the vision
08:31to strengthen our relationship with this important ally and to navigate these complicated and
08:37incredibly important issues.
08:39Thank you, Senator Cruz.
08:41Senator Cornyn, I understand you might have something to add to this.
08:44Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for scheduling two, uh, hearing for two Texans, uh, Mr. Orr
08:49and Mr. Howery, uh, it's a pleasure to join my colleague, uh, Senator Cruz in saying a few
08:55nice words about, uh, Ken Howery.
08:57And I won't, uh, uh, uh, repeat everything he said, but I think it's fair to conclude that
09:03Mr. Howery is a, uh, super achiever.
09:05Uh, he's done a lot in his short life.
09:09But the things that, uh, I've been, uh, most impressed about is his prior service, uh, in
09:15Sweden, uh, back at a time when the administration was trying to persuade, uh, other countries
09:21not to adopt, uh, Huawei technology because it essentially was a way to spy on those countries
09:27by the PRC and Chinese Communist Party.
09:30He was successful in, in getting them to ban those technologies.
09:35That's a, that's a big deal.
09:37Um, I remember Ken telling me at lunch last May about some of the challenges he had, um,
09:44helping the Swedes navigate during COVID from reopening their society after the lockdown
09:49to addressing some of the vulnerability of his supply chains.
09:53I have no doubt that his background and experience will serve him well and serve our country well
09:58in Denmark as the U.S. and our partners around the globe continue to navigate evolving threats
10:05with technology and national security.
10:07I am confident he will represent our interests on the world stage.
10:11So, Ken, congratulations to you and your family on this nomination.
10:16Uh, I look forward to voting for your nomination in committee and on the floor.
10:20And I'd encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.
10:24Thank you, Senator Cornyn.
10:25Uh, Senator Scott, I understand you have a couple of introductions here.
10:28Is that right?
10:29Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
10:30Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, it is an honor to sit before you today to introduce,
10:35introduce a fellow Floridian and my friend, Ambassador Calista Gingrich, to this committee.
10:41I'd also like to recognize Calista Husband, another Florida resident, Speaker Newt Gingrich,
10:46who is here today.
10:48And nominating another Floridian to his administration, President Trump made an excellent choice in
10:52Calista to serve as ambassador to Switzerland.
10:56She proudly served as United States ambassador to the Holy See during President Trump's first
11:00term.
11:01It would be exciting to be there today to watch what they do.
11:04During her time in that role, she worked to combat human trafficking, provide humanitarian
11:08assistance, and support the administration's efforts on the global scale.
11:13In 2019, Ambassador Gingrich received the Sue M. Cobb Award, one of the highest recognitions
11:19at the State Department for exemplary diplomatic service.
11:21And in 2020, she received the titled Dom Grand Cross of the Order of Pope Pius IX by Pope Francis,
11:29the highest distinction given by the Holy See to laypersons, in recognition of her contributions
11:34to the Catholic Church and society.
11:37President Trump chose a leader who can deliver for Americans and for the great men and women
11:41of our diplomatic service who are stationed in Switzerland.
11:44I am confident that her skills, character, and expertise will make her an effective ambassador
11:48to Switzerland.
11:49And I look forward to hearing from her today on her vision for U.S.-Switzerland relations
11:54and how she plans to advance President Trump's agenda.
11:57Together with President Trump and Secretary Rubio, I am confident she will help restore peace
12:02through strength and stand for America's best interests.
12:05She has my complete support, and I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination very quickly.
12:10Now let me go on to my second nomination.
12:11Congratulations, by the way.
12:13It's an honor to sit before you to also introduce Summers Farkas to this committee.
12:19I would also like to recognize her husband, Jonathan, who is here supporting her today.
12:24President Trump made an excellent choice in Summers to serve as ambassador to Malta.
12:29Summers is highly recognized for philanthropic efforts and success in business.
12:32She is appointed by President Trump to the President's Commission on White House Fellowships and
12:37Commission on Presidential Scholars and serves as a trustee of the New York City Police Foundation,
12:42chairman of the nominee committee, and member of the executive committee.
12:45She is also an honorary battalion chief of the Fire Department of the City of New York,
12:50and advises the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Foundation and Broward Sheriff's Advisory Council.
