▶ 0:22:38>> we have, not unusually, a lot of issues today as they tried to move these two matters forward. We have a business meeting. We have a number of nominations to consider, but we have arcane rules as to how we have to do that, who has to be in the room, and those rules are not met at this moment. So what I'm going to do is the other item on the business this morning at the nominations hearing for a number of nominees that the president has given to us.
▶ 0:23:08The way we always start those is we have introductions. So we will do that, and then we will proceed through that hearing. And when I get the right number in the room we are going to take a break and you can stay right where you are, won't take us but a few minutes to run through. But in any event, that is where we are. We have some of our colleagues who is always very busy, including senator collins.
▶ 0:23:40Senator collins, I'm going to give you the floor for the introduction.
▶ 0:23:44Senator Collins: Thank you very much, chairman risch. And members of the committee. I'm delighted to appear before you today to introduce caleb orr and to recommend his nomination to become assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs.
▶ 0:24:08Senator Collins: A native of texas, caleb received his ba before coming to washington to serve on the staff of then-senator marco rubio 10 years ago. He received his jd from georgetown university law center and a private practice for the late ambassador.
▶ 0:24:39Senator Collins: He was serving as a judicial law clerk for the fifth circuit court of appeals in houston before being called back to washington earlier this year. He and his wife have two young daughters, poppy and lily. I just met poppy who is behind us. I want to tell you a bit about how I got to know caleb.
▶ 0:25:06Senator Collins: It was back in 2020 at the height of the covid crisis,. When I was working around-the-clock with then-senator marco rubio along with the ranking member of this committee, senator shaheen and former senator ben cardin. We crafted the small business relief package known as the paycheck protection program.
▶ 0:25:36Senator Collins: That bipartisan program was signed into law as part of the cares act on march 20 7, 2020, and within three weeks, the private sector had distributed $342 billion in crucial economic aid to help nearly 1.5 -- 1.7 million small businesses meet payroll and avoid shutting their doors.
▶ 0:26:09Senator Collins: Over the full life of the program, the ppp provided nearly 43,000 forgivable loans in my home state of maine. As the deputy director of the small business committee, caleb played an absolutely essential role in creating, crafting, and implementing this crucial lifeline. We were talking before the hearing about the 2:00 a.m.
▶ 0:26:41Senator Collins: Calls that he had with the council on my staff, and that is no exaggeration. He literally worked night and day to address countless complex issues that had to be resolved to stand up this program in a rapidly changing pandemic environment.
▶ 0:27:04Senator Collins: That same attentiveness will be required of him as assistant secretary where he will be responsible for helping american businesses navigate the many challenges they face every day across the globe. Advocating for their interests both within our government and abroad.
▶ 0:27:28Senator Collins: I am confident that caleb is not only up to the task, but also will bring the same creativity and energy, commitment and hard work to the state department's economic bureau that he did in helping to manage small business relief during the pandemic.
▶ 0:27:51Senator Collins: It is thus my great pleasure to introduce caleb orr to you today and to recommend to this committee positive consideration of his nomination as soon as possible. Thank you very much, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:28:09Chair Risch: Thank you, senator collins and certainly credit to you and everyone who worked on the ppp program. Probably one of the most impactful things that happen for american citizens over the recent years with the difficulties we had. I know you are busy on other matters, so we will excuse you. You're welcome to stay if you like but I know the answer to that question. >> only because I have three goings-on. Thank you very much.
▶ 0:28:42Chair Risch: Senator cruz.
▶ 0:28:45Senator Cruz: Thank you and welcome to all the nominees on an excellent slate of nominees and friends. I have the honor of introducing someone I've known for a long time, a fellow texan and a friend. Ken embodies the spirit of texas. Hard work, genuine hospitality and fierce leadership. He excelled at stanford, where he earned a degree in economics, but is also managing editor.
▶ 0:29:17Senator Cruz: Graduating from stanford in 1998 and that same year began a career of innovation and investment that literally transform the financial world. When he helped found and run paypal. Over the years, he's been recognized for his success and vision. He served on the board rooms of venture capital firms, held leadership positions in various companies. And he's operated at the highest and most respected levels of diplomacy.
▶ 0:29:46Senator Cruz: And throughout all that time parallel to his financial and corporate success, he's been devoted to public life and service. In college, he interned in washington for my predecessor, senator kay bailey hutchison. In the speechwriting department. That passion has extended into his diplomatic work. From 2019 to 2021, he served as ambassador to sweden.
