▶ 0:18:55Chair Risch: We are here to consider the nominations of Mr. ademola adewale-sadik, the nominee to be our director for the african development bank. Ms. catherine dillon, nominated to be the assistant for education and cultural affairs. And Mr. yeouk kim, ambassador to the association of southeast asian nations. I want to remind everyone of the ground rules for these meetings.
▶ 0:19:26Chair Risch: We have very important work to do and limited time. As a result we will not tolerate any demonstrations or disruptions in any way that would disrupt or slowdown down or affect the business of this committee. If you choose to interrupt our proceedings you will be removed and barred from attending these public hearings for 12 months. I appreciate your understanding and look forward to a productive hearing. First, I want to recognize a couple of our colleagues that are here to induce -- to introduce nominees.
▶ 0:19:54Chair Risch: I want to recognize representative -- representative foxx.
▶ 0:20:03Rep. Foxx: It is a great entre to introduce catherine dillon, who is being nominated for the role of assistant secretary of state for education and culture in the state department. Devol, kate is a patriot. A patriot -- first of all, kate is a patriot. A patriot who will always meet the moment so our nation can be successful in always.
▶ 0:20:27Rep. Foxx: It was my pleasure to have kate as an essential part of the house education and workforce committee during my tenure as chairwoman of the committee. She did a fantastic job, first as staff assistant for the committee, and then as the chief clerk and director of finance for the committee. I'm quite certain that the members of this committee understand what a vital role that is and I have seen that at work this morning with your staff.
▶ 0:20:55Rep. Foxx: Alongside her duty of ensuring that the committee's members had -- have the materials and documents they needed, kate was an indispensable resource for drillable staff. She meant toward them and help them develop their own capabilities. It is clear to me and everyone who is fortunate to know her that she is steeped in the value of lifelong education.
▶ 0:21:17Rep. Foxx: Since departing the committee she has had a succession of very important positions which have further prepared and molded her for the state department position. In each role she has assumed she has been successful and I firmly believe she will be equally successful as assistant secretary. In a moment of personal privilege, I must say I see a lot of myself in kate.
▶ 0:21:43Rep. Foxx: She can be tough as nails for all the right reasons, but she also has a lot of compassion for others and a willingness to go to great lengths to support them. And she is quite agreeable. One of our common points of consensus when we worked alongside one another was about the silliness of wearing shoes that could not get you where you needed to be to get the job done quickly. Kate has my complete and total endorsement.
▶ 0:22:12Rep. Foxx: I also have it on good authority that she is a taylor swift fan. So, you will understand when I say, she is the real thing. It is my hope she will be confirmed for this position unanimously. Thank you, again, Mr. chairman, for allowing me to be here today. >> thank you very much, Mr. chairman, and it is delightful to be here, and also be at the table with my former colleague.
▶ 0:22:47Rep. Foxx: Thank you very much, and what a privilege to be able to introduce kevin came to this committee and recommend him wholeheartedly -- kim to this committee and recommend him wholeheartedly. Mr. kim will excel in this office and I can say so with authority, because he excelled working in my jurisdiction.
▶ 0:23:11Rep. Foxx: Kevin received his bachelors and masters degrees at johns hopkins university, but he is a texan at heart, who leans toward being a devoted fan of the aggies. And speaking of college football, it is worth saying that my team acquired kevin through something of a transfer portal.
▶ 0:23:34Rep. Foxx: Before he joined my office kevin had been serving as a state department fellow on behalf of a man named bill hagerty, who later on became chairman of this distinguished body, and so we were glad to have kevin and we were glad to keep him in the southeastern conference for a time.
▶ 0:23:55Rep. Foxx: But now we can say that kevin is one of the state department's most experienced and knowledgeable experts on asia, with a cumulative 15 years at the department and the first -- and in the first trump administration kevin was a key part of the negotiating team with regard to north korea. Equipping him with intimate knowledge of one of the world's most dangerous situations. When kevin returned to the state department in the second trump administration he hit the ground running.
▶ 0:24:24Rep. Foxx: On the first day in office for secretary rubio kevin organized a meeting with the united states, japan, australia, and india. On day one. Since then kevin has served as a deputy assistant secretary, responsible for japan, korea, taiwan, and china issues, and then as senior bureau officer for east asia and pacific affairs bureau.
▶ 0:24:55Rep. Foxx: He played the lead role in organizing the peace talks between thailand and cambodia, talks which of course president trump has expressed great appreciation and brought to a successful conclusion. Mr.
▶ 0:25:15Rep. Foxx: Kim's performance in facilitating the talks was so outstanding that he was selected to lead affairs in seoul south korea. The success of president trump visit to korea with a -- for a summit with xi jinping. Kevin has been a go to guy at the state department.
▶ 0:25:42Rep. Foxx: I cannot imagine a person who is more qualified for this to killer job. He will now use his policy chops , his political savvy, and leadership skills, and his brain to represent our interests before asean in jakarta. Representative must use all elements of statecraft. Economics, trade, defense, and politics. Kevin can do that.
▶ 0:26:10Rep. Foxx: Our representative will play a key role in countering chinese expansionism in southeast asia. I cannot think of an official more qualified for that task, and I want to make a special expression of gratitude to kevin and to his family for taking on this charge.
▶ 0:26:29Rep. Foxx: It is no small matter to uproot a young, beautiful family who are present with us today and move them halfway around the world, and I know they do so in service to their nation, and I'm am delighted about it. Five more lines, Mr. chairman. A brief anecdote. In early 2023i had just become the ranking member of the armed services committee.
▶ 0:26:56Rep. Foxx: Kevin was intimately involved in preparations for the first speech I would give in that capacity. In that speech I articulated america's objectives in asia, outlined the threat from china, and forcibly defended taiwan's freedom. That speech had -- set the tone for our work on the committee. It has endured.
▶ 0:27:18Rep. Foxx: When I visited taiwan last year the president handed me a printed copy of those very remarks. That speaks volumes and is a testament to kevin's contributions, and it is a sign of what he is able to do and what he will do as ambassador, and I urge in an unqualified way my colleagues to cast an enthusiastic "yes" for this nominee.
▶ 0:27:49Rep. Foxx: >> thank you so much for being here. I know you have dizzy schedules and we would be more than delighted for you to stay as long as you like, but I understand if you need to excuse yourselves. Now I would like to exercise my prerogative as the chair to offer an introduction myself. That would be for my good friend, kevin kim.
