    [Senate Hearing 116-273]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]

                                                           S. Hrg. 116-273

            NOMINATIONS OF THE 116th CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION, PART I

    =======================================================================

                                    HEARINGS

                                   BEFORE THE

                         COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
                              UNITED STATES SENATE

                         ONE HUNDRED SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

                                 FIRST SESSION

                                   ----------

                                     PART I
                         MARCH 6, 2019 TO JULY 30, 2019

                                   ----------

           Printed for the use of the Committee on Foreign Relations

    [GRAPHIC NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                       Available via the World Wide Web:
                             http://www.govinfo.gov

                                    __________

                        U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
    41-447 PDF                  WASHINGTON : 2020

    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                         COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS

                    JAMES E. RISCH, Idaho, Chairman
    MARCO RUBIO, Florida                 ROBERT MENENDEZ, New Jersey
    RON JOHNSON, Wisconsin               BENJAMIN L. CARDIN, Maryland
    CORY GARDNER, Colorado               JEANNE SHAHEEN, New Hampshire
    MITT ROMNEY, Utah                    CHRISTOPHER A. COONS, Delaware
    LINDSEY GRAHAM, South Carolina       TOM UDALL, New Mexico
    JOHNNY ISAKSON, Georgia              CHRISTOPHER MURPHY, Connecticut
    JOHN BARRASSO, Wyoming               TIM KAINE, Virginia
    ROB PORTMAN, Ohio                    EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts
    RAND PAUL, Kentucky                  JEFF MERKLEY, Oregon
    TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  CORY A. BOOKER, New Jersey
    TED CRUZ, Texas
                  Christopher M. Socha, Staff Director
                Jessica Lewis, Democratic Staff Director
                        John Dutton, Chief Clerk

                                  (ii)

                               C O N T E N T S

                                  ----------

    Responses to additional questions from the committee and any
      additional material submitted for the record are located at the
      end of each hearing transcript.

                                  ----------

                                     Part I

    March 6, 2019....................................................     1

        Abizaid, General John P., to be Ambassador Kingdom of Saudi
          Arabia.....................................................     6

        Tueller, Hon. Matthew H., of Utah, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Iraq...........................................    10

    March 12, 2019...................................................    65

        Johnson, Ronald Douglas, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of El Salvador....................................    69

        Fitzpatrick, Michael J., of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Ecuador........................................    72

    March 27, 2019...................................................   113

        Destro, Robert A., of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary of
          State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor...............   121

        Krach, Keith, of California, to be Under Secretary of State
          for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment; U.S.
          Alternate Governor of the European Bank for Reconstruction
          and Development; U.S. Alternate Governor of the
          International Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and
          U.S. Alternate Governor of the Inter-American Development
          Bank.......................................................   123

        Stilwell, Brigadier General David, USAF (Ret.), of Hawaii, to
          be Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific
          Affairs....................................................   128

    April 9, 2019....................................................   207

        Eberhardt, Jeffrey L., of Wisconsin, to be Special
          Representative of the President for Nuclear Non-
          Proliferation..............................................   211

        Gilmore, Hon. James S., of Virginia, to be U.S.
          Representative to the Organization for Security and
          Cooperation in Europe......................................   214

        Swendiman, Alan R., of North Carolina, to be Deputy Director
          of the Peace Corps.........................................   217

    April 11, 2019...................................................   251

        Crawford, Edward F., of Ohio, to be Ambassador to Ireland....   254

        Byrnes, Kate Marie, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of North Macedonia................................   257

        Satterfield, Hon. David Michael, of Missouri, to be
          Ambassador to the Republic of Turkey.......................   260

                                     (iii)

    May 16, 2019.....................................................   303

        Brink, Bridget A., of Michigan, to be Ambassador to the
          Slovak Republic............................................   305

        Howery, Kenneth A., of Texas, to be Ambassador to the Kingdom
          of Sweden..................................................   307

        Klimow, Colonel Matthew S., USA (Ret.), of New York, to be
          Ambassador to Turkmenistan.................................   310

        Daigle, John Jefferson, of Louisiana, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Cabo Verde.....................................   313

    May 21, 2019.....................................................   343

        Bates, Pamela, of Virginia, to be U.S. Representative to the
          Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development......   347

        Landau, Christopher, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the
          United Mexican States......................................   350

        Nordquist, Jennifer D., of Virginia, to U.S. Executive
          Director of the International Bank for Reconstruction and
          Development................................................   353

        Pedrosa, Eliot, of Florida, to be U.S. Executive Director of
          the Inter-American Development Bank........................   356

    June 20, 2019....................................................   393

        Bremberg, Andrew P., of Virginia, to be U.S. Representative
          to the Office of the United Nations and other International
          Organizations in Geneva....................................   397

        Goldberg, Hon. Philip S., of the District of Columbia, to be
          Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia.....................   400

        Manchester, Doug, of California, to be Ambassador to the
          Commonwealth of the Bahamas................................   402

        Zuckerman, Adrian, of New Jersey, to be Ambassador to Romania   405

        Norland, Hon. Richard B., of Iowa, to be Ambassador to Libya.   430

        Cohen, Jonathan R., of California, to be Ambassador to the
          Arab Republic of Egypt.....................................   433

        Rakolta, John, Jr. to be Ambassador to the United Arab
          Emirates...................................................   436

    July 17, 2019....................................................   605

        Marks, Lana, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Republic of
          South Africa...............................................   606

        Lapenn, Jessica, of New York, to be U.S. Representative to
          the African Union..........................................   609

        Bell, Richard K., of Pennsylvania, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Cote D' Ivoire.................................   612

        Leonard, Hon. Mary Beth, of Massachusetts, to be Ambassador
          to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.........................   615

        Bekkering, Michelle, of the District of Columbia, to be an
          Assistant Administrator of the U.S. Agency for
          International Development, Economic Policy, Economic
          Growth, Education, and Environment.........................   618

    July 30, 2019....................................................   701

        Carwile, John Leslie, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Latvia.........................................   703

        McKee, Erin Elizabeth, of California, to be Ambassador to
          Papua New Guinea, Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, and
          Ambassador to the Republic of Vanuatu......................   706

        Godfrey, Anthony F., of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Serbia.........................................   710

        Mustafa, Herro, of California, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Bulgaria.......................................   714

                                    Part II

    September 19, 2019...............................................   759

        Billingslea, Hon. Marshall, of Virginia, to an Under
          Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and
          Human Rights...............................................   772

        Boehler, Adam Seth, of Louisiana, to be Executive Officer of
          the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.....   776

        Pack, Michael, of Maryland, to be Chief Executive Officer of
          the Broadcasting Board of Governors........................   778

    October 16, 2019.................................................   897

        Cantor, Carmen G., of Puerto Rico, to be Ambassador to the
          Federated States of Micronesia.............................   899

        DeSombre, Michael George, of Illinois, to be Ambassador to
          Thailand...................................................   902

        Kim, Hon. Sung Y., to be Ambassador to the Republic of
          Indonesia..................................................   906

        Tan, Morse H., of Illinois, to be Ambassador at Large for
          Global Criminal Justice....................................   908

        Currie, Hon. Kelley Eckels, of Georgia, to be Ambassador at
          Large for Global Women's Issues............................   911

    October 29, 2019.................................................   965

        Cabral, Roxanne, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of the Marshall Islands...........................   966

        Degnan, Kelly C., of California, to be Ambassador to Georgia.   969

        Gilchrist, Robert S., of Florida, to be Ambassador to the
          Republic of Lithuania......................................   972

        Kim, Yuri, of Guam, to be Ambassador to the Republic of
          Albania....................................................   975

    October 30, 2019.................................................  1017

        Sullivan, Hon. John Joseph, of Maryland, to be Ambassador to
          the Russian Federation.....................................  1025

    October 31, 2019.................................................  1167

        Castillo, Andeliz N., of New York, to be U.S. Alternate
          Executive Director of the Inter-American Development Bank..  1170

        Golden, Dr. Alma L., of Texas, to be an Assistant
          Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International
          Development................................................  1172

        Haymond, Peter M., of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Lao
          People's Democratic Republic...............................  1176

        Romanowski, Alina L., of Illinois, to be Ambassador to the
          State of Kuwait............................................  1179

        Tsou, Leslie Meredith, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the
          Sultanate of Oman..........................................  1182

    November 20, 2019................................................  1255

        Biegun, Stephen E., of Michigan, to be Deputy Secretary of
          State......................................................  1260

    December 17, 2019................................................  1393

        Chapman, Hon. Todd C., of Texas, to be Ambassador to the
          Federative Republic of Brazil..............................  1396

        Hennessey-Niland, John, of Illinois, to Ambassador to the
          Republic of Palau..........................................  1399

        Shea, Dorothy, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the Lebanese
          Republic...................................................  1403

        Wright, Dr. Donald, of Virginia, to be Ambassador to the
          United Republic of Tanzania................................  1406

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                            WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:02 a.m. in
    Room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. James E.
    Risch, chairman of the committee, presiding.
        Present: Senators Risch [presiding], Rubio, Johnson,
    Gardner, Romney, Barrasso, Paul, Young, Cruz, Menendez, Cardin,
    Shaheen, Udall, Murphy, Kaine, and Merkley.

               OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES E. RISCH,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM IDAHO

        The Chairman. The committee will come to order.
        Today we are going to hear a couple of very important
    positions. We have a couple nominees, one to be Ambassador of
    Saudi Arabia and one to be Ambassador of Iraq. And to introduce
    our nominees, we have a very, very distinguished guest from the
    great State of Alaska, Senator Sullivan, and he is going to
    make the introductions. So, Senator Sullivan, the floor is
    yours.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA

        Senator Sullivan. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman and Senator
    Menendez. It is truly an honor for me to come before the
    committee today on behalf of my friend and a great American,
    General John Abizaid, U.S. Army, retired, to support his
    confirmation to be U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi
    Arabia.
        I know you have all had an opportunity to review his
    resume. I know many of you have already talked to General
    Abizaid. What I wanted to do is to highlight a few important
    elements of his personal background and experience that I have
    seen firsthand.
        After graduating from West Point, General Abizaid began his
    distinguished Army career in 1973 as an infantry platoon
    leader. He rose to the rank of four-star general and was the
    longest serving commander of U.S. Central Command, an area of
    responsibility that at the time he commanded spanned more than
    4 million square miles from the Horn of Africa, Egypt, the
    Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, Afghanistan, South and Central Asia.
        As he rose through the ranks, he always kept his mind
    sharp. He achieved a master's degree in Middle Eastern studies
    from Harvard University. He was an Olmsted Scholar at the
    University of Jordan in Amman.
        After 34 years of service to his nation, he retired from
    the U.S. military in 2007 and is now a fellow at Stanford
    University's Hoover Institution.
        In 2005, I was a major in the Marine Corps Reserves and was
    called to active duty to spend close to a year and a half as a
    staff officer for General Abizaid when he was the CENTCOM
    Commander. I pretty much was with him everywhere in the world
    during that time, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, Central
    Asia and, yes, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. It was a difficult time
    in the region, especially in Iraq.
        What I witnessed day in and day out is everything you would
    want in an American general and an American public servant
    serving our country, a man of the highest integrity, a warrior,
    a scholar, an intellectual, a truly tested leader and, yes, a
    diplomat who, during his time in the military, garnered the
    deep respect of the leadership at the State Department due to
    his keen understanding of the culture and politics of the
    region for which he was responsible.
        There are few people in our country who understand the
    cross currents of U.S. interests, challenges, and history in
    the Middle East than John Abizaid. He commands respect and
    trust from those around him, those who have served with him.
        I remember watching in amazement several times as a staff
    officer when he had meetings with leaders in the region, all
    over the region, whether it was kings or prime ministers or
    colonels and generals, where he would begin the meetings
    speaking in Arabic. General Abizaid speaks Arabic, by the way,
    another element of his distinguished background.
        This kind of credibility and trust was so critical in the
    region.
        He is also a man with a great sense of humor and sharp wit.
    I remember a time when I was outside his office in Iraq waiting
    for him. The other individual waiting for him was also a Marine
    Corps major. General Abizaid had just had a meeting with four-
    star Army General Barry McCaffrey. General McCaffrey walked
    out, looked at the two Marine majors and said, John, what is
    with these marines hanging around your office, to which the
    general responded, I like hanging out with marines. It makes me
    feel smart.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Sullivan. General Abizaid is a classic example of
    an American patriot willing to serve his country for all the
    right reasons. He did not seek this nomination for attention or
    recognition. He was sought out by the administration because of
    his extensive experience and knowledge of the U.S.-Saudi
    relationship and the issues in the Middle East. He accepted
    President Trump's nomination because he knows at this point in
    time it is important to have someone skilled to navigate such a
    multifaceted relationship in this very important but
    challenging region. And, yes, the U.S.-Saudi relationship is
    indeed complex. I know there is a lot of debate in this chamber
    on pressing foreign policy challenges in the Middle East as it
    relates to Saudi Arabia and Yemen and Iran, and I am sure you
    will ask him hard but fair questions.
        But here is an issue over which I think there should be no
    debate. We need a highly qualified ambassador in Riyadh, and we
    need that person there soon. I do not think there has been a
    nominee before this committee who is so uniquely qualified and
    well equipped to manage the relationship of the post for which
    he has been nominated.
        John Abizaid will serve his country as he always has, with
    integrity, honor, and distinction. I urge all of you to support
    his nomination and move to confirm him as soon as possible.
        Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for the opportunity to say a
    few words about a great American.
        The Chairman. Well, thank you very much.
        We will hear from both of our witnesses in just a moment,
    but Ambassador Tueller, who is with us today, has been
    nominated to be Ambassador of Iraq, also a heavy lift.
    Ambassador Tueller is a career member of the Senior Foreign
    Service has held multiple tours across the Middle East, and has
    served his country with distinction as U.S. Ambassador to Yemen
    since 2014. His experience navigating the complexities of the
    ongoing Yemen conflict has afforded him a unique perspective on
    war and reconciliation, which will, no doubt, serve him well in
    post-war Iraq.
        Prior to his current role, he served as Ambassador to
    Kuwait, as Deputy Chief of Mission in Egypt, Qatar, Kuwait,
    respectively, and as a senior diplomat in Iraq.
        Let me say just a couple of things as we open here.
        As far as Saudi Arabia is concerned, we have a shared
    security interest with Saudi Arabia in combating Sunni
    extremism and Iranian influence in the region, and we should
    not lose sight of that.
        At the same time, I think all of us have serious concern
    over events surrounding the Saudi Kingdom, and the Saudi-GCC
    rift with Qatar has made difficult U.S. efforts in the Gulf
    Arab unity against Iran.
        We look forward, Mr. Abizaid, General Abizaid, to hearing
    how you plan to work with the Saudi officials to advance U.S.
    objectives on a wide range of issues, including the Saudis'
    role in the Yemen conflict, the GCC crisis with Qatar, and
    reported human rights abuses.
        In addition to that, we welcome Mr. Tueller regarding the
    Iraq post. There remain ongoing tensions between Baghdad and
    the Kurds, as we all know, particularly in the north. Repairing
    this relationship needs to be a priority for the United States.
    The Kurds have been good friends and allies of ours. It is
    important that the relationship in Iraq be repaired.
        This comes at a time when the Iraqi parliament is preparing
    to debate a resolution that would significantly affect the U.S.
    military presence there. This is a hugely concerning prospect,
    and I look forward to hearing from you how we can work together
    to communicate our shared security interests with officials in
    Iraq.
        With that, I will yield to the ranking member, Senator
    Menendez.

                  STATEMENT OF HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY

        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I just want to tell our distinguished friend and colleague,
    Senator Sullivan, from my travels abroad, I think it is the
    Marine detachments that actually protect the embassies. So I do
    not know if they want to hear that joke.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. But in any event, General Abizaid,
    Ambassador Tueller, thank you both for your past service and
    thank you for both signing up to serve in two complex countries
    with which the United States has critical security
    partnerships.
        Mr. Chairman, I think it sends an important signal that
    these are our first two nominees before the committee in this
    Congress, especially since we have not had a nominee for Saudi
    Arabia in 2 years. And while we have had two closed-door
    briefings ostensibly touching on Saudi Arabia in this Congress,
    they were wholly unsatisfactory in providing this committee
    with information. The administration's attempt to explain its
    failure to provide a legally mandated determination about the
    murder of American resident Jamal Khashoggi was insulting.
        I urge the committee to hold open hearings with the
    administration to understand our actions and our objectives.
        And specifically, Mr. Chairman, I ask you to work with me
    and the other bipartisan cosponsors on this committee on the
    Saudi Arabia and Yemen Accountability Act. If the President
    fails to act, I believe Congress must.
        Now to our nominees. You will both face challenging
    environments. General Abizaid, as we discussed, Saudi Arabia
    has taken a number of actions that have seriously strained the
    U.S.-Saudi relationship over the past few years, actions that
    belie the ambitious reforms many had hoped for.
        Under new management, the Crown Prince has launched Saudi
    Arabia into a devastating war in Yemen; isolated Qatar,
    threatening Gulf cooperation and coordination against threats
    from Iran and regional terrorist groups; detained and tortured
    members of his own family; effectively hoodwinked and
    intimidated the Lebanese Prime Minister. And just this week, we
    publicly learned about the detention and potential torture of a
    United States citizen. And I would like to acknowledge that a
    member of Dr. Fitaihi's family and his advocates are here
    today.
        Amidst all of this, we continue to cooperate in confronting
    real and strategic threats to the United States and Saudi
    interests. The Kingdom does continue to face legitimate
    threats, including from Houthis, often with Iranian backing. No
    country should be expected to live with the threat of missiles
    being launched into civilian centers across its border. But as
    the conflict drags on, violent Houthi factions only become more
    empowered.
        We cannot let these interests blind us to our values or to
    our long-term interests in stability. I have been disappointed
    with the administration's public posture towards Saudi Arabia.
    Our leaders cannot credibly call on the world stage and demand
    accountability for human rights abuses while giving a wink and
    a nod to the Crown Prince.
        General Abizaid, while I am wary of the militarization of
    the State Department, I believe you have the right experience
    for the kind of leadership we need at this embassy. As we
    discussed, you will face not only the challenge of engaging
    directly with the Saudis and managing a large mission in
    Riyadh. You will have to contend with a White House that at
    times seems to be running its own bilateral show.
        Ambassador Tueller, given your current service to Yemen
    while stationed, however, in Riyadh, as is the ousted Hadi
    government, I would also posit some of these challenges to you.
        As our Ambassador to Yemen, you have been responsible for
    securing U.S. interests there, for supporting an
    internationally led effort to promote a political solution that
    offers legitimate security interests for Saudis and Yemenis,
    while also ensuring that all Yemeni people have a political
    process to express their interests, one that equitably and
    adequately addresses all equities and promotes our interests.
        You will face somewhat similar challenges in Iraq.
    Unfortunately, the President's lack of a coherent strategy for
    U.S. policy in Iraq has only increased some of the challenges
    we face. As we discussed yesterday, there is a growing movement
    within some political corners to oust American troops from the
    country. I believe we have invested too many American lives and
    national treasure, seen too many Iraqis perish under the
    brutality of terrorism, and risked critical alliances that we
    have built to do that precipitously.
        We must work with the Iraqi people to continue to support
    building institutions, to promote an inclusive political
    process, and to continue training Iraqi security forces so that
    the Iraqis themselves can ultimately defend their country.
        We must support efforts to confront those seeking to
    continue destabilizing Iraq from a resurgent ISIS to Iranian
    political ambitions. And I am particularly concerned about the
    proposal to permanently close the consulate in Basra.
        Your job will be to keep an open mind about the political
    process, finding a way to include Shia, Sunni, and Kurdish
    populations with all of whom the United States has important
    relationships.
        And in that context, I look forward to hearing from both of
    you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        Gentlemen, thank you to both of you for being willing to
    take this on. As both myself and the ranking member have stated
    in our opening statements, we have tried to tee up for you to
    answer some of the questions that are really challenging. About
    everybody that comes here, we talk about the challenging
    conditions in the country they are going to. Both of these are
    very, very unique challenges. We hear a lot of talk on this
    committee from the administration, from the media, from all of
    the opinion writers about the problem of reconciling the United
    States' interests and having a strategic relationship with
    Saudi Arabia and reconciling how we are going to do that while,
    at the same time, as the ranking member pointed out, Saudi
    Arabia is engaged in acts that just are simply not acceptable.
        Unfortunately, as I said, we hear a lot of descriptions
    about the problem. We do not hear any answers. There have been
    some modest suggestions that have been made, none of which
    would resolve the problem I do not think.
        It is an ongoing conversation that the ranking member and I
    are having and we are having internally amongst this committee,
    sometimes publicly, sometimes privately, and likewise between
    the committee and the administration.
        So knowing that you do not have a silver bullet or a magic
    answer, we do want to hear your thoughts, your comments,
    analysis, and maybe even some helpful suggestions as we go
    forward because everyone agrees we have got to go forward and
    reconcile these two very competing things.
        Iraq is not totally dissimilar, but again, because of
    things that are going on there that make it very difficult for
    us to operate, but it is essential we have a relationship with
    Iraq and that it has to be in the interest of both countries or
    it will not be a relationship.
        So, gentlemen, thank you. And we will start out with you,
    General. Why do you not take the floor?

       STATEMENT OF GENERAL JOHN P. ABIZAID, UNITED STATES ARMY,
        RETIRED, OF NEVADA, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND
    PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE KINGDOM
                            OF SAUDI ARABIA

        Mr. Abizaid. Well, thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and
    Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee.
        Thanks goes to Senator Sullivan for a very overrated
    introduction. He is a smart marine. He is a great marine, and
    he is a great Senator. And I value his service to this nation
    so much. Thank you, Senator Sullivan.
        I also want to say how privileged I am to be here with
    Ambassador Matt Tueller who served in so many tough and
    demanding assignments.
        I am honored to appear before you today as President
    Trump's nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom
    of Saudi Arabia. I am grateful to the President for his
    nomination and to Secretary Pompeo for his trust and
    confidence. I welcome the opportunity to discuss the Kingdom of
    Saudi Arabia and ask that my full testimony be submitted for
    the record.
        If confirmed by the Senate, I pledge to work closely with
    the members of this committee to advance U.S. interests and
    values in Saudi Arabia and the region.
        My wife Kathy and my son David are both here today, and my
    daughters, Shari and Christy, have duties far away, but they
    are here in spirit. I thank the family for their love, their
    support, and service to the nation. All of the kids have served
    the nation, and my son-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Robb Shaw,
    continues to serve as a battalion commander of paratroopers. We
    have spent too much time in the Abizaid family dealing with
    America's wars. It is my hope that, if confirmed as Ambassador,
    I can play some small role in ensuring that my grandchildren
    never see combat in the Middle East.
        Having served for a considerable part of my life in the
    Middle East, I am aware of both how difficult this region can
    be and just how essential it is to U.S. interests and national
    security.
        It is my conviction that stability in the Middle East is
    most endangered by the continued threat of violent Sunni
    extremism and Iran's radical policy of Shia expansionism. From
    Syria to Yemen, these forces foment instability, deprive the
    region's people of a better future, and threaten the national
    security of the United States. It is difficult for me to
    imagine today that a convoy of Iranian Revolutionary Guards
    Qods Force filled with weapons could travel unimpeded from Iran
    to Lebanon. The good people of Iran deserve a better future
    than the endless war and constant drain on the economy provided
    by the IRGC Qods Force.
        To confront these threats, the United States must work with
    and through our regional partners. We cannot effectively combat
    these threats nor promote our core interests and values without
    them. The United States has a long history of cooperation with
    the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is difficult to imagine a
    successful U.S. effort to undercut Sunni extremism or keep Iran
    in check without engaging and partnering with the Kingdom.
        This is not to say that I am unaware of the challenges
    facing the U.S.-Saudi partnership today: war in Yemen, the
    senseless killing of Jamal Khashoggi, rifts in the Gulf
    alliance, alleged abuses of innocent people, to include an
    American citizen and female activists. All present immediate
    challenges.
        Yet, in the long run, we need a strong and mature
    partnership with Saudi Arabia. Reform there promises to make
    the Kingdom more dynamic, more prosperous, and the region more
    stable. It is in our interests to make sure that the
    relationship is sound, to assist with the vision of reform and
    not shy away from expressing our views and our values to our
    partners in the Kingdom.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I pledge to work tirelessly on
    the many issues that will inevitably come between the United
    States and Saudi Arabia. It would be my great honor to lead our
    diplomatic team in Saudi Arabia, to advance U.S. interests and
    values in the Kingdom, and to counter the forces that threaten
    U.S. national security.
        I am grateful for the opportunity to appear before you
    today, and I look forward to answering your questions.
        [The prepared statement of General Abizaid follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of John P. Abizaid

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee,
    I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to
    be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. I am
    grateful to the President for his nomination and to Secretary Pompeo
    for his trust and confidence. If confirmed by the Senate, I pledge to
    work closely with the members of the committee to advance U.S.
    interests and values in Saudi Arabia and the region.
        I would first like to thank my wife, Kathy, as well as my children
    Sharon, Christine, and David for their love, support, and service to
    this nation.
        Having served for a considerable part of my life in the Middle
    East--including in Lebanon, Israel, Jordan, and of course Iraq--I am
    aware of both how difficult this region can be, and just how essential
    it is to U.S. interests and national security.
        Today, there are an abundance of active forces that would foment
    regional insecurity. Iran continues its expansionist, destabilizing
    foreign policy. In Yemen, Iran helps the Houthis obtain weapons and
    equipment used to attack Yemeni civilians and bordering countries. In
    Syria, Iran props up Bashar al Assad, who has terrorized his own
    citizens with unspeakable brutality. In Lebanon, Iran funnels weapons
    to Hizballah, strains the fragile Lebanese democracy, and threatens our
    ally Israel.
        The United States also continues to combat the scourge of
    international terrorism. While nearly vanquished on the ground, ISIS
    remains a potent threat to the United States and our allies across the
    globe. Al Qa'ida in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) maintains a foothold
    in Yemen and seeks to inflict harm on those who do not agree with its
    false vision of Islam.
        Our relationships with regional partners are essential to
    countering these and other threats we face. We cannot protect the
    homeland, safeguard our citizens oversees, and promote our core
    interests and values without these partners. It is my firm conviction
    that Saudi Arabia has been, and will continue to be, an essential
    partner.
        I am clear-eyed about the challenges facing the U.S.-Saudi
    partnership. I know that the Saudis must do more to end the suffering
    of the Yemeni people and build peace there. I know there must be
    accountability for the terrible murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
    If confirmed as ambassador, I pledge to work tirelessly on both these
    issues, and to urge our Saudi partners to reach the highest standards
    of accountability.
        Despite these challenges, I firmly believe these objectives are
    achievable through close, continued engagement and cooperation with the
    Kingdom. We are able to influence, steer, and advance U.S. national
    security interests and values because of our ability to have honest,
    often difficult conversations with Saudi leadership. Any scaling back
    of that relationship diminishes our ability to secure vital American
    national security interests in the region, and cedes influence to our
    competitors around the world.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee, I
    submit to you the important ways in which this relationship benefits
    the United States and promotes regional and global security.
        During my nearly four decades serving in the U.S. military, it was
    my highest honor and duty to protect and defend the United States and
    its citizens. If confirmed as ambassador, my top priority will continue
    to be safeguarding America and its people. Given my experience in the
    region, I have no doubt that the U.S-Saudi security partnership is
    essential to doing so.
        The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plays a critical role in countering
    global terrorism and threats to U.S. interests. The Kingdom hosted the
    inaugural conference of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS in Jeddah
    in September 2014, helping set in motion the Coalition's successful
    push to defeat the so-called Islamic State. As Custodian of the Two
    Holy Mosques, King Salman and King Abdullah before him swiftly
    condemned ISIS and enacted tough enforcement and criminal penalties for
    Saudis who sought to travel to fight in Iraq and Syria. Critically,
    Saudi Arabia has led Coalition efforts to disrupt ISIS financial and
    facilitation networks, and to build Coalition members' capacity to
    target such networks and counter illicit financial flows.
        Our military-to-military cooperation with the Kingdom is also
    essential to countering threats and protecting American lives. The
    Houthis have fired numerous missiles and rockets into Saudi Arabia--
    home to over 80,000 Americans--specifically targeting populated areas
    and civilian infrastructure in Riyadh, Jeddah, and elsewhere, including
    Saudi Aramco facilities and vessels in Red Sea shipping lanes.
        The United States and Saudi Arabia joined forces in May 2017 to
    inaugurate and co-chair the Terrorist Financing Targeting Center, a
    U.S.-Gulf Cooperation Council initiative to disrupt a broad range of
    new and evolving terrorist financing networks including ISIS, al
    Qa'ida, Hizballah, the IRGC-Qods Force, Lashkar-e-Tayyiba, the Taliban,
    and the Haqqani Network.
        The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia also runs among the most successful de-
    radicalization programs in the world. The Care Rehabilitation Center in
    Riyadh has helped thousands of individuals convicted of terrorism turn
    away from poisonous ideologies.
        The Kingdom remains a key diplomatic player in the Middle East and
    supports an active role for the United States in maintaining stability
    in the region. Specifically, it is a central partner in combatting
    Iran's expansionist and destructive foreign policy throughout the
    region.
        Take, for example, Iraq. After decades of estrangement, the Kingdom
    and Iraq are forging closer ties. At the heart of this rapprochement is
    the promise of economic investment and relationship building that bucks
    traditional ethnic and sectarian lines. This was dramatically evidenced
    by Moqtada al Sadr's visit to Riyadh in July 2017--an event that would
    have been unthinkable a decade earlier--as well as numerous other high-
    level visits between Riyadh and Baghdad. These steps are critically
    important in buttressing U.S. efforts to bring peace and security to
    Iraq, in demonstrating to the Iraqi people an alternative to Tehran,
    and in ensuring the lasting defeat of ISIS and forestalling the
    resurgence of Islamic extremist terrorist groups in Iraq.
        The Kingdom has also been a central U.S. partner in diplomatic
    efforts to forge a political solution to the Syrian civil war, one that
    ensures Iran is not granted a permanent foothold in Damascus. Saudi
    Arabia has allowed at least 500,000 Syrians to enter the Kingdom since
    the Syrian conflict began in 2011. This fact is little known, yet its
    importance cannot be overstated. Rather than languish in refugee camps
    in neighboring countries or make the treacherous journey to Europe in
    search of asylum, these Syrians in Saudi Arabia are permitted to work
    and are provided basic education and healthcare free of charge. In
    addition, Saudi Arabia provided $100 million in funding for U.S.
    government stabilization programs in northeast Syria so that Syrians
    recovering from years of ISIS rule could begin to rebuild their lives.
        On numerous other important U.S. foreign policy objectives--
    including promoting Middle East Peace and negotiating Afghanistan
    reconciliation--the United States is best served by recognizing the
    Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's considerable influence and by partnering with
    the Kingdom to advance mutually beneficial policy objectives.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee, I
    know you are concerned about the situation in Yemen, as am I. The
    conflict there enters its fifth year this month; over 80 percent of
    Yemeni citizens need some kind of international aid to make it by each
    day. By any measure, the situation in Yemen is a political,
    humanitarian, and security crisis that urgently needs resolution.
        In this difficult space, the administration believes it is firmly
    in the United States' national security interest to provide support to
    the Saudi-led Coalition. Doing so bolsters the self-defense
    capabilities of our partners and reduces the risk of harm to civilians.
        At the same time as it fights to deter a threat on its border,
    Saudi Arabia has provided over $3 billion in stabilization and economic
    support for the Yemeni people. I understand Saudi funding helped
    stabilize the Yemen central bank as the country's currency verged on
    collapse last year. Saudi Arabia, along with the United Arab Emirates,
    provided $970 million toward the United Nation's 2018 Yemen
    Humanitarian Response Plan and, since November, pledged another $750
    million.
        Inside the Kingdom, Saudi leadership are undertaking wide-ranging
    reforms under the banner of ``Vision 2030'' to diversify the Saudi
    economy, create more professional opportunities for Saudi citizens, and
    expand women's roles in public and professional life. Chairman Risch,
    Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee, these are positive
    developments which, if confirmed, I will strongly advocate for as
    ambassador. I feel particularly strongly that Saudi Arabia, like any
    nation, will benefit greatly by expanding the space for women in public
    and professional life. Advocating for women's rights is a critical goal
    for U.S. foreign policy, and I fully commit to making this a key
    element of my potential tenure as ambassador.
        While I am encouraged by the economic and social reforms the Saudis
    have instituted in recent years, I am fully aware of the disturbing
    reports that political, human rights, and women activists--as well as
    Dr. Walid al Fitaihi, a U.S. citizen--have been detained and at times
    allegedly tortured by the Saudi government. While we should encourage
    reforms that are beneficial to U.S. interests and represent our values,
    we should also speak frankly to our partners when they do wrong.
        The administration has made clear that the United States is
    concerned by the detention of these Saudis activists and takes all
    allegations of abuse seriously. The administration continues to urge
    the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and all governments, to ensure fair trial
    guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will
    continue to call on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners
    and detainees humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are
    investigated quickly and thoroughly. I will stress to the Saudis that
    political repression endangers and undercuts the ambitious and positive
    goals of Vision 2030.
        If confirmed, I will also continue to press Saudi leadership on the
    heinous killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The President and
    Secretary Pompeo have been clear that Saudi Arabia must hold
    accountable the individuals responsible for this horrific crime,
    including high-ranking members of the Saudi government. If confirmed, I
    will continue to deploy the full range of diplomatic tools to demand
    accountability and find justice for Mr. Khashoggi.
        Outside the realm of security and foreign policy, our bilateral
    relationship with the Kingdom is anchored by significant economic
    linkages that benefit the United States. We are Saudi Arabia's second
    largest export market, U.S. exports to the Kingdom support 165,000 U.S.
    jobs, and our trade surplus now tops $5.4 billion. Saudi Arabia's
    foreign direct investment in the United States exceeded $14 billion in
    2018 alone. These investments support thousands of American businesses
    and jobs across the United States. American energy companies rely on
    Saudi cooperation, and Saudi-American cooperation is behind the largest
    oil refinery in the United States in Port Arthur, TX.
        Finally, I would like to stress the importance of our diplomatic
    mission in Saudi Arabia and my great desire to lead it. Over 1,000 men
    and women of numerous nationalities work at Embassy Riyadh, Consulate
    General Jeddah, and Consulate General Dhahran. They engage Saudi
    government officials each day to advance America's interests; issue
    visas for Saudi students and their family members--who total over
    100,000 in the United States today; and work to ensure American
    companies can compete fairly in the Kingdom and greater Middle East.
    Perhaps most importantly, they work tirelessly to protect the over
    80,000 American citizens now living in Saudi Arabia, and provide
    consular support to another 20,000 U.S. citizens who make the Haj and
    Umrah pilgrimages each year.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee, it
    would be my highest honor to lead this team and to advance U.S.
    interests and values in Saudi Arabia and the region. I am grateful for
    the opportunity to appear before you today, and I look forward to
    answering your questions.

        The Chairman. Thank you very much.
        Ambassador Tueller?

    STATEMENT OF HON. MATTHEW H. TUELLER, OF UTAH, A CAREER MEMBER
    OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO
     BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
               STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF IRAQ

        Ambassador Tueller. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member
    Menendez, members of the committee, I am honored to appear
    before you today as President Trump's nominee to be U.S.
    Ambassador to Iraq and particularly to be here, along with
    General Abizaid, with whom I have had the privilege of working
    before in the region. If we are both confirmed, I look forward
    to a close and collaborative relationship as we both seek to
    advance U.S. interests in this important region.
        I am grateful to President Trump and to Secretary of State
    Pompeo for their confidence in me. If I am confirmed by the
    Senate, I pledge to work closely with the members of this
    committee to advance U.S. interests in Iraq.
        Mr. Chairman, as we begin, I ask that the full written text
    of my testimony be submitted for the record.
        The Chairman. It will be.
        Ambassador Tueller. I would like to recognize and express
    great appreciation to my wife DeNeece who is here with me today
    and has provided steadfast support throughout my Foreign
    Service career, including during periods of separation when I
    served at unaccompanied posts like Iraq and Yemen and during
    periods where she and other U.S. embassy family members were
    evacuated from posts in Egypt and Iraq. Along with our five
    children, DeNeece and I have had the privilege of representing
    the United States abroad under many challenging and rewarding
    circumstances. Two of our children are also here today, David
    and Margaret, as well as our daughter Ayah and two of our
    grandchildren, Unef and Gin Tueller. I would not be here today
    without the love and support of my family.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the
    committee, I am grateful of your consideration of me to lead
    one of our largest diplomatic missions in the world. If
    confirmed, I will draw on my leadership and policy execution
    experience in the Middle East.
        Our relationship with Iraq remains a critical one for the
    United States, and if confirmed, I will do my utmost to advance
    U.S. interests there.
        Let me stress from the outset there is no greater priority
    for me than the safety and security of all Americans, whether
    residing in the homeland or in the Middle East and in Iraq.
        Our longstanding principal objective is to bolster Iraq as
    a sovereign, stable, united, and democratic partner of the
    United States. We must remain engaged to ensure that Iraq can
    fend off the internal and external threats, including threats
    from Iran, to its sovereignty and its territorial integrity.
        Our determination to see Iraq as a pillar of stability in
    the Middle East stands in stark contrast to Iran's agenda,
    which seeks to exploit divisions, weaken state institutions,
    and foster extremism. We cannot turn a blind eye to Iran's
    interference in Yemen, Lebanon, Bahrain, Syria, and of course,
    Iraq. Iran and its proxies threaten our interests and the
    security of our friends and allies, including Iraq's Sunni
    neighbors and Israel.
        Iraq's most pressing need is for continuing assistance that
    reinforces the primacy of the Iraqi Security Forces,
    strengthens their capabilities, and deepens their
    professionalization. Together we must be vigilant to prevent
    the return of ISIS or the emergence of other terrorist groups.
        Our coalition-wide approach to stabilization in liberated
    areas sets the conditions for more than 4 million internally
    displaced persons to return home. Much work remains to ensure
    the remaining 1.8 million remaining internally displaced
    persons are able to safely and voluntarily return to their
    communities and rebuild their lives.
        The work of our coalition is not over. We and our partners
    are there at the invitation of the Iraqi government with 2
    dozen other countries helping Iraq ensure its gains against
    ISIS are lasting. This coalition must continue to assist the
    Iraqi Security Forces as they combat a growing ISIS insurgency.
        If confirmed, I will work hard to boost our commercial and
    economic engagement with Iraq and to provide new opportunities
    for U.S. businesses and to help Iraq develop its economy to
    meet the challenges that are growing more acute.
        If confirmed, another priority of mine will be assistance
    to Iraq's persecuted religious communities that ISIS targeted
    for genocide. I will emphasize the priority we attach to the
    safety of these communities, and I will support continued U.S.
    assistance to these groups and will work diligently to promote
    prospects for their survival in Iraq.
        To fully stabilize, Iraq also needs to move toward a vision
    for national unity in which all of its communities play a part.
    Iraqi nationalism remains a potent force, and Iraqis are proud
    of their ancient heritage and culture. ISIS and other unhelpful
    actors want nothing more than to divide and weaken Iraq. We, on
    the other hand, will continue to support a strong and
    independent Iraq.
        The administration believes that a strong Kurdish regional
    government within a unified and federal Iraq is essential to
    Iraq's long-term stability and to the enduring defeat of ISIS.
    We are proud of our longstanding and historic partnership with
    Iraq's Kurdish people.
        Senators, if confirmed, I look forward to the support of
    this committee and an ongoing dialogue to together serve the
    interests of the American people. Thank you for the opportunity
    to testify, and I look forward to answering your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Tueller follows:]