▶ 0:30:13Senator Cruz: He worked to advance our national security interests and to push sweden to insulate its telecom networks through chinese maligned activities. He helped implement the trump administration burden sharing strategy, contributed to sweden's historic 40% increase in defense spending, and he championed american businesses, encouraging trade and innovation and investment between the two countries.
▶ 0:30:39Senator Cruz: He has a strong leader with a clear eyed understanding of diplomacy, strategy and partnership, and he is exceptionally well-qualified to serve as our next ambassador to denmark. There are real challenges and friendship with denmark including of course the president's stated interest in acquiring greenland, which will make this appointment critical to the future of this country and I have every confidence that ken has the integrity, the experience, the vision to strengthen our relationship with
▶ 0:31:10Senator Cruz: This important ally and to navigate these complicated and incredibly important issues. Thank you. >> senator cornyn, I understand you might have something to add for us. >> thank you for scheduling a hearing for two texans, it's a pleasure to join my colleague senator cruz in saying a few nice words about ken howery.
▶ 0:31:36Senator Cruz: And I won't repeat everything he said, but I think it is fair to conclude that he is a super achiever. He has done a lot in his short life. But the things that I've been most impressed about this is prior service in sweden. Back in a time when the administration was trying to persuade other countries not to adopt huawei technologies because it essentially was a way to spy on these technologies the of the p.r.c.
▶ 0:32:05Senator Cruz: And chinese communist party, he was successful in getting them to ban those technologies. That is a big deal. I remember him telling me at lunch last may about some of the challenges he had, helping the swedes navigate during covid. Reopening their society after the lockdown after addressing some of the vulnerabilities in the supply chains.
▶ 0:32:30Senator Cruz: I have no doubt that his background and experience will serve him well and serve our country well in denmark as the U.S. and our partners around the globe continue to navigate evolving threats with technology and national security. I'm confident he will represent our interests on the world stage. Congratulations to you and your family on this nomination. I look forward to voting for your nomination in committee and on the floor and I would encourage all of my colleagues to do the same. Thank you.
▶ 0:32:59Chair Risch: Thank you, senator cornyn. Senator scott, I understand you have a couple of introductions. Senator scott. It is an honor to sit before you today to introduce a fellow floridian and my friend, ambassador callista gingrich to this committee. I'd also like to recognize her husband, another florida resident, speaker newt gingrich who is here today.
▶ 0:33:24Chair Risch: In nominating another floridian to his ministration, president trump an excellent choice to serve as ambassador to switzerland. She proudly served as the united states ambassador during president trump's first term and will be excited to be there today. During her time in that role she worked to combat human trafficking, provide humanitarian assistance and support the administration's efforts on a global scale. In 2019, she received the sue m.
▶ 0:33:53Chair Risch: Cobb award for exemplary diplomatic service. In 2020 she received a title by pope francis, the highest cessation given by the holy see to laypersons. In recognition of her contributions to the catholic and society. President trump chose a leader who could deliver for americans and for the great men and women who offer diplomatic service were stationed in switzerland.
▶ 0:34:20Chair Risch: I am confident that her skills, character and expertise will make her an effective ambassador to switzerland and I look forward to hearing from her today on her vision for U.S. relations and how she plans to advance trump's agenda. Together with president trump I am confident you will help restore peace through strength and stand for america's best interests. She has my complete support and I urge my colleagues to advance your nomination very quickly. Let me go onto to my second nomination.
▶ 0:34:50Chair Risch: It is an honor to sit before you to also introduce summer farkas to this committee. I would also like to recognize her husband jonathan. President trump made an excellent choice in her to serve as ambassador to malta. Summer is highly recognized for her philanthropic efforts and success in business.
▶ 0:35:09Chair Risch: She was appointed I president trump to the president's commission on white house fellowships and commission on presidential scholars and serves as a trustee of the new york city police foundation, chairman of the committee and member of the executive committee. She is also -- and advise of the palm beach county sheriff's foundation and sheriff's advisory council. President trump chose a leader who could deliver for america and for the great men and women of the service were stationed in malta.
▶ 0:35:37Chair Risch: I am confident that her skills, character and expertise will make her an effective ambassador to multiply I look forward to hearing from her today and how she plans to advance president trump's agenda. I know with president trump and secretary rubio, she will help restore peace through strength and stand for america's best interests. She has my complete support and I urge my colleagues to advance her nomination and hopefully all these individuals will vote on the floor very quickly. Congratulations.
