▶ 0:19:27Chair Risch: Chair risch: the U.S. senate foreign relations committee will come to order. Thank you for coming to this public hearing. We are glad to have you, but this is an official government hearing and as such, interruptions will receive a zero tolerance policy on interruptions with communicating with the witnesses or members of the committee. Other than that, we love your appearance here and we sincerely appreciate your coming and watching. We have six nominees this morning. Important nominees.
▶ 0:20:00Chair Risch: We have a lot of things going on in the senate this morning. A lot of work to get done. We do have three senators who are going to introduce some of the nominees. Since they can't be here, the introductions will go into the record. We want you to know that senator rick scott is here for Mr.
▶ 0:20:34Chair Risch: Kaploun and Mr. navarro. Mr. budd -- senator budd was here for Mr. nirenberg. Close? All right. In any event, those introductions, which I can assure you are very nice, will be put the record. With that, the way it's going to go this morning, I'm going to make a few opening remarks. The ranking member will make some opening remarks.
▶ 0:21:04Chair Risch: Then we open it up for you to make a couple of minutes for introduction. With that, I'm going to start off with you, you will be starting as the latvian ambassador at a critical time.
▶ 0:21:32Chair Risch: Testing our military defenses, spreading propaganda to undermine military defenses, and undermining our free societies. Fortunately, latvia has had a strong example for our european allies. The U.S. remains an important and committed partner in helping them face these threats on the front line.
▶ 0:21:57Chair Risch: I look forward to hearing how you will work with our friends in latvia to advance our security cooperation and further work with nato. This bruce, by now you have heard I'm no fan of the united nations. They've taken advantage of the american taxpayer from far too long. I hope that we will hear from you today that how as deputy ambassador, working with deputy walls, you will do a great job to course correct the u.n.
▶ 0:22:26Chair Risch: From the horrible antisemitic path it's on and turn the security council to its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security. Miss kaplan, since october 7 we have seen a historic rise in anti-semitic incidents in the U.S. and around the globe. Like you, I believe that everyone no matter their religious beliefs deserves to live a life free of discrimination and fear.
▶ 0:22:57Chair Risch: If confirmed, monitoring and combating anti-semitism will be one of your greatest tasks. I look forward to hearing more about your goals for this position and how we can support you in the fight against anti-semitism. Mr. navarro, 2026 the U.S. is celebrating 200 years of diplomatic relations with peru and if confirmed as ambassador you will be charged with managing those challenges.
▶ 0:23:26Chair Risch: We are particularly concerned about the production of cocaine and the malign chinese influence. I'm glad that secretary rubio has spoken about the need to dismantle criminal organizations spearheading the production of drugs. Mr. navarro, I look forward to hearing your plans while pushing back on the issue, the issues, that plague.
▶ 0:23:56Chair Risch: Mr. nuremberg, -- Mr. nirenberg: Mr. nuremberg, -- Mr. nirenberg, you will be essential to maintaining steadfast partners in the united states and europe, who have time and again played a crucial role in advancing our interests abroad, keeping romania in mind it is important to use positive reinforcement to incentivize cooperation.
▶ 0:24:20Chair Risch: If you are confirmed as ambassador, you will be responsible for maintaining the strong and beneficial bilateral relationship as the broader policy continues to evolve. I am confident that you're romanian counterparts will be eager to deepen a cooperation. Dr.
▶ 0:24:38Chair Risch: Yeaw, your nomination on nonproliferation arrives not a moment too soon as we have an unprecedented level of nuclear threat and our arms-control architecture is outdated and cannot meet these challenges. The russian nuclear triad is moving rapidly towards full modernization and has suspended its new start obligations and continues to test and develop nuclear weapons.
▶ 0:25:08Chair Risch: China is raising two nuclear parity with us refuses to come to the table for talks. You must use this chance to lead on any form of negotiations. I look forward to hearing your plans to committing the U.S. to nuclear deterrence and ensuring that we can match our adversaries. Thank you again to all of you and particularly to your families who share in these sacrifices that you make to jobs.
▶ 0:25:37Chair Risch: With that, distinguish ranking member question mark Sen.
▶ 0:25:38Shaheen: Thank you and welcome to the nominees and family members who are here with you. I want to begin, Mr. nirenberg: I want to begin, Mr. nirenberg, with some of the comments the chairman made. Last month it was announced that we would be withdrawing troops from romania. The statement said it was not a romanian withdrawal or a signal of lack of commitment. As we know, actions speak louder than words.
▶ 0:26:07Shaheen: For those of us on both sides of the aisle who see the danger that russia imposes to europe, it's a concerning development. Romania is a critical ally posting key U.S. military assets, including ballistic defense systems, keeping america safe from ballistic threats and is more exposed to russia when troop levels are cut.
