▶ 0:00:00Lines of communications with us if we have those who need assistance, be it passports, visas, international child custody, or support in emergency situations. I will tell you that I have had all of those examples in my office. But we will turn to you for information and assistance in resolving these kinds of challenges.
▶ 0:00:21Our relationship with south africa is at a challenging inflection point. I don't share the view that south africa has committed genocide against the white afrikaners. This is a dangerous slope. This kind of attack only helps to spread anti-american sentiments and promotes china, making the country less safe.
▶ 0:00:45We need strong relationships with allies and partners to confront the prc to build economic prosperity and strengthen trade ties. Mr. ghalib, I must say I have grave concerns about some of the statements you have made, particularly those that seem to justify the october 7 attack against israel. Local reporting quotes you as saying that reports of sexual violence committed by hamas on october 7 were lies and deception.
▶ 0:01:15I can tell you that I have seen the video and am very clear that those were not lies and deception. I find of the statement offensive if true, and I'm sure that many of my colleagues here today, some of whom have traveled to israel in the wake of the attacks, would agree. Today I expect to hear from you and unequivocal combination of the horrific crimes committed on october the seventh. Mr.
▶ 0:01:41Leon, spain is an important nato ally and bilateral partner for the U.S., so today I hope you will address how you plan to foster the partnership if confirmed. Finally, Mr. christiansen, bungalow -- is a country undergoing immense change and I'm pleased that you have served in the region before and that in fact you have served in bangladesh before. Your knowledge and expertise will be essential in helping us address regional security and migration issues.
▶ 0:02:11Thank you again to all of our nominees and I look forward to hearing from you today.
▶ 0:02:15Chair Risch: Thank you. I am going to start with Ms. namdar. So, if -- we've got a couple of introductions question mark sorry. Senator lee, you are up.
▶ 0:02:31Senator Lee: It is my honor and great pleasure to introduce and offer my full, wholehearted support for the nomination of my friend, Mr. brent bozell, to be the U.S. ambassador to south africa. He has spent his entire life defending truth and exemplifying the values of our great nation.
▶ 0:02:53Senator Lee: His life's work has shaped the media landscape in a favorable way, a way reflecting his unwavering commitment to free speech, to individual liberty, into private enterprise. Brent has been in america first pioneer from the very beginning. A lifelong champion of the freedoms that we hold dear. He founded the media research center in 1987.
▶ 0:03:20Senator Lee: Ever since then, the center has successfully archived, recorded, and monitored hundreds of thousands of hours of televised media. In the era of the internet, it is also documenting thousands of cases of online censorship. We owe a great debt of gratitude to the mrc and Mr.
▶ 0:03:43Senator Lee: Bozell for the data and myriad educational resources that have shaped to the press and online platforms and done so in a way consistent with the first amendment, the antidote to problematic speech being more speech, not censorship. Besides his success at mrc and related activities, Mr.
▶ 0:04:03Senator Lee: Bozell is an esteemed author, columnist, and publisher, having authored a national bestseller with a biweekly column that appeared for 25 years across numerous major outlets across the country. He holds a degree in history from the university of dallas and was awarded an honorary phd by his alma mater in 2015. Of all of these achievements, his most remarkable endeavor is his family.
▶ 0:04:33Senator Lee: He is a dedicated husband, father of five children, grandfather of 17 grandchildren. I have no doubt that upon his confirmation, he will build upon our relationship with south africa and enhanced africa and enhance american interests with pretoria. We are at a crossroads with that strategic partner in it is more important than ever for the U.S.
▶ 0:04:59Senator Lee: To craft a rigorous diplomatic strategy as it relates to south africa. What was once the party of nelson mandela has lost ground in south africa. The coalition government is on a course that could offend decades of democratic progress and unravel the U.S. south african relationship in significant ways, from the unjust treatment of afrikaners to the unfounded case against the israeli defensive role in gaza.
▶ 0:05:31Senator Lee: I trust that Mr. bozell can chart a new course that prioritizes U.S. interests first, advocates for the fair treatment of minority afrikaners , and stands with her ally, israel. There is great potential for deepening economic development and security cooperation with south africa and I am more than confident that Mr. bozell has the experience, tenacity, and personal skills to realize this potential.
▶ 0:06:02Senator Lee: It is a real privilege to know him and to witnesses successes firsthand and he will be an asset to the american first foreign policy vision. We look forward to each of you getting to know him today, as I have, and even more so to his confirmation to serve in south africa. Thank you, Mr. chairman.
▶ 0:06:24Chair Risch: Thank you, senator. Senator scott?
▶ 0:06:29Senator Scott: It's my honor to introduce today my friend and floridian benjamin leon, jr., supported by his family to be the ambassador to span and I'm happy to have them here as he prepares to represent our great state, the cuban-american community, and U.S. on the world stage. I am lucky to have known him for many years, he is the embodiment of the american dream.
▶ 0:06:56Senator Scott: Arriving in the united states after fleeing the repressive cuban regime when he was just a teenager. From nothing he built successful businesses while giving back to his community and pursuing philanthropic opportunities. He has built one of the premier health care companies in the united states. His businesses have positively indoctrinated thousands of families and is not limited to the private sector, he is willing to give back to the nation that allowed him to live his dreams.
▶ 0:07:25Senator Scott: His work ethic will serve him well as a U.S. ambassador. He has deep family ties to spain and will bring an understanding of culture and heritage to the role and I am confident he has the qualities and experience necessary to enact the america first agenda and make sure that spain is a fair partner to the united states. He will serve the president and the american people well in this role and has my complete support.
▶ 0:07:53Senator Scott: To my colleagues on the committee I urge you to support his confirmation.
▶ 0:07:56Chair Risch: Thank you so much. We will now hear from Ms. namdar. You are up, give us five minutes of your best.
▶ 0:08:05Ms. Namdar: Thank you. Distinguished members of the committee, I'm honored to appear before you today as the president's nominee to serve as the assistant secretary of state for counselor fares, grateful to the president and the secretary for their confidence in me and I would like to thank my family for their constant support.
▶ 0:08:25Ms. Namdar: As a proud native of texas and daughter of iranian immigrants, I'm rooted in the opportunities provided to me and my family and I'm deeply in the -- deeply honored to be in the position to get back and thank you to the american people for this great opportunity. I have founded and led businesses, practiced law in the washington, D.C. area and texas, and dedicated much of my life to human rights, areas that are essential to the state department.
▶ 0:08:50Ms. Namdar: If confirmed I will have a mission rooted in the national interests. As secretary rubio articulated, every policy that we pursue must answer three key questions. Does it make america safer, stronger, and more prosperous. The bureau of consular affairs is at the heart of that mission. If confirmed, I will focus on three strategic priorities. First and foremost, the safety and security of american citizens overseas.
▶ 0:09:18Ms. Namdar: If confirmed, I will prioritize making sure no american is left behind. Whether it is a passport or a loved one detained, every american abroad deserves this full support and attention of the government. Under the president's leadership we have seen the safe return of dozens of americans through a decisive and unapologetic defense of american citizens and I will work closely with our envoy for hostage affairs, the national security council, and embassies worldwide to bring
▶ 0:09:48Ms. Namdar: Wrongfully and illegally detained americans home, preventing future cases through diplomacy, deterrence, and enhanced support. Americans must know that their government will never forget them, stop fighting for them, or negotiate from a position of weakness when their freedom is at stake. It is the standard we must meet. As the world has become safed or trump leadership, crisis and conflict continues to arise it.
▶ 0:10:14Ms. Namdar: During the june crisis in the middle east, the dedicated men and women of the state department worked tirelessly around the clock to assist impacted americans and they remain ready to assist american citizens in their loved ones whenever and wherever the next global crisis occurs. Second, upholding and improving the integrity of our immigration system is a critical national security priority.
▶ 0:10:41Ms. Namdar: Every visa adjudication impacts national security and it is essential that our officers are equipped with the resources and support necessary to perform duties effectively. As secretary dudek -- secretary rubio emphasized, they have the responsibility to make sure that visas are only issued to those who do not pose a threat to the U.S. interests. Under the trump leadership, the border is the most secure it has ever been.
▶ 0:11:05Ms. Namdar: The bureau in collaboration with homeland security and law enforcement officials have worked tirelessly to uphold the residential commitment to a safer and more secure homeland and I remain steadfast to make sure that visas are given only to those who meet qualifications and that they adhere to the terms of their visas and that the individuals who violate those terms will lose the privilege of holding a U.S. visa. Visa decisions can make the united states more prosperous.
▶ 0:11:33Ms. Namdar: Qualified tourists, students, temporary workers, and professionals who follow the law and return to their home countries contribute to making america great and if confirmed I will make sure that the trump priority of making the 2020 six fifa world cup the greatest sporting event in history, drawing millions who are fans and cities. Efficiency in operations.