▶ 0:36:07Chair Risch: Thank you, we appreciate that. On to recognize senator lee.
▶ 0:36:14Senator Lee: Is my great honor and pleasure to introduce my friend Mr. leandro rizzuto to serve as U.S. ambassador to the organization of american states. He comes to us with a wealth of experience. Experience and background that make an exceptionally well-qualified for this task. For three decades he let the conair corporation.
▶ 0:36:43Senator Lee: Serving in a number of senior management and marketing roles and running the entire enterprise, ultimately. Most households in america owned at least one conair product, and I think it is fair if we were to place a bet on how many people in this room have at one point or another used a conair product. I would say it is a solid majority, probably a super majority.
▶ 0:37:09Senator Lee: That alone speaks to his talents and the abilities that he will bring to this task as an innovator, as a builder. He is someone who, having been involved in manufacturing for many, many decades, so is looking for defects to be corrected. Improvements to be made. And weak points to be identified and made it smooth and turned into strengths.
▶ 0:37:38Senator Lee: Aside from his business experience, Mr. rizzuto has also served our government abroad. During the previous trump administration, he very capably served at the U.S. consul general in bermuda, where on day one, he was going to bat for the american citizens and worked tirelessly on behalf of american interests, and he continued the same tendency that he learned as an executive in the
▶ 0:38:09Senator Lee: Manufacturing business to identify defects and weak spots. He started seeing problems right away when he got down there. There were problems with areas contract had been entered into. The male wasn't getting there. He went in and much more than anyone else in his position with other be inclined to do, he had that thing figured out in about six minutes. I'm sure it took longer than that but for the rest of the world by comparison it seemed like six minutes, especially during covid when the whole world was turned upside down.
▶ 0:38:39Senator Lee: I have no doubt that those skills will prove especially useful within the organization of american states. When president monroe gifted us his eponymous doctrine, the doctrine that bears his name, he recognized something that is still very true today.
▶ 0:38:59Senator Lee: That western hemisphere, the neighbors we have here, the protective oceans we have to the east and to the west put us in a unique place in the world, and it makes the western hemisphere uniquely important. The organization of american states gives us the opportunity to be heard in a forum where we can hear from other nations that are of such great importance to us. I can't think of anyone I would have greater confidence in.
▶ 0:39:36Senator Lee: Especially strong and faithful companion. Take you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:39:41Chair Risch: They keep very much, senator lee. Again, I would ask everybody to be patient. Ordinarily, senator shaheen, the ranking member is here but again, she has a commitment in another meeting.
▶ 0:40:03Chair Risch: We are going to get enough people here to vote before too long, and we will interrupt the steering to go to the business meeting, so be patient with us with the nominees. What I'm going to do is I'm going to make some opening remarks right here, and then what I'm going to do is turn to each of you and give us about five minutes for your thoughts on your nomination, and then at some point in time we are going to take a break.
▶ 0:40:32Chair Risch: Senator shaheen may or may not want to make a statement when she does appear. With that, let me welcome you all here today. I want to recognize issues that each of you are going to be facing. Mr. rizzuto if you are confirmed , a critical part of your job would be working to institute fair burden sharing across member organizations. As is the case with so many international organizations that america is part of, the U.S.
▶ 0:41:01Chair Risch: Is taking advantage of at the oas. The 2020 three american taxpayers contributed a staggering 49.99%, essentially half of the organization's budget. If the member states want to maintain an organization, all member states should support the organization. It is simple as that. This is particularly important given the rise and threats from chinese maligned influence in the western hemisphere.
▶ 0:41:29Chair Risch: I look forward to hearing how you will work to counter the influence and ensure fair contributions from all member states. Mrs. gingrich, you would be working in a country that is famously neutral but nonetheless a close partner of the united states. However given the war in ukraine, tensions in the middle east and the rising threat from china, we need all hands on deck to protect our shared values and common interests.
▶ 0:41:57Chair Risch: Free nations must work together to preserve our way of life and I know that you will work with the swiss to prepare for the rapidly changing environment we are facing today. Mr. howery, there is no doubt that denmark is an important ally. President trump is medic clear that greenland is a strategic location and is critical to U.S. and our allies security. It's also important that the U.S.
