▶ 0:18:01>> united states senate foreign relations committee will come to water. Today we are going to hear from three of president trump's nominees, and we have a couple senator sinema introductions, but one is here, one isn't so I think it will start with the opening statements, but go to the introductions. With that, I've got a few remarks.
▶ 0:18:22I'm going to leave it to senator shaheen to make her remarks and then would have introductions and comments from the nominees and then we will pick it up for questions. For those of you who are here in the audience, as usual, we welcome you. I notice we have a lot of family and other friends here. I would as always state that this hearing is business of the united states of america that is important and needs to go on.
▶ 0:18:50Any type of interruptions, any attempt to communicate from the audience verbally or otherwise will be met with a removal and arrest and fan for the committee -- from the committee for a year. That is how we keep order here. So with that, today america will hear from the president's nominees to be U.S. ambassadors to some of our most important allies.
▶ 0:19:15The threats we face from china, russia, iran and north korea are too big for anyone to face alone. I hope our nominees would agree that we mutually are beneficial with our friends like canada, mexico and japan and that they will act on day one to make this happen and it is incredibly important. Our first nominee, ambassador peter hoekstra has served the people of michigan and congress for nearly two decades and is ambassador to the netherlands from president trump's first term.
▶ 0:19:46Now as ambassador to canada, he will work with a country that is not just a neighbor, but a nato treaty ally and major trade partner. I look forward to hearing about how you will urge our canadian friends to increase their military spending, which they acknowledged publicly that they need to do. They need to modernize north american aerospace to meet the real threats that both of our nations face. Canada must show meaningful change.
▶ 0:20:20Canada's low contributions are not as helpful to the collective defense, nato's collective defense as they can or they should be. Turning to japan, Mr. glass, you have an opportunity to further modernize the U.S.-japanese alliance to ensure our countries are prepared to deter long-term threats we face from china. President trump's summit reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to japan's security including through our nuclear umbrella. Our alliance is rocksolid.
▶ 0:20:49To build on this foundation we need to privatize -- prioritize the relationships the U.S. and japan share with south korea, the philippines and taiwan. Japan is stepping up its defense capability. Its decisions develop counterstrike capabilities is a key example of this but like all allies japan must do more to bolster its defenses. I hope that working with the japanese to do this will be a priority for you. You will also have a chance to strengthen our trade and investment relationships with japan.
▶ 0:21:19We have some trade friction with japan and my home state of idaho that has been ongoing for a long time. Its market remains close to our first potatoes and we've not seen progress. I hope you will work with me to resolve this. Finally I'm pleased to welcome back ambassador johnson who serve the U.S. government for over four decades, most recently as the U.S. ambassador to el salvador. You will face a unique set of challenges that are critical threats to U.S. national security.
▶ 0:21:49All of us are seriously concerned about the role of mexican cartels and the manufacturing and trafficking of illegal narcotics like fentanyl and of course, and illegal immigration. These criminal activities pose unprecedented and direct threats to american families. Every state in america is truly a border state. President trump's designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, his enforcement of security at the border and the vigorous enforcement of the U.S.
▶ 0:22:17Immigration laws to protect domestic security is to be thanked for and appraised. We've seen historically low illegal immigration numbers for the first time in decades. Bethanie johnson, I hope you will work with the mexican government to further combat illegal immigration and put a stop and plug trafficking from mexico and promote peace and stability in the western hemisphere.
▶ 0:22:46The impending review of the usmca would provide some opportunity to do this. Thank you 12 are three witnesses being here today. I look forward to working with you to improve these important bilateral relationships as we work to make america safer, stronger and more prosperous.
▶ 0:23:10Sen. Shaheen: Thank you Mr. chairman and welcome to our nominees this morning and welcome also to your families and supporters who are here today. One of the greatest assets as the chairman also pointed out that we have in the united states is our strong alliances around the world, and our friendly neighbors close to home. This traditionally has meant a wealth of opportunities for americans and that is certainly true in my home state of new hampshire. New hampshire.
▶ 0:23:40Sen. Shaheen: New hampshire's biggest export market is canada. Our third-biggest is mexico wallowed by japan. As the new hampshire business woman accompanied me to president trump's speech to congress last week stated, and I quote, "we rely on smooth international trade for sourcing raw materials and packaging that are either not grown or commercially available in the united states." but self-inflicted trade wars don't just cut off opportunities for small businesses in my
▶ 0:24:10Sen. Shaheen: State. They raised the price of gas, groceries for americans all across the country, and at the same time the alliances that we felt since the end of world war ii with nations like japan go far beyond our trade relationship. These alliances have been the cornerstone to america's security for generations. Japan hosts almost 55,000 active duty U.S. service members on 15 major bases, more than any other country in the world.
▶ 0:24:40Sen. Shaheen: We work together on cyber defense, missile technology and ai and japan has been a staunch supporter of ukraine. A recognition that defeating putin in ukraine is critical for the security of sovereign nations around the world. I think that is at the foundation of that support. As the former japanese prime minister said in his address to congress in the last couple of years, the ukraine of today may be the east asia of tomorrow.
▶ 0:25:11Sen. Shaheen: For our nominees today, if confirmed, you will be leading efforts that are fundamental to our national interests. Combating corruption and fighting the flow of fentanyl through mexico and to united states, strengthening our trade partnerships on behalf of american manufacturers and farmers, all stirring our allies like japan, who live well within striking distance of north korea and china.
▶ 0:25:39Sen. Shaheen: Ambassadors, if you are confirmed, you will be leading many of these efforts. So I would ask how helpful is it to have president trump badmouthing our alliance with japan from the oval office? Should we make threats about canadian sovereignty as it conducts its elections? Should we try to bully mexico as we work together to fight drug cartels and curb immigration at our southern border?
▶ 0:26:08Sen. Shaheen: Unfortunately the trump administration's first month and a half in office does not inspire confidence and trust when it comes to our foreign policy. Which is why we must make sure the united states has ambassadors who are suitable to represent our nation in the countries that they are assigned to. Ambassadors who can solidify and build on our long-standing alliances.
▶ 0:26:31Sen. Shaheen: So to our nominees, given some of your past statements, I hope you will take this hearing as an opportunity to articulate your vision for positive engagement with canada, mexico and japan. How will you build on the successes that we had over the years in those countries? How would you work with their governments to advance america's interest? I look forward to hearing your thoughts and plans. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:26:58Chair Risch: Thank you, senator. Senator scott, I'm going to give you the floor and the opportunity to have some remarks.
▶ 0:27:06Sen. Scott: Ranking members of the committee, it is an absolute honor to sit before you today to introduce ron johnson to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to mexico. I also like to recognize his wife and their four children. They are also proud grandparents of eight grandchildren. As a grandfather of seven myself it is probably the best job in the world. President trump made a fantastic ticket ron johnson.
▶ 0:27:36Sen. Scott: He serves the country for over 40 years and loves our country. Retiring to as a special forces colonel and later as an operations officer around the world including multiple tourists in afghanistan and iraq. Finally he served as U.S. ambassador to el salvador from 2019 2021. Although his service has required him to frequent eb away, ron has been proud to call florida home for over 20 years.
▶ 0:28:05Sen. Scott: He helped reduce illegal immigration to the U.S. by 80%. He worked with el salvador leadership to produce one of our best partnerships in the western hemisphere. As he was near the end of his appointment, el salvador consistently reported below with number of violent crimes history now well-poised to receive more foreign and domestic investment economic sectors. He also worked with salvador in U.S.
▶ 0:28:32Sen. Scott: Law and forth authorities to reduce chronic activities by 500% and cooperate cross-border to track, arrest, prosecute and extradite gain members operating in both countries. By the time his service in el salvador ended, the U.S.-el salvador relationships stronger than it had ever been. Once efforts were recognized in 2020 when the state department awarded him the sue m. Cobb award for exemplary medic service.
▶ 0:28:57Sen. Scott: President trump shows a leader who can deliver for the men and women who were stationed in mexico. Experience in special forces, cia, and diplomacy making an exceptional candidate. With his and marco rubio's leadership, I diplomatic mission to mexico will be successful. Mexico has played a part in allowing terrorist, drugs and illegal immigration across the border.
▶ 0:29:27Sen. Scott: As we work to ensure mexico does their part in curbing the border crisis, we need strong leadership like von at the helm. Ron is deeply committed to the men and women who serve. I'm confident that his skills, character, and expertise will make an effective after to mexico. I look forward from hearing -- on hearing from him today and how he plans to combat illegal immigration and work with president trump. I'm confident he will help restore peace through strength and stand for america's best interests.
▶ 0:29:58Sen. Scott: You have my full support and I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination quickly.
▶ 0:30:04Chair Risch: We appreciate those glowing words. We are now going to hear from each of the three nominees and then we follow-up with a series of questions by the senators. I ask you to keep your remarks to about five minutes long for the record. Obviously if you have to floor your more than welcome to do that. These three are incredibly important to us.
▶ 0:30:29Chair Risch: Obviously I work at the white house to prioritize our hearings on a basis of countries that are incredibly important to us. These three countries are incredibly important to us so we are anxious to hear what you have to say. With that, Mr. hoekstra, you will be up first.
▶ 0:30:55Amb. Hoekstra: I'd like to submit my entire statement for the record.
▶ 0:30:59Chair Risch: It will be included.
▶ 0:31:01Amb. Hoekstra: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, this thing with numbers of the committee, it's an honor to be in front of you. It's good to be back on the hill. This is a special place and walking the capital and recognizing that for 18 years I have the opportunity to call that my office was a time that I will never forget. I'm deeply appreciative to president trump for his nomination to be the next U.S. ambassador to canada with your concurrence and approval.