▶ 0:11:56Ms. Namdar: Innovating the bureau of consular affairs is essential, enhancing not only the safety of americans, but improving services to the american people, 51% of whom hold a passport. One prime example is the online passport renewal system. Timely and efficient renewal will be a pillar of my focus on making sure that the bureau of consular affairs remains committed to exceptional customer service and efficiency for the american people.
▶ 0:12:25Ms. Namdar: Finally, I recognize that our success depends not only on some policy incapable execution of our team, but on strong and transparent partnership of congress, whether it is a passport emergency, child abduction, or detention overseas , I understand the urgency and human stakes behind each case and if confirmed I will make sure that your inquiries are met with transparency, responsiveness, and a spirit of shared service to the american people. Thank you.
▶ 0:12:54Chair Risch: Thank you we will turn now to Mr. bozell.
▶ 0:13:00Mr. Bozell: [inaudible] ranking member, distinguished members of this committee, I'm honored to appear before you today as the trump nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to the republic of south africa and am thankful to the president and to secretary rubio for their visionary leadership and the trust they have placed in me through my nomination.
▶ 0:13:25Mr. Bozell: I would like first to acknowledge the steadfast love and support of my extraordinary wife, norma, who is seated behind me, my five children, one of whom is here, their four spouses and our 17 grandchildren. Each is a blessing from heaven. I come from a family devoted to public service. My father spent his life advocating for america to regain her moral footing. My uncle, william f buckley, was the intellectual leader of the modern conservative movement.
▶ 0:13:58Mr. Bozell: My uncle, james buckley, served as the under secretary of state and a federal judge and in his most cherished position, U.S. senator. I started my career in politics at the conservative political committee and have let other groups, my experience transcends politics.
▶ 0:14:16Mr. Bozell: Late senator lieberman and I disagreed on everything politically yet he was my champion in restoring decency to television. The late senator's gaylord mason -- gaylord nelson and I were in opposite corners on nicaragua but when I formed a commission to bring free and fair elections that country, he was my cochairman.
▶ 0:14:42Mr. Bozell: I've also served as a bipartisan election observer in 1990 and in 1990 two in nicaragua and guatemala. I know when and where to put political differences aside to advance a greater good. If confirmed I will approach my ambassadorship with respect for the south african people.
▶ 0:15:02Mr. Bozell: South africa is our largest trading partner on the african continent and more than 500 businesses in south africa employ over 250,000 south africans. I take serious and my responsibility for ensuring the safety of the 400 thousand american citizens who annually visit south africa, the 30,000 that live there, and for the care of the hard-working diplomats at our U.S. embassy and consulates. I come before you and a challenging moment for U.S.
▶ 0:15:33Mr. Bozell: South africa relations. The president has expressed serious concerns about south africa that have been unaddressed for too long. When the people in businesses a south africa believe that their private property rights are at risk, when many south africans feel unsafe in their homes, when unfair business practices and corruption hold back the economy , and when south african politicians greet as friends those that seek to destabilize world peace and security, the common ground between our
▶ 0:16:05Mr. Bozell: Countries feels harder to find. If confirmed as ambassador, in addition to supporting U.S. citizens in south africa I will work on the following priorities -- communicating our objections to the south africa geostrategic drift of nonalignment to competitors like russia, china, and iran, and I will press them to end proceedings against israel before the international court of justice and to pressure the international criminal court prosecutor to discontinue this,
▶ 0:16:38Mr. Bozell: But lied to by israeli support for the cease-fire in gaza and commitment to the rules of war throughout the conflict. Second, I will advance the presidential invitation to afrikaners who wish to flee unjust racial discrimination and explore how we can support the south african government in making sure that all south africans can thrive free from the threat of violence and support the presidential call for the south african government to rescind support for the
▶ 0:17:09Mr. Bozell: Expropriation of private property without compensation and I will finally advocate for business interests by promoting fair trade practices and reduce barriers that will level the playing field for U.S. companies, empowering south africa as an engine of economic growth, creating more prosperous future for both countries. It is essential to actively engage in areas of disagreement while seeking opportunities to foster mutual benefit.
▶ 0:17:36Mr. Bozell: I see the real opportunity for a lasting partnership. Distinguished senators, I appreciate your time today and if confirmed it would be the honor of a lifetime to serve my country and this administration. I welcome your questions. Thank you.
▶ 0:17:52Chair Risch: Thank you. Mr. leon?
▶ 0:17:57Chair Risch: You need your -- there you go.
▶ 0:18:02Mr. Christensen: Chairman, ranking member, mayor cooper --
▶ 0:18:09Mr. Leon: Chairman, ranking member, it is an honor to appear before you today. I appreciate my opportunity to test today and am humbled by the confidence that the president and the secretary have shown in me. At the outset, I want to thank my wife and family who are present here today for their love and support that are always with me. I am grateful as well to the members of my parents who have overcome great challenges to start anew in the united states.
▶ 0:18:39Mr. Leon: In 1961 we came to the miami from cuba for a life of new opportunity. My father and I worked together to build a successful health care business and create a model of accessible quality medical care and I believe that my background in business will prove essential.
▶ 0:18:58Mr. Leon: As a founder, I have spent decades fostering a health care network to provide essential services to the community of miami and supported miami-dade college, where my contributions were established to bring more talent to the nursing profession. I am also proud of my support to cuba international university, celebrating human culture, history, and relationships.
▶ 0:19:25Mr. Leon: As a founder there I have made significant contributions to horses whose spanish origin underscores the close ties between spain and the western hemisphere, completing high profile events with a strategic vision that I bring to all endeavors.
▶ 0:19:47Mr. Leon: I recognize the importance of our profound and historic relationship with spain, one that is built on shared values, mutual respect, and a deep cultural connection and if confirmed I commit to you on my skills honed over many years on strategic planning, negotiation, that I will build a strong relationship between the U.S.
▶ 0:20:09Mr. Leon: And are important allies spain, which played a crucial role in the american revolution, providing vital support to achieve independence. When spanish forces came to florida and secure the southern supply route on the mississippi river, spain provided essential supplies, including financing the siege of yorktown with gold and silver from havana, then spanish cuba.
▶ 0:20:37Mr. Leon: Our shared history is a testament to the strength of our alliance and shared values, including the promotion of democracy, free speech, and human rights. The principles that guide our bilateral relationship and efforts to safeguard national security. As ambassador, I would work tirelessly to strengthen the relationship and focus it on four key priorities.
▶ 0:21:01Mr. Leon: First, I would privatize the well-being and safety of all american citizens living and traveling through spain and honduras and then I would economically enhance the trade relationships between our nations. Our economic partnership is already strong.
▶ 0:21:19Mr. Leon: We have trade so close with spain and are their largest investor and would prioritize initiatives that further promote spain and honduras and by fostering economic operations we can promote jobs on both sides of the atlantic. Third, I will deepen our security and defense cooperation. We are a key nato ally and host to thousands of troops. Our collaboration on security is essential for maintaining stability in europe and beyond.
▶ 0:21:50Mr. Leon: I will work to straighten our defense partnership including increasing spanish defense spending investments and continued joint military exercises, enhancing our security ties to help to address common threats like terrorism and cyber attacks.
▶ 0:22:08Mr. Leon: Finally, if confirmed, drawing on my background as a cuban exile, I would advocate for the promotion of human rights, democratic values, and the rule of law, supporting efforts with spain towards a more just and democratic world, including advocating for the rights of the cuban people in supporting spanish efforts of kevin craddick principles and I look forward to working with the government of spain, the civil society, in the private sector to build upon our already strong
▶ 0:22:41Mr. Leon: Bilateral relations and spend political, commercial, educational, and artistic ties between countries and I look forward to fostering our relationship with the principality of honduras to further our goals of supporting democracy, human rights, and financial transparency. In conclusion, I will work closely with this body and all members of congress to make sure that your concerns are addressed.
▶ 0:23:07Mr. Leon: And that we work together to advance our own interests while strengthening our partnerships with spain and honduras and I am committed to serving the U.S. with dedication and integrity. Thank you for your consideration and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:23:23Chair Risch: Thank you, Mr. leon. Mr. christiansen?
▶ 0:23:27Mr. Christensen: Chairman, ranking member, distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as the trump nominee to be the united states ambassador to the people's republic of bangladesh. I'm honored by the nomination and grateful to the president and secretary for the trust and confidence they have shown in me . If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you to advance U.S. foreign policy interests in bangladesh.
▶ 0:23:57Mr. Christensen: Thank you to my wife, who is here with me today. For the past two decades she has joined me around the world from 10 salvador to dock up to omaha and I am grateful for her support across my career. Bangladesh, the eighth most populous country in the world, often doesn't get the attention it deserves added -- as it is overshadowed by its larger neighbors.