▶ 0:42:24Chair Risch: Work with denmark to protect international shipping lanes from the various and irresponsible actors. I look forward to hearing how you will engage with all parties on these matters. Mr. orr, america's strength has always been in their private sector. Every market that created an environment where business thrives, innovation and risk-taking are encouraged. America's economy indeed lists the whole world.
▶ 0:42:51Chair Risch: As assistant secretary for economic and business affairs, you will be charged with supporting this message and working with other nations to foster prosperous economies in their countries that then also benefit the american economy. During our time today I look forward to hearing how you will execute on president trump's economic vision while at the state department. Ms. farkas, malta is an ally strategically located in the mediterranean.
▶ 0:43:19Chair Risch: It is important that we continue to work with malta to continue our cooperation on regional security, economy, illicit finance and money laundering. The U.S. has a vital role to play and we would also like to see leaders of the european union continue as well, especially on the question of maltose golden passport program. I look forward to hearing how you will work to advance these issues. These are big jobs.
▶ 0:43:47Chair Risch: And you will be at the forefront of implementing the changes that will guide the next four years of american history. I'm grateful for your willingness to serve. We all are grateful for your willingness to serve, also, and I look forward to our conversation today. In a moment when senator shaheen gets here, she is going to have some words of wisdom for you also.
▶ 0:44:10Chair Risch: At this moment, let's move to the nominees and we will give each of you five minutes, more or less, to talk about your thoughts on your nomination. I think that if I ask that you hold it to five minutes, if you have additional thoughts on that, what we will do is put them in the record, submit it for the record. We would be happy to put them in there.
▶ 0:44:39Chair Risch: With that, the floor is yours for five minutes, more or less. Hopefully less. Thank you.
▶ 0:44:48Mr. Orr: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and established members of this committee, I'm honored to appear before you today as president trump's nominee for assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs. I am immensely grateful to the president and secretary rubio for their trust and confidence. I also want to thank the members and staff of this committee for taking time to meet with me.
▶ 0:45:14Mr. Orr: As a former senate staffer to then senator rubio, I understand firsthand the vital role this committee plays in shaping our foreign policy. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you in this role. On a personal note I would like to thank my wife gabby and our daughters for their love and support. Gabby and our eldest poppy are seated behind me while our youngest watches from home.
▶ 0:45:36Mr. Orr: I also want to thank my parents, jim and elaine who along with many other emily brennan are watching from the great state of texas, the statement family has called home for six generations. I would not be here today without them. The greatest gift I received for my family is a legacy of christian faith. Above all, I think god for this greatest --.
▶ 0:46:00Mr. Orr: As an attorney and longtime economic policy advisor to secretary rubio, the intersection of economic policy and international affairs has been the focus of my career. For seven years in the senate I had the privilege of serving under former senator rubio, helping build bipartisan consensus on confronting the economic and strategic challenges posed by china and creating reassuring supply changed the united states.
▶ 0:46:28Mr. Orr: As deputy staff director of the city committee on small business and entrepreneurship, I work with congress including several members of this committee and the administration to create and implement paycheck protection programs, which was a lifeline to millions of american businesses during the pandemic. As an attorney in private practice, I litigated complex securities cases to enforce the laws that underpin our world-class markets.
▶ 0:46:52Mr. Orr: If confirmed it would be a privilege to continue this work as assistant secretary, ensuring that our international economic policy first and foremost benefits america. American families, american workers, american businesses. Congress has tasked this position with responsibility to the secretary for international economics and business matters in the conduct of foreign policy.
▶ 0:47:16Mr. Orr: These issues have been central to american foreign policy since our nation's founding, and a george washington's farewell address our first president said that "extending our commercial relations must be part of the great rule of conduct for us in regard to foreign nations." from emergent sticks -- merchant ships to manufacturing financial companies spanning the globe after world war ii, throughout our history american businesses have been leading ambassadors
▶ 0:47:46Mr. Orr: For U.S. interests abroad. The state department's bureau of economic and business affairs plays an important role in facilitating our commercial crown. By participating in international policymaking and advocating for american businesses through the departments missions around the world. If confirmed, my top two priorities as assistant secretary would be first, advancing commercial diplomacy. The american private-sector innovation and dynamism are unmatched.
▶ 0:48:16Mr. Orr: Yet for decades, unfair trade practices and investment restrictions abroad have impeded our competitiveness. President trump sister actions to bri about balance and reciprocal trade, american companies stand poised to compete in global markets. Through exports and productive outbound and inbound investment, we can expand our influence, strengthen relations with key countries and create jobs here at home. Second, using economic tools to protect national security.