▶ 0:31:30Amb. Hoekstra: I look forward to beginning my work in canada and once again serving the people of the united states of america. As all of you know, public service takes a tremendous amount of support from our families, our community to make our service possible. I'd like to recognize my wife diane.
▶ 0:31:50Amb. Hoekstra: This summer she and I will celebrate 50 years of marriage for the total support that she has provided to me, our kids and our family as we spent that time in public service that would not have been possible without her and as you all know, there are highs in the life of politicians and there are lows.
▶ 0:32:20Amb. Hoekstra: And living in the public eye can be great and it can be challenging. But for us, public service has been a tremendous honor and a privilege and we are deeply appreciative to have an opportunity. Also in public service, I want to thank a couple of other ambassadors.
▶ 0:32:51Amb. Hoekstra: She invited me in the family to come back for the nolan's for fourth of july celebrations. In the debt were amazed. The biden administration ended from ambassador and they looked at us and said why are you here?
▶ 0:33:15Amb. Hoekstra: Too often as they read the headlines coming out of the states, they find it hard to believe that republicans and democrats actually talk to each other. I'm deeply appreciative david cohen, president biden's ambassador, the former ambassador to canada.
▶ 0:33:35Amb. Hoekstra: He and I had a congratulatory phone call and he pledged his support and help to make sure that if confirmed, my transition to canada, he would be there to assist in whatever way possible.
▶ 0:33:51Amb. Hoekstra: I think it's a great testament to the people that have been confirmed by this committee and the standards that have been set in terms of the kinds of relationships that help us the effective and send a message across the boards. That republicans and democrats are united in promoting the interests of the united states of america.
▶ 0:34:18Amb. Hoekstra: We had our differences, but we are committed to the success of the united states of america. I'm an immigrant. My parents immigrated but I was three years old. They had experience with the americans. It was the allies that liberated my parents in the netherlands during world war ii. Specifically it was the canadians that liberated part of the netherlands were my parents lived.
▶ 0:34:42Amb. Hoekstra: So they are deeply appreciative for the service of canada and america in liberating the netherlands. My dad said he came here because this with the land of opportunity. My mom came here and she said I thought we were coming here for an adventure. What they found out that ended up being true for both of them. 36 years after coming to the united states of america, they were able to see their son get sworn into the U.S.
▶ 0:35:12Amb. Hoekstra: House of representatives, a tremendous honor. Hailing from michigan, I do have a special appreciation for canada as a neighbor. My home state is connected to canada by four and sin to be five bridge crossings across the great lakes, vital links that drive businesses, jobs and livelihood in both states. If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to build on that record of cooperation, extended obviously nationally.
▶ 0:35:43Amb. Hoekstra: I think there's 36 states that the canada as their number one trading partner internationally. As a congressman, I frequently interacted with canadians on trade, military intelligence, cultural issues. Obviously they are part of nato and also part of five I's, so that relationship goes deep. It would be my honor to promote U.S. interests and protect U.S. citizens. I recognize the obligation of implementing the strategies and policies of the united states.
▶ 0:36:15Amb. Hoekstra: I recognize my responsibility to the president of the united states, to the citizens of america, but I'm also a manifest house. I recognize my responsibility to the members of congress. I want to develop a partnership and I look forward to working with you on the issues and strategies that we put in place in canada and to address the issues.
▶ 0:36:40Amb. Hoekstra: With your approval, I look forward to once again having the opportunity to serve this great country and the american thank you -- the american people. Thank you.
▶ 0:36:49Chair Risch: Your comments and welcome your wife. Of us who have been married this long can certainly relate to that. Vicky and I have been 56 years together and we've been through 36 elections and I can tell you your comments about the ups and downs are very accurate. This no question about that. Mr. glass, you are up. Let's hear what you have to say.
▶ 0:37:12Amb. Glass: Mr. chairman, with your permission I'd like to thank senator -- in advance who would be doing the introduction. So to begin, thank you senator hagerty for the kind introduction. It's an honor to follow in your footsteps. I can call on you for advice, support and friendship and thank you for your long history of service to this country and to the great state of tennessee and to the united states-japan relationship. Mr.
▶ 0:37:41Amb. Glass: Chairman, ranking member shaheen and distinguished members of the committee, I am humbled and honored to stand before you as president donald trump's nominee to be the ambassador to japan. I'm grateful to president trump and secretary rubio's strength on the global stage and I pledge to follow their lead, always putting america first and unabashedly promoting the interest of the american people. Before I begin I'd like to acknowledge the love of my life for 40 years.
▶ 0:38:10Amb. Glass: So I'm not up with the rest of you, but mary who is sitting behind me, she flew in just last night to be here today. I'd like to acknowledge and thank my mother and stepfather as well as mary's parents, joe and laurie ferguson for the values that they've instilled in us and that I will carry forward as ambassador if confirmed. I'm thankful for my three sons, gordon, george and andrew. Their wives and six grandchildren who have sent their prayers today and best wishes from afar.
▶ 0:38:41Amb. Glass: And they want to recognize my father who watches over me always and on this day especially from heaven. We stand at the dawn of a new golden era between the U.S. and japan relationships. As we approach the 80th anniversary of the battles of iwo jima and the end of world war ii, it's remarkable to reflect on the evolution of this great relationship. America and japan are now the strongest of allies. Japan is a top foreign investor in the united states, supporting one million U.S.
▶ 0:39:10Amb. Glass: Jobs, including half a million in manufacturing. Cultural and educational ties find our people through decades of bilateral exchanges, joint research, art and film. The U.S.-japan alliance celebrating its 60th anniversary this year is the cornerstone of peace and stability and prosperity in the indo pacific. And in that entire region and beyond.
▶ 0:39:33Amb. Glass: And our shared values facilitate cooperation in the g7 and trilateral engagements, the south korea and the philippines and more. There are certainly challenges and it is one to manage her relationship with an adversary but quite another with a friend. If confirmed I will have tough conversations on tariffs and reducing the trade deficit.
▶ 0:39:56Amb. Glass: I will make sure japan continues to increase support for the defense of the region, our alliance and our troops and to make sure that our relationship works for the american people. I will make sure that we are uncompromising in our efforts to protect american citizens abroad. As ambassador to portugal I fought for american interest every day, and earned the respect of the portuguese president and prime minister.
▶ 0:40:19Amb. Glass: I was knighted with the order of prince henry the navigator, the highest honor that an american can receive, and thanks to the fantastic work of my team at the U.S. embassy, I was also honored to receive the state department sue cobb award granted to the most effective noncareer ambassador. If confirmed I will work just as hard leading a group of deeply experienced and dedicated diplomats in japan on behalf of the american people. The opportunities are vast.
▶ 0:40:49Amb. Glass: Japan is committed to reduce the trade deficit with us and its reliance on russia by purchasing U.S. natural gas. If confirmed, I will hold onto that promise. Japan is committed to extending the upper trajectory of fence budget, building capabilities that advance both our national security goals and strengthen deterrence in the region. If confirmed I will hold onto that promise.
▶ 0:41:13Amb. Glass: And japan is committed to build supply-chain resilience, particularly in critical metals and deepen their collaboration on cutting edge technologies from quantum computing to ai for semiconductor processing. If confirmed I will hold them to that promise. I'm grateful for the chance to work with the people of japan, who 80 years ago along economic miracle and a vast societal transformation that brought them to where they are today.
▶ 0:41:39Amb. Glass: Japan is the world's fourth largest economy, top investor in 39 of our 50 states, and I impactful partner and ally for promoting peace and stability. Japan is known around the world for both its ancient traditions and modern innovations which will shine brightly if the world expo in 2025 in osaka. If confirmed I will ensure the funding generously provided by congress for the U.S. pavilion is used to showcase all that makes our country great on the global stage.
▶ 0:42:08Amb. Glass: I would like to close by saying this nomination is not just business, it is deeply personal. My eldest son gordon and his wife have lived in japan for 13 years. A granddaughter who is now six and a half years old was sworn in as a U.S. citizen I senator hagerty when he was in bassett or to japan. She is a product of the japanese system. She is taught to be kind, hard-working and inquisitive. She embraces the best qualities of both our countries.
▶ 0:42:35Amb. Glass: If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to make the U.S.-japan relationship even stronger than I found the added blessing of being able to live close to my granddaughter. Distinguished senators, I thank you again for your time today. If confirmed it would be the honor of my life to once again serve the greatest country in the world, the united states of america. Thank you.
▶ 0:43:02Chair Risch: Two will start at the end.
▶ 0:43:06Sen. Warren: Chairman --
▶ 0:43:07Amb. Johnson: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen and district members of this committee, I'm truly honored to be the president's nominee as the united states and faster to the united mexican states. I'm very grateful to president trump for the faith and confidence he has placed in me and to secretary rubio for his support. I'm grateful for the opportunities I've had to meet with many of you and for your consideration today as I sit before you in this time-honored process.
▶ 0:43:36Amb. Johnson: I'm awful at the opportunity to serve our nation in this capacity with mexico. If confirmed, I look forward to continue dialogue with you. And supported by a strong and patriotic family. Over 60 years ago as a refugee from cuba.
▶ 0:44:06Amb. Johnson: My government service has required frequent separations and duty in high-risk areas but together, we managed to raise four children. Robert who is here today, lori, michael and joshua. Our parents have all passed away but we are people of great faith and we believe they look down upon us today with pride and compassion. In their lifetime it was sometimes hard to get by, but they weren't satisfied with just getting by.
▶ 0:44:34Amb. Johnson: They wanted to pass on a better life for their children, to build better communities, a better nation, and in the process, a better world. Our youngest son joshua is a veteran of the iraq war. Together we represent the third and fourth generation of our family who have served the nation of combat. My father was a small business owner and my mother's father was a sharecropper in alabama.