                 Prepared Statement of Hon. Matthew H. Tueller

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, members of the committee,
    I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to
    be the next Ambassador of the United States of America to the Republic
    of Iraq. First, let me express my gratitude to the President and the
    Secretary of State for their confidence in me. If confirmed by the
    Senate, I pledge to work closely with the Members of this committee to
    defend and advance U.S. interests in Iraq.
        I would like to recognize my wife DeNeece who is here with me today
    and express my great appreciation to her. She has provided steadfast
    support throughout my Foreign Service career, including during periods
    of separation when I served at unaccompanied posts such as Iraq and
    Yemen and during periods where she and other U.S. Embassy family
    members were evacuated from posts in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Along with
    our five children, DeNeece and I have had the privilege of representing
    the United States abroad under many challenging but rewarding
    circumstances. I would not be here today but for their love and
    support.
        I would also like to thank my friend and colleague Ambassador Doug
    Silliman who very ably led our Embassy in Baghdad over the last two-
    and-a-half years. He oversaw the United States' support for the
    liberation of all ISIS-controlled territory in Iraq, helped coordinate
    massive international aid to Iraqis struggling to recover from the
    scourge of ISIS' devastation of large areas of their country, set the
    stage for Iraq's integration into the global economy and helped marshal
    international assistance to help rebuild areas that were devastated in
    the course of the fight against ISIS, all efforts I will build on if
    confirmed as ambassador.
        If confirmed, I will draw on my leadership and policy execution
    experience in the Middle East for my new duties in Iraq: including
    service as Ambassador to Yemen, Ambassador to Kuwait, Deputy Chief of
    Mission in Cairo, and Political Minister Counselor at the U.S. Embassy
    in Baghdad from 2007-2008 under the leadership of Ambassador Ryan
    Crocker.
        Our relationship with Iraq remains a critical one for the national
    security interests of the United States, and if confirmed I will do my
    utmost to advance U.S. interests there. However, let me stress from the
    outset that there will be no greater priority for me than the safety
    and security of all Americans residing in Iraq. As a diplomat who
    participated in the 2007-2008 ``surge,'' I understand the importance of
    U.S. engagement in Iraq. The next several years will be crucial for
    Iraq as it struggles to recover from the trauma of ISIS and continues
    to actively confront a persistent ISIS threat. We stand ready to help
    as a trusted and valued partner.
        Our long-standing principal objective continues to be to bolster
    Iraq as a sovereign, stable, united, and democratic partner of the
    United States. We must remain engaged to ensure that Iraq can fend off
    the internal and external threats, including threats from Iran, to its
    sovereignty and its territorial integrity.
        Our determination to see Iraq become a pillar of stability in the
    Middle East stands in stark contrast to Iran's agenda, which seeks to
    exploit divisions, weaken state institutions, and foster extremism.
    Where the United States seeks to help Iraq build professional security
    forces loyal to the state, Iran seeks to cultivate irregular forces
    operating outside the full control of the government. Where the United
    States seeks to help Iraq ensure the rule of law, Iran encourages the
    tactics of organized criminal enterprises. Where the United States
    provides Iraq with expert advice and funding to promote clean drinking
    water in Basrah, Iran promotes a flood of substandard agricultural
    products, as well as low-quality pharmaceuticals and illicit drugs like
    heroin onto Iraqi streets and into Iraqi homes. In short, Iran wants to
    keep Iraq weak and dependent. If confirmed, I will work to make Iraq
    strong and sovereign.
        I recognize that such plain speaking may make some of Iraq's
    leaders nervous. They know all too well that for Iraqis, there is a
    price for speaking up in defense of Iraq's sovereignty. During my
    service as U.S. Ambassador to Yemen, I saw first-hand how Iran works to
    undermine regional peace rather than advance it. We cannot turn a blind
    eye to Iran's interference in Lebanon, Bahrain, and Syria either, and
    of course Iraq. Iran and its proxies threaten our interests and the
    security of our friends and allies, including Iraq's Sunni neighbors
    and Israel.
        I would also like Iraqis to know that we do not seek to sever them
    from Iran, a nation with which they share a border, history, and
    culture. What we are seeking is for Tehran to have normal relations
    with Iraq, relations that are rooted not in armed groups and criminal
    activity, but in trade and exchanges that fully respect the sovereignty
    of the Iraqi government and people.
        To help offset the impact of Iran's harmful meddling in Iraq, we
    must continue to build on our successful diplomatic efforts to
    reintegrate Iraq into the region, particularly among Arab states. Good
    relations between Iraq and neighbors willing to play a constructive
    role is a powerful counterweight to Iran's malign influence. As
    Secretary Pompeo recently observed, last year the Iraqis largely
    rejected sectarianism in their national election. Under Prime Minister
    Adil Abd al-Mahdi, President Barham Salih, and Foreign Minister
    Mohammed Ali al-Hakim, Iraq enjoys an unprecedented relationship with
    Kuwait and has strengthened ties with Jordan, having received a visit
    from King Abdullah and inaugurated a joint industrial zone along their
    border. If confirmed, I will prioritize fostering those revived
    relationships.
        The Strategic Framework Agreement for a Relationship of Friendship
    and Cooperation remains the foundation for developing U.S.-Iraq
    relations in a variety of fields especially in the economic sphere and,
    if confirmed, I will build on that foundation to achieve key U.S. goals
    for Iraq.
        Iraq's most pressing need is for continuing U.S. security
    assistance that reinforces the primacy of the Iraqi Security Forces,
    strengthens their capabilities and deepens their professionalization.
    In support of our partners in the Iraqi Security Forces, the U.S.-led
    Global Coalition to defeat ISIS helped Iraq regain control over all its
    territory and train-and-equip nearly 200,000 members of the Iraqi
    Security Forces. Former Prime Minister Abadi's December 2018
    announcement of the liberation of all Iraqi territory from ISIS control
    was a great moment for Iraq. Together with the U.S.-led Coalition, we
    must be vigilant to prevent the return of ISIS or the emergence of
    other terrorist groups.
        Our Coalition-wide approach to stabilization in liberated areas set
    the conditions for more than four million internally displaced persons
    (IDPs) to return home, with 27 Coalition partners committing over $1
    billion to the UNDP's Funding Facility for Stabilization. Much work
    remains to ensure the remaining 1.8 million remaining IDPs are able to
    safely and voluntarily return to their communities and rebuild their
    lives, as well.
        The work of our Coalition is not over. We and our partners are
    there at the invitation of the Iraqi government, with two dozen other
    countries helping Iraq ensure its gains against ISIS are lasting. The
    Coalition must continue to assist the Iraqi Security Forces as they
    conduct targeted counter-terrorism operations and wide-area security at
    an exceptionally high operational tempo to combat a growing ISIS
    insurgency. Iraq was instrumental in advancing the Coalition's military
    campaign in Syria as well, providing valuable artillery support and
    airstrikes for the Syrian Democratic Forces' offensive just over the
    border. Iraq's growing ability to act in partnership with us to defeat
    threats is one of the truly remarkable developments since 2014.
        Despite the gains they have made with our support, Iraq's armed
    forces are stretched by multiple demands and need continued assistance
    and training to eradicate ISIS remnants, secure Iraq's borders, and
    become a source of regional stability. Subsequently, the U.S.-led
    Coalition must continue to build the capacity of Iraq's legitimate and
    professional security forces.
        If confirmed, I will work hard to advance U.S. interests and
    enhance our commercial and economic engagement with Iraq, providing new
    opportunities for U.S. businesses. Iraq's economic system is untenable
    as it is a command economy that relies on the volatility of the oil
    price to fund its needs.
        The government of Iraq estimates that Iraq needs almost $100
    billion over the next 10 years for post-ISIS reconstruction and
    infrastructure repair. If confirmed, I would seek to marshal the
    resources of the Export-Import bank and the Overseas Private Investment
    Corporation to allow the U.S. private sector to bring its much-needed
    expertise to the task of Iraq's reconstruction. I would encourage the
    government of Iraq to prioritize and budget for key reconstruction
    projects, and to develop new models to attract international financing.
    At the same time, I would encourage Gulf Cooperation Council members,
    other partners, and international organizations to accelerate their
    pledges made during the February 2018 Iraqi-led reconstruction
    conference in Kuwait, which generated almost $30 billion in sovereign
    loan and export credit financing and private sector activity.
        If confirmed, I would aim to foster a sustainable Iraqi private
    sector as an outlet for the 800,000 Iraqis who reach working age every
    year. The government cannot be the sole source of employment for a
    country where sixty percent of Iraq's population is under the age of
    25. Iraq's current and future stability depends to a large degree on
    finding work for this disproportionately large youth segment. I would
    therefore continue our robust economic engagement with the government
    of Iraq and encourage Iraqi leaders to accelerate the implementation of
    critical reforms promised by the current government.
        I would also push the government of Iraq to tackle the issues of
    corruption and excessive red tape that are holding back Iraq's true
    economic potential. To that end, I would commend the government's
    recent anti-corruption actions and would continue to support a U.S.
    funded initiative from the U.N.'s Conference on Trade and Development,
    which is streamlining some of Iraq's bureaucratic processes, increasing
    transparency both for the Iraqi public and for U.S. investors. I would
    attempt to persuade the government of Iraq to modify its deficit-
    increasing budget which does not live up to its agreement with the
    International Monetary Fund. This agreement expires in June and I would
    seek to have both sides negotiate a new program.
        A country as wealthy in natural resources as Iraq should be able to
    produce all of its own electricity. But currently, Iraq flares the
    majority of its natural gas and at the same time imports a significant
    amount of overpriced gas from Iran. The World Bank has estimated that
    Iraq has flared 16 billion cubic meters of gas per year. Not only is
    this a waste of a resources, but an environmentally unsound practice as
    well. If captured and processed correctly, Iraq's flared gas could fuel
    domestic power stations and industries, diversify Iraqi government
    revenues, and eliminate dependence on Iranian energy imports. It will
    take years for Iraq to realize its potential, but its government must
    make decisions now for that to become a reality. I will support the
    U.S. companies competing for projects in this sector. These projects
    not only make sense financially and environmentally, but also
    contribute to our policy of supporting Iraq's autonomy from Iran and
    denying the Iranian regime revenue.
        If confirmed, another priority of mine will be helping the recovery
    of Iraq's persecuted religious communities, and particularly those that
    ISIS targeted for genocide. The Administration has programmed nearly
    $340 million since fiscal year 2017 to support these communities,
    including life-saving humanitarian assistance, rehabilitating critical
    infrastructure, clearing explosive remnants of war, psychosocial and
    legal services, funding justice and accountability efforts, and
    providing support for local businesses. While we have seen important
    progress on these initiatives, there is much more to be done,
    especially on the part of the government of Iraq to restore security to
    these areas. Supporting pluralism and protecting the rights of
    minorities is integral to the Administration's effort to defeat ISIS,
    counter violent extremism, deny Iran the ability to exploit sectarian
    divisions, and promote religious freedom around the world. If confirmed
    as Ambassador I will emphasize the priority we attach to the safety of
    these communities. I will support continued U.S. assistance to these
    groups and work diligently to promote prospects for their survival in
    Iraq.
        To ensure persecuted religious communities' survival and achieve
    lasting stability, Iraq needs reconciliation to recover from the trauma
    of ISIS. We are supporting initiatives toward that end. It is not just
    physical infrastructure that needs to be rebuilt, it is also the deep
    emotional scars that remain from years of ISIS depredations. With this
    in mind, the State Department is overseeing programs that include
    psychosocial counseling to help victims and family members recover from
    the trauma that ISIS inflicted on them and their communities. It is
    especially important for Iraq to work through a law-based process to
    hold ISIS perpetrators and collaborators accountable. A fundamental
    part of that process is investigating the sites of ISIS crimes and
    gathering evidence that investigators can marshal in a court of law. To
    that end, we fully support the work of the U.N.'s Investigative Team
    for the Accountability of Da'esh, known as ``UNITAD,'' to exhume mass
    graves in Iraq and collect other important evidence before it is too
    late.
        To fully stabilize and realize its full potential, Iraq also needs
    to move further from sectarianism and toward a vision for national
    unity in which all of its communities play a part. Iraqi nationalism
    remains a potent force, and Iraqis are proud of their ancient heritage
    and culture. ISIS and other unhelpful actors want nothing better than
    to divide and weaken Iraq. We, on the other hand, will continue to
    support a strong, united Iraq.
        The safe and voluntary return of internally displaced persons to
    their home is another vital element for Iraq's stabilization. Since
    January 2014, more than six million Iraqis have been displaced. The
    United States and our partners in the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS
    have also provided assistance through the U.N. Development Program's
    Funding Facility for Stabilization to help set the conditions for more
    than 4.1 million Iraqis to return home. We are committed to helping
    create durable solutions, including local integration or safe and
    voluntary returns, for the 1.8 million who remain displaced. Our
    Mission in Iraq engages regularly with U.N. humanitarian agencies and
    non-governmental organizations toward this goal.
        It is in our interest to support Iraq's democratic development, but
    significant challenges remain to the building of durable institutions
    that will protect the rule of law, the judiciary, and free and fair
    elections. Iraqis are demanding better governance and ultimately their
    voices must be heard. Unfortunately, last year's electoral turnout was
    the lowest since 2005. But through all of the turmoil of the past 15
    years, Iraq's core democratic institutions have survived. We will
    continue to work with the government of Iraq to provide targeted
    assistance to help strengthen these critical institutions. I will do my
    utmost to continue our support for Iraq's democratic development.
        The administration believes that a strong Kurdistan Regional
    government (KRG) within a unified and federal Iraq is essential to
    Iraq's long-term stability and to the enduring defeat of ISIS. We are
    proud of our longstanding and historic partnership with Iraq's Kurdish
    people. Not only has this relationship been a bulwark of resistance to
    terrorism, but it has also enabled the promotion and advancement of the
    U.S. ``brand,'' whether commercial, educational, or cultural. If
    confirmed, I will seek to further strengthen the already strong bonds
    between our peoples.
        Following the Kurds' 2017 independence referendum, we have been
    focused on helping leaders in Baghdad and in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region
    (IKR) mend that relationship. They have made great progress since the
    appointment of Prime Minister Abd al-Mahdi, including an agreement to
    resume the transportation and export of Kirkuk oil through a KRG-
    administered pipeline in the north, and another agreement to harmonize
    customs duties, facilitating the removal of internal GOI customs
    checkpoints along the internal boundary with the IKR. We will continue
    to work with Baghdad and Erbil to encourage their efforts to resolve
    outstanding sources of tension.
        If confirmed, I look forward to the support of this committee and
    an ongoing dialogue to together serve the interests of the American
    people. Thank you for the opportunity to testify and I look forward to
    answering your questions.