12:56President Trump chose a leader who can deliver for Americans and for the great men and women
13:00of the diplomatic service who are stationed in Malta.
13:03I am confident that her skills, character, and expertise will make her an effective ambassador
13:06to Malta.
13:07I look forward to hearing from her today on her vision for U.S.-Malta relations and how she
13:11plans to advance President Trump's agenda.
13:14I know with President Trump and Secretary Rubio, she will help restore peace through strength
13:21and stand for America's best interests.
13:23She has my complete support, and I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination, and hopefully
13:28we can get all these individuals to vote on the floor very quickly.
13:31Congratulations.
13:33Thank you, Senator Scott.
13:34We appreciate that, and now I'm going to recognize Senator Lee.
13:39Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
13:40It's a great honor and pleasure to be here today to introduce my friend, Mr. Lee Rizzuto,
13:45who's been nominated to the important position of serving as U.S. Ambassador to the Organization
13:50of American States.
13:52Mr. Rizzuto comes to us with a wealth of experience, experience and background that make him exceptionally
14:00well-qualified for this task.
14:02For three decades, he led the Conair Corporation, serving in a number of senior management and marketing
14:09roles and running the entire enterprise, ultimately.
14:14Look, most households in America own at least one Conair product, and I think it's fair if
14:22we were to place a bet on how many people in this room have at one point or another used
14:26a Conair product.
14:27I would say it's a solid majority, probably a supermajority.
14:32That alone speaks to Mr. Rizzuto's talents and to the abilities that he'll bring to this
14:38task as an innovator, as a builder.
14:41He's someone who, having been involved in manufacturing for many, many decades, is always looking for
14:51defects to be corrected, improvements to be made, and weak points to be identified and
14:58made smooth and turned into strengths.
15:03Aside from his business experience, Mr. Rizzuto has also served our government abroad.
15:11During the previous Trump administration, he very capably served as the U.S. Consul General
15:16in Bermuda, where on day one, he started going back to bat for the American citizens and worked
15:24tirelessly on behalf of American interests.
15:27And he continued the same tendency that he learned as an executive in the manufacturing
15:32business to identify defects and weak spots.
15:36He started seeing problems right away when he got down there.
15:39There were problems with areas contracts that had been entered into, the mail wasn't getting
15:45there.
15:46He went in and much more than anyone else in his position would otherwise be inclined to
15:50do.
15:51He went out in about six minutes.
15:53I'm sure it took longer than that, but to the rest of the world, by comparison, it seemed
15:58like six minutes, especially during COVID, when the whole world was being turned upside down.
16:03I have no doubt that those skills will prove especially useful within the Organization of
16:08American States.
16:10When President Monroe gifted us his eponymous doctrine, a doctrine that bears his name, he recognized
16:18something that's still very true today, that the Western Hemisphere, the neighbors we have
16:25here, the protective oceans we have to our east and to our west, put us in a unique place
16:31in the world, and it makes the Western Hemisphere uniquely important.
16:35The Organization of American States gives us the opportunity to be heard in a forum where
16:41we can hear from other nations that are of such great importance to us.
16:45I can't think of anyone in whom I would have greater confidence in this role than my friend
16:52Lee Rizzuto, who's here with his wife, Denise, who will serve as an especially strong and faithful
17:00and capable companion to him in that role.
17:03Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
17:06Thank you very much, Senator Lee, and again, I ask everybody to be patient with us, and it
17:14may look like we're a little disorganized, but we do have two different hearings going
17:18on at the same time.
17:19Ordinarily, Senator Shaheen, the ranking member, is here, but again, she has a commitment in
17:26another meeting, but we're going to get enough people here to vote before too long, and we'll
17:31interrupt this hearing to go to the business meeting, so be patient with us for the nominees.
17:38And so what I'm going to do is I'm going to make some opening remarks right here, and then
17:43what I'm going to do is turn to each of you to give us about five minutes of your thoughts
17:48on your nomination.
17:51And then at some point in time, like I said, we're going to take a break.
17:55Senator Shaheen may or may not want to make a statement when she does appear.