▶ 0:28:12Rep. Foxx: Before I get to my remarks that are prepared I would like to say to my colleagues appear, I have had a unique opportunity to see kevin at work before he ever came on my team. This is when I was serving as united states ambassador to japan at a challenging time. I think you remember in 2017 when kim jong-un was claiming his being -- his button was bigger than our president's.
▶ 0:28:37Rep. Foxx: It was a very tense time and I got to know kevin well as he served as chief of staff tower special envoy from north korea. He devoted himself to the cause. Extraordinarily competent and capable and he was one of the first people I had a my list that I wanted to be on my staff when I came to the united states senate, and has been a delight to see you and see your career evolve.
▶ 0:29:02Rep. Foxx: It has been wonderful to get to see you and your family grow too, and I cannot wait to see what you will achieve in your next role. I'm here to support you every step of the way. Kevin kim is an example of what so many of you do in terms of dedicating his time, his energy, and resources to serve those of us in the committee and senate. I think he will service very well. He has already and I think he is going to be an excellent ambassador.
▶ 0:29:33Rep. Foxx: I hope many of you will take this to heart as you aspire to the next role you will play. This is the type of thing I hope to see many of you do overtime. Back to the specifics here. Kevin, your nomination comes at a critical time for our nation's in southeast asia. Asean sits at the center of the indo pacific. It is home to 685 million people and some of the world's fastest-growing economies.
▶ 0:30:00Rep. Foxx: It is also a region where petition is intensifying and U.S. leadership and our prisons are more important than ever. At this critical point I cannot think of anybody that is better-qualified than kevin kim. Kevin serves as senior advisor to the under secretary of state for political affairs, where he helps shape our diplomatic posture. Last year kevin served at our embassy in seoul.
▶ 0:30:26Rep. Foxx: He supported president trump visit to south korea and helped advance key out comes in 2025. Kevin also played a role in negotiating the U.S.-republic of korea joint fact sheet that strengthened our cooperation in important areas like shipbuilding and alliance modernization. He previously served as the senior bureau -- in that role kevin was the lead negotiator for the kuala lumpur peace accords.
▶ 0:31:00Rep. Foxx: He also conducted shuttle diplomacy across the region.
▶ 0:31:32Rep. Foxx: I had the opportunity to see kevin judgment, work ethic, and commitment to advancing U.S. national security. I believe kevin is going to be uniquely qualified to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to asean and I'm happy to urge my colleagues to support his nomination. Before we turn to senator markey's opening statements, and to our panelists, I would like to begin by thanking all of you for your willingness to serve the greatest nation in the world.
▶ 0:32:00Rep. Foxx: Whether you're based in washington, asia, or africa we will need your steadfast commitment to promote american values and deliver results for the american people and for our partners. Mr. guatemala saadiq, if you are confirmed -- Mr. at adewale-sadik, if you are confirmed you will -- aligned with U.S. objectives. Ms.
▶ 0:32:28Rep. Foxx: Dillon, the assistant secretary of state for cultural affairs oversees a range of programs that tie people and cultures together and can build U.S. soft power if it is targeted well. Mr. kim, as I mentioned, the U.S. ambassador to asean is an important role in illusion that is as strategic as it is competitive. We need a skilled diplomat there. I look forward to a productive hearing this money. Senator merkley, I would like to turn it over to you.
▶ 0:32:55Sen. Merkley: Thank you very much, Mr. chair, and welcome to each of you. I appreciate your interest in public service and that vision in the future. It is an exciting moment for you and your families. Families get to share about the exciting potential moments and the challenges of taking on these various roles. It is a critical time for the united states in the world. We are in the middle of a war.
▶ 0:33:26Sen. Merkley: A war that includes not only bombs falling in iran, but also falling in at least five nations in the middle east where we do not currently have an ambassador. And in africa, 30 ambassador ships are empty. At a time that certainly china is in full gear, exercising its influence.
▶ 0:33:54Sen. Merkley: I look forward to each of your comments about why you are interested in these roles and the expertise you bring to them. Certainly I am very concerned about us being able to ramp up in response to china's belt and road initiatives. I'm excited to see a development role in africa, potentially be filled, and, Ms.
▶ 0:34:18Sen. Merkley: Dillon, back when -- long before I ever envision running for office, I was at the world affairs account of oregon, where we hosted people under the international leadership program that brought people from all kinds of perspectives to experience connections in three states and saw the impact that had in terms of the relationships that served us well throughout the world.
▶ 0:34:48Sen. Merkley: I know that is a piece of what you will be managing, so I will look forward to your comments on that. In terms of asean, I had the chance a couple of years ago to go to vietnam, to champion our war legacy programs, and those programs, I would certainly like to hear your perspectives on.
▶ 0:35:07Sen. Merkley: We created the foundation for a growing economic relationship with vietnam, which is important in all kinds of ways, including supply chain and including encountering to some degree china's influence in southeast asia. So, welcome to each of you and let's get on with this hearing.
▶ 0:35:26Chair Hagerty: Thank you. I want to remind all of you to keep your opening remarks to less than five minutes. Mr. adewale-sadik, I will start with you.
▶ 0:35:42Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Thank you, senator. Chairman hagerty, ranking member merkley, and distinguished members of this committee, it is an honor to appear before you today. As president trump's nominee for united states executive director of the african development bank. Allow me to begin by thanking president trump for the trustee has placed in me by offering this opportunity to serve our country.
▶ 0:36:09Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I would also like to thank treasury secretary bessent for his confidence and support, as well as the members and staff of this committee for their engagement in advance of this hearing. Watching these proceedings from home is my wife of over seven years. Thank you for the love and companionship we have shared since we first met. Alongside is our daughter and first child, arabella, whose arrival last month brought us immense joy.
▶ 0:36:41Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I parents -- my parents are here today. They raised me on hard work, education, and christian values, and I am grateful for that upbringing. Finally, I would like to acknowledge my parents in law. Who have joined us remotely. The johnson's have always treated me like an son and I appreciate the care with which they nurtured the daughter -- their daughter into the woman I married.
▶ 0:37:10Mr. Adewale-Sadik: There is perhaps no better role for a naturalized american then the position of united states executive director of the african of element bank. The american dream has brought me untold opportunities and, if confirmed, I hope to contribute to building those same opportunities across the continent. Africa's potential stretches to transportation and energy abundance.
▶ 0:37:35Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Under a coherent mandate to underwrite that potential and the strong american participation the afdb can be an instrument of economic mobilization. President trump has outlined a consistent vision where participants will find a listening gear and dealmaking and at the white house. My time on the african continent has proven to me it is full of such nations.