▶ 0:26:33Shaheen: But romania, which meets obligations on military sales, is losing U.S. troops, while hungary under orb on his still buying russian gas and faces no such consequences. The romanian defense minister has argued the decision should be overturned. I agree with their view.
▶ 0:27:03Shaheen: If confirmed, you will be posted to the embassy in romania as putin escalates strikes in ukraine and drones enter nato airspace. Our allies fear the united states is going back. Drawing down U.S. troops in the face of russian aggression does not sound like peace through strength to me. It sounds like an american retreat. If the president once leverage to end the war in ukraine, this decision signals just the opposite.
▶ 0:27:38Shaheen: Ms. argyros, hopefully I pronounce that correctly, you have also been nominated to an eastern flank country in latvia, which borders russia and belarus and faces a real and immediate threat. If confirmed, how will you reassure the latvians that the U.S. can be counted on? What can you do to project american power in a way that will deter those in the kremlin who question our commitment to baltic states?
▶ 0:28:06Shaheen: S russia escalates across europe, the risk of miscalculation grows, making incredible arms-control even more important. , you have been -- Mr. yeaw: , you have been -- Mr. yeaw, you been nominated to the bureau of arms control and nonproliferation, created by the trump administration restructuring earlier this year. This committee has not yet been briefed on the bureau structure or scope. I hope that you have, as the nominee.
▶ 0:28:36Shaheen: It's a gap that the department should fix and fix promptly. Given the presidential statement that the U.S. will resume nuclear weapons testing, the question is how serious is the administration in working to de-escalate these tensions? Miss bruce, you been nominated to be the deputy representative to the u.n. Mission to the united nations, working with ambassador walls. At the same time, the administration's failure to pay u.n.
▶ 0:29:05Shaheen: Dues in full is weakening peacekeeping when global stability is already under strain. If confirmed, how will you address the risk these cuts create for U.S. interests? Mr. kaplan, if confirmed you will serve as the special on by that envoy to combat anti-semitism. This requires a bipartisan effort, especially today with the increase in anti-semitic attacks and comments in the U.S.
▶ 0:29:37Shaheen: And around the world that have increased so dramatically. If confirmed, how will you work across the aisle and with diverse religious communities to keep this from becoming a partisan issue? Finally, Mr. navarro, you been nominated to serve as ambassador to peru. There are escalating tensions in the region.
▶ 0:30:04Shaheen: What steps will you take the support stability and democratic governance in peru. Thank you for your willingness to consider nomination and serving the country. Thank you.
▶ 0:30:17Chair Risch: We will now hear from our witnesses. If you can keep it to a couple of minutes, please, we would appreciate that. Your full statement, which I know many of you have is longer than two minutes, will be in the record for any senator who wants to review it. With that, we will start with Ms. argyros. The floor is yours.
▶ 0:30:43Ms. Argyros: Chairman, senator, members of the committee, it is a privilege to appear before you today. I'm honored to be the nominee as the U.S. ambassador to latvia. I think that -- I think the president and secretary rubio at their confidence to me. I want to thank my family and friends who support me in every way.
▶ 0:31:14Ms. Argyros: Tickling my parents, who taught me the value of hard work, the importance of service and humility. I've spent many years working in our family real estate company and I'm grateful to the people who have dedicated their lives to making our company a success. I currently run our family foundation, where we support programs that focus on education, youth development, and the arts.
▶ 0:31:42Ms. Argyros: If confirmed, my first priority will be the safety and security of U.S. citizens in latvia. Second, I would work to counter threats to our common security. Latvia has been an excellent partner to the united states. Our relationship is based on shared goals, interests, and values. I would focus on strengthening our security partnership and supporting the piece through strength that the president has called for.
▶ 0:32:14Ms. Argyros: Aiming to improve the depth of the U.S. economic relationship with latvia, economic stability and prosperity, key components of security as we build -- can build our current trade relationship into an engine of growth. If confirmed, I would look forward to working with the talented staff at the embassy to build on their successes and advance our shared goals.
▶ 0:32:40Ms. Argyros: Building a world that is safer, more secure, more prosperous. I look forward to your questions.
▶ 0:32:55Chair Risch: Thank you so much. Miss bruce?
▶ 0:32:58Ms. Bruce: Thank you. Distinguished members of the foreign relations committee, it is my honor to appear before you today. My experience in business with nonprofits and activism in media as a cultural critic in radio commentary has prepared me well for this role.