▶ 0:48:48Mr. Orr: Our financial system, capital markets in the dollar status as a reserve currency provide us with great leverage to advance our foreign policy interests. We must both protect and pressed these advantages. We must use tools such as sanctions and investment screening strategically, but to maximum effect. If confirmed I look forward to bringing these tools to bear in support of the U.S. foreign policy promise.
▶ 0:49:12Mr. Orr: Thank you for this opportunity and I welcome your questions and if confirmed, look forward to advancing america's economic interests both at home and abroad.
▶ 0:49:20Chair Risch: We look forward to you getting over to the state department. Mark has that a great job and he tell, it is a big organization. Mr. howery, the floor is yours.
▶ 0:49:31Mr Howery: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, distinguished members of the committee, it is an honor and a privilege to address the committee as president trump's nominee to be the united states ambassador to the kingdom of denmark. I think president trump and secretary rubio for the trust if placed in me with this nomination.
▶ 0:49:53Mr Howery: I also think the outstanding professionals of the white house, the department of state, our embassy in denmark, a consulate in greenland for sharing your expertise and guidance. I family is here with me again today, including my parents, karen and ken as well as my sister christina and her daughter, while others watch from home. I learned the importance of serving our nation and its values from my family. Both of my grandfathers served in world war ii.
▶ 0:50:21Mr Howery: Hubert urich who fought in the year bert -- europe and north africa as part of the ever that also liberated denmark 80 years ago this month. And fred howery, who battled the pacific theater. Both returned to a home to make safer and eventually raise their own families in texas where I grew up. I later moved to silicon valley where I cofounded paypal and then a venture capital fund.
▶ 0:50:49Mr Howery: That fund supported hundreds of entrepreneurs whose companies have created over 100,000 jobs and trillions of dollars in value. We had investments in pioneering companies working in fields including aerospace, defense, ai and biotechnology. In 2019i left the private sector for public service, representing a country at the U.S. ambassador to the kingdom of sweden.
▶ 0:51:13Mr Howery: I worked with the excellent team at embassy stockholm to enhance our vital transatlantic partnership, countering china's influence, promoting president trump's burden sharing priorities and paving the way for eventual nato ascension. We also advanced trade, investment in arctic defense collaboration. I look forward to building on our strong relationships, the relationship of the kingdom of denmark, another close ally with many shared interests and values.
▶ 0:51:42Mr Howery: I've long admired denmark and have visited many times. Our bond traces back to 1636 when danish immigrants first arrived in what is now new york. We had uninterrupted diplomatic relations since 1801 and more than 1.2 million americans proudly claim danish heritage.
▶ 0:52:00Mr Howery: We are already consequent a moment for a partnership with the kingdom making greater investments in defense and assuming key roles in international organizations, the un security council, the presidency of the council of the you, and this month the chair of the arctic council. If confirmed, in addition to the core priority of protecting american citizens, I will focus on all three priorities across the kingdom of denmark, including greenland and the faroe islands. The first will be our shared security.
▶ 0:52:32Mr Howery: Denmark is a founding nato member and danish troops including the renowned special forces served alongside our own in afghanistan, iraq, syria, the balkans and the baltics. We honor the bravery and sacrifice of those danish soldiers, some of whom fell in combat. Denmark is a founding partner and will spend over 3% of its gdp on defense this year.
▶ 0:52:58Mr Howery: The faroe islands are important for maritime security and if confirmed, I will strengthen defense ties across the kingdom, ensure nato interoperability and address emerging threats. My second priority will be our economic relationship. The U.S. is denmark largest trading part -- trade partner outside europe and danish firms have invested $40 billion here. Supporting over 91,000 jobs.
▶ 0:53:22Mr Howery: Denmark is a leader in life sciences, shipping and quantum science, and I will seek to strengthen ties and technology, entrepreneurship and scientific research. My third priority will be arctic security, particularly in greenland. Drawing on my experience working on arctic issues, greenland has hosted our military installations since world war ii, when we first assumed its defense at the request of denmark ambassador in exile.
▶ 0:53:51Mr Howery: In 1951 beside a permanent defense agreement and our current northernmost U.S. military base opened in 1953. In 2020, we reopened our consulate. As russia and china accelerate efforts to dominate the arctic and as gnu c lands open, greenland's geopolitical importance grows. While recent conversations about the appropriate U.S.