▶ 0:38:00Mr. Adewale-Sadik: And because africa is home to the plurality of our planets resources, durable relationships across the continent are critical to american economic and national security. The afdb is the natural arena in which to cultivate such relationships. The united states is also the bank's second-largest shareholder in the bank enjoys a credit rating because of our -- three central beliefs. American taxpayers deserve value for their dollars deployed at the afdb.
▶ 0:38:31Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I have the utmost conviction in the ability of america's private sector and america's ambitious economies to deliver that value together. And, third, the trump administration has a unique opportunity to advance commercial ties between our country and the african continent. Seizing this window is a worthwhile endeavor. Our influence can be central to president trump's economic agenda and the success will bring mutual benefit to both the united states and our african allies.
▶ 0:39:01Mr. Adewale-Sadik: If confirmed I will leverage my business and legal backgrounds to advocate for american interests at the bank and across the region every day. I will also bring relevant first-hand experience with me, because I have seen, invested in, and lived the developmental imperatives of the african continent my entire life. If the afdb is effective africa will unlock endless possibilities for itself and its trading partners.
▶ 0:39:26Mr. Adewale-Sadik: The afdb will be effective if it focuses exclusively on its core economic development and poverty reduction missions, is backed by american leadership, and governed with collective accountability. I have always marveled at the enduring power and extraordinary ingenuity of american commerce. It is the very exceptionalism that makes america the sole indispensable counterparty. It is also what we can bring to bear by way of the afdb.
▶ 0:39:51Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I believe in -- that africa's development is the single greatest expansion opportunity for global gdp. Our positive, proactive involvement on the continent will determine the direction of american, african, and world affairs for years to come. If confirmed I pledge to work closely with this committee on those vital considerations. And once told my father-in-law that the best time to be alive is always tomorrow. I know america's best days are in the future.
▶ 0:40:21Mr. Adewale-Sadik: The same holds true for an africa that is aligned with the united states. I'm passionate about drawing the continent of my birth closer to the country that adopted me and further from our adversaries. The chance to do this at the afdb would be the privilege of a lifetime. Thank you, again. I look for to answering your questions, and if confirmed, to working closely with this committee.
▶ 0:40:44Chair Hagerty: Thank you. Ms. dillon.
▶ 0:40:46Ms. Dillon: Thank you. I want to thank Dr. fox for her -- Dr. foxx for her kind introduction. Distinguished members of this committee, I am truly honored to appear before you today as president trump's nominee for assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs. I'm deeply grateful to the president and secretary rubio for entrusting me with leading this vital component of our country's foreign policy.
▶ 0:41:15Ms. Dillon: I would like to thank my parents and my boyfriend, andrew, who are seated behind me. I would also like to thank my sister and many friends watching from the audience and at home. Without your unconditional love and support I would not be here today. My professional experience has ensured complex organizations deliver on their promises.
▶ 0:41:36Ms. Dillon: Chief clerk and finance director in the house of representatives, to the director of the 2024 republican national convention, I have led in environments where success is not theoretical. It is measured in disciplined execution and meaningful strategic outcomes. During my time at the department of state I have applied that discipline to ensure state's past personnel and resources serve the president's agenda and the american people.
▶ 0:42:03Ms. Dillon: If confirmed I will bring that same rigor and clarity of purpose to the bureau of educational and cultural affairs by leading with four core priorities. First, strategic alignment. Every eca program and initiative must clearly advance america first priorities in our strategic national interests. In this period of great power competition our exchange programs cannot be treated as legacy institutions running on autopilot.
▶ 0:42:34Ms. Dillon: They are strategic assets, they are instruments of national power, and they are critical tools for advancing the interests of the american people. They must be administered as such. Second, fiscal stewardship. I'm am experienced at managing high-stakes budgets. I will continue to apply fiscal scrutiny out of respect for the american taxpayer in my leadership of eca to ensure efficiency and impact of every dollar spent.
▶ 0:42:59Ms. Dillon: If a program is not delivering an adequate return on investment for the american people we will reform it. Second, championing american excellence. As we approach our nation's 250th anniversary and other major milestones have, eca is uniquely positioned to tell the american story.
▶ 0:43:26Ms. Dillon: It will capitalize on these historic opportunities to showcase american excellence and innovation, education, and culture. Finally, if confirmed I commit to prioritizing the safety and welfare of our american exchange participants abroad and to working at every level from our U.S.
▶ 0:43:44Ms. Dillon: Embassies to our interagency partners, to guarantee our foreign exchange participants are selected with intention and merit, vetted for our security, and are as respectful of our country as guests as we are as hosts. Mr. chairman, I remain committed to ensuring the bureau is cooperative with his body and responsive to your inquiries.
▶ 0:44:05Ms. Dillon: I'm honored by this opportunity and humbled by the trust that president trump and secretary rubio have put in me to ensure our exchange programs are at the core of advancing our national interests. I stand ready to begin achieving that vision on day one. Thank you, and I look for to your questions.
▶ 0:44:23Chair Hagerty: Thank you.
▶ 0:44:26Mr. Kim: Mr. kim.
▶ 0:44:27Mr. Kim: Chairman hagerty, before I begin I would like to thank you and chairman wicker for the kind introduction. It was a privilege to work for both of you here in the united states senate, and I'm very grateful to be here today.
▶ 0:44:43Mr. Kim: Chairman hagerty, ranking member merkley, and distinguished members of the committee, I'm honored to appear before you today as a nominee to be the representative of the united states to the association of southeast asian nations. I am grateful to president trump and the secretary rubio for their confidence and trust. I also appreciate the careful consideration memos of this committee have given to my nomination.
▶ 0:45:12Mr. Kim: Should I be confirmed, I pledge to continue close consultations with this committee on issues related to asean. My three children, alston studentcam, archie kim, and arthur cameron, are here behind me, along with my wife and best friend. Their love and support continue to be a source of inspiration. I would also like to honor my parents. They are my biggest cheerleaders.
▶ 0:45:44Mr. Kim: And two texas longhorns, unlike what senator wicker said, and they booked the first flight out of korea to attend this hearing. In january 2012 I started as an intern. Like many young people in the department I did not know what I would be doing. But I wanted to contribute here and importantly, I wanted to work for america.
▶ 0:46:10Mr. Kim: Since then I have devoted my career to advancing our country's national security, with a focus on the indo pacific. Including my time here in the U.S. senate and the state department. And I am grateful to have any -- the opportunity if confirmed to continue that work. As secretary rubio stated at the asean regional forum last year, the history of the 21st century will largely be written in the indo pacific and particularly in southeast asia.