▶ 0:33:27Ms. Bruce: I have spent most of my professional life working to make a positive difference for the american people, including, I have to say, my time spent as an advocate in the media, and most recently a state department spokesperson and public delegate to the U.S. prior to that role, it won't surprise you that I had not considered a career in government and my opinion of bureaucracy was mostly negative.
▶ 0:33:54Ms. Bruce: Within days of becoming the state department spokesperson, I found out very quickly that the assumptions I had made about those who worked for the government were incorrect. Foreign service officers and civil service employees at state made my work possible. I presumed our politics were different, but the men and women I met were not partisan activists, but patriots determined to serve their country to make sure I was able to do the job that the president appointed me to.
▶ 0:34:23Ms. Bruce: My thanks go out to all of them on this day. Of course, the president is emblematic of the founder of's vision and ideal of live -- leadership. I am grateful and moved by the trustee has placed in me for this position.
▶ 0:34:41Ms. Bruce: I understand his commitment to our great country, knowing that genuine leadership and reform are needed to maintain success so that future generations can thrive and know the joy that is being american. With the U.S. is a founding member of the united nations, it is unfortunate to have to note that over the last 80 years the u.n. Has strayed from its original mandate as outlined in the u.n. Charter.
▶ 0:35:07Ms. Bruce: It has become bloated, unfocused, and ineffective in solving today's most pressing challenges to global peace and security. To be blunt, it has lost the confidence of the sovereign of our country, the american people. Now is the time for bold reform. Now is the time to get the u.n. Back to basics, as we put it. It must return to its core purposes and above all, it's founding mission to maintain international peace and security.
▶ 0:35:38Ms. Bruce: I look forward to supporting the president and secretary rubio in their efforts to revitalize U.S. diplomacy, putting national interests first, delivering way ins -- wins for the american people. Multilateral organizations must remember that they do not exist to manifest themselves as global governing entities. It is the sovereignty of member states that must prevail.
▶ 0:36:07Ms. Bruce: If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring U.S. funding to the u.n. Advances policies and priorities that strictly add value to american taxpayers in american foreign policy interests. We cannot support the proliferation of divisive concepts, like d.e.I. And gender ideology, and hateful anti-israel bias. The oversight extends to you peacekeeping and peacekeeping operations that need reform and re-prioritization.
▶ 0:36:37Ms. Bruce: As a president declared at the un's general assembly, the u.n. Has tremendous potential. I believe that. I believe the u.n. Is important and must be revitalized so that it can continue to serve the people of the united states and the people of the world. I am confident that we will continue to help the u.n. See this potential returned to the useful reorganization that it was established to be.
▶ 0:37:04Ms. Bruce: Thank you for your time and consideration of this nomination.
▶ 0:37:09Chair Risch: Thank you so much. Mr. kaploun?
▶ 0:37:14Mr. Kaploun: Thank you. Chairman risch, senator shaheen, ranking member, distinguished members of the committee. I would like to acknowledge my family, who is here today. My name is yehuda kaploun, I'm honored to be nominated to this special commission to combat anti-semitism with the rank of ambassador. I want to thank the president and secretary rubio for placing their trust in me for this important role.
▶ 0:37:43Mr. Kaploun: As a child, I would walk to synagogue, my father -- synagogue with my father and I remember hearing occasionally the cries of "dirty jew" along the way.
▶ 0:37:59Mr. Kaploun: Later, during the pug wrong, when the australian scholar was stabbed to death during the riots with the cries of kill the jews in the streets, esther, passed away from 9/11 related cancers. My cousin, a brave mother, was killed on october 7 protecting her two young children who were orphaned. She was one of the 1200 souls murdered that day.
▶ 0:38:27Mr. Kaploun: I sat with yardin bibas the night before the funeral of his wife and children. I have seen the worst that humanity can do. When asked to serve by my president in a role that I truly wished did not need to exist, there was no hesitation. I sit before you, humbled by the opportunity to serve by country. It is a daunting task. Anti-semitism is a symbol of larger hatred.
▶ 0:38:58Mr. Kaploun: History has proven that when a country starts with allowing anti-semitism, the results are not kind to that country. That is why the president and the secretary have stated that there can be no compromise with anti-isis -- antisemitism. Anti-semitism is anti-american. Those who chant "death to the jews" all too often chant "death to america." we can't allow anyone to teach children from infancy to kill him be a martyr.
▶ 0:39:31Mr. Kaploun: With bipartisan support, we must educate the world to respect one another. Lofty goals, perhaps, but a lesson that I learned from the grand rabbi, my grandparents, and parents. To do my best to impact and make the world a better place. I am not a miracle worker. We cannot do this alone. We do this by building bridges through education, friendship, and dialogue. We must learn from the past to protect and educate the living.