▶ 0:54:16Mr Howery: Role in greenland's future have been spirited, I believe that through open dialogue and collaboration, we can find opportunities to advance our shared security and prosperity. These priorities, while complex, are areas where we can achieve meaningful progress in the coming years. Thanks. Build local companies, and dancing translate partnerships and prior service in the region has uniquely prepared me to represent the united states as ambassador to the kingdom of denmark.
▶ 0:54:45Mr Howery: I will approach this responsibility with humility and if confirmed, will work to serve the american people and strengthen the bilateral relationship. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before the committee. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:54:58Chair Risch: Thank you, Mr. howery. Mrs. gingrich?
▶ 0:55:03Mrs. Gingrich: Thank you for that very kind introduction. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, and distinguished members of the senate committee on relations, it is an honor to appear before you today as president donald j. Trump's nomination to serve as the united date ambassador to the swiss confederation and the principality of lichtenstein. I'm deeply grateful for the trust and confidence the president has placed in me.
▶ 0:55:34Mrs. Gingrich: I am pleased to be joined today by my husband newt. We both hold this committee in the highest regard, for its vital work in shaping U.S. foreign policy. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you and your staff. The united states enjoys strong, collaborative and growing relationships with both switzerland and liechtenstein.
▶ 0:56:02Mrs. Gingrich: Built on shared democratic values, robust economic ties and mutual respect. Switzerland is the sixth largest investor in the united states with over $350 billion in investments supporting nearly 500,000 american jobs. It is also the largest foreign source of research and development in the U.S., contributing nearly $15 billion annually.
▶ 0:56:32Mrs. Gingrich: Swiss investors bring more capital to our economy than those from france and italy combined. Switzerland also sends more visitors per capita to the U.S. than any other nation, strengthening our cultural bonds. More than 1200 american companies operate in switzerland, making the U.S. switzerland's top foreign investor.
▶ 0:56:56Mrs. Gingrich: Although our countries do not have a free-trade agreement, we signed numerous agreements to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation. Switzerland has made important procurements to modernize its military, including a $6 billion procurement for 36 U.S. fighter jets, and a $2 billion procurement for a U.S. patriot air defense system as part of its air 2030 modernization program.
▶ 0:57:28Mrs. Gingrich: We also deeply value switzerland's long-standing role as their protecting power in iran, irresponsibility it has carried out since 1980. Our relationship with lichtenstein formally established in 1997 is also significant based on shared values. Liechtenstein is a reliable partner his companies contribute to U.S. jobs and growth. The U.S.
▶ 0:57:56Mrs. Gingrich: Is both the top foreign investor in liechtenstein and a major destination for its investment. These ties, economic, cultural and diplomatic are rooted in our shared commitment to democratic principles. If confirmed I will work to strengthen these partnerships, expand economic opportunities, deepen bilateral investment in trade and promote the values our nation share.
▶ 0:58:27Mrs. Gingrich: I understand the way of representing the president of the united states abroad, as a former U.S. ambassador to the holy see, I bring the diplomatic experience, leadership and perspective necessary for this role. I am also personally honored by this nomination, given my mother's swiss heritage.
▶ 0:58:49Mrs. Gingrich: As a former ambassador, business owner, author and documentary film producer, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve my country once again. Mr. chairman, ranking member, and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I welcome your questions.
▶ 0:59:09Chair Risch: Thank you, ambassador. It will turn out to Ms. farkas.
▶ 0:59:16Ms. Farkas: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen and ladies and gentlemen of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you as president donald j. Trump's nominee to the ambassador to the republic of malta. Senator scott, thank you for your kind words. I would like to thank president trump and secretary rubio for their trust and confidence. I am humbled and grateful to this committee for considering my nomination.
▶ 0:59:46Ms. Farkas: If you allow me the privilege to serve america, I will count on our continued cooperation to advance president trump's key america first priorities in the context of our shared, fundamental commitment to making america safer, more secure and more prosperous. Together, we will unleash her glorious destiny.
▶ 1:00:09Ms. Farkas: I would like to acknowledge my devotion and faith in god, his son and holy spirit who not only saved the life of our great president trump, but who have also led me here today. Great love for my husband jonathan farkas, his mother ruth served as the american ambassador to luxembourg. I would be honored to follow in her diplomatic footsteps. My sisters kellan aunt -- whose support I cherish.