▶ 0:46:42Mr. Kim: Asean member states have a combined gdp of $4 trillion and represent the fourth-largest export market for american goods. Creating more than 600,000 american jobs each year. Southeast asia straddles the sea lanes through which a word of global shipping passes every year. The demographics of southeast asia are young, and there will be enormous growth in the labor pool and the number of workers.
▶ 0:47:10Mr. Kim: For our security and prosperity, the united states must build on our engagement in southeast asia. Asean as a multilateral institution is where many of our engagements with the region take place. Last october the world saw what was possible when the united states and asean work together.
▶ 0:47:33Mr. Kim: President trump's diplomatic initiative to pursue a cease-fire between thailand and cambodia, combined with malaysia's role as the asean chair, was a resounding success. The kuala lumpur peace accords, signed by the united states, thailand, cambodia, and malaysia, continues to provide the path forward for lasting peace in the region. And I am proud to have played a small role in that process.
▶ 0:47:59Mr. Kim: The united states and asean have enjoyed nearly 50 years of partnership. Recently we reached a major milestone, upgrading our relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership. If confirmed, my goal will be to set the course for the next half-century by implementing U.S.-asean joint vision statement, which president trump and asean leaders adopted at the asean summit last year.
▶ 0:48:27Mr. Kim: To make america safer, I will prioritize working with asean to ensure that the indo pacific remains free and open. To make america more prosperous, I will fight for fair and reciprocal trade, strengthen our supply chain resilience, grow our shared digital economy and U.S. ai exports. And unleash affordable and abundant energy for the region.
▶ 0:48:56Mr. Kim: If confirmed I will ensure the united states remains asean's partner of choice for the most pressing challenges we face together and I particularly look forward to working with our treaty ally, the philippines, as a 2026 asean chair.
▶ 0:49:14Mr. Kim: With its dynamic economies, youthful populations, and shared values of industry, innovation, and creativity, asean is the key to unlocking the administration's goals across southeast asia. With the 50th anniversary of U.S.-asean elation's next year I hope to lead our team to create opportunity, peace, and prosperity for our combined one billion citizens.
▶ 0:49:44Mr. Kim: Senators, thank you for your time today. If confirmed, it would be the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of the united states of america as the president's representative to asean.
▶ 0:49:54Chair Hagerty: The key to our nominees. I'm going to start a round of five-minute questions. I will start with myself. Mr. kim, you just articulated the strategic criticality of the asean region. I would like you to articulate your priorities, should you be confirmed, in jakarta.
▶ 0:50:13Mr. Kim: Senator, thank you for the question. As stated, southeast asia is a critical region for the united states. Not just for me geostrategic standpoint, but from an economic standpoint, even the combined one billion citizens.
▶ 0:50:34Mr. Kim: If confirmed, my top priority would be to ensure that we remain the partner of choice for all asean member states that the norms and rules of the road, which asean is a multilateral institution would pursue, favored out of the united states and those of our allies and partners of the region. And, of course, ensuring that american economic access to the region is expanded, would be a priority as well. Thank you.
▶ 0:51:03Chair Hagerty: I hope all -- I have always been impressed with your negotiating skills. You had some unique experiences that share. Can you elaborate on how that is going to inform your position if you should be confirmed as ambassador?
▶ 0:51:23Chair Hagerty: You might just explain to the body your recent experience.
▶ 0:51:27Mr. Kim: It is certainly a lesson to be negotiated -- negotiating with the north koreans, the russians, as well as pursuing peace between thailand and cambodia, where the border issue has lasted for more than a few centuries. So, trying to de-escalate violence and tensions is a critical component of being a skilled negotiator. Asean is an institution operates on consensus.
▶ 0:51:54Mr. Kim: Each means that it is important to seek common ground among all 11 asean member states. From a negotiating standpoint that means understanding where our leverage lies. Unlocking which of our allies and partners can help advance american object's, and if confirmed that is the type of expertise and skill I hope to apply.
▶ 0:52:17Chair Hagerty: Thank you. Mr. adewale-sadik, I want to talk to you about the african development bank. If I think about china's role in africa, the inroads they are attempting to make, particularly in development projects, I really am interested how you think our posture toward china should be relative to the african development tank. African development bank.
▶ 0:52:45Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Thank you, senator. As I mentioned, we're the second-largest shareholder at the bank. And, of course, that has to mean something. If I am confirmed to this position, when I think about my priorities, care meant reform will be one of those priorities.
▶ 0:53:03Mr. Adewale-Sadik: As I mentioned, it will be my job to make the case for america at the bank and in the region every day, and I believe it is this -- as the second-largest shareholder our private sector, which is world-leading and gold standard-setting, should have a role in projects and initiatives that take place at the bank.
▶ 0:53:26Mr. Adewale-Sadik: The -- specifically to your question regarding china, our private sector may not always win on price, but we will always win on value. And so, if confirmed it will be my job to make that case, so that our allies that are regional member states at the african development bank understand the benefits of working with the american private sector in projects at the bank.
▶ 0:53:50Chair Hagerty: And obviously an area of focus for you is going to be critical minerals. If you think about your approach to critical mineral assets and how you might work with the dfc and the xm bank, I would like you to articulate that posture.
▶ 0:54:08Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I mentioned procurement a moment ago is one of my main priorities. There are several other priorities, and certainly working closely with dfc and xm, which are two strong executive branch bodies that are set up to work on the african continent and elsewhere, is also one of those priorities.
▶ 0:54:32Mr. Adewale-Sadik: If confirmed, it would be an honor to work closely with both dfc and xm in order to once again make the case for the american private sector, for the american people, for the american taxpayer at the bank and also generally in the region.
▶ 0:54:44Chair Hagerty: I will encourage you to work closely with them and our office would be happy to facilitate that. Ms. dillon, I would like to come to you. You will be managing education and cultural affairs. These programs are designed to provide ties. If you could just articulate how those programs will advance america's interest, should you be confirmed?
▶ 0:55:08Ms. Dillon: Senator, thank you so much for that question. Eca host a lot of good exchange programs. There are some wonderful rug -- legacy programs that will be celebrating -- legacy programs, like fulbright, which will be celebrating its 80th year this year. I have been meeting with the staff of the senators on this committee so, eca has a great reach and a lot of things it can do. There are also american spaces.