▶ 0:40:04Mr. Kaploun: We must educate, educate, educate about the history of the jewish community in america and the judeo-christian values that our country was founded on. I pledge to all of you here that I will not waiver and I will not rest. I will commit to you to do my very best, if confirmed, to fight anti-semitism everywhere, and to make this world a better arena. For god to dwell and spread his blessings on us all.
▶ 0:40:33Mr. Kaploun: I am honored to be here before you today and look forward to answering your questions.
▶ 0:40:40Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Mr. nirenberg?
▶ 0:40:45Mr. Nirenberg: Thank you for this opportunity to appear before you today as the president's nominee to be U.S. ambassador to romania. I am grateful to the president and secretary rubio for placing their confidence in me. It is an incredible honor to be before this committee, on whose staff I served as counsel. It was the experience of a lifetime and a privilege for which I will always be grateful.
▶ 0:41:16Mr. Nirenberg: Although, after all of the hours spent sitting on the benches behind you, I can tell you it is a much different perspective, sitting down here anticipating your questions. With me today are my wife, laurie, our son, drew, and daughter, kelly. I am grateful for their support. Lori was also a senate staffer. We met right next door. Her father, he served as senator from nevada, and later as U.S. ambassador to the bahamas.
▶ 0:41:47Mr. Nirenberg: Our daughter, kelly, works in public relations and is a proud colgate alum. It's deeply meaningful for me to be nominated to be ambassador to romania. My grandparents emigrated to this company from eastern europe -- country from eastern europe. I saw history unfold during my time on the staff of this committee when the berlin wall fell and the romanian people won their freedom from communism.
▶ 0:42:16Mr. Nirenberg: Should I be confirmed, that would bring it all full-circle. Romania is a key nato ally, strategically located on the black sea and bordering ukraine. It has great opportunities for american companies and has the potential to be a game changer when it comes to energy resources. Our relationship with romania is never been more important.
▶ 0:42:41Mr. Nirenberg: If confirmed, I commit to advancing trump's america first agenda, working to make america stronger, safer, and more prosperous. I would first focus on ensuring the safety of americans serving, living, and working. I will work to deepen our military and security partnership. I will focus on strengthening our trade and investment relationships. I will promote U.S.
▶ 0:43:09Mr. Nirenberg: Exports, advocate on behalf of american companies, and ensure that americans have great jobs in the united states. This nomination is the honor of a lifetime, to which I am grateful to the president and secretary. I look forward, if confirmed, to working closely with this committee to strengthen our relationship with romania and promote america's national interests.
▶ 0:43:34Chair Risch: Thank you so much. Mr. yeaw?
▶ 0:43:37Mr. Yeaw: Chairman, ranking member, distinguished members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity. I want to thank the president for nominating me to serve as the assistant secretary of state for arms control and nonproliferation. I want to thank secretary rubio for his support. It is a tremendous honor to be nominated and appear before this committee.
▶ 0:44:03Mr. Yeaw: If confirmed, I ensure that I will be an unwavering voice for america first foreign policy in service to the great people of this great nation. I look forward to to working on our shared vision of values in this great congress. I want to think this opportunity -- take this opportunity to thank my family, friends, and colleagues. Without their lifetime of encouragement, I would not be here today. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my family.
▶ 0:44:34Mr. Yeaw: My wife, here with me today. My daughter, grace. My son, son-in-law, unable to join us as they do their part to keep our great economy going. My youngest daughter, mary, is home caring for her newborn and my youngest child, christopher. And I thank god, who we must serve to the best of the abilities that have vendors -- bestowed on us.
▶ 0:45:02Mr. Yeaw: I've had the privilege of serving on the federal government for two thirds of my career, having worked in intelligence, policy, education, and research. The themes and activities surrounding nuclear deterrents, weapons, defense development, allies, and informing accurate in clear eyed views of wmd threats that dominated my daily life for my entire adult life.
▶ 0:45:31Mr. Yeaw: If confirmed, it would be an honor to carry that experience into this role. Thank you so much.
▶ 0:45:40Chair Risch: Thank you so much. Mr. navarro?
▶ 0:45:46Mr. Navarro: Chairman risch, ranking member shaheen, it is an honor to appear before you today as a nominee to serve as U.S. ambassador to the republic of peru. I am grateful to president trump for entrusting me with the nomination into secretary rubio for his steadfast support.
▶ 0:46:10Mr. Navarro: I want to thank my friend, rick scott, for introducing me into the record, and for his friendship all these years. It is a blessing to be here today with my beautiful wife, claudia, and her -- our three children, alexander, matthew, and jake. I am also joined by my brother, gilbert, my sister, norma, my mother, norma, and my father.