▶ 0:24:23Mr. Christensen: With my 20 years of experience working on policy towards bangladesh, including a prior tour, I understand why it is important to the U.S. interests there. It's a strategic location in an open, secure, and prosperous indo pacific region. Bangladesh is also at a pivotal point. Student led protests in august of 2024 brought down a gut that had been in power for 15 years.
▶ 0:24:55Mr. Christensen: The people go to the polls next year, their most consequential election in decades, to choose a new government impact forward. U.S. supports bangladesh in this journey for the right democratic future. If confirmed I look forward to leading the team to building strong ties to current and interim government and its democratically elected successor.
▶ 0:25:22Mr. Christensen: Often referred to as one of the new asian tigers, bangladesh shows a significant economic potential. Having overcome significant challenges it is on the cusp of graduation from least developed country status, a true tribute to the resilience of the people. If confirmed, I will work to promote opportunities for U.S. business, reduce trade barriers that have a trade deficit, and strengthen U.S. bangladesh economic ties.
▶ 0:25:51Mr. Christensen: For over eight years now, bangladesh has hosted one of the largest populations in the world, 1.3 million rohingya living in an area of bangladesh. Bangladesh and the international community led by the united states have done a remarkable job supporting the rohingya people since 2017.
▶ 0:26:16Mr. Christensen: I have been to the cape dashcam's myself, spoken to the people there. The disproportionate effort to fund the response is not sustainable. We need more countries to increase financial support to ease the burden on us. It will also be important to work through the united nations and other partners to streamline operations, reduce duplication of effort, and deliver aid more efficiently.
▶ 0:26:43Mr. Christensen: If confirmed, I will work with the government of bangladesh, the international community, and colleagues across the U.S. government, including this committee, on a viable and enduring way forward. If confirmed, it would be an honor to return there as an ambassador to lead the talented men and women of the U.S. embassy in advancement of the partnership. Thank you for the opportunity to testify today and I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:27:12Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Mr. ghalib?
▶ 0:27:21Chair Risch: Chairman, ranking member, distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. It's a great honor to be nominated to serve as ambassador to the state of kuwait. I pledge to advance the interests of the united states and strengthen enduring U.S. collating partnerships. Kuwait is a critical ally in strategic importance to the united states.
▶ 0:27:50Chair Risch: Our relationship is focused on shared interests and mutual respect and it is my goal to deepen the partnership across various domains, including security, economic cooperation, political dialogue, and cultural exchange, while ensuring our efforts directly benefit america. I appreciate the trust that the president and secretary rubio have placed in me. We may come from different communities with different backgrounds, but serving and presenting the interests of the american people is our ultimate common goal.
▶ 0:28:22Chair Risch: We may also have different views about some topics. That's normal for us as americans. Otherwise the first amendment would be meaningless. Our greatest american values are freedom, democracy, equality before the law, values that are essential and define our american identity. However, we know that these values are not universal in that billions around the world do not enjoy the rights and freedoms that we have.
▶ 0:28:50Chair Risch: We must therefore be practical and realistic in how to engage the world to advance U.S. interests. I believe that my life's journey is inspirational and it defines what the american dream can look like. In december of 1997i came here as a teenager, leaving my entire family behind in yemen. The last words I heard from my father while giving me a tearful hug work -- son, you will now be the backbone of the family, make us proud.
▶ 0:29:20Chair Risch: When I arrived in the U.S. I had no choice but to start work immediately. My first job in the united states was at an auto parts for -- factory. I understood the value of education and completed my last year of high school with a demanding full-time job and started college in 2001, 122 study political science. My family, friends, and teachers advise me otherwise, convincing many had no future in politics in the united states because of my background and accent, especially after 9/11.
▶ 0:29:52Chair Risch: I decided to go for medicine and for 10 years, that's what I studied. I was the first of my family to graduate from high school, earned a bachelor's degrees, seek masters level education and doctorate education in medical school, all of which happened without a social support system.
▶ 0:30:11Chair Risch: We are proud of my journey, which started as a farmer to autoworker to health care professional, to mayor and if confirmed as ambassador to the state of kuwait. It could not have been possible without the support of my family , who are watching you now and waiting to celebrate my confirmation. I want to take this opportunity to thank those who came to support me from different states.
▶ 0:30:39Chair Risch: As I was looking them up outside , they are all on most democrats coming to support. Is that interesting? My pathway would not be possible in most countries. I am deeply appreciative of the incredible opportunities that the U.S. has provided me with.
▶ 0:31:01Chair Risch: Kuwait is a close partner for stability and security in the region, holding 67% of the world's oil reserve, has one of the biggest soft funds in the world, invests hundreds of millions in the U.S., hosts the fourth largest overseas military presence and is a significant humanitarian aid donor and if confirmed one of my priorities would be to enhance our security cooperation with kuwait, the united states in kuwait have a long history of military cooperation and it is essential that we continue to build on
▶ 0:31:33Chair Risch: This foundation in line with the trump priorities to work closely with kuwaiti officials to make sure our joint efforts in counterterrorism, defense, stability are robust and effective. Economic cooperation is another cornerstone of our relationship. The U.S.
▶ 0:31:50Chair Risch: And kuwait have strong trade ties, but there is significant potential for growth and I will prioritize efforts to expand trade, investments, create jobs in the united states, advocate for a level playing field for U.S. businesses in kuwait and addressing barriers that will enrich both economies.
▶ 0:32:09Chair Risch: If confirmed I will encourage officials to address iran look as my utmost duty is the safety and security of the american people and by working together we can enhance collective security and make sure that the destruction and chaos of iran does not jeopardize prosperity in the middle east and am committed to ensuring that our efforts line up with broader U.S. policy goals.
▶ 0:32:37Chair Risch: And I look forward to working with the members of this committee and partners in kuwait to achieve these goals. Thank you for the consideration and I will consider any question you have.
▶ 0:32:49Chair Risch: We are now going to do a round of questions, five minutes each, starting with myself. With that, Mr. leon, I would like to start with you. One of my strongest concerns, I think shared by most on the disc, is our nato relationship, which over the years has been there and gotten stale.
▶ 0:33:18Chair Risch: With the russian attack on ukraine, it has been greatly reenergized. Today nato is stronger than it has ever been. A good share of that is due to the trump constant reminder to them that this is an association where we are all bound together by a common goal, the nato treaty.
▶ 0:33:43Chair Risch: The nato treaty, of course, we all agreed we would pull the wagon together for nato purposes as we tried to add sweden and finland, which we eventually got done. We were frustrated by a couple of members dragging their feet on it and pursuing their own interests, rather than pulling together with the rest of nato.
▶ 0:34:09Chair Risch: We are now getting the same thing from spain, the only nato country that has refused to commit to the 5% defense initiative and this is important to not only the president but everyone here. I hope that you will speak frankly to them and be able to persuade them that if they want to belong to nato, they need to act like an ally, that is when 31 other countries say that they are going to spend 5% on defense , which is absolutely critical, they need to do the same thing.
▶ 0:34:39Chair Risch: Can you tell me how you might open that up?
▶ 0:34:43Mr. Leon: Thank you for the question, it's an important question in a great challenge. It's really concerning that after Mr. sanchez committed in the meeting they had in france, I believe, that all european nations, including spain, would come up to the 5%, only to now claim that they are only going to go to the 2%.
▶ 0:35:15Mr. Leon: I will work diligently with the government of spain to make him understand that that is a huge mistake. They have always been a great partner to the united states for a lifetime. They have been a great host to our military for 70 years. And so on, you know the rest.
▶ 0:35:37Mr. Leon: I will work diligently with the government of spain in order to have it reversed, reversed, that policy, fulfilling the commitment that spain through its prime minister made to the 5%. I hope you will convey -- chair
▶ 0:35:56Risch: I hope you will convey to the spanish what a major problem this is and how great a concern it is not only for the president, but for congress. They would, I assume they have a clear understanding of how important their nato membership is to them. I hope you will carry that message to them for us. Thank you.
▶ 0:36:22Ms. Namdar: , having acted as assistant secretary for counselor affairs in the past, it's good to have you going there, we have got some problems going on there, as you know. Backlogs are a real problem. It is -- you don't deal as much with policy, but you do you deal with the mechanics, which are just as important as policy to those trying to get it done. I want to underscore a couple of things.
▶ 0:36:52Ms. Namdar: The j one visas are incredibly important to a lot of business concerns in the united states. Virtually everywhere, people are having difficulty getting workers. The j one is particularly helpful in certain industries and I would like to hear your thoughts on that.
▶ 0:37:08Ms. Namdar: Thank you for the question, senator. Counselor services and affairs is an extremely important bureau that can be a tool of diplomacy and policy, depending on who is using it. The secretary and the president will probably want to do that, make sure that we effectively implement the presidential policies through counselor affairs. J one and all other visas will be implemented as efficiently as possible.