18:00So with that, let me welcome you all here today, and I want to recognize issues that each
18:07of you are going to be facing, and Mr. Rizzuto, confirmed to be ambassador to the Organization
18:12of American States, a critical part of your job will be working to institute fair burden
18:17sharing across OAS member organizations.
18:21As is the case with so many of the international organizations that America is part of, the
18:27U.S. is taken advantage of at the OAS.
18:31In 2023, American taxpayers contributed a staggering 49.99 percent, essentially half, of the organization's
18:40budget.
18:41If the member states want to maintain an organization, all member states should support the organization.
18:46It's as simple as that.
18:48This is particularly important given the rising threats we face from Chinese malign influence
18:52in the Western Hemisphere.
18:53I look forward to hearing how you will work with the OAS to counter the influence and ensure
18:59fair contributions from all member states.
19:02Ms. Gingrich, as ambassador to Switzerland, you'll be working in a country that is famously
19:07neutral, but nonetheless a close partner of the United States.
19:10However, given the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and a rising threat from
19:14China, we need all hands on deck to protect our shared values and common interests.
19:20Free nations must work together to preserve our way of life, and I know that you'll work
19:26with the Swiss to prepare for a rapidly changing security environment that we're facing today.
19:32Mr. Howery, there is no doubt that Denmark is an important ally as we work to confront the
19:37security challenges in Europe.
19:39President Trump has made it clear that Greenland sits in a strategic location and is critical
19:43to U.S. and our ally security in the North Atlantic.
19:47It's also important that the U.S. work with Denmark to protect international shipping lanes
19:51from nefarious and irresponsible actors.
19:53I look forward to hearing how you will engage with all parties on these matters.
19:59Mr. Howery, America's strength has always been in our private sector, our businesses large
20:04and small.
20:06Our free markets have created an environment where business thrives and innovation and risk-taking
20:10are encouraged.
20:11America's economy, indeed, lifts the whole world.
20:15As Assistant Secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, you'll be charged with spreading this
20:19message and working with other nations to foster prosperous economies in their country that
20:24then also benefit the American economy.
20:28During our time today, I look forward to hearing how you will execute on President Trump's economic
20:33vision while at the State Department.
20:36Ms. Farkas, as you know, Malta is an ally and a European Union partner that is strategically
20:41located in the Mediterranean.
20:43It is important that we continue to work with Malta to continue our cooperation on regional
20:48security and countering illicit finance and money laundering.
20:53The U.S. has a vital role to play there, but we also need to see leaders at the European
20:57Union continue their efforts as well, especially on the question of Malta's Golden Passport Program.
21:03I look forward to hearing how you'll work with your counterparts in Malta to advance these
21:08issues.
21:09These are big jobs, and you will be at the forefront of implementing the changes that will guide the
21:15next four years of American history.
21:17I'm grateful for your willingness to serve.
21:20We all are grateful for your willingness to serve also, and to serve and look forward to
21:26our conversation today.
21:28In a moment, when Senator Shaheen gets here, I know she's going to have some words of wisdom
21:33for you also.
21:34But at this moment, let's move to the nominees, and we'll give each of you five minutes, more
21:43or less, to talk about your thoughts on your nomination, and I think that if I'd ask that
21:52you hold it to five minutes.
21:53If you have additional thoughts on that, what we will do is put them in the record.
21:59If you'll submit them for the record, we'll be happy to put them in there.
22:03So with that, Mr. Orr, the floor is yours for five minutes, more or less, hopefully less.
22:11Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
22:12Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished members of this committee,
22:19I'm honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary
22:24of State for Economic and Business Affairs.
22:27I am immensely grateful to the President and Secretary Rubio for their trust and confidence.
22:32I also want to thank the members and staff of this committee for taking time to meet with
22:37me.
22:38As a former Senate staffer to then-Senator Rubio, I understand firsthand the vital role this committee
22:43plays in shaping our foreign policy.
22:45If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you in this role.
22:50On a personal note, I'd like to thank my wife, Gabby, and our daughters for their love and support.
22:55Gabby and our eldest, Poppy, are seated behind me while Lily, our youngest, watches from home.
23:00I also want to thank my parents, Jim and Elaine, who along with many other family and friends are watching from the great state of Texas, the state my family has called home for six generations.
23:11I would not be here today without them.