▶ 0:55:39Ms. Dillon: Something that eca manages, and that is away for the united states to be represented all across the world. The host fun things like nfl watch parties. They are also where we can teach english across the globe and there is certainly a body we can use while china sets up its confucius institutes to make sure the united states is at the table in combating china every step of the way.
▶ 0:56:03Chair Hagerty: Thank you. Ranking member merkley?
▶ 0:56:07Sen. Merkley: Thank you very much, Mr. chairman. Ms. dillon, the authorization law for these programs stated that the department must ensure that educational and cultural affairs programs shall be nonpolitical in character and shall be balanced and representative of the diversity of american political, social, and cultural life, maintaining integrity meets highest standards of echo -- of
▶ 0:56:38Sen. Merkley: Excellence. In administering these programs do you pledge to follow the law to make sure they are nonpolitical and balanced?
▶ 0:56:46Ms. Dillon: Senator, thank you so much for that question. I certainly want to make sure these implementers meet all the requirements necessary and that we follow the law when we are choosing these implementers and looking at our current implementing institutions so that they comply with the law.
▶ 0:57:01Sen. Merkley: It is a little simpler question. Do you pledge to follow the law to make sure these programs are nonpolitical in character and balanced?
▶ 0:57:10Ms. Dillon: Senator, thank you so much for that question. I certainly intend to follow the law.
▶ 0:57:18Sen. Merkley: The law also requires that the funding that was approved -- that was approved, the administered within the fiscal year, as authorized and funded. If you are confirmed will he commit to spending the funds at the levels congress appropriated?
▶ 0:57:36Ms. Dillon: Senator, thank you so much for that question. I commit to spending the money congress appropriates on following the law.
▶ 0:57:43Sen. Merkley: Thank you. Mr. kim, I mentioned the war legacy programs in vietnam. Are you familiar with those four programs?
▶ 0:57:52Mr. Kim: Senator, I am familiar with the war legacy programs. I think I previously worked on them as a professional staff member on the armed services committee.
▶ 0:58:04Sen. Merkley: One is cleaning up agent orange residue. We have come a long ways on that, but more work to be done. The second is supporting individuals who have suffered birth certificates -- birth certificates -- both defects, or injuries, from cluster munitions. The third is cleaning up the cluster munitions. And the third is a program in which we use the best thing a to return any remains that are found back to their families. Those four programs, do you support those four programs?
▶ 0:58:34Mr. Kim: Senator, yes, I do support those programs. I have been nominated for the position of asean. Those programs are more within the context of our bilateral relationship with vietnam. Nevertheless, supporting agassi programs to heal the wounds from the war that lasted a long time in the 70's to ensure that our relationship with asean member states moves forward is important.
▶ 0:59:02Sen. Merkley: They also served as a foundation for fording our economic and diplomatic relationship to the partnership. It was a big deal for us to achieve that in partnership with vietnam.
▶ 0:59:17Sen. Merkley: I didn't want to mention in regard to the philippines, human rights groups estimate that dutere's extrajudicial killings killed about, somewhere between 12000 and 30,000, mostly young men on the streets of the philippines. In your work will you commit to raising the importance of accountability and transparency for the victims of dutere's death squads?
▶ 0:59:49Mr. Kim: Senator, if confirmed I commit to continuously supporting and advancing issues related to human rights and to the extent possible the issues related to the philippines that emerge. I will continue to work on them.
▶ 1:00:10Sen. Merkley: That was somewhat vague. You familiar with the extrajudicial killings in the philippines and is it something you would raise in conversations ?
▶ 1:00:15Mr. Kim: Senator, first and foremost, I have not been nominated for the position for U.S. ambassador to the philippines. Nevertheless, within the asean context the united states has always supported human rights-related issues in southeast asia and will continue to do so.
▶ 1:00:35Sen. Merkley: I think you are aware that in this position you will be discussing individual issues that affect each and every one of these nations. So, even though it is not an ambassadorship to a specific nation, you will be engaged in all of those issues and we would certainly hope we represent issues of human rights in that context. Mr.
▶ 1:00:59Sen. Merkley: Adewale-sadik, so, a lot of contracts from the bank went to chinese state-owned companies, and in essence china is running a parallel operation to the african development bank, through their own funds, since they are engaged in an economic enterprise.
▶ 1:01:20Sen. Merkley: How do you see that dynamic between the bank and china's operations, both in terms of the contracts they control within the bank, but also their operations outside?
▶ 1:01:33Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Senator, thank you for that question. As I mentioned, if confirmed it will be my job to make the case for america at the bank in the region everyday. We are the second-largest shareholder at the african development bank and as I mentioned, that has to mean something.
▶ 1:01:53Mr. Adewale-Sadik: The human process, and also generally our relationship with our important allies that original member states at the bank, these are things I wish to, if confirmed, to focus on, and I certainly take your concern and if confirmed the concerns of this committee will be my concerns. I pledge to work closely with you in order to address them. >> Mr. scott.
▶ 1:02:22Sen. Scott: Congratulations to each of you. I think you are going to enjoy these jobs and I know each of you will do a great job. Mr. kim, as nominee to the association of southeast asian nations, you will be at the forefront of growing our relationship with allies in the region -- in a region of great importance. Can you talk about the importance of the asean and how you see this relationship fitting into our larger indo pacific strategy?
▶ 1:02:47Mr. Kim: Senator, thank you for the question, and I also want to say, thank you for your continued interest in the region. I know you visited the philippines a few years ago. I think my trip to manila's a few weeks afterwards and the embassy in manila was highly appreciative of your visit and your efforts to advance our reliance.
▶ 1:03:10Sen. Scott: Nice people.
▶ 1:03:13Mr. Kim: Indeed. With respect to your question, southeast asia and asean as a multilateral institution that represents the region, it is located in an extremely critical geostrategic area, where the sea lanes, more than one third of global commerce passes through each year. That means the rules and norms and values that underpin that sub-region are free and open.
▶ 1:03:45Mr. Kim: And, if confirmed, my objective would be to ensure that asean is an institution continues to support the vision of a free and open indo pacific.
▶ 1:03:54Sen. Scott: How are you going to work with asean on maritime security? How would you deal with that? Because, as you just talked about, it is the biggest issue right now.
▶ 1:04:07Mr. Kim: Maritime security is one of the most critical issues that the region faces, as well as the united states in the end of pacific. First and foremost, each member state has a specific position with respect to maritime security, where those interests overlap with that of the united states. For instance, the philippines, malaysia, vietnam.
▶ 1:04:34Mr. Kim: They all have claims in the south china sea and they all have certain territorial disputes with china, and amongst each other as well. So, the question will be, how do we resolve these issues in a peaceful way that still preserves our unfettered access to the region?