        The Chairman. Thank you very much.
        We are going to proceed to a 5-minute round of questions. I
    am going to reserve my time, and I am going to yield to the
    ranking member for opening questions.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Thank you both for your testimony and to your families
    because they also share in the sacrifice.
        General Abizaid, we talked a little bit in the office. The
    administration has a habit of communicating with foreign
    governments, including foreign leaders, outside of traditional
    diplomatic channels. How do you plan to exercise your authority
    as chief of mission? Will you insist on remaining fully
    informed and briefed of all White House and administration
    officials' interactions with the Crown Prince and other members
    of the royal court?
        Mr. Abizaid. Well, thank you, Senator.
        Yes, I will insist upon that, and I am also an old soldier
    and I know my chain of command. My chain of command is the
    President through the Secretary of Defense--or Secretary of
    State. A Freudian slip. I am sorry.
        [Laughter.]
        The Chairman. Understandable.
        Mr. Abizaid. I also will join with the many interlocutors
    that will come out from Washington and from other places in our
    country and talk to them because I think it is usually
    important for me to explain what is going on in Saudi Arabia
    from America's point of view and to give a point of view and an
    opportunity for them to see what is going on.
        Senator Menendez. And I raise the question because it is
    very difficult to be the Ambassador, the chief of mission, and
    have someone else from the outside say, ``you do not have to
    listen to that, just listen to what we tell you.'' And that
    would be an impossible--even within a chain of command, that is
    an impossible way to operate. So I hope you will assert
    yourself, if confirmed as our Ambassador there, while working
    with others, but nonetheless assert yourself as the chief of
    mission.
        I do not think I need to tell you that Congress has become
    increasingly concerned over the Saudi-led coalition conduct in
    Yemen. This is not to absolve the Houthis of their own abuses,
    but we do not sell arms to the Houthis. They are not a
    legitimate nation state with whom we share diplomatic
    relations. Repeated stories of U.S.-supplied bombs hitting
    weddings, funerals, and school buses are simply unacceptable.
    The administration's apparent prioritization of arms sales over
    fundamental values is not acceptable.
        So I have found this so incredibly challenging that I have
    placed a hold on a series of offensive weapon sales to the
    Saudi government pending complete, verifiable information from
    the State and Defense Department about how the Saudis are using
    American-made weapons.
        Can you speak to me about how you will address this issue
    if you are confirmed, as well as what will you say to the
    Saudis about their continuing engagement in the Yemen conflict?
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator.
        I think it is very important that the Saudis find the path
    towards peace in Yemen. It is in their interests. It is in the
    interests of the government of Yemen. It is in the interest of
    the region.
        It is also important that in the peace that is found, it is
    not found in such a way that there is a Hezbollah-like militia
    that is underpinned by the IRGC Qods Force that is able to
    operate freely in a free and independent Yemen.
        As far as competence in the operations conducted by the
    coalition there, I think they have much work to do. It is very
    important for us to continue to talk to them about the
    targeting system, about the way that they go about hitting the
    various targets, about the professionalization of the forces,
    and that when mistakes are made, that they do like we do, which
    is convene a board of officers, talk about the mistakes, and
    then take the corrective action necessary to gain better and
    better expertise.
        I am hopeful that there is a way to move forward with
    regard to easing the humanitarian problems of Yemen, and we
    will continue, if I am confirmed, to tell the Saudi government
    of the need to do so.
        Senator Menendez. I appreciate that.
        Our goal is ultimately to end the conflict in Yemen, and I
    hope that you will move the Saudis in that direction.
        Let me, in the last seconds that I have, get a series of
    yeses or noes from you on this set of questions.
        We have seen alarming reports of both Emiratis and Saudis
    transferring a serious U.S.-origin weapon system to third party
    fighters on the ground. Will you engage with the Saudis to have
    them understand that we do not accept their transfer of our
    weapons that we sell to them to others?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. Will you continue to press the Saudi
    government to fully account for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. Would you ultimately commit to ensuring
    that if the administration moves forward, which I do not think
    it has--and I know Senator Markey is very interested in this--
    in any type of civilian nuclear agreement that we move toward
    the gold standard?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you very much.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Rubio?
        Senator Rubio. Thank you both for being here.
        And, General, thank you for being willing to take--I
    actually think this is the toughest assignment in the world
    right now in our diplomatic corps. Saudi Arabia, as you well
    know, is an important strategic partner on combating terrorism,
    on confronting Iran. They also are our most difficult partner
    right now because it almost asks us to agree to stay silent on
    grotesque violations of human rights, both domestically and
    abroad.
        And their Crown Prince is not making things easier. He is
    increasingly making it untenable. He is reckless. He is
    ruthless. He has a penchant for escalation, for taking high
    risks, confrontational on his foreign policy approach, and I
    think increasingly willing to test the limits of what he can
    get away with with the United States.
        Anyone who thinks that is an unfair assessment of the young
    man should look at what he has done in the last 2 years. It
    seems like something out of a James Bond movie. He has
    kidnapped the Prime Minister of Lebanon. Kidnapped the Prime
    Minister of Lebanon. He kicked out the Ambassador of Canada,
    canceled flights to Toronto, cut off investments, recalled all
    their students in Canada over a tweet or a couple tweets from
    the Canadian Foreign Minister regarding human rights. And he
    has fractured the important alliance with the Gulf kingdoms. He
    has--obviously we know--ordered I believe and all the evidence
    I believe strongly indicates he ordered or knew of efforts to
    murder Jamal Khashoggi and to do so in a third country in a
    diplomatic facility.
        By the way, domestically he is ruthless. We know the case
    of Saif Badawi who has been sentenced to 10 years in jail and a
    thousand lashes for blogging.
        And then we have the case of women activists, upwards of 11
    at one point, but who have been brutally tortured and
    mistreated, whipped, beaten, electrocuted, sexually harassed in
    the basement of what some call the Palace of Terror.
        And then we have a United States citizen, a doctor, Walid
    Fitaihi, a Harvard trained physician, who recently was slapped,
    blindfolded, stripped to his underwear, bound to a chair,
    shocked with electricity, all apparently in an effort to get
    him to provide evidence against a family friend or a relative
    through marriage, and then reports as recently as yesterday and
    today that the families had their home raided in retaliation
    for family members here in the U.S. who have had the audacity,
    according to the Saudis, to come to Capitol Hill and tell the
    stories of their family members.
        And then, of course, to top it all off, which is a great
    shame to an American company, you have Google and Apple, but
    apparently Google has already made this decision. There is an
    app in Saudi Arabia called Absher. Here is what is translates
    to roughly. It is called ``yes, sir.'' That is the name of the
    app. Here is what allows men to do. It allows them to see where
    the women under their watch are. It allows them to cancel their
    passports. It allows them to look at their travel and flight
    logs. Google says that they are going to keep selling it
    because it does not violate their terms of service. We are
    still waiting on Apple. I mean, it is just stunning.
        Anyway, the point being I guess I have given all this to
    you. I guess that is the bad news of this assignment that you
    have agreed to take on, to great credit to you.
        But how do we balance this? How do we balance all of this
    with this important regional and strategic partnership? Because
    this guy is making it harder. He has gone full gangster, and it
    is difficult to work with a guy like that no matter how
    important the relationship is.
        And welcome to the committee.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Abizaid. It is a great honor to be here, Senator Rubio.
        Senator, I appreciate your concern. There are many
    difficult problems. I would like to make the current problems
    short-term problems as we work quickly to try to fix them to
    the best of our ability.
        Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is bigger than the
    relationship just with the Crown Prince. It is all about a
    nation. It is about a government. It is about a king. It is
    about the oil minister. It is about many, many nodes of people
    that are interested in moving the Kingdom forward in a better
    way in the 21st century.
        And so I think that as I move forward and learn more about
    the Kingdom--and I want to emphasize how much I respect the
    Kingdom and the people there--I will look for every way
    possible to find out what has gone on in the short-term
    problems and enhance the need to make the long-term problems
    work.
        Arab societies and Saudi Arabia in particular have many
    nodes of interests. These nodes of interest need to be engaged
    by us in order to find out ways to move forward and solve these
    problems.
        Senator Rubio. Just as an aside, one of the things that I
    think will come up during your time there is what has already
    been mentioned about the potential for a nuclear agreement.
    Senator Markey and I recently introduced legislation to
    increase congressional oversight over any civil nuclear
    cooperation agreement, or 123 agreement. Secretary Pompeo has
    already said he wants a 123 agreement which would not permit
    enrichment. And I just strongly encourage you to be a strong
    voice in that regard because someone who has a penchant for
    reckless, who has a penchant for escalatory foreign policies
    and all the other things I have highlighted, to retain the
    capability to enrich would be I believe an incredibly dangerous
    precedent to set. I do not know how you serve there for 2 years
    or longer and not run into this issue at some point because I,
    no doubt, think it will become a prime issue here very shortly.
        Mr. Abizaid. I appreciate that issue, Senator.
        And I had failed to acknowledge the issues concerning
    women's rights. I have two daughters and a wife. I will be very
    interested in helping in the reform effort to move the rights
    of 50 percent of the population there forward in a way that
    brings their talents and energy to the surface.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen?
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And let me welcome both you, Mr. Tueller, and you, General
    Abizaid, and thank you for being willing to consider taking on
    these difficult posts at this very important time.
        I would like to begin with you, General Abizaid, and add my
    support for everything that Senator Rubio said and add one more
    concern to that, and that is that the United States still is
    owed $331 million from Saudi Arabia for air refueling that we
    provided the coalition in Yemen.
        I think the list of human rights violations is so long it
    is hard to comprehend what is going on there. And I would like
    your assurances as Ambassador that you will consistently raise
    the issue of human rights violations in a way that expresses to
    the Saudis the grave concern that we have in the United States
    about what they are doing.
        Mr. Abizaid. I will, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. And can you talk about how as Ambassador
    what opportunities you have to help hold the Saudis accountable
    for what they are doing? It has been 2 years since we have had
    an Ambassador in Saudi Arabia without any oversight or concerns
    expressed on some of these issues.
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, ambassadors do not hold countries
    accountable. Countries hold countries accountable. It is the
    role of the United States to ensure that the Saudis know what
    we stand for, what we believe, and what the relationship needs
    to be to move forward. I will ensure that those ideals, those
    values, those mutual interests are conveyed as clearly as I can
    to the government of Saudi Arabia. And I look forward to
    working with them not in an adversarial way, but in a way that
    promotes our ability to have the partnership move forward that
    makes the region more secure.
        Senator Shaheen. And I know that several people have
    mentioned the Khashoggi murder. Under the Global Magnitsky Act,
    there is a responsibility for the administration to respond to
    that murder. Can you talk about what responsibility you might
    have as an Ambassador to try and ensure that the administration
    is responsive under the Global Magnitsky Act?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes. The Secretary of State has said on many
    occasion that we demand transparency and accountability. It
    seems to me that we will continue to do that throughout. We
    probably do not have all the facts. We need to get all the
    facts, and I will convey them, to the best of my ability, to
    the Secretary and to the national command authority under this
    committee.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Ambassador Tueller, one of the challenges that we have
    heard from the Iraqis in response to our continued presence
    there is the differences of opinion among the Iraqi people
    about our continued military presence in Iraq. As Ambassador,
    how could you help address the concerns that the Iraqi people
    have?
        Ambassador Tueller. Thank you, Senator.
        Our military presence and the presence of other coalition
    members is there at the invitation and request of the Iraqi
    government. I believe there are many, many of the Iraqi
    political leaders but most importantly Iraqi military leaders
    who want that presence there. They understand the importance
    that that presence provides to enhancing their capability to
    providing training and support. So I think we need to rely on
    those friends, those who understand the impact that our
    presence has and use that leverage to make sure that that is an
    enduring contribution to Iraq's security.
        Senator Shaheen. And one of the principles of this new
    policy with respect to Syria is the assumption that we can
    continue to support the Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria with
    the forces that we have in Iraq. Do you have any view on how
    successful that kind of policy can be?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, in both cases, I think we face
    similar concerns about the security threat, whether it is the
    resurgence of ISIS or the role that Iran or other outside
    actors play in fomenting instability. It has always been my
    belief that our presence in the region, our engagement, whether
    it is diplomatically, militarily, economically, serves as a
    stabilizing presence in the region. And of course, our presence
    in Iraq I think has importance beyond just the borders of Iraq
    and signals to any potential threats that we are there prepared
    to defend our interests.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you. I appreciate that.
        I am out of time, but I hope that you will address the role
    of Iranian influence with the new Iraqi government at some
    point in this hearing.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Senator Johnson?
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to start out by thanking the nominees and their
    families for their past service and sacrifice and for your
    future service and sacrifice.
        We are faced with some stark realities, you know, a reality
    that we do not particularly like, but ones we have to deal
    with. Senator Rubio was talking about--I liked the way he
    termed it. The Crown Prince has gone full gangster. We find the
    behavior completely unacceptable. But at the same time, as you
    said in your testimony, General Abizaid, we need a sound
    relationship with Saudi Arabia. The reality is that Iran is the
    malign influence and needs to be countered.
        So I would like both of you talking about how--you
    mentioned it in your testimony, but take a little bit more
    time. How important is our relationship to having a sound
    relationship with Saudi Arabia vis-a-vis Iran? General Abizaid?
        Mr. Abizaid. Thanks, Senator.
        How important is it? It is a vital national interest that
    we have a sound relationship with Saudi Arabia to counter
    malign Iranian influence.
        And I think it is important for all of us to recognize the
    difference between the Iranian people and the mullahs and the
    IRGC Qods Force that control the security apparatus of Iran. It
    is my view that sooner or later the good people of Iran, which
    are many, will get tired of the violence and the drains on
    their treasury and will start to move towards a better future.
        It is essential that as this happens, reform in Saudi
    Arabia moves apace. Saudi Arabia is the linchpin. It has been
    for a long time. It will continue to be. And I am confident
    that if we face our problems with them squarely and not mince
    any words about it, that we will be able to solve them.
        Senator Johnson. Ambassador Tueller, let me ask you the
    question slightly differently. What are our alternatives? If we
    do not have a sound relationship with Saudi Arabia, where do we
    go to from there?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I think it is sobering to
    imagine the region without that important security relationship
    between the United States and Saudi Arabia. One of the main
    differences between Iran and Saudi Arabia in my view from the
    perspective of the U.S. diplomat is Saudi Arabia wants us in
    the region, wants us engaged in helping to address the region's
    underlying problems. Iran and its proxies want us out of the
    region. They see that their agenda is served by having the
    United States disengaged and not countering their malign
    influence. So I think it is very, very important that we work
    to ensure that that relationship with Saudi Arabia allows us to
    continue to project our influence into the region.
        Senator Johnson. None of us like the situation, the reality
    that is in Yemen right now. You are currently the Ambassador.
    In my office during our meeting, one of the questions I asked
    you is--because we are all counting on a peace process. We all
    say, you know, military solution. We have to have a peace
    process. But realistically what incentive do the Houthis have
    to agree to a peace process?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I hate to begin the answer to
    any question with saying it is complicated, but of course,
    Yemen is complicated. Even the Houthis I do not think can be
    viewed as monolithic. There are elements that currently are
    aligned with or fighting with the Houthis out of ambition, out
    of self-interest, northern tribes or elements that are still
    loyal to former President Saleh. I think as we continue to
    apply pressure to them, what I hope is that we can create
    conditions where some of those elements will begin to abandon
    sort of the Houthi ideological project, a project that, because
    it is an Iranian project, really in Yemen will never bring
    stability to Yemen.
        You are absolutely right, sir, that there is no way that
    the Houthis are going to voluntarily give up their weapons and
    just become a part of a power sharing arrangement. So we need
    to continue to apply military, economic, political, security
    pressure on them.
        Senator Johnson. Let us face it. Iran has no incentive to
    pressure the Houthis into some kind of a settlement. They would
    preferred a failed state in which they can operate and continue
    to spread their influence.
        So again, that being the case, absent military pressure,
    there is really no way we are going to come to a peace
    agreement. Correct?
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, I think that is correct. I would
    point out, of course, as I speak of Iran and I am sure as you
    do, we are really in many respects talking about the IRGC Quds
    Force, a malign element. I believe if the people of Iran came
    to understand that their government is spending hundreds of
    millions of dollars in Yemen, a country far from their borders
    where they have no strategic interest, while they are suffering
    economic hardships, that perhaps the voice of the Iranian
    people can help to bend their policy towards something more
    constructive.
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Ambassador.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Johnson.
        Mr. Tueller, your comments about the sobering thought of us
    not being aligned with Saudi Arabia in the region and being
    gone from Saudi Arabia I think are very insightful. Having said
    that, I think that the message needs to be strong, and I am
    sure General Abizaid will carry it. They are making it very
    difficult for us right now, and the Crown Prince particularly
    is making this very, very difficult for us. There are
    boundaries and that is a real problem. It is a serious problem,
    and it is going to have to be addressed by the Saudis and by
    the Crown Prince. Thank you.
        It is Senator Murphy's turn.
        Senator Murphy. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Thank you both for your willingness to serve. I hope we get
    you to your posts as quickly as possible. Thanks to your family
    as well.
        Even those of us who have been the longest, most vocal
    critics of Saudi Arabia do not wish for us to walk away from
    what is an incredibly important relationship, an important
    counterterrorism relationship. Saudi Arabia has played a role
    for good in the detente in the region between Israel and the
    Gulf states.
        But the relationship today is just completely upside down
    between the United States and Saudi Arabia. If you knew nothing
    about the history of this country and the history of Saudi
    Arabia and you watched the conduct of this relationship over
    the course of the last year, you would get the impression that
    Saudi Arabia is the great power and that the United States is a
    dependent junior partner. After the murder of Jamal Khashoggi,
    the Saudis did not come here to explain what happened. Our
    Secretary of State went there to do a showy photo op. The
    person in the administration that seems to be in charge of the
    relationship is someone who has absolutely no history with
    respect to foreign policy in the region.
        And so the reason why so many of us think that it is
    necessary for us to take action to reset the relationship is
    not because we want to walk away from it, but because we need
    to put ourselves back in charge of this relationship and make
    clear that the way in which we have been treated and our
    residents have been treated is unacceptable.
        That being said, General Abizaid, I want to turn to a
    slightly different part of our relationship. We do have this
    important counterterrorism relationship with Saudi Arabia, but
    as has been said, Saudi Arabia historically has been both a
    fire fighter and an arsonist when it comes to the fight against
    terrorism in that they certainly apply pressure on the most
    radical elements in the region, but they also have exported a
    version of Islam that forms the building blocks of extremist
    movements, a conservative and tolerant brand of Salafist,
    Wahabist Islam that they talk about wanting to control but
    still seem to be spending a lot of time pushing money out into
    the region and into the world.
        You have written about this. You have given a lot of
    thought to this. How do you predict approaching this sensitive
    issue as Ambassador?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, it is a very thoughtful question.
        The time that I spent as the Director of the Combating
    Terrorism Center at West Point gave me an opportunity to look
    at this pretty deeply. And at least I can report to you, based
    on my last visit out there, that the situation is getting
    better. And while we spend a lot of time talking about what the
    Crown Prince has not done or what he has done that is malign,
    we should also say that he has sent a very clear message that
    he favors a more tolerant view of Saudi Wahabi Islam. And I see
    evidence of that.
        It is not just him, of course. It is the whole country that
    wants to move forward. The young people want to move forward.
    They are happy not to see the religious police on the streets.
    They are happy to be able to have the opportunity for women to
    drive. But it cannot just be a PR issue. It needs to be a deep
    societal change issue. And I believe that the country, the
    country's leadership is committed to that, and we need to help
    them move forward to the extent that we can.
        Senator Murphy. The locking up of women dissidents is not
    necessarily a great advertisement that you are willing to push
    for a more tolerant version of Islam. But I appreciate the fact
    that you have spent time thinking about this, and I hope that
    you continue to work on it.
        Ambassador Tueller, I wanted to ask you one specific
    question because you have been on the ground as our chief
    diplomat in and around Yemen for the last several years.
        Reports emerged a few months ago that our coalition
    partners, the Saudis and the Emiratis, had transferred American
    weapons to AQAP-linked fighters in Yemen. And in fact, in the
    wake of these reports, the UAE admitted to having done such.
        Let me ask you, when did the administration, when did you
    learn about these transfers?
        Ambassador Tueller. Mr. Senator, of course, I saw the same
    press reports recently that you had seen. I believe we all saw
    back in 2015 some similar reports that there had been some
    weapons transfers. I know that CENTCOM and DOD is investigating
    this, trying to track down exactly where and when there might
    have been unauthorized transfers. In the case of weapons that
    we had earlier provided to the Yemeni security forces back in
    2010, 2008, we know that some of those weapon systems probably
    have fallen out of the control of Yemeni legitimate forces
    following the Houthi-led coupe.
        Senator Murphy. And what are the consequences of that?
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, we all understand absolutely and
    take very seriously the end-use monitoring of our weapons
    transfers, and we expect countries, when we transfer weapons,
    to adhere very, very closely. And we do not just expect that.
    We follow up with systems to make sure that we can track and
    hold countries accountable.
        Senator Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Well thought out, Senator Murphy.
        Senator Romney?
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member
    Menendez.
        Thank you, General and Ambassador, for being here. Thank
    you in particular for a lifetime of service to the greatest
    nation on earth and to the cause of freedom. The sacrifice that
    you have both made in very different ways, but enormous
    sacrifice putting yourself in harm's way and in danger, often
    being gone for long periods of time from your loved ones and
    the country of your heritage is most commendable, and I feel it
    is an honor to be with you and an honor to have you willing to
    serve yet again in a place of great challenge.
        As we contemplate the outrage of what is occurring in Saudi
    Arabia and what has occurred there, as we contemplate the
    extraordinary harm and pain and the suffering of civilians in
    Yemen, and we consider much of what goes on in the parts of the
    Middle East, there is sometimes a sentiment amongst our members
    and amongst the American people to say why are we there. Why do
    we not just leave? Why do we not just get out of the Middle
    East and let the Sunnis and the Shias and the Iranians and the
    Saudis do what they are going to do and we will just stand back
    in our hemisphere and just not worry about it? That is not a
    sentiment that I share, but I would be interested, in the
    moments we have, to hear from both of you as to why we are
    involved in the Middle East and why we are involved in Yemen,
    what the significance is of those things for the citizens of
    the United States. Mr. Tueller, why do we not begin with you?
        Ambassador Tueller. Thank you very much, Senator.
        In the case of Yemen, the United States has important
    interests. We want to ensure that there are no terrorist groups
    that can arise in Yemen or use the territory there to mount
    attacks against us or our friends and allies.
        We want to make sure that there is freedom of navigation
    through the strategic waterways around Yemen. Much of the
    world's trade passes through the Bab-el-Mandeb and, of course
    to contemplate that Iran or a hostile power would be able to
    control that I think is of great strategic interest to the
    United States.
        We want to make sure that our friends and allies in the
    region have secure borders, that they do not feel that they are
    being threatened by groups like the Houthis that kind of act on
    behalf of Iran as armed proxies in these countries.
        And then, Mr. Senator, there is another important interest
    I think that as Americans we have and that is the humanitarian
    situation. We do not give in to hopelessness. We do not give in
    to cynicism. I think all of us react the same way when we see
    pictures, whether it is in Yemen or other parts of the world,
    where innocent civilians are suffering from consequences of war
    or the actions of irresponsible governments. So as the United
    States, we have an interest in mitigating that humanitarian
    challenge.
        One of the things that I often feel badly about is because
    we have the relationships with Saudi Arabia and understandably
    we hold them to a higher account, we do focus on the
    consequences of Saudi actions. But almost 100 percent of the
    humanitarian catastrophe in Yemen has been caused by the
    Iranian-backed Houthis that overthrew the government, destroyed
    the institutions of state, caused approximately a 40 percent
    decline in the GDP of the country. I see very, very little
    reporting, for example, of the millions and millions of mines
    that the Houthis have planted around the country that in fact
    cause more civilian casualties and will continue to cause
    civilian casualties going into the future. So that is a great
    concern, and I think the American people need to be concerned
    about the humanitarian issues.
        Thank you.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator Romney.
        Extremism and sectarian violence is the curse of the Middle
    East. And extremism, unfortunately, is not just a curse for the
    people in the Middle East. It is a curse for all of us,
    recently seeing what happens when an extremist attack happens
    between two nuclear-armed powers like India and Pakistan. We
    have a responsibility to do our best to help the people in the
    region keep extremism from gaining the upper hand.
        When I think back to the days of the ISIS offensives not
    far behind us, it was terrifying to me to think of the idea
    that Iraq could become an ISIS-dominated state.
        Combating extremism requires constant work on the part of
    the good people in the region and the United States helping
    people help themselves to defend themselves against it. As long
    as Iranian state-backed Shia extremism and ISIS and al Qaeda-
    type extremism on the Sunni side exist, it is important for us
    to stay engaged. And it is important for us to move in a
    direction that allows the people in the region to have a better
    future so they do not fall prey to the extremist narrative of
    lies.
        When I think about the future of the region, if countries
    can reform, if countries can embrace their own populations,
    there is a chance for a much better path ahead.
        I do not, by the way, believe in a large presence of
    American forces in occupation. It is counterproductive to
    getting the job done. Let us help the people in the region help
    themselves.
        And in particular, in the case of Saudi Arabia, their
    counterterrorism activities, in conjunction with our own, have
    been very, very meaningful in putting somewhat of a damper on
    the extremism that we see so frequently throughout the region.
        The Chairman. Thank you. Thank you, Senator Romney.
        Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And congratulations to each of you. You are very, very well
    qualified for these positions, and I appreciate your service.
        General Abizaid, I would like to start with you. Jamal
    Khashoggi was a Virginia resident. The family lives in
    Virginia. And I want to raise up another individual who has a
    Virginia connection just to exemplify the human rights
    challenges that I hope you will grapple with as Ambassador.
    Aziza al-Yusef.
        Aziza al-Yusef is a legal permanent resident of the United
    States. She came to Richmond to study computer science at
    Virginia Commonwealth University a long time ago, got a
    computer science degree, moved back to Saudi Arabia, and as a
    Saudi citizen, has taught computer science in Saudi Arabia to
    women for nearly 30 years. You have brought wonderful families
    with you today. She is a mother of five. She is a grandmother
    of eight. And she passionately believes that women should be
    treated as equal human beings. She has been engaged in the
    protests about women being able to drive. She has been very
    active to try to reform and end the guardianship system that
    essentially makes women surveilled property of a man. She has
    been very active in protests with respect to lax treatment of
    domestic violence by men against women, all while raising her
    family and teaching computer science in Saudi Arabia.
        She was imprisoned in May with a group of women and men who
    had been advocating for the right of Saudi women to drive. She
    was imprisoned after the driving restriction was lifted, and
    the interpretation of that by most has been when the driving
    restriction is lifted, we want to send the message you have no
    rights. We are giving you a privilege. But by then imprisoning
    all the activists, men and women, who had been advocating for
    women's equality in driving, it was essentially a message to
    everyone you cannot protest. You have no rights. We are doing
    this as a privilege.
        And Amnesty International and other organizations indicate
    that Aziza al-Yusef and the others who have been imprisoned
    have been tortured, held, and they can see their families once
    a month.
        This is a grandmother of eight, a mother of five, who has
    spent her whole life educating Saudi women to be computer
    scientists.
        And I just will say, General Abizaid, this is an important
    relationship, but for me it is sort of a proxy of a nation's
    authoritarianism, extremism, corruption if they treat women the
    way these women are being treated for simply advocating that
    they should have basic equal rights.
        And so you have the background to do this job and do it
    very, very well, but I hope the human rights aspect of the
    portfolio and the treatment of these individuals who have ties
    to the United States will be a top priority for you.
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, you have my word. It will be.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you.
        To Ambassador Tueller, is Iraq an ally?
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, I think that the relationship
    between Iraq and the United States is an extremely important
    one that serves both our interests. I have outlined some of
    those common interests, particularly in security in the region.
    And I expect that while I am there, I will be able to continue
    to work with Iraq as a partner and ally of the United States.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you for that. And I share it. I think
    we are partners. I think we are allies. There is a lot of work
    to do to make that relation strong.
        As you pointed out, we are in Iraq militarily now at their
    invitation. We are not occupying Iraq. We left militarily in
    2011. With the rise of ISIS in 2014, Iraq has asked us back.
    And even if there is some controversy about that with some
    politics, it is not going to be a slam dunk on any issue.
    Overwhelmingly the Iraqi government still wants the United
    States to be there to be that kind of partner. Would you not
    agree?
        Ambassador Tueller. I think that we can count on Iraq to
    continue to want the U.S. involved. They understand what
    happened after the U.S. forces withdrew back in 2011, the rise
    of ISIS controlling over 55,000 square miles in Iraq. This
    deeply, deeply traumatized and threatened Iraq, and they
    understand that they need the assistance of the United States
    and other partners to avoid the resurgence of that threat.
        Senator Kaine. General Abizaid said a powerful thing at the
    beginning of his testimony. He said the Abizaid family has
    spent too much time in the Middle East and you do not want your
    grandchildren to be there at war in the Middle East.
        It is interesting that Iraq is now an ally and a partner,
    and yet we still have two authorizations for military force
    against Iraq that are pending. President Trump said in his
    State of the Union great nations do not wage endless wars. I
    think great Congresses should not authorize endless wars. The
    1991 Gulf War authorization to go after Saddam Hussein for the
    invasion of Kuwait is still live and active, kind of a zombie
    authorization floating out there. It has never been repealed.
    The 2002 authorization to go after the government of Saddam
    Hussein is still active and live, again kind of a zombie
    authorization out there that has not been repealed.
        Senator Young and I have introduced today a bill to repeal
    both the first Gulf War and the 2002 Iraq authorization. There
    is no need to have an authorization against an ally and
    partner, and I would hope my colleagues might see the virtue in
    cleaning that up.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Kaine.
        Senator Paul?
        Senator Paul. Thank you both for your testimony and your
    service.
        I will direct this to General Abizaid. It is often said
    that Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism. It said
    over and over and over again. I think it is often forgotten,
    though, that I would say Saudi Arabia is the largest state
    sponsor of radical Islam. They act in somewhat different ways.
        Iran is very much a regional player and they are involved
    anywhere there are Shia populations and they are very much
    involved in several theaters mostly within the Middle East.
        Saudi Arabia's malign influence, though, is worldwide. Most
    of the extremists that we have seen have been Sunni extremists.
    The Saudis fund tens of thousand of madrasas, including tens of
    thousands just within Pakistan. It is said that people trained
    in these madrasas cross the border and actually attack our
    soldiers and have killed our soldiers in Afghanistan.
        And so when I hear people say, oh, they are getting better,
    they are letting women drive, part of me thinks, well, maybe
    that is a public relations stunt to let women drive while we
    imprison the activists at the same time. At the same time they
    are letting women drive, they are sending a team of thugs with
    a bone saw to chop somebody up in another country, a writer and
    a resident of our country. So I do not think we should be
    fooled.
        But I do think in the larger context of things, the reason
    I bring up sort of Iran and Saudi Arabia is it reminds me
    somewhat of the Cold War where anybody that sided with us, we
    turned a blind eye to human rights violations. So there were
    dictators throughout Africa, Mobutu, Mugabe, who did horrific
    things to their people, and we just looked away and said, well,
    they are our guy, you know, they are on our side against the
    Soviet Union.
        So we have divided up the Middle East. Iran is the largest
    state sponsor, and we never say a thing about Saudi Arabia. We
    are starting to because of this horrific murder. But I think we
    have turned a blind eye because of oil, because they tend to
    side with us against Iran. And I just think there needs to be a
    more evenhanded look at this. I am not saying that Iran is
    good, but maybe both are malign actors.
        Also when we look at the Middle East, I think there needs
    to be someone saying--you know, we talk about a Middle East
    peace process, and it has all been about the Palestinians and
    Israel. I think that is an important question, maybe an
    imponderable one. But I do think that really the big peace
    process would be some day somebody recognizing that it would be
    having Saudi Arabia at the same table with Iran, if you really
    want to solve most Middle East process.
        So I guess my question to you is given all of that, do you
    think we need to make a stronger statement about the Saudis?
    Instead of just saying they are getting better, saying, well,
    perhaps we need to restrict the arms sales until they quit
    funding madrasas. Instead of saying please quit funding
    madrasas, maybe they should have to quit funding madrasas. We
    should play hard ball with our weapons and say that people that
    imprison people and give people a thousand lashes and all the
    things the Saudis do, maybe they do not deserve our weapons.
    General Abizaid?
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator Paul.
        I already indicated that I think extremism is a curse of
    the Middle East, and it is extremism on the Sunni side and it
    is extremism on the Shia side. And really sectarianism is the
    twin curse of the Middle East, and we have to move very, very
    hard to convince the good people in the region to abandon forms
    of extremism.
        But when I think of extremism in Saudi Arabia or extremism
    in any other Arab country, there are elements within the
    population that believe that if they fund extremist preachers,
    if they fund extremist ideologies, if they fund jihadis to move
    to the sound of the guns wherever the current battle might be,
    that they are doing God's work. And it is clearly not God's
    work.
        So we have to keep saying it. It does not matter whether it
    comes from Saudi Arabia or Egypt or the UAE or Yemen. We have
    got to keep saying it. We have got to keep working against it.
    I will not shy away from that. I have told them that for years,
    and I will continue to tell them that.
        But, on the other hand, I would also like to respectfully
    say they have made progress. I remember having an opportunity
    to go to Saudi Arabia recently where I saw some very innovative
    and very effective programs aimed specifically at reducing
    terrorism both financially and on the field of battle.
        Senator Paul. I appreciate that.
        Ambassador Tueller, President Trump has often said that the
    greatest geopolitical blunder of the last 20 years was the Iraq
    war. What is your opinion on that?
        Ambassador Tueller. Well, sir, I think that the removal of
    a leader like Saddam Hussein from the region in the long term
    serves the interest of the United States and----
        Senator Paul. You disagree with the President?
        Ambassador Tueller. I do not think the President--I cannot
    take his remarks----
        Senator Paul. His point was that removing Hussein created a
    vacuum, created an endless war over there, and also empowered
    Iran.
        Ambassador Tueller. It has empowered many of those forces
    of sectarianism and extremism, but I think in the----
        Senator Paul. Which goes back to Senator Kaine's point. Are
    they an ally? Some would argue Iraq is now more of an ally of
    Iran than they are of the U.S.
        But the President disagrees with you. The President thinks
    the Iraq War was a big mistake, emboldened Iran, and we should
    not have done it.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        We will move to Senator Merkley.
        Senator Merkley. Thank you very much.
        And, Ambassador Tueller, when you were commenting on the
    humanitarian situation in Yemen, you said virtually 100 percent
    of the humanitarian problems are caused by the Houthis. I found
    that a very surprising statement. An extensive number of deaths
    are being caused by a cholera epidemic that comes from the
    Saudi bombing of water systems. The United Nations did a study
    that said of 17,000 civilian deaths between 2015 and 2018, the
    majority, 10,000, were the result of the Saudi-led bombings.
        Can you explain a little bit how you reached the conclusion
    that the Saudi bombing of civilians somehow is responsible for
    0 percent of the humanitarian crisis in Yemen?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I think any death of civilians
    in conflict is unacceptable, and we should always----
        Senator Merkley. That is not my question.
        Ambassador Tueller. Well, I think that we cannot excuse
    that. However, my remarks about the Houthis being almost 100
    percent responsible--there is an anecdote that I often relate
    to people. In January of 2014, the most important port in Yemen
    used by the private sector was the Port of Aden. It had 111
    ships that disembarked during that month of January 2014.
        Senator Merkley. Ambassador, could you speak up, please?
        Ambassador Tueller. In January of 2015, which was before
    the Saudi-led intervention but after the Houthi takeover of
    Sanaa, the number of ships disembarking in Aden had fallen to
    nine. And that was almost 100 percent responsible for the
    Houthis' actions that caused foreign investment, the Yemeni
    private sector to flee the country, to stop investing in that
    economic activity.
        Senator Merkley. I do not want to use all my time on the
    lengthy explanation there. But when you say that if 100 percent
    is the Houthis, 0 percent is the Saudis, you are giving them no
    responsibility for having used their munitions to attack
    civilian sites, and I find that very astounding.
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, when we have seen cases where the
    Saudis have caused collateral damage, we have spoken very, very
    forcefully to them about that, and we have worked to try to
    mitigate those consequences. We have seen improvements.
        Senator Merkley. By acknowledging that, you are saying
    there is some Saudi responsibility. I am going to have to stop
    there. But I did find that very disturbing given the vast
    deaths caused by the Saudi bombing campaign, and to treat Saudi
    Arabia as saying, oh, they are our ally, so we will blame
    someone else for all these deaths they are causing seems
    unacceptable to me.
        General Abizaid, we have really been disturbed in Oregon by
    Saudi Arabia posting bail for Saudi citizens, and then those
    citizens disappearing. In 2016, Mr. Noorah, a Saudi national,
    killed a 15-year-old Portland native driving approximately
    twice the posted speed limit. Saudi Arabia posted bail, and he
    disappeared.
        We had the Saudi consulate post bail for Mr. Alhamoud who
    fled Oregon before facing trial in 2012 on multiple sex crime
    charges, including rape.
        We have a Saudi national, Mr. Algwaiz, who has faced
    charges in 2016 for striking a homeless man with is vehicle,
    who disappeared.
        We have the Saudi consulate posting a $500,000 security
    deposit for Mr. Alharthi, a student in Oregon and Saudi
    national, who was arrested in 2015 on 10 counts of encouraging
    child sex abuse before fleeing the country.
        We have the Saudi consulate posting a $500,000 bond for Mr.
    Duways, another university student and Saudi national, who was
    arrested in 2014 on the charge of rape.
        We have these crimes being committed by Saudi nationals and
    then the Saudi government posting bail and whisking them out
    the country. Is this acceptable?
        Mr. Abizaid. Certainly not acceptable for any government to
    assist their citizens that have violated our laws.
        Senator Merkley. Are you as disturbed as I am that
    essentially at this moment the Saudi nationals in the United
    States have a ``get out of jail free'' card that allows them to
    commit abuses against children, manslaughter, rape, and have no
    accountability?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, I think there has to be complete
    accountability for any government and their citizens living
    abroad, and that means respecting the laws of the host nation.
        I would, in fairness, like to point out that there are
    80,000 Saudis studying in the United States, most of whom are
    not the type of people you talked about.
        Senator Merkley. And believe you me, I am not implying that
    Saudi nationals as a whole are committing crimes on a higher
    basis than anyone else. I do not have that statistic. I am
    making the point that when a person commits a crime in the
    United States, we should not, because they are an ally who buys
    a lot of stuff from us, allow them to whisk their citizens out
    with no accountability for rape, for child abuse, other sexual
    crimes, manslaughter, or for any other crime. And my sense is
    you agree with that.
        Mr. Abizaid. I agree that any government that assists their
    citizens fleeing our justice is breaking our laws.
        Senator Merkley. I know, and you are translating this into
    a general principle, but are you not disturbed by these exact
    issues regarding Saudi Arabia?
        Mr. Abizaid. Well, what I cannot say because I do not
    know--I accept your stories, but I do not know that the
    government assisted in the escape. I just do not know that.
        Senator Merkley. Yes. What we do know is that it has been
    the conclusion of our government that they are likely to have
    insisted, and in one case at least, the passport was
    surrendered. And so something magical happened for the person
    to be able to return to Saudi Arabia.
        I have introduced the ESCAPE Act, which calls on the State
    Department to analyze this issue, to report on it. If five
    cases happened in Oregon that we know of--and there may well
    have been more we do not know about. There may have been
    hundreds of these cases across the country. I am surprised that
    the State Department has not already investigated this.
        Would you encourage the State Department to investigate
    this issue and get to the bottom of it? And if this is
    happening with other nations, then investigate that too, but
    the ones we have knowledge of all involve Saudi Arabia.
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, if you confirm me, I will encourage
    them to do so.
        Senator Merkley. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Young?
        Senator Young. Thank you, gentlemen, for your lifetime of
    service. By my reading of your many accomplishments, I think
    you come in well prepared to not only be confirmed but to serve
    our country honorably and professionally.
        Mr. Ambassador, I have a follow-up question pertaining to
    this issue of the Houthis, the Iranian-aligned Houthis being
    the primary driver of the humanitarian crisis, which may indeed
    be the situation right now. They have mined the ground. They
    have been responsible by my latest briefings for numerous
    violations of human rights law.
        But I think it is helpful that we remember recent history.
    Over the last couple of years, our Saudi partners, working with
    the Emirates in the United States of America, who have assisted
    with refueling, targeting assistance, military training, and
    some other activities, has also been party to some actions
    that, per my many briefings on the subject in classified and
    unclassified settings, has helped to radicalize portions of the
    Houthi population, leading to their alignment with the Iranians
    when many would not have otherwise aligned with the Iranians.
    They have blocked the Port of Hodeidah where 80 percent of
    food, of medicine, of water is delivered. The bombing campaigns
    where they have indiscriminately bombed civilians is something
    that I hope moving forward we will continue to recognize,
    helped to exacerbate what remains the worst humanitarian crisis
    in the world.
        Yes, the Saudis must remain security partners. They will be
    complicated partners moving forward especially with their
    current leadership and their Crown Prince's impulsive and
    sometimes reckless behavior by the reading of this United
    States Senator. So I just think it is very important that we
    are reminded of this and are sort of sober-minded as we
    continue to try and finesse this relationship.
        Senator Shaheen earlier brought up the lack of
    responsiveness that we have seen by the administration under
    the Global Magnitsky Act. General, I remain frustrated by the
    administration's unwillingness to follow another law,
    specifically the National Defense Authorization Act section
    1290, which my colleague, Senator Shaheen, and I worked on.
    There is a provision in section 1290 which requires the
    Secretary to certify that the governments of Saudi Arabia and
    UAE are undertaking a number of actions. The provision also
    includes a detailed requirement for Yemen-related briefings to
    Congress and requires the administration to submit to Congress
    a strategy for Yemen. Congress has not yet received a credible
    certification from the administration. I do not intend to
    remain silent on this. This is the law of the land and I want
    it to be followed.
        So, General, would you commit to providing myself and other
    members of this committee a monthly update on the following: a
    description of Saudi Arabia military and political objectives
    in Yemen and whether the United States' assistance to the
    Saudi-led coalition has resulted in significant progress
    towards meeting those objectives; a description of efforts by
    the government of Saudi Arabia to avoid disproportionate harm
    to civilians and civilian objects in Yemen; an assessment for
    the need for existing secondary inspection and clearance
    processes and transshipment requirements on humanitarian and
    commercial vessels that have been cleared by the U.N.
    verification and inspection mechanism; a description of the
    sources of external support for the Houthi forces, including
    financial assistance, weapons transfers, operational planning,
    training, and advisory assistance; an assessment of the
    applicability of the U.S. and international sanctions to Houthi
    forces that have committed grave human rights abuses,
    obstructed international aid, and launched ballistic missiles
    into our Saudi partner's territory; and an assessment of the
    effect of the Saudi-led coalition's military operations in
    Yemen on the efforts of the U.S. to defeat AQAP and the Islamic
    State? General would you commit to providing that information
    on a monthly basis to this committee?
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator Young.
        As a citizen of the great State of Nevada, not a member of
    the administration, I have nothing to say about that. If you
    confirm me and I become a member of the administration, I can
    commit to assisting the administration in answering those
    questions.
        Senator Young. I thought you would answer somewhere along
    those lines.
        Well, let me just note before yielding back to the good
    chairman that if the administration is not already tracking
    each of the different things I have requested of you, it would
    be a matter of sort of diplomatic malpractice, security
    malpractice, from my perspective, and it is my fervent hope
    that the administration will follow the law and finally provide
    a credible certification as required under the law.
        Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you very much.
        Senator Cruz is next.
        Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Gentlemen, thank you both for your service. Congratulations
    on the nominations you have received, but thank you also for
    being willing to serve. Neither of the countries to which you
    have been nominated are easy postings nor are they altogether
    safe postings. And so we are grateful for both of you answering
    the call to serve your nation in challenging times.
        General Abizaid, I want to start with you. Saudi Arabia is
    in my judgment a deeply problematic ally. Their human rights
    record has been sorely lacking. They have, for many years, been
    willing to fund jihadists on the principle that if you feed the
    crocodile perhaps it will eat you last. Their conduct with
    regard to Mr. Khashoggi was abominable and unacceptable. On all
    of those fronts, I think we should be clear and explicit
    condemning their actions.
        At the same time, they are nonetheless an ally, and
    critically they are a vital counterpoint to the nation of Iran.
    And as I look to the Middle East, the rivalry between Iran and
    Saudi Arabia--any conduct that the United States Congress does
    to weaken Saudi Arabia vis-a-vis Iran to my mind is harming the
    national security interests of America because a stronger Iran
    with an Ayatollah Khamenei pledging death to America, funding
    terrorists actively trying to murder Americans--a stronger Iran
    makes for a more dangerous world.
        Do you share that assessment, and what role do you believe
    Saudi Arabia plays in counterbalancing Iran?
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator Cruz, for the question.
        I certainly share your sentiments and your description
    about Iran. Maybe 15 years ago, maybe I would have shared your
    description about Saudi Arabia. There was absolutely too much
    turning a blind eye towards extremists leaving the country and
    causing problems elsewhere.
        As I look at it today, I do not think the problem is
    solved, but I think it is getting better. There are joint task
    forces for combating terrorism. There are joint task forces
    looking at the economic flows of money into the terrorist
    networks. We noticed here recently that Hamza bin Laden was
    stripped of his citizenship, that others have been forced to
    pay a price for their support of terrorism, to al Qaeda, ISIS,
    or indeed even supporting the Iranian state.
        So it is incumbent upon the United States to continue to
    press the case that good allies do not support terrorism
    anywhere.
        Senator Cruz. And can you describe the importance of a
    strong Saudi Arabia as a check to Iran?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, I think you did an adequate job of
    that. I do not know what I could add.
        Senator Cruz. Is there any coherent or rational argument
    that Saudi Arabia poses a comparable threat to the United
    States to that of Iran?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, when I look at the reform vision of
    2030, if we can support it moving forward, it is a plan for
    diversification of the economy. It is a plan to begin the
    empowerment of women. It is a plan to make the armed forces
    more professional. It is a plan to give the young people of
    Saudi Arabia a hope for a better future. If that plan can
    succeed with the support of the international community, I
    believe we will see a change, an important change, that will be
    good for all of us and Saudi Arabia.
        Senator Cruz. What do you believe Iran is trying to
    accomplish in the Middle East?
        Mr. Abizaid. You know, Senator, we have had this
    conversation before, and I appreciate we have had it. And as we
    have noted before, I firmly believe that the good people of
    Iran are just putting up with the IRGC Qods Force and the
    mullah government. Given the opportunity for a better future,
    just like the Saudis, if they had a vision for a reform
    movement, if they had a vision for a better future, the people
    would move in that direction. But right now, the IRGC Qods
    Force and the radicals are in charge, and we need to keep the
    pressure to cause them to ultimately be deposed by their own
    people.
        Senator Cruz. I agree with you.
        Ambassador Tueller, one of the more troubling developments
    in Iraq has been the growing influence of the Iranians, both
    Iranian Shia militia and also direct or indirect Iranian
    control of the Iraqi institutions of government. How
    significant do you assess that threat and what should we be
    doing about it?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I think it is a great threat.
    It is one that concerns us, and I know it is one that concerns
    the Iraqi people. I think one of the most powerful forces in
    Iraq, leaving aside the sectarian influences, ethnic
    differences, and political parties, is Iraqis share a strong
    sense of pride in their Iraqi Arab identity. They do not want
    to see their country weakened, divided, sovereignty impinged
    upon, and they see the major threat of that coming from Iran.
    So I think as we empower Iraqis to build the kind of country
    and future they want, that is what we have to build on.
        Senator Cruz. Okay. Final question. Talk to me briefly
    about the Kurds. The Kurds have been loyal allies. They have
    spilled blood supporting the United States of America. They
    have, I think, been neglected and mistreated far too often by
    United States foreign policy. Can you talk about the importance
    of assuring that we do not abandon the Kurds once again and
    leave them subject to the predations of their neighbors?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, that U.S.-Kurdish relationship
    is a historic one. It is a long-lasting one. I think it is a
    very important one. I intend, if I am confirmed, to make sure
    that that relationship between the United States and the
    Kurdish people is one that is solid, that gives the Kurds the
    sense of security they need that they are never again in the
    future going to be dominated by the type of regime that Saddam
    Hussein represented in Baghdad.
        At the same time, I think it is very important from the
    U.S. perspective that we see good, solid relationships between
    Baghdad and Erbil, and I intend to do all I can to make sure
    that that relationship is a positive one.
        Senator Cruz. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cruz.
        Senator Gardner?
        Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Thank you both for your service to this country, your
    willingness to serve in these new posts. This country truly is
    grateful for your service.
        General Abizaid, continuing on the conversation you had
    with Senator Cruz, there are certain issues, resolutions that
    this Congress may be voting on regarding Yemen and other
    resolutions. How would that affect or change relationships in
    Saudi Arabia, perhaps empowering Iran? If you could talk a
    little bit about that.
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, first of all, I am sorry we missed
    our appointment. I understand you were snowed in badly in
    Colorado.
        Senator Gardner. United once again proved they were in
    charge.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, it is a good question. I do not think
    it is good for me as a private citizen at this point to comment
    on legislation. I would prefer to say it is very important for
    us to set the stage that allows for reform in Saudi Arabia,
    that allows ultimately some day for reform in Iran, and that
    allows for a better solution to the many problems that are
    transparent and obvious in Yemen.
        One thing we cannot afford in Yemen, we cannot afford to
    withdraw U.S. expertise to the coalition about how to fight. If
    we want them to fight right, we need to continue to give them
    that expertise.
        Another thing we cannot afford is that if a Hezbollah-like
    pro-Iranian IRGC Qods Force militia were to form in Yemen, it
    would be a lethal threat to the region and one that we could
    not ignore and certainly one that Saudi Arabia could not
    ignore.
        So it is important that we work in the right way in your
    legislation, and I know you are. But again, I think me
    commenting about exactly how it should be done would be out of
    my place.
        Senator Gardner. General--and you may have already talked
    about this with other members of the committee. I apologize if
    I am repeating. Could you talk a little bit about the civilian
    nuclear agreement and what parameters ought to be in place to
    assure a true civilian nuclear agreement, if that is indeed the
    case?
        Mr. Abizaid. Well, Senator, I have had this discussion with
    many of you in our consultations. I certainly think that in
    some future there can be nuclear power in Saudi Arabia, but I
    think anytime the U.S. provides nuclear power to anybody, it
    needs to be done under the strictest controls possible.
        Senator Gardner. With the standard gold-plated agreements
    that have been in every----
        Mr. Abizaid. I would say, yes, that is certainly the
    standard, but the issue is all about let us not allow plutonium
    or other type of substance move to somewhere where it can be
    used as a bomb.
        Senator Gardner. Right. Thank you.
        Ambassador Tueller, we discussed some of the challenges in
    Iraq, obviously, with corruption. How does the United States
    proceed addressing government corruption and the tools that you
    could bring to the position?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, again our engagement, whether
    it is through advocating for U.S. businesses to be present
    competing for contracts and the responsibility and the
    transparency that U.S. companies bring when they are engaged in
    an economy, also I think continue to empower the Iraqi
    institutions that have been stood up that so far have been able
    to continue to exist within the new Iraq that are intent on
    promoting greater transparency. The issue of corruption
    throughout the region and in fact through many developing
    countries is one that, as U.S. diplomats, when we encounter, we
    see how toxic it is. And I think the U.S. government, by
    upholding our standards, by encouraging greater transparency,
    helps the citizens of those countries.
        Senator Gardner. What effects do you see remaining from the
    separation--the referendum? The attempt last year--I believe it
    was last year.
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, between the Kurds----
        Senator Gardner. Yes, correct.
        Ambassador Tueller. Well, of course, the call for a
    referendum--we opposed that. We advised many of the Kurdish
    leaders that we thought it was provocative and unnecessary.
    What I am pleased to say is that that we are seeing that
    relationship already improving. I know that there is a good
    relationship between the Kurdish leaders, the current
    president, and the current prime minister as well, and that
    some steps are being taken to repair that damage and put the
    relationship on a better footing.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Gardner.
        Senator Udall?
        Senator Udall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And thank you to both of the witnesses here today. I
    appreciate your testimony.
        These first two questions are for both of you.
        Last fall, Ambassador James Jeffrey, the State Department's
    Special Representative to Syria, stated during a Defense One
    conference--and I quote here. It requires stability ops to
    break Iran's meddling influence. End quote.
        Jeffrey continued saying that Iran, quote, will create a
    new Daesh if we do not get at the underlying problem. End
    quote. Referring to an Arabic acronym for ISIS. This is an odd
    position given that Daesh is a Sunni terrorist organization.
        In tackling Iran, he said we have no better partner than
    Saudi Arabia. He added we could not be doing what we are doing
    in the region without them.
        Yet, we know that funds from Saudi Arabia donors flowed
    towards Daesh and that many Wahabi clerics were an inspiration
    to ISIL's leaders. Saudi Arabia has also been implicated in the
    murder of Jamal Khashoggi and is directly responsible for one
    of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent history in Yemen.
        Comments like these and those of Secretary Pompeo and
    President Trump last year trying to frame Iran as a supporter
    of al Qaeda and other Sunni terrorists without proof should get
    our attention.
        Just last year, Reuters reported in announcing the U.S.
    withdrawal from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump said in May
    that Iran supports terrorist proxies and militias such as al
    Qaeda. End quote.
        In a speech last week, Pompeo said, quote, today we ask the
    Iranian people is this what you want your country to be known
    for, for being a co-conspirator with Hezbollah, Hamas, Taliban,
    and al Qaeda.
        In the same report, Reuters noted that a study casts doubts
    on these claims, claims, if true, would give the President some
    legal argument to say that the 9/11 AUMF applies to Iran, a
    claim that I as a Member of Congress who voted in favor of the
    9/11 AUMF find to be without any basis in reality.
        My first question to both of you is, do you believe that a
    war with Iran is in the best interest of the United States or
    either of the countries you are nominated to serve in?
        Mr. Abizaid. No.
        Ambassador Tueller. No, Senator, I do not.
        Senator Udall. Do either of you believe that the 9/11 AUMF
    extends to Iran or that Congress intended to use the 9/11 AUMF
    to take on Iran?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I would have to defer to the
    State Department legal advisor to address any issues about
    authorized use of military force.
        Mr. Abizaid. I would have to defer to legal experts as I do
    not have any expertise in the issue.
        Senator Udall. But you guys were both around when all of
    this happened, and you know how targeted we were with the 9/11
    AUMF and what our objectives were, which we long ago--long
    ago--have achieved. So I find that a little discouraging that
    you are punting on that one.
        Mr. Abizaid. You know, Senator, I guess I would say is I
    was a soldier and we go where you tell us to go.
        Senator Udall. Well, I understand that, but you are also a
    very smart gentleman. You understand the realities of the
    Congress. It is Congress that has the authority under the
    Constitution to declare war, and it is also Congress that if it
    decides to do so and it thinks it is appropriate, that ends
    wars. And so an AUMF that has been in place since 2001 and is
    being used around the world as the reason for going into
    countries I think is something you should be worried about as a
    soldier and something that you should have looked into.
        Mr. Abizaid. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Udall. We all know that climate change is real and
    that the result is that in places like New Mexico and Iraq,
    there is less water for all to go around. We must adjust to
    this reality. There are real and persistent water challenges in
    Iraq, including the Mosul Dam, and lack of sufficient drinking
    water supplies and trained staff to manage these important
    infrastructure investments.
        What role can the United States play and what role can you
    play to help facilitate a sufficient water supply in Iraq,
    including Mosul Dam stabilization, so that the region avoids
    conflicts over water resources?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, it is an excellent question.
    It is one that applies in Iraq. It is one that I have seen come
    into play in Yemen which faces a depletion of its water
    resources and elsewhere in the Middle East, in Syria and
    elsewhere. So throughout the Middle East, you often see that
    water resources are underlying part of the ongoing conflict.
        So I think it is important with respect to the Mosul Dam.
    The United States and the Army Corps of Engineers has been
    involved in some of the efforts to try to stabilize the dam.
    The Iraqis themselves are taking on a greater responsibility
    for that. It is a tremendous threat, one that we all need to
    remain vigilant.
        Thank you for the question, Senator.
        Senator Udall. Thank you.
        General, do you have a thought on that?
        Mr. Abizaid. I would only say, Senator, that the water
    problems in the Middle East are great, and the number one thing
    we can do to help solve them is first get these conflicts under
    control to the best of our ability. Once we do that, then other
    things will follow.
        Senator Udall. I hope we can do that, and then I hope we
    can work on the infrastructure for water resources and the
    other things that are needed for stability in order to, like
    you say, move forward.
        Mr. Abizaid. I agree with you, Senator.
        Senator Udall. Yes. I appreciate that.
        Thank you for your courtesies, Mr. Chairman. I know I ran
    over a little bit.
        The Chairman. You certainly did.
        Senator Udall. I bow down and apologize to you.
        [Laughter.]
        The Chairman. There will be more.
        Senator Barrasso, so patient and I am sorry I passed you
    over earlier.
        Senator Udall. If I had seen him there, I would have
    shortened my questions.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you, Senator. Thank you, Mr.
    Chairman.
        Ambassador Tueller, if I could, just a general--how
    extensive is Iran's influence over Iraq?
        Ambassador Tueller. Well, of course, the two countries
    share a long border. They share an economic history, family,
    religious ties, but I think it is often missed, as you look at
    the broader, to understand again, as I said, Iraqi nationalism,
    the fact that Iraqi Shia clergy have their own standing,
    credibility, legitimacy within the country. So I think it is
    important not to overstate or to overreact to what is Iran's
    presence and relationship.
        I would say we are not trying to sever the relationship
    between Iraq and Iran. There should be ties. What we want to
    see is a normal, healthy relationship based on respect for
    sovereignty, an Iraq wanting to build, as we want to build, an
    Iran wanting to build an Iraq that is strong, stable, and
    sovereign.
        Senator Barrasso. Iran--they have armed militias, provided
    Revolutionary Guard forces to assist with the fighting against
    ISIS in Iraq. So I am talking about the current role the
    Iranian forces are playing in Iraq and what you see in terms of
    the force activity there.
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, the issue of the popular
    mobilization forces that exist in Iran is one that is
    complicated. I know that the prime minister and other
    government officials are trying to bring all of those forces
    under the control of the government. Many of those forces, in
    fact, are nominally under control of the prime minister. What
    we are really concerned about is particularly those popular
    mobilization forces that are not responsive to the Iraqi
    government but are taking their directions, their leadership
    from not just Iran but from the Revolutionary Qods Force, and
    that is what is going to pose a great challenge. I think moving
    forward for Iraq to emerge as a strong, sovereign, normal
    country, it has to deal with that issue.
        Senator Barrasso. The United States has been encouraging
    Iraq to end its energy dependence on Iran. There was a ``Wall
    Street Journal'' article from November, headlining ``U.S.
    Pushes Iraq to Wean Itself off Iranian Energy.'' But despite
    its role as a major energy producer itself--Iraq--it does rely
    on Iran for imported natural gas to use in gas turbine power
    plants. Iranian natural gas generates about 45 percent of
    Iraq's electricity. Upon the reimposition of U.S. sanctions
    against Iran, the United States has provided Iraq a couple of
    waivers.
        Do you believe Iraq is serious about ending its dependence
    on Iran for energy? And what efforts is Iraq taking to reduce
    or end its energy dependence on Iran?
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, that is correct. Not only
    significant imports of natural gas from Iran but also
    electricity itself as part of the grid. So it is important, for
    example, that Iraq receive capital, improve its ability to
    capture its own natural gas rather than flaring it so that it
    can be used to generate electricity. In the last several
    months, there has been some progress in that respect, but it is
    time consuming. Not enough has happened yet. And I think an
    important thing to try to use is--if I am confirmed as
    Ambassador, to encourage U.S. companies to be able to play a
    role in helping the Iraqi energy sector to capture that natural
    gas to use it for electrical generation.
        Senator Barrasso. And be less dependent upon Iran for their
    sources of energy.
        Ambassador Tueller. Absolutely.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you.
        General, if I could, the blockade with Qatar. In June of
    2017, Saudi Arabia ended the diplomatic relationship with
    Qatar, and Saudi Arabia led a blockade against Qatar in terms
    of its Arab Gulf neighbors, Egypt, UAE, Bahrain. You know all
    of the things that have happened there.
        Can you talk a little bit about what the current status is
    of this dispute with Saudi Arabia and Qatar and what progress
    has been there in terms of resolving the dispute?
        Mr. Abizaid. To be honest, Senator, I do not think there
    has been much progress in resolving the dispute. I know there
    have been some forums, especially in the defense arena, where
    Qatari representatives were allowed to attend, opportunities to
    meet with their Gulf colleagues.
        My opinion is that it is important to solve this problem.
    Having Gulf states be antagonistic and at each others' throats
    at a time when they are facing a great threat from Iran to me
    does not make geopolitical sense.
        Senator Barrasso. To that point that you just made, can you
    talk about how this dispute threatens the regional unity needed
    to counter Iran?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, the Iranians are masters at finding
    the small crack between forces that they face, and they have a
    small crack because of this dispute.
        Senator Barrasso. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        Ambassador Tueller, I think what Senator Barrasso has
    raised about the Iranian influence in Iraq is a really serious
    concern to all of us. We keep hearing more and more reports of
    that not only in this committee but other committees that I
    serve on. I hope you will pay close attention to it. We all
    know their malign intent, and we realize it is complicated,
    like you said. But it is discouraging to hear the inroads they
    continue to make into the Iraqi infrastructure. So in any
    event, I hope you keep an eye on that.
        Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        General Abizaid, I am very inclined to support your
    nomination, but I heard a few answers here that create a little
    cause for concern for me. So let me try to follow up with you.
        In several answers, you said we cannot afford and went on
    to describe elements that we cannot afford Saudi Arabia not to
    do X, Y, or Z. From my perspective, we cannot afford to
    continue to allow the Saudis fighting in Yemen and
    indiscriminately bombing civilians and ultimately violating
    international law.
        We cannot afford to allow the killing of an American
    resident journalist with impunity and no consequence for that.
        We cannot afford to allow U.S. citizens or permanent
    residents to be detained and, if some of these allegations are
    true, tortured without consequence. And the list goes on.
        So, yes, many of us understand that the Saudi relationship
    is important in our broader national security question,
    particularly as it relates to Iran. But that does not mean--
    that does not mean--that we cannot challenge our relationship
    with a nation even when our security interests may align.
        Is that your view that we can challenge and seek to change
    the nature of the relationship, or is that we have to accept
    what they have done in order to pursue our greater national
    security goals?
        Mr. Abizaid. Senator, I thought I was clear in saying we
    should not accept these outrageous sorts of problems such as
    the killing of Jamal Khashoggi, that we should not accept the
    torture and detention--the alleged torture and detention of an
    American citizen, and so many other things, as I mentioned in
    my opening statement. These short-term problems have to be
    solved now, and it requires forceful discussions on behalf of
    the United States with the government of Saudi Arabia. And I am
    prepared to have those discussions if you confirm me.
        Senator Menendez. All right, because that is important
    because I get concerned that somehow we create this aura that
    the relationship is so important that we cannot challenge those
    things that are horribly wrong about it. And I do not buy that
    because if, at the end of the day, you can kill a journalist
    with impunity and because of our interests we will look the
    other way, that is a dangerous message to send across the
    globe. And it is a dangerous message to send to any other
    country for which we may have an interest that you can act with
    impunity as long as you pursue a certain interest we might have
    with you. That is not who we are as a nation. I just want to
    make sure you are going to have no problem pursuing those
    challenges.
        Mr. Abizaid. I have no problem saying what I need to say in
    that regard.
        Senator Menendez. And in that regard, will you press the
    Saudi government on the continued detention of American
    citizen, Dr. Walid Fitaihi?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. And will you commit to request to visit
    women rights activists who have been unjustly detained?
        Mr. Abizaid. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. And finally, let me--Ambassador Tueller,
    I do not want you to think I have no affection for you in this
    hearing. Let me just ask you, what does success look like for
    us in Iraq? And how do we achieve that, and what tools do we
    have to try to achieve it? Give me a sense of that. It is a
    broad statement of your mission, but I would like to get a
    sense of what it is that we are working towards.
        Ambassador Tueller. Sir, I believe we do need to be guided
    by a long-term strategic vision, and I think it is a vision
    that sees Iraq as a pillar of stability in the region. And we
    achieve that by working with Iraqis to build up their security
    institutions, by building up their economy, by combating the
    influence of sectarianism, by combating issues like corruption
    or lack of transparency in the economy. We seek that as a
    vision as you look at the contrasting agenda of Iran, which
    seeks an Iraq that is weak, that is divided that does not have
    sovereignty over its own territory and forces. We are working
    to bring about in areas of Iraq clean drinking water and
    government services to people where Iran is flooding the market
    with cheap goods and in fact with heroin or other dangerous
    products. So we need to be projecting a positive, constructive
    vision for Iraq, and I have no problem doing it.
        Senator Menendez. And what is our leverage to achieve those
    things?
        Ambassador Tueller. Again, I think that we have allies and
    partners who want that, Iraqis who want that same vision, and
    we are working with them, whether they are Kurds, whether they
    are from political alliances, wherever they come from, those
    Iraqis that want to see a strong, stable, unified, sovereign
    Iraq--those are the people that we will work with.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        We hear a lot of partisan talk up here. So there is no
    mistake, I think the ranking member probably articulated as
    clearly as is possible that when we have an ally, we try to
    support those allies as best we can. But the kinds of things
    that have been happening lately make it very, very difficult,
    and we cannot look the other way.
        Thank you for those remarks, Senator Menendez.
        Senator Murphy?
        Senator Murphy. Thank you very much. Thank you for giving
    us the opportunity to have a short second round.
        I appreciate, General Abizaid, your follow-up answer to
    Senator Menendez. I, as well, was a bit concerned with what was
    to me an unexpected robust defense at times of the Saudi
    regime, and so I appreciate your clarification.
        My second round, though, is for you, Mr. Tueller. The
    Houthis, no doubt, bear significant responsibility for the
    humanitarian catastrophe up until this day. But you are the
    first diplomat with jurisdiction over the crisis in Yemen that
    I have ever heard assign 0 percent responsibility for the
    humanitarian disaster inside Yemen to the Saudis. And it seemed
    as if you resisted amending that answer in the follow-up from
    Senator Merkley. And although Senator Young did not ask you a
    question, I think you understood the beginning of his query to
    you.
        Just because one party starts a war does not give carte
    blanche to the other side to conduct themselves in a manner
    that makes the humanitarian situation on the ground worse. And
    by saying that the Saudis bear no responsibility for what has
    happened there is a permission slip to the Saudis and anyone
    who is a contestant to a conflict to behave as irresponsibly as
    they like just because they might not have been the instigator.
        I can recite you the same statistics that Senator Merkley
    did, but they are pretty overwhelming in terms of the consensus
    among the international community as to the affect that the
    bombing campaign, targeting civilians, the months' long
    blockade had on the worsening humanitarian situation.
        So I want to give you one last shot before we end here to
    amend your answer that the Houthis bear 100 percent
    responsibility for the civilian nightmare that has happened
    inside Yemen.
        Ambassador Tueller. Mr. Senator, thank you for the
    following question, and in describing what I think is an
    analytical position as to exactly what is happening to the
    economy in Yemen, that does in no way or shape excuse the
    Saudis when they violate the Law of Armed Conflict or conduct
    their military operations in a manner that does not give due
    regard for civilian life.
        What I am describing, however, is the situation in Yemen,
    already the poorest country in the world with measures of
    childhood stunting, famine that existed before 2014 that has
    absolutely had the legs of the economy kicked out from under it
    by the actions of the Houthis and the Iranian-back proxies. The
    U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator I think has described the
    situation best when she said Yemen is not suffering from a
    famine of food. Yemen is suffering from a famine of incomes.
    That is what is really driving most of the humanitarian
    suffering that we are all witnessing. Yemenis who have lost
    their incomes because of closure of private sector small and
    medium enterprises, who have lost their government salaries,
    the government that has lost its income----
        Senator Murphy. I get it. I get it. That is not my
    question. I understand what is happening there. The question is
    whether the Saudis bear something above 0 percent
    responsibility for what has happened there.
        Ambassador Tueller. Senator, I understand, and absolutely I
    would not minimize that when there have been targeting of
    infrastructure such as roads or bridges or transportation--and
    that has had a very, very deleterious impact on the economy.
        But if you are looking for a solution of how we are going
    to address the humanitarian situation, it is going to be
    finding a way to leverage the Houthis and to entering into a
    peaceful power sharing agreement. It is not going to happen as
    a result of what the Saudis will do. The answers lie in the
    hands of the Yemenis. And so I think many, many Yemenis would
    tell you exactly the same thing that I have said here today.
        Senator Murphy. So help me figure this out. Are you
    changing your answer or not changing your answer? This is a
    problem for you moving forward here if you cannot commit to us
    that the Saudis have some responsibility for what has happened
    there, as almost everyone has testified before this committee
    before you has said. Are you changing your answer or not?
        Ambassador Tueller. So with the war going on--and, of
    course, the Saudis as one of the participants--absolutely, of
    course, they have had an impact on the humanitarian suffering.
    I am not saying that. And I think again going to the specific
    question, when there have been violations of the Law of Armed
    Conflict or undue consideration for collateral damage, we
    cannot overlook that or excuse that.
        But when I am looking for answers of how we are going to,
    as a nation, resolve the humanitarian crisis, we have got to
    look to the underlying causes of what is happening in Yemen,
    the responsibility of all the Yemeni parties, and what we are
    going to do so that the Yemeni civilians do not continue the
    suffering.
        Senator Murphy. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        Well, with that, thank you to both of you and your
    families. You have been very patient with us, and we really
    appreciate that.
        For information of the members, the record will remain open
    until close of business on Thursday, including for members to
    submit questions for the record.
        With the thanks of the committee, this hearing is now
    adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 12:03 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to General Abizaid by Senator Robert Menendez

    U.S.-Saudi Relations
        Question. I am very concerned by recent reports that Embassy staff
    in Riyadh were barred from Jared Kushner's recent meetings with the
    Saudi Royal Court, including with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman:

      If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure that you or
            another embassy official are present at all meetings between
            Saudi and U.S. officials?

        Answer. The U.S. government should always act as one unit in the
    execution of foreign policy. As I noted in my testimony, if confirmed,
    I will join with the many U.S. government interlocutors from
    Washington, within the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere to
    advance U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia as Chief of Mission in the most
    coordinated manner possible. My policy, if confirmed as Ambassador,
    will be to have an Embassy assigned representative at every official
    meeting to the extent possible.

        Question.  There have been numerous reports of private individuals
    with ties to the president who have pursued business deals or contracts
    in Saudi Arabia.

      What will you do to ensure that all U.S. businesses are treated
            fairly and equally and that those with ties to the president do
            not receive preferential treatment?

        Answer. The goal of U.S. embassies overseas is to advance U.S.
    interests across the full spectrum of political, economic, security,
    and humanitarian priorities. If confirmed, I will look to carry on the
    U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia's long history of connecting the full
    range of U.S. businesses and commercial interests to Saudi
    counterparts. If confirmed, I will strictly enforce regulations and
    procedures to ensure equal treatment of U.S. businesses and citizens.

        Question.  How can the United States best leverage its close
    relationship with Saudi Arabia to ensure better alignment between U.S.
    and Saudi priorities? How might Saudi leaders respond to efforts by the
    United States to withhold or condition the provision of security
    assistance in order to compel policy changes?

        Answer. I recognize that U.S. government assistance and the
    reputational incentives a partnership with the United States offers is,
    in some cases, a useful tool to encourage countries to adopt policy
    changes that favor U.S. interests. I believe U.S. priorities are
    advanced by our close relationship with Saudi Arabia, not in spite of
    it. We are able to influence, steer, and achieve results because of our
    ability to have honest, often difficult conversations with Saudi
    leadership, and our security cooperation activities serve as a key
    venue for deepening our relationship.
        In Saudi Arabia, our strong partnership over many decades has
    allowed us to secure U.S. interests in the region, roll back the malign
    influence of Iran, and counter violent extremist groups, such as al-
    Qa'ida and ISIS.