▶ 0:45:01Amb. Johnson: My in-laws came near from cuba with nothing, and they both worked well after what is today considered retirement age. They understood just how fragile -- fragile freedom is and they love the usa. Our parents instill values like honesty, respect, accountability and a strong work ethic in their children. If confirmed, those values of initiative, enterprise and integrity remain constant in my pursuit to promote U.S. interests in mexico.
▶ 0:45:30Amb. Johnson: Our relationship with mexico is one of paramount importance and complexity. We share a nearly 2000 mile border and id economic integration, shared security and border challenges and strong cultural ties reflect mexico's role as an essential part of -- partner.
▶ 0:45:49Amb. Johnson: If confirmed I will advance this administration's top national security priorits including securing our border from the flows of legal drugs and aliens, ensuring a fair playing field for U.S. businesses and workers. I will work tirelessly to address the issues that directly impact U.S. citizens from transboundary pollution in southern california, to securing water deliveries for communities in texas. The first priority will be to ensure that the will of law at the border.
▶ 0:46:19Amb. Johnson: If confirmed, I will foster cooperation with mexican authorities to halt and deter further illegal alien flows and to accept the deportation of their citizens who are currently in the united states illegally. Mexico's recent actions to secure the border demonstrate the power of our partnership, including its deployment of 10,000 national guard troops to the border and acceptance of the deportation of illegal aliens.
▶ 0:46:48Amb. Johnson: Neither country can solve the challenge of illegal immigration alone, and I'm convinced that we can find solutions that would benefit both our nations. Among my highest priorities would be the protection of the american people. Mission mexico is one of the largest U.S. diplomatic missions in the world. With 3300 employees, nine consulates and nine consular agencies, and I fully understand and appreciate the value of the services to our fellow americans and your constituents.
▶ 0:47:18Amb. Johnson: If confirmed, I will take seriously the solemn obligation of protecting U.S. citizens who live in and visit mexico. This includes working with mexican authorities to dismantle drug cartels that sow violence in addressing the scourge of illegal drugs that inflict harm on our community both united states and mexico. Mexico has surpassed china as the united states number one trading partner. Last year, bilateral trade hit a record $840 billion.
▶ 0:47:51Amb. Johnson: Over $1.5 billion exchanged every minute. If confirmed, I will work to ensure U.S. companies and workers are treated fairly as we look to the usmca review and clearing a path for shared prosperity while safeguarding U.S.
▶ 0:48:06Amb. Johnson: Economic security,including protection
▶ 0:48:36Amb. Johnson: From predatory chinese trade practices. So there's a lot to celebrate about our relationship with mexico that often but lost in the discussions of the challenges. More than 10% of all americans, some 40 million people are of mexican heritage. Our cultures have grown increasingly intertwined but our societies sherry spirit of optimism and new thinking. If confirmed, I pledge to be a good and faithful steward of that relationship. Thank you.
▶ 0:48:55Chair Risch: Five-minute questions and first of all, for the panel and for the audience, people are coming and going because we've got a vote going on and we've got a number of committee meetings going on. So don't be distracted, I assure you we can run the ship by ourselves if we have to, so here we are. Anyway, we will do a five minute round.
▶ 0:49:25Chair Risch: We will actually go back and do a second if there is interest in that. I want to start with you. Are you familiar with, first of all, my state has a really good relationship with japan, they are a trading partner, an important trading partner, we love them and they love us, but we've got one problem, potatoes. Somewhat important to idaho as you may or may not know.
▶ 0:49:50Chair Risch: Are you familiar with the ongoing fight we had with japan over the years on the potato issue?
▶ 0:50:03Amb. Glass: I certainly read about it in the media and we had to guess.
▶ 0:50:09Chair Risch: You are going to learn a lot more assuming you are confirmed, which I'm sure will happen, that is something absolutely critical to us. It is the kind of thing that causes countries to get wild up then there is really no reason for it other than pure, unadulterated protectionism. There is free trade, then you wind up with rules and regulations that address health issues or something like that and all they are is protectionism. Some talk some more about that in private. Any other thoughts you have?
▶ 0:50:38Amb. Glass: I certainly do. In fact, thank you very much for the question because I have quite experience working with the department of agriculture on nontariff. Sorry activist soybeans. They had to do with a very nuanced regulatory issue.
▶ 0:51:04Amb. Glass: As we looked into it, it ended up something that we could change, and we did. Between the portuguese in the united states to hundreds of dollars in soybeans. Most of these just take some determination.
▶ 0:51:23Amb. Glass: When we are dealing with great bureaucracies of other governments, especially something like that you, you have to have a bit of patience, but I'm very determined to take care of being a believer in free, fair and reciprocal trade which is effectively the agenda of the trump administration, I will work hard at that and I take that very seriously.
▶ 0:51:47Amb. Glass: My mom's family and our ranchers and farmers in pendleton, which is right in the great state of idaho, I was born and raised and we raised our kids in oregon, so we are very familiar with working with agriculture to make that happen. So I will work directly with your office if confirmed and we will see what we can do on that.
▶ 0:52:06Chair Risch: Probably been to the pendleton roundup.
▶ 0:52:09Amb. Glass: Many times.
▶ 0:52:12Chair Risch: Thank you. Mr. johnson, give us some hope here. I think most americans are not fully dialed in with the dire, dire situation in mexico with the violence and drugs. Their elections last year, there were hundreds. I forgot the exact number, but hundreds of candidates assassinated simply because they were running for public office.
▶ 0:52:43Chair Risch: This is a tragedy and it is a code of conduct and a method of doing business that just isn't acceptable for civilized people. Mexico has such tremendous potential in front of them with the people they have, the culture they have, the resources they have. Give us some hope here.
▶ 0:53:07Chair Risch: What are your thoughts on this, what do we have to do to help them move forward, because we can't do it. As always, it's going to be up to the society themselves to do it. Give us some hope here.
▶ 0:53:21Amb. Johnson: Thank you for that question senator, I couldn't agree more. But I have to say I feel extremely positive about the communication that has occurred between president sheinbaum and president trump and the actions that we've see mexico recently take. Two weeks ago today we had a senior mexican delegation here in washington, D.C.
▶ 0:53:46Amb. Johnson: And they met with secretary rubio, I believe the secretary of defense was there and the attorney general was also there, and we saw the extradition of 29 criminals that were engaged in so many activities that are harming americans and I believe we've seen additional arrests made based on information that was obtained from them already and I think we will see more.
▶ 0:54:12Amb. Johnson: The other thing that occurred back in mexico is we've seen a tightening of security against the cartels that has been done by the mexican authorities. I'm hearing rumors that some cartel members are reluctant to leave the compound now, and that's very good news.
▶ 0:54:34Amb. Johnson: I think, and you touched on this, I think our economies are intertwined in such a way that what is good to make america stronger, safer and more prosperous also holds true for mexico, and I'm encouraged by some of the comments that I've seen on government recently, comments she's made herself on prioritizing the relationship with the united states over that of china.
▶ 0:55:04Amb. Johnson: I think latin america is beginning to wake up to the fact that china does not have their interests in mind, and that create opportunities for us.
▶ 0:55:12Chair Risch: Thank you, appreciate those thoughts. They've got a long ways to go and we want to help in whatever way we can. Are you familiar with the negotiations over the treaty? I've been involved in that on a bipartisan basis, and that is an important issue. My time is up, so we will talk about it in the second or we will talk about it privately.
▶ 0:55:43Chair Risch: We need to get that redone. It's in the process, it's moving along at a snail's pace, I think we can get there. With that, senator shaheen.
▶ 0:55:54Senator Shaheen: The U.S.-canada bilateral relationship is at a historic low point. Recent polling showed that 75% of canadians have an unfavorable opinion of president trump and 27% fear the U.S. is an enemy. 30%, only 30% still view the U.S. as an ally.
▶ 0:56:24Senator Shaheen: I come from a state that borders canada. I know we were in congress represented a district that bordered canada. We have the highest percentage of canadian americans of any state in the country. I find it very troubling that we are seeing our national anthem booed at ice hockey games and that the country where we've got the longest undefended border in the world, where we've had such
▶ 0:56:57Senator Shaheen: A positive relationship over the years is now viewing america in the way they are because of this presidency and his statements. They find it particularly offensive that he's talking about canada at the 51st state. And I don't blame them, I've got to be honest.
▶ 0:57:19Senator Shaheen: So I appreciated your opening statement and talking about the importance of canada to the united states, but how do you see approaching turning around that negative relationship that has developed because of the president's statements, and how do you envision addressing tariff issues?
▶ 0:57:46Amb. Hoekstra: Obviously I've been spending a lot of time thinking about that myself. Having to go there and being the tip of the spear on this. I experienced similar things when I went to the netherlands. There was a lot of hostility or concern about some of the objectives of the first trump administration, which were really about fairness. Getting the dutch to pay for nato.
▶ 0:58:15Amb. Hoekstra: Working with the dutch to confront russia on the nord stream pipeline. The dutch are great with water, they have money so they were helping to build and finance it. And what we would be sent a tremendous mentor time on was focusing the relationship between our two countries. Your estate, my stay.
▶ 0:58:41Amb. Hoekstra: We have thousands of businesses that rely on this relationship and they see what is going on at 30,000 feet, but they've got to go to work every day and they need to make this work. We cooperated with canada on so many things. In michigan, it's the great lakes. It is trade, it is business. My experience on the intel committee, it is about nato and those types of things.
▶ 0:59:11Amb. Hoekstra: So we have a great history of working together and we know how to make this work. We now have to take that and say we know how to make this work, now let's do it and apply our experience to the priorities of the president as outlined. Freer, fairer trade so that we can actually grow the business relationship between canada and the U.S.