23:14The greatest gift I've received from my family is a legacy of Christian faith.
23:18Above all, I thank God for his grace and provision.
23:24As an attorney and longtime economic policy advisor to Secretary Rubio, the intersection of economic policy and international affairs has been the focus of my career.
23:33For seven years in the Senate, I had the privilege of serving under former Senator Rubio, helping build bipartisan consensus on confronting the economic and strategic challenges posed by China,
23:44and creating incentives for reshoring supply chains to the United States and nearshoring to the Western Hemisphere.
23:50As Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, I worked with Congress, including several members of this committee,
23:58and the administration to create and implement the Paycheck Protection Program, which was a lifeline to millions of American businesses during the pandemic.
24:06And as an attorney in private practice, I litigated complex securities cases to enforce the laws that underpin our world-class capital markets.
24:15If confirmed, it would be a privilege to continue this work as Assistant Secretary, ensuring that our international economic policy first and foremost benefits America,
24:26American families, American workers, American businesses.
24:31Congress has tasked this position with responsibility to the Secretary for international economics and business matters in the conduct of foreign policy.
24:39These issues have been central to American foreign policy since our nation's founding.
24:44In George Washington's farewell address, our first president exhorted that, quote,
24:49extending our commercial relations must be part of the great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations.
24:58From merchant ships establishing new diplomatic ties in the early republic to manufacturing and financial companies spanning the globe after World War II,
25:06throughout our history, American businesses have been leading ambassadors for U.S. interests abroad.
25:12The State Department's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs plays an important role in facilitating our commercial statecraft by participating in the administration's international economic policymaking
25:22and advocating for American businesses through the Department's missions around the world.
25:27If confirmed, my top two priorities as Assistant Secretary would be, first, advancing commercial diplomacy.
25:35The American private sector's innovation and dynamism are unmatched.
25:39Yet, for decades, unfair trade practices and investment restrictions abroad have impeded our competitiveness.
25:46With President Trump's historic actions to bring about balanced and reciprocal trade, American companies stand poised to compete in global markets.
25:54Through exports and productive outbound and inbound investment, we can expand our influence, strengthen relations with key countries,
26:02and create high-wage jobs here at home.
26:06Second, using economic tools to protect national security.
26:11Our financial system, capital markets, and the dollar's status as reserve currency provide us with great leverage to advance our foreign policy interests.
26:19We must both protect and press these advantages.
26:23We must use tools such as sanctions and investment screening strategically but to maximum effect.
26:30If confirmed, I look forward to bringing these tools to bear in support of U.S. foreign policy goals.
26:35Thank you for this opportunity.
26:37I welcome your questions.
26:38And if confirmed, look forward to advancing America's economic interests, both at home and abroad.
26:43Thank you, Mr. Aubrey.
26:45I look forward to you getting over to the State Department.
26:47Marco's doing a great job, but he needs help over there.
26:50That's a big organization.
26:51So, Mr. Howard, the floor is yours.
26:53Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, distinguished members of the committee, it is an honor and a privilege to address the committee as President Trump's nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark.
27:10I thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for the trust they have placed in me with this nomination.
27:16I also thank the outstanding professionals at the White House, the Department of State, our Embassy in Denmark, our Consulate in Greenland for sharing their expertise and guidance.
27:27My family is here with me again today, including my parents, Karen and Ken, as well as my sister, Christina, and her daughter, Emma, while others watch from home.
27:38I learned the importance of serving our nation and its values from my family.
27:43Both of my grandfathers served in World War II.
27:46Hubert Urich, who fought in Europe and North Africa as part of the larger Allied effort, which also liberated Denmark 80 years ago this month.
27:55And Fred Howery, who battled in the Pacific Theater.
27:59Both returned to a home they helped make safer and eventually raised their own families in Texas, where I grew up.
28:06I later moved to Silicon Valley, where I co-founded PayPal and then a venture capital fund.
28:12That fund supported hundreds of entrepreneurs whose companies have created over 100,000 jobs and trillions of dollars in value.
28:20We led investments in pioneering companies, working in fields including aerospace, defense, AI, and biotechnology.
28:29In 2019, I left the private sector for public service, representing our country as the U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.