        Question.  How can the United States encourage or demand the
    development of more open, participatory, and transparent governance in
    the kingdom?

        Answer. In all our relationships around the world, the United
    States will continue to encourage more open, participatory, and
    transparent governance, and the President's National Security Strategy
    strongly supports championing American values abroad.
        In Saudi Arabia, freedom of expression, thought, and religion or
    belief are not guaranteed by law. Gender discrimination excludes women
    from many aspects of public life, and citizens lack the ability to
    choose their government in free and fair elections. The Shia minority
    is marginalized from political, social, and economic life. There are no
    political parties or similar associations in the Kingdom. In 2015,
    elections were held for two-thirds of the 3,159 seats on 284 municipal
    councils; the government appointed the remaining third. Women were
    allowed to vote and run as candidates for the first time in 2015.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I will articulate U.S. support for
    expanding this participatory process for municipal elections. I will
    also convey clearly U.S. concerns regarding the detention of activists
    and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia. If confirmed, my mission will
    take all allegations of abuse seriously. I will continue to urge the
    government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair trial guarantees, freedom
    from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and rule of
    law. Women's rights are a critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and I
    fully commit to making them a key element of my potential tenure as
    ambassador. The Saudis have made progress, but it is clearly not
    enough. The United States has pressed them on this issue for years, and
    I will continue to do so.

        Question.  What leverage, if any, do you believe Saudi investments
    in U.S. Treasury securities, Saudi support for the denomination of
    international oil sales in U.S. dollars, and Saudi purchases of U.S.
    defense articles and services provide the Saudi government relative to
    the United States? How should the United States respond to implied or
    explicit threats by Saudi officials to change patterns of bilateral
    investment, defense ties, or energy policies?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia's investments in the United States are
    significant, with over $14 billion in foreign direct investment in
    2018. These investments benefit Saudi Arabia and the United States, and
    our country remains the key engine of the world economy. Saudi Arabia,
    like so many countries, are attracted to the U.S. market for its
    stability, quality, and continued potential for growth.
        Saudi Arabia remains a leading player in the global oil market, and
    use of the U.S. dollar as the primary currency of oil and other
    international trade is important to U.S. national security. Dollar-
    denominated energy trade gives the United States leverage over those
    using our currency.
        Saudi Arabia is--by far--the largest purchaser of U.S. defense
    equipment, with over $100 billion in active Foreign Military Sales
    cases. These sales provide significant income and growth for U.S.
    businesses, support American jobs, and enhance our military
    interoperability.

    Yemen
        Question. Repeated stories of U.S. -supplied bombs hitting
    weddings, funerals, and school busses are simply unacceptable. Although
    the Saudis say that they have implemented measures to investigate and
    reduce civilian casualties, much of the reporting from the Saudis and
    the administration does not comport with other reporting from media and
    human rights organizations on the ground:

       What is your assessment of the mechanisms Saudi Arabia has put in
            place to both prevent civilian casualties and to investigate
            particular incidents?

        Answer. At our urging, Saudi Arabia has put in place a number of
    mechanisms to reduce civilian casualties in Yemen. If confirmed, I will
    continue to work with Saudi Arabia to continue activities to sustain
    their positive progress on protecting civilians and adherence to
    international humanitarian law as they pursue their legitimate national
    security objectives. Our close relationship with Saudi Arabia ensures
    we can continue to work with them on this matter.

        Question. Will you continue to press for the Saudis to meaningfully
    reduce civilian casualties and hold those responsible for perpetrating
    attacks on civilians accountable?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will continue to press the Saudis on
    these critical points.

        Question. Do you believe it is important to continue to promote the
    principles of International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed
    Conflict in Yemen?

        Answer. Yes, I believe we have both moral and strategic reasons to
    promote the principles of International Humanitarian Law and the Law of
    Armed Conflict in Yemen.Relations

        Question. What levers do you think the United States has to promote
    the Stockholm Peace process? What will happen if this fragile peace
    process falls apart?

        Answer. Diplomacy has been our primary lever in the Yemen conflict.
    We have coordinated that piece of diplomatic engagement with the
    Coalition, who were essential in bringing the parties to Sweden in the
    first place. Saudi Arabia, in particular, continues to leverage its
    strong bilateral relationship with the ROYG to move the peace process
    forward. Through the Omanis and the European Union, we continue to
    communicate the importance of making good on the Sweden agreement to
    the Houthis. The current peace process is the closest the parties have
    come to forging a political agreement in a long time. They sat across
    from each other in one room in Sweden--no small feat. If this effort
    falls apart, our diplomatic engagement in support of U.N. efforts to
    forge a political solution will continue.

        Question. What do you think our posture should be?

        Answer. Decisions that the United States makes in Yemen have not
    only political, but also humanitarian consequences for the daily lives
    of millions of Yemenis. Our actions have the potential to affect our
    bilateral relationships in the region and beyond, and will have a
    lasting impact on security in the Middle East and our global
    counterterrorism objectives. Our posture must reflect all of these
    realities. If confirmed, I will support our current posture, which is
    to support the international community's ongoing effort to support the
    Yemeni parties in sitting down and charting out an agreement that will
    end this conflict.

        Question. What role do you believe the Houthis should play in any
    negotiated settlement?

        Answer. At one time, the Houthis had legitimate grievances about
    their political and economic marginalization in Yemen. However, the way
    they chose to address those grievances--an attempted violent overthrow
    of a legitimate government--is unacceptable. If they are ready to put
    down their arms and truly invest in a post-conflict Yemeni government,
    they are entitled to political participation and economic
    opportunities, as are all Yemenis. However, they cannot expect this
    outcome while retaining their relationship with Iran. They must put
    down their weapons and make a political agreement in good faith.

        Question. We have seen alarming reports of both Emiratis and Saudis
    transferring serious U.S.-origin weapons systems to third party
    fighters on the ground. If true, this has serious implications for
    future arms sales. How will you engage with the Saudis on this matter?

        Answer. Recent media reports alleging that the Coalition provided
    U.S.-origin Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other
    equipment to Yemeni forces and other third parties without the consent
    of the U.S. government are concerning. All recipients of U.S. origin
    equipment are expected to adhere to commitments governing procurement
    of U.S. defense equipment. If confirmed, I am committed to looking into
    these allegations and working with the Saudis to ensure that they
    adhere to all of the requirements regarding the transfer of U.S.
    equipment.

        Question. What steps will you take to investigate these
    allegations?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to looking into these
    allegations and working with the Saudis to ensure that they adhere to
    all of the requirements regarding the transfer of U.S. equipment.

        Question. What do you think are appropriate responses?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to looking into these
    allegations and working with the Saudis to ensure that they adhere to
    all of the requirements regarding the transfer of U.S. equipment.

        Question.  As Ambassador, what steps will you take to press the
    Saudi government to stop their detention of human rights activists, end
    the detention of American citizen Dr. Walid Fitaihi and allow you to
    visit womens' right activists who have been unjustly detained?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will pursue American interests and champion
    our values, commitments, and our enduring respect for human rights. I
    will make clear that the United States remains deeply concerned by the
    detention of activists and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia and
    that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. If confirmed, I will
    continue to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair trial
    guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call
    on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees
    humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated
    quickly and thoroughly and those found responsible are held
    accountable.
        I have dedicated my life to the protection of U.S. citizens and
    U.S. national security interests and if confirmed that will not change.
    If confirmed, the protection of all U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia will
    be my highest priority.

        Question.  What steps will you take to press the Saudi government
    to fully account for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi and advise the State
    and Treasury Departments to fully comply with the Magnitsky law and
    provide Congress the mandated determination?
        Answer. The President and the Secretary of State have been clear
    that Saudi Arabia must hold accountable every individual implicated in
    the horrific murder of Jamal Khashoggi, including high-ranking members
    of the Saudi government. If confirmed, I will do my utmost to advance
    this process as Ambassador. The U.S. government has a wide range of
    diplomatic tools--an important one being the Global Magnitsky sanctions
    program--and I will urge the administration to use those tools in line
    with the advancement of U.S. foreign policy interests as laid out by
    the President.
        I cannot speak to current compliance, as I am not a member of the
    administration. However, I fully commit to providing as much
    information as possible to comply with Congressional requirements.

        Question.  Will you press for both our own administration and the
    Saudis to fully cooperate with the U.N. Special Investigator? What
    steps will you take to advocate for their cooperation?

        Answer. The administration supports U.N. Special Rapporteur Agnes
    Callamard's global mandate to investigate extra-judicial, summary, or
    arbitrary executions. It is my understanding that State Department
    officials met with her, at her request, in Washington to discuss
    several matters, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. If confirmed,
    I will urge Saudi counterparts to continue their investigation in order
    to hold those responsible accountable, and to provide appropriate
    cooperation for Special Rapporteur Callamard's inquiry into the murder
    of Mr. Khashoggi.

    Anti-Semitism/Religious Intolerance
        Question. Saudi Arabia has a history of religious intolerance and
    anti-Semitism, including in its education system. I am very concerned
    that Saudi Arabia's latest books for the 2018-2019 school year continue
    to teach hatred or even violence against Jews, Christians, Shiites,
    women, men who have sex with men, and anybody who mocks or converts
    away from Islam:

      Will you commit making this issue a priority during your time as
            ambassador?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will commit to making this issue a
    priority. The United States is concerned that hateful language in
    educational materials not only fosters intolerance and discrimination,
    but fertilizes the ground for violent extremism that extends far beyond
    Saudi Arabia's own borders. As noted in my testimony, intolerance and
    violent religious extremism exported across borders and regions is a
    problem we need to solve. This is a difficult problem to solve, and
    research indicates it may be worsening, but direct engagement with the
    government and other stakeholders will be a priority.

        Question.  What steps will you take to raise this issue with Saudi
    authorities?

        Answer. Although the Saudi government has taken some positive steps
    to remove objectionable content, textbooks retain inflammatory material
    hostile to Christians, Jews, and Shia Muslims. I understand that
    Embassy officials routinely engage with Saudi counterparts on this
    issue, and support international visitor programs aimed at expanding
    religious tolerance and interfaith cooperation. If confirmed, I will
    seek to build upon those efforts.

        Question. How will you advise the administration to address this
    issue with Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. Direct engagement on tough issues is critical. I understand
    the State Department's International Religious Freedom office routinely
    engages leaders across faiths and regions, and I will look to support
    their work to promote religious tolerance with Saudi Arabia.

    Nuclear/123
        Question.  Do you commit to ensuring the administration complies
    with 42 U.S. Code Sec. 2153(e), which requires the president to keep
    the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and
    the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate ``fully and currently
    informed of any initiative or negotiations relating to a new or amended
    agreement for peaceful nuclear cooperation pursuant to this section
    (except an agreement arranged pursuant to section 2121(c), 2164(b),
    2164(c), or 2164(d) of this title, or an amendment thereto)''?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will support the Department's efforts
    to comply with this requirement.

        Question. Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman stated in an interview
    that Saudi Arabia would acquire nuclear weapons if Iran acquired them.
    What is your assessment of the Saudi's current interest in pursuing
    nuclear energy?

        Answer. As Saudi Arabia expands and diversifies its economy under
    Vision 2030, alternate means of energy production are a reasonable
    avenue to lessening the country's dependence on fossil fuels. Safe,
    secure civilian nuclear technology is one route to achieving that goal.

        Question. Do you agree that supplying nuclear reactors--even so-
    called ``peaceful power'' reactors--to Saudi Arabia is significant
    risk?

        Answer. My understanding is that all 123 agreements include the
    strongest nonproliferation and security standards required by any
    nuclear supplier in the world. Beyond these legal requirements, my
    understanding is that the United States has a long-standing policy of
    seeking to limit the spread of enrichment and reprocessing
    technologies. If the United States enters into a 123 agreement with
    Saudi Arabia and a U.S. firm is chosen to build nuclear reactors there,
    it would ensure the Saudi nuclear power program is subject to our high
    nonproliferation and security standards.

        Question. How do you think the U.S. should proceed regarding
    providing nuclear technology to Saudi

        Answer. If confirmed as ambassador, I will support pursuing the
    strongest nonproliferation standards in negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

        Question. There are reports that former NSC officials were pursuing
    efforts to give nuclear technology to the Saudis, reportedly regardless
    of the 123 requirements:

      Are you aware of such reports?

        Answer. I am aware of media reports, but have no further knowledge
    of such activities.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure that any discussions
    comply fully with 123 and protect U.S. interests?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support continuing discussions with
    Saudi Arabia on a 123 agreement that fully complies with U.S. law and
    includes the strongest nonproliferation standards.

    Democracy
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions? [

        Answer. Having served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, I have devoted
    my life to defending U.S. values and human rights around the world. I
    participated in or led in the following: the rescue of U.S. students in
    Grenada; served as an unarmed U.N. observer in Lebanon; participated in
    operations in Northern Iraq to protect the Kurds and preserve peace and
    stability; after the 2006 earthquake I led efforts to provide relief
    supplies and military assistance to Pakistan; established the
    Provincial Reconstruction Team concept in both Iraq and Afghanistan;
    and led evacuation operations for American civilians in Lebanon.
    Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to the democratic
    principles upon which our country was built and I have advocated for
    the universal respect of human rights. These were particularly
    difficult to in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
        The world we live in remains challenging; however, I believe my
    impact on younger U.S. officers concerning the respect for the rule of
    law, democracy and universal human rights has been significant.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    democracy or democratic development in Saudi Arabia? These challenges
    might include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. The State Department's most recent Human Rights Report on
    Saudi Arabia documents significant restrictions on freedom of
    expression and civil society. Fundamental freedoms of religion,
    expression, assembly, and association are not enshrined in Saudi law.
    At least 120 Saudis remain in Saudi government detention for activism,
    criticism of government leaders, impugning Islam or religious leaders,
    or ``offensive'' internet postings. There are credible reports that
    some of the detainees have been mistreated or tortured, including U.S.
    citizen Walid Fitaihi. The use of counterterrorism laws and courts to
    prosecute non-terrorists remains a key problem.
        Gender discrimination excludes women from many aspects of public
    life. Women are routinely excluded from formal decision-making
    positions in both government and the private sector, although some
    women attained leadership positions in business and served in senior
    advisory positions within government ministries. While we welcome the
    decision to allow Saudi women to drive which was enacted in June 2018,
    the male guardianship law is still in place, which prohibits Saudi
    women from traveling overseas without approval and limits their freedom
    of movement.
        I understand that Saudi Arabia remains a Country of Particular
    Concern for international religious freedom. Many of those detained for
    advocacy or dissent are members of Saudi Arabia's Shia minority.
        Saudi law does not provide citizens the full ability to choose
    their government in free and fair elections. Only select members of the
    ruling family have a voice in the choice of leaders, the composition of
    the government, or changes to the political system. There are no
    political parties or similar associations. Even so, in 2015, elections
    were held for two-thirds of the 3,159 seats on 284 municipal councils;
    the government appointed the remaining third. Women were allowed to
    vote and run as candidates for the first time in 2015.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Saudi Arabia? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make clear that the United States
    remains deeply concerned by the detention of activists and perceived
    dissidents in Saudi Arabia and that we take all allegations of abuse
    and harassment seriously. If confirmed, I will continue to urge the
    government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the right to a fair trial, freedom
    from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and rule of
    law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call on the government of Saudi
    Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees humanely, and to ensure that
    allegations of abuse are investigated quickly and thoroughly.
        Women's rights are a critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and I
    fully commit to making it a key element of my potential tenure as
    ambassador. Through Vision 2030 and other reform efforts, the Saudis
    have made progress, but it is clearly not enough. We have pressed them
    on this issue for years, and I will continue to do so.
        Finally, if confirmed as Ambassador, I will note U.S. support for
    expanding this participatory process for municipal elections.

        Question.  How will you utilize U.S. government assistance
    resources at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small
    Grants program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding,
    to support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I plan to leverage U.S. foreign assistance,
    along with other tools available to the U.S. government, to advance our
    foreign policy goals ?and national security interests, including
    through support for democracy and governance. If confirmed, I will
    ensure that U.S. foreign assistance resources and programs support
    civil society organizations, promote inclusive participatory
    governance, and further respect for human rights.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Iraq? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador, I intend to meet with the full
    range of Saudi society, as well as non-governmental organizations in
    the United States that work on issues related to Saudi Arabia. I will
    make clear to Saudi leadership that the United States supports the
    important role civil society plays in every country.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. There are no political parties or similar associations in
    Saudi Arabia. However, if confirmed as Ambassador, I will strongly
    advocate for the inclusion of women, minorities, and youth in public
    life. If confirmed, I will strongly advocate for women's inclusion in
    formal decision-making positions in both government and the private
    sector.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with the
    government of Saudi Arabia on freedom of the press and address any
    government efforts designed to control or undermine press freedom
    through legal, regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting
    regularly with independent, local press in Iraq?

        Answer. At every opportunity, if confirmed, I will underscore the
    United States' enduring commitment to human rights, including freedoms
    of conscience, expression, peaceful assembly, and movement. If
    confirmed, I will meet with independent, local press.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    civil society and government counterparts on countering disinformation
    and propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed my embassy team and I will engage with a
    diverse cross-section of Saudi society on freedom of thought and
    expression, as well as the importance and value of a free and open
    press.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with the
    government of Saudi Arabia on the right of labor groups to organize,
    including for independent trade unions?

        Answer. Saudi law does not provide for the right of workers to form
    and join independent unions, nor does it provide for the right to
    collective bargaining or the right to conduct legal strikes. Even so,
    if confirmed, I will underscore to Saudi leadership that the United
    States is a strong advocate for the human rights and labor rights of
    workers across the globe, and evaluates each country's labor rights in
    our annual Human Rights Report.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Iraq, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Saudi Arabia? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. Under sharia as interpreted in Saudi Arabia, consensual
    same-sex sexual conduct is punishable by death or flogging. If
    confirmed, I pledge to support and defend the rights of LGBTQ Saudis.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to General John Abizaid by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  The U.S. and Saudi Arabia share clear strategic
    interests in countering Iranian destabilizing activities, countering
    terrorism, and ensuring the free flow of oil and commerce to global
    markets. They also share a strong security partnership. As Ambassador,
    how will you leverage and restructure this relationship to further a
    principled U.S. foreign policy that takes a firm stance on human
    rights, protection of civilians in Yemen, and holds our partner
    accountable, particularly when it receives substantial U.S. support?

        Answer. I firmly believe that direct, respectful, engagement on
    tough issues advances U.S. interests and messages American values to
    the world. We should always seek to embed our values in our broader
    foreign policy imperatives in the Middle East--stability, security, and
    economic prosperity. Each of these priorities is advanced by our close
    relationship with Saudi Arabia--we are able to influence, steer, and
    achieve results because of our ability to have honest, often difficult
    conversations with Saudi leadership. If confirmed, I will prioritize
    those engagements as ambassador.

        Question.  Are there specific incentives or punitive steps you
    would recommend to encourage or demand the development of more open,
    participatory, and transparent governance in the kingdom?

        Answer. In all our relationships around the world, the United
    States has traditionally encouraged more open, participatory, and
    transparent governance. The tools and levers we use may differ. In the
    case of Saudi Arabia, I believe we should commend ongoing reforms and
    regularly encourage adherence to rule of law and protection of human
    rights, while also seeking to preserve the longstanding relationship
    that has allowed us to achieve mutual objectives in the region over
    many decades. Partnership with the United States is a significant
    incentive in its own right, and the political, security, and economic
    benefits that come with it should always underpin our engagements
    overseas in order to advance American values and ideals.

        Question.  How might Saudi leaders respond to efforts by the United
    States to withhold or condition the provision of arms sales and
    security assistance in order to compel policy changes?

        Answer. I recognize that U.S. government foreign assistance and the
    reputational incentives a partnership with the United States offers is
    in some cases a useful tool to encourage countries to adopt policy
    changes that favor U.S. interests. In Saudi Arabia, I believe our
    strong partnership over many decades has allowed us to secure U.S.
    interests in the region, roll back the malign influence of Iran, and
    counter violent extremist groups, such as al-Qa'ida and ISIS.
        I believe U.S. priorities are advanced by our close relationship
    with Saudi Arabia, not in spite of it. We are able to influence, steer,
    and achieve results because of our ability to have honest, often
    difficult conversations with Saudi leadership. We should not, however,
    take these relations for granted. As we work through our differences,
    we want to maintain our commitment as a reliable partner while
    insisting on full accountability.

        Question.  Until there is more clarity on the circumstances of the
    Khashoggi murder and the trials of the unnamed Saudi suspects, would
    you agree that it is appropriate to defer travel to the United States
    of individuals thought to have a role in it?

        Answer. Yes, and I understand the Secretary of State approved a
    policy on October 23, 2018 restricting visas for all individuals
    suspected of involvement in this horrific crime. There are also human
    rights-related visa restrictions that apply to those involved in an
    extrajudicial killing.

        Question.  What leverage, if any, do you believe Saudi investments
    in U.S. Treasury securities, Saudi support for the denomination of
    international oil sales in U.S. dollars, and Saudi purchases of U.S.
    defense articles and services, provide the Saudi government relative to
    the United States?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia's investments in the United States are
    significant, with over $14 billion in foreign direct investment in
    2018. These investments benefit Saudi Arabia as well as the United
    States, and our country remains the key engine of the world economy.
    Saudi Arabia, like so many countries, is attracted to the U.S. market
    for its stability, quality, and continued potential for growth.
        Saudi Arabia remains a leading player in the global oil market, and
    use of the U.S. dollar as the primary currency of oil and other
    international trade is important to U.S. national security. Dollar-
    denominated energy trade gives the United States leverage over those
    using our currency.
        Saudi Arabia is--by far--the largest purchaser of U.S. defense
    equipment, with currently over $100 billion in active Foreign Military
    Sales cases. These sales provide significant income and growth for U.S.
    businesses, support U.S. jobs, and enhance our military
    interoperability.

        Question.  How should the United States respond to implied or
    explicit threats by Saudi officials to change patterns of bilateral
    investment, defense ties, or energy policies?

        Answer. The United States should respond strongly and affirmatively
    to secure U.S. interests. The U.S.-Saudi relationship relies on
    cooperation and shared interests, and I believe the benefits of our
    relationship are well known to Saudi Arabian authorities. A breakdown
    in our relations would serve neither country's interests.

        Question.  What are the kingdom's red lines with regard to a
    solution to the conflict in Yemen?

        Answer. Houthi missile launches and UAV strikes pose a serious
    security threat to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom will not tolerate this
    threat along its southern border. As part of the political resolution
    to the Yemen conflict, the Houthis must disarm. They must also credibly
    break ties with the Iranians.

        Question.  What role might Saudi Arabia be willing to accept for
    the Houthi movement in the future governance of Yemen and on what
    terms?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia understands that the Houthis must play some
    role in Yemen's future government in order for any political resolution
    to endure. The Houthis have not yet decided whether they are a
    political party, a religious group, or both. There is an outstanding
    question of whether they truly seek a political role. Saudi Arabia's
    primary interest is a stable southern neighbor that can repel Iran's
    destabilizing activities. The Houthis must put down their heavy weapons
    and sever ties with Iran. These are the government of Yemen's terms,
    these are Saudi Arabia's terms. They are also in line with U.S.
    interests. If confirmed, I will work to support a political solution
    that addresses these issues.

        Question.  What would be the pros and cons of providing security
    assistance or guarantees to Saudi Arabia to support a future ceasefire
    arrangement and peace deal in Yemen?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia was a key contributor to the Hudaydah
    ceasefire agreement the Yemeni government and Houthis reached in
    Sweden, and it is honoring and using its influence to advance that
    agreement on the ground. I believe our strong bilateral relationship
    has allowed us to rely on the Kingdom's diplomatic influence at several
    key junctures since the Sweden agreement. While the Kingdom has already
    shown a strong commitment to the peace process, providing security
    assistance or guarantees to the Saudis could further bolster those
    efforts. Such guarantees, however, must not embolden any party to walk
    away from the negotiating table and would require close consultations
    with Congress.

        Question.  What is your assessment of Crown Prince Mohammed bin
    Salman's leadership and decision making since 2015? What implications
    might his consolidation of bureaucratic authority and assertion of
    control over formerly distinct Saudi security forces have for the
    security and stability of the kingdom?

        Answer. I share Administration concerns regarding instances of
    Saudi decision-making that came with little or no warning and
    consultation. If confirmed as Ambassador, my duty will be to engage
    Saudi leadership, including the Crown Prince, on the vast range of
    political, economic, and security issues that underpin the U.S.-Saudi
    relationship, to maximize coordination and avoid surprises. We should
    encourage reforms that are beneficial to U.S. interests and represent
    our values. I understand that State Department officials frequently
    stress to the Saudis that political repression endangers the many
    positive reforms--such as economic diversification, curbs the religious
    police, and authorization for women to drive--that the Crown Prince has
    enacted.

        Question.  What implications might these developments have for
    regional security?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia can help confront common foes and shape and
    promote regional stability. If confirmed, I will work with the Saudi
    government to secure U.S. interests, encourage reforms that represent
    our values, and help guide the region to a positive future.

        Question.  How essential is the crown prince's personal leadership
    to the continuation and success of policy changes that the United
    States has welcomed since 2015, such as the kingdom's Vision 2030
    initiative and various social liberalization efforts that recognize
    Saudi women's rights?

        Answer. Vision 2030 is a bold plan that seeks to transform and
    diversify the Kingdom's economy, employ more Saudis, liberalize the
    country's culture, and promote greater inclusion of women in society
    and the workplace. This is critical for the Kingdom's long-term
    development, and the Crown Prince has shown a firm commitment to that
    goal.
        At the same time, supporting and advancing women's rights is a
    critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and if confirmed, I fully commit
    to making them a key element of my potential tenure as ambassador.
    Through Vision 2030 and other reform efforts, the Saudis have made
    progress, but it is clearly not enough. We have pressed them on this
    issue for years, and I will continue to do so, if confirmed.

        Question.  What are the prospects for success of the kingdom's
    Vision 2030 and fiscal balance initiatives?

        Answer. Vision 2030 has the potential to fundamentally reform the
    Kingdom's economic and social trajectory. Its success would further
    solidify the country's influence in the region and world, a positive
    prospect for American interests as close partners.

        Question.  What specific steps do you believe the United States
    should take to end the rift between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two key
    U.S. allies in the region?

        Answer. The President and Secretary Pompeo have been clear that the
    Gulf dispute has gone on too long. The dispute benefits our adversaries
    and harms our mutual interests. The Administration continues to
    underscore to the parties the political, economic, security, and social
    benefits of Gulf unity; this is something I look forward to working on
    if confirmed.

        Question.  What signs would you look for to suggest the conflict is
    ``ripe'' for solution?

        Answer. The situation is already ripe to be resolved. GCC+2
    countries have participated together in many events and exercises, most
    recently at the February meeting of the Middle East Strategic Alliance
    in Washington. While aware of the deep divisions that led to the rift,
    we are hopeful the parties will take additional steps to build
    confidence and end the dispute. Significant political, economic,
    security, and human linkages underpin Gulf relations, and an immediate
    end to the dispute will help all parties involved and rekindle the
    unity of the Gulf.

        Question.  The U.S. government has been trying to do more to build
    up ties between the GCC states for years, including proposals in 2005
    to create a ``GCC Plus Two'' that included Jordan and Egypt. What is
    different about the Middle East Strategic Alliance proposal?

        Answer. The Middle East Strategic Alliance (MESA) aims to enhance
    resiliency in the Gulf region through engagement in the political,
    security, energy, and economic spheres. MESAis designed to bolster
    connectivity, interoperability, and collective security among our
    partners in this critical region. If confirmed, I will work to promote
    this initiative as it advances U.S. interests in the region.

        Question.  What should the U.S. do differently than it has done in
    the past?

        Answer. As I understand the concept, MESA's strategic approach--
    encompassing political, security, energy, and economic components--
    allows us to work with the Gulf region and close regional partners in a
    comprehensive manner, based on multiple pillars of engagement, in
    contrast to earlier iterations of similar concepts.

        Question.  What is the status of U.S.-Saudi dialogue negotiations
    concerning a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement?

        Answer. I understand that the United States and Saudi Arabia have
    been in discussions on a 123 agreement since 2012, though I am not in a
    position to discuss the current status of negotiations.

        Question.  Why does Saudi Arabia want to develop domestic uranium
    enrichment technology?

        Answer. My understanding is the Saudis have natural mineral
    deposits they hope to utilize in the future. The United States has a
    long-standing policy of seeking to limit the spread of enrichment and
    reprocessing technologies around the world. If confirmed as ambassador,
    I will support pursuing the strongest nonproliferation standards in
    negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

        Question.  How confident are you that Saudi Arabia's nuclear
    ambitions are wholly civilian in nature?

        Answer. Saudi Arabia is a party to the Nuclear Nonproliferation
    Treaty (NPT). It has committed never to acquire nuclear weapons and to
    apply full-scope IAEA safeguards to all peaceful nuclear activities.
    The United States remains committed to holding all states accountable
    to their obligations under the NPT and IAEA safeguards agreements.

        Question.  As you may know, Senator Rubio and I recently introduced
    a bipartisan resolution to call on Saudi Arabia to immediately release
    detained women's rights activists, arrested after May 2018, as well as
    other rights defenders, both male and female. Do you commit to work
    with the administration to press the government of Saudi Arabia to
    immediately release all political prisoners, human rights defenders,
    journalists, and bloggers, including Raif Badawi, Waleed Abu al-Khair,
    and Aziza al-Yousef?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make clear that the United States
    remains deeply concerned by the detention of activists and dissidents
    in Saudi Arabia and that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. I
    will continue to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair
    trial guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call
    on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees
    humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated
    quickly and thoroughly and anyone found responsible is held
    accountable.

        Question.  What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Having served in the U.S. Army for 34 years, I have devoted
    my life to defending U.S. values and human rights around the world. I
    participated in or led in the following: the rescue of U.S. students in
    Grenada; served as an unarmed U.N. observer in Lebanon; participated in
    operations in Northern Iraq to protect the Kurds and preserve peace and
    stability; after the 2006 earthquake I led efforts to provide relief
    supplies and military assistance to Pakistan; established the
    Provincial Reconstruction Team concept in both Iraq and Afghanistan;
    and led evacuation operations for American civilians in Lebanon.
    Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to the democratic
    principles upon which our country was built and I have advocated for
    the universal respect of human rights. These were particularly
    difficult to in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
        The world we live in remains challenging; however, I believe my
    impact on younger U.S. officers concerning the respect for the rule of
    law, democracy and universal human rights has been significant.

        Question.  What are the most pressing human rights issues in Saudi
    Arabia? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Saudi Arabia? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The State Department's most recent Human Rights Report on
    Saudi Arabia documents significant restrictions on freedom of
    expression and civil society. At least 120 Saudis remain in Saudi
    government detention for activism, criticism of government leaders,
    impugning Islam or religious leaders, or ``offensive'' internet
    postings. The use of counterterrorism laws and courts to prosecute non-
    terrorists remains a key problem. There are credible reports that some
    of the detainees have been mistreated or tortured, including U.S.
    citizen Walid Fitaihi. I am aware that the Department has designated
    Saudi Arabia a Country of Particular Concern under the International
    Religious Freedom Act given significant restrictions on freedom of
    worship. Many of those detained for advocacy or dissent are members of
    Saudi Arabia's Shia minority.
        Gender discrimination excludes women from many aspects of public
    life. Women are routinely excluded from formal decision-making
    positions in both government and the private sector, although some
    women attained leadership positions in business and served in senior
    advisory positions within government ministries.
        If confirmed, I will make clear that the United States remains
    deeply concerned by the detention of activists and perceived dissidents
    in Saudi Arabia and that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. I
    will continue to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair
    trial guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call
    on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees
    humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated
    quickly and thoroughly and anyone found responsible is held
    accountable.
        Women's rights are a critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and I
    fully commit to making them a key element of my potential tenure as
    ambassador. The Saudis have made progress, but it is clearly not
    enough. We have pressed them on this issue for years, and I will
    continue to do so.

        Question.  If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Saudi Arabia in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Our advocacy is challenged by the absence of any Saudi law
    protecting freedoms of religion and thought, expression, peaceful
    assembly, and association, as well as a deeply conservative culture
    that does not favor universal equality of men and women in society.
    While we welcome the decision to allow Saudi women to drive which was
    enacted in June 2018, we remain concerned that the male guardianship
    law is still in place, which prohibits Saudi women from traveling
    overseas and limits their freedom of movement.

        Question.  Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Saudi Arabia? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador, I intend to meet with the full
    range of Saudi society, as well as non-governmental organizations in
    the United States that work on issues related to Saudi Arabia. I will
    make clear to Saudi leadership that the United States supports the
    important role civil society plays in every country. I will commit to
    uphold the Leahy Law, and will also commit to our Conventional Arms
    Transfer policies that require human rights to be considered as a
    factor in any arms transfer or licensing decision.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Saudi Arabia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Saudi Arabia

        Answer. Freedom of expression and thought are not enshrined in
    Saudi law. At least 120 Saudis remain in Saudi government detention for
    activism, criticism of government leaders, impugning Islam or religious
    leaders, or ``offensive'' internet postings. There are credible reports
    that some of the detainees have been mistreated or tortured, including
    U.S. citizen Walid Fitaihi.
        I will make clear that the United States remains deeply concerned
    by the detention of activists and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia
    and that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. I will continue to
    urge the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair trial guarantees,
    freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and
    rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call on the government
    of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees humanely, and to
    ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated quickly and
    thoroughly and those found responsible are held accountable.

        Question.  Will you engage with Saudi Arabia on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. At every opportunity, I will underscore the United States'
    enduring commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. If
    confirmed, I will meet with the full range of Saudi society, including
    independent, local press as well as non-governmental organizations in
    the United States that work on issues related to Saudi Arabia. I will
    make clear to Saudi leadership that the United States supports the
    important role civil society plays in every country.

        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes companies that have a
    presence in Saudi Arabia. My investment portfolio also includes
    diversified mutual funds that may hold interests in companies with a
    presence in Saudi Arabia; however, such funds are exempt from the
    conflict of interest laws. I am committed to ensuring that my official
    actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest, will divest my
    interests in those companies the State Department Ethics Office deemed
    necessary to avoid a conflict of interest, and will remain vigilant
    with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question.  Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. Throughout my career I have been dedicated to mentoring
    minority, women and disadvantaged soldiers and ensuring that diverse
    populations faced no systemic or organizational barriers to promotion
    and advancement. I will continue to do so if confirmed as an Ambassador
    of the United States.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will by my own personal example ensure that
    diversity issues are discussed and implemented and ensure that all
    applicable State Department policies are understood and followed. I
    share your belief that diverse teams not only make the Embassy
    stronger, but make the United States stronger, and set a positive tone
    for those who are watching us in the host nation.

        Question.  How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Saudi
    Arabia specifically?

        Answer. Saudi contacts from a broad range of backgrounds routinely
    cite anti-corruption safeguards and accountability among their top
    concerns for government reform. government measures, including
    investigations by the Public Prosecutor's Office (PPO), to deter and
    combat corruption enjoy strong public support.

        Question.  What is your assessment of corruption trends in Saudi
    Arabia and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have
    prioritized efforts to prevent and punish public sector and government
    contract corruption. Saudi authorities, including the Public
    Prosecutor's Office (PPO), continue to aggressively pursue corruption
    cases. These efforts enjoy broad public support.
        While the explicit goal of anti-corruption efforts should be
    supported, any detentions and prosecution must respect the rights of
    the accused, be supported by strong evidence, transparency, and a fair
    judicial process. Such efforts must be free of political influence, and
    guarantee the humane treatment of any individuals involved.

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen
    good governance and anticorruption programming in Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage the Saudi government on
    additional efforts to stamp out corruption, but will emphasize the
    importance of transparency and due process as Saudi authorities
    investigate corruption and hold accountable those who violate Saudi
    anti-corruption laws. I will stress that the best way to build public
    confidence in government anti-corruption efforts and to deter
    wrongdoing is to release as much information as possible about
    corruption cases and ensure that those accused of criminal corruption
    are afforded the opportunity to defend themselves before the law; this
    will make prosecutions more credible and blunt accusations of political
    influence.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to General John Abizaid by Senator Bob Portman

        Question.  I would like to ask about ongoing operations in Yemen.
    As you are aware, we have a very robust Foreign Military Sales program
    with Saudi Arabia. Recently, it has been found that the United Arab
    Emirates has transferred U.S. provided vehicles and weapons to known
    terrorist groups. If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure
    Saudi Arabia fulfills their obligations under Foreign Military Sales
    rules?

        Answer. Recent media reports alleging that the Coalition provided
    U.S.-origin Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other
    equipment to Yemeni forces and other third parties without the consent
    of the U.S. government are concerning. All recipients of U.S. origin
    equipment are expected to adhere to commitments governing procurement
    of U.S. defense equipment. If confirmed, I am committed to working with
    the Saudis to ensure they follow all rules and regulations surrounding
    the transfer of U.S. equipment.

    Yemen.
        Question.  Right now, there appears to be no end in sight to the
    fighting in Yemen. The Saudis see the Houthis as an existential threat
    to their security. What do you see as realistic strategic goals for the
    Saudi's in Yemen, and what do you see as U.S. influence ``levers'' we
    can pull to push the Saudis and Emiratis to end this conflict?

        Answer. One of our shared national security interests with Saudi
    Arabia is to stop the growing malign influence of Iran, both in the
    Arabian Peninsula and globally. To that end, we are leveraging constant
    diplomatic engagement to seek a solution to the conflict in Yemen. We
    have messaged clearly that a political solution--not a military one--is
    the only viable option for ending this conflict. The Saudis have
    supported political negotiations and the United Nations Special Envoy's
    efforts, adhering to the terms agreed to in Sweden for a general
    ceasefire in and around the port of Hudaydah, and directly urging the
    Republic of Yemen government to maintain its presence at the
    negotiating table. Saudi Arabia also shares our goal of eliminating
    violent extremist forces operating in Yemen, including al-Qa'ida and
    ISIS, and through many years of close cooperation, we have secured
    significant progress on that front. Working with Department of Defense
    partners, we will continue to engage the Coalition and regional leaders
    at all levels.

        Question.  I would like to discuss human trafficking. As you may be
    aware, Senator Corker, the former Chairman of this committee, passed on
    to me the responsibility for continuing his work on ending modern
    slavery. The State Department's 2018 report on trafficking in persons
    found that ``Saudi Arabia does not fully meet the minimum standards for
    the elimination of trafficking, however it is making significant
    efforts to do so.'' There are currently over 11 million third country
    nationals working in the service industry in Saudi Arabia and many of
    them are at risk of human trafficking. Saudi Arabia is currently a
    ``Tier 2'' Watch List country and was granted a waiver from downgrade.
    If confirmed, what steps will you take to work with Saudi Arabia to
    eliminate human trafficking?

        Answer. The administration continues to take the issue of
    trafficking in persons (TIP) very seriously and presses governments
    around the world, including the Saudi government, to develop and
    implement anti-trafficking initiatives. I am concerned by Saudi
    Arabia's efforts to address human trafficking and, if confirmed, I will
    engage Saudi officials on four key areas: 1) significantly strengthened
    law enforcement efforts to convict traffickers, particularly for forced
    labor offenses; 2) expanded reforms to the sponsorship-based
    employment--or kafala--system; 3) improved efforts to proactively
    identify and protect potential trafficking victims and ensure they are
    not punished for unlawful acts committed as a direct result of being
    subjected to trafficking, including immigration law contraventions and
    prostitution; and, 4) implementation of the Saudi government's five-
    year National Action Plan to combat TIP.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to General John Abizaid by Senator Edward J. Markey

    Nuclear Cooperation with Saudi Arabia
        Question.  Senior Saudi officials have declared that under certain
    circumstances, Saudi Arabia might develop nuclear weapons. These
    officials also have insisted that Saudi Arabia be able to produce its
    own nuclear fuel, raising fears that it will be diverted into a covert
    weapons project. The Trump administration appears intent on proceeding
    with negotiations to achieve a ``123'' nuclear cooperation agreement
    with the Saudis, despite these statements and the findings from the
    House oversight committee regarding financial connections between
    administration officials and firms pushing for this deal.

       If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that the United States
            only shares nuclear technology under a ``gold standard'' 123
            agreement--one that prohibits Saudi Arabia from enriching
            uranium and reprocessing plutonium?

        Answer. The United States has a long-standing policy of seeking to
    limit the spread of enrichment and reprocessing technologies around the
    world. If confirmed as ambassador, I will support pursuing the
    strongest nonproliferation standards in negotiations with Saudi Arabia.

        Question.  If confirmed, how will you ensure that the Americans
    involved in any Saudi nuclear negotiations are free of financial
    conflicts of interest?

        Answer. Federal ethics rules apply to all U.S. government employees
    and include relevant recusal obligations with respect to particular
    matters that would have a direct and predictable effect on the
    financial interests of those employees. If confirmed, I would expect
    all U.S. government employees involved in such negotiations to abide by
    their relevant obligations and will insist on full accountability and
    compliance with financial disclosure rules.

        Question.  Some countries--like the United Arab Emirates and
    Egypt--have language in their 123 agreements permitting them to request
    to renegotiate the terms of these agreements should other countries in
    the region receive more favorable terms. If the United States were to
    conclude a 123 agreement with Saudi Arabia that did not include a Saudi
    commitment to forgo all uranium enrichment and reprocessing, do you
    anticipate these countries would ask the United States to renegotiate
    their 123 agreement terms?

        Answer. I cannot speculate as to the potential actions of these
    other governments, but I am aware of these concerns.

        Question.  In a recent speech at the Hudson Institute, Assistant
    Secretary for International Security and Nonproliferation Chris Ford
    stated that 123 agreements ``are a critical part'' of civil nuclear
    cooperation with the United States, ``but they need not be viewed as
    the only tool, for not all countries that wish to develop better civil
    nuclear relationships with the United States.'' He stated that, ``to
    help provide an additional way to catalyze and nurture cooperative
    relationships, we are working to expand the use of less formal, non-
    binding bilateral political arrangements more akin to a memorandum of
    understanding (MOU) than to a full 123.'' If confirmed, would you
    endorse engaging in the type of cooperation with Saudi Arabia Assistant
    Secretary Ford described in his remarks?