▶ 0:59:35Amb. Hoekstra: >> excuse me for interrupting but isn't it true that canada has one of the lowest tariff resumes of any country in the world and that with the exception of dairy, which the president has pointed out in which I know we are still working on, that actually the terrace in canada are not outlandishly restrictive and we've gotten along very well? I have small businesses in new hampshire, one in particular called me over the weekend. They make sugar-free candy.
▶ 1:00:08Amb. Hoekstra: They have a retail store in one community and a factor in another. They do 85% of the business with canada and canada has no cancel all of their orders. So they are not sure they are going to be able to continue to operate. And I hear that story time and time again from small businesses in new hampshire.
▶ 1:00:26Amb. Hoekstra: So how is this trade were helping our economy here, and what are the metrics that the president has that say that when canada and the united states reach this agreement that we are going to stop the trade war?
▶ 1:00:44Amb. Hoekstra: Because everybody is operating, or we thought we were operating under an agreement that the president actually negotiated when he was in his first term, and credited as being the best trade agreement ever negotiated in the united states.
▶ 1:00:59Amb. Hoekstra: Thanks for the follow-up. The president has outlined a series of priorities, freer, fairer trade with canada is one. Also a request to work with the united states on the issue of fentanyl, something that I know is a very important issue in new hampshire. Across the country beat is 55,000 people per year.
▶ 1:01:25Sen. Shaheen: We do absolutely and we have less than 1% of the fentanyl that comes into this country from canada. They actually last year intercepted more drugs from the united states than we did from canada. I agree, we need to get rid of all fentanyl and that is important, but let's be honest about what is happening here. I'm sorry I'm over time and so I will call in senator scott.
▶ 1:01:50Senator Scott: Bassman johnson, given the current relations, why do you want to serve in mexico and how do you intend to manage that relationship?
▶ 1:02:00Amb. Johnson: Thank you for the question, senator. I think it's a time for opportunity. I think the relationship between mexico and the united states is poised and ready to launch forward in a way that will guarantee more security for mexican citizens and U.S. citizens and also help improve the economies in both countries.
▶ 1:02:27Amb. Johnson: I'm particularly interested in working on increasing the current trade relationship that we have, which is the number one trade relationship that we have with anyone right now, and I think looking at some of the opportunities inside mexico, I was looking for example at the microprocessor design and assembly and testing and packaging. Right now most of those are designed in the united states.
▶ 1:02:57Amb. Johnson: They are tested and packaged and assembled mostly in asia, in china and taiwan, but also in other asian countries. And I think there's an opportunity before us to look at moving that assembly, testing and packaging the places in mexico that still provide labor that is perhaps less expensive than labor would be here in the united states because it's very labor-intensive, but I think mexico recognizes the fact that
▶ 1:03:27Amb. Johnson: That is an opportunity for them to economically move forward, and I'm encouraged that president sheinbaum has also said she places a higher priority on the economic relationship with united states than she does with china, which is purely logical.
▶ 1:03:45Amb. Johnson: But I think there's numerous estimates that both economies and the united states and mexico could grow significantly by increasing the economic and trade relationship and that would be one of the focuses in addition to stopping the drugs and illegal immigration flows. So I'm excited about being there. I think it is a time to make difference in the world and that's what I've always tried to do throughout my career.
▶ 1:04:19Amb. Johnson: >> they've dumped our specialty crop, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, they've just dumped them. So can you speak to how you're going to all mexico accountable for complying with all of the usmca, ensuring the relationship benefits both countries, not just mexico?
▶ 1:04:42Amb. Johnson: Thank you for the follow-up and I appreciate the time we spent together in your office to discuss that issue. I was not fully aware of the issues that florida farmers face. I am now. I am encouraged by the fact that the official review of the usmca occurs in 26.
▶ 1:05:05Amb. Johnson: That said, I expect to be deeply involved from the time I arrive in mexico and helping to ensure that mexico understands all of its obligations, not just the obligations on trade, but all the obligations that they've made in various treaties to include the water treaty with texas and obligations they've made to help us secure the border and stop the flow of fentanyl.
▶ 1:05:29Amb. Johnson: So I think key to that is establishing a good dialogue and working relationship across the entire mexican government, and I plan to do that. >> I think all of us realize the importance of a relationship with japan. We got a lot of servicemen and women over there. He talked about how you're going to make sure that we continue to have a positive relationship between our servicemen and women and the people of japan?
▶ 1:05:55Amb. Hoekstra: Thank you for the quick --
▶ 1:05:58Amb. Glass: Thank you for, senator. Without a doubt I have a little different situation. The relationship between the united states of america and japan is at its apex. It is at an all-time high. And it demonstrated on february 7 with the president and the prime minister where discussions went on about everything from security to economics. We currently have 60,000 troops that are located, brave men and women located in japan.
▶ 1:06:30Amb. Glass: We have the most sophisticated weaponry, we have a carrier group. The cooperation that goes on between the two is at a level that actually is probably one of the biggest challenges is to make that level better. We have currently a backlog of over $50 billion of items and materials and planes that are being ordered from japan from the united states.
▶ 1:06:58Amb. Glass: We've got to work that backlog through, that is an issue. We are actually working on coproduction of some of those items with the japanese moving forward, and so it is clearly the highest priority that we have is to continue the closeness of this relationship from everything from security to economics. Thank you.
▶ 1:07:21Senator Kaine: This is a powerpack panel, so all three of you have been ambassadors and the three nations were nominated to serve as ambassadors, three of our top five trading partners. Mexico, canada, japan. So we don't have a panel like this very often, so first, congratulations on denomination.
▶ 1:07:48Senator Kaine: The nations of canada, japan and mexico are also partners and friends. Not friends without challenges, a friendship that hasn't been tested by a challenge isn't a friendship. So all of these are relationships with challenges. But this is not a hard call as to whether canada, japan and mexico are on the french side of the ledger or the adversary one.
▶ 1:08:12Senator Kaine: And I am a strong believer that we are stronger as a nation when we link arms with friends against adversaries and not get confused about who was a friend and who isn't. I'm troubled by actions in the first couple months, some of them which may be negotiation tactics but I am troubled with actions in licking some of our friends including canada especially wonder if in fact we recognize the values of friendship that have stretched for centuries. Mr.
▶ 1:08:39Senator Kaine: Johnson, I want to focus my questions on you. I wish I had 20 minutes, but I'm the chairman, the lead democrat, the ranking western hemisphere subcommittee here and your service in salvador, your nomination to mexico is really important. I want to ask a question about rule of law insert of some tendencies toward authoritarianism in mexico and I will begin with a precursor.
▶ 1:09:05Senator Kaine: You did have interracial reputation in your service in el salvador. There were a number of things going well but there were also some things causing major concerns. There was an incident where troops were sent into the national assembly to try to strong-arm a vote on something that he thought was important, and my recollection, and id happy to be corrected about this is that you did not say anything publicly about that clearly authoritarian move.
▶ 1:09:34Senator Kaine: I've been in other nations in the americas were similar things that happened, and either the ambassador or a shar j spoke up pretty strongly against obvious authoritarian moves. I'm less interested in the salvador side. I'm real interested in mexico. A couple of things are happening in mexico. One involves senator hagerty.
▶ 1:09:56Senator Kaine: There have been efforts to try to tracy's american property in mexico, a company that operates in a number of states as property in mexico where the government was clearly trying to seize it, even using military to do so, in the current mexican government has been a low bit unclear about the pastor there going to take.
▶ 1:10:17Senator Kaine: Similarly, there have been actions in mexico to reduce the independence of the judiciary, and largely that has been seen as an effort to clip the wings of a judiciary that might stand up against corruption, stand up against single party rule dangerous to the rule of law.
▶ 1:10:36Senator Kaine: Should you be confirmed in mexico, how do you see the current situation, and how could you use your services as ambassador to promote rule of law, to promote protection of property rights and to put some kind of a check or at least public warning against authoritarianism?
▶ 1:10:55Amb. Johnson: Senator, thank you for the question and thank you for your continuing interest in latin america for many decades now. Especially honduras. So thank you very much for that. I'd like to first address what occurred on february 6 and I believe it was 2020 in el salvador when the assembly was entered on a sunday with armed troops.
▶ 1:11:23Amb. Johnson: First of all, I did, I am publicly on the record saying that I did not condone what he did, and something that few people know is that I was in contact with him moments before he made the decision and I was telling him not to go, do not do this.
▶ 1:11:46Sen. Kaine: How far in advance of that were you aware that that was his intent?
▶ 1:11:52Amb. Johnson: I think hours in advance, I believe it was on a sunday. It was an emergency session of congress, and some members resented that they were being called in and didn't show up, and there were people on both sides that were demonstrating.
▶ 1:12:11Amb. Johnson: It was a truly peaceful demonstration, and one thing that I've used to highlight the entrance into the assembly, he has no plainclothes security, that was the only security he has. And one thing that I think he emphasizes how peaceful it was if they had to wait 45 minutes to delay entering to wait for the guy with the key to show up to open the door.
▶ 1:12:37Amb. Johnson: There have been previous times at the assembly in el salvador they had not been nearly that peaceful. But we did address it and I did criticize him publicly for doing that as well as privately, we had long discussions about it. Mexico is much different. I think the key anywhere to a relationship like that is to establish a trust and confidence in each other early on in the relationship.
▶ 1:13:05Amb. Johnson: I think the way to do that is to look at things that are mutually beneficial to both the united states and mexico and focus at least initially on those things. I think in terms of U.S. businesses and property seizures of U.S. foreign investment in mexico, it is a signal to the world that frightens other potential investors.