▶ 0:37:37Ms. Namdar: As you know, I'm not in the bureau there now, but have had experience in it.
▶ 0:37:42Chair Risch: We look forward to you getting there and taking that strong message to them that we need help. They are very important to us. The other very important category is the religious workers visa. It's been recategorize that, I don't know if you know this, there's great concern around the country, there are a lot of religious workers here in the various religious organizations in america. There visas are going to expire january 1 because they haven't been able to get them renewed.
▶ 0:38:13Chair Risch: You know anything about that?
▶ 0:38:14Ms. Namdar: I'm not yet confirmed.
▶ 0:38:17Chair Risch: Are you aware Ms.
▶ 0:38:20Namdar: Of the problem? I have attracted closely.
▶ 0:38:22Chair Risch: We are going to get in touch with you, it's a serious problem and I'm surprised you haven't heard about it, it's a serious concern. She'll be talking.
▶ 0:38:35Mr. Bozell: Sounds great. -- Ms. namdar: sounds great.
▶ 0:38:40Chair Risch: Senator shaheen?
▶ 0:38:43Sen. Shaheen: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Mr. ghalib, I want to begin with you and we appreciate your inspiring personal story, but as I said in my opening remarks I am concerned about the statements you have made and what appears to be anti-semitic views.
▶ 0:39:06Sen. Shaheen: The local news outlet in your city reported in october of 23 that you claimed that reports of sexual violence committed by hamas on october 7 work a campaign of lies and deception and that there wasn't any evidence to support that these crimes occurred against victims. More concerning is that when you met with my staff before this hearing, you didn't deny that you said those statements.
▶ 0:39:33Sen. Shaheen: Which, if that's true, I appreciate that at least you were honest about it, but you reiterated that you believed there was no evidence of sexual violence against victims of december the seventh -- october the seventh. As my staff reiterated to you, there's well-documented evidence that I have personally seen that hamas terrorists used sexual violence against women and children.
▶ 0:40:00Sen. Shaheen: I was also disappointed to hear that you appointed an individual to the city planning commission who stated that the holocaust was "god's advanced punishment of the chosen people for the savagery they commit today against the innocent palestinian children and civilians," calling saddam hussein a martyr after iran fired missiles at troops in a racket, and you like a tweet that compared jews to monkeys.
▶ 0:40:29Sen. Shaheen: I appreciate what you said about one of the areas of greatness in the united states being that we allow freedom of speech in that we do have different views. But that's different than representing the united states government and the official policies of the united states government, particularly overseas.
▶ 0:40:50Sen. Shaheen: How do you assure this committee , how do you assure americans of all religions and backgrounds, here and inchoate, if you are confirmed, that you will represent them equally, especially after those kinds of comments that you made.
▶ 0:41:07Mr. Ghalib: Thank you for that, for these least important points I want to clarify. First, I want to mention first that I totally condemned what happened on october 7. All kinds of abuses.
▶ 0:41:27Mr. Ghalib: What happened in the conversation between me and your staff was that I was not aware, had not seen myself, some, but I told them that I clearly condemn all kinds of abuses. October 7 was a horrible and tragic day. The atrocities that happened afterwards were because of that day.
▶ 0:41:50Mr. Ghalib: Let me be clear, as the mayor of my city, february of 2022, the second that I assumed the office I passed a resolution passed unanimously to condemn anti-semitism. After the attack on the jewish synagogue in texas. Jewish community leaders came to me, thanked me, and send it that this was the only city in which they were doubted that the resolution would be passed.
▶ 0:42:19Mr. Ghalib: Some of these social media posts warm during my life as a private citizen. I can assure you that the media was biased in translating these posts. They were misinterpreted, taken out of context. I am happy to go over them like I did with your staff and others to explain.
▶ 0:42:41Mr. Ghalib: In fact, there were some responses, even though I acknowledged, between 2010 to 2020, acknowledging every comment, even if directed to me, it doesn't mean I agree with that, but as I was going through the comments there was one that said you can say this in your country but not this country. It wasn't translated by the media because they wanted to selectively make it look like I acknowledged the comment.
▶ 0:43:09Mr. Ghalib: But if you translate the responses, they will clearly indicate that. Yes, it was bad to acknowledge all the comments, every post from 2010 to 202010, I use to acknowledge, that's a bad habit I have. I agree. When it comes to saddam, I was angry the day of january 7, 2020, when our military bases were attacked by iran and there was no response.
▶ 0:43:37Mr. Ghalib: I understand the president came out to say that they informed us before and wanted to have some credibility, but before I heard that I was angry that our bases were attacked without response and in a moment of anger, I complimented saddam because he kept iran in check. Probably the only positive thing he did in his life. No question, he was a dictator who committed a lot of crimes.
▶ 0:44:05Mr. Ghalib: If that description in a moment of anger offended anybody, I'm willing to the -- apologize to the kuwaiti people. I'm not very adamant about it. Like I said, probably the only positive thing he did was to stop the spread of the iranian regime and ideology in the middle east.
▶ 0:44:26Sen. Shaheen: I'm in politics, I understand that the press doesn't always accurately represent what we say. But that doesn't explain the comments that you made to my staff for the direct quotes from your hometown news out about sexual violence on october the seventh.
▶ 0:44:55Sen. Shaheen: The fact that you represented to my staff that there was no documented evidence of that just shows to me a lack of recognition of what was going on. As I said, as a private citizen, it's your view, you can have them.
▶ 0:45:18Sen. Shaheen: I think they are abhorrent, but you can have them, but when you are an ambassador in the united states of america in a country that saddam invaded when he was the dictator in a rack, for you to call him a martyr is unacceptable.
▶ 0:45:33Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, senator. Again, let me explain I condemn all the atrocities and abuses of october 7. The only reason I did that, and I think it was in front of a protest in front of my office was because president biden a statement talk about the babies and stuff.
▶ 0:45:53Sen. Shaheen: I don't want to hear you blaming president biden for those statements. I'm out of time. I'm sure my colleagues on the panel will give you an opportunity to further explain your statements. Thank you.
▶ 0:46:06Mr. Ghalib: Thank you.
▶ 0:46:08Chair Risch: Senator ricketts? Congratulations to all our nominees. To you and your families, thank you to them as well. Across the world, picking up a theme from senator shaheen, antisemitic violence is surging at levels we haven't seen in decades.
▶ 0:46:32Chair Risch: To combat anti-semitism, the movement to combat anti-semitism recorded 13,000 anti-semitic incidents worldwide between october 7 at 2023 and october 1 of 2020 five. Synagogues vandalized in berlin, warsaw. Manchester worshipers were burned while observing yom kippur. Two israeli embassy staffers were killed here in washington, D.C. in may.
▶ 0:46:58Chair Risch: Jewish students have been physically attacked across college campuses for expressing support for israel. It's a global crisis. We cannot tolerate anti-semitism. The trump vision for the middle east is one of progress, rooted in peace, stability, and the jewish state as a legitimate and permanent partner in the region. If we don't combat and stamp out anti-semitism, I fear for the vision.
▶ 0:47:27Chair Risch: In 20 23, you refused to condemn a local candidate who come -- compared israeli actions to the holocaust. Do you believe it's appropriate to equate israel defending itself from terrorism with the nazi regime that systematically murdered 6 million jews?
▶ 0:47:45Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, I wanted to clarify that point for senator shaheen, if you want to hear that. That -- he is not an official employee with the city. He volunteered for years with the prior administration. I clearly said to the media that I condemned what he said and I do not agree but it is a volunteer position. They meet once a month.
▶ 0:48:15Mr. Ghalib: I, as a mayor, my position is an honorary position because it is a city manager position. Everything I do is subject to approval by the city council. I do not have absolute power to fire or hire without the city council. I clearly said I do not agree with what he said and I condemned that.
▶ 0:48:35Sen. Ricketts: Another threat we are facing is communist china. Mr. christensen, bangladesh's cooperation with communist china is growing. Communist china recently refurbished a bangladeshi submarine base to accommodate warships and submarines. The government has approved a plan to acquire up to 20 chinese made fighter jets.
▶ 0:49:06Sen. Ricketts: It finalized the sale into a relationship with the chinese defense industry. If you are confirmed, how would you engage with bangladesh's military to discourage for the reliance on chinese platforms and have greater transparency?
▶ 0:49:25Mr. Christensen: Thank you, senator, for that important question. I share your concern over chinese influence across south asia and I would work to clearly articulate the risks from chinese activity, involvement with the military, and in the critical infrastructure as well as highlight the opportunities and benefits that come with a closer partnership with the united states, especially closer partnership between our
▶ 0:49:56Mr. Christensen: Militaries.