        Answer. If confirmed, my charge would be specific to Saudi Arabia.
    I would support continuing discussions with Saudi Arabia on a 123
    agreement that includes the strongest nonproliferation standards.

        Question.  Do you believe the United States should engage in
    civilian nuclear cooperation of any kind with Saudi Arabia at present
    given its stated willingness to pursue nuclear weapons?

        Answer. As Saudi Arabia expands and diversifies its economy under
    Vision 2030, alternate means of energy production are a reasonable
    avenue to lessening the country's dependence on fossil fuels. Safe,
    secure civilian nuclear power is one route to achieving that goal.
        The United States has significant strategic, commercial, and
    nonproliferation incentives to conclude a 123 agreement with Saudi
    Arabia. Bringing into force such an agreement would provide substantial
    economic opportunities for U.S. firms and ensure the Saudi nuclear
    power program is subject to the highest nonproliferation, safety, and
    security standards required by any nuclear supplier in the world. In
    the absence of a 123 agreement, U.S. firms will lose the opportunity to
    compete and will likely be replaced by state-owned enterprises from
    other countries with lower nonproliferation standards.
        Saudi Arabia is a member of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
    (NPT) and a strong security partner of the United States. It has
    committed never to acquire nuclear weapons, and to apply full-scope
    International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards to all peaceful
    nuclear activities. The United States remains committed to holding all
    states accountable to their obligations under the NPT and IAEA
    safeguards agreements.

        Question.  It is longstanding, bipartisan U.S. policy to actively
    work against the spread of nuclear weapons to any country, friend or
    foe. If confirmed, would you continue to support this policy approach?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed I will actively work against the spread
    of nuclear weapons to any country.

    Presence of State Department Officials in U.S. government Meetings
        Question.  CNN reported on March 7 that officials and staffers in
    the U.S. embassy in Riyadh were excluded from Jared Kushner's late-
    February meetings in Riyadh with Saudi officials including the Crown
    Prince and thus unaware of the details of those meetings. Reports
    indicate that only a senior State Department official focused on Iran
    joined Mr. Kushner's meetings. Do you believe it is appropriate for
    career State Department officials stationed at an embassy to be
    excluded from official meetings visiting U.S. delegations have with the
    host government? If confirmed, would you oppose U.S. government
    meetings that do not include State Department staff? What steps would
    you take to ensure career State Department officials in Saudi Arabia
    are not excluded from official meetings visiting U.S. delegations have
    with Saudi government officials?

        Answer. If confirmed, my policy as Ambassador will be to have an
    Embassy assigned representative at every official meeting to the extent
    possible. The U.S. government should always act as one unit in the
    execution of foreign policy. As I noted in my testimony, if confirmed,
    I will join with the many U.S. government interlocutors from
    Washington, within the U.S. Mission to Saudi Arabia, and elsewhere to
    advance U.S. interests in Saudi Arabia as the Ambassador and Chief of
    Mission in the most coordinated manner possible.

    Murder of Jamal Khashoggi and Human Rights in Saudi Arabia
        Question.  The Trump administration has asserted that, ``the
    President maintains his discretion to decline to act on congressional
    committee requests when appropriate.'' However, the Global Magnitsky
    Act states that, ``not later than 120 days after receiving a request
    from the chairperson and ranking member of [the Senate Foreign
    Relations Committee] with respect to whether a foreign person has
    engaged in [a human rights violation], the President shall:

              ``(A) Determine if that person has engaged in such an
            activity; and
              ``(B) Submit a classified or unclassified report to the
            [requesters] with respect to that determination that includes
            (i) a statement of whether or not the President imposed or
            intends to impose sanctions with respect to the person; and
            (ii) if the President imposed or intends to impose sanctions, a
            description of those sanctions.''

      What is the legal rationale for how the language in this U.S. law
            permits the president to decline to act as outlined in bullets
            A and B? Do you agree with that rationale?

        Answer. I know the administration takes Global Magnitsky sanctions
    very seriously and has taken concrete steps, including designating 17
    Saudi officials for sanctions, in response to the horrific killing of
    Mr. Khashoggi. If confirmed, I will work with the relevant stakeholders
    in the interagency to utilize the Global Magnitsky sanctions program as
    an important tool of foreign policy.

        Question.  Why, in your view, has the Trump administration failed
    to sanction the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for the murder of Jamal
    Khashoggi, a U.S. resident, while the administration has used Global
    Magnitsky sanctions against two high-ranking officials in the
    government of Turkey, a NATO ally, for the detention of an American?

        Answer. As I am not yet a member of the administration, I am not
    privy to these discussions nor have I been briefed on any intelligence
    matters. I have seen the Secretary's public statements regarding the
    need for transparency in the Saudi investigation and for there to be
    accountability for anyone involved in Mr. Khashoggi's murder, including
    the highest ranking officials of the Saudi government. If confirmed, I
    will also push for this accountability in line with the advancement of
    U.S. foreign policy interests as laid out by the President.

        Question.  Major human rights groups have called for an independent
    investigation into Khashoggi's murder. Do you support such an inquiry?
    If so, what entities are in your view appropriate to conduct such an
    investigation? Would a U.N.-led investigation be appropriate?

        Answer. The administration has been clear that the murder of Jamal
    Khashoggi was a heinous crime. Human rights groups and other
    organizations have my full support to pursue independent inquiries.
        The administration supports U.N. Special Rapporteur Agnes
    Callamard's global mandate to investigate extra-judicial, summary, or
    arbitrary executions. It is my understanding that State Department
    officials met with her, at her request, in Washington to discuss
    several matters, including the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. If confirmed,
    I will urge Saudi counterparts to continue their investigation in order
    to hold those responsible accountable, and to provide appropriate
    cooperation for Special Rapporteur Callamard's inquiry into the murder
    of Mr. Khashoggi.

        Question.  If confirmed, what would you do to secure the release of
    Dr. Walid Fitaihi, a U.S. citizen and Harvard-trained physician who has
    been detained by Saudi Arabia since November 2017 without any public
    charges or trial? Given reports that he may have been tortured, what is
    the administration doing to protect his rights while he remains in
    detention?

        Answer. I have spent my life defending U.S. citizens and U.S.
    values. If confirmed, I will continue to do so. I understand U.S.
    officials in Riyadh and Jeddah are consistently and forcefully engaging
    Saudi counterparts to ensure Dr. Fitaihi's safety, rights, and
    protections under the law, and made several visits to Dr. Fitaihi in
    recent months. Dr. Fitaihi's situation is of critical importance, and
    if confirmed, I will continue to elevate his case.

        Question.  An area of serious concern is the prevalence of anti-
    Semitic and intolerant messages in Saudi educational textbooks. If
    confirmed, what priority do you intend to give to this issue, and how
    would you recommend the administration address this issue with Saudi
    officials?

        Answer. The United States continues to urge the government of Saudi
    Arabia to counter religious intolerance, including by encouraging
    educational and textbook reform. They are concerned that hateful
    language in educational materials not only fosters intolerance and
    discrimination, but also fertilizes the ground for violent extremism
    that extends far beyond Saudi Arabia's own borders. Although the Saudi
    government has vowed to remove objectionable content, textbooks retain
    inflammatory material hostile to Christians, Jews, and Shia Muslims. I
    understand that Embassy officials routinely engage with Saudi
    counterparts on this issue, and support international visitor programs
    and other programs aimed at expanding religious tolerance and
    interfaith cooperation. If confirmed, I commit to making this issue a
    priority, and as noted in my testimony, intolerance and violent
    religious extremism exported across borders and regions is a problem we
    need to solve.

        Question.  In your view, does the U.S. government have the right
    level of emphasis on human rights in our bilateral relationship with
    Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. Yes, as I know this is a core part of the U.S. Mission to
    Saudi Arabia's engagement with the Saudi government. That said, we must
    always seek to emphasize our core American values and ideals, as well
    as universal human rights and fundamental freedoms, as we expand any
    international relationship.

    Yemen and Humanitarian Access
        Question.  All parties to the Yemen conflict continue to put a wide
    range of access constraints in place, from a full blockade of Yemen's
    ports in 2017, to secondary inspections of humanitarian shipments that
    have already cleared the U.N. inspection process, to restrictions on
    humanitarian staff movements and arbitrary delays in approving life-
    saving projects. If confirmed, what concrete steps will you take to
    address these access constraints, particularly when it comes to Saudi
    Arabia and the United Arab Emirates?

        Answer. I am seriously concerned about the dire humanitarian
    situation in Yemen. I understand that maintaining free and unfettered
    access to all of Yemen's ports of entry--and throughout Yemen--is
    critical to the humanitarian response. If confirmed, I will continue to
    urge Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to increase access and
    to continue to work closely with the U.N. and its inspection process to
    make sure humanitarian aid and staff are able to reach the estimated 24
    million Yemenis who rely on some form of humanitarian assistance to
    survive. If confirmed, I intend to work with like-minded partners to
    address and deter Houthi threats to the Bab al-Mandeb--this will
    provide assurances to shippers and importers to return to the Red Sea
    ports, which are located nearest to the populations in most need of
    aid.

    U.S. Weapons Sold to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates
        Question.  Recent reporting indicates U.S. weapons and materiel
    sold to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is ending up in the
    hands of al Qaeda-linked fighters, Salafi militias, and other, non-
    state factions waging war in Yemen in violation of the terms of these
    sale agreements. What do you believe the appropriate recourse would be
    for the United States government if these reports were to be confirmed?

        Answer. Recent media reports alleging that the Coalition provided
    U.S.-origin Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and other
    equipment to Yemeni forces and other third parties without the consent
    of the U.S. government are concerning. All recipients of U.S. origin
    equipment are expected to adhere to commitments governing procurement
    of U.S. defense equipment. If confirmed, I am committed to working with
    the Saudis to ensure they adhere to all of the requirements regarding
    the transfer of U.S. equipment.

        Question.  If confirmed, how will you ensure that any investigation
    Saudi Arabia conducts into this matter is done in a thorough,
    transparent manner?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to working with the Saudis to
    ensure they adhere to all of the requirements regarding the transfer of
    U.S. equipment.

    Rift in the Gulf Cooperation Council
        Question.  How, if at all, does the continued rift within the Gulf
    Cooperation Council affect U.S. interests? If confirmed, how will you
    work to press Saudi Arabia toward reconciling its differences with
    Qatar?

        Answer. The President and Secretary Pompeo have been clear that the
    Gulf dispute has gone on too long. The dispute benefits our adversaries
    and harms our mutual interests. Both Saudi Arabia and Qatar are close
    partners with the United States, and the administration continues to
    underscore to the parties the political, economic, security, and social
    benefits of Gulf unity. This is something I look forward to working on
    if confirmed.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to General John Abizaid by Senator Todd Young

        Question.  Based on your preparation for this nomination, can you
    provide an update on the Saudi agreement with Huawei? Do you have any
    concerns about this agreement? If confirmed, do you anticipate raising
    those concerns with Riyadh?

        Answer. I am aware of the media reports about Saudi Crown Prince
    Mohammed bin Salman's visit to China in late February and reports of
    the conversations Saudi Arabia and China have had about Huawei 5G
    technology. I understand the U.S. government has raised concerns about
    Huawei technologies with many of our allies, including that Huawei's
    components present a serious threat to cybersecurity and national
    security. If confirmed, I will support the administration's position of
    ensuring the United States and our partners maintain secure and
    trustworthy networks. The only way to do this is to utilize trusted
    supply chains to reduce the risk of unauthorized and malicious cyber
    activity which could disrupt critical services or possibly be
    manipulated by authoritarian regimes.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to General John Abizaid by Senator Cory A. Booker

    Efforts to reduce civilian casualties
        Question.  On September 12, 2018, Secretary Pompeo certified under
    Section 1290 of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act
    that Saudi Arabia was taking appropriate steps to avoid
    disproportionate harm to civilians and civilian infrastructure and
    complying with applicable agreements and laws regulating defense
    articles purchased or transferred from the United States.
        The certification states: ``The Saudi Ministry of Defense committed
    to fund U.S.-provided training for the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) on
    minimizing civilian casualties as one component of a $750 million,
    multi-year Foreign Military Sales training case.'' What is the status
    of the implementation of this case and what meaningful and demonstrable
    improvements has it made in RSAF operations in Yemen?

        Answer. I understand that, at the U.S. government's urging, Saudi
    Arabia has put in place a number of mechanisms to reduce civilian
    casualties in Yemen, including civilian casualty reduction seminars
    that focus on intelligence, strike preparation, strike command and
    control, and investigations. The Saudi-led Coalition has also
    implemented reviews of civilian casualty incidents by the Joint
    Incidents Assessment Team, which investigates collateral damage caused
    by air strikes, determines the cause, and recommends process
    improvements to mitigate the risk of future incidents.

        Question.  According to a December 25, 2018, New York Times
    article, ``The coalition routinely ignored a no-strike list--drawn up
    by the United States Central Command and the United Nations--of
    hospitals, schools and other places where civilians gathered.'' Will
    you commit to ensure that the Saudi-led coalition abides by the no-
    strike list?

        Answer. Yes, I am committed to advancing the Saudi-led Coalition's
    obligations to abide by the no-strike list.

        Question.  What other efforts do you plan to undertake to ensure
    the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen reduces civilian casualties?

        Answer. This is an issue I care deeply about having spent my life
    in the Armed Forces. If confirmed, I will continue to work with Saudi
    Arabia in advancing its efforts on civilian protection and adherence to
    international humanitarian law as that country pursues its legitimate
    national security objectives. Our close relationship with Saudi Arabia
    ensures we can continue to work with them on this matter.

    Shia minority
        Question.  Although the Saudi government has pledged to undertake
    significant domestic reforms under Vision 2030 and other programs, the
    Shia community in Saudi Arabia remains subject to state discrimination
    and abuses. While I am hopeful that these reforms make meaningful
    changes that improve conditions for the Shia community, Human Rights
    Watch documented a number of cases in September 2018 that show
    continued bias in education materials, religious restrictions, and
    imprisonment of Shia protestors.

       What efforts will you undertake, if confirmed, to raise concerns
            voiced by the Shia minority community in Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. The Shia minority is marginalized from political, social,
    and economic life in Saudi Arabia. Intolerance and violent religious
    extremism exported across borders and regions are difficult problems
    that we must continue efforts to solve.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I will note U.S. support for expanding
    the participatory process for religious minorities in Saudi Arabia. I
    will also make clear that the United States remains deeply concerned by
    the detention of activists and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia and
    that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. If confirmed, I will
    urge the government of Saudi Arabia to ensure fair trial guarantees,
    freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and
    rule of law. The United States has pressed them on these issues for
    years, and I will continue to do so.

        Question.  Are you concerned about members of the Shia community
    getting caught up in the Saudi government's broad campaign against
    Iranian influence in the Gulf and if not, why not?

        Answer. The State Department's most recent Human Rights Report on
    Saudi Arabia documents significant restrictions on freedom of
    expression and civil society. Fundamental freedoms of religion,
    expression, assembly, and association are not enshrined in Saudi law. I
    understand that Saudi Arabia remains a Country of Particular Concern
    for international religious freedom. Many of those detained for
    advocacy or dissent are members of Saudi Arabia's Shia minority. At
    least 120 Saudis remain in Saudi government detention for activism,
    criticism of government leaders, impugning Islam or religious leaders,
    or ``offensive'' internet postings. The use of counterterrorism laws
    and courts to prosecute non-terrorists remains a key problem.
        If confirmed, I will pursue American interests, champion our
    values, our commitments, and our enduring respect for human rights and
    religious freedom. I will make clear that the United States remains
    deeply concerned by the detention of activists and perceived dissidents
    in Saudi Arabia and that we take all allegations of abuse and
    harassment seriously. If confirmed, I will continue to urge the
    government of Saudi Arabia to ensure the right to a fair trial, freedom
    from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and rule of
    law. I will call on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners
    and detainees humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are
    investigated quickly and thoroughly.

        Question.  What meaningful domestic reforms will you encourage the
    government of Saudi Arabia to undertake to improve conditions for the
    Shia population?

        Answer. Vision 2030 is a bold plan that seeks to make the Kingdom
    more economically competitive and socially open, including through
    greater inclusion of women in society and the workplace. This is
    critical for the Kingdom's long-term development, and the Saudi
    government has shown a firm commitment to that goal. I believe the U.S.
    government--alongside the full range of American commercial,
    educational, and societal actors--can play a key supporting role in
    advancing Vision 2030's stated goals.

    Joint Incidents Assessment Team
        Question.  Numerous U.S. officials have highlighted the Joint
    Incidents Assessment Team (JIAT) as one of the many reforms that the
    Saudi-led coalition had implemented in the war in Yemen. However, a
    Human Rights Watch report from August found that the body routinely
    cleared the coalition of wrongdoing, and documented 17 instances in
    which the assessment team's conclusions were profoundly at odds with
    Human Rights Watch's own findings.

       In response to a previous question I asked of Ambassador Henzel, he
            replied that the JIAT was ``nominally an independent body
            composed of Coalition members. . . . It is not under a specific
            country's military authority.'' If the JIAT is not under any
            country's military authority, how do individual coalition
            members like Saudi Arabia incorporate its findings into their
            operations and tactics?

        Answer. The administration has worked closely with the Joint
    Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) and Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) on
    best practices for civilian casualty investigations, providing
    trainings on the Law of Armed Conflict aimed at improving the JIAT's
    investigations. Additionally, the administration continues to engage
    the Saudi-led coalition to encourage the swift implementation of
    recommendations from JIAT. It is my understanding that JIAT
    recommendations and process improvements are forwarded to the
    operational commands of Coalition members so that others can revise
    their tactics and learn from prior incidents.

        Question.  The Fiscal Year 2019 NDAA Section 1290 certification
    also states: ``Recent civilian casualty incidents indicate insufficient
    implementation of reforms and targeting practices. Investigations have
    not yet yielded accountability measures.'' How does the U.S. envision
    such investigations yielding accountability measures and what measures
    would be sufficient in the view of the State Department?

        Answer. The Joint Incident Assessment Team makes recommendations
    based on its investigations; it remains up to the governments of the
    participating Coalition countries to implement these recommendations.
    If confirmed, I will continue to urge the JIAT to conduct swift and
    transparent investigations and the government of Saudi Arabia to
    implement the JIAT's recommendations in order to hold those responsible
    for civilian casualty incidents accountable and to implement
    recommended tactical changes.

    Dr. Walid Fitaihi
        Question.  In March 2019, the New York Times reported that a dual
    citizen of Saudi Arabia and the United States, Dr. Walid Fitaihi, had
    been tortured by Saudi officials. Dr. Fitaihi has reportedly been
    imprisoned since November 2017 without charges or a trial and remains
    detained for unspecified reasons. While I appreciate you raising his
    case in your testimony, this ongoing treatment of an American citizen
    is unacceptable.

       What steps has Embassy Riyadh taken thus far to secure Dr.
            Fitaihi's release?

        Answer. I understand U.S. officials in Riyadh, Jeddah, and here in
    Washington are consistently and forcefully engaging senior Saudi
    counterparts to ensure Dr. Fitaihi's safety, rights, and protections
    under the law, and consular officials have made several visits to Dr.
    Fitaihi in recent months. I am highly concerned about reports of his
    abuse and possible torture. Dr. Fitaihi's situation is of critical
    importance, and if confirmed, I will continue to advocate and elevate
    his case.

        Question.  What additional actions will you take, if confirmed, to
    raise Dr. Fitaihi's case with senior Saudi officials and work to secure
    his release?

        Answer. I have dedicated my life to the protection of U.S. citizens
    and U.S. national security interests and, if confirmed, that will not
    change. If confirmed, the protection of all U.S. citizens in Saudi
    Arabia will be my highest priority. I am committed to raising Dr.
    Fitaihi's case and others with the highest levels of the Saudi
    government.

    Human Rights and Press Freedom
        Question.  The Saudi regime exerts a strong grip of control over
    media in Saudi Arabia and the broader Arab world. This can make it
    difficult to get trustworthy information about the human rights
    situation within the Kingdom. News of the detention of activists and
    dissidents sometimes do not surface for months, and Saudi authorities
    practice severe intimidation against family members of detainees.
    Moreover, one of the most chilling messages sent by the murder of Jamal
    Khashoggi is that no one who dissents from the regime is safe from
    Saudi Arabia's reach-even outside the country.

       As the U.S. ambassador to Saudi Arabia, will you pledge to meet
            with journalists, dissidents, and activists in the country and
            advocate for respect for independent press in your engagement
            with the Saudi government, if confirmed?

        Answer. At every opportunity, I will underscore the United States'
    enduring commitment to human rights and fundamental freedoms. If
    confirmed, I will meet with the full range of Saudi society, including
    independent, local press as well as non-governmental organizations in
    the United States that work on issues related to Saudi Arabia. I will
    make clear to Saudi leadership that the United States supports the
    important role civil society plays in every country.

        Question.  Will you commit to pressing the Saudi government to halt
    their harassment of Saudi journalists and other dissidents who have
    left Saudi Arabia and live outside the country, if confirmed?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will make clear that the United States
    remains deeply concerned by the harassment and detention of
    journalists, activists, and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia and
    that we take all allegations of abuse seriously. I will continue to
    urge the government of Saudi Arabia to advance freedom of expression
    and ensure freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law.

    Women's Rights Activists
        Question.  In November, Amnesty International and Human Rights
    Watch issued reports about mistreatment of a number of female activists
    in prison in Saudi Arabia. A sister of one of the activists, Alia
    Hathloul, wrote a January 13 op-ed for the New York Times confirming
    many of the allegations of abuse including that Loujain Al-Hathloul had
    been held in ``solitary confinement, beaten, waterboarded, given
    electric shocks, sexually harassed and threatened with rape and
    murder.''
        During your testimony you said, ``I feel particularly strongly that
    Saudi Arabia, like any nation, will benefit greatly by expanding the
    space for women in public and professional life. Advocating for women's
    rights is a critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and I fully commit
    to making this a key element of my potential tenure as ambassador'' I
    appreciate these views and hope you will give these words meaning
    through your actions.

        Answer. Secretary Pompeo told reporters he raised the cases of
    these women activists during his meetings in January with King Salman
    and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. However, since then, Saudi
    authorities have charged the activists with ``coordinated and organized
    activities. that aim to undermine the Kingdom's security, stability,
    and national unity.'' If confirmed, I will make clear that the United
    States remains deeply concerned by the harassment and detention of
    activists and perceived dissidents in Saudi Arabia, and will urge the
    government of Saudi Arabia to advance freedom of expression and ensure
    freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial detention, transparency, and
    rule of law.
        Beyond these specific activist cases, gender discrimination
    excludes women from many aspects of public life. Women are routinely
    excluded from formal decision-making positions in both government and
    the private sector, although some women attained leadership positions
    in business and served in senior advisory positions within government
    ministries.
        Women's rights are a critical goal for U.S. foreign policy, and I
    fully commit to making them a key element of my potential tenure as
    ambassador. The Saudis have made progress, but it is clearly not
    enough. We have pressed them on this issue for years, and I will
    continue to do so.

        Question.  What steps will you undertake, if confirmed, to advocate
    for their cases and request their release from these questionable
    charges?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make clear that the United States
    remains deeply concerned by the detention of activists and perceived
    dissidents in Saudi Arabia and that we take all allegations of abuse
    seriously. I will continue to urge the government of Saudi Arabia to
    ensure fair trial guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and extrajudicial
    detention, transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I
    will call on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and
    detainees humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are
    investigated quickly and thoroughly and anyone found responsible is
    held accountable.

    Arms Export Control Violations
        Question.  In late 2018, the New York Times reported that Sudanese
    forces fighting Yemen had been issued American-made uniforms and
    weapons. The Saudi government denied this claim stating that American-
    made weapons had ``never been distributed to personnel participating
    from Sudan as part of the coalition's operations.'' Nevertheless, there
    have also been similar reports of reexports of arms and equipment by
    the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to forces fighting on their behalf in
    Yemen.

      Has the United States government found the government of Saudi
            Arabia to have violated any provision of U.S. law or any other
            bilateral agreement or understanding with regard to the re-
            export or transfer of U.S. defense articles since the beginning
            of the Yemen conflict in 2015?

        Answer. Recent media reports alleging that the Coalition provided
    U.S.-origin equipment to Yemeni forces and other third parties without
    the consent of the U.S. government are concerning. All recipients of
    U.S.-origin equipment are expected to adhere to commitments governing
    procurement of U.S. defense equipment. If confirmed, I am committed to
    looking into these allegations and working with the Saudis to ensure
    that they adhere to all of the requirements regarding the transfer of
    U.S. equipment.

        Question.  Has the United States investigated the allegation that
    U.S.-made uniforms and weaponry were provided by the Saudi government
    to Sudanese forces fighting in Yemen? If not, why not?

        Answer. I know the U.S. government takes seriously all reports of
    unauthorized transfers of U.S.-origin equipment. If confirmed, I am
    committed to looking into these allegations and working with the Saudis
    to ensure they adhere to all of the requirements regarding the transfer
    of U.S. equipment.

                                   __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                            TUESDAY, MARCH 12, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:02 a.m. in
    Room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Marco Rubio,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Rubio, Johnson, Gardner, Romney, Young,
    Menendez, Cardin, Murphy, and Kaine.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARCO RUBIO,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA

        Senator Rubio. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will
    come to order.
        This is a nominations hearing for Michael Fitzpatrick to be
    Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador and Ronald Johnson, from
    my home State of Florida, to be the Ambassador to the Republic
    of El Salvador.
        I wanted to take a quick moment, as I am not able to
    introduce Mr. Johnson from the witness table, to say a few
    words. I met Mr. Johnson and his wife Alina about 7 years ago
    when he served as the representative of the Director of
    National Intelligence and the CIA Director to the U.S. Southern
    Command. Mr. Johnson has served in the U.S. government for over
    3 decades, starting his career as an officer in the U.S. Army.
    He retired as a colonel in 1998 and joined the U.S.
    intelligence community where he currently serves as the Central
    Intelligence Agency's science and technology liaison to the
    United States Special Operations Command in Tampa, Florida. He
    has worked on a wide variety of issues throughout his career
    and is fluent in Spanish. And his experience and background
    make him an excellent candidate to lead the U.S. mission in San
    Salvador.
        I welcome the two nominees here today with us. Ambassadors,
    as we all know, play a critical role in advancing U.S. foreign
    policy and objectives, and thank you for your willingness to
    serve and continue to serve our country, in the case of both of
    you.
        We will have an opportunity to discuss two different
    positions in two countries which are undergoing democratic
    progress and are taking important steps to improve their
    economy, security, and their bilateral relations with the
    United States.
        I would like to start by emphasizing the importance of the
    electoral process in El Salvador, as the country has elected a
    new leader. I recently had the opportunity to speak with
    President-elect Nayib Bukele and congratulated him on his
    recent victory. We were very cognizant of the importance of
    this process for the region as the first presidential election
    of this year. Our Ambassador and embassy personnel closely
    monitored this process and shared with us that the elections
    were transparent and the elections were credible. And I want to
    thank our embassy personnel for playing a supporting role
    through that process. It was the first time El Salvador had
    used their own electoral software, and the system, by all
    accounts, seemed to work very well. This was a key step in
    restoring confidence for the Salvadoran people and their
    government and institutions. There were international
    observation missions that monitored the elections from both the
    European Union and the Organization of American States. There
    was also large participation of civil society organizations.
        The United States is committed to working with President-
    elect Bukele and his transition team as they assume the
    presidency on the 1st of June. This relationship between the
    U.S. and El Salvador provides an opportunity to work on issues
    related to cooperation in both security and migration. And the
    chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, Senator Johnson,
    is here and he knows well the importance of the migration
    issue, particularly as it regards El Salvador.
        However, there are, as I said, many challenges that remain.
    El Salvador has the highest concentration of gang members per
    capita in Central America. These gangs are responsible for a
    higher percentage of homicides than in neighboring countries.
    While El Salvador has worked to lower the rates of homicide,
    there is still much work to be done.
        On the economy, it is my hope the United States will work
    with President-elect Bukele and his new team to help
    initiatives to jump start what has proven to be a stagnant
    economy.
        Here is a side note that is of importance. China continues
    to grow in its efforts to expand its influence and its presence
    in the western hemisphere, and I hope that we remain engaged in
    addressing this and particularly the influence of the Chinese
    government and Communist Party in El Salvador. Last year, I and
    others were deeply disappointed to see El Salvador under the
    current administration break its diplomatic relations with
    another fellow democracy, Taiwan, and instead embrace Communist
    China. I believe--many of us believe--this was a grave mistake
    and one that will prove to be costly and short-sighted given
    China's debt trap diplomacy and economic exploitation globally.
        Following El Salvador's decision which, by the way, was
    following the lead of other Latin American countries who have
    caved to Chinese pressure, I joined Senator Gardner, a member
    of this committee, in introducing legislative action that dealt
    with U.S. assistance to El Salvador over this move.
        I am pleased that President-elect Bukele has said that he
    will reassess the existing relationship with China to make
    necessary policy changes from the previous administration.
        At the same time, I also hope that the U.S. will become
    more fully engaged and prepared to support our friends and
    partners who are being bullied and pressured by China to ensure
    they do not become vulnerable to these kinds of aggressive
    Chinese government tactics.
        By the way, President-elect Bukele will be visiting
    Washington this week, and we have a real opportunity to
    strengthen the U.S.-El Salvador partnership and gain an
    important ally on issues of regional and global importance. And
    the embassy will play a key role in that front.
        Ecuador, under President Moreno is making efforts to
    liberalize the economy and to seek broader private investment.
    He has been working to promote public-private partnerships for
    government projects in areas such as infrastructure,
    telecommunications, and energy. I am pleased that the
    administration's fiscal year 2019 budget request would provide
    foreign assistance to strengthen the rule of law and build
    civil society capacity to counter instability and violence in
    Ecuador.
        The U.S. also operates Peace Corps programs in Ecuador that
    support 110 volunteers.
        In June of last year, Vice President Pence visited Ecuador
    and held talks with President Moreno to broaden the bilateral
    dialogue and strengthen U.S.-Ecuadorian relations in a number
    of areas such as security, economic cooperation, migration, and
    democratic governance. The Vice President recognized the
    efforts being made by Ecuador to encourage private investment.
    They also announced a mutual commitment to reactivating a
    bilateral trade and investment council before the end of 2018
    and a commitment to address the influx of more than 150,000
    Venezuelan citizens who have fled the nightmare that is
    Maduro's Venezuela.
        In closing, both positions will be critical to ensuring
    that U.S. interests are advanced here in our own region.
        And once again, I want to thank both of you and your
    families for your service and commitment to our country and
    your willingness to continue to serve it abroad.
        And now the ranking member, Senator Cardin.

                 STATEMENT OF HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM MARYLAND

        Senator Cardin. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Let me thank both of our nominees for their willingness to
    serve our country. These are very challenging times. It is not
    easy to represent America anywhere in the world, and the
    challenges in our own hemisphere are great today. So I thank
    both of you for your willingness to serve, and we thank your
    families because we know this is a family sacrifice we
    appreciate very much.
        The two countries are critically important. El Salvador is
    a country that has a lot of impact here in America, 2 million
    Americans are of Salvadoran decent. In my home State of
    Maryland, 100,000 of our population trace their roots to El
    Salvador.
        We also have the immediate issue of the temporary
    protective status for Salvadorans. About 200,000 in the United
    States are under the TPS, which is being challenged by the
    President and, right now, protection in our courts. But it is
    an uncertain future. Once again, in Maryland, we have a higher
    percentage than most of the Salvadoran TPS cases. So this is of
    immediate interest.
        I have had a chance to meet with both of the nominees, and
    we have had, I think, very robust, good discussions and I
    appreciate that opportunity.
        I have underscored particularly in our hemisphere but
    globally as well that our missions are critically important to
    promote human rights, good governance. These are challenges
    that are taking place in both El Salvador and Ecuador today.
    There are different circumstances.
        In El Salvador, we have had a commitment to help the people
    of El Salvador with regional security issues, with economic
    issues so there is an economic future other than trafficking in
    drugs or extortion, and to deal with governance issues, which
    is critically important to deal with the issues of governance.
    We have funded those programs. We could argue whether we need
    to do a better job, a more focused job. That is an issue that
    this Congress is still wrestling with.
        I was in El Salvador in 2015 and saw firsthand how the
    gangs ravage the communities. The FBI allowed me to be embedded
    for a day, and it was eye-opening to me to see the risks that
    families face in neighborhoods that look like nice
    neighborhoods. But the gang activities are pervasive. So the
    challenges there are great.
        And we look forward to a discussion today as to how our
    mission in El Salvador can promote American values, provide
    safety for the people of El Salvador, and stop some of the
    pressures we have seen on migration because people leave
    because of the problems in the country. The best investment for
    us to make is to shore up these issues as we have been working
    on now for the last several years.
        In Ecuador, we have hope. The administration has shown some
    degree of sensitivity towards reform on good governance. The
    question is can we continue that momentum that we have seen in
    that country.
        As the chairman has pointed out, even though Ecuador is
    1,000 miles away from Venezuela, they have had a real influx of
    Venezuelan refugees. My number is about 200,000. I think you
    said 150,000. But it is a large number that have exited
    Venezuela that are now in Ecuador. That has a major impact on a
    small country. It causes us to understand that we are going to
    have challenges and we need to work with the new government to
    make sure the reforms stay in place and that the impact of the
    Venezuelan crisis does not impede the progress that we have
    seen in Ecuador.
        We have new leaders in both countries. We look forward to a
    robust relationship, improving America's relationship in our
    own hemisphere and America's leadership in our hemisphere. And
    I look forward to hearing from our nominees.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you both for being here. I just want
    to say it is not often there are two Ron Johnsons in one place
    at a time.
        Senator Johnson. We got to hang together.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Rubio. Anyway, it is tough to vote against Ron
    Johnson.
        Well, Mr. Johnson, let us start with you since Senator
    Johnson is here with us. Thank you for being here and thanks
    for your service.

        STATEMENT OF RONALD DOUGLAS JOHNSON, OF FLORIDA, TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
            STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR

        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Senator, and thanks for that warm
    introduction.
        Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Cardin, and distinguished
    members of the committee, I am truly honored to appear before
    you today as the President's nominee to serve as United States
    Ambassador to the Republic of El Salvador. I am grateful to
    President Trump for the faith and confidence he has placed in
    me and to Secretary Pompeo for his support. I am humbled by the
    opportunity to serve our country at such an important time in
    our history, and I am grateful to you for your consideration of
    my nomination.
        I am supported in this endeavor by a strong and patriotic
    family. My wife Alina to my right immigrated to this country
    over 50 years ago from Cuba. She has actively contributed to my
    service to this country for over 38 years, and it has not
    always been easy. My government careers have required frequent
    separations and service in high-risk areas. Together we have
    raised four grown children, Robert, Lori, Michael, and Joshua.
    Our youngest son Joshua was the fourth generation of Johnsons
    to serve this country in combat.
        I would also like to mention my mother-in-law, Helen Arias.
    As an airline employee in Cuba, when communists took over the
    country, she helped thousands of children flee to the United
    States aboard Pan Am flights through a program called Operacion
    Pedro Pan. Today at 95 years young, she loves the United States
    as only someone who has lived under tyranny can.
        I first represented the United States in El Salvador in
    1984 as an active duty Army officer. Then the country was
    embroiled in a horrible civil war that would last for over 12
    years, ravage the countryside, and claim the lives of over
    70,000 people. Since that conflict ended in 1992, the
    Salvadoran people have exhibited a strong commitment to
    democracy through free and fair elections and the peaceful
    transfer of power. The most recent example of this is the
    February 3rd presidential election where President-elect Nayib
    Bukele won a clear victory in a competitive multi-party race.
        El Salvador has accomplished much since the war ended, but
    much work remains to be done.
        For the United States, combating transnational crime and
    stemming illegal immigration are the key priorities. Our
    strategy for Central America focuses on advancing security,
    prosperity, and good governance to address these priorities
    that are linked to slow economic growth and unemployment.
        There is clearly a need for increased security, but we must
    also work together simultaneously to develop a broader economic
    agenda. El Salvador's growth rate of 2 percent per year over
    the last 10 years is simply too low to provide economic
    opportunities and viable options for young Salvadorans. Working
    together, we need to focus on making El Salvador more
    attractive to business, instead of a place where businesses
    have to add the price of extortion to the cost of operating. We
    must work together to make illicit activities less lucrative
    and to produce dignified alternatives that help Salvadoran
    youth make the right choice.
        The United States is El Salvador's number one trade partner
    and largest source of foreign investment. There are currently
    over 300 U.S. businesses operating in El Salvador, but there
    could be more. If confirmed, I will make the combined issues of
    security and prosperity my highest priority.
        I know our governments share the same concerns regarding
    illegal immigration and gang violence.
        The government of El Salvador is working closely with us
    now to educate its citizens on the dangers associated with the
    long journey to the U.S. border and to discourage individuals
    from traveling to the United States without a visa.
        There are multiple gangs in El Salvador where violence is
    the centerpiece of the gang's power, its influence, and reach.
        In El Salvador, gang membership is illegal, and the
    Salvadoran government works with the U.S. embassy's
    international narcotics and law enforcement unit and other
    offices to disrupt and dismantle gangs and other transnational
    criminal organizations. These programs focus on strengthening
    the capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement and criminal justice
    systems through a three-part approach: regional coordination
    and information sharing; bottom-up community anti-gang efforts
    designed to improve relationships between communities and the
    police; and finally, top-down institutional reform to
    strengthen investigation and prosecution of criminal actors. If
    confirmed, one of my top priorities will be to expand these
    programs and to build stronger cooperation among regional
    partners and U.S. law enforcement. Gang violence is a
    multinational problem, and combating it will require
    multinational cooperation.
        El Salvador has made progress and there are indicators that
    should help us be optimistic.
        El Salvador's Plan El Salvador Seguro has helped to reduce
    the murder rate by over 55 percent. And looking at the long
    term, World Bank statistics indicate that from 1990 to 2017
    life expectancy increased from 64 to 74 years, while per capita
    income rose and extreme poverty dropped significantly.
        We are on the right path, but let there be no doubt. It is
    a path. Continued progress requires broad, sustained, and
    persistent engagement and a willing partner. If we are
    respectful of each other's concerns and limitations, we can
    work together toward a cooperative and mutually beneficial
    relationship.
        I will treat people with dignity, honesty, and respect. I
    will prioritize our efforts in a way that is impactful and
    beneficial to both sides, and I will make those priorities
    clear to my staff and to our partners.
        Chief of Mission San Salvador is no easy assignment, but I
    believe my experience of over 4 decades of government service,
    along with my knowledge of the region and my deep respect for
    the Salvadoran people have prepared me well to represent
    America's interests and to achieve greater regional security
    and prosperity.
        If confirmed, I will safeguard our citizens, our embassy,
    and our reputation, and I will help build a more peaceful,
    secure, and prosperous relationship between the United States
    and the Republic of El Salvador. Your counsel and leadership
    would be crucial for this to work, and if confirmed, I look
    forward to working with you and your staffs toward that goal.
        It is an honor to be before you today, and I would be
    pleased to answer your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Johnson follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of Ronald Douglas Johnson

        Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Menendez, and distinguished members
    of the committee, I am truly honored to appear before you today as the
    President's nominee to serve as the United States Ambassador to the
    Republic of El Salvador.
        I am grateful to President Trump for the faith and confidence he's
    placed in me, and to Secretary Pompeo for his support. I am humbled by
    the opportunity to serve our country in this capacity at such an
    important time in our relationship with El Salvador and I am grateful
    to you for your consideration of my nomination.
        I am supported in this endeavor by a strong and patriotic family.
    My wife, Alina, immigrated to this country over 50 years ago from Cuba.
    She has actively contributed to my service to this country for over 38
    years, and it has not always been easy. My government careers have
    required frequent separations and service in high-risk areas. Together
    we've raised four grown children, Robert, Lori, Michael, and Joshua.
    Our youngest son Joshua is the fourth generation of our family to have
    served our country in combat.
        I'd also like to mention my Mother-in-Law, Helen Arias. As an
    airline employee in Cuba, when communists took over the country she
    helped thousands of children flee to the United States aboard Pan-Am
    flights through a program called ``Operation Pedro Pan.'' Today at 95
    years young, she loves the United States as only someone who has lived
    under tyranny can.
        I first represented the United States in El Salvador in 1984, when
    the country was embroiled in a horrible Civil War that would last for
    over twelve years, ravage the countryside, and claim the lives of over
    70,000 people. Since that conflict ended in 1992, the Salvadoran people
    have exhibited a strong commitment to democracy through free and fair
    elections and the peaceful transfer of power. The most recent example
    of this is the February 3rd presidential election, where President-
    elect Nayib Bukele won a clear victory in a competitive multi-party
    race.
        El Salvador has accomplished much since the war ended, but much
    work remains to be done.
        For the United States, combating transnational crime and stemming
    illegal immigration are the key priorities. They are linked to slow
    economic growth and unemployment. There's clearly a need for increased
    security but we must also work together to simultaneously develop a
    broader economic agenda. El Salvador's growth rate of 2 percent per
    year over the last 10 years, is simply too low to provide economic
    opportunities and viable options for young Salvadorans. Working
    together we need to focus on making El Salvador more attractive to
    business, instead of a place where businesses have to add the price of
    extortion to the costs of operating. We must work together to make
    illicit activities less lucrative and to produce dignified alternatives
    that help Salvadoran youth make the right choice.
        The United States is El Salvador's number one trade partner and
    largest source of foreign investment. There are currently over three
    hundred U.S. businesses operating there but there could be more. If
    confirmed I will make the combined issues of security and prosperity my
    highest priorities.
        I know our governments share the same concerns regarding illegal
    immigration and gang violence.
        The government of El Salvador is working closely with us now to
    educate its citizens on the dangers associated with the long journey to
    the U.S. border and to discourage individuals from traveling to the
    United States without a visa.
        There are multiple gangs in El Salvador where violence is the
    centerpiece of the gang's power, influence and reach.
        In El Salvador gang membership is illegal and the government works
    with the Embassy's International Narcotics and Law Enforcement unit and
    other offices to disrupt and dismantle gangs and other transnational
    criminal organizations. These programs focus on strengthening the
    capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement and criminal justice systems
    through a three part approach: 1) Regional coordination and information
    sharing; 2) Bottom-up community anti-gang efforts designed to improve
    relationships between communities and the police; and 3) Top-down
    institutional reform to strengthen investigation and prosecution of
    criminal actors. If confirmed, one of my top priorities will be to
    expand these programs and to build stronger cooperation among regional
    partners and U.S. law enforcement. Gang violence is a multi-national
    problem and combating it will require multi-national cooperation.
        El Salvador has made progress and there are indicators that should
    help us be optimistic.
        El Salvador's ``Plan El Salvador Seguro'' has helped to reduce the
    murder rate by over 55 percent. And looking at the long term, World
    Bank statistics indicate that from 1990 to 2017 life expectancy
    increased from 64 to 74 years, while per capita income rose and extreme
    poverty dropped significantly.
        We are on the right path but let there be no doubt, it is a path.
    Continued progress requires broad, sustained and persistent engagement
    and a willing partner. If we are respectful of each other's concerns
    and limitations, we can work together toward a cooperative and mutually
    beneficial relationship. I will treat people with dignity, honesty and
    respect. While I will be and effective negotiator, I will also be a
    good listener. I will prioritize our efforts in a way that is impactful
    and beneficial to both sides and I'll make those priorities clear to my
    staff and to our partners.
        Chief of Mission San Salvador is no easy assignment, but I believe
    my experience of over four decades of government service, along with my
    knowledge of the region and my deep respect for the Salvadoran people
    have prepared me well to represent America's interests and to advance
    this relationship. If confirmed I will safeguard our citizens, our
    embassy, and our reputation, and I will help build a more peaceful,
    secure, and prosperous relationship between the United States and the
    Republic of El Salvador. Your counsel and leadership would be crucial
    for this to work and I look forward to working with you and your staffs
    in this endeavor.
        It is an honor to be before you today and I would be pleased to
    answer any questions.