▶ 0:46:36Mr. Navarro: I also want to thank my friends and family, who joined us from south florida and puerto rico, making the trek to be here today. My parents were born in cuba. They lost everything to communism, fleeing their homeland in search of freedom. I will forever be grateful to them for their courage, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the promise of america.
▶ 0:47:04Mr. Navarro: They put their own dreams aside so that our siblings and I could achieve hours. From an early age, anything we examined that resembled communism was not only wrong, but a direct threat to the liberty and opportunity this country represents. Today, I can probably say that my parents dreams have come full circle.
▶ 0:47:31Mr. Navarro: Their journey from losing everything in cuba to seeing their son achieve the american dreaming is a testament to what this country makes possible. If confirmed, I will carry their story, and the story of countless families, like ours, as proof that the american dreaming is not just alive, but thriving.
▶ 0:47:57Mr. Navarro: Over the past weeks, I've had the privilege of meeting many of you to discuss our relationship with peru. Under the trump administration, we have a bold opportunity to put america first, as we advance interests abroad. If confirmed, I pledge to work closely with this committee to support the administrative goals of protecting the safety of U.S.
▶ 0:48:25Mr. Navarro: Citizens in promoting economic prosperity to deepen a bilateral relationship that has endured for nearly two centuries. As a founder and owner of a capital company, I have witnessed firsthand are potential for expanding ties with peru.
▶ 0:48:49Mr. Navarro: I served as chairman of one of south florida past largest trade associations, what we organized a trade mission to peru that produced historic results in forged business relationships that continue today. I will bring that same resolve to my work, if confirmed. Mr.
▶ 0:49:10Mr. Navarro: Chairman, ranking member, members of the committee, if confirmed I will dedicate myself to strengthening the bonds between our nations and advocating for american interests. Thank you for your consideration.
▶ 0:49:26Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Last evening, secretary rubio and his wife spoke very highly of you. They wish they could be here to support you. Thank you for your service. Speaking of the secretary, Mr. nirenberg, like you he found out the hard way that sitting over there is a lot different than sitting up peter. -- up here.
▶ 0:49:57Chair Risch: I want to talk for a few minutes, Mr. kaploun, about your work. It really seems like we were at one end of the spectrum with anti-semitism and that the palestinians were at the other end. We have all seen the texts that they have used to teach their children antisemitism. When I first got here, those texts were, believe it or not, paid for with U.S. taxpayer money. We have stopped it as quickly as we could.
▶ 0:50:29Chair Risch: They still use them, but not with our taxpayer money. They are at the other end of the spectrum. After october 7 I was nauseated to see these people, particularly in the new york area, siding with hamas. Anyone like that should look at the film of what happened on october 7, it'll change their mind. You have your work cut out for you and I know you got out of work to do here.
▶ 0:50:58Chair Risch: I've heard anti-semitic speeches on the floor of the house, which I never thought I would see. Your thoughts?
▶ 0:51:07Mr. Kaploun: Thank you for the question. Referring back to my statement, it's education. People don't know the history, don't understand that we have to respect one another. I often urge people to go to the holocaust museum so that they can understand history.
▶ 0:51:25Mr. Kaploun: You know, people who would like to say that the holocaust didn't happen, or people who would like to have revisionist history, we have in our midst, in our country, some of the bravest people who, between 44 and 45, liberated death camps. Regular american boys for all over america.
▶ 0:51:53Mr. Kaploun: They know, firsthand, that in their quest to redeem europe from the nazis, they came across the death camps, and they are the best advocates in the world. People don't want to take the time to understand that these people saw the worst of humanity. In america, we believe freedom of expression and freedom of speech. At the same time, we have to educate people as to what the facts truly are. So, you are educated. And we are missing that, sir.
▶ 0:52:24Chair Risch: I throw in completely with your remarks on education. I made reference to what is being taught in the palestinian schools, the texts they are using. The challenge is going to be, going forward, in trying to reconcile this situation and it being difficult to go through what has been one of the most popular schools for generations for the people living there.
▶ 0:52:52Chair Risch: That has got to get turned around, and if it doesn't, you will get the same results in the future. You got your work cut out for you. Miss bruce, they'd only -- nato needs an overhaul, really badly. Their bureaucracies incredible. The american taxpayers pay for a lot of it.
▶ 0:53:15Chair Risch: It truly has become a bureaucratic institution that has lost its view of its core mission. You know, they, I think probably the name needs to change our are not united. Thing is I see the world, we are becoming more and more polarized with us, the democracies, those of us were free market, free enterprise capitalists.