▶ 0:49:56Sen. Ricketts: This hearing as the committee has advanced to think twice act. This is bipartisan legislation that requires a comprehensive strategy to dissuade countries like bangladesh from purchasing chinese weapons. It is critical to get this bill across the finish line. I hope we can provide you that as one of the tools we were working with the bangladeshi government.
▶ 0:50:22Sen. Ricketts: What are other things we can do that you would employ?
▶ 0:50:28Mr. Christensen: Thank you, senator for that important question. One of the things we can do through our U.S. literary groups is also highlight some of the systems that might be more affordable for a country like bangladesh as well as encourage their interoperability with other platforms as we conduct additional exercises.
▶ 0:50:54Sen. Ricketts: Thank you very much. You mentioned omaha in your opening statement. You previously had been at the united states strategic command, so I hope you enjoyed your stay.
▶ 0:51:08Mr. Christensen: We loved it, senator.
▶ 0:51:11Sen. Ricketts: That is the right answer.
▶ 0:51:14Sen. Van Hollen: Mr. bozell, in february of this year president trump made the legally and morally absurd plan that the government of south africa was engaged in genocide against people there. If confirmed you would be our ambassador to south africa.
▶ 0:51:41Sen. Van Hollen: I have a pretty straightforward question -- do you agree that claim was absurd?
▶ 0:51:45Mr. Bozell: Thank you, senator, for that question. My answer to you is this -- if you were to talk to those people who are involved --
▶ 0:51:57Sen. Van Hollen: Genocide is a legally defined issue. It is not a question of someone's impression. There is a legal definition. To your knowledge, has to your knowledge, ha --
▶ 0:52:15Mr. Bozell: I do not know that answer.
▶ 0:52:18Sen. Van Hollen: It is a straightforward question. It is a straightforward question. There is a legal definition of genocide. Do you agree that is an absurd claim?
▶ 0:52:29Mr. Bozell: I am not a lawyer so I cannot address it that way.
▶ 0:52:34Sen. Van Hollen: The president is reported to be engaged right now in reducing the number of refugees that can come to the U.S. to something around 7500, and the overall majority would be white south africans. That in my view is a gross misuse of our policies. Do you agree we should not have a refugee policy, admission policy based on race?
▶ 0:53:04Mr. Bozell: Senator, and south africa --
▶ 0:53:08Sen. Van Hollen: I am asking you if we should have a refugee admission policy based on race? It is a simple question.
▶ 0:53:16Mr. Bozell: Senator, I am trying to answer it.
▶ 0:53:19Sen. Van Hollen: Yes or no?
▶ 0:53:21Mr. Bozell: In south africa you have thousands of attacks that have taken place against white farmers. They fear for their lives. What the president is saying is they can come to the united states as refugees if they fear for their lives.
▶ 0:53:39Sen. Van Hollen: That is not an answer to my question. There is a legal criteria for people being admitted to the united states. My question was, based on credible reports that the trump administration is talking about making a cap worldwide and making almost all of them white south africans. I know you do not want to answer the question.
▶ 0:54:06Mr. Bozell: Senator, I cannot answer the question. I am not privy to that. I do not know the answer.
▶ 0:54:13Sen. Van Hollen: Apart from south africa, do you believe we should have a race-based refugee admissions policy, yes or no?
▶ 0:54:22Mr. Bozell: I believe that in south africa --
▶ 0:54:25Sen. Van Hollen: That is not my question. You will be a representative overseas if confirmed. The whole issue of south africa is not new to you. Back in the 1980's, I happened to be a staff member on this committee when this committee passed the comprehensive anti-apartheid legislation. Sanctions against south africa. As I look at your comments from that period, you were not supportive of that effort.
▶ 0:54:57Sen. Van Hollen: Is that a fair characterization of your statement?
▶ 0:54:59Mr. Bozell: I am not aware of what you did, senator, but I can tell you what our position was, as conservatives in the 1980's. Nelson mandela at that time was aligned with the soviet union, which was the biggest threat to peace in the world and the mortal enemy of the united states.
▶ 0:55:22Mr. Bozell: , I think senator, at the same time it is an extraordinary evolution that 10 years later, when the wall came down, and that association ended, so too did the relationship the conservative movement had with nelson mandela. If I mass today who I think is the most revered person in south africa, who do I have the most respect for, it would be nelson mandela.
▶ 0:55:48Sen. Van Hollen: You criticized others for what you call the glorification of nelson mandela. Let me just say in closing, I think at that time you worked with then senator jesse helms to have a hearing that objected to the reagan administration's decision to meet with the anc. That was after this committee on a bipartisan basis past the sanctions bill.
▶ 0:56:20Sen. Van Hollen: I think you probably were strongly opposed to that bill. In my view that bill was one of the great things this committee did on a bipartisan basis and that helped bring apartheid to an end. People who opposed that have to live with the idea there could still be in apartheid regime in south africa but for that legislation.
▶ 0:56:41Sen. Lee: Thank you to each of you for your willingness to serve. Mr. bozell, let's start with you. One of the many challenges we face involves critical minerals, critical materials from all over the place. Some of it relates to mining, some relates to processing.
▶ 0:57:03Sen. Lee: We have a large geopolitical adversary, china, a corporate player operating within the united states would be in violation of all kinds of antitrust laws, with civil and criminal ramifications. It is different when it is a foreign sovereign nation.
▶ 0:57:23Sen. Lee: South africa, the country you would be serving and if you were confirmed, is a mineral rich nation, with significant capacity in terms of mining and processing. The U.S. has an interest in maintaining clear supply chains and in competing more effectively in the processing domain. South africa, mineral wealth can drive economic development within the country.
▶ 0:57:54Sen. Lee: I think we both have a lot to gain but a strategic partnership when it comes to those matters. What role do you see minerals, particularly when it comes to processing of minerals, playing in the near to intermediate future in terms of the U.S.-south africa relationship?
▶ 0:58:12Mr. Bozell: Thank you for that question because it is very important. South africa has some of the greatest reserves of some of the most important minerals in the world. It has 89% of the reserves of platinum. It has 70% of the reserves of magnesium. 44% of the reserves of chromium. And all manner of other things.
▶ 0:58:38Mr. Bozell: What has been happening is that china has been using unfair business practices to make deals with the south africans to take their raw minerals, buy them, send them to china, refined them, increase their value dramatically and increase the control that china has on these critical reserves that the united states needs.
▶ 0:59:06Mr. Bozell: What we propose to do is to allow south africa to process and to enrich their own minerals. The way that has to happen is through a partnership with the united states. There is right now, as an example, there is a company from indiana that is working with a south african company with $100 million investment in the plan that will do just that.
▶ 0:59:36Mr. Bozell: What happens at the end of the day? Both sides are winners. We get a great investment. South africans get to have the refined minerals that they can sell at a much higher price. There are challenges, however, in this and they have to be addressed. The electrical grid in south africa is a huge problem.
▶ 1:00:01Mr. Bozell: It has been a combination of poor management, infrastructure collapsing and corruption and theft. They are now doing what is called load shedding. There are rolling blackouts or brownouts in the country. It is difficult for an american company to think they will invest if they cannot get the lights on.
▶ 1:00:24Sen. Lee: Processing is certainly an energy intensive endeavor and cannot be done if you are constantly losing power. You make some great points. Particularly if those jobs can stay in south africa, that is great for south africa's economy on many levels.
▶ 1:00:43Mr. Bozell: Senator, to expand on that -- the problem we have is china brings in workers. The united states hires south africans. 250 south africans are now employed because of american businesses. It could rise dramatically. If I'm confirmed as ambassador, that is one of the messages I will be taking.
▶ 1:01:07Sen. Lee: Thank you. That is helpful. As you know, south africa on a different note is leading the case in the international court of justice against israel for genocide. Also, making the case publicly on many occasions that what happens in israel is akin to apartheid.
▶ 1:01:36Sen. Lee: This carries special significance given that it is south africa and south africa has experience with that. It seems to me that is missing some points. There are some vast differences that make this rather unlike what south africa experienced, including the fact that you have arab israelis, among them are muslims, christians and a number of jews, who are full citizens of israel. That seems rather unlike apartheid to me.
▶ 1:02:05Sen. Lee: How would you use your role as U.S. ambassador to south africa to stand up for our allied israel in that regard?
▶ 1:02:11Mr. Bozell: Senator, thank you for that. It is important. What south africa did in leading the charge against israel in the international court of justice was an injustice. It will be a top priority because the president has made it a top priority in the president has told me it is a top priority to do something about it.
▶ 1:02:36Mr. Bozell: To get south africa -- not just on that issue but there are other issues -- south africa engaged in naval exercises with the exercises with t -- iran. That was unnecessary to do unless south africa is making a decision to go in a very, very dangerous direction.