▶ 1:13:28Amb. Johnson: And I think by engaging and having a dialogue about how this might affect your future and how your economy could move forward or could move backward purely based on for an investment in mexico, right now I believe if they are not number one, they are close to beating our number one or investment location. So I think the key to that is just having that constant dialogue and building trust.
▶ 1:13:55Chair Risch: Senator coons.
▶ 1:13:59Senator Coons: Thank you to all of you, and I look forward to our conversation today and to working with you and following up with you afterwards. Mr. johnson, if I might thank you for your military service and many in your family, and your children. I've heard loud and clear in your testimony that securing the southern border is among your top priorities.
▶ 1:14:21Senator Coons: I would like to be a partner in this, but one of my concerns is the drivers of irregular migration throughout the hemisphere that lead to people being at the southern border between the united states and mexico. You would, I assume, agree that thousands of people leave their homes because of political c1 do those strike you as some of the drivers of migration? >> yes, sir, they do.
▶ 1:14:52Sen. Coons: Doesn't it stand to region -- reason we should be partnering with countries in the region to deter or stop those drivers of migration by training security forces, providing support to screen for illegal drugs at airports and borders and combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking? >> yes, sir.
▶ 1:15:17Sen. Coons: I was the chair of the subcommittee that appropriated the funding for the usaid at the state department and I'm concerned about the impact of the review of foreign aid and how the chaos of rescissions and waivers has largely shut down key programs that were working to deter young people from partnering with human traffickers, to deter drug smuggling, but will you pledge to work with me on trying to find ways to identify programs
▶ 1:15:50Sen. Coons: That are effective and that have actually helped our partnership with the mexican government in preventing the flow of migrants to our southern border? >> thank you, senator. I absolutely look forward to working with you on that and I want to thank you. Thank you for that. That was important.
▶ 1:16:12Sen. Coons: If I could because I'm going to try to get questions into one other, sovereignty is a key core principle. I understand that the designation of the drug cartels as terrorist organizations reflects concern and anger about the cartels and fentanyl.
▶ 1:16:32Sen. Coons: Would you agree that we should not take any military action against cartels in mexican territory without the knowledge and consent of the mexican government? >> sir, I think any decision to take action against the cartels in mexico, our first desire would be that it be done in partnership with our mexican partners.
▶ 1:17:01Sen. Coons: That said, I know president trump takes seriously his responsibility to safeguard U.S. citizens. I think all cards are on the table. I cannot respond about what the commander-in-chief might decide, I've been a private citizen for the last four years. I think we would prefer to work with our partners in mexico.
▶ 1:17:27Sen. Coons: Let me make an assertion, you recognize mexico is our number one trading partner and you recognize how we could integrate supply chains, we have big opportunities, we have to balance these two.
▶ 1:17:44Sen. Coons: Usmca, one of the main accomplishments of the first trump administration's, the integration of our economies very positive that if we were to take action without consultation and without mission then we are putting out real risk that that has been a give and take that I hope will involve respect for sovereignty.
▶ 1:18:03Sen. Coons: Ambassador huckster -- hoe kstra, would you agree that canada is a sovereign state and should not be even jokingly referred to as the 51st state?
▶ 1:18:18Mr. Hoekstra: Thank you. Canada is a sovereign state, yes. How the president and the relationship between the former prime minister in canada, the nature of that relationship, I don't know.
▶ 1:18:39Sen. Coons: We have a new prime minister in canada and the chance for a reset, I will simply assert that mexico, japan and canada are among our most important allies. I'm hopeful that casual threats about throwing canada, not respecting her border treaty and their potentially being annexed as the 51st state.
▶ 1:19:11Sen. Coons: And that a positive, respectful conversation about our close integration will continue. I look forward to working with you on resting the canadians to increase their defense investment and pressing the canadians to meet some of our trading objectives, but also I will continue to press for a reduction in some of the rhetoric I think has destabilized our relationship.
▶ 1:19:34Sen. Coons: I will recognize that the amount of fentanyl coming into the united states from canada is minuscule relative to the challenges that our southern border and I hope we can find a way to move forward with the U.S. canada and U.S. japan and U.S. mexico relationship with the leadership of all three. Thank you. >> thank you very much for indulging my complicated schedule today. I appreciate that.
▶ 1:20:00Sen. Coons: To say this, this is a wonderful honor for me to get the opportunity to introduce good friends to this committee, I'm sorry to not be here at the outset to do that. It was the honor of a lifetime for me to serve as U.S. ambassador for the greatest nation of the world when I served as the ambassador to japan so I'm speaking from experience as a make some comments. I would like to start with my good friend george glass.
▶ 1:20:25Sen. Coons: George has all the qualities necessary to excel in a very strategically important post to japan. George is a lifelong businessman with more than 30 years of experience closing deals and creating value. We need someone like ambassador glass. He is an accomplished businessman who is well-positioned to capitalize on one a norma's opportunity to further strengthen U.S.-japanese economic and strategic ties.
▶ 1:20:53Sen. Coons: He is an experienced diplomat who served as you in that -- U.S. ambassador during president trump's first term. During his time, george strengthened economic ties and supported the U.S. military encountered malign chinese activity abroad. He is precisely the leader for the broader endo pacific region.
▶ 1:21:24Sen. Coons: He is a man of deep faith with a drive and conviction to tackle the toughest challenges. If confirmed, he will make an outstanding ambassador. Let me turn to pete hoekstra. Among his qualifications are his 18 years in the house of U.S. representatives. He served as a pivotal leader on the hill.
▶ 1:21:49Sen. Coons: As chairman of the house intelligence committee, he was key in driving bipartisan laws to overhaul and improve the effectiveness of our intelligence communities after 9/11. He served with distinction as U.S. ambassador to the netherlands during president trump's first term. He knows how to foster cooperation while protecting U.S. interests.
▶ 1:22:14Sen. Coons: With his distinguished foreign policy background and his passion for public service, he is the right man toepresent the united states in canada. While a month here I would like to say a quick word about ambassador johnson. While I don't know him as well as the others, I have had the benefit of getting to know him. I have been most impressed by his background in the military and his accomplishments to el salvador.
▶ 1:22:45Sen. Coons: I believe he is just a soda diplomat we need in mexico city to strengthen our bilateral relations. I want to thank you for the opportunity and I look forward to the rest of our discussions this morning and I look forward to seeing them all passed out of committee today.
▶ 1:23:04Chair Risch: Thank you, senator. Where are we here? Senator mccormick, please. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Thank you to a great panel. I want to start with you, ambassador johnson. We discussed fentanyl overdoses in pennsylvania and the huge problem it has created.
▶ 1:23:30Chair Risch: The mexican government, we need to do more and I think your experience with military and intelligence in the region will help a lot. What is your assessment of the new mexican government and its high-profile raids and security policies directed at the cartels? Do you think these have been effective thus far and what are you seeing?
▶ 1:23:51Mr. Johnson: Thank you, senator. I'm encouraged by what I'm seeing recently in mexico. I think there are obviously opportunities to improve. The president has also not been an office that long.
▶ 1:24:08Mr. Johnson: There are opportunities for us to work together more closely and when it comes to the sharing of intelligence information, tracking precursor chemicals and the shipment of drugs to and from mexico and I think if we can work to further that relationship and ensure that we are shoulder to shoulder with our partners in mexico, I think they will rise to the occasion.
▶ 1:24:39Mr. Johnson: I have seen more recognition of them recently than ever. And that the violence in mexico has been horrible. It led to the death of many politicians. It is truly the definition of terrorism because of the horrific deeds conducted against the communities.
▶ 1:25:01Mr. Johnson: I think there are a lot of mexican people that are not corrupted by the money, they in worst by the fear of what will happen to the family if they don't look the other way and provide support to the cartel. I think there is opportunity for those who are doing the right thing.
▶ 1:25:21Sen. Mccormick: A piece of that problem and a broader problem is china. Using its merchant to list policies but also its trade with fentanyl pre-factors coming into mexico and also circumventing some of our trade agreements by exporting into the united states. Would you care to comment on what role you would hope to play in influencing mexico and its relationship with china? Mr.
▶ 1:25:49Johnson: I'm also encouraged by what president sheinbaum has said about prioritizing relationships. I think what I'm seeing in mexico and even in other locations in latin america, people are beginning to realize china does not have their interests in mind in these trade relationships.
▶ 1:26:11Johnson: One thing that I have used it effectively and I think it would be effective in mexico is to look at where china is geographically located. The only interest for being in latin america is it is an irritant to the free nations of the western hemisphere.
▶ 1:26:38Johnson: I think there are opportunities if we continue to highlight that and talk to the governments, if a democracy fails in the western hemisphere, china celebrates. If a democracy become safer, more secure, stronger with opportunities for its own people , we become stronger here in the united states as do they.
▶ 1:27:00Sen. Mccormick: Speaking of stronger, safer democracies, as you know, japan has recently made a decision to invest further in defense. How do you expect the united states to deepen its defense ties with japan in a way that would meet our goals of peace through strength?
▶ 1:27:36Mr. Glass: That is probably the greatest priority I have if confirmed. If confirmed, one of the functions we are working with the japanese right now, we can certainly improve upon and focus on the multilateral relationships they have specifically with korea and the philippines.
▶ 1:28:01Mr. Glass: And then to show the importance of what that means to the trump administration is working within the quad, a relationship brought together but senator rubio that he had a few weeks ago. That is india, australia, japan, and the united states. We can work to further those relationships. In the military side, japan is increasing their military spend.
▶ 1:28:31Mr. Glass: They have come out and announced they will reach 2% by 2027 and the prime minister even said they can exceed that if the situation is deemed necessary.
▶ 1:28:42Sen. Mccormick: Thank.