▶ 1:00:37Ms. Farkas: My father, who served our country in the korean war, and my mother who inspired me to lead a life of purpose and patriotism. I credit my virginia upbringing and my mother for making me the woman I am, for it was she who taught me to leave my corner of the world better than I found it it has been said there is no greater honor than to serve one's country.
▶ 1:01:05Ms. Farkas: Recalling my mother's words, I maintain a strong involvement in public affairs and am active in philanthropy. I have worked on programs and initiatives dedicated to veterans, law enforcement and their families. I'm especially grateful to president trump for giving me the opportunity to serve on the president's commission of white house fellowships during his first term.
▶ 1:01:33Ms. Farkas: This committee knows well that malta sits at a critical location between northern africa and southern europe. The republic of malta is a notable partner. Our bilateral relationship has deepened significantly on a range of priorities, ranging from fortifying security in the mediterranean sea to expanding economic and commercial ties across the continent.
▶ 1:01:58Ms. Farkas: My experience as a businesswoman strategist and philanthropist will enable me to strengthen our valued relationship with this important archipelago. Three priorities will guide my work. First and foremost my priority will be to protect the safety and welfare of american living and visiting in malta. If confirmed I will also ensure the promotion of regional peace, security and stability. Simply, malta is integral to the european union.
▶ 1:02:28Ms. Farkas: It has played an important role in europe. In 2024, malta served as chair in office of the osce and as president of that un security council in 2023. Also important, malta is along the mediterranean's principal shipping routes. 30% of the world's annual merchant shipping passes through near waters.
▶ 1:02:53Ms. Farkas: America and malta share a common interest in safeguarding fair, safe navigation. If confirmed I will work to solidify our cooperation with malta to advance our interests on regional security and multilateral issues. My second priority will be to promote prosperity, trade and invigorate people diplomacy, which is a phrase coined by america's first female ambassador.
▶ 1:03:21Ms. Farkas: I would seek to identify common bilateral interests and foster cultural diplomacy. I would also work to increase economic ties with the goal of promoting opportunities in multi-for united states trade and investment, including in the energy sector. Malta has the potential to become a destination for american exports, american expertise can play a fundamental role in diversifying and securing malta's energy sector.
▶ 1:03:54Ms. Farkas: President trump has taken bold actions to make america in the world safe again. My third priority will be to counter transnational crime, bolster international law enforcement cooperation and extend illegal migration. If confirmed I will enhance our cooperation with malta to counter nefarious activities including illicit financing, smuggling and sanctions invasion. Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen and members, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
▶ 1:04:23Chair Risch: Thank you very much. If you would sit tight for just a moment, we are going to have all members come all the public and members here. According to our rules we will be able to vote. We will vote immediately. We will lose some to the wind at that point. We move on with his hearing.
▶ 1:04:58Chair Risch: Visit amongst yourselves. As they say at the airport, don't leave the boarding area because we are going to go quickly. The business meeting and formulations committee will come to order. We have before us five nominees.
▶ 1:05:19Chair Risch: Let the record reflect that every republican member's president in the room, the democrats have all been previously notified, they have no interest in attending this meeting, so be it. The chairwoman will entertain a motion to send them to the floor of the united states senate on a positive recommendation. Is there such a motion? It has been moved, it has been seconded. We send those five to the floor.
▶ 1:05:51Chair Risch: The clerk will call the role. >> aye. >>aye. >> aye. >> aye. >> aye.
▶ 1:06:18Chair Risch: Chairman votes aye. The vote is 12 in favor, which is a majority, and the motion has passed and the business committee meeting will be adjourned and we will return to the nominations hearing. I want to thank all of you for your cooperation. So with that, Mr. rizzuto, you are up.
▶ 1:06:44Mr. Rizzuto: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, distant with members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'm deeply honored by president trump's nomination to serve as united states permanent representative to the organization of american states. And I appreciate the confidence placed in me by secretary rubio. Should I be confirmed, I would approach this role with a clear mission to advance american interests.
▶ 1:07:15Mr. Rizzuto: Defend our values, and ensure that our engagement in our hemisphere is strategic, accountable, and focused on achieving results for the american people. This is a moment that calls for clarity, not compromise. As secretary rubio has said, stable and prosperous western hemisphere is crucial to advancing president trump's strategic priorities.