▶ 1:03:00Mr. Bozell: If confirmed I will be taking the president's message that we find it intolerable that they would work against american national interest. Our alliance with israel is ironclad. They are one of our greatest friends in the world. The president will stand by israel and that means we have to address this with south africa.
▶ 1:03:27Sen. Rosen: Thank you. Thank you for the witnesses for being here today. I want to spend my time speaking's on Mr. ghalib, and then to some other issues that we have, particularly in nevada.
▶ 1:03:49Sen. Rosen: As the cofounder and cochair of the bipartisan senate task force for combating anti-semitism, I want to take a moment to focus on what you have said. As an elected official you had a responsibility to work with your constituents to eliminate all hatred from communities, but instead you chose to inflame divisions and traffic and anti-semitism. You had a facebook comment comparing jews to monkeys. You characterize leaders who do not like is becoming jewish.
▶ 1:04:23Sen. Rosen: As mayor you failed to comment after your political appointee said the holocaust was advanced punishment for the war in gaza. You denied hamas used sexual violence as a weapon of war on october 7. You can disagree with the israeli government, but peddling anti-semitism in such a public manner as an elected official and community leader is beyond the pale. Given these other statements I will not be supporting your nomination.
▶ 1:04:53Sen. Rosen: I urge my colleagues to do the same. If you are confirmed I want you to remember this, sir -- you will be an ambassador for the united states of america, and thus, as ambassador, we must show respect to everyone. You must lead in a way that shows respect and commands respect in return. We will be watching to see if that happens.
▶ 1:05:21Sen. Rosen: Now I will move onto something that is extremely important to my state of nevada. Visa processing. You are smiling, you know where this is going. Nevada is known as being a top tourist destination.
▶ 1:05:40Sen. Rosen: Nevada's economy relies on travelers who come to our state from around the world for conventions, trade shows, world-class enter -- entertainment and a three-time wnba champions. It will generate more than $43 billion in direct spending statewide. Nevada relies on reasonable visa interview and processing wait times.
▶ 1:06:10Sen. Rosen: The state department has made progress in reducing wait times but we know there is more to do. Ms. namdar, as the U.S. prepares to host a decade of major events in both leisure, travel, the olympics are coming and others, all of this plays a major role in our economy. I want to ask you -- I have a couple other questions on this so briefly if you would mention how you would ensure the reasonable wait times for U.S.
▶ 1:06:40Sen. Rosen: Visas and what goals you will set for the bureau of counsel affairs for business and tourist and processing. My state depends on it.
▶ 1:06:51Ms. Namdar: Thank you for the question, senator. I think your statements are valid. We want to make sure processing times are as low as humanly possible. I am not yet in the role. I can promise you if confirmed I will look into making everything as efficient as I can.
▶ 1:07:09Sen. Rosen: Coming to my office and talking about what we are seeing with sports, entertainment, travel and work on a few of those.
▶ 1:07:16Ms. Namdar: I am happy to come speak with you.
▶ 1:07:19Sen. Rosen: I will move on and ask you some more questions. On wednesday, the nomination advanced on of this committee with my support. Some people have said you believed you could be dual handed as a senior bureau official and the assistant secretary for counselor affairs until he is confirmed and makes his way to foggy bottom.
▶ 1:07:44Sen. Rosen: Given the enormous responsibility for both roles, I do not believe it is in the taxpayer's interest to have you overseeing both bureaus. You are nominated for one rule and one rule only. Will you commit to only fulfilling the role you are nominated for if confirmed?
▶ 1:08:00Ms. Namdar: Thank you for the question. That is a hypothetical. I do not think anyone has asked me to do that at this point.
▶ 1:08:07Sen. Rosen: You will commit to just win the role you are confirmed for?
▶ 1:08:11Ms. Namdar: I will do whatever the secretary of state and the president of united states asked me to do.
▶ 1:08:17Sen. Rosen: We are confirming you for one role. You will be confirmed for this job, nominated by the administration, hired for the job by the united states senate in this committee. I voted for someone to be in the other job. Asking you if you will do the job you are confirmed for.
▶ 1:08:36Ms. Namdar: Of course I will do the job I am confirmed for and I will help the administration in any way I can until the nominee for that position is also confirmed.
▶ 1:08:46Sen. Rosen: I have some questions for the record about afghan refugees who helped us in the war in afghanistan. I will submit that for the record, talking about the special immigrant visa program.
▶ 1:08:59Chair Risch: Thank you.
▶ 1:09:02Sen. Mccormick: Thank you to our witnesses today for your willingness to serve. Mr. ghalib, I was a member of the 82nd airborne division and helped oust saddam hussein from kuwait. You referred to saddam hussein sympathetically as a martyr, which has significance given you would be the united states' highest ranking diplomat in kuwait.
▶ 1:09:31Sen. Mccormick: How do you justify calling saddam hussein a martyr to us and also to the people of kuwait ?
▶ 1:09:37Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, senator. I explained early. That post was on january 7, 2020. I was a private citizen. It was the day american military bases in iraq were attacked by iran. I was angry we did not respond to the regime. In a moment of anger I complement it saddam hussein for keeping the iranian regime in check.
▶ 1:10:05Mr. Ghalib: I said earlier in his career that would be the only positive thing he did and the only thing I would agree with. No doubt, he was a dictator. No doubt the invasion of kuwait was a crime, violation of international law. For those who are offended by that, and those who suffered from saddam hussein or lost loved ones, I apologize.
▶ 1:10:36Mr. Ghalib: I am not adamant about describing him like that. It was a moment of anger.
▶ 1:10:40Sen. Mccormick: Let me move on to my second question. As a mayor you repeatedly targeted american ally israel for your support of the boycott, divest and sanctions movement against israel and you called for israelis to "leave the la nd," thereby supporting the end of the state of israel.
▶ 1:11:02Sen. Mccormick: My question to you, given the role you are being nominated for, do you accept president trump's view that israel is and should be the national home of the jewish people?
▶ 1:11:13Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, senator, for that question. Let me make it clear that the bds resolution was drafted by a jewish attorney --
▶ 1:11:24Sen. Mccormick: The question is do you agree or do you disagree with president trump's view that israel should be the national home of the jewish people? Yes or no?
▶ 1:11:34Mr. Ghalib: I think at this point we have a peace plan that everyone in the region agreed upon.
▶ 1:11:40Sen. Mccormick: Do you agree with the president's position?
▶ 1:11:43Mr. Ghalib: I think we can coexist in the region. Everyone has the right to exist.
▶ 1:11:49Sen. Mccormick: That is not the president's position.
▶ 1:11:51Mr. Ghalib: I trust the president's position and I will support his policies.
▶ 1:11:56Sen. Mccormick: Let me move to my third question. I want you to take a minute and try to explain this. In 2025, you liked a facebook comment referring to jews as "monkeys" who levy taxes on "the air we breathe." I heard you say you have this habit that you acknowledge all of the posts, but I do not totally understand that.
▶ 1:12:29Sen. Mccormick: Can you provide an explanation for the rationale of liking this comment, and do you agree with the comment?
▶ 1:12:34Mr. Ghalib: First of all that's correct the misinformation. That comment was when I was a private citizen six or seven years ago. It was not this year. It was under a post I posted as a private citizen. Part of my bad habits is I acknowledged the posts. I said you cannot say this in the united states. The media did not translate that response. It was not 2025. That is misinformation.
▶ 1:13:05Mr. Ghalib: By judging my intentions of social media posts in the past, I would recommend you look at
▶ 1:13:08The Facts -- Sen. Mccormick: I am asking for the facts. Do you agree with that statement? How would you respond to the fact you liked it in the moment? What is your response to the specific comment now?
▶ 1:13:23Mr. Ghalib: At the moment I responded this is not appropriate. In my official capacity I responded in 2021, 2022, after assuming the mayor's office bypassing condemnation of anti-semitism. That is so I performed in my official capacity. The arabs are a semite. How can we be anti-semite?
▶ 1:13:54Mr. Ghalib: Just my actions and not my intentions. We have to lay down the facts. Someone said that that has been serving in this e-
▶ 1:14:04Sen. Mccormick: I am out of time, thank you.
▶ 1:14:09Sen. Murphy: Thank you, very much. Mr. bozell, I wanted to give you a second chance to answer a question senator van hollen put to you. I do not want to litigate the specific question of the persecution of the people. I understand you will support. Senator van hollen asked you a really simple question.
▶ 1:14:40Sen. Murphy: Like a layup question. It is concerning to me that you could not get an easy, straight answer. He asked you, should we have a race-based refugee admissions policy as a nation? In other words, do you support having a refugee admissions policy that admits white refugees only?
▶ 1:15:01Sen. Murphy: So let me ask you that question again -- I do not want to get into the specifics of the afrikaner issue -- do you support having a refugee admissions policy in this country that only admits white refugees?
▶ 1:15:14Mr. Bozell: Senator, I do not make that policy.