28:37I worked with the excellent team at Embassy Stockholm to enhance our vital transatlantic partnership, countering China's influence, promoting President Trump's burden-sharing priorities, and paving the way for eventual NATO accession.
28:51We also advanced trade, investment, and Arctic defense collaboration.
28:56I look forward to building on our strong relationship with the Kingdom of Denmark, another close ally, with many shared interests and values.
29:05I have long admired Denmark and have visited many times.
29:09Our bond traces back to 1636, when Danish immigrants first arrived in what is now New York.
29:16We have had uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1801, and more than 1.2 million Americans proudly claim Danish heritage.
29:24We are at a consequential moment for our partnership, with the Kingdom making greater investments in defense and assuming key roles in international organizations,
29:33the UN Security Council, the Presidency of the Council of the EU, and this month, the Chair of the Arctic Council.
29:41If confirmed, in addition to the core priority of protecting American citizens, I will focus on three priorities across the Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland and the Faroe Islands.
29:52The first will be our shared security.
29:55Denmark is a founding NATO member, and Danish troops, including their renowned Special Forces, served alongside our own in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, the Balkans, and the Baltics.
30:07We honor the bravery and sacrifice of those Danish soldiers, some of whom fell in combat.
30:13Denmark is a F-35 founding partner, and will spend over 3% of its GDP on defense this year.
30:20The Faroe Islands are important for maritime security, and if confirmed, I will strengthen defense ties across the Kingdom, ensure NATO interoperability, and address emerging threats.
30:32My second priority will be our economic relationship.
30:36The U.S. is Denmark's largest trading partner outside of Europe, and Danish firms have invested $40 billion here, supporting over 91,000 jobs.
30:45Denmark is a leader in life sciences, shipping, and quantum science, and I will seek to strengthen ties in technology, entrepreneurship, and scientific research.
30:55My third priority will be Arctic security, particularly in Greenland, drawing on my experience working on Arctic issues.
31:04Greenland has hosted our military installation since World War II, when we first assumed its defense at the request of Denmark's Ambassador in Exile.
31:13In 1951, we signed a permanent defense agreement, and our current Pitufiq space base, the northernmost U.S. military base, opened in 1953.
31:25In 2020, we reopened our consulate in Nuk.
31:29As Russia and China accelerate efforts to dominate the Arctic, and as new sea lanes open, Greenland's geopolitical importance grows.
31:38While recent conversations about the appropriate U.S. role in Greenland's future have been spirited, I believe that through open dialogue and collaboration, we can find opportunities to advance our shared security and prosperity.
31:51These priorities, while complex, are areas where we can achieve meaningful progress in the coming years.
31:57My experience building global companies, advancing transatlantic partnerships, and prior service in the region has uniquely prepared me to represent the United States as Ambassador to the Kingdom of Denmark.
32:09I will approach this responsibility with humility and, if confirmed, will work to serve the American people and strengthen the bilateral relationship.
32:17Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the committee.
32:21I look forward to your questions.
32:23Thank you, Mr. Howery.
32:25Ms. Gingrich.
32:27Senator Scott, thank you for that very kind introduction.
32:32Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished members of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations,
32:39it is an honor to appear before you today as President Donald J. Trump's nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein.
32:51I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the President has placed in me.
32:57I am pleased to be joined today by my husband, Newt.
33:01We both hold this committee in the highest regard for its vital work in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
33:09If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you and your staff.
33:15The United States enjoys strong, collaborative, and growing relationships with both Switzerland and Liechtenstein,
33:25built on shared democratic values, robust economic ties, and mutual respect.
33:32Switzerland is the sixth largest investor in the United States, with over $350 billion in investments, supporting nearly 500,000 American jobs.
33:45It is also the largest foreign source of research and development in the U.S., contributing nearly $15 billion annually.
33:54Swiss investors bring more capital to our economy than those from France and Italy combined.
34:02Switzerland also sends more visitors per capita to the U.S. than any other nation, strengthening our cultural bonds.
34:11More than 1,200 American companies operate in Switzerland, making the U.S. Switzerland's top foreign investor.
34:19Although our countries do not have a free trade agreement, we have signed numerous agreements to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
34:29Switzerland has made important procurements to modernize its military, including a $6 billion procurement for 36 U.S. F-35 fighter jets,
34:41and a $2 billion procurement for a U.S. Patriot air defense system, as part of its AIR 2030 modernization program.