▶ 0:53:45Chair Risch: People whose human rights on one side, and on the other is run by dictators and autocrats. They have zero respect for individual human rights. More and more they are coming together. We are drawn together by our shared values. We have different values.
▶ 0:54:10Chair Risch: I have always said that the biggest challenge I've seen from here in the 21st century is how we will occupy the planet together without killing each other. They are not going to change, we are not going to change. I really think that we can do better in the u.n. By getting rid of a lot of the bureaucracy and getting back to that core mission of trying to reconcile. What are your thoughts?
▶ 0:54:41Chair Risch: >> yes, sir. Thank you for that, I appreciate it. Millions of americans agree. It's become a problem. An ineffective bureaucracy that is slow and unable to operate in this dynamic world. What I would suggest, and this is what the world is seeing, is that things can change. It is shown everyday by the president. A huge inspiration, not just for me and those who know him.
▶ 0:55:12Chair Risch: For americans who voted for him for a second time, they have realized that things have not been going well. Not only when it came to the economy, but when it came to foreign relations in the situation around the world. In my short time already at the u.n. In my public delegate role, and as is or ambassador walts, u.n. Also wants leadership. We saw how they responded to the president during the high-level week of the general assembly. They want leadership.
▶ 0:55:44Chair Risch: He's well respected she's inspirational. He clearly already makes a difference around the world. It is that example that tells me and the five other ambassadors, the four that you already confirmed to the U.S. mission to the u.n., that he is serious about wanting to make it work. He has sent people that he knows will get the job done have expressed that. I know that ambassador walls has. It's not a zero-sum game of one of the other.
▶ 0:56:13Chair Risch: It is about blending the form with the work we are doing. That's what the president does. He's our guiding hand here. I am accepting this nomination and hope that you will confer me, because I believe we can make the difference.
▶ 0:56:27Chair Risch: Well said. Senator ricketts?
▶ 0:56:32Senator Ricketts: Thank you. The U.S. as she will passed a resolution tied to the trump gaza peace plan. A major part of that plan is expanding humanitarian aid. This includes securing 8 -- aid core doors, protecting civilians, and getting relief into gaza. The administration was clear that eight must increase but must be accountable.
▶ 0:57:00Senator Ricketts: It means that it cannot -- on rough cannot be allowed to be anywhere near it. It's been plagued by hamas infiltration directly undermining peace and security in the region. That's why I let a letter with 25 of my senate colleagues backing the administrative stance that they must be prohibited as a humanitarian delivery mechanism. If we are going to build a normal piece, a must go through credit organizations with partners that we can trust.
▶ 0:57:30Senator Ricketts: Miss bruce, as a deputy representative to the u.n., what specific cap -- steps will you take to ensure that no aid directly or indirectly flows through unra?
▶ 0:57:47Miss Bruce: The most recent comment showing that they will have no role in gaza, development or distribution, is from secretary rubio, who made it very clear in speaking to reporters, they would have absolutely no role. It was undeniable and clear for the exact reasons you stated, sir.
▶ 0:58:07Miss Bruce: A part of what the president indicated at the beginning of this is that he moved towards peace that in a region for generations couldn't happen, was resisted, where misery was the status quo. The president said that there had to be new ideas, a new approach not just in this situation, but in many others. That's where I believe that the u.n. Can come in to make a difference.
▶ 0:58:33Miss Bruce: Sovereign countries, working together to find peace, to reinforce peace, to facilitate that dynamic around the world, it's necessary for all of us to be able to talk together and work together in that environment. I believe that the president clearly understands that as well. Our role, the first example, it was the passage of the gaza resolution.
▶ 0:59:00Miss Bruce: But the un security council did was put their stamp of approval on the president's 20 point peace plan. It was not the establishment of a new u.n. Force. It wasn't the establishment of a stamp of approval on the status quo moving forward. It was a stamp of acceptance and a welcoming of the 13 to zero with two exceptions -- abstentions.
▶ 0:59:29Miss Bruce: The trump plan was new, something that could make the difference. Something that had to be implemented. The way to do that, for the world to come together, to see that agreement at the security council, it meant that other nations and other entities, ngos , they knew that this was something that was a new way forward and something that they could work with. The world food program, other entities associated with the u.n. And other nations, it will make the difference.
▶ 1:00:00Miss Bruce: It will pick up the difference of whatever unra claimed they were doing. It's also about education. The nature of what they were doing, inculcating and grooming the next generation, the children of that region, to hate , must also come to an end.
▶ 1:00:26Miss Bruce: Unfortunately, that is a new idea, but one we are committed to and it will be exciting to help usher it through as it moves forward.