        Senator Rubio. Thank you very much.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick?

      STATEMENT OF MICHAEL J. FITZPATRICK, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER
        MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-
     COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY
       OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF ECUADOR

        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you very much. Mr. Chairman, Ranking
    Member, distinguished members of the committee, it is an honor
    to appear before you this morning as the President's nominee to
    serve as the next United States Ambassador to the Republic of
    Ecuador.
        I would like, first, to recognize some members of my
    family, if I may, without whose strong and continuing support I
    likely would not be here today. First, my dear wife Silvana,
    originally from Peru, joins us today. I would like to recognize
    her and our daughter Michelle both for their repeated personal
    sacrifices as they too have so proudly joined me in serving our
    nation as representatives abroad. My brother John, my sister-
    in-law Ellen, and their son William also join us here today.
        Mr. Chairman, during my 33 years with the State Department,
    I have been honored to represent the United States while living
    in seven countries on five continents and traveling to scores
    of other nations around the world. If I am confirmed, I believe
    that my longstanding involvement and deep familiarity with both
    this region and our government's best practices will be of
    great value to me not only in leading our strong interagency
    teams at Embassy Quito and Consulate General Guayaquil, but
    also in partnering with the government of Ecuador under the
    leadership of President Lenin Moreno.
        The United States has a distinct opportunity to advance our
    relationship with both the people and government of Ecuador by
    developing a genuine partnership. Chief among our shared
    interests in my mind are democracy, prosperity, and security.
        The first responsibility of any U.S. ambassador must be to
    ensure the safety and security of our citizens. I assure you
    that, if confirmed, I will continue to prioritize investments
    and activities that protect the growing number of our citizens
    who live in or visit Ecuador, including for the security of
    U.S. government personnel in country.
        President Moreno has sought to enhance democratic rights
    and practices and to fight corruption while modernizing and
    opening up Ecuador's economy. He has also welcomed greater
    international cooperation, including with the United States, in
    addressing complex regional and global challenges. Especially
    as transnational criminal organizations seek to deepen their
    presence, we should respond positively to offers to cooperate
    with Ecuadorian efforts to fortify their public institutions,
    reduce international crime, and enhance border protection,
    while safeguarding legitimate travel.
        In short, Mr. Chairman, if confirmed, I will work in
    Ecuador to advance U.S. values and interests. That begins with
    pursuing a shared vision of democratic governance, transparent
    economic development, free and fair commerce, and a fair, open,
    and secure environment in which all may pursue their individual
    God-given talents.
        I would like to express my appreciation to this committee
    and its members for your support for U.S. engagement with
    Ecuador at this important time in our country's relationship
    and for your consideration of my nomination today. Thank you,
    Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of the committee. I
    look forward to answering any questions you may have.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Fitzpatrick follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of Michael J. Fitzpatrick

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the
    committee, it is an honor to appear before you today as the President's
    nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador.
        I would like to recognize some members of my family, without whose
    strong and continuing support I likely would not be here today. First,
    my wife, Silvana. Although our daughter, Michelle, cannot be here, she
    is watching the webcast. I would like to recognize them both for their
    repeated personal sacrifices as they too have so proudly served our
    nation as representatives abroad. My brother, John, and my sister-in-
    law, Ellen, also join us here today.
        Mr. Chairman, during my thirty-three years with the State
    Department--first as a Presidential Management Fellow, then as a career
    Civil Servant, and now for three decades as a commissioned Foreign
    Service Officer--I have been honored to represent the United States
    while living on five continents, and TDY service to a sixth. I have had
    the opportunity to travel to scores of nations around the
    world.Nevertheless, it is Latin America where my career began. Latin
    America has been a constant in my life. And it is Latin America that
    has been the focus of my most recent assignments: As Charge d'Affaires,
    a.i. and Deputy Chief of Mission in Lima, Peru; as the Interim United
    States Representative to the Organization of American States; and most
    recently, as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Andes, Brazil
    and the Southern Cone. I believe this long-standing involvement and
    understanding will be of great value to me, if confirmed, both in
    leading our Missions in Guayaquil and Quito, and in partnering with the
    government of Ecuador, under the leadership of President Moreno.
        Since his inauguration in 2017, President Moreno has: repeatedly
    advanced efforts to enhance democratic rights and practices, notably
    press freedom; launched an anti-corruption campaign that resulted in
    the imprisonment of his own Vice President; repealed some authoritarian
    decrees targeting civil society; and, welcomed greater international
    cooperation, including from the United States, in addressing complex
    international challenges.
        The United States thus has a distinct opportunity now to advance
    our relationship with both the government and people of Ecuador, for us
    to rebuild a genuine partnership in pursuit of shared interests. Given
    that this has not always been the case, it is incumbent upon us, I
    believe, not to squander this occasion. Chief among the many
    opportunities, in my mind, as we seek to build a stronger bilateral
    compact are: Democracy, Prosperity, and Security.
        Let me speak to each of those, starting with the last, though
    hardly the least, of these three: Security.
    Security
        Indeed, the first responsibility of any U.S. Ambassador must be to
    ensure the safety and security of our citizens. Ecuador is, with good
    reason, an increasingly attractive destination for Americans, be they
    tourists, students, entrepreneurs, or retirees. I assure you that, if
    confirmed, I will continue to prioritize investments and activities
    that protect all of our personnel and citizens in Ecuador.
        Ecuador also now faces significant challenges from narco-
    trafficking and transnational crime. Mexican cartels, seeking to
    transit cocaine from the neighboring nations of Peru and Colombia to
    the United States and world markets, have expanded their presence in
    Ecuador. Former members of the FARC launched multiple armed attacks
    over the last year along Ecuador's common border with Colombia. The
    government of Ecuador has demonstrated a clear desire to partner with
    the United States, Colombia, Peru, and Mexico to combat transnational
    organized crime and strengthen its security, prosecutorial and judicial
    institutions. We should respond positively, cooperating with Ecuador--
    particularly through capacity-building efforts and the sharing of best
    practices--in their efforts to fortify public institutions, reduce
    international crime and enhance border protection while safeguarding
    legitimate travel.
    Democracy
        A presidentially supported public referendum on constitutional
    reforms won handily last year. Among other steps, this re-introduced a
    two-term limit to the presidency. Although this represents a step
    towards deeper democratization, persistent social and fiscal challenges
    will continue to weigh on governance.
        The United States should continue to promote the rule of law and
    the freedom of speech and association; this will help revitalize civil
    society, restore confidence in national institutions and foster greater
    support for shared values and policies. We must also support Ecuador in
    its efforts to tend to the significant number of Colombian, and
    increasingly, Venezuelan, refugees and migrants, with emphasis on
    protecting the rights of the most vulnerable among them.
    Prosperity
        External economic shocks have contributed to the ousting of three
    democratically elected presidents of Ecuador since the late 1990s.
    While record-high oil prices helped underwrite the public largesse of
    President Moreno's immediate predecessor, fate has not so blessed his
    own administration. Yet his government gains international support for
    its steps to increase transparency, strengthen fiscal institutions and
    re-establish a competitive private-sector driven economy. I commit to
    work, if confirmed, with both the public and private sectors to address
    business environment deficiencies. Together, we can reduce trade
    barriers, promote investor-friendly practices, increase infrastructure
    investments and reduce corruption while providing greater employment
    opportunities.
        In sum, Mr. Chairman, if confirmed, I will work in Ecuador to
    advance U.S. values and interests. That begins with pursuing a shared
    vision of good governance, transparent economic development, free and
    fair commerce, and a fair, open and secure environment in which all may
    pursue their individual, God-given talents.
        I would like to express my appreciation to this committee and its
    members for your support for U.S. engagement with Ecuador at this
    important time in our countries' relationship--and for your
    consideration of my nomination. Thank you Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member,
    and members of the committee. I look forward to answering any questions
    you may have.

        Senator Rubio. Thank you both for being here.
        I will only ask one question, then defer my time to the
    members who may have to go somewhere else.
        So, Mr. Fitzpatrick, I wanted to ask you at the outset. One
    of the highest profile irritants in the relationship
    historically has been Julian Assange's status abroad under the
    protection of diplomatic protection of the government. What
    update can you give us on that? And what role will that play,
    do you believe, in your service to our country from the
    embassy?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, sir. I am deeply concerned about
    Julian Assange and Wikileaks hostile activities and intent to
    undermine U.S. democracy and national security. Mr. Assange's
    nearly 7-year stay in the Ecuadorian embassy has permitted him
    to meddle in U.S. affairs and to harm our national security.
    That is a problem, and letting it drag on much longer would
    continue to harm our interests and I believe Ecuador's
    interests as well.
        If confirmed by the Senate, I would continue to raise our
    significant concerns regarding Mr. Assange, and at every
    appropriate opportunity, I would urge the government to pursue
    a rapid resolution of this issue. I would also expect, if
    confirmed, to remain in very close contact with the members of
    this committee.
        Let me say we respect many of the reform efforts undertaken
    by the Moreno administration, but Mr. Assange does, as I said,
    damage to U.S. national security and the United States will
    have to assess a bilateral relationship accordingly.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        The ranking member.
        Senator Cardin. Once again, thank you to both of you.
        Both El Salvador and Ecuador are democratic states. Both
    have significant challenges in dealing with impunity and
    corruption. This is not a new subject. We have been working on
    the impunity problems in this region for a very long time. We
    have seen in the Northern Triangle different efforts with
    integrity commissions. President-elect Bukele has indicated
    that he intends to seek a commission that will deal with this
    issue, with the assistance of international organizations.
        Can you tell us, Mr. Johnson, your priority in dealing with
    this issue of fighting corruption in El Salvador and how you
    believe the United States can assist the government in
    implementing such a policy?
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Senator.
        I certainly recognize that we do have issues with
    corruption. In fact, one of the previous presidents of El
    Salvador is in prison now for corruption charges, while another
    is under asylum in Nicaragua. I do not think one shoe fits all,
    but I am committed--I know I am committed to support anything
    that will help reduce corruption in El Salvador.
        Like you, I am encouraged by President-elect Bukele's
    comments. I am not privy to the details on how he plans to move
    forward. I think that will largely depend on the President-
    elect and his cabinet as he assembles his administration. But I
    certainly anticipate, if confirmed, to play a role in helping
    him to put together a commission that will be effective in
    ensuring that there is transparency in such agreements, as the
    one that was made with China, and that we can work together
    with the attorney general to fight corruption throughout the
    country.
        Senator Cardin. One thing is clear to me. There are
    international standards for fighting corruption. And that is
    one of the reasons why the different models that have been used
    in Central America have relied in various measures on the help
    of the international community, some 39 nations, other things
    that have been done. But there are standards, and it is
    important. And I would just urge you in your conversations with
    the Salvadoran government to recognize that it is important
    that they take advantage of the help of international
    organizations to give legitimacy to their efforts to fight
    corruption.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick, in Ecuador, the government has indicated
    that they are going to set up some type of corruption
    commission. They have not indicated much more than that. There
    are some conversations about links to the United Nations or OAS
    or other international organizations.
        Can you just assure us that this will be a top priority as
    to how Ecuador institutionalizes their commitment to fight
    corruption in their country?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, sir, Senator. Absolutely I concur
    with that.
        We do not have many details of this announcement by
    President Moreno to establish an international anti-corruption
    commission. As you mentioned, they have discussed linking it
    with both the United Nations and the Organization of American
    States. Of course, the OAS has a number of international
    conventions on anti-corruption which we in the United States
    have strongly supported in the past. We look forward to getting
    a lot more information and some details from the government and
    looking for ways that we can partner with them in implementing
    this as they move forward.
        Senator Cardin. And once again, I would urge the American
    presence to explain how it is important to engage the
    international community in fighting corruption so there is
    again credibility in efforts being made.
        Mr. Johnson, I mentioned TPS in my opening statement. We
    have had some different views here on the TPS issue. My
    understanding is that the mission in San Salvador has been very
    open about their concerns about the TPS not being extended for
    the Salvadorans that are here in this country. My question to
    you is that will you assure us that you will provide
    independent advice as to the circumstances within El Salvador
    that would affect the return of the 200,000 that are currently
    under TPS status as to whether they could safely be repatriated
    back to their country or whether TPS should be extended. There
    are certain standards that we use in extending TPS, and we
    depend upon having the independent advice of the mission.
        Now, the ultimate decision will not be made by the mission,
    but it is important that we get that independent advice. And
    what I have seen to date would indicate that the TPS should be
    extended. Will you make that commitment to us?
        Mr. Johnson. Absolutely, sir. You have my commitment. I
    understand my role on the ground is to provide ground truth
    dealing with capacity and the capability of the Salvadoran
    government to receive people back, as well as with the U.S.
    embassy's capacity to take care of any of those that have
    children or spouses that are U.S. citizens. You have my
    commitment, sir.
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Johnson?
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to first thank both nominees for your past service
    and your willingness to serve in these new capacities.
        And, Mr. Johnson, I really hope that your name is not an
    impediment to getting votes. If so, I apologize right now.
        When I went down to Guatemala and Honduras the first time
    about 4 years ago, I was surprised when they talked about the
    two challenges: corruption and impunity. And corruption--we
    have already talked about that. Impunity
        --I really never heard that before. And, of course, it all
    relates to the drug cartels who are untouchable, and that just
    creates a level of impunity for the extortionists and kind of
    the destruction of these public institutions and it leads to
    corruption.
        I have recently met with the new Ambassador to Mexico a
    couple times, and she has brought in a number of her
    representatives. In our last discussion, it was pretty
    interesting. The representatives were talking about how they
    wanted to cooperate with America. They are getting more
    information on the people coming to this country, their country
    illegally from Guatemala, covering that border.
        But they spent a lot of time talking about development. And
    after I kind of listened to their presentation, one thing that
    is pretty obvious to me is there was no mention whatsoever of
    combating the drug cartels and transnational criminal
    organizations.
        You speak in your testimony about the need for economic
    opportunities for Salvadorans or Guatemalans or Hondurans. That
    is crucial, but you cannot get private investment in an
    unsecure situation. And you mentioned in your testimony gang
    violence is a multinational problem and combating it will
    require multinational cooperation. Is that not the first step?
    And how do we in a multinational way effectively begin to break
    up these drug cartels which are just a scourge to the region?
        And I have said repeatedly the reason we have an unsecure
    border is our insatiable demand for drugs that has given rise
    to these drug cartels who have just expanded their product line
    into human trafficking and sex trafficking. But we have to
    effectively address that multinationally. How do we do that?
    You have a great deal of experience in the region.
        Mr. Johnson. Sir, thank you for that question.
        And you have hit on two major points. One is the
    apprehension and the arrest, if you will, of people that are
    involved in these types of criminal activities, and the other
    is how well we are able to prosecute them and hold them
    accountable once they have been arrested. And that is exactly
    the way I would approach it.
        Number one, there is currently a Northern Triangle
    agreement and task force against gangs, not necessarily against
    drugs but usually where there are drugs, there are gangs
    involved. I am not familiar with the task force. I have not
    visited, but I intend to make that one of my priorities to get
    familiar with it. It is based on personal relationships and
    building trust to teach them to cooperate with each other and
    share this information. And I think it is important because if
    you look at that region, you can commit crimes in one country,
    and when you know things are getting a little hot there, you go
    across the border and you seek refuge in the other. So if we
    can help them learn to trust each other and share that
    information, I think we will have a lot more success with that
    part of it.
        The other part you mentioned is immunity. The current
    prosecution rate is at about 11 percent in El Salvador, so
    there is a 90 percent chance or so that if you are apprehended,
    that you will be released. I know one of my priorities will be
    to work with the new attorney general and the Department of
    Justice, with judges, with prosecutors, and I would look at
    programs that we can bring down that would help train them,
    advise them, and mentor them through the process.
        Senator Johnson. A very chilling story that I was told when
    I was down there. And we all know the examples of brutality. I
    do not even want to talk about them in an open hearing. But if
    you are a new member of the police force in one of these
    countries, you get a little DVD, and on that DVD, it shows
    video of your children and your wife going to church or going
    into school.
        How can you expect police forces to show the courage to
    combat those drug cartels that have almost unlimited resources,
    the billions of dollars from the drug trafficking? Does that
    not almost require a multinational force that is under that
    type of threat? Again, you can work with institutions, but do
    we not need an outside force to really combat this effectively
    with those individuals in country being under that kind of
    threat?
        Mr. Johnson. Sir, if confirmed, I would be willing to look
    at anything we can do to increase security for the personnel in
    El Salvador that face these threats. It will not be the first
    time I have dealt with this. In Iraq, we lost more people when
    they were on leave than we did when they were on duty because
    people would hunt them down in their homes. I think it is a
    very chilling tragedy for someone who is making the decision to
    serve their country and defend their neighborhoods in El
    Salvador in a lot of cases, and they have to worry about their
    loved ones and their security. That is something I will be
    committed to look into early. And I have a little bit of
    experience working on those issues, and we will look at
    everything we can do to help them increase that security.
        Senator Johnson. Well, I want to work with you in that
    capacity and try and put this task force together because that
    is what is going to be required.
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Senator. I look forward to that.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And congratulations to both of you for your nominations.
        Mr. Johnson, I want to go back to the anti-corruption
    agenda of the new president of El Salvador, President Bukele,
    because it is reminiscent of the election of Jimmy Morales to
    be president of Guatemala. Jimmy Morales kind of came out of a
    nontraditional political background. President-elect Bukele is
    the first to be elected without the support of either side of
    the civil conflict in El Salvador for the last 30 years. So he
    is coming in, a young, dynamic mayor of San Salvador, without
    the traditional political background.
        President Morales in Guatemala--anti-corruption was the
    lead theme of the campaign. There was a U.N. CICIG, an anti-
    corruption organization, already in place when he got there
    that he pledged to work together with. Shortly after becoming
    president, he has, together with other officials, attacked that
    anti-corruption agency over and over again. Those attacks have
    often been litigated in the Guatemalan courts, and the courts
    of the country have tended to side with the commission rather
    than the president. The president and his cabinet ordered the
    anti-corruption agency out of the country about 2, 3 months
    ago.
        So with experience in this region, what might you offer to
    us, sort of your thoughts about how the new president of El
    Salvador in pursuing a similar strategy, being elected on an
    anti-corruption platform, suggesting that we will try to set up
    an international independent anti-corruption agency? What might
    we do to help that be successful?
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Senator.
        I think corruption is a very serious problem, and it bleeds
    off a lot of the resources that could go to other more serious
    problems that help drive illegal immigration and prosperity and
    violence in the country.
        I have not had the opportunity to speak with President-
    elect Bukele about the details of his plan moving forward. I
    look forward to doing that. Like you, I am extremely encouraged
    by the remarks that I have heard him make. I mentioned once
    before I do not think one shoe fits all, so I am not sure
    exactly how we would bring or the Salvadorans would bring a
    commission or an organization of some type together to fight
    corruption, but I have to believe he is serious about it.
        And I think another thing that is important to keep in mind
    with President-elect Bukele--like you said, he did not come
    from one of the two major parties that exist in country. The
    National Assembly in El Salvador has 84 seats. His party has
    10. So his success is going to largely depend upon his ability
    to garner support from some of these other parties, and that
    remains to be seen. But I feel very positive about his ability
    to do that. And I look forward to working with him and with
    this body to assist in any way we can.
        Senator Kaine. I really appreciate it. It is a tall order.
    I lived in Honduras, and there are similar issues there and a
    similar commitment by the current government to tackle some of
    these issues. And yet, the OAS declared the most recent
    presidential elections in Honduras so fundamentally flawed that
    the OAS suggested they needed to be re-run. So this is a tall
    order for the new government, and I encourage your attention to
    it.
        If I could ask you, Mr. Fitzpatrick. The Vice President was
    there visiting recently President Moreno, and talked a lot
    about the economy and this idea of a reactivation of the trade
    and investment council. To support President Moreno in his
    reforms, one of the best things we could do is help President
    Moreno in his effort to build more strength in the Ecuadorian
    economy. It has been hit by declining oil prices. Talk a little
    bit about the trade and investment council and what we might be
    able to do as the United States through that vehicle to help
    the economy be more successful.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, sir. Thank you, Senator.
        The United States remains Ecuador's number one trading
    partner by far. Free trade and open markets are in our mutual
    interest.
        As you mentioned, the first meeting of the trade and
    investment council occurred I believe in November, the first
    time in about 9 years that they actually met. The next time the
    council should meet is I believe in June coming forth in
    Ecuador.
        I believe, if confirmed, there are a number of things I
    would like to do to pursue the issues related to the TIC. First
    of all, I would like the opportunity to speak directly to the
    United States private sector, both in the United States and in
    Ecuador, to learn more not just from the briefing papers
    frankly, but from the actual participants in international
    commerce to understand from them the impediments that they are
    still facing, the irritants that exist in our bilateral
    commercial relations.
        Clearly President Moreno is trying to take a number of
    steps to open up their economy, to reengage with the
    international global markets. That is all to the good. It is
    something we should be encouraging them on. But again, as I
    suggested, there are some bilateral irritants, whether it is
    access for agricultural products into their market, whether it
    is intellectual property rights enforcement, et cetera. There
    are a number of issues like that that I think are ripe for us
    to consider through the trade and investment council.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        I look forward to supporting you both.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        And Senator Romney turns 49 today. It is his birthday.
        Senator Romney. Thank you. I appreciate your noticing that.
    And you are 29?
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Rubio. I feel 30.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        I do not think there is any question in people's minds
    about the significance of America's role in the world impacting
    not just the world but also America. One only need to look at
    what is happening in your respective countries that you hope to
    represent us in. Clearly the health and well-being of Latin
    America has an enormous impact on our country, on our citizens
    with regard to everything from gangs like MS-13 to drugs to
    trade and so forth. And so I want to express my appreciation to
    both of you for your willingness to take on assignments in
    these countries and to help foster relations that will improve
    the lives of Americans, as well as improve the lives of people
    in these wonderful nations.
        Mr. Johnson, with the election of a center right president
    in El Salvador, there is hope on the part of many that this
    might begin a trend and that other nations in Central America
    that have been hostile to our interests and hostile to their
    own well-being might be encouraged. As I recall, he won without
    a runoff, over 50 percent of the vote, first time running for
    national office in this nation. And so there are many of us
    that have very high hopes that he will be successful, and this
    might spread to neighbors.
        And I am interested in what your objectives, what your
    priorities would be as you look at helping a new president deal
    with everything from MS-13 to corruption in his government to
    doing his best to keep FMLN from rearing its head again in a
    violent way.
        And then, Mr. Fitzpatrick, I am interested in a follow-up,
    after Mr. Johnson has spoken, about whether there is a growing
    trend in Latin America, as you see it, that might be more
    beneficial to the people of those nations and to the prospects
    of prosperity and peace.
        Yes, Mr. Johnson?
        Mr. Johnson. Happy birthday, Senator.
        Senator Romney. Thank you. You are very kind.
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you for the question.
        I think it is a very complex issue. There are not a lot of
    simple answers, but I have two simple priorities and that is
    security and prosperity. And if we look at the other issues,
    the violence, the narcotics issues, human trafficking, it all
    sort of folds under those two main topics. I can assure you
    that will be my priority. I think it will also be the priority
    of the new president-elect and his administration.
        Like you, I am very excited about the promise that his
    election shows, and as we look at other countries in Central
    America and in South America, I am very interested in how the
    political climate is changing in the region. We have all been
    paying a lot of attention on the news recently to the
    developments in Venezuela, for example. I think Central
    American and South American countries are paying a lot of
    attention to that as well. So I think what happens in Venezuela
    will have an impact throughout the region.
        I think the election in El Salvador will have an impact
    throughout the region. And anything that happens regarding
    security or the problems that we have discussed in the country
    of El Salvador will certainly have an impact on its neighboring
    countries in the Northern Triangle and in the upper part of
    Central America.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, sir. I would echo much of what Mr.
    Johnson said particularly about the priorities of prosperity
    and security. Security first. Without security, prosperity
    simple is not possible. And one need look no further than
    Venezuela for proof positive of that today.
        In the case of Ecuador, for counternarcotics purposes, it
    is a transit country, not a producing country, but it is
    wedged, if you will--Ecuador--between Peru and Colombia, the
    number one and two producing nations in the world. Under
    President Moreno, he has reengaged with the United States but
    also with his immediate neighbors on counternarcotics in a
    range of areas. And we look forward to deepening and
    strengthening that regional cooperation on this transnational
    threat.
        Just in the last few months, through his good offices and
    interagency support by the United States, we have reinitiated
    maritime air patrol activities, and they have already seized
    north of 13 metric tons of cocaine on the high seas in Ecuador.
    That is just one example of one of the benefits of cooperation.
    But frankly, I see it as a simple indicator of the scale of the
    threat. If there were 13 metric tons that we were able to seize
    in a few flights, how much is getting by?
        And so it is incumbent on us, I believe, to double down
    with this administration of President Moreno and the Ecuadorian
    people who also, as was said earlier, can look 1,000 miles away
    and see the threats coming out of Venezuela not only in terms
    of their own security, but frankly for their own prosperity and
    democratic future.
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Mr. Chairman, I want to wish our
    colleague happy birthday. Now that I know that Twinkies is your
    favorite dessert, when I need something, I will bring a package
    over. So happy birthday.
        Mr. Chairman, I have a statement that I would like to be
    included for the record.
        Senator Rubio. Without objection.
        [The prepared statement of Senator Menendez follows:]

                   Opening Statement Senator Robert Menendez

        I want to thank Senators Rubio and Cardin for chairing today's
    hearing. I also want to congratulate Mr. Fitzpatrick and Mr. Johnson on
    your nominations. Today's hearing is an important opportunity to
    discuss relations with Ecuador and El Salvador--two important U.S.
    partners.
        In Ecuador, are witnessing a transformation. President Moreno
    deserves credit for supporting efforts to reinstate presidential term
    limits and improve press freedoms. Together, our governments have
    resumed counternarcotics and security cooperation, and reinstated the
    U.S.-Ecuador Trade and Investment Council to strengthen economic ties.
         President Moreno has also shown leadership in recognizing
    Venezuelan Interim President Guaido, and we are collaborating to
    address the regional impact of Venezuela's migration crisis.
        Despite this notable progress, one specific irritant in the
    bilateral relationship remains. I will ask Mr. Fitzpatrick about how it
    might be resolved and look forward to his response.
        Mr. Johnson, if confirmed, you will arrive in San Salvador in a
    moment of transition and opportunity for strengthening our bilateral
    ties. Since 2014, the U.S. has expanded our engagement with El Salvador
    to facilitate the conditions for security and prosperity, and address
    the issues forcing people to flee their countries. But, progress has
    been piecemeal.
        President-elect Nayib Bukele has proposed new initiatives to
    strengthen governance and combat impunity, and potentially reverse
    President Sanchez Ceren's unfortunate decision to break ties with
    Taiwan. These would be welcome developments.
        I also look forward to discussing the issue of the TPS designation
    for El Salvador. In November 2017, the Trump administration announced
    an end to TPS for roughly 195,000 Salvadorans that have been residing
    in the U.S. legally since 2001, including more than 6,800 with TPS in
    my state of New Jersey. These TPS holders have, by some estimates,
    217,000 U.S. citizen children, including and 3,900 U.S.-born children
    in New Jersey. While the administration's decision to terminate TPS for
    El Salvador is under review by the courts and the administration
    extended TPS designations until 2020 in compliance with court
    directives, I am concerned about the future of TPS. And, I am very
    concerned about how State Department leadership ignored the assessments
    and recommendations of our ambassadors.
        So, there is much to discuss and I look forward to hearing from
    both of our nominees.

        Senator Menendez. Congratulations to both of you on your
    nominations.
        Mr. Johnson, a series of my friends have asked me to be
    nice to you as if I am not nice to every nominee that comes
    before us.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. So I do not know what he means, but
    anyhow, I just want you to know you have friends in the
    community.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick, last month, the Moreno government reached
    initial agreement on a $4 billion IMF package, which would be
    in addition to $6 billion in support from the Inter-American
    Development Bank, World Bank, and other financial institutions.
        What does the magnitude of this financial package say about
    the scope of the economic challenges that President Moreno
    inherited from his predecessor? And what is your assessment of
    the Moreno government's ability to successfully manage and
    implement such a major financial package?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, sir. The $10.2 billion package to be
    provided by the IMF and a number of international financial
    institutions, as I understand it, is to be spread out over a 3-
    year period. It is important for the macroeconomic stability of
    Ecuador, and of course, greater economic prosperity in Ecuador
    is important to the United States as well.
        I think the government of President Moreno took a fair
    amount of time in their first year trying to understand the
    books, if you will, the financial situation that they were left
    with from the Correa administration, and the debt situation
    was, undoubtedly, worse than they had been led to believe
    initially. But President Moreno has taken strong and I think
    courageous steps to reengage with the IMF, to reengage with the
    international financial institutions, to seek support from the
    United States, and to reopen his economy to the global markets.
    That is going to cost him politically I believe in the short
    term at home, but longer term, if we walk the walk with them,
    if we stand by them through this process, I believe they will
    come out stronger at the end.
        Senator Menendez. Do you believe they have the ability to
    implement such a large package?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Yes, I believe they do.
        Senator Menendez. And will you, as our Ambassador, if
    confirmed, to the extent that we are investing some significant
    money through these institutions, monitor what is going on as
    it relates to implementation of those obligations?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Absolutely, sir.
        Senator Menendez. Let me ask you--I know you addressed
    somewhat of this. But with reference to Mr. Assange, what is
    your understanding of Wikileaks interference in our 2016
    elections?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Sir, I am very aware of the January 2017
    assessment by the ODNI about Wikileaks' involvement in that
    working with Russian elements through the GRU to intervene in
    and to influence our elections in 2016 through the use of the
    GRU, in particular to relay U.S. victim information. Then CIA
    Director Pompeo said in April 2017--and of course, he is now my
    boss, the Secretary of State. He said it is time to call out
    Wikileaks for what it really is, a non-state, hostile
    intelligence service often embedded by state actors like
    Russia.
        Senator Menendez. So you accept the intelligence
    community's determination and the Secretary of State's former
    comments when he was the CIA Director?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. I do, sir.
        Senator Menendez. As such, President Moreno refers to
    Assange as an inherited problem, and that is true to an extent.
    But what is the Moreno government going to do to manage
    Assange's presence and limit his ability to interfere in
    foreign elections? And will you make this one of your top
    priorities in your intercession with the Moreno government?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. If confirmed, I certainly commit, sir, to
    make that a priority, absolutely.
        Several months back, the Moreno administration issued a new
    set of requirements for their, shall we say, house guest in
    their embassy in London. He has now been there 6 and a half
    years. But in the fall, a number of additional restrictions
    were placed on him, including restricting his access to the
    Internet. He, as I understand it, has in some ways separated
    himself from Wikileaks, and yet he is still officially the
    publisher of Wikileaks and we still hold him responsible for
    what Wikileaks does.
        Their foreign minister, I understand, has been engaged
    directly with the government of the United Kingdom to work out
    potential ways to resolve this problem in the short term. I
    sense increasing frustration on the part of the government of
    President Moreno. He has called this a pebble in the shoe. It
    is long past time to take that pebble out of the shoe.
        Senator Menendez. It is a big pebble.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. It is a big pebble. It is getting bigger.
    Yes, sir.
        Senator Menendez. Mr. Johnson, do you believe that the
    government of El Salvador has the capacity to guarantee the
    safety of more than 195,000 TPS beneficiaries and their 217,000
    U.S. citizen children?
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Senator.
        I have not had an opportunity to see it firsthand. I know
    that is a lot of people for a small country to absorb,
    especially if they were expected to do it all in a short period
    of time. That said, I am very clear on what my responsibilities
    are in regard to TPS, and that is to provide ground truth on
    what the impact might be and on the capacity and the capability
    of the government to repatriate its citizens and on the U.S.
    embassy's capability----
        Senator Menendez. Will you give honest and unfettered
    information to your superiors and to this committee, if asked,
    about what is the consequences of 400,000 and more people being
    returned to El Salvador?
        Mr. Johnson. Yes, sir. I take a great deal of pride in
    honesty and accuracy, and I will commit to speaking truth.
        Senator Menendez. Two final questions, if I may, Mr.
    Chairman.
        During El Salvador's recent presidential campaign, one of
    President-elect Bukele's most popular campaign proposals was
    that he would set up an internationally supported commission
    against impunity to work with El Salvador's attorney general
    investigating and prosecuting some of the politically thorniest
    corruption cases. Similar commissions in Guatemala and Honduras
    have made real progress with some difficulty.
        Do you believe that El Salvador faces challenges with
    accountability and impunity, and would you support this
    proposal to create an internationally backed commission?
        Mr. Johnson. Sir, I have not had an opportunity to speak
    with President-elect Bukele. I am encouraged by his words on
    anti-corruption. I also understand we have a new attorney
    general in El Salvador that I look forward to working with. I
    think I can safely say that I would be committed to helping
    anyone as they put together a commission or an organization or
    a plan that would help stem corruption and impunity in El
    Salvador.
        Senator Menendez. I appreciate that.
        Do you have any direction by the State Department on this
    question? Have you been given any direction in your briefings
    in preparation of this hearing as to whether this is something
    we support or not?
        Mr. Johnson. Sir, I have not been given any direction on
    that specific issue. I have been given a great deal of help in
    assembling information, but not that specific issue, no, sir.
        Senator Menendez. Given the extensive cooperation between
    Ambassador Manes and former Attorney General Melendez--no
    relationship to me. That is an ``l'' not an ``n''--would you
    prioritize a close relationship with the new attorney general,
    Raul Melara?
        Mr. Johnson. Absolutely, sir. I think that is one of those
    critical relationships that the embassy will have.
        Senator Menendez. I appreciate that.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        I will be the last question unless someone else shows up or
    Senator Romney has anything additional, having reserved the
    time.
        Just on the issue of El Salvador, I would hate for our
    relationship to solely be defined by the issue of migration,
    but it most certainly is a big one. And I have often argued
    that perhaps the best--not that we do not do other things on
    border security, but the most effective thing we can do on
    border security is to help nations address the reasons why
    people are leaving those countries in the first place. We do
    not have a migratory crisis from Costa Rica, Chile, Peru,
    Argentina. It does not mean we have zero, but it is not the
    same pressure. And I think when you look at some of the lowest
    levels of growth in investment, El Salvador has the highest
    homicide rate in Central America. And it is no surprise that we
    are seeing this sort of migratory crisis.
        That said, last year, the statistics say that at the
    southwest border, the number of apprehensions of Salvadorans
    declined, while those from Honduras and Guatemala increased.
        So in a two-part question, to what extent has the work we
    have done or the security plan El Salvador is attributed to
    that decline, and what do we need to do to build on that
    progress in El Salvador?
        Mr. Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I think that if you look at, in particular, INL's program
    in 15 municipalities in El Salvador where they have focused on
    the issue of security and building relationships between the
    community and the police department and on improvements in the
    judiciary system, we have seen the murder rate drop in those
    municipalities by over 50 percent. Some are 55 percent and
    higher.
        What I would propose to do, if confirmed, is spend a great
    deal of time looking at what are the best practices in those
    municipalities, what are we doing that perhaps is not
    contributing, and look to expand the program to other areas,
    and look to take resources from things that are maybe not
    giving us a lot of impact and apply them to other things that
    are showing success. And I agree with you. The numbers are down
    from El Salvador, and I think it can be contributed to the
    efforts of Plan Seguro El Salvador.
        Senator Rubio. And I would just suggest, if confirmed and
    when you are there, that is how you could be most helpful to
    those of us who continue to advocate for addressing the root
    causes of migration and to identify the programs that work best
    and I think also would be helpful for the new administration to
    be able to address those because it builds on the second part.
    I have highlighted about how they have the lowest levels of
    growth in investment in the region.
        The President-elect recently revealed a national
    development plan that calls for a new airport, a new railway
    line. It is not clear yet how they plan to pay for it, but the
    concern always becomes is that China has become an expert at
    swooping in and providing a bunch of money and the workers, by
    the way, to their benefit, and then they trap you in this debt
    situation. And then they leverage that in international forums
    in foreign policy.
        If you could briefly describe, first of all, how much of a
    focus will that be of your time there to ensure that that does
    not happen to our detriment? And second, what can we do from
    the embassy to make El Salvador a more attractive place for
    other investment partners, including U.S. partners, to be able
    to come in and contribute to that?
        Mr. Johnson. Sir, I will answer the second part first. I
    think to make it more attractive to other investors from the
    U.S. and from other countries, we have to establish security.
    We have to reduce the amount of extortion that these businesses
    are paying, and they have to be able to know they can come
    there and hire employees that can come back and forth from work
    to home without having to pay gangs to cross their territory.
        Regarding China, the bad news is China has expanded its
    engagement in the western hemisphere quite a bit in the last 10
    years. The good news is it has not proven to be very effective,
    and I think there is plenty of evidence if you look at places
    where they are heavily invested. And two of those would be
    Venezuela and Nicaragua. They have not followed through with
    their promises. You frequently see construction projects that
    they build that do not provide jobs to local citizens, but they
    bring in their own people to do the work. They bring in their
    own supplies. They do not purchase local supplies. They do not
    have good environmental programs to ensure the environment is
    protected. And I think there is plenty of evidence.
        My job would be to sit down with the government of El
    Salvador with the various people in the legislative assembly
    and others in the administration to ensure that they have seen
    these examples and that they understand what the risks are of
    dealing with China.
        Senator Rubio. And I think that is important simply because
    we hear complaint from the region, which is you asked us not to
    break with Taiwan. You asked us to be wary of Chinese
    investment, but you provide no alternative. And so in
    particular, you have a new president coming in who needs to
    address this. There is money available there from a third
    country even if it comes with a lot of strings attached. And
    there has not been in the past a feeling that the U.S. or
    others have been able to step to the plate and fill the gap. So
    any role we can do in that regard--and you have touched on
    several of the impediments--is important, and I hope will
    become a centerpiece of your service there, if confirmed.
        Mr. Fitzpatrick, on the issue of Ecuador, they face one of
    the biggest fiscal deficits in all the region. I think it is
    about 6 percent of their gross domestic product at least a
    couple of years ago. And they are now undergoing, under
    President Moreno, efforts to sort of open up the economy and to
    seek more private investment. They have announced they are
    going to privatize a number of their state companies. He is
    also promoting public-private partnerships for government
    projects, all this hoping to generate $1.5 billion to $2
    billion to investment in infrastructure and telecommunications
    and things of this nature.
        What is, in your view, the primary obstacles to investment
    right now in Ecuador?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Sir, I think some of the primary obstacles
    for American investors in particular is assureties about--well,
    first of all, import restrictions, but more broadly, assureties
    about getting a fair shake.
        You and Mr. Johnson were just discussing the role of China.
    Of course, China has been a major player in Ecuador in recent
    years. The Ecuadorians have also discovered the potential of a
    debt trap with China, but they have also discovered as well, as
    was suggested, that the Chinese do not always play well in
    terms of labor rights, recognition of environmental rules in
    order they play fair in terms necessarily of transparency on
    loans and investments.
        I believe the United States and the American private
    sector, when they are presented a fair playing field, they can
    compete and compete strongly and well. And it is our job in the
    State Department in particular to go bat for American
    companies, to go bat for the American private sector, and to
    ensure that they get a fair and transparent hearing. And when
    there are indications that they are not and that they are not
    able to compete competitively and free and fairly, whether
    publicly or privately, we take the issues up, as appropriate,
    with the government.
        Senator Rubio. And then one more point on the history of
    Ecuador. They seemed to have gotten hit twice now. First, a 50-
    some odd year, 40-some odd year--I guess 52-53-year--conflicts
    inside of Colombia had a huge spillover effect for them and
    continue to this day as recently as, I guess, a year ago or so.
    There was the abduction of the journalist--the two Ecuadorian
    journalists, and then they were later killed. But obviously,
    now the spillover effect of Venezuela, a different figure,
    between 150,000 and 200,000. We have seen sort of that produce
    a local reaction already of some societal pressures within
    Ecuador as any country would have of this size when assuming so
    many people at once.
        What is your understanding of what can be done to help,
    obviously, I think it brings to light the reality of the
    Venezuela conflict is not just constrained to Venezuela. It has
    a regional impact.
        So the two-part question is what is the risk and the
    threats to Ecuador if in fact that situation in Venezuela
    remains unresolved and actually is exacerbated? Say another 2
    million people were to leave as the U.N. projects in the next
    year or more, and some percentage of those wind up in Ecuador.
    What would be the impact to Ecuador?
        And second, what does Ecuador need now, given all the other
    challenges they are facing with the debt and so forth? What can
    we do to be of assistance to them?
        So the two-part, what would be the impact if Venezuela is
    not resolved and 2 million more people leave, and what can we
    do to help them with their current challenges?
        Mr. Fitzpatrick. Thank you, Senator. You are quite right to
    be concerned about the potential impact.
        Ecuador historically has been very open to international
    migration through its country--to its country and through its
    country. Currently only about a dozen countries in the world--
    citizens of a dozen countries are required visas even to travel
    to Ecuador. So they are very pro-migration, if you will,
    internationally.
        That said, I have heard the numbers from the U.N. lately,
    as many as 220,000 currently in Ecuador. Obviously, that fluxes
    over time. But I think you are right that the numbers are only
    likely to increase as the situation in Venezuela gets worse.
        There have been some unfortunate recent incidents in
    Ecuador of xenophobia and some criminality. It is important
    that Ecuadorians I believe continue their openness and
    welcoming of Venezuelans and other migrants as they have so
    ably and capably welcomed Colombians for so many years, as you
    said, fleeing violence next door. But there is no doubt that
    given the current situation, economic situation, it is
    increasingly difficult for them.
        The United States has, therefore, stepped forward with
    increasing amounts of humanitarian assistance for Ecuadorian
    communities, as well as for the Colombians and Venezuelans that
    are now relocated to Ecuador. Currently it is about $20 million
    we have provided over the last 2 years. I would imagine as the
    situation gets worse in Venezuela, the need will only increase.
        So what they need now immediately is continued cooperation
    with all their regional partners. Ecuador is hosting a number
    of migratory conferences as the region tries to deal with the
    outflow from Venezuela. I think some technical assistance, the
    skills, the capabilities, the technologies that the United
    States can bring to bear would be of help to them.
        Senator Rubio. I would just add the Ecuadorian embassy has
    told us the number is as high as 280,000. So we started at
    150,000. It has climbed to 280,000 in the short time we started
    this. Nonetheless, it is a very significant burden for a
    country of the size. And by the way, this is not over a 20-year
    period. This is over a 3 or 4-year period.
        So I think it just calls to mind, in the case of Ecuador,
    here we have a new president who has sort of realigned the
    nation's foreign policy and practices to be friendlier towards
    the United States and their neighbors in the region, but whose
    success is threatened by both the preexisting debt issue, which
    at some point they may need to have to go to outside finance to
    sort of deal with, and secondarily, with this neighboring
    crisis, which continues to escalate with an unpredictable
    future ahead.
        And I just think it, once again, touches on the point that
    one of the best things that we could do to help Ecuador, as
    well as Colombia and other countries in the region, is do all
    we can to be supportive of a democratic transition that brings
    stability to Venezuela and takes away this crisis, which
    extends beyond Venezuela and actually threatens to severely
    harm, if not collapse, the success of the region because
    whether it is Ecuador or whether it is Colombia or Peru, these
    are important anti-drug partners as well whose ability to
    commit resources to that is constrained even further by the
    influx of this crisis.
        So it is complex but it is an important issue that I think
    bears to mind why this is really a regional crisis and not a
    localized one.
        I tell all of our nominees that the shorter the hearing,
    the better the news is for both of you. Usually people that are
    going to have some problems have a lot of people show up and
    ask a lot of questions, and the crowd is full and the cameras
    are here. If I were ever nominated for something, the less
    people that are there and the less questions you are asked, the
    better sign it is. That has at least been the history. Anything
    can happen. But I think you both have done very well today, and
    I appreciate both of you coming and giving us the time and your
    willingness to continue to serve.
        The record of this hearing is going to remain open for
    another 48 hours. So it is possible written questions may be
    submitted, and I hope we can get those answered if the are
    submitted--questions for the record--quickly so we can expedite
    this and see when the chairman sets up our next steps.
        But, again, thank you both for being here and your
    families.
        And with that, this hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 11:10 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Ronald Johnson by Senator Robert Menendez

    TPS for El Salvador
        On July 7, 2017, the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador sent an
    unclassified cable numbered San Salvador 860, with recommendations
    regarding Temporary Protected Status for El Salvadorans. The cable
    warned that the government of El Salvador lacked the capacity to
    guarantee the safety of more than 195,000 TPS beneficiaries or their
    217,000 U.S.-citizen children, and that they would be vulnerable to
    gang recruitment, as a result. The cable also stated that repatriating
    so many people could accelerate unauthorized immigration to the U.S.,
    and concluded that it is in the U.S. national interest to extend the
    TPS designation for El Salvador. In the end, we know the Trump
    administration ignored these assessments and tried to end TPS anyway.
    If confirmed, at some point it will be your responsibility to write a
    similar cable.