▶ 1:28:43Chair Risch: Thank you. Senator? >> thank you, Mr. chairman. For more than 80 years, the U.S.-japan alliance has acted as a cornerstone of peace, security and prosperity in the into pacific with communist china, russia in the peninsula, taiwan straight all within 200 miles of japanese soil.
▶ 1:29:11Chair Risch: Our presence in japan is fundamental to deter aggression in the region. It is especially pertinent given beijing's dramatic military buildup and increasing provocative action based on tactics, saber rattling, forcing our allies and partners to bend to their will. The alliance forms the foundation of multilateral cooperation. Quad, trilateral's, south korea.
▶ 1:29:39Chair Risch: I was pleased to see president trump and the prime minister commit to pursuing a new golden age of U.S.-japan relations when they met in february. Not only did the president reaffirm our unwavering commitment to japan but importantly japan committed to reinforce its own capabilities. In order to strengthen neutral deterrent and response capabilities, it is critical to turn the U.S.-japan alliance into a truly interoperable military alliance.
▶ 1:30:11Chair Risch: This will require japan to move beyond its current spending. How can we enhance that defensive cooperation and what you as our abbasid or can facilitate to do that?
▶ 1:30:30Mr. Glass: Thank you for the question senator. If confirmed, this becomes a tremendous priority. Japan lives in a very tough neighborhood. Whether it is china, russia, or north korea, it is all in their backyard. Working together with them is of critical importance.
▶ 1:30:55Mr. Glass: If we look from a business standpoint on the economic side, our job is to support them in every way that we can, to grow both of our economies together. On the technical side, we clearly need to work on our cybersecurity with japan. We are the best in the world at that and we can help in that methodology. We can also help in the world of coproduction.
▶ 1:31:24Mr. Glass: One of the issues I've seen and has been coming from the outside , we don't have the ability to be able to dip deep into these issues. Japan has in over $50 billion backlog of military equipment from the united states. In that procurement process, none of that is moving along quickly.
▶ 1:31:50Mr. Glass: Between f-35, transport planes, all of this to thwart the pressure china is placing on japan and we are needing japan to be the tip of the spear and how we push back. How to get that procurement quickly, workout supply chains. One thing I have been doing research on is the coproduction of these materials.
▶ 1:32:21Mr. Glass: It is always difficult to change ways especially if you are a government but it seems to be a much more efficient way to do business and be able to give them the ability to push back.
▶ 1:32:37Sen. Ricketts: It helps with interoperability, so thank you for that. Economics is its lifeblood. You mentioned the economy, getting both of our economies to be prosperous. Certainly it is the case for my home state of nebraska. Thanks in part to president trump's trade deals. The next largest for pork and eggs.
▶ 1:33:08Sen. Ricketts: Japan is also a market for grain-based fuels. Japan is positioned to become one of the largest export markets relying on grain-based ethanol so great opportunities to be able to build the economics there. I want to move on real quickly. I'm running out of time here.
▶ 1:33:39Sen. Ricketts: Ambassador johnson, what actions would you take to strengthen our relations with japan? If you could briefly recap.
▶ 1:33:50Mr. Glass: Basically to establish a dialogue with them to ensure they realize it is not just our problem, it is their problem as well. We talked about providing a way they can secure the politicians and government officials that want to do the right thing in mexico, but now they are in worst and their families are threatened by these terrorist cartels.
▶ 1:34:15Mr. Glass: I think if we can do those two things and we can increase information sharing and protect officials that want to do the right thing, it will make a big difference.
▶ 1:34:25Sen. Ricketts: Thank you very much.
▶ 1:34:27Chair Risch: Senator merkley, you are next.
▶ 1:34:31Senator Merkley: Mr. johnson, one of the concerns we have about fentanyl is it coming over the border from mexico. My understanding is the main two ways we detected our with dogs and highly sophisticated scanners, is that your understanding?
▶ 1:34:53Mr. Johnson: Thank you, senator. It is my understanding that those are two of the primary tools, yes, sir.
▶ 1:35:04Sen. Merkley: Is there another primary tool?
▶ 1:35:05Mr. Johnson: There are other tools that could be developed that are available and part of that would be human intelligence as collected by law enforcement authorities and intelligence officials, yes, sir.
▶ 1:35:16Sen. Merkley: That intelligence comes from highly cooperative relationships with those in mexico tracking the productions of that relationship is important. Senator ossoff has a bill to fund the installation of scanners that are currently sitting in a warehouse that are designed for detecting fentanyl. Do you support getting those scanners and using them?
▶ 1:35:43Mr. Johnson: Sir, I don't have the details on that. I think fentanyl is a serious enough plague on the united states and our citizens that we need to look at every front and every step we can take to improve.
▶ 1:36:01Sen. Merkley: We will get you details because I think it merits attention. Are you and advocate for free speech?
▶ 1:36:15Mr. Hoekstra: Absolutely, yes.
▶ 1:36:17Sen. Merkley: Does that include people expressing opinions you disagree with?
▶ 1:36:22Mr. Hoekstra: Absolutely.
▶ 1:36:24Sen. Merkley: If an american is resident in canada, under canada's free-speech nation, should they be free to express their opinion on world affairs?
▶ 1:36:37Mr. Hoekstra: American citizens present in canada or any foreign country have an obligation to, you know, to live under the laws of that country.
▶ 1:36:53Sen. Merkley: I'm asking about canada specifically. They have free-speech rules. Should americans in canada be able to express their free-speech about world affairs?
▶ 1:37:02Mr. Hoekstra: Within the framework of the canadian legal system, absolutely.
▶ 1:37:06Sen. Merkley: That includes things that the president or the prime minister of canada disagrees with?
▶ 1:37:14Mr. Hoekstra: Excuse me. Should americans be able to say something in canada that the canadian prime minister disagrees with?
▶ 1:37:23Sen. Merkley: Yes.
▶ 1:37:25Mr. Hoekstra: That's an american value, if it is consistent -- I don't know all the specifics of canadian law, but if confirmed I will take a look at it and obviously you have some concerns here that I would be more than willing to work with you and see exactly what concerns.
▶ 1:37:45Sen. Merkley: I view the united states as a champion of free speech but we have a situation with the advocate who expressed concerns about the situation in gaza being detained, arrested by the U.S. government last week in new york. He was arrested because of his opinion differing with the president's. Don't you think that is un-american?
▶ 1:38:10Mr. Hoekstra: I'm not an expert, but the understanding -- my understanding, I will probably get into -- I don't know all of the legal ramifications of what this individual was under what rights in the united states and what rights he has.
▶ 1:38:30Sen. Merkley: He was here under a green card, don't people on green cards have freedom of expression in the united states of america?
▶ 1:38:38Mr. Hoekstra: I'm the lawyer, I don't have a legal background on this.
▶ 1:38:42Sen. Merkley: The united states is detaining people because their views disagree with the president's. Doesn't that send a bad precedent for the world?
▶ 1:38:50Mr. Hoekstra: I think you would have to take a look at exactly what status they have in the united states and what freedoms they have under U.S. law individuals have.
▶ 1:39:01Sen. Merkley: So if somebody is in the U.S. and they express an opinion that the president of the united states doesn't like, they should be free to express that?
▶ 1:39:11Mr. Hoekstra: Depending -- it is a hypothetical question.
▶ 1:39:17Sen. Merkley: It is not that hypothetical, we just had the case of somebody on a green card being arrested for their opinion on the war in gaza. I support free speech, I support being able to say things the president disagrees with. Don't you?
▶ 1:39:32Mr. Hoekstra: I agree on free speech. I agree people in america should be allowed to speak, express their views consistent with the legal requirements and legal boundaries by which they are in the country.
▶ 1:39:50Sen. Merkley: I hope with that viewpoint you will call up to the president and say we need to not arrest people for their views on foreign policy here in the united states of america. That is wrong under the law, it is wrong under the example we set around the world. If we are going to be champions of freedom, not folks who take local prisoners. Thank you.
▶ 1:40:17Chair Risch: Senator, there is a difference between free-speech speech and giving aid and support.
▶ 1:40:24Sen. Merkley: Mr. chairman, do you have any evidence this person gave aid and support? There has been no evidence provided by the administration. To accuse somebody who opposed the war or opposed circumstances unless you have evidence for that.
▶ 1:40:39Chair Risch: Appreciate your view. Senator? >> thank you chairman, ranking member for holding this hearing. Thank you to the witnesses for your previous service. I want to talk a little bit about counter narcotics efforts. A bessette or johnson, as you are aware, mexico is one of the united states' closest partners. We share a 2000 mile border that contains 47 active land ports of entry.
▶ 1:41:10Chair Risch: I proudly represent a state with a large latino population, many with emily ties to mexico. I have helped advance legislation to stop the flow of deadly drugs across the southern border by cracking down on transnational criminals but I know we cannot combat this crisis alone read we have to work closely with our partners like mexico to address the flow of illicit drugs coming into our country.
▶ 1:41:40Chair Risch: Can you speak to the importance of counter narcotics programming? How do you think mexico will react to a decision to cut that funding that helps combat the flow?
▶ 1:41:58Mr. Johnson: Thank you for the question and thank you for your efforts which I'm sure have saved american lives. It is something that the flow of illegal drugs is something we can't immediately turn off completely. It is a continuing process. It is improvements that have to be made as quickly as we can. It is important we work with partners throughout the region.
▶ 1:42:27Mr. Johnson: That is why I think organizations play such an important role because that includes a lot of the countries in the region and we can share that information. That is key to continuing to improve.
▶ 1:42:45Sen. Rosen: Continuing to improve collaboration, funding to be sure we are prepared for current and future threats.
▶ 1:43:00Mr. Johnson: There have been waivers granted already and I'm confident that throughout the review process those programs that have the greatest impact will continue.