▶ 1:07:43Mr. Rizzuto: My extensive background as a business executive enables me to provide fresh perspectives to a U.S. interest effectively and efficiently. From a young age I started in a family business, conair corporation and achieved immense success, leading to direct and global operations, securing growth in over 125 countries, and overseeing the manufacturing of over 100 million appliances per year.
▶ 1:08:13Mr. Rizzuto: I personally lead efforts to secure and receive a grant of over 25 U.S. patents. Throughout my career, I engage with industry associations, ultimately being elected as chairman of the professional duty associated by my peers and competitors.
▶ 1:08:33Mr. Rizzuto: My commitment to not accepting the status quo, my extensive business background, I focus on family and community underpin my dedication to the mission that potentially awaits me at the oas if confirmed. I was on it -- honored to serve my country is U.S. consul general in bermuda. I tackled significant challenges such as the suspension of U.S.
▶ 1:09:00Mr. Rizzuto: Mail in the covid-19 pandemic halted american airlines flight's. I collaborated with my staff and the state department and colleagues at the U.S. postal service. We restored mail services to bermuda and 13 other countries within my first three weeks of arriving. The impact of this accomplishment was underscored by the tragic death of a local resident who died while waiting for the medication.
▶ 1:09:30Mr. Rizzuto: When my term ended, three former premiers each invited my wife and I to their homes to say thank you for the job done. Indeed, having been married for 38 years and raising three lovely daughters is a testament to my belief in the institution of marriage, love of family and country. We proudly consider ourselves patriotic americans.
▶ 1:10:00Mr. Rizzuto: With that moral clarity I see in our region the consequences of failed leadership and unchecked authoritarianism. From the collapse of governance in haiti to the totalitarian regimes of venezuela, nicaragua and cuba, these conditions you'll immigration, stymie economic progress, and threaten the security and sovereignty of the united states and our neighbors.
▶ 1:10:27Mr. Rizzuto: We must continue to hold autocrats accountable and remain resolute in our commitment to support those who risk their lives to defend freedom and democracy. Secretary rubio's nomination to the inter-american commission on human rights, for example, reflects that commitment. If confirmed I will further support these efforts by focusing on four priorities. First, securing borders and stabilizing the region.
▶ 1:10:55Mr. Rizzuto: Oas member states must respect each other's sovereignty. If confirmed I will prioritize efforts to enforce border enforcement among member countries. As affirmed in the charter, the rule of law and the effective territorial control of fundamental pillars for peace, security and democratic stability across our hemisphere. Second, trade.
▶ 1:11:26Mr. Rizzuto: There is a great opportunity to leverage the las is a platform to promote trade. The benefits would bring economic prosperity resulting in the reduction of illegal immigration, increasing trade with member countries could be a win for these nations and our hemisphere. Third, the ccp continues to advance interest through strategic loans and investments and influence international institutions. We must promote U.S.
▶ 1:11:52Mr. Rizzuto: Investment in average and as a better alternative and exposed ccp manipulation with the multilateral systems in oas members. And partly focusing on delivering results with bipartisan or from this committee and member states, I will work to reduce bureaucracy and push for needed reforms to ensure that our fundamental alliance with U.S. interests. If confirmed I will support our priorities, the general assembly in june and the summit of the americas in december.
▶ 1:12:22Mr. Rizzuto: Ranking member's, the committee, our engagement in the americas must reflect who we are, a nation of laws, strength and liberty. I believe deeply in the process of the american system but only if we insist that it lives up to its core mission and purpose. Given the opportunity I will work to protect american citizens, promote democratic values and ensure that our leadership at oas is worthy of the people we serve. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 1:12:54Chair Risch: We give you our sincere appreciation for serving. Ordinarily what we do is we move to a round of questions at this point, but I'm told that everybody's got other things going on so you are going to be spared that. However, we are going to leave the record open until tomorrow at close of business. In which case members can submit a written question to you if they wish.
▶ 1:13:22Chair Risch: If you get one of those, I would ask you to respond as quickly as you can so we can move your nominations as quickly as we can. So again, thank you to you, thank you to your families. We will move the president's agenda here, which includes your nominations as quickly as we can. I apologize for the day of chaos this morning, but there's lots of moving parts of here, as you know. That is just the way it is.
▶ 1:13:50Chair Risch: But that is good news for you because sometimes these can get a little testy but obviously that won't happen this morning. With that, again, thanks to the committee, thanks to the president of the united states and for your willingness to serve, and with that, the committee will be adjourned.