▶ 1:00:33Chair Risch: Thank you very much. Ms. bruce, -- Ms. argyros: Ms. bruce, -- Ms. argyros, going back to you for a moment, tell us a bit about your views. I was there not long ago, and I'm always amazed at the politics where we look across the fence at russia. They are frightened. They want our assurances that things will be out -- be ok.
▶ 1:01:03Chair Risch: Tell us your thoughts on what you're going to tell them when you go in.
▶ 1:01:08Ms. Argyros: Thank you for the question. Latvia stands at the forefront of russian aggression. They understand the severity of the implications of the war in ukraine. They were the first to step in and train ukrainian soldiers and provide weapons to fight russia in ukraine.
▶ 1:01:38Ms. Argyros: They're short -- their shared border is a serious issue for them. Attempting to send weaponized migrants through their borders on a daily basis. With cyber attacks and in multiple different ways, they've attempted to undermine and destabilize the latvian government they had faced a serious threat with russia we
▶ 1:02:10Ms. Argyros: Have been a partner of theirs for over one hundred years. We house their diplomats country while they were under occupation from russia. We have a terrific relationship with latvia. They purchase most of their weapons from us. They now purchase all of their lng from us, which is terrific. They have stopped purchasing all russian oil. So, they take the threat from russia quite seriously.
▶ 1:02:43Ms. Argyros: I would advocate for us to remain steadfast partners with them, in their defense against russia.
▶ 1:02:51Chair Risch: I hope that when you get there you will convey our assurances that the support is there and thank them for what they have to go through. Senator van hollen?
▶ 1:03:12Mr. Navarro: Good to see you
▶ 1:03:16Again -- Senator: Good to see you again. Miss bruce, my question is for you and it relates to the horrors that we are witnessing in sudan today. Including the brutal actions of the rs f that they are taking against the people of tar for, including l foster. When secretary rubio was before this committee as a nominee, here is what he said.
▶ 1:03:44Again -- Senator: He said that we will "need to raise the fact that they, the uae, are openly supporting an entity that is carrying out a genocide. The U.S. government has found that the rs f is engaged in genocide in sudan. I'm assuming that the trump administration continues to support that finding from the previous administration. Is that right?
▶ 1:04:15Ms. Bruce: I can tell you that we know that is an acknowledged framework and a micro physician if confirmed, I will make a point of an issue like that, which certainly matters as much as every other issue, to make sure that the trump administration --
▶ 1:04:33Sen. Van Hollen: I have limited time and wondered if that was still the trump administration's policy.
▶ 1:04:39Ms. Bruce: I know where secretary rubio stands. I know that in the time I spent at the u.n., it's a major conversation. Something we are working forward on.
▶ 1:04:51Sen. Van Hollen: The u.n. Has been clear on this, as have members of the committee, chairman risch, and ranking member shaheen. In my view, the united states should do everything it can to stop fueling this war.
▶ 1:05:10Sen. Van Hollen: My question to you is, shouldn't we insist that the uae stop sending weapons to the rs f when the united states government has found that the rs f is committing genocide in the sudan? That's a simple yes or no.
▶ 1:05:26Ms. Bruce: I would suggest that and appreciate that very much, it's obviously an issue we are all concerned about. I am here because of the president's point of view in his reliance on what we will be doing if I'm confirmed at the u.n. That is a kind of policy decision I wouldn't want to get ahead of or remark on when it comes to the president's approach.
▶ 1:05:48Sen. Van Hollen: Well, I will be asking the senate to move forward on that proposal is the coming days. I hope we will have a bipartisan outcome. Rabbi, I think that we have all been extremely, extremely concerned about the rise in anti-semitism around the world and in the united states. Of course, we witnessed it here in the washington area with the killings of two members of the israeli embassy.
▶ 1:06:22Sen. Van Hollen: We seen it in terms of attacks on small business owners who are jewish, and other places around the world. I think we all recognize that we have a united obligation to do anything we can to stop it. I wanted to ask you about the trump response to the tucker carlson decision to bring nick fuentes onto his show.
▶ 1:06:52Sen. Van Hollen: From the president was asked about it, he said "I don't know much about him, referring to nick fuentes, "but if he wants to do it, get the word out, you know, people have to decide. Ultimately, people have to decide." do you think that that was a strong enough statement from the president, regarding bringing fontes on that platform?
▶ 1:07:23Mr. Kaploun: Thank you for your question. I think the president and secretary made it clear that any type of anti-semitism does place . That's number one and it administrative policies as far as being a private civilian. If confirmed, I know that's the policy. To be condemned everywhere.