▶ 1:04:51Sen. Scott: Let me follow-up with what senator merkley brought up. There is no doubt relationships are important to us. China is not our friend. They try to use whatever power or involvement in any organization they can to take american money for their own purpose. We are seeing that play out in africa right now, right? As the nominee of the U.S.
▶ 1:05:21Sen. Scott: Director of the african development bank what is your plan to counter this by ensuring african countries see the bank as their preferred long-term partner?
▶ 1:05:29Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Senator, thank you for the question. The african development bank is perhaps the continent's most important financial institution, and should be and must be central to the continent's development. Once again, we are the second-largest shareholder at the bank, and that has to mean something. I spoke earlier about priorities of mine. I talked about procurement.
▶ 1:05:54Mr. Adewale-Sadik: I also talked about, you know, working closely with dfc so as a country or involvement and engagement on the continent is coherent and coordinated. Another priority of mine, if confirmed, is transparency. On a personal level I commit to being the most transparent possible united states executive director to the african development bank, but also to working to ensure that the bank itself works in a transparent manner.
▶ 1:06:25Mr. Adewale-Sadik: The concerns you just outlined our important, and I appreciate them and I thank you for outlining them. If confirmed, these are concerns I look forward to working with this committee on at the bank.
▶ 1:06:36Sen. Scott: Why is this important here? Why is our relationship with africa important to you personally?
▶ 1:06:43Mr. Adewale-Sadik: Thank you for that question. I am a naturalized american citizen, born in nigeria. The continent of africa, which is a place where I am well-traveled, a place I have invested in, lived, and experienced, is important to me on a personal level for that reason.
▶ 1:07:03Mr. Adewale-Sadik: And the african the filament bank is once again the most important financial institution on the continent and must be, as I mentioned, closely-focused, keenly focused on its twin goals of economic development and poverty reduction. If confirmed I look forward to working with this committee to accomplish that in line with american interests.
▶ 1:07:23Sen. Scott: Thanks. You all three are going to agree -- to do a great job.
▶ 1:07:27Chair Hagerty: Senator shaheen.
▶ 1:07:31Sen. Shaheen: . Congratulations to our nominees today and thank you for your willingness to serve the country. Ms. dillon, I would like to begin with you, to follow-up on senator merkley's questions about following the law. Because last year the entire fulbright foreign scholarship board resigned because of the administration's influence and interference in the selection of grantees.
▶ 1:07:57Sen. Shaheen: According to the fulbright-hayes act, which created a full buy program, as I'm sure you are aware, that responsibility to select grantees lives exclusively with the board. Now, it has been public -- publicly reported that over 200 fulbright scholars have been selected by the board were subsequently rejected by the state department. I assume you had no role in that when you are at the state department, is that correct?
▶ 1:08:26Ms. Dillon: That is correct, senator. I did not have a role in that.
▶ 1:08:30Sen. Shaheen: What this means is, there are fewer americans pursuing research, who are representing united dates interest in places where china is more and more sending people and spending billions of dollars on disinformation. I want to follow-up on senator merkley's question about the specific law you will be charged to follow if you are confirmed for this position.
▶ 1:08:54Sen. Shaheen: Do you commit to following the fulbright hayes act, including ensuring that there is not political influence in the selection of fulbright grantees?
▶ 1:09:05Ms. Dillon: Thank you so much for the question. I certainly commit to follow the law.
▶ 1:09:09Sen. Shaheen: That particular law, with respect to fulbright grantees?
▶ 1:09:14Ms. Dillon: All laws, yes.
▶ 1:09:16Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. You were the senior bureau official in the office of global women's issues last year, when the administration disbanded that office. And one of the commit is that -- or, the positions secretary rubio and the department have maintained is that the expertise of the office has not lost, because regional offices are now taking over the work of advocating for women.
▶ 1:09:42Sen. Shaheen: So, can you tell this committee if there is an individual in each regional bureau that is dedicated to addressing concerns of women and girls in the department? Senator, thank you so much for that question. As you said, secretary rubio removed all -- a lot of the responsibilities of offices.
▶ 1:09:59Sen. Shaheen: But you were not involved in implementing that decision. Do you know if each regional bureau has someone who has got that responsibility?
▶ 1:10:08Ms. Dillon: I was uninvolved in the reorganization, but I am confident in our staff in the regional bureaus. I'm sure that there are experts in these regions that can address concerns you or your staff have.
▶ 1:10:25Sen. Shaheen: Do you know who is responsible for ensuring that is the case, that we can get -- provide us with a list of how -- who those people are?
▶ 1:10:34Ms. Dillon: Senator, think you for that question. I am unaware of the individual's name, but I'm certain we can work within our bureaus and there is someone who is assigned to the specific country who is aware of these issues and can provide answers to the staff.
▶ 1:10:52Sen. Shaheen: We can figure that out, I'm sure, without your assistance, but thank you for that. Mr. kim, china views asean has a critical platform for diplomacy. As you have pointed out. And it's not to position itself as a leader in shipping a new regional order there.
▶ 1:11:13Sen. Shaheen: Beijing has also increased assistance to countries where they assume leadership roles within regional organizations when they assume leadership roles and as noted in -- has noted in a report that a minority of this committee did recently, china's total trade with asean grew by 27% in 2025. This is -- this is the report. I would encourage you to look at it because it lays out the opportunities we have lost that china has taken advantage of.
▶ 1:11:45Sen. Shaheen: While asean -- while china has grown its trade with asean, the united states has moved to increase tariffs on parts of southeast asia, and china has advanced regional free trade initiatives. You point out that the united states remain the partner of choice for asean countries. How will you address those differences and how will you do that if you are confirmed for this role?
▶ 1:12:15Sen. Shaheen: What kinds of initiatives do you see that can mitigate china' is growing influence in the region under currently?
▶ 1:12:23Mr. Kim: Senator, first and foremost, I did previously see the report that --
▶ 1:12:30Sen. Shaheen: This is a new one that just came out a couple of weeks ago.
▶ 1:12:34Mr. Kim: Yes, I believe I saw it on one of your staffers' linkedin pages, so I did get a chance to review it. You correctly note china's economic influence in southeast asia. Fundamentally, america has underlying advantages we must leverage moving forward.
▶ 1:12:59Mr. Kim: First and foremost, while total trade with china is larger than that of the united states or the region, we still remain the largest provider of fdi into southeast asia. So, we still retain significant ability to shape the rules and norms of the region.