▶ 1:15:19Sen. Murphy: If I were to ask this question of virtually any nominee to be an ambassador prior to this panel, that would be an easy layup answer. Of course we do not support having a refugee policy where we only admit white people. Why can't you give me your personal view on that?
▶ 1:15:44Mr. Bozell: Because, senator, I am here to serve america and to do what the president is asking me to do. I will be following the executive order of february.
▶ 1:15:57Sen. Murphy: Would you support reinstituting laws in this country to only allow white people to vote?
▶ 1:16:03Mr. Bozell: I will serve as ambassador to south africa and I want to focus on that.
▶ 1:16:08Sen. Murphy: You will not share your personal views on whether it is right or wrong to reinstitute discriminatory policies in this country to prevent black people from voting?
▶ 1:16:23Mr. Bozell: My personal views are irrelevant. I am serving here to do with the president is asking me to do in south africa.
▶ 1:16:32Sen. Murphy: That is simply not true. The whole reason you are appearing before this committee is your personal views, your history is absolutely relevant to your fitness to serve. We would not have this process if your personal views are not relevant. That is pretty stunning that you will not share your views are not only if we should have a refugee process that is race-based but you will not share your personal views that we should reimpose discriminatory treatment against black americans.
▶ 1:17:04Sen. Murphy: That is absolutely relevant and your refusal to answer, I hope, is something every member of this committee will think about. Mr. ghalib, I do not think you are qualified to serve in this role and I think you have dug your whole deeper today in response to senator mccormick's pretty simple question, you refused to support maintaining israel as a home for the jewish people.
▶ 1:17:35Sen. Murphy: I just don't know how we send an ambassador to the middle east who does not support protecting israel as a home for the jewish people. I also want to make sure you are being -- the senator mccormick asked you that question three different times. You had ample opportunity to state you believe that israel should be protected as a home for the jewish people.
▶ 1:18:02Mr. Ghalib: Can I clarify that?
▶ 1:18:05Sen. Murphy: It is pretty important to understand your views and it is pretty stunning you were not able to answer that question three times when asked by senator mccormick.
▶ 1:18:15Mr. Ghalib: I supported the president's plan --
▶ 1:18:19Sen. Murphy: It does not matter that you support the president's plan. The idea your personal views do not matter is ridiculous. Do you believe that israel should be protected as a home for the jewish people?
▶ 1:18:32Mr. Ghalib: I believe that purity can be a home for the jewish, the muslims and the christians, as well. I think they can coexist, all the nations in the middle east, based on the peace plan of president trump that I support.
▶ 1:18:49Sen. Murphy: I just want to ask you to present something to the committee. You have been asked about your refusal to condemn an outrageous statement by a member of your city government. The holocaust was god's advanced punishment of the chosen people for the savagery they have committed against the palestinian children and civilians.
▶ 1:19:15Sen. Murphy: You were asked to comment on this, you refused to comment on it. I think that is disqualifying in and of itself. In earlier question and you said you did condemn it at the time. We have seen no evidence of that. Is there evidence you condemned that at the time?
▶ 1:19:32Mr. Ghalib: I told the media that I do not agree with him and I condemn it.
▶ 1:19:37Sen. Murphy: There is evidence of that you can present to this committee?
▶ 1:19:41Mr. Ghalib: I say it now, let me be clear, I condemned that and I disagree. The concern was why did I not fire him? He is a volunteer.
▶ 1:19:51Sen. Murphy: We have not seen any evidence you publicly condemned that post. You have claimed that you did.
▶ 1:19:58Mr. Ghalib: I did.
▶ 1:20:00Sen. Murphy: I'm asking you to submit that information because we have not seen that.
▶ 1:20:05Chair Risch: Thank you.
▶ 1:20:08Sen. King: Mr. mayor, I want to ask you about a facebook post you put up in november of 2023. You praised the actions of rebels hijacking and kidnapping a crew of a cargo ship and noted the kidnapped ship does not fly the israeli flag but it is painted with blue and white colors only.
▶ 1:20:36Sen. King: Do you continue to support actions by the houthis in kidnapping in this it merchant sailors and disrupting shipping?
▶ 1:20:49Mr. Ghalib: Thank you for that important question. If you go over my social media since 2011, you would know how strongly of an opponent and how much I disagree with the houthis to the point where I cannot travel to yemen.
▶ 1:21:08Sen. King: Are you denying that you posted a facebook post celebrating the kidnapping by the houthis of the particular crew of this ship?
▶ 1:21:22Mr. Ghalib: I do not think it is a celebration. This is an assumption. I disagree with attacking the ships.
▶ 1:21:30Sen. King: Are you denying that you posted what I just read to you?
▶ 1:21:34Mr. Ghalib: I think there was a post but it seems like it is taken out of context.
▶ 1:21:39Sen. King: I will share with my colleagues before we take up your nomination in committee. It is an easy question. It is a layup you are asked the question of should our refugee programs be race-based.
▶ 1:21:59Sen. Kane: Our constitution said all persons in this country are entitled to equal protection of the loss. You will take an oath to support the constitution should you be confirmed. It is not a hard question and your unwillingness to answer it is troubling. I want to ask you this -- are you aware of the freedom plus party in south african politics?
▶ 1:22:26Mr. Bozell: No, senator.
▶ 1:22:29Sen. Kane: The freedom plus party is an afrikaner political party that has the most representation of afrikaners in the south african parliament. It was a party that used to be -- since 2024 has been part of.
▶ 1:22:54Sen. Kane: The afrikaners that president trump believes are being persecuted are represented by a party that made the decision to join the national unity government. That is something you should pay some attention to. Ms. namdar, I want to return to the questions being asked by senator rosen about visas. Really important work.
▶ 1:23:18Sen. Kane: During a hearing on july 16, the deputy secretary for management and resources was asked a number of questions about how firings were affecting the state department. In particular, how they were affecting the issue of counselor affairs and visa issues. We asked based on these rifs who would absorb these functions.
▶ 1:23:41Sen. Kane: You would agree that fraud prevention is very important to our national security, corre do you know, as you are nominated for this position, who will absorb the functions that had been made more complemented by the significant rifs?
▶ 1:24:08Ms. Namdar: Thank you for the question. As you know I am not yet confirmed so I am not privy to the information you are citing. I am very happy to look into it if confirmed.
▶ 1:24:20Sen. Kane: My staff has heard informally -- I have a lot of state department folks who live in virginia -- that the state department is breaking a long-standing practice and no longer evaluating dual citizens for wrongful detention determinations. Do you know what the levinson act is?
▶ 1:24:41Ms. Namdar: I am not familiar.
▶ 1:24:43Sen. Kane: The levinson act was signed into law in late 2020. It provides a framework for the secretary of state to review cases to make a wrongful detention determination for U.S. nationals. The act does not allow for a distinction between a U.S. national and a U.S. national who has dual citizenship.
▶ 1:25:08Sen. Kane: Have you heard anything about the state department making a determination to no longer pursue wrongful detention cases for U.S. nationals who also have dual citizenship and other nations?
▶ 1:25:18Ms. Namdar: I am not familiar with what you have cited. I'm happy to look into it if confirmed.
▶ 1:25:25Sen. Kane: Would you ensure the united states follows the levinson act?
▶ 1:25:29Ms. Namdar: If confirmed I will make sure I try to comply with all laws.
▶ 1:25:36Sen. Kane: And you will work to make sure the administration does not discriminate against U.S. nationals with dual citizenship?
▶ 1:25:42Ms. Namdar: I do not believe this administration would discriminate against anyone that will work to uphold all laws.
▶ 1:25:51Chair Risch: Senator cruz, welcome.
▶ 1:26:04Sen. Cruz: Thank you, Mr. chairman. Mr. ghalib, I am concerned that your stated public positions are markedly in conflict with the views of president trump and the physicians of the united states. I want to spend some time talking about your views. Let's talk first about boycott divestment and sanctions of israel.
▶ 1:26:35Sen. Cruz: During your tenure as mayor, the city council passed a resolution supporting the boycott of israel , divestment from israel, and sanctions of israel. Do you support boycotting israel?
▶ 1:26:51Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, senator, for that question. As mayor my position is honorary position. The jewish voice for peace group drafted that resolution. Convinced the city council to unanimously vote for that.
▶ 1:27:12Sen. Cruz: So you voted for that?
▶ 1:27:15Mr. Ghalib: I did not. I only vote if there is a tie.
▶ 1:27:19Sen. Cruz: Did you support it at the time?
▶ 1:27:22Mr. Ghalib: I did not supported. I did not vote for it, it was not my idea.
▶ 1:27:28Sen. Cruz: Did you oppose it?
▶ 1:27:30Mr. Ghalib: I did not have to vote at the time.
▶ 1:27:33Sen. Cruz: Do you support boycotting israel?