        Question.  Do you believe the government of El Salvador has the
    capacity to guarantee the safety of the more than 195,000 TPS
    beneficiaries and their 217,000 U.S. citizen children?

        Answer. The Department of Homeland Security provided a delayed
    effective date of 18 months for El Salvador to permit an orderly
    transition both for those individuals returning home and for the
    government. My understanding is the phase-out period will provide TPS
    beneficiaries time to arrange for their departure and the government of
    El Salvador time to prepare for the reception and reintegration of
    their citizens. It is also my understanding that the administration is
    expending significant time and effort working with the government of El
    Salvador and the other Northern Triangle governments to address the
    security and prosperity of Salvadorans and others in the region. I also
    understand that the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has met with host
    government counterparts to encourage further development of programs
    and services that can facilitate the successful reintegration of their
    nationals, including TPS returnees. If confirmed, I will continue to
    work closely with the government of El Salvador to strengthen its
    ability to safely and successfully reintegrate their returning
    nationals and support its security and prosperity-focused efforts.

        Question.  Do you believe repatriated TPS beneficiaries and their
    U.S. citizen children would be vulnerable to gang recruitment in El
    Salvador?

        Answer. I am concerned with the security situation posed by gangs
    in El Salvador, including gang recruitment of minors. I understand the
    U.S. government has hosted immigration workshops in El Salvador to
    explore challenges and best practices in reintegration. I also
    understand that the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has met with host
    government counterparts to encourage further development of programs
    and services that can facilitate the successful reintegration of their
    nationals, including TPS returnees. If confirmed, I will continue to
    work with the government of El Salvador to strengthen its ability to
    safely and successfully reintegrate their returning nationals and
    ensure the U.S. Embassy is able to assist U.S. citizens, including
    minor children.

        Question.  Do you agree that the destabilizing impact of
    repatriating hundreds of thousands of people to El Salvador could
    accelerate unauthorized immigration to the U.S.?

        Answer. I understand that the multi-year U.S. Strategy for Central
    America seeks to address the underlying economic, security, and
    governance challenges that contribute to illegal immigration. I also
    understand that the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has met with host
    government counterparts to encourage further development of programs
    and services that can facilitate the successful reintegration of their
    nationals, including TPS returnees. If confirmed, I will work to
    redouble the efforts to strengthen El Salvador's ability to reintegrate
    all returning nationals, including TPS returnees.

        Question.  Do you believe that repatriating hundreds of thousands
    of people to El Salvador could have the collateral impact of
    undermining our bilateral cooperation with the Salvadoran government?

        Answer. A secure and stable Central America contributes to a safer
    and more prosperous United States by addressing the security,
    governance, and economic drivers of illegal immigration in Central
    America. If confirmed, I will continue to advance the Department's work
    with the government of El Salvador to advance these objectives. I
    understand the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has met with host government
    counterparts to encourage further development of programs and services
    that can facilitate the successful reintegration of their nationals,
    including TPS returnees. If confirmed, I will continue to work with the
    government of El Salvador to strengthen its ability to safely and
    successfully reintegrate and provide for its nationals, including TPS
    returnees.

        Question.  Do you believe it is in the U.S. national interest to
    extend the TPS designation for El Salvador?

        Answer. A secure and prosperous Central America contributes to a
    safer and more prosperous United States by addressing the security,
    governance, and economic drivers of illegal immigration in Central
    America. If confirmed, I will continue to work with the government of
    El Salvador to strengthen its ability to safely and successfully
    reintegrate and provide for its nationals, including TPS returnees.

    Taiwan
        Question.  El Salvador cut its ties to Taiwan and established
    sovereign relations with China on August 21 of last year, reducing the
    number of countries that still recognize Taiwan to 17. This change was
    directly related to growing Chinese influence in the Western
    Hemisphere.

      What are the prospects for President-elect Nayib Bukele reversing
            El Salvador's recognition of Taiwan?

        Answer. I have not had the chance to meet President-elect Nayib
    Bukele and am not able at this time to assess the likelihood of his
    reversing El Salvador's recognition of Taiwan.

        Question.  What do you think are the prospects for limiting Chinese
    influence in El Salvador, and.

        Answer. We encourage Latin American leaders to choose high quality,
    transparent, inclusive, and sustainable foreign investment, and we want
    to ensure development financing does not result in unsustainable debt.
    When evaluating types of partnerships and investment relationships,
    Latin American leaders must ensure they are getting the best deal for
    their country and their people over the long term.
        It is my understanding that the U.S. Mission San Salvador has
    focused on promoting transparency for government decision-making with
    regard to all foreign investments and has been successful in raising
    public awareness of the risks connected with corrupt investment
    practices and excessive debt. If confirmed I would be a strong advocate
    for investments that are transparent, commercially motivated, private
    sector-led, and that respect national sovereignty and apply best
    international practices. If these practices are followed, the
    government of El Salvador will be able to make decisions that benefit
    the Salvadoran people and consider the interests of key partners such
    as the United States.

    Weak Rule of Law/Governance Driving Migration
        Question.  It is widely understood that poor security conditions
    and high levels of violence are drivers of migration in Central
    America, but weak rule of law, corruption, and the lack of democratic
    governance also contribute to increased migration. I would like to ask
    how U.S. policy could support the fight against corruption, strengthen
    the rule of law, and ultimately support Salvadoran efforts to create
    stable and durable democratic governance.

       What is your assessment about how weak rule of law and a lack of
            democratic governance drive migration?

        Answer. I understand pervasive corruption, impunity, weak
    institutions, and lack of transparency erode prosperity and undermine
    security in El Salvador. These conditions allow for permissive
    environments in which transnational criminal organizations thrive.
    Corruption strains a government's ability to address complex security,
    economic, and governance challenges--the interrelated root causes that
    drive illegal immigration toward the United States. Improving
    democratic governance, strengthening institutions and the rule of law,
    and tackling corruption and impunity are among the most urgent
    challenges that countries like El Salvador face. If confirmed, I will
    underscore in my engagement with the Salvadoran government the
    importance of its collective action in the fight against corruption.

        Question.  What is your assessment of the challenges to democratic
    governance faced by El Salvador today? Where would you place anti-
    corruption efforts as a priority in El Salvador?

        Answer. I understand corruption in El Salvador is a significant
    problem and is a drag on the economy, weakens government institutions,
    hampers the fight against narcotics trafficking and insecurity, and
    contributes to illegal migration flows. The successful prosecution of
    former President Saca for corruption by former Attorney General
    Melendez indicates that parts of the government of El Salvador are
    committed to fighting corruption and building strong democratic
    institutions. There is much more yet to be done. The U.S. Strategy for
    Central America aims to secure U.S. borders and protect U.S. citizens
    by addressing the interrelated security, governance, and economic
    challenges that drive illegal immigration and illicit trafficking. The
    U.S. government supports the fight against corruption by helping to
    strengthen government institutions by mentoring prosecutors, training
    law enforcement, and providing other technical assistance. If
    confirmed, I will continue to prioritize U.S. government efforts to
    combat corruption and impunity in El Salvador.

        Question.  Do you see a role for the U.S. in supporting anti-
    corruption efforts, and efforts to strengthen the rule of law? What
    tools do you think you would need to further this effort?

        Answer. I understand the United States has consistently supported
    El Salvador's current and former attorneys general in their efforts to
    tackle corruption and prosecute high-level officials for their crimes.
    If confirmed, I will continue to support the U.S. government's efforts
    to provide training and assistance to Salvadoran institutions to
    strengthen the rule of law. My understanding is U.S. assistance seeks
    to support more effective, transparent, and accountable judicial
    institutions; combat corruption and impunity; promote accountability;
    uphold the rule of law; and increase access to justice. If confirmed, I
    will continue to support these efforts to build upon U.S. support for
    good governance and anticorruption efforts in El Salvador.

    International Commission Against Impunity
        Question. During El Salvador's recent presidential campaign, one of
    President-elect Nayib Bukele's most popular campaign proposals was that
    he would set up an internationally-supported commission against
    impunity to work with El Salvador's attorney general on investigating
    and prosecuting some of the politically thorniest corruption cases.
    Similar commissions in Guatemala and Honduras have made real progress,
    despite some difficulties.

       Do you believe that El Salvador faces challenges with
            accountability and impunity?

        Answer. I understand pervasive corruption, impunity, weak
    institutions, and lack of transparency erode prosperity and undermine
    security in El Salvador. These conditions allow for permissive
    environments in which transnational criminal organizations thrive.
    Corruption strains a state's ability to address complex security,
    economic, and governance challenges--the interrelated root causes that
    drive illegal immigration toward the United States. I understand
    improving democratic governance, strengthening institutions and the
    rule of law, and tackling corruption and impunity are among the most
    urgent challenges that El Salvador faces. If confirmed, I will
    underscore in my engagement with all branches of the Salvadoran
    government the importance of their collective action in the fight
    against corruption and commit to supporting its efforts to do so.

        Question.  Will you support President-elect Bukele's proposal to
    create an internationally-backed commission to help investigate and
    prosecute cases?

        Answer. I understand President-elect Bukele expressed a desire to
    form an independent anticorruption commission. While it is up to the
    Salvadoran people and their leaders to decide what is best for their
    country, it is essential any anti-corruption efforts build on El
    Salvador's progress to-date in combatting corruption and impunity.
        If confirmed, I will continue U.S. support for the Salvadoran
    government's efforts to strengthen its institutions to fight corruption
    and impunity and will look forward to assessing all available options
    related to these priorities to ensure the U.S. can support most
    effectively to achieve measurable results.

    Collaboration with Attorney General
        Question.  El Salvador's legislative assembly elected a new
    Attorney General just last December, replacing Douglas Melendez, a
    proven and brave prosecutor who led several important investigations to
    uphold accountability and the rule of law.

      Do you believe that El Salvador faces challenges with
            accountability and impunity?

        Answer. I understand the United States has consistently supported
    El Salvador's current and former Attorneys General in their efforts to
    tackle corruption and prosecute high-level officials for their crimes.
    I also understand that the Current Attorney General, Raul Melara, has
    made clear his commitment to partnering with the United States
    government to address corruption in El Salvador. If confirmed, I will
    continue to support Mission San Salvador's efforts to provide training
    and assistance to Salvadoran institutions working to strengthen the
    rule of law, including the Attorney General's office.

        Question.  Will you support President-elect Bukele's proposal to
    create an internationally-backed commission to help investigate and
    prosecute cases?

        Answer. U.S. assistance seeks to support more effective,
    transparent, and accountable judicial institutions; combat corruption
    and impunity; promote accountability; uphold the rule of law; and
    increase access to justice. These efforts seek to build on the recent
    Salvadoran successes to combat impunity and transnational organized
    crime. If confirmed, I will continue to support these and other efforts
    to build upon U.S. support for good governance and anticorruption
    efforts in El Salvador.

    Promoting the Rule of Law
        Question.  The recently-approved foreign assistance appropriation
    for FY19 includes a section on Central America and is relevant for El
    Salvador. As the nominee for Ambassador, I want to make sure that you
    are comfortable with it. The language makes clear that we will continue
    to provide assistance to El Salvador to help it build democratic
    institutions and fight corruption, and that if the government in San
    Salvador is not seriously committed to these goals, we will not waste
    U.S. taxpayer dollars and will look to move that money elsewhere.

      Can you tell the committee what evidence you will be looking for
            that the Salvadoran government is serious about fighting
            corruption and improving the performance of the judiciary, the
            Attorney General's office, and the police?

        Answer. A lack of transparency, corruption, weak institutions, and
    high impunity rates pose significant obstacles to advancing human
    rights, civil society and democracy in El Salvador. Addressing these
    issues is essential to effectively combat transnational organized
    crime, and will require sustained support and commitment by both the
    government and the people of El Salvador. If confirmed, I will continue
    the U.S. government's efforts to develop trusted and capable judicial
    institutions. Specifically, I would plan to continue to support the
    Salvadoran Attorney General in efforts to combat corruption and
    criminality and strengthen the capacity of his office and other justice
    sector entities.
        U.S. assistance has enabled El Salvador to conduct more complex
    investigations and become trusted partners of U.S. law enforcement. It
    is my understanding that Salvadoran institutions can now deliver high-
    impact results due to U.S. support, such as the successful prosecution
    of former President Saca for corruption. A continuation of high-impact
    investigations and prosecutions would send a strong signal to the
    Salvadoran people that their institutions of government will combat
    corruption.

    MS-13
        Question.  The administration has focused a great deal of time and
    media attention on MS-13, and while there is no doubt that MS-13 is an
    important and dangerous actor contributing to crime and violence in El
    Salvador, the government has engaged in iron-fisted anti-gang efforts
    that can prove counterproductive. El Salvador has one of the region's
    largest prison overpopulation rates, and neighborhood sweeps result in
    the imprisonment of scores of young men and women, often without
    criminal charges. By some estimates, 50% of prisoners in El Salvador
    have not been charged with any crime, and these prisoners can wait as
    long as two years for release. Moreover, during those two years they
    are forced to live in inhumane and dangerous conditions in which they
    are forced to join prison gangs simply to survive. As a result, many
    are innocent when they enter prison, but find themselves deeply
    integrated into criminal life upon their release.

      What can the U.S. do to encourage a new approach to Salvador's gang
            problems?

        Answer. Gang violence and criminality, such as extortion, undermine
    the security of El Salvador and have led to a large prison population.
    El Salvador also continues to face serious human rights challenges and
    the Department, through INL and USAID, is working to help Salvadoran
    authorities develop a professional, credible, and effective judicial
    system to address corruption, uphold the rule of law, and respect human
    rights. The United States works to encourage and assist the Salvadoran
    government with institutional reforms that will equip police and
    justice entities, including the prisons, to effectively investigate,
    prosecute, and hold accountable individuals and organizations,
    including gang members, that break Salvadoran law. If confirmed, I look
    forward to working with the new administration in El Salvador to
    discuss the best way forward on this complex issue to ensure human
    rights and the rule of law are upheld while we tackle gang violence and
    other pressing security issues.

        Question.  USAID supports gang prevention and reduction programs,
    and there is evidence that these programs have an impact. Will you
    continue to support these programs?

        Answer. It is my understanding that the U.S. Mission in El Salvador
    is working with the government of El Salvador to institutionalize
    proven prevention programs,. If confirmed, I would work to support gang
    prevention and reduction programs and build the evidence-base for what
    works in reducing crime and violence in this region, partnering with
    U.S.-based organizations that have proven experience addressing these
    types of challenges in gang-ridden cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.

    Migration

        Question.  Salvadorans are leaving their country in very high
    numbers, and it's not just single men looking for work. We are seeing,
    at our border, a lot of families with children, sometimes children
    without their parents.

       Can you give us your assessment of why so many people are leaving,
            and what can be done to address the conditions--like gang crime
            and domestic violence--that contribute to this?

        Answer. I understand many Salvadoran citizens continue to undertake
    dangerous and illegal journeys to reach the United States often citing
    insecurity, limited economic opportunities, and a desire for a better
    future as among the reasons why they left El Salvador. I also
    understand the U.S. government, as a part of the multi-year U.S.
    Strategy for Central America, seeks to assist Central American
    governments as they work to address the underlying economic, security,
    and governance conditions that drive illegal immigration. If confirmed,
    I will continue to prioritize diplomatic engagement and foreign
    assistance programs that can help address the drivers of illegal
    immigration.

    Democracy
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Throughout my over four decades of service to the United
    States, I have supported and defended freedom, democracy, strong rule
    of law, and the promotion of human rights and individual liberty around
    the world, engaging with foreign leaders and citizens in Latin America
    and the Middle East. As a military officer, I was responsible for
    promoting respect for democracy and human rights in interactions with
    foreign personnel and for reporting to my chain of command any known or
    suspected violations. Throughout my government service, I have held
    numerous leadership positions that required me to teach formal classes
    to both U.S. and foreign personnel on human rights, and I have advised
    and mentored foreign partners on the importance of gaining the support
    of the local population by treating them with respect and fairness.
    Most recently, as an advisor to senior military commanders, I briefed
    them on human rights allegations to help them prioritize the protection
    of human rights as a key component of their interactions with foreign
    leaders and organizations.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    democracy or democratic development in El Salvador? These challenges
    might include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. A lack of transparency and government accountability,
    endemic corruption, weak institutions, violations of human rights, and
    high impunity rates are among most pressing challenges to democracy in
    El Salvador.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in El Salvador? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. I believe it is essential for the United States to work
    with civil society, business communities, journalists, religious
    leaders, and academic institutions in El Salvador to address these
    challenges to democracy. If confirmed, I will continue to provide
    strong support for the important efforts of the Salvadoran Attorney
    General to combat corruption, impunity, and criminality; build judicial
    institutions; strengthen the rule of law; and hold government and
    security leaders accountable to the Salvadoran people for violations of
    the law.
        It is my understanding that the Attorney General's office does not
    have adequate resources to investigate complicated financial crimes to
    investigate high-level corruption and the National Civilian Police
    needs more training and additional resources. If confirmed, I will work
    to prioritize U.S. government support to address these challenges.

        Question.  How will you utilize U.S. government assistance
    resources at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small
    Grants program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding,
    to support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. U.S. foreign assistance to El Salvador supports the U.S.
    Strategy for Central America, which includes security, economic
    opportunity, and governance objectives. I understand U.S. government
    support has enabled Salvadoran law enforcement to conduct complex
    investigations and become better partners for U.S. law enforcement to
    more effectively fight crime and tackle gang violence, especially
    related to MS-13. Additionally, U.S. assistance combats gang violence
    by strengthening the capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement and the
    justice sector through a three-pronged approach of community
    engagement, institutional reform, and increased information-sharing.If
    confirmed, I will work to build the capacity of Salvadoran law
    enforcement institutions, increase information-sharing to fight crime
    and gang violence, and support the National Civil Police's (PNC)
    efforts to provide for greater security and the protection of human
    rights for the Salvadoran people.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in El Salvador? What steps will you take to pro-actively
    address efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via
    legal or regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes, I commit to meeting with civil society members, human
    rights and other non-governmental organizations in the United States,
    with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil society in El
    Salvador I also commit to address with the Salvadoran government any
    restrictions on the fundamental freedoms and rights of civil society to
    advocate with their government.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with democratically-
    oriented political opposition figures and parties and encourage genuine
    political competition as part of strengthening democratic institutions
    and governance in El Salvador. I will advocate for the rights of women,
    minorities, and youth to engage in the democratic process.As
    demonstrated by the recent presidential election in which outsider
    Nayib Bukele won a competitive multiparty race, El Salvador has a
    functioning democracy and Salvadorans value their democratic system. If
    confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for the rule of law and human
    rights that are the foundation of the democratic system. Where
    appropriate, I would support election monitoring. I would speak
    publicly in favor of free and fair elections and I would encourage the
    investigation and prosecution of criminal attempts to violate the
    integrity of elections.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with El
    Salvador on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in El Salvador?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will work with the U.S. Mission in El
    Salvador to actively engage with the government of El Salvador on
    freedom of the press and address any government efforts designed to
    control or undermine press freedom through legal, regulatory or other
    measures. I also commit to meeting regularly with independent, local
    press in El Salvador.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    civil society and government counterparts on countering disinformation
    and propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will work with the U.S. Mission in El
    Salvador to actively engage with civil society and government
    counterparts on countering disinformation and propaganda disseminated
    by foreign state or non-state actors in the country.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with El
    Salvador on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the U.S. Embassy in El
    Salvador and actively engage with the government of El Salvador on the
    right of labor groups to organize, including for independent trade
    unions.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in El Salvador, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do
    the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face
    in El Salvador? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in El Salvador?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to using my position to advance U.S.
    interests and values and defend the human rights and dignity of all
    people in El Salvador, regardless of sexual orientation or gender
    identity.
        It is my understanding that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and
    queer (LGBTQ) people in El Salvador face discrimination,
    marginalization, and violence directed against them. If confirmed, I
    will set an example for all mission personnel and for the government
    and people of El Salvador in respecting the dignity, value, and
    equality of all persons. .I would also encourage the government of El
    Salvador to investigate and prosecute all crimes committed, including
    those against marginalized populations, to ultimately prevent impunity
    and strengthen the rule of law and access to justice for all people.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. Department
    employees, like all federal employees, are subject to restrictions on
    engaging in partisan political activity while at work and outside of
    work. If confirmed, I will ensure that prohibited personnel practices,
    including retaliation and blacklisting, will not be tolerated under my
    leadership and that all employees understand and are in strict
    compliance with federal statutes, the Hatch Act, Department policy, and
    federal ethics laws concerning political beliefs or previous work on
    policy or affiliation with a previous administration.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. No.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Ronald Johnson by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Throughout my over four decades of service to the United
    States, I have supported and defended freedom, democracy, strong rule
    of law, and the promotion of human rights and individual liberty around
    the world, engaging with foreign leaders and citizens in Latin America
    and the Middle East. As a military officer, I was personally
    responsible for promoting the respect for democracy and human rights in
    interactions with foreign personnel and for reporting to my chain of
    command any known or suspected violations. Throughout my government
    service, I have held numerous leadership positions that required me to
    teach formal classes to both U.S. and foreign personnel on human
    rights, and I have advised and mentored foreign partners on the
    importance of gaining the support of the local population by treating
    them with respect and fairness. Most recently, as an advisor to senior
    military commanders, I briefed them on human rights violation
    allegations against foreign leaders and organizations to help them
    prioritize the protection of human rights as a key component of their
    interactions with foreign leaders and organizations.

        Question.  What are the most pressing human rights issues in El
    Salvador? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in El Salvador? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. I believe the most pressing human rights issues in El
    Salvador come from organized criminal elements, including local and
    transnational gangs and narcotics traffickers. These individuals and
    entities commit violent crimes, including murder, extortion,
    kidnapping, and human trafficking, and they threaten and intimidate
    police, judicial authorities, the business community, journalists,
    women, and members of vulnerable populations. I also have serious
    concerns regarding allegations of unlawful killings, forced
    disappearances, torture at the hands of suspected gang members and
    security forces and harsh prison conditions, arbitrary arrest and
    detention, and children enslaved in horrific conditions of child labor
    If confirmed, I will work to support current U.S. efforts to address
    these issues, promote democratic governance and the rule of law,
    protect human rights, and partner with the Salvadoran Public Ministry
    and civil society to effectively combat corruption and impunity and
    achieve greater government transparency and accountability to
    Salvadoran citizens, fewer homicides and violent crimes, and less
    illegal migration to the U.S.

        Question.  If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in El Salvador in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. A lack of transparency and government accountability,
    endemic corruption, weak institutions, and high impunity rates pose
    significant obstacles to advancing democracy, human rights, and the
    rule of law in El Salvador. I believe it is essential for the U.S. to
    work with civil society, business communities, journalists, religious
    leaders, and academic institutions in El Salvador to address these
    challenges. If confirmed, I will work to continue strong U.S. support
    for the important efforts of the Salvadoran Attorney General to combat
    corruption, impunity, and criminality; build judicial institutions;
    strengthen the rule of law; and hold government and security leaders
    accountable to the Salvadoran people for violations of the law.

        Question.  Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in El Salvador?

      If confirmed, what steps will you take to pro-actively support the
            Leahy Law and similar efforts, and ensure that provisions of
            U.S. security assistance and security cooperation activities
            reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes, I am committed to and look forward to meeting with
    human rights, civil society, and other non-governmental organizations
    in the U.S. and with local human rights NGOs in El Salvador.
        If confirmed, in accordance with the Leahy law and all applicable
    legal requirements, I will work to continue U.S. efforts to thoroughly
    vet all foreign security force personnel and units prior to them
    receiving U.S. government--funded assistance. If information is found
    related to a gross violation of human rights, I will review and
    recommend appropriate actions be taken to ensure U.S. taxpayer dollars
    follow all applicable U.S. laws and work to assist the Salvadoran
    government in bringing the responsible parties to justice.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with El
    Salvador to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by El Salvador?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will work with my embassy colleagues
    to actively engage with Salvadoran government officials to address
    cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise unjustly targeted
    by the Salvadoran government, especially if they are U.S. citizens.

        Question.  Will you engage with El Salvador on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will engage with the Salvadoran
    government and Salvadoran people on matters of human rights, civil
    rights, and democratic governance issues as part of our Mission's
    priorities.

        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in El Salvador?

        Answer. No. Neither I, nor any members of my immediate family, have
    financial interests in El Salvador.

        Question.  Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to leading the team of U.S.
    and Salvadorian nationals at Embassy San Salvador and to tapping the
    unique and diverse talents each person brings to promote U.S. foreign
    policy objectives in El Salvador. At the State Department's core are
    its people. The Department is committed to fostering a workforce that
    reflects the diverse people it represents. Diversity not only enhances
    our effectiveness but also promotes a workplace culture that values the
    efforts of all members and enhances the professional experience of our
    valued public servants. The Department's diversity efforts are outlined
    in its 2016 Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan. If confirmed, I
    will prioritize a variety of training opportunities, mentoring, and
    career development programs to ensure employees have the skills
    necessary for current and future work assignments.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. The State Department is committed to equal employment
    opportunity (EEO) and ensuring the Department's work environment is
    free from prohibited discrimination and harassment in all phases of
    employment--including hiring, evaluation, promotion, and training. This
    includes improving and enhancing mentorship programs, expanding
    outreach to managers who make hiring decisions, and encouraging
    collaboration with external partners. If confirmed, I will strongly
    communicate the Department's EEO policies in my mission and ensure they
    are followed. If confirmed, I will also take advantage of the variety
    of programs the Department offers to help supervisors work with a
    multicultural staff.

        Question.  If the Salvadoran president requests U.S. assistance in
    forming this commission, how can the U.S. support such an
    effort?Answer:

        Answer. The U.S. government supports the Salvadoran government's
    efforts to combat corruption and impunity. If confirmed, I commit to
    working to continue this close collaboration with President-elect Nayib
    Bukele and his government to further advance these priorities. I
    understand President-elect Bukele has expressed a desire to form an
    independent anticorruption commission to build on El Salvador's
    progress to-date in combatting corruption and impunity. If confirmed, I
    commit to continuing U.S. support for the Salvadoran government's
    efforts to strengthen its institutions to fight corruption and impunity
    and will look forward to assessing all available options related to
    these priorities to ensure the U.S. can support most effectively to
    achieve measurable results.

        Question.  How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in El Salvador
    specifically?

        Answer. I understand that pervasive corruption, impunity, weak
    institutions, and lack of transparency erode prosperity and undermine
    security in El Salvador. These conditions allow for permissive
    environments in which transnational criminal organizations thrive.
    Corruption strains a government's ability to address complex security,
    economic, and governance challenges--the interrelated root causes that
    drive illegal immigration toward the United States. Improving
    democratic governance, strengthening institutions and the rule of law,
    and tackling corruption and impunity are among the most urgent
    challenges that countries like El Salvador face. If confirmed, I will
    underscore in my engagement with the Salvadoran government the
    importance of its collective action in the fight against corruption.

        Question.  What is your assessment of corruption trends in El
    Salvador and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. I understand that corruption in El Salvador is a
    significant problem and is a drag on the economy, weakens government
    institutions, hampers the fight against narcotics trafficking and
    insecurity, and contributes to illegal migration flows. The successful
    prosecution of former President Saca for corruption by former Attorney
    General Melendez indicates that parts of the government of El Salvador
    are committed to fighting corruption and building strong democratic
    institutions. There is much more yet to be done. The U.S. Strategy for
    Central America aims to secure U.S. borders and protect U.S. citizens
    by addressing the interrelated security, governance, and economic
    challenges that drive illegal immigration and illicit trafficking. The
    U.S. government supports the fight against corruption by helping to
    strengthen government institutions by mentoring prosecutors, training
    law enforcement, and providing other technical assistance. If
    confirmed, I will continue to prioritize U.S. government efforts to
    combat corruption and impunity in El Salvador.

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen
    good governance and anticorruption programming in El Salvador?

        Answer. I understand the United States has consistently supported
    El Salvador's current and former attorneys general in their efforts to
    tackle corruption and prosecute high-level officials for their crimes.
    If confirmed, I will continue to support the U.S. government's efforts
    to provide training and assistance to Salvadoran institutions to
    strengthen the rule of law. My understanding is U.S. assistance seeks
    to support more effective, transparent, and accountable judicial
    institutions; combat corruption and impunity; promote accountability;
    uphold the rule of law; and increase access to justice. If confirmed, I
    will continue to support these efforts to build upon U.S. support for
    good governance and anticorruption efforts in El Salvador.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you commit to implementing all three
    pillars of the Strategy, including economic and governance efforts?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to working to support U.S.
    government assistance across all three pillars and furthering our
    diplomatic engagement with our Salvadoran partners. The U.S. Strategy
    for Central America is a comprehensive effort that takes a holistic
    approach to security, economic, and governance drivers of illegal
    immigration and illicit trafficking by enhancing regional economic
    opportunity, reducing insecurity and violence, and strengthening
    democratic institutions. Furthermore, U.S. assistance complements the
    $8.6 billion that Northern Triangle countries themselves are investing
    to address these goals.

        Question.  How can the U.S. assist El Salvador in tackling gang
    violence while still respecting human rights and the rule of law?

        Answer. U.S. government foreign assistance to El Salvador supports
    the U.S. Strategy for Central America, which includes both security and
    governance objectives. U.S. support has enabled Salvadoran law
    enforcement to conduct complex investigations and become better
    partners for U.S. law enforcement to more effectively fight crime and
    tackle gang violence, especially related to MS-13. Additionally, INL
    programs combat gang violence by strengthening the capacity of
    Salvadoran law enforcement and justice sector through community
    engagement, institutional reform, and increased information sharing. As
    a result of these efforts, the homicide rate in El Salvador was reduced
    by over 50 percent from 2015 to 2018, and greater information-sharing
    between Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Honduran, Mexican, and U.S. law
    enforcement entities has resulted in better identification of gang
    members, human smugglers, and drug traffickers. I believe that the U.S.
    needs to continue these efforts in building capacity of Salvadoran
    entities responsible for fighting crime and gang violence while also
    prioritizing clear protection for human rights and the rule of law.
        If confirmed, I will work to ensure U.S. efforts continue to build
    the capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement institutions, increase
    information sharing to fight crime and gang violence, and support the
    National Civil Police's (PNC) efforts to provide for greater security
    and the protection of human rights.

        Question.  Do you commit to reporting and addressing allegations of
    human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by the Salvadoran
    security forces?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to reporting and addressing
    allegations of human rights abuses and extrajudicial killings by the
    Salvadoran security forces and to proactively supporting the Leahy law
    and all applicable legal requirements so that U.S. security assistance
    and security cooperation activities reinforce human rights. I also
    commit to supporting efforts by Salvadoran authorities to investigate
    and hold accountable those responsible for current and past human
    rights violations.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Ronald Johnson by Senator Christopher Murphy

        Question.  Do you agree with the assessment that it's important for
    El Salvador to confront the crimes of the past, and will you be
    supportive of their doing so?

        Answer. Yes, it is important for El Salvador to continue to
    confront the crimes of the past and uphold adherence to the rule of
    law. I understand the U.S. government supports the efforts undertaken
    in El Salvador's judicial system to fairly and independently
    investigate, prosecute, and adjudicate historical war crimes and crimes
    against humanity, narco-trafficking, and corruption. The search for the
    disappeared and ongoing investigations and proceedings in El Salvador
    for historical atrocity crimes committed during the internal armed
    conflict can restore dignity to victims, inspire trust in state
    institutions, and serve as a positive example to countries around the
    world about how to address legacies of violence. If confirmed, I will
    underscore to the Salvadoran government the importance of ensuring
    accountability for crimes of the past through fair and independent
    proceedings and support the government's efforts to uphold the rule of
    law and bring about justice for victims.

        Question.  Do you believe El Salvador has major problems with
    corruption and impunity, and will you support President-elect Bukele's
    proposal to create an internationally backed commission to help
    investigate and prosecute cases?

        Answer. I understand that pervasive corruption, impunity, weak
    institutions, and lack of transparency erode prosperity and undermine
    security in El Salvador. These conditions allow for permissive
    environments in which transnational criminal organizations thrive.
    Corruption strains a state's ability to address complex security,
    economic, and governance challenges--the interrelated root causes that
    drive illegal immigration toward the United States. I understand that
    improving democratic governance, strengthening institutions and the
    rule of law, and tackling corruption and impunity are among the most
    urgent challenges that El Salvador faces. If confirmed, I will
    underscore in my engagement with all branches of the Salvadoran
    government the importance of their collective action in the fight
    against corruption and commit to supporting its efforts to do so.
        The successful prosecution of former President Saca for corruption
    by former Attorney General Melendez indicates that parts of the
    government of El Salvador are committed to fighting corruption and
    building strong government institutions. There is much more yet to be
    done. I understand that the U.S. government supports the Salvadoran
    government's efforts to combat corruption and impunity. If confirmed, I
    commit to working to continue this close collaboration with President-
    elect Nayib Bukele and his government to further advance these
    priorities. I understand President-elect Bukele has expressed a desire
    to form an independent anticorruption commission to build on El
    Salvador's progress to-date in combatting corruption and impunity. If
    confirmed, I commit continuing U.S. support for the Salvadoran
    government's efforts to strengthen its institutions to fight corruption
    and impunity and will look forward to assessing all available options
    related to these priorities to ensure the U.S. can support most
    effectively to achieve measurable results.

        Question.  What should we be doing to improve their crime fighting
    strategies, and to ensure they are a strong effective institution that
    respects human rights?Answer:

        Answer. U.S. government foreign assistance to El Salvador supports
    the U.S. Strategy for Central America, which includes both security and
    governance objectives. U.S. support has enabled Salvadoran law
    enforcement to conduct complex investigations and become better
    partners for U.S. law enforcement to more effectively fight crime,
    especially related to MS-13 investigations. U.S. assistance has also
    strengthened information sharing between Salvadoran, Guatemalan,
    Honduran, Mexican, and U.S. law enforcement entities and resulted in
    better identification of gang members, human smugglers, and drug
    traffickers. I believe that the U.S. needs to continue these efforts in
    building the capacity of Salvadoran entities responsible for fighting
    crime while also prioritizing clear protection for human rights and the
    rule of law.
        If confirmed, I will work to ensure U.S. efforts continue to build
    the capacity of Salvadoran law enforcement institutions, increase
    information sharing to fight crime, and support the National Civil
    Police's efforts to provide for greater security and the protection of
    human rights.

        Question.  Will you support a continuing emphasis in our assistance
    programs on these kinds of community based violence prevention
    programs?

        Answer. Through INL and USAID, the United States provides
    comprehensive community-based violence-prevention programs. These
    programs seek to engage youth at-risk for migrating to the U.S. or
    joining gangs, build relationships between police and communities they
    serve, prevent crime recidivism, and support intelligence-led policing,
    thorough investigations, and professional prosecutions to achieve
    reductions in the rates of homicides and other crimes in El Salvador.
    If confirmed, I will work to support current U.S. efforts where I see
    measurable impact and results in the communities where we are working,
    including community-based violence-prevention programs to support U.S.
    interests in El Salvador.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Ronald Johnson by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question.  Civil society in El Salvador, international human rights
    organizations, and investigative journalists repeatedly have expressed
    concerns regarding excessive use of force by security officers,
    including in units that receive training from the United States:

      If confirmed, what concrete actions would you take or what changes
            would you make to ensure that Salvadoran security forces uphold
            human rights? What thresholds would you use to ascertain
            whether that United States should continue to provide security
            funding?

        Answer. El Salvador faces serious human rights challenges. I
    understand the Department of State is working to help the Salvadoran
    government develop a professional, credible, and effective police force
    that is free of corruption, upholds the rule of law, and respects human
    rights. If confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for human rights,
    police training and professionalization, and accountability. I would
    also report accurately on conditions on the ground and continue to
    support U.S. efforts to address human rights challenges by training the
    Salvadoran government, and partnering with civil society. I look
    forward to assessing all available options related to these priorities
    to ensure the U.S. can support effectively to achieve measurable
    results.
        I understand the State Department conducts Leahy vetting prior to
    providing assistance to police or security forces. If confirmed, I
    would continue to support the Leahy vetting program to ensure that any
    units or individuals that do not meet these standards or are unable to
    pass Leahy vetting lose eligibility to receive support from the United
    States.

        Question.  As part of U.S. support for combating corruption and
    impunity in Central America, the U.S. Embassy has worked closely with--
    and provided increased levels of funding to--the Attorney General's
    office and yet, as you stated in your testimony, El Salvador has only
    an 11 percent prosecution rate. Civil society organizations in El
    Salvador have also documented repeated occasions on which the Attorney
    General's office has protected members of the right-wing ARENA party
    from investigation and prosecution:

       With a new Attorney General who has close ties to the ARENA party,
            what role should the U.S. Embassy play with regard to ensuring
            that justice is carried out effectively and evenly in El
            Salvador? What specific programs and policies should the U.S.
            promote in order to improve the justice system?

        Answer. Former Attorney General Melendez, with U.S. assistance,
    made great strides in the fight against corruption, including the
    prosecution of former President Saca and former Attorney General
    Martinez for corruption. Current Attorney General Melara just took
    office in January and has expressed his desire to partner with the
    United States government to address corruption in El Salvador. It is
    critical that the United States continue to support the strengthening
    of the Attorney General's Office as an institution. The Attorney
    General's office needs resources and technical skills to continue
    building its investigative capacity to prosecute financial
    crimes.Transparency in government operations and tenders is essential
    to improving the justice system, thus making impunity impossible. If
    confirmed, I would work to continue the U.S. Embassy's efforts to
    advocate for fairness and transparency in government processes in El
    Salvador.
        The Salvadoran people have grown impatient with the lack of
    progress against corruption, and on February 3, 2019, the Salvadoran
    people elected Nayib Bukele who ran on an anti-corruption platform.
    Bukele has expressed a strong interest in cooperating with U.S. anti-
    corruption efforts. The United States is currently supporting
    anticorruption efforts through both USAID and INL programs, including
    cooperating with U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) efforts to
    stand up an anti-corruption unit in the Attorney General's office. If
    confirmed, I would work to continue strong support to address
    corruption and impunity challenges in El Salvador.