34:51We also deeply value Switzerland's long-standing role as our protecting power in Iran, a responsibility it has carried out since 1980.
35:02Our relationship with Lichtenstein, formally established in 1997, is also significant.
35:10Based on shared values, Lichtenstein is a reliable partner whose companies contribute to U.S. jobs and growth.
35:20The U.S. is both the top foreign investor in Lichtenstein and a major destination for its investment.
35:27These ties – economic, cultural, and diplomatic – are rooted in our shared commitment to democratic principles.
35:37If confirmed, I will work to strengthen these partnerships, expand economic opportunities,
35:44deepen bilateral investment in trade, and promote the values our nations share.
35:51I understand the weight of representing the President of the United States abroad.
35:56As a former U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, I bring the diplomatic experience, leadership, and perspective necessary for this role.
36:06I am also personally honored by this nomination, given my mother's Swiss heritage.
36:13As a former ambassador, business owner, author, and documentary film producer,
36:19I am humbled by the opportunity to serve my country once again.
36:24Mr. Chairman, Madam Ranking Member, and members of the Committee,
36:29thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
36:32I welcome your questions.
36:35Mr. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member, Shaheen, and ladies and gentlemen of the Committee.
36:46Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you as President Donald J. Trump's nominee to be Ambassador to the Republic of Malta.
36:55Senator Scott, thank you for your kind words.
36:58I would like to thank President Trump and Secretary Rubio for their trust and confidence.
37:03I am humbled.
37:05I am also grateful to this committee for considering my nomination.
37:09If you allow me the privilege to serve America, I will count on our continued cooperation to advance President Trump's key America First priorities in the context of our shared, fundamental commitment to making America safer, more secure, and more prosperous.
37:28Together, together we will unleash her glorious destiny.
37:31I would like to acknowledge my devotion and faith in God, His Son, and Holy Spirit, who not only saved the life of our great President Trump, but who have also led me here today.
37:44Great love for my husband, Jonathan Farkas.
37:47His mother, Ruth Farkas, served as the American Ambassador to Luxembourg.
37:52I would be honored to follow in her diplomatic footsteps.
37:56My sisters, Kellum and Karameen White, whose support I cherish.
38:01My father, Isaac Summers White, served her country in the Korean War.
38:05And my mother, Karameen Kellum, inspired me to lead a life of purpose and patriotism.
38:12I credit my Virginia upbringing and my mother for making me the woman I am, for it was she who taught me to leave my corner of the world better than I found it.
38:23It has been said there is no greater honor than to serve one's country.
38:29Recalling my mother's words, I maintain a strong involvement in public affairs and am active in philanthropy.
38:36I, too, have worked on programs and initiatives dedicated to veterans, law enforcement, and their families.
38:44I am especially grateful to President Trump for giving me the opportunity to serve on the President's Commission of White House Fellowships during his first term.
38:55This august committee knows well that Malta sits at a critical location between Northern Africa and Southern Europe.
39:05The Republic of Malta is a notable partner.
39:08Our bilateral relationship has deepened significantly on a range of priorities, ranging from fortifying security in the Mediterranean Sea to expanding economic and commercial ties across the continent.
39:23My experience as a businesswoman strategist and philanthropist will enable me to strengthen our valued relationship with this important archipelago.
39:32Three priorities will guide my work.
39:35First and foremost, my priority will be to protect the safety and welfare of Americans living and visiting in Malta.
39:42If confirmed, I will also ensure the promotion of regional peace, security, and stability.
39:48Simply, Malta is integral to the European Union.
39:52It has played an important role in Europe.
39:54In 2024, Malta served as chair and office of the OSCE and as president of the UN Security Council in 2023.
40:04Also important, Malta is along the Mediterranean's principal shipping routes.
40:1030% of the world's annual merchant shipping passes through near waters.
40:16America and Malta share a common interest in safeguarding fair, safe navigation.
40:24If confirmed, I will work to solidify our cooperation with Malta to advance our interests on regional security and multilateral issues.