▶ 1:27:40Mr. Ghalib: We do not have any companies that deal with israel in my city.
▶ 1:27:41Sen. Cruz: Do you support bds? Under your leadership, the city you are leading became the first american city and the whole country to pass a bds resolution and I'm asking if you support the policy you put in place?
▶ 1:27:58Mr. Ghalib: I did not put it in place and I do not supported.
▶ 1:28:02Sen. Cruz: Your testimony is you do not support bds, boycotting israel?
▶ 1:28:08Mr. Ghalib: Yes. That was drafted by a jewish attorney.
▶ 1:28:12Sen. Cruz: Let's move to the abraham accords. In august of 2020, you posted harsh criticism of president trump's push to normalize relations between israel and the uae. You said it was a threat to stability and a cause for mourning. Do you continue to oppose the abraham accords?
▶ 1:28:37Mr. Ghalib: I do not recall writing that. At the time I was opposed to the president. Up until 2024, I was not a supporter of president trump.
▶ 1:28:49Sen. Cruz: So you opposed president trump. My question is do you oppose the abraham accords?
▶ 1:28:56Mr. Ghalib: No, senator. I think there is a great opportunity for momentum and to move on with the president trump peace plan. There is a great opportunity that we can treat everybody fairly and accomplish regional stability and long-term everlasting peace.
▶ 1:29:15Sen. Cruz: In this same post you described saddam hussein as a martyr. Do you continue to feel that way?
▶ 1:29:25Mr. Ghalib: This is the third time I was asked.
▶ 1:29:29Sen. Cruz: I'm just asking reviews.
▶ 1:29:30Mr. Ghalib: Thank you. It was a day of january 7, 2020, when our military bases were attacked by iran.
▶ 1:29:39Sen. Cruz: I asked you about today. Do you continue to believe saddam hussein is a martyr today?
▶ 1:29:46Mr. Ghalib: I do not think -- no doubt he was a dictator. I said it earlier, if this offended anyone who suffered from saddam hussein, I apologize.
▶ 1:29:59Sen. Cruz: You are not answering my question. Do you believe today saddam hussein was a martyr? Yes or no?
▶ 1:30:07Mr. Ghalib: I can say no, it would not matter. He is in god's hands and look at the treatment he deserves.
▶ 1:30:15Sen. Cruz: You posted the muslim brotherhood was an inspiration. Do you continue to believe the muslim brotherhood is an inspiration?
▶ 1:30:23Mr. Ghalib: Thank you, senator. A lot of my posts were written in arabic and mistranslated. It is an ideology. It is not just a group of people. I disagree with a lot of things they do. Some are extremists, some are parts of governments in the middle east.
▶ 1:30:45Sen. Cruz: Again, my question was simple and straightforward. Do you continue to be the muslim brotherhood is an inspiration?
▶ 1:30:53Mr. Ghalib: No, I do not believe in that.
▶ 1:30:56Sen. Cruz: You did post it in 2020. How would you be able to serve as ambassador if president trump designates the muslim brotherhood as a terrorist organization? I have legislation to do that. . I believe it is likely the muslim brotherhood will be designated as a terrorist organization. Hamas is the muslim brotherhood in palestine.
▶ 1:31:18Mr. Ghalib: I would trust the president. If it is designated I will be committed to implement president trump's policies. I trust the president's policy and if confirmed I will implement the policies. I would not go against the president and his policies.
▶ 1:31:37Sen. Cruz: Mr. ghalib, I will say from your long-standing public positions, it appears you have a deep felt and passionate view about the middle east, but it is a view that is in direct conflict with the policy positions of president at this administration.
▶ 1:31:57Sen. Cruz: I will point out also, I do have been asked about this before but it is really quite astonishing, but on facebook you liked a post that called jews monkeys for their own benefit. Why would you like a post that calls jews monkeys?
▶ 1:32:17Mr. Ghalib: I explained that earlier. From 2010 -- before I became the mayor, I used to have a bad habit of acknowledging every post, every comment under my post. It does not mean I agree with it. There was a response under that that was not translated or interpreted that says you can say that in your country but not of this country. That means I did not agree with that post even though I acknowledged it.
▶ 1:32:48Mr. Ghalib: Let me be clear I did not agree with that statement. I treat everyone with respect.
▶ 1:32:52Sen. Cruz: Let's be clear, the statement you like said they are all monkeys for their own benefit, so every jew is a monkey.
▶ 1:33:03Mr. Ghalib: The person who wrote it is mentally challenged in our community. He is well-known. I changed in 2024. I changed even my party.
▶ 1:33:19Sen. Cruz: Mr. ghalib, there may well be positions within the trump administration that you are qualified to perform in that are unrelated to these issues that you have such passionate beliefs about. I believe your beliefs are sincere. I believe that when you became the mayor of the first city in america to pass a bds resolution is because you believe in bds.
▶ 1:33:51Sen. Cruz: That is contrary to the policy of the west government but you are entitled to have your own views. What I do not understand is how you could possibly serve as united states ambassador for president trump in the middle east when you have passionate views, including having been a vocal opponent of the abraham accords, the singular and most consequential accomplishment president trump has negotiated, and your long-standing views are
▶ 1:34:21Sen. Cruz: To publicly oppose the abraham accords.
▶ 1:34:22Mr. Ghalib: Let me be clear, I support the abraham accords. There is a golden opportunity to get everyone involved. In february of 2022, as mayor the first thing I did was to pass a resolution to condemn anti-semitism. It is documented. That is how I perform in my official capacity. People are making assumptions and trying to judge my intentions.
▶ 1:34:48Sen. Cruz: Would a statement like all jews are monkeys qualify as anti-semitism?
▶ 1:34:53Mr. Ghalib: Somebody wrote that who is mentally challenged.
▶ 1:34:57Sen. Cruz: Does the statement all jews are monkeys qualify as anti-semitism?
▶ 1:35:03Mr. Ghalib: I do not agree with it.
▶ 1:35:07Sen. Cruz: You are not answering my question.
▶ 1:35:08Mr. Ghalib: It is anti-semitism.
▶ 1:35:10Sen. Cruz: When you like something that means --
▶ 1:35:13Mr. Ghalib: Every post since 2010, every comment. I used to have 10 or 20 comments. I would acknowledge it. Sometimes I would respond under it to oppose it and there was a response here that was not translated by the media.
▶ 1:35:29Sen. Cruz: That is not disagreeing with the statement that all jews are monkeys.
▶ 1:35:35Mr. Ghalib: I disagree with that.
▶ 1:35:37Sen. Cruz: What you did not have the time?
▶ 1:35:39Mr. Ghalib: You are making assumptions.
▶ 1:35:42Sen. Cruz: I am not making assumptions.
▶ 1:35:44Mr. Ghalib: I did disagree at the time.
▶ 1:35:48Sen. Cruz: Did you disagree publicly? Or was your only disagreement a "like," which is a universal way of saying you agree.
▶ 1:35:56Mr. Ghalib: It is just acknowledging reading it. I oppose that and I make it clear now. I passed a resolution to condemn anti-semitism in all shapes.
▶ 1:36:07Sen. Cruz: You mentioned earlier the posts were in arabic and they have not been translated. I have in my hands right now one of those arabic posts on august 13, 2020, and I have the english translation.
▶ 1:36:24Sen. Cruz: Among other things, you talked about individuals who died in egyptian prisons and you said they died it be etched in the pages of history to inspire generations and make millions of brotherhood fans exposed to a global demonic campaign and unprecedented demonic media infliction.
▶ 1:36:51Sen. Cruz: I have only seen such situations in the martyr saddam hussein and his companions. May god have mercy on them.
▶ 1:36:58Mr. Ghalib: I was talking about standing firm for the cause of a person. It does not mean I agree with him. I'm a strong advocate of democracy in the middle east. I was against the military coup. I believe in democracy. That is the best value we have. We want everyone to enjoy that value with the middle east. I was advocating for democracy in the middle east. It does not mean I support a certain group but I support democracy.
▶ 1:37:27Sen. Cruz: As I said I think your long-standing views are directly contrary to the views and positions of president trump and the united states. I for one will not be able to support your confirmation. I want to enter into the record this post in both the arabic and english translation. I ask if be entered into the record.
▶ 1:37:50Chair Risch: It will be entered into the record without objection.
▶ 1:37:54Sen. Cruz: Look, I think the facts here are quite clear in your long-standing position is directly contrary to that of the president's.
▶ 1:38:04Mr. Ghalib: This confirmed I will be implementing president trump's policies.
▶ 1:38:09Chair Risch: I want to thank all of you for your patience today, your participation, the answers you provided to the committee. Before closing I would like to ask unanimous consent to add any letters of support the committee may have received to the record. >> those will be admitted into the record without objection. The hearing stands adjourned. [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap.org]