▶ 1:07:50Mr. Kaploun: Anti-semitism isn't just an american problem, it's a global problem. People are not educated. But freedom of speech is something that is a right and freedom of expression globally is a part of what the policy is. You have a right to hate, but we have a right to expand -- explain and up for that you say.
▶ 1:08:14Mr. Kaploun: It's a right in this country from our founding fathers and I believe strongly that we can condemn remarks when they need to be condemned and educate people. We need to go back to my earlier statement, where I said we had to educate people and understand the facts. All I ask is that I tell people, let's meet the american soldiers who liberated the death camps.
▶ 1:08:41Sen. Van Hollen: If I could have a follow-up, so look, I agree with you, the best way to respond to speech is with speech . I am also a supporter of free speech. Which is why I have to say that it's worrisome that the trump administration has been blocking students from expressing their views.
▶ 1:09:10Sen. Van Hollen: My question to you was this, the president responded to statements nick fuentes made with speech. He didn't say that nick fuentes is outrageous. I would hope that when asked, the president would take that kind of position going forward. Let me just ask you this, and I asked your predecessor this earlier in the biden administration.
▶ 1:09:35Sen. Van Hollen: You would agree with me that it is not anti-semitic or anti-jewish to criticize the actions of the government of israel, right?
▶ 1:09:44Mr. Kaploun: Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, senator, for your question. I will refer back to the ira definition of what's ok to criticize. You have a right to criticize a country.
▶ 1:10:00Mr. Kaploun: But if you are only going to criticize israel and that's every statement you are making, but are not consistent across the board, in the ira definition, it's clear that you need to condemn everything across the board and not just single out israel. When he single out israel when it crosses the line, that's when it becomes anti-semitic, possibly.
▶ 1:10:23Mr. Kaploun: If you condemn the killings of christians in the sudan, the uighurs in china, were things going on around the globe, and at that time condemn something that you don't like about a country, that's fine are particularly singling out israel, it becomes a greater issue. That's exactly what the ira definition has.
▶ 1:10:44Sen. Van Hollen: Mr. chairman, if I could, I think that if you look at members of this committee, for example, across the board be been clear in condemning human rights violations from the chinese actions against the uighurs to what's happening in sudan and what's happening in burma to what's happening in many other places around the world. I hope that you all agree with me that we should be consistent.
▶ 1:11:13Sen. Van Hollen: The government of israel should be held to the same standard that we have applied to every other country in the world when it comes to human rights. You agree with that?
▶ 1:11:23Mr. Kaploun: As I said before, senator, the definition of people abiding by that definition --
▶ 1:11:31Sen. Van Hollen: I'm asking you a separate question, rabbi. You pointed out that we should essentially have the same standard in terms of protection of human rights, justice, and self-determination. Should we apply that equally to israel, as many of us do to other countries and governments around the world?
▶ 1:11:58Mr. Kaploun: I believe the illustration of lies that equally to israel.
▶ 1:12:03Sen. Van Hollen: If you look at the inspector before they came out of the state department recently, you will find not only this administration, but the previous administration, completely failed to do that. You agree that criticizing the trump administration is not anti-american. Would you agree with Mr.
▶ 1:12:22Kaploun: That?
▶ 1:12:22Mr. Kaploun: Yes.
▶ 1:12:24Sen. Van Hollen: In that sense, criticizing the actions of any government, in my view, is an expression of values and principles. We should apply similar standards going forward. I hope that we will do that across the board. Thank you, Mr. chair.
▶ 1:12:42Chair Risch: Thank you to all of our witnesses.
▶ 1:12:45Sen. Van Hollen: I have one, sorry, I was asked by congressman adler to submit for the record a member that he and some other members of the house have written to us in opposition to the rabbi's nomination. I'm going to submit it at his request.
▶ 1:13:03Chair Risch: As always, included
▶ 1:13:06Chair Risch: As always, includei
▶ 1:13:06Chair Risch: As always, includen
▶ 1:13:07Chair Risch: As always, include. With that, let me say to each of you, thank you so much for being here. Thank you for being willing to serve. I will say you got off a little easy today. This is a pretty big committee but there is so much other stuff going on that they are not here. It has nothing to do with the interest people have in your nominations. Consider yourselves fortunately -- fortunate at least in that regard.
▶ 1:13:33Chair Risch: With that, before closing, I will add any letters of support or otherwise that the committee has received regarding matters before the committee today to be included in the record. The record will remain open until close of business tomorrow, november 20, from embers to summit questions for the record. If any of you get questions for the record, I would urge you to immediately respond as it will help nominations along. Again, thank you so much with that, the committee will be adjourned. [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy.
▶ 1:14:03Chair Risch: Visit ncicap.org]