▶ 1:13:16Sen. Shaheen: But only if we are actually at the table in terms of international bodies and organizations that are setting rules. Wouldn't you agree with that?
▶ 1:13:26Mr. Kim: Senator, I --
▶ 1:13:29Sen. Shaheen: I understand if you are confirmed you will be at the table at asean, but unfortunately there were other international entities where we have either withdrawn or we are no longer providing representatives to those organizations. I guess my fundamental question is, it is important for the united states to be at the table to do the kinds of things you're talking about, is that correct?
▶ 1:13:52Mr. Kim: Senator, that is why a believe the president and secretary rubio have nominated me for this position, to go do that exact work in southeast asia.
▶ 1:14:01Sen. Shaheen: Thank you. You, Mr. chairman.
▶ 1:14:04Chair Hagerty: Thank you.
▶ 1:14:08Sen. Ricketts: Thank you to all of our nominees for your willingness to serve our great nation. I appreciate the willingness of your families who are sacrificing alongside you. Thank you. As the philippines is going to be the chair in 2026 it does so against the backdrop of aggression from communist china. Certainly in the western philippine sea.
▶ 1:14:36Sen. Ricketts: Deploying maritime malicious, intimidating fishing vessels, attempting to rewrite international law. We just saw this on tuesday near scarborough shoal when more than 20 filipino fishing boats were harassed by a coordinated chinese presence. For years there has been a voluntary code of conduct that beijing has watered down while continuing to militarize and intimidate neighbors.
▶ 1:15:02Sen. Ricketts: Now under philippine leadership there is a renewed push to finally a legally binding code of conduct alongside dramatic expansion of the U.S. and philippines military cooperation. That approach reflects a clear reality that diplomacy without deterrence has failed to display china's behavior. Whether this becomes yet again another agreement that beijing ignores and continues on its path of coercion. Mr.
▶ 1:15:31Sen. Ricketts: Kim, how can you ensure that any future code of conduct as enforcement mechanisms rather than they rules that beijing can ignore?
▶ 1:15:46Mr. Kim: Deterrence is based on capability. It is critical that member states have the capabilities to bolster deterrence. With respect to credibility, I think that is where the soft elements of national power come in.
▶ 1:16:16Mr. Kim: In terms of the ongoing decade-long negotiations with the code of conduct, there is a reason why the two sides have failed to reach an agreement because it is an organization and institution that operates based on consensus so for them to form consensus on what the region's outlook on maritime issues is very difficult.
▶ 1:16:45Mr. Kim: Based on open source reporting, the philippines have had conversations and discussions with china regarding the south china sea. My understanding is that those discussions are ongoing.
▶ 1:17:05Mr. Kim: What is important from the united states perspective is that whatever outcomes, if they are agreed upon and throughout the process that we remain engaged and coordinated with all members particularly in the philippines which is a treaty ally with the U.S. to ensure that our interests which is primarily based on the fact that the sea lanes of southeast asia must remain open for the world and not dominated by a single power. That should be our overriding objective.
▶ 1:17:34Sen. Ricketts: How can you specifically help the philippines in pushing along this code of conduct that would be legally binding?
▶ 1:17:46Mr. Kim: If confirmed what I could specifically do, the role that I could play is to ensure that the philippines understands what the objective of the united states is and that any negotiating done between the chair along with other member states reflects that of the united states to understand exactly what our interests are, what the philippines can and should not protrude -- pursue
▶ 1:18:18Mr. Kim: And apply all national elements of power to pursue those objectives. As noted in my statement, an order for the united states to be safe and prosperous moving forward, we need continue to unfettered access to the region.
▶ 1:18:30Sen. Ricketts: We are seeing a growing divide within asean of some nations who have aligned with communist china. Others are trying to hedge between while beijing continues to build artificial islands, militarize disputed territory and unlawful maritime activity. The strategy is about dominance.
▶ 1:18:56Sen. Ricketts: It uses economic leverage, coercion and tactics to bend countries to its will. When asean fails to respond collectively, it can act with impunity. This dynamic risks turning asean into a form that constraints chinese communist rather than constrain it.
▶ 1:19:18Mr. Kim: Senator, asean member states clearly understand the threats that they face better than anyone else. They live it each day. You mentioned the disputes and the actions that the philippines, their sailors and fishermen have to endure on an ongoing basis.
▶ 1:19:43Mr. Kim: Fundamentally it is about maintaining open channels of communication and ensuring that our diplomatic engagements with asean member states are fundamentally rested on shared transparency about what is happening in the region. All we have to do is very simple which is to show what the chinese are doing in the region and the actions speak for themselves.
▶ 1:20:05Sen. Ricketts: I look forward to working with you. This is incredibly important to the united states and the philippines.
▶ 1:20:15Chair Risch: Senator kaine.
▶ 1:20:18Sen. Kaine: Thank you, Mr. chair. I have one topic for each of you. I will start with Mr. adewale-sadik. You talked about how the U.S. is the second largest shareholder in the bank, the largest is nigeria, correct?
▶ 1:20:33Mr. Adewale-Sadik: That is correct.
▶ 1:20:35Sen. Kaine: So there are 81 members of the bank, 54 african nations and 27 outside of africa. The U.S. is the second largest shareholder, contributes about 6.5% of the bank's commitments through capital, that makes us the second largest china by comparison contributes about 1% of the bank's commitments.
▶ 1:21:05Sen. Kaine: But the prc accounts for 25% of the bank's civil work contracts so the bank is awarding contracts and the lesser participant is gaining the lion share of the contracts. I want to put some flesh on this issue that you were mentioning about how being the second largest shareholder has to mean something. We are a big contributor and yet U.S.
▶ 1:21:32Sen. Kaine: Firms are not receiving the benefit of that and I know that will be a strong priority. I don't need you to repeat that. You have said that already but I want folks to understand the magnitude. Ms. dillon, in your opening testimony you described the fulbright program as a flexure program. Why did you use that phrase?
▶ 1:21:50Ms. Dillon: It is one of our most notable programs and it has been around for 80 years. I think it is the program that most people recognize when they think of it. That is why I used that phrase.
▶ 1:22:01Sen. Kaine: I was happy to hear you mention it and I follow your communication with senator shaheen. It is a notable programs worldwide that provides opportunities for american scholars and scholars from around the world to come to the U.S., develop favorable impressions and they can be ambassadors for the U.S. when they go home.
▶ 1:22:22Sen. Kaine: I was troubled when last year the state department proposed in its budget, the president's budget that came over, a massive reduction in the funding for your office which includes fulbright funding. The funding in fy 2025 was $741 million.