40:33My second priority will be to promote prosperity, trade, and invigorate people's diplomacy, which is a phrase coined by Eugenie Anderson, America's first female ambassador.
40:44If confirmed, I will seek to identify common bilateral interests and foster cultural diplomacy.
40:51I will also work to increase economic ties with the goal of promoting opportunities in Malta for United States trade and investment, including in the energy sector.
41:03Malta has the potential to become a destination for America's LNG exports.
41:10American expertise can play a fundamental role in diversifying and securing Malta's energy sector.
41:16President Trump has taken bold actions to make America and the world safe again.
41:22My third priority will be to counter transnational crime, bolster international law enforcement cooperation, and stem illegal migration.
41:31If confirmed, I will enhance our cooperation with Malta to counter nefarious activities, including illicit financing, smuggling, and sanctions evasion.
41:41Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen and Members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
41:47Thank you very much, Ms. Farkas.
41:52Mr. Rizzuto, if you'd sit tight for just a minute.
41:54I'm waiting for Senator Lee.
41:55When he gets here, we're going to have all members, all Republican members here.
41:58According to our rules, we're going to be able to vote.
42:01We will vote immediately, and I suspect we will lose some to the wind at that point.
42:07But we'll move on with this hearing as soon as we're done with the vote, which will take seconds probably.
42:17So, visit amongst yourself.
42:19Like they say at the airport, don't leave the boarding area because we're going to go quickly.
42:36Business meeting and Foreign Relations Committee will come to order.
42:38We have before us, we have before us five nominees.
42:43Aye.
42:44Let the record reflect that every Republican member is present in the room.
42:48Democrats have all been previously notified, vindicated they have no interest in attending this meeting, so be it.
42:55The chair would entertain a motion to send Judd, Compass, Kushner, Walsh, and Papalo to the floor of the United States Senate with a positive recommendation.
43:06Is there such a motion?
43:07Second.
43:08It has been moved.
43:09It has been seconded that we send those five to the floor.
43:13I'm told we need a roll call vote, so the clerk will call the roll.
43:17Mr. Ricketts?
43:18Aye.
43:19Mr. Foreman?
43:20Aye.
43:21Mr. Dain?
43:22Aye.
43:23Mr. Haggerty?
43:24Aye.
43:25Mr. Cruz?
43:26Aye.
43:27Mr. Scott?
43:28Aye.
43:29Mr. Curtis?
43:30Aye.
43:31Mr. Corning?
43:32Aye.
43:33Mr. Jeanine?
43:34Mr. Coons?
43:35Mr. Murphy?
43:36Mr. Payne?
43:37Mr. Merkley?
43:38Mr. Booker?
43:39Mr. Scott?
43:40Mr. Van Hollen?
43:41Mr. Duckworth?
43:42Mr. Rosen?
43:43Mr. Chairman?
43:44Mr. Chairman votes aye.
43:46The vote is 12 in favor, which is a majority.
43:51And the motion has passed and the business committee meeting will be adjourned and we will
43:58return to the nominations hearing.
44:00I want to thank all of you for your cooperation in attending.
44:03So with that, Mr. Rizzuto, you're up.
44:07Chairman Risch, ranking members Shaheen, distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the
44:15opportunity to appear before you today.
44:17I am deeply honored by President Trump's nomination to serve as the United States Permanent Representative
44:24to the Organization of American States, OAS, and I appreciate the confidence placed in
44:30me by Secretary Rubio.
44:33Should I be confirmed, I would approach this role with a clear mission to advance American
44:38interest, defend our values, and ensure that our engagement in our hemisphere is strategic,
44:46accountable, and focused on achieving results for the American people.
44:51This is a moment that calls for clarity, not compromise.
44:56As Secretary Rubio has said, a stable and prosperous Western Hemisphere is crucial to advance in President
45:04Trump's strategic priorities.
45:06My extensive background as a business executive equips me to provide fresh perspectives that advance
45:13U.S. interests effectively and efficiently.
45:17From a young age, I started in our family business, Conair Corporation, and achieved immense success leading
45:24and directing global operations, securing growth in over 125 countries, and overseeing the manufacturing
45:32of over 100 million appliances per year.
45:36I personally led efforts in securing and receiving a grant of over 25 U.S. patents.