▶ 1:43:09Sen. Rosen: Thank you. I want to you move on to you, ambassador hoekstra. The five eyes alliances one of the most successful sharing alliances in the world key to U.S. military responses in syria, iraq, afghanistan, and get the trump administration has taken actions that have caused our allies to reconsider, reconsider what information can be shared with united states.
▶ 1:43:38Sen. Rosen: So, ambassador, the five eyes alliances is based on a high level of mutual trust, that is how all relationships, the foundation, right. Do you think it makes a safer or stronger if our allies scale back the intelligence they share with us out of concern they can't trust the united states?
▶ 1:43:57Mr. Hoekstra: I have spent a lot of time on this and intelligence. It is clear that the cooperation . It is unique. It is a unique internationally each of us bring certain strength to that relationship. It is critical.
▶ 1:44:22Sen. Rosen: Are you willing to be fight to ensure that it remains fully resilient and operational?
▶ 1:44:29Mr. Hoekstra: Absolutely. You brought up the continuing threat of transnational organizations. Ok? On those kinds of issues, those kinds of threats, we talked earlier with the ranking member budd fentanyl. It is not a huge amount that goes across our border with canada, but we can expect. Tomorrow it could be something else.
▶ 1:44:59Mr. Hoekstra: We are looking at these relationships and taking the relationship of five eyes and building our relationship enabling us to potentially get a better handle on fentanyl and drugs coming across the border, whether it is mexico, whether from canada or somewhere else.
▶ 1:45:20Sen. Rosen: I think we are in agreement that our strength and safety and security is based on the levels of trust and cooperation with our allies to fight against those who wish to harm us.
▶ 1:45:32Mr. Hoekstra: If confirmed, I will do everything that I can to strengthen the relationship. Those are all opportunities to make america, canada, closer cooperation.
▶ 1:45:53Sen. Rosen: Thank you Mr. chair.
▶ 1:45:55Chair Risch: Thank you. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Thank you for your testimony. I will start with you. One of the things the previous administration focused on is trying to strengthen the relationship between south korea and japan, two very out -- allies. You agree that was a worthwhile endeavor and will you work to continue it?
▶ 1:46:23Mr. Glass: Not only worthwhile, but essential. We were talking earlier about the priorities of the multilateral relationships that japan has with other countries in the region and it is critical we continue to build on that.
▶ 1:46:39Sen. Van Hollen: I think you recognize that when our colleagues from partner countries come to the united states over the last couple of years, they weigh in on the importance of supporting the ukrainian people in their fight against putin's aggression. They recognize our commitment to ukraine has implications for all of them.
▶ 1:47:11Sen. Van Hollen: President she -- xi keeps one eye on ukraine and one eye on taiwan. If there is the perception we are you throwing ukrainian under the bus does that damage our relationship with japan?
▶ 1:47:25Mr. Glass: The japanese have supported the ukrainians not only with economic support, material support and conscience support. At this point in time, the question that is very simple is very delicate.
▶ 1:47:52Mr. Glass: We have a president that has both sides of the ukrainian and russian conflict sitting at a table across from each other and at this point in time given the delicacy of what he is working as our negotiator in chief is something that I don't want to make any comment that could possibly disrupt that.
▶ 1:48:14Sen. Van Hollen: My time is limited. I will just say at the most recent g7 meeting and as you are well aware, japan is part of the g7, at the most recent g7 meeting, our allies supported continuing to keep the language from previous resolutions which named russia and putin as the aggressor, did they not?
▶ 1:48:38Mr. Glass: They did.
▶ 1:48:39Sen. Van Hollen: It was the united states who said we should remove that.
▶ 1:48:42Mr. Glass: It was.
▶ 1:48:44Sen. Van Hollen: In my view, that sends a terrible signal not just to the people of ukraine but to japan and south korea and those around the world. Cutting off intelligence even temporarily and funneling weapons to ukraine when you have a massive arsenal on the russian side is in my view so contrary to american national security interests and I hear the same thing from our colleagues in
▶ 1:49:16Sen. Van Hollen: Japan and elsewhere. Mr. hoekstra, it is good to see you. Which of the caucus back in the house. I was at a hearing in the banking and housing committee yesterday where the testimony from the economist there who was invited by our republican colleagues was unambiguous that when you increase tariffs across the board on products from canada including canadian
▶ 1:49:47Sen. Van Hollen: Lumber, you drive up the cost of housing in the united states. Fact of the matter is the national association of homebuilders, chief economists predicts it will be as much as $7,500 to $10,000 additional on a home for the average american if the proposed tariffs go through. You can do some simple math.
▶ 1:50:09Sen. Van Hollen: You don't have to be an economist that will increase the costs and make homes less affordable in the united states, right?
▶ 1:50:21Mr. Hoekstra: It's not brain surgery.
▶ 1:50:24Sen. Van Hollen: Thank you. I appreciate the reality touch and your response to senator rosen's questions. You agree that the alliance with canada is valuable?
▶ 1:50:41Mr. Hoekstra: We have a great reliance on canada and national security issues. It would help if canada met its nato commitment. They are one of the countries that fall short. With no real plan to get there.
▶ 1:51:02Sen. Van Hollen: Relating to five eyes, were they important partner?
▶ 1:51:06Mr. Hoekstra: Five eyes is an important relationship in all the countries have strengths.
▶ 1:51:12Sen. Van Hollen: Mr. johnson are you aware of the fact that one of the programs that was terminated by the trump administration's freeze was in antinarcotics program aimed at stopping imported fentanyl? Have you seen that reported?
▶ 1:51:33Mr. Johnson: Thank you, senator. I have been out of the government a little over four years. I look forward to seeing it. I'm confident that anything that can stem the flow fentanyl will survive.
▶ 1:51:50Sen. Van Hollen: I hope you are right about that. We had a meeting and I did not get any sense of confidence in that. That was my take away. Thank you, Mr. chairman. >> thank you. Ambassador johnson, I appreciate your years of military service and the glowing recommendation that senator scott provided.
▶ 1:52:16Sen. Van Hollen: I do have some questions about some of your actions as ambassador to el salvador. You pointed out in your opening statement or maybe it was a response to a question that democracy and freedom are very fragile.
▶ 1:52:34Sen. Van Hollen: Amnesty international and others have reported on the use of the nso groups pegasus spyware on organizations in el salvador on a massive scale. Your close friendship with the president in el salvador led to a downplaying to the criticism of his authoritarian tendencies.
▶ 1:53:06Sen. Van Hollen: Were you ever made aware that he was using surveillance on civil society actors or U.S. government and authorities what you or bassett or?
▶ 1:53:15Mr. Johnson: Thank you, senator, I was not aware that they employed pegasus against anyone in el salvador. I don't doubt that it could have happened, but I was not aware of it.
▶ 1:53:33Mr. Johnson: I was constantly emphasizing to everyone I spoke with from president bukele throughout his government that there must be no surveillance on anyone that works for the embassy, that we all have a responsibility to meet with opposition members, to meet with private society, to meet with business and that doesn't imply we support anyone side more than we do the other, that it is a requirement that we have and that I have taken very seriously.
▶ 1:53:58Sen. Shaheen: There were also reports that one of the embassy employees who was investigating some of these undemocratic activities of the president was fired summarily for that. Were you aware of that? Were you involved in any decision to fire anyone who was investigating president authoritarian activities?
▶ 1:54:30Mr. Glass: We discussed that with your staff. We appreciate your time. A contractor had been in country for a long time. I was a little surprised when I heard he had had an unauthorized meeting with a member of the press.
▶ 1:54:51Mr. Glass: I did what I think any manager would do, I called in his department heads and I called in security and I said we need to investigate this and determine whether or not these accusations are true and if they are true we need to determine what kind of information might have been passed and I deferred to his boss really as to what the final disposition should be in the case.
▶ 1:55:18Mr. Glass: I know one of the first questions I have always received on any security clearance interview is have you conducted any unauthorized meetings with the press and apparently this individual had.
▶ 1:55:33Sen. Shaheen: I appreciate that, but part of my concern about the reason for this line of questioning is you talk in your opening statement and others have pointed out the challenge in mexico, which has been in lots of ways a great neighbor and partner, but in other ways because of what is happening there with cartels, with gangs,
▶ 1:56:05Sen. Shaheen: That it is also really challenging. And any hint that anyone in america might be willing to overlook corruption activities sends a very bad message to mexican authorities and to the mexican people, would you agree with that?
▶ 1:56:28Mr. Johnson: Yes, senator, I strongly agree with that.
▶ 1:56:32Sen. Shaheen: Ambassador glass, I have one question for you. Last week, president trump suddenly called our defense alliance with japan a bad deal and unfair. Actually been at the apex of the relationship between the united states and japan.
▶ 1:56:53Sen. Shaheen: Can you explain to me why the president would be calling out that relationship and suggesting that our agreement with japan is a bad deal and unfair?
▶ 1:57:03Mr. Glass: Thank you for the question. It is in any relationship especially from the business standpoint, the closer you are, the more transparent you can be about discussions and in those discussions, money is always prominent. I appreciate president trump's honesty and transparency in that case. It makes my life a lot easier.
▶ 1:57:31Mr. Glass: We know that we would like the japanese to focus on increasing their spend on military. They have agreed to bump that up to the 2% gdp level by 2027 and the prime minister came out and said if it needs to be higher, that is something we can discuss. I look forward to discussing that with the japanese and being able to come out with something that is favorable for both sides.
▶ 1:57:58Sen. Shaheen: Good. I think it is fair to say that in your opening statement you pointed out the importance of our alliance with japan and the importance of that defense relationship as well. Thank you, Mr. chairman. >> thank you, Mr. chairman. Ambassador glass, if I might continue in this general direction, thank you for your willingness to continue serving and representing our nation.