▶ 1:22:42Sen. Kaine: What the state department asked four was reduction of staff by 53% and it would have meant cuts at the fulbright program. In addition to the resignation of board members, it did not send a good message about the commitment to this flexure program. I was heartened to hear you call it the flagship program. I hope you will continue to have this program as strong as it has been for the last 10 years.
▶ 1:23:15Sen. Kaine: Finally to Mr. kim, many countries in asean. You have a lot of questions about the philippines. I will pile on that. Senator hagerty and I worked on an act that you might have done some work on as you were working with senator hagerty. It celebrates but works to continue an in depth military partnership between the united states and the philippines which we think would be a really important part of promoting regional stability.
▶ 1:23:45Sen. Kaine: Talk a little bit about that act and the virtues of that bill.
▶ 1:23:48Mr. Kim: Senator, thank you for your leadership along with senator hagerty on the philippines. Personally glad to see it adopted into statute last year. As I mentioned earlier, deterrence is fundamentally based on fungibility -- capabilities.
▶ 1:24:18Mr. Kim: That means the capabilities is critical to bolstering deterrence in the region. Based on my time on the armed services committee as a professional staff member, we were able to see firsthand when equipped properly what kind of role the philippines can play with U.S.
▶ 1:24:38Mr. Kim: Security assistance and -- in ensuring that they can play the role of an amplifier, a force multiplier in the region and fundamentally it is their maritime domain, it is their security interests that must be protected while of course the united states also has a tremendous interest in the region that we have unfettered access to the south china sea.
▶ 1:25:06Mr. Kim: Statutes like para, security assistance of the philippines is critical to ensuring that the philippines remains sovereign and free from coercion.
▶ 1:25:19Sen. Kaine: Three nominees, three topics. I yield back one second.
▶ 1:25:24Chair Risch: Senator duckworth.
▶ 1:25:28Sen. Duckworth: Thank you. Mr. kim, I appreciate your willingness to sit down with me for an extensive conversation earlier this week. I would like to follow-up on the topics we discussed. I made it clear that I see the role of U.S. ambassador to asean is a critical one and not one that should be traded for political favor to inexperienced nominees.
▶ 1:25:52Sen. Duckworth: I know how important our relationship in southeast asia is to the united states national security and how long they get overlooked and undervalued. Your predecessor was also an experienced political nominee when it came to asean. But he grew into the position and from our conversation that you likely will as well.
▶ 1:26:13Sen. Duckworth: Although you lack experience in southeast asia given your experience in northeast asia, perhaps you will bring an understanding of the true risks and opportunities but also especially the risks when we don't show up in southeast asia or when we act like a bully rather than as an ally or partner. We cannot always be the big brother in relationships with the member states of asean.
▶ 1:26:37Sen. Duckworth: What do we risk when the united states turns our attention away from southeast asia leaving a vacuum that the prc clearly seeks to exploit and fill and if confirmed, how would you influence an administration that has clearly de-prioritized the indo-pacific reason let alone asean.
▶ 1:26:57Sen. Duckworth: How will you prioritize and convince them that we still believe in asean centrality and it is not meaningless platitudes from a president who has clearly turned his attention away from the region?
▶ 1:27:09Mr. Kim: Thank you for it to meet with me the other day. If confirmed, I look forward to hopefully seeing you in the region.
▶ 1:27:22Sen. Duckworth: You will.
▶ 1:27:24Mr. Kim: I believe the commitment was that we will go eat chicken and clay pot together. The administration remains focused on the situation in southeast asia.
▶ 1:27:45Sen. Duckworth: The latest nds reduces its role.
▶ 1:27:50Mr. Kim: I cannot speak on behalf of the national defense strategy which would be covered by the different department but there is a reason why president trump traveled to malaysia last year to attend the U.S.-asean summit. The president was able to exhibit incredible diplomatic leadership by breaking it -- brokering a peace deal.
▶ 1:28:19Mr. Kim: There is a reason why leaders of southeast asia, indonesia, cambodia and malaysia have showed up to the president's diplomatic initiative with respect to the board of peace and we continue to exhibit such leadership especially when secretary rubio travels to malaysia last year for the asean regional forum. It specifically states that the history of the 21st century is going to be written in the indo-pacific particularly in southeast asia.
▶ 1:28:48Mr. Kim: I feel comforted and confident in knowing that this administration priorities will be in the indo-pacific as well as southeast asia.
▶ 1:28:58Sen. Duckworth: I hope you keep that focus for the administration. You have spoken about your appreciation for how the state department works giving your personal experience in various roles. Combined with your time on the hill, I hope we see you using government to achieve the goals of the mission to asean.
▶ 1:29:17Sen. Duckworth: Talk about how you will advocate for additional resources and unlock additional tools to make your tenure as ambassador to asean the most effective in terms of working with the secretariat as well as the bilateral missions with asean partner countries.
▶ 1:29:34Mr. Kim: Thank you for the question. Our focus and our presence in southeast asia as well as asean cannot be simply a state department role. It must encompass the whole of government. That means working with the development finance corporation.
▶ 1:29:56Mr. Kim: That means working with xm bank to see how we can unlock american financing for additional infrastructure projects or other financial tools that the U.S. can leverage so that the quality of american investments can be seen and felt by people in southeast asia.
▶ 1:30:16Mr. Kim: Within the tools of the state department, foreign assistance is one element that should be looked at and leveraged and whether or not we can expand our foreign assistance looking forward to southeast asia would be a priority of mine.
▶ 1:30:31Sen. Duckworth: Good to hear.
▶ 1:30:34Chair Risch: Senator duckworth, my office is going to be working with soon to be ambassador kim steam on the financial components of this. We welcome your engagement in that as well.
▶ 1:30:48Sen. Duckworth: You can count on me.
▶ 1:30:50Chair Risch: Thank you very much. I want to thank everybody for their time here today. It is an impressive hearing. I understand why you have been selected for the roles that have been nominated for. To all the families here, I appreciate your dedication and support for these nominees. It is an important undertaking that they are engaging in. Speaking from personal experience, their role is absolutely critical. Thank you to all of them.
▶ 1:31:20Chair Risch: Before closing I would like to ask unanimous consent to enter any letters of support the record. That sounds good. The record will remain open until close of business tomorrow , friday, march 27th for members to submit questions for the record. With that, this hearing is adjourned. [captioning performed by the national captioning institute, which is responsible for its caption content and accuracy. Visit ncicap.org]