45:46Throughout my career, I engaged with industry associations, ultimately being elected as chairman of the Professional Beauty
45:53Association by my peers and competitors.
45:57My commitment to not accepting the status quo, my extensive business background, and my focus on family and community
46:07underpin my dedication to the mission that potentially awaits me at the OAS if confirmed.
46:14I was honored to serve my country as U.S. Consul General in Bermuda.
46:20I tackled significant challenges such as the suspension of U.S. mail when the COVID-19 pandemic
46:27halted American airline flights.
46:29By collaborating with my staff in the State Department and colleagues at the U.S. Postal Service,
46:34we restored mail services to Bermuda and 13 other countries within my first three weeks of arriving.
46:43The impact of this accomplishment was underscored by the tragic death of a local resident who died while waiting for their medication.
46:54When my term ended, Premier Burt and three former Premiers each invited my wife and I to their homes to say thank you for the job done.
47:05Indeed, having been married for 38 years and raising three lovely daughters is a testament to my belief in the institution of marriage, love of family, and country.
47:19We proudly consider ourselves patriotic Americans.
47:24With that moral clarity, I see in our region the consequences of failed leadership and unchecked authoritarianism.
47:32From the collapse of governance in Haiti to the totalitarian regimes in Venezuela, Nicaragua, and Cuba,
47:39these conditions fuel immigration, stymie economic progress, and threaten the security and sovereignty of the United States and our neighbors.
47:49We must continue to hold autocrats accountable and remain resolute in our commitment to support those who risk their lives to defend freedom and democracy.
48:00Secretary Rubio's nomination of Rosa Maria Paya to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, for example, reflects that commitment.
48:08If confirmed, I will further support these efforts by focusing on four priorities.
48:14First, securing borders and stabilizing the region.
48:19OAS member states must respect each other's sovereignty.
48:24If confirmed, I will prioritize efforts to foster border enforcement among member countries.
48:32As affirmed in the OAS Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter, the rule of law and the effective territorial control are fundamental pillars for peace, security, and democratic stability across our hemisphere.
48:46Second, trade.
48:49There is a great opportunity to leverage the OAS as a platform to promote trade.
48:55The benefits would bring economic prosperity, resulting in the reduction of illegal immigration.
49:00Increasing trade with member countries would be a win for these nations and our hemisphere.
49:05Third, the CCP continues to advance interest through strategic loans and investments and the influence in international institutions.
49:14We must promote U.S. investments in our region as a better alternative and expose CCP manipulation with the multilateral systems and OAS members.
49:23And finally, refocus in OAS to deliver the results.
49:27With bipartisan support from this committee and member states, I will work to reduce bureaucracy and push for needed reforms and ensure that our funding aligns with U.S. interests.
49:37If confirmed, I will support our priorities at the OAS General Assembly in June and the Summit of the Americas in December.
49:45Mr. Chairman, Rankin members of the committee, our engagement in the Americas must reflect who we are, a nation of laws, strength, and liberty.
49:54I believe deeply in the promise of the inter-American system, but only if we insist that it lives up to its core mission and purpose.
50:01Given the opportunity, I will work to protect American citizens, promote democratic values, and ensure that our leadership at OAS is worthy of the people we serve.
50:10Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you, and I look forward to your questions.
50:15Thank you very much.
50:17Each of you, we want to give you our sincere appreciation for serving.
50:23Ordinarily, what we do is we move to a round of questions at this point, but I'm told that everybody's got other things going on, so you're going to be spared that.
50:33However, having said that, we're going to leave the record open until tomorrow at close of business, 5 p.m., in which case the members can submit a written question to you if they wish.
50:46If you get one of those, I'd ask you to respond as quickly as you can so we can move your nominations as quickly as we can.
50:55So, again, thank you to you, thank you for your families.
50:59We will move the president's agenda here, which includes your nominations, as quickly as we can.
51:07I apologize for the bit of chaos this morning, but there's lots of moving parts up here, as you know, and that's just the way it is.
51:14But that's good news for you, because sometimes these can get a little testy, but obviously that won't happen this morning.
51:20So, with that, again, thanks to the committee, thanks to the president of the United States and the people of America for your willingness to serve.
51:29And with that, the committee will be adjourned.