▶ 1:58:27Sen. Shaheen: You served well as a bassett or portugal. Thanks to mary and the rest of your family for our willingness to step back into the fray. And for sharing with folks that your faith is the underpinning of your public service, I think it is constructive when people do that. I agree that the U.S.-japan relationship was in a very strong and good place and the progress that was made in pulling together korea, japan, and the united states was a significant step forward.
▶ 1:58:57Sen. Shaheen: I'm concerned about the future direction of that trilateral relationship because of unfortunate recent developments in korea. Help me understand what you might do as ambassador to strengthen or sustain that work. Senator hagerty and I and a bipartisan group went out to japan and korea last august to try to reinforce and give some lift to it but there has been some dramatic intervening.
▶ 1:59:27Mr. Glass: Senator, thank you for the question and thank you for the interest in the region. We have to be patient to see what happens in south korea.
▶ 1:59:50Mr. Glass: It is a step back to trying to build that relationship, not only the bilateral relationship between the japanese and the koreans, but the trilateral we have working. We don't have as much information as we wouldn't a few weeks of confirmed.
▶ 2:00:13Mr. Glass: By the way I'm looking at it it seems to be a lot of the inter--- things we are discussing are too broad. A lot of times when you are that brought it is difficult to make advancements.
▶ 2:00:37Mr. Glass: If you can narrow those down and really get to work and dig in on a very specific number of issues, that would be a tremendous help.
▶ 2:00:45Sen. Coons: I recently met with a large group of japanese ceos who came to increase their engagement and visibility. They are concerned about a potential trade war inspired by tariffs that might be improvidently imposed. I'm not going to ask you to respond to this but in my previous questioning, sometimes president trump engages in public bluster about matters that are framed as a negotiating tactic.
▶ 2:01:14Sen. Coons: I think to the japanese particularly it is profoundly unsettling to not be clear about our relationship and I tried to provide some reassurance about the deep bipartisan respect for their hosting 60,000 U.S. troops in japan as he referenced. The special measures agreement is coming up for renegotiation.
▶ 2:01:35Sen. Coons: I'm concerned that our president is often someone who tries to drive a hard bargain by framing before negotiating. How will you help the administration appreciate the significant amount of contributions the japanese have made over decades to basing our troops to providing us with some significant but unquantifiable benefits when being a trusted and reliable anchor and partner
▶ 2:02:07Sen. Coons: Militarily as well as economically in the region?
▶ 2:02:11Mr. Glass: Thank you for the question. It certainly is daunting when you look at the amount of issues and you look at the amount of money. What the prime minister talked about, a direct investment into the united states of upwards of $1 trillion. It is difficult to comprehend those types of numbers.
▶ 2:02:36Mr. Glass: We have had a consistent support by the japanese for our military in and around $1.4 billion a year. It has been fairly consistent for a while. Undoubtedly since the first administration until now the sophistication of the chinese has grown tremendously. Conflict or a push back and forth has gotten significantly more expensive.
▶ 2:03:08Mr. Glass: Whether we have weapons systems we need to upgrade, command and control we are going to be upgrading with the japanese, these are very expensive ventures. Undoubtedly, I do believe we have to go to the japanese to talk about an increase in that support.
▶ 2:03:23Sen. Coons: If I could enclosing, I'm grateful the japanese have actively participated in supporting ukraine and its fight. I hope we can continue to encourage them to recognize that from halfway around the world they have been a part of that effort and the move toward developing a real counterstrike capability by japan I hope will lead to coproduction and purchasing and deployment of tomahawk missiles as well as other advanced systems and I look forward to working with all three of you in your next posts.
▶ 2:03:53Mr. Glass: If possible afterwards in the next couple of weeks as we go through this process, we will still be here and I would avail myself at any point in time to come in and talk through that with you.
▶ 2:04:05Sen. Coons: Thank you. As the ranking member of the east asia subcommittee about to go to the region with senator ricketts, I would very much welcome that. All three of you have been chosen to represent the united states for absolutely critical allies tonight. I hope we can sustain these trusted and long-standing relationships.
▶ 2:04:29Chair Risch: Thank you much. Senator cruz is supposedly on the way and he has some probing and in-depth questions for you I'm sure. In the meantime, this is unusual.
▶ 2:04:46Chair Risch: If the three of you want to add something for the record, having heard the questions that have been given to you, you are wrecked -- you are welcome to take up the time or we will sit and look at each other until senator cruz gets here. >> I would amplify what my colleagues said. We are willing to continue to meet and we look forward to working with you on your issues.
▶ 2:05:16Chair Risch: We understand this is a very busy time on the hill. It means a lot. >> could I just note -- could I just note and complement ambassador hoekstra on recognizing a bassett or cohen and a bassett or should polly doable and your ongoing relationship with them.
▶ 2:05:44Chair Risch: I would urge you that those ambassadors in our countries are very strong and they have a significant reservoir to support that.
▶ 2:05:57Chair Risch: I would add to that this panel is particularly strong. Senator cruz?
▶ 2:06:09Senator Cruz: Gentlemen, good to see you. Thank you for your willingness to serve our nation yet again. A bassett or, let me start with you. A topic we discussed in my office last week. In 1944, the united states and mexico signed a treaty to manage the water from the colorado, tijuana, and rio grande rivers.
▶ 2:06:35Senator Cruz: It requires mexico to provide 350,000 acre-feet of water annualized. However, mexico has consistently failed to uphold its end of the bargain. We are nearing the end of the current five-year cycle and mexico is behind by over one million acre-feet of water. The results have been catastrophic for texas farmers and towns. Entire industries are dying. This crisis simply cannot be allowed to continue.
▶ 2:07:06Senator Cruz: As you and I discussed, this issue colors every single aspect of our relationship with mexico. Last year, I introduced language to impose real costs on mexico for these failures, I intend to advance that language again this year. In the meantime, the state department has the power to hold mexico accountable. I would like to work immediately and closely to address this issue. I also discussed this issue with secretary rubio in this committee.
▶ 2:07:38Senator Cruz: He agrees that addressing this crisis must be a priority. Talk to us about this a little. What options do we have to secure mexico's compliance with the treaty?
▶ 2:07:50Mr. Johnson: Thank you for the question and your time recently to discuss it. I didn't know what the 1944 water treaty was until you brought that up. It is of course a concern to me when anyone is impacted in the united states because of another country's failure to meet their obligations. That said, I know the current government in mexico is relatively new.
▶ 2:08:19Mr. Johnson: I think they are four years behind when president sheinbaum took office. It is important to contact them immediately and frequently and make sure they understand they are getting behind on their commitment and make sure they understand what the outcome could be as they do.
▶ 2:08:43Mr. Johnson: You are very adamant that you have been a big supporter of mexico but it would go the other way if they fail to meet those obligations. I will deliver that message consistently as will the other officers that represent the U.S. government and mexico. I look forward to working with you on the issue and I look forward to making progress.
▶ 2:09:04Sen. Cruz: It is worth underscoring I have authored and passed to law four new bridges from south texas to mexico so when it comes to legal unlawful trade when it comes to -- and lawful trade when it comes to U.S. and mexico, I'm an enthusiastic supporter. If they flout their treaty obligations, that is a real problem. If confirmed, how do you view your role in helping alleviate this crisis?
▶ 2:09:33Mr. Johnson: Thank you you, senator. I think again obviously I will not be involved in making policy and informing policy. My goal is to work with you and your office as well as with the white house and the state department and other offices in the U.S.
▶ 2:09:58Mr. Johnson: Government to make sure we understand what those commitments are and that we are keeping a sharp eye on them. I think the key in this case is they are behind more than they could catch up in these final months. If water is delivered early and on time and in compliance, I think we will see a great improvement.
▶ 2:10:27Sen. Cruz: Ambassador glass, as you know and as you have said, the U.S.-japan alliance is a cornerstone in the indo pacific. Our japanese allies are critically important in the end of pacific and across the globe and a strong-U.S. japan relationship is crucial to countering china's global malign activities.
▶ 2:10:53Sen. Cruz: The trump administration recognizes this and your nomination is being expeditiously advanced. Within the region, the quad is critical to our security architecture. Talk a bit about the quad and the role of japan with it. That is a great question.
▶ 2:11:22Sen. Cruz: While I was in portugal, eight years ago when president trump started redeveloping a format, we had quad meetings once a quarter.
▶ 2:11:38Sen. Cruz: We hope that to taking a look and that is valuable and these are tremendous allies and our ability to work with them only shows the chinese that it is not just us standing alone.
▶ 2:11:59Sen. Cruz: The trump administration vision of a free and prosperous indochina -- I'm sorry, indo pacific is only carried by our ability to work within that entire region.
▶ 2:12:12Sen. Cruz: I'm also very worried about china's control over global supply chains especially in key sectors that affect our national security. Can you talk about the plans to reduce reliance on china and focus on critical minerals and how we can expand our bilateral cooperation in this space?
▶ 2:12:43Mr. Glass: I have a background in minerals and if we can break that supply chain from china, it frees -- we have economic freedom to move forward. We have to build a reserve in america. We have private entities doing that right now. The U.S. government has a reserve for the military.
▶ 2:13:16Mr. Glass: As we work with other countries around the world, we have to create a reserve we share with our allies to keep the supply chain going. It is critical that we get that done.
▶ 2:13:30Chair Risch: Thank you, senator. We will add letters of support for each of you to put into the record. For the information of the committee, the record will remain open until the close of business tomorrow, friday, for members of the committee to submit questions for the record. If you do get questions, I hope you will answer them quickly. Again, thanks for your service, thanks to your family for assisting you in that service. With that, the committee is adjourned.
▶ 2:14:00Chair Risch: [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap.org]