        Question.  In October 2018, a district court judge issued a
    preliminary injunction to prevent the federal government from
    terminating temporary protected status for several countries, including
    El Salvador. The order granting the injunction states, ``terminating
    TPS status may have adverse ramifications internationally.'' The judge
    points to an October 2017 memo by the Assistant Secretary for
    International Affairs in OP&S, which warns, ``returning aliens to
    [Nicaragua and El Salvador] would put a strain on these countries'
    systems:''

       Do you believe that El Salvador is prepared to repatriate its
            nationals? Do you agree that the return of its nationals would
            put a strain on El Salvador's systems? What types of obstacles
            and consequences may occur?

        Answer. If confirmed, as with all issues pertaining to our
    relationship with El Salvador, I commit to report accurately on the
    conditions on the ground, including its ability to receive its
    nationals. I understand that the U.S. Embassy in El Salvador has met
    with host government counterparts to encourage further development of
    programs and services that can facilitate the successful reintegration
    of their nationals, including TPS returnees. If confirmed, I will
    continue to work with the government of El Salvador to strengthen its
    ability to safely and successfully reintegrate and provide for its
    nationals, including TPS returnees, as well as to ensure the U.S.
    Embassy in El Salvador is able to assist U.S. citizens, including minor
    children, who may accompany TPS returnees.

        Question.  You stated in your testimony that you were in El
    Salvador in 1984 with the U.S. Armed Forces. How would you evaluate
    U.S. policy in El Salvador at that time in terms of its successes and
    failures? What lessons from that era can we apply to our contemporary
    bilateral relations?

        Answer. As a military officer, I was personally responsible for
    demonstrating respect for human rights in all interactions with foreign
    personnel and for reporting any known or suspected violations during my
    service in El Salvador. Throughout my over four decades of service of
    the United States, I have supported and defended democracy around the
    world, engaging with foreign leaders and populations to highlight the
    virtues of democracy and a rules-based system without impunity. The
    United States is the example that many seek to emulate and it is
    important for us to remain engaged and to ensure that we set the right
    example and demonstrate American values in everything we do.
        During my career, I observed that when U.S. assistance is linked to
    demonstrable and verifiable progress, we can make a lasting impact.
    When we do not measure results, results are ephemeral at best. In El
    Salvador, the United States played a key role in the 1992 peace accords
    that led to a democratic society. Since then, El Salvador has had six
    peaceful transitions of power, including the ongoing transition to
    President-elect Nayib Bukele who won a competitive multiparty race on
    February 3, 2019. Our persistent and constructive engagement in El
    Salvador eventually helped create the basis for peace. The huge loss of
    human life during the civil war has hindered development in El Salvador
    to this day and explains much of the country's security and economic
    problems. However, I believe the country is now on the verge of
    compounding the slow progress it has been making and is ready to move
    forward rapidly to address its security, prosperity, and governance
    challenges. President-elect Nayib Bukele has asked for continued
    engagement and support from the United States and has stated his desire
    to be a model small-nation partner with the United States. We should
    constructively embrace his offer, remain engaged, and, above all,
    continue to live and represent our values in El Salvador.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Michael Fitzpatrick by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question.  What does the magnitude of this financial package say
    about the scope of the economic challenges that President Moreno
    inherited from his predecessor?

        Answer. The IMF fiscal package of $4.2 billion, together with
    approximately $6 billion from other international financial
    institutions, offers the Ecuadorian government low-cost finance and
    expert advice on how to reorient the Ecuadorian economy toward a
    market-led model. The Moreno government has exerted significant efforts
    to resolve legacy issues, including debts, left by the Correa
    administration. Public spending is unsustainable, with persistent
    public deficits. Heavy tax burdens, complex bureaucracy, and inflexible
    labor laws constrain growth.
        To respond to these challenges, President Moreno and his economic
    team adopted an economic plan (Plan Prosperidad) that focuses on
    reducing government spending and financing the government in a fiscally
    responsible manner while promoting economic growth and increasing
    support for social programs.
        If confirmed, I will work to support to the Moreno government's
    efforts as they seek to address these economic challenges.

        Question.  What is your assessment of the Moreno government's
    ability to successfully manage and implement this major financial
    package?

        Answer. The Moreno government possesses an economic team of
    capable, pragmatic advisors with experience in the private sector,
    including Economic Minister Richard Martinez and Trade Minister Pablo
    Campana, who are committed to see through the successful implementation
    of Plan Prosperidad and the international financial institutions'
    support package. The international institutions financing the
    assistance package have pledged technical support to the Moreno
    government throughout its implementation.

        Question.  If confirmed, what efforts would you take to help USAID
    reopen its offices in Ecuador?

        Answer. USAID and U.S. Department of State assistance in Ecuador
    enhances the ability of diverse civil society actors to work
    effectively and collaboratively, including with the Ecuadorian
    government, to encourage good governance, protect human rights and
    fundamental freedoms, promote transparency, deter corruption, and
    strengthen legislative and judicial institutions.
        If confirmed, I will engage the Moreno government and USAID
    colleagues to continue efforts to identify areas for cooperation and
    ensure judicious investment of U.S. government funding and gear
    technical assistance towards preserving and furthering democratic
    freedoms in Ecuador. I will look for opportunities to expand Ecuador's
    inclusion in regional USAID initiatives, and will continue working
    towards the re-establishment of a USAID staffing presence in our
    Embassy.

        Question.  What is your assessment of Ecuador's ability to manage
    this massive influx of Venezuelan refugees?

        Answer. In line with its human mobility policy, Ecuador generously
    hosts the largest number of recognized refugees in Latin America,
    approximately 67,000 Colombian refugees, even as it continues receiving
    and providing services to growing numbers of Venezuelan refugees and
    migrants. According to official Ecuadorian government statistics, more
    than 950,000 Venezuelans legally entered Ecuador in 2018, a 231 percent
    increase over the 288,005 who entered in 2017. As of March 10, more
    than 87,000 Venezuelans have legally entered Ecuador thus far this
    year. An estimated 20 percent remain in Ecuador, with the rest
    continuing on to Peru or Chile. The Ecuadorian government and
    International Organization for Migration estimate about 300,000
    Venezuelans are now living in Ecuador. International organizations
    report Venezuelans are arriving ill, malnourished, in need of shelter,
    and vulnerable to human trafficking.
        The government of Ecuador has shown political will to continue
    hosting migrants and refugees, but it lacks the resources and capacity
    for a sustained response to the large influx of Venezuelans entering
    its country in addition to its existing population of Colombian
    refugees and migrants. Venezuela's neighbors have worked together to
    respond to the exodus of Venezuelans fleeing the political repression
    and economic disaster caused by the former Maduro regime. The
    Ecuadorian government has convened a series of regional technical
    meetings, called the ``Quito Process,'' to discuss entry and
    regularization requirements for Venezuelans, as well as a regional
    donor conference to discuss funding needs. It is clear that Ecuador, as
    a small country with its own serious economic problems, will need
    continued international support to bear the burden of hosting an
    unprecedented number of refugees and migrants

        Question.  If confirmed, what type of cooperation with the Moreno
    government would you prioritize in order to support their efforts to
    address the Venezuelan migration crisis and uphold their international
    commitments?

        Answer. It is my understanding that sustained levels of
    international assistance will be necessary to support Ecuadorian
    efforts to effectively address the Venezuelan refugee and migration
    crisis and uphold their international commitments. If confirmed, I will
    continue to prioritize efforts that help strengthen the government of
    Ecuador's capacity to identify, assist, and provide protection to the
    most vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and migrants. Since 2018, the
    United States has provided more than $15 million in humanitarian
    assistance to protect and assist Venezuelans in Ecuador. These funds
    provide emergency food, medicine, education, and protection to the most
    vulnerable Venezuelans and are in addition to nearly $5 million in
    targeted humanitarian assistance for Colombian refugees and migrants in
    Ecuador.
        If confirmed, I will urge the Ecuadorian government to continue
    working closely with various humanitarian organizations, and other
    international and non-governmental organizations, to ensure the
    delivery of life-saving aid to Venezuelans and other vulnerable
    migrants and refugees and to assist in their integration into
    communities in Ecuador. I would also engage both publicly and privately
    with governmental and non-governmental opinion makers to ensure
    sustained support for continued international coordination in response
    to the crisis in Venezuela.

        Question.  What is your understanding of WikiLeaks interference in
    our 2016 elections?

        Answer. It is my understanding that Julian Assange and WikiLeaks
    have engaged in hostile activities with the intent to undermine U.S.
    democracy and national security. I am aware of the ODNI's January 6,
    2017 ``high confidence'' assessment that Russian efforts to influence
    the 2016 U.S. presidential election included the use of the Russian
    military's General Staff Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) to relay
    U.S. victim data obtained in cyber operations to WikiLeaks.
        I am also aware of that report's assessment that ``the Kremlin's
    principal international propaganda outlet RT has actively collaborated
    with WikiLeaks. I am aware that, according to Russian and Western
    media, the RT editor-in-chief visited WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange
    in August 2013 at the Ecuadorian embassy in London, where they
    discussed renewing his broadcast contract with RT. I have read a number
    of media reports detailing Mr. Assange and WikiLeaks' interference with
    the domestic politics of a number of other countries, including some
    U.S. allies.

        Question.  WikiLeaks head Julian Assange has been in Ecuador's
    Embassy in London since 2012 and President Moreno refers to Assange as
    an ``inherited problem.'' What is the Moreno government doing to manage
    Assange's presence and limit his ability to interfere in foreign
    elections?

        Answer. The Ecuadorian government has said publicly that Mr.
    Assange must respect the conditions of his asylum, which include not
    interfering in the internal political affairs of third countries. In
    March 2018, the Ecuadorian government cut off Assange's internet access
    after he violated an agreement not to interfere in the internal affairs
    of other states by making statements on social media that the
    Ecuadorians assessed ``put into risk their good relations with the
    United Kingdom, EU states, and other nations.''

        Answer. In October 2018, the Ecuadorian government gave Assange a
    set of protocols to address his visits, communications, and medical
    care; the document states that violation of the protocols could be
    grounds for terminating his asylum. The protocol stipulates
    restrictions on Assange's internet access and prohibits political
    interference in the affairs of other nations or Ecuador's bilateral
    relations. In February, Foreign Minister Jose Valencia publicly stated
    it was not feasible for Mr. Assange to remain in their Embassy in
    London indefinitely and that the situation needed to be resolved as
    soon as possible.

        Question.  Do you commit to make Assange's ongoing presence in the
    Ecuadorian Embassy in London a priority in your interaction with the
    Moreno government? And, do you commit to keeping members of this
    committee and our staff informed about your efforts?

        Answer. Mr. Assange's harmful activities undermine the national
    security of the United States and our allies. If confirmed, I will
    continue to raise at every appropriate opportunity our significant
    concerns regarding Mr. Assange and urge rapid resolution of the issue
    with senior officials in the government of Ecuador. I also commit to
    keeping members of this committee and staff informed about our ongoing
    efforts.

        Question.  What do these incidents say about China's environmental
    record in Ecuador and Latin America at large?

        Answer. Alleged incidents of Chinese illegal fishing in Ecuadorian
    waters and in fragile eco systems like the Galapagos, demonstrate
    China's poor environmental record in Latin America. The Ecuadorian
    government remains seriously concerned by the threat illegal Chinese
    fishing incursions pose to its country's national resources, and is
    making a good faith effort to control fishing in its territorial waters
    and exclusive economic zone despite limited resources and capabilities.
    If confirmed, I will stress that Chinese investments and activities
    need to adhere to international best practices on environmental impacts
    as well as transparency, rule of law, and financial sustainability.

        Question.  How can the U.S. support the government of Ecuador's
    efforts to counter China's illegal shark fishing?

        Answer. The United States government works with the Ecuadorian
    fisheries service and the Ecuadorian Navy to improve monitoring of
    illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. Ecuador's renewed
    openness and interest to collaborate with the United States provides
    opportunities to deepen cooperation on illegal fishing.
        It is my understanding that Ecuador has reached out to the United
    States to inquire about purchasing more vessels and radars to assist
    with maritime surveillance. I believe we should explore options that
    help the Ecuadorian government improve its maritime capabilities. We
    could also assist the Ecuadorian government by providing technical
    assistance to improve their judicial capacity to handle illegal fishing
    cases. In addition, the United States could encourage Ecuador to expand
    its regional coordination efforts, both diplomatic and military, to
    stem the threat of Chinese fishing depredation.

        Question.  What do you view as the next steps for restoring
    democratic institutions and norms in Ecuador, and what do you see as
    the United States' role in supporting these efforts?

        Answer. The continued restoration of democratic institutions and
    norms in Ecuador will require our sustained engagement with both the
    Ecuadorian government and civil society. U.S. assistance seeks to
    preserve democratic freedoms, increase broad-based citizen engagement
    with the national and local government, strengthen legislative and
    judicial institutions, and support civil society organizations' work to
    promote and defend human rights and promote transparency and deter
    corruption within government institutions. It is critical that this
    work continue.
        If confirmed, I will use all the tools at my disposal to assist the
    government of Ecuador and the nation's citizens in addressing their
    democratic governance challenges. I am a firm believer in the critical
    importance of civil society and private sector initiatives to promote
    government transparency and accountability to the people. The United
    States promotes its own interests when it supports Ecuador through
    professional and educational exchanges, and when it makes public
    statements and engages privately with a wide variety of actors,
    including government officials, journalists, business leaders, civil
    society representatives, and the international community. Such
    engagement deepens our bilateral relationship and helps us promote U.S.
    national interests in Ecuador.

        Question.  What next steps would you look to take with the aim of
    further deepening security cooperation with Ecuador?

        Answer. The United States shares Ecuadorian President Lenin
    Moreno's interests in combating transnational crime and
    narcotrafficking and promoting regional security. If confirmed, I will
    seek to deepen our security cooperation with Ecuador by building on the
    well-established law enforcement relationships and arrangements already
    in place.
        If confirmed, I will work with the Ecuadorian government to improve
    information sharing and identify ways we can advance our mutual goal of
    combatting narcotrafficking and transnational organized crime. The
    establishment of the Office of Security Cooperation and INL funding
    will significantly assist our efforts. I will look for opportunities to
    increase scheduled training, including through the U.S.-Colombia Action
    Plan for Regional Security Cooperation (USCAP), and support greater
    Ecuadorian-Colombian cooperation and coordination. U.S. continued
    financial support for operations and training will increase Ecuador's
    ability to combat its security challenges. In addition, if the Defense
    Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) acts to reinstate Ecuador's access
    to dependable undertaking, it would expedite the Ecuadorians ability to
    acquire the capabilities needed to be a reliable partner in the region.

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. The defense of human rights and democracy by the United
    States, and their promotion, have been constant priorities in my
    career, as a political officer serving repeatedly in conflict zones.
    Very early on, I learned that a country's human rights development and
    its construction of effective democratic institutions were some of the
    most critical ways to advance U.S. long-term interests and values
    abroad. I also determined that honest recognition--not just by us but
    also by our international partners--of the nature and extent of
    shortcomings is an essential precondition for the political will
    necessary to make the tough choices required to ensure lasting
    improvements. My political reporting and advocacy on these issues won
    Department-wide awards as both a junior-level officer in Peru and as a
    mid-level officer in Colombia. Most importantly, my work informed U.S.
    policy choices and the development and execution of U.S. bilateral
    efforts in difficult circumstances.
        The promotion of human rights and democracy has continued to be an
    integral part of my own diplomatic efforts a senior officer. As Deputy
    Chief of Mission in Paraguay, I took specific steps to ensure that all
    Paraguayan power centers respected the nation's 2008 election of an
    opposition presidential candidate (after 61 straight years of Colorado
    Party rule), both as the time of the election, throughout the
    transition, and following the inauguration. As Deputy Chief of ission
    in Peru, I helped the Peruvian government recruit, train, and deploy an
    innovative U.S.-supported, interagency jungle task force to pursue
    heavily armed narcotics traffickers, and this task force pioneered
    Peru's inclusion of fully integrated judicial prosecutors to ensure all
    operations were conducted legally and with public accountability. While
    leading our Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) and
    then again as Deputy Assistant Secretary, I worked closely with
    Venezuelan democratic forces to defend human rights and promote
    democratic principles and institutions in the face of sustained attacks
    by the illegitimate Maduro regime. These efforts, undertaken publicly
    and privately, at the OAS and with bilateral partners throughout the
    Americas, in Europe, and elsewhere, contributed significantly to the
    international repudiation and isolation of the Maduro regime, and laid
    the groundwork for a future Venezuelan transition to democracy.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    democracy or democratic development in Ecuador?

        Answer. President Lenin Moreno's reform agenda includes important
    steps to advance democracy in Ecuador. Since taking office in May 2017,
    Moreno has advanced participatory democracy, supported greater press
    freedom, and repealed several pre-existing authoritarian decrees that
    stifled dissent and unduly restricted freedoms of speech and
    association. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including a lack of
    independence in the judicial sector and the need to build capacity
    among judges and legislators. An inconsistent application of the rule
    of law remains another challenge, as does the need to expand the reach
    of effective democratic governance.
        If confirmed, I will use all the tools at my disposal to assist the
    government of Ecuador and its citizens in addressing these democratic
    governance challenges.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Ecuador? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. The Ecuadorian government under President Moreno has shown
    a genuine commitment to addressing many human rights and democratic
    governance challenges. If confirmed, I will encourage the Ecuadorian
    government to continue its efforts to improve press freedoms, build
    greater democratic governance and stronger institutions accountable to
    the Ecuadorian people, and urge consistent application of the rule of
    law and greater social inclusion and respect for human rights.Obstacles
    to the challenges facing Ecuador today will require greater citizen
    engagement from the Ecuadorian people themselves, civil society, and
    the business community, to hold the government accountable and urge
    specific reforms. If confirmed, I will work to support civil society
    initiatives that promote transparency and accountability; facilitate
    the sharing of best practices through professional and educational
    exchanges; and encourage Ecuador's democratic progress through public
    statements and private engagement with a wide variety of actors,
    including government officials, journalists, business leaders, civil
    society representatives, and the international community.

        Question.  How will you utilize U.S. government assistance
    resources at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small
    Grants program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding,
    to support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will use U.S. government assistance to
    preserve and expand democratic freedoms, increasing broad-based citizen
    engagement with national and local government. U.S. assistance in
    Ecuador enhances the ability of diverse civil society actors to work
    effectively and collaboratively, including with the Ecuadorian
    government, to encourage good governance, protect human rights and
    fundamental freedoms, promote transparency, and strengthen legislative
    and judicial institutions. I commit to working closely with all of our
    partners in Ecuador, and all relevant agencies of the U.S. government,
    to ensure every dollar of U.S. assistance is used wisely and in
    accordance with U.S. interests in the hemisphere.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Ecuador? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I promise to engage with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    United States, and with local human rights NGOs in Ecuador on human
    rights, including civil rights and democratic governance. I also commit
    to engage with the Ecuadorian government, at the highest level
    necessary, if measures result in restricting NGOs and civil society.
    Continuing diplomatic engagement is crucial to ensuring Ecuador's
    democratic reforms reflect international standards and obligations to
    protect human rights.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to meet with the full range of
    democratic political and non-governmental organizations and figures,
    including democratically oriented political opposition figures and
    parties, and advocate for access and inclusivity for women, minorities,
    and youth within political parties. To encourage genuine political
    competition, I will advocate for full respect for freedoms of
    expression, including for members of the press, and peaceful assembly,
    as well as genuinely free and fair, electoral processes.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Ecuador on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Ecuador?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I promise to engage the Ecuadorian
    government, at the highest levels, and civil society to promote freedom
    of expression, including for members of the press. I also commit to
    meeting regularly with independent, local press, and will encourage my
    embassy staff to do the same.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    civil society and government counterparts on countering disinformation
    and propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    government counterparts on countering disinformation and malign
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in
    Ecuador, and I will ensure my embassy team does the same.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Ecuador on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed I will actively engage with the
    Ecuadorian government at the highest level on the right of members of
    labor groups, including independent trade unions, to organize.
    Ecuador's eligibility for the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)
    trade program is contingent, in part, on taking steps to afford
    internationally recognized worker rights, including the right to
    organize.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Ecuador, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Ecuador? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people
    in country Ecuador?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to advance U.S. interests and values
    and defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Ecuador,
    regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. It is my
    understanding that LGBTI individuals face high levels of bias-motivated
    violence and discrimination, particularly in education, employment, and
    access to health services. If confirmed, I will engage with the Ecuador
    government and civil society on matters of human rights for all people,
    including marginalized groups. I also commit to ensuring that Mission
    Ecuador itself serves as a model in respecting the dignity, value, and
    equality of all persons regardless of sexual orientation or gender
    identity. I will work with the Ecuadorian government to continue to
    advance efforts to end violence and discrimination against all
    marginalized groups, including LGBTI individuals, through a variety of
    approaches, including programming, regular diplomatic engagement,
    cooperation with other diplomatic missions, including U.N. agencies,
    and multi-level engagement with interlocutors throughout the
    government.

        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. Department
    employees, like all federal employees, are subject to restrictions on
    engaging in partisan political activity while at work and outside of
    work. If confirmed, I will ensure that prohibited personnel practices,
    including retaliation and blacklisting, will not be tolerated under my
    leadership and that all employees understand and are in strict
    compliance with federal statutes, the Hatch Act, Department policy, and
    federal ethics laws concerning political beliefs or previous work on
    policy or affiliation with a previous administration.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I am not aware of any such complaints.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I do not recall an instance of such concerns against a
    specific employee I supervised. I have long worked to ensure a
    workplace free of harassment and discrimination of any kind.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Michael Fitzpatrick by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. The defense and human rights and democracy by the United
    States, and their promotion, have been constant priorities in my
    career, as a political officer serving repeatedly in conflict zones.
    Very early on, I learned that a country's human rights development and
    its construction of effective democratic institutions were some of the
    most critical ways to advance U.S. long-term interests and values
    abroad. I also determined that honest recognition--not just by us but
    also by our international partners--of the nature and extent of
    shortcomings is an essential precondition for the political will
    necessary to make the tough choices required to ensure lasting
    improvements. My political reporting and advocacy on these issues won
    Department-wide awards as both a junior-level officer in Peru and as a
    mid-level officer in Colombia. Most importantly, my work informed U.S.
    policy choices and the development and execution of U.S. bilateral
    efforts in difficult circumstances.
        The promotion of human rights and democracy has continued to be an
    integral part of my own diplomatic efforts a senior officer. As Deputy
    Chief of Mission in Paraguay, I took specific steps to ensure that all
    Paraguayan power centers respected the nation's 2008 election of an
    opposition presidential candidate (after 61 straight years of Colorado
    Party rule), both as the time of the election, throughout the
    transition, and following the inauguration. As Deputy Chief of Mission
    in Peru, I helped the Peruvian government recruit, train, and deploy an
    innovative U.S.-supported, interagency jungle task force to pursue
    heavily armed narcotics traffickers, and this task force pioneered
    Peru's inclusion of fully-integrated judicial prosecutors to ensure all
    operations were conducted legally and with public accountability. While
    leading our Mission to the Organization of American States (OAS) and
    then again as Deputy Assistant Secretary, I worked closely with
    Venezuelan democratic forces to defend human rights and promote
    democratic principles and institutions in the face of sustained attacks
    by the illegitimate Maduro regime. These efforts, undertaken publicly
    and privately, at the OAS and with bilateral partners throughout the
    Americas, in Europe, and elsewhere, contributed significantly to the
    international repudiation and isolation of the Maduro regime, and laid
    the groundwork for a future Venezuelan transition to democracy.

        Question.  What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Ecuador? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Ecuador? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. President Lenin Moreno's reform agenda includes important
    steps to address human rights concerns in Ecuador. Since taking office
    in May 2017, Moreno has advanced participatory democracy, supported
    greater press freedom, and repealed several pre-existing authoritarian
    decrees that stifled dissent and unduly restricted freedoms of speech
    and association. Nevertheless, challenges remain, including a lack of
    independence in the judicial sector and the need to build capacity
    among judges and legislators. An inconsistent application of the rule
    of law remains another challenge, as does the need to expand the reach
    of effective democratic governance.; Trafficking in persons remains a
    serious challenge, as does discrimination against historically
    marginalized groups and violence against women and children, Afro-
    Ecuadorians, indigenous, and LGBTI persons.
        If confirmed, I will use all the tools at my disposal to assist the
    government of Ecuador and its citizens in addressing its human rights
    and democratic governance challenges. In particular, I believe in the
    critical importance of civil society and private sector initiatives to
    promote government transparency and accountability to the people. The
    United States promotes its own interests when it supports Ecuador
    through professional and educational exchanges, and when it makes
    public statements and engages privately with a wide variety of actors,
    including government officials, journalists, business leaders, civil
    society representatives, and the international community. Such
    engagement deepens our bilateral relationship and helps us promote U.S.
    national interests in Ecuador.

        Question.  If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Ecuador in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. The Ecuadorian government under President Moreno has shown
    a real commitment to addressing many human rights and democratic
    governance challenges. Obstacles to the challenges I mentioned earlier
    will require greater citizen engagement from the Ecuadorian people
    themselves, civil society, and the business community, to hold
    government accountable and urge specific reforms. If confirmed, I will
    encourage the Ecuadorian government to continue its efforts to improve
    press freedoms, build greater democratic governance and stronger
    institutions accountable to the Ecuadorian people, and urge consistent
    application of the rule of law and greater social inclusion and respect
    for human rights.

        Question.  Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Ecuador? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will continue the United States'
    longstanding practice of closely engaging Ecuadorian civil society to
    ensure I remain attuned fully to the priorities of Ecuadorian citizens
    on human rights and democratic governance. I commit to working closely
    with the Ecuadorian government, civil society, and all relevant
    agencies of the U.S. government to ensure the wise use of every dollar
    of U.S. assistance, in accordance with all applicable legal
    requirements, including the Leahy Law.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Ecuador to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Ecuador?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed I commit to actively engaging with the
    government of Ecuador to address cases of any key political prisoners
    or persons otherwise unjustly targeted by the Ecuadorian government,
    especially if they are U.S. citizens.

        Question.  Will you engage with Ecuador on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to engage the Ecuadorian government
    and Ecuadorian people on human rights, civil rights, and democratic
    governance issues as part of our Mission's priorities. Sustained U.S.
    diplomatic engagement is critical to ensure that Ecuador upholds its
    commitments to human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance.

        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in the Ecuador?

        Answer. My investment portfolio consists of diversified mutual
    funds. The diversified mutual funds are exempt from the conflict of
    interest laws. Even with that said, I am committed to ensuring that my
    actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest, and I will remain
    vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question.  Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will consider candidates from diverse
    backgrounds when seeking to fill high-level positions at the U.S.
    Mission, as I have done in past assignments. I am committed to
    promoting, mentoring, and supporting all staff members, especially
    those from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups. I believe
    discrimination in the workplace harms both individual employees and the
    larger institution. I recognize that each individual employee brings
    unique strengths, and I will seek to foster a work environment that
    both reflects and draws upon the rich composition of America's
    citizenry.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will take steps to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy fosters a diverse and inclusive work
    environment. Doing so helps build greater unity within the Mission and
    allows us to support U.S. interests in Ecuador more effectively. I will
    communicate these priorities directly to and through Embassy
    supervisors, supporting greater mentoring for staff, and using employee
    performance reviews as avenues to encourage a diverse, inclusive, and
    supportive work environment.

        Question.  How does political corruption affect democratic
    governance and the rule of law?

        Answer. Political corruption left unchecked, without transparency
    and accountability to citizens, erodes democratic governance and the
    rule of law, exacerbates social conflict, enables human rights abuses,
    and undermines public confidence in the democratic system. Over the
    past year, we have seen politicians and senior executives tried,
    convicted, and imprisoned on corruption charges, with several others
    currently under investigation for the embezzlement of funds,
    irregularities in procurement, and bribery. The country is in the midst
    of rebuilding its democratic institutions and capacity now because of
    the corrosive effects of political corruption in the past.

        Question.  What is your assessment of corruption trends in Ecuador
    and efforts to address and reduce them by the government of Ecuador?

        Answer. The Ecuadorian government under President Moreno has shown
    a genuine commitment to addressing the widespread corruption that has
    long plagued Ecuador and undermined confidence in government
    institutions. In the last year, we have seen politicians and senior
    executives tried, convicted, and imprisoned on corruption charges, with
    several others currently under investigation for the embezzlement of
    funds, irregularities in procurement, and bribery.
        Since taking office, President Moreno has encouraged press
    reporting on corruption and has supported the independence of
    government oversight bodies and of the judiciary. He supported the
    prosecution of government officials involved in the Odebrecht
    corruption scandal, which led to a six-year jail sentence for his
    former vice president, Jorge Glas. He has also taken steps to join the
    Open government Partnership, a global pact that promotes transparency
    and accountability in government practices. Ecuador further seeks to
    join the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen
    good governance and anticorruption programming in Ecuador?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will take efforts to continue U.S. support
    of the Moreno administration in its work to strengthen democratic
    governance, encourage greater press freedoms, and fight corruption and
    impunity. I will also support U.S. assistance for effective programs
    that can show measurable results in helping the Moreno government
    accomplish these priorities and increase public transparency,
    strengthen judicial and legislative institutions, and encourage greater
    civil society participation in the political process.

        Question.  Aside from Venezuela, are there any other global issues
    where you view Ecuador as a potential U.S. partner?

        Answer. The United States has clear interests in Ecuador: it has
    vast hydrocarbons, mining resources, and renewable energy; it has a
    dollarized economy; and it is strategically important as a South
    American transshipment point for U.S.-bound illegal drugs and precursor
    chemicals. The United States and Ecuador have significant opportunities
    for greater partnership, from pursuing greater energy security to
    addressing increased narcotics trafficking and dismantling
    transnational criminal organizations. In addition, the promotion of
    human rights is a priority for the Moreno administration. In the past
    year, we have seen an important shift in Ecuadorian voting behavior on
    human rights-related issues at the OAS and United Nations, including
    support of human rights and democratic governance in statements or
    votes on Nicaragua, North Korea, and Syria. The Ecuadorian government
    has condemned publicly the state of human rights in Nicaragua and
    engaged the Ortega regime to urge respect for the fundamental rights of
    Nicaraguans, dialogue with the opposition, and respect for democratic
    institutions. Ecuador will likely continue playing an important
    regional role on human rights, particularly through its participation
    in the OAS Permanent Council Working Group on Nicaragua, which has
    pursued a peaceful and sustainable solution to the crisis there.

        Question.  How can we continue to engage with the Ecuadorian
    government and civil society to consolidate the democratic gains that
    have been made over the past two years?

        Answer. Continued U.S. technical assistance and training for
    government officials and civil society will be crucial to the Moreno
    administration as it implements its reform agenda and the Ecuadorian
    people as they support rebuilding the country's democratic
    institutions. The United States has a clear interest in supporting
    strong, stable, and sustainable democratic institutions in Ecuador as a
    model for other countries in the region turning away from authoritarian
    regimes. The State Department and USAID support civil society programs
    to help the government build transparency and strengthen judicial and
    legislative institutions. As Ecuador's political dynamics evolve and
    civil society becomes more vibrant, USAID and State support must remain
    flexible to meet new needs as they arise. Regular U.S. diplomatic
    engagement and high-level dialogues will likewise be critical to
    maintaining the momentum of Ecuador's democratic gains as will visits
    and increased political engagement by Members of the U.S. Congress.

        Question.  How can we highlight Ecuador's progress to other
    countries in the region?

        Answer. The renewed relationship between the United States and
    Ecuador, demonstrated through high-level visits and increased bilateral
    cooperation, highlights U.S. support for Ecuador's progress and reform
    agenda. The United States can highlight Ecuador's progress and
    importance as a partner in the region by continuing to publicly express
    support for its democratic reforms, include Ecuador in regional
    initiatives, and engage Ecuador in seeking solutions to regional
    problems.

        Question.  In which areas does Ecuador still need to improve on
    governance and human rights?

        Answer. While the Moreno administration has made significant
    strides on governance and human rights in the last two years,
    particularly in the areas of freedom of expression and association,
    dismantling ten years of authoritarian, corrupt, and repressive
    policies and rebuilding independent democratic institutions and greater
    press freedoms will take time. Continuing vigilance to address
    corruption and impunity is essential. Strengthening the professionalism
    and independence of the judiciary and building the capacity of the
    National Assembly to research and prepare legislation are also
    necessary to help Ecuador ensure it has a strong system of checks and
    balances in place. In addition to these governance challenges, Ecuador
    continues to face alarming reports of torture and abuse by police
    officers and prison guards, harsh prison conditions, child labor, and
    marginalized populations suffering disproportionately from
    discrimination, violence, and social exclusion.

        Question.  How can we continue Ecuador's support for a return to
    democracy in Venezuela?

        Answer. Ecuador has been a strong supporter of a return to
    democracy in Venezuela. The Moreno government recognized Interim
    President Guaid and it has taken a leading role in South America in
    responding to the humanitarian needs of Venezuelan refugees and
    migrants. It currently hosts hundreds of thousands Venezuelans who have
    fled their homeland--and the number is growing. The United States has
    committed in excess of $15 million in humanitarian assistance to help
    Ecuador respond to the influx of Venezuelan refugees and migrants.
    Ecuador has shown tremendous regional leadership on the Venezuelan
    migration crisis through the Quito Process, and has continued to engage
    with countries in the region and Europe to advance a peaceful solution
    to crisis in Venezuela.

        Question.  Do you think Ecuador would consider joining the Lima
    Group?

        Answer. Though not a member of the Lima Group, Ecuador has
    participated in Lima Group meetings as an observer. Furthermore,
    Ecuador has proven to be a helpful interlocutor on the Venezuela crisis
    through its convening of regional partners in the Quito Process,
    focused on shared operational challenges to managing the international
    flow of Venezuelan migrants and refugees.
        The Lima Group and Quito Process are complementary regional
    mechanisms to the Venezuela crisis, and the U.S. government supports
    both. The practical coordination elements discussed in Quito Process
    meetings, such as increased information sharing and migration tracking,
    are important for strengthening border security and protection of
    refugees and migrants.

                                   __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                           WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:09 a.m. in
    Room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. James E.
    Risch, chairman of the committee, presiding.
        Present: Senators Risch [presiding], Rubio, Gardner,
    Romney, Isakson, Portman, Young, Menendez, Cardin, Shaheen,
    Coons, Murphy, Kaine, and Markey.

               OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES E. RISCH,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM IDAHO

        The Chairman. The committee will come to order.
        Today we will hold a nomination hearing for three very
    important positions. First, we have Mr. Robert Destro to be
    Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and
    Labor. Second, we have Mr. Keith Krach to be Under Secretary of
    State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, as well
    as the following positions: United States Alternate Governor of
    the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; United
    States Alternate Governor of the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development; and United States Alternate
    Governor of the Inter-American Development Bank. Our third
    nominee is General David Stilwell to be Assistant Secretary of
    State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
        We also have some very distinguished guests with us who
    wish to introduce two of our nominees. So we are going to allow
    them to proceed with those introductions. So I am going to
    postpone my opening statement until we have the introductions,
    so they can be excused to pursue other ideas.
        And so with that, I would like to introduce Senator Bill
    Cassidy of Louisiana and ask you to make your introduction
    please.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. BILL CASSIDY,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM LOUISIANA

        Senator Cassidy. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez,
    and members of the committee, thank you for allowing me to
    speak.
        And I appreciate the ability or the opportunity to
    introduce President Trump's nominee to be the Assistant
    Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Mr.
    Robert Destro.
        Mr. Destro is currently a professor of law at the Catholic
    University of America here in D.C. where he also serves as
    Director of the university's Institute for Policy Research and
    Catholic Studies. He is also the founding Director of the
    university's Interdisciplinary Program in Law and Religion and
    is a distinguished fellow in the Religious Freedom Center of
    the Newseum Institute. He is immensely qualified. His body of
    work represents the principles and experience necessary to
    accomplish the mission and promote democracy, labor, and human
    rights abroad.
        Robert is a graduate of the University of Miami Ohio and
    University of California-Berkley Law School. And he has
    dedicated his career to protect the rights and well-being of
    peoples of all faiths, ethnicities, and nationalities.
        In 2007, Robert served as the primary administrator for the
    Interfaith Cooperation Initiative in Israel and Palestine, a
    USAID-funded effort to bring Christian, Jewish, and Muslim
    leaders together to work on practical issues important to each
    community. His ability to work with all parties towards a
    common goal is obviously an important quality for his nominated
    position.
        In 2011, he co-founded the Iraqi-Kurdistan Religious
    Freedom and Cultural Mapping Project, which produced the only
    pre-ISIS survey of the Christian communities in the Kurdistan
    region.
        With him today are his children Gina and Mark, brother-in-
    law William, and also his wife Brenda. Brenda in her own right
    is an accomplished and committed public servant. She was
    pivotal in my office working with Chris Murphy and his office
    to both write and pass the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act
    of 2016, which was signed into law by President Obama.
        It was through her that I met Robert, and with his
    expertise, he then aided my office in developing and passing by
    unanimous consent a bipartisan resolution in 2016 expressly
    naming the atrocities perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq
    in the Levant against religious and ethnic minorities in Iraq
    and Syria as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide.
    It was through working with him that I witnessed a clear
    passion for human rights and freedom for all people. He
    continues to be actively involved with the Christian, Muslim,
    Yazidi and other religious communities throughout Iraq in an
    effort to document the ISIS genocide.
        To make measured advancements in democracy anywhere on the
    globe, you need a willingness to understand the relationships
    between the political culture and social dynamics of groups in
    the region. Reviewing his past work, it is clear Robert Destro
    understands what it takes to be successful in this position.
        I look forward to the committee and the Senate favorably
    considering his nomination.
        Thank you, Chairman Risch.
        The Chairman. Thank you very much, Senator Cassidy. We
    appreciate you taking time to come here and give us those
    remarks from a personal standpoint.
        Mr. Destro, welcome to you.
        Now we have a couple of our members from the committee that
    are going to introduce one of our guests today. We will start
    with Senator Portman, the Honorable Senator Portman from the
    great State of Ohio. Senator Portman?

                    STATEMENT OF HON. ROB PORTMAN,
                         U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO

        Senator Portman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The great State of Ohio happens to have two nominees before
    you today. Mr. Destro is also a native of Ohio, but I am here
    to take the opportunity to introduce Keith Krach to be the
    Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
    Environment.
        Keith is a native Ohioan, as I said, born in Lakewood,
    Ohio, raised in Rocky River. That is near Cleveland. His
    parents, Elda and John Krach, he says were the most important
    mentors in his life. He says his dad is the best leader that he
    ever knew. And for those who know Keith--and I have had the
    opportunity to meet him prior to his stepping up to this post--
    he takes after his parents, and I think that is the ultimate
    compliment.
        You will see from his biography he is highly qualified for
    this position. He is a natural leader. He has got a long list
    of business accomplishments and successes. I think he will be
    the first to tell you that he would not have been able to do
    any of it without support of his wife Metta, who is with him
    today. But he has also got a few kids: Stephen; Carter; 7-year-
    old twins, JD, Emma. And I see the 7-year-old twins are with
    you today. Is that correct? Go JD and Emma. I know you are all
    very proud of your dad, and again, we are proud of him for
    stepping up to take on this public service responsibility.
        The job he has been nominated for is really vital, not just
    to the State Department but to our country right now. As Under
    Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and
    Environment, he is going to have a really important
    responsibility, senior economic official at the State
    Department. He will be Secretary Pompeo's principal advisor on
    a lot of issues: international economic development, energy,
    agriculture, science, technology. Chairman Risch talked about
    some of the responsibilities of that post earlier.
        And he could not be taking the post at a more important
    time for our country. We are strong in our economy right now.
    We are blessed by that, but frankly, it is a dangerous and
    volatile world out there, and specifically we face a lot of
    challenges. China continues to use unfair trade practices to
    undermine our economy particularly in the area of intellectual
    property, but beyond that. And I know you will be involved in
    some of those issues. Russia is trying to leverage the transit
    of natural gas through Europe with Nord Stream 2, which has
    enormous potential foreign policy implications. Europe is
    wrestling with Brexit and the possibilities there. We saw some
    news this morning about another change and the parliament
    taking over that issue. This has got ripple effects all over
    the EU and beyond.
        And also, how do we capitalize on the opportunities of
    emerging markets throughout the world that want and need U.S.
    leadership? I think that is something we sometimes forget is
    there are so many developing countries that are looking to us
    to provide that leadership and perhaps a model of how free
    markets can work.
        So there is no doubt in my mind that Keith is up to this
    task. He has the academic background with degrees from both
    Purdue and Harvard to go along with an impressive business
    resume, starting out 10 years with General Motors. His current
    job is CEO and Chairman of the Board of DocuSign.
        I am proud to introduce my fellow Ohioan today and I know
    he will serve the Secretary and his nation with distinction.
        I urge my fellow Senators to vote in favor of his
    nomination here in the committee and on the floor.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Portman.
        Senator Young?

                     STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA

        Senator Young. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking
    Member Menendez, and members of the committee. It is an honor
    for me to join Senator Portman in introducing Keith Krach
    today.
        You have heard his impressive bio from Senator Portman, but
    I want to use my time to talk a bit about the immense value he
    has added to my State of Indiana and the difference he has made
    in the lives of countless individuals.
        His connection to Indiana is through Purdue University. He
    graduated from Purdue in 1979 and served on the Board of
    Trustees from 2007 to 2013. I asked Purdue President Mitch
    Daniels to describe Mr. Krach's relationship to the university,
    and one word stood out, ``beloved.'' He continued. He is
    beloved for his commitment to students and for helping advance
    the university's mission in learning, discovery, and
    engagement. And we will be proud to see his influence on an
    even larger scale. It sounds really heartfelt, and having spent
    some time with you, Keith, I echo the sentiments.
        Mr. Krach's professional achievements are impressive, and
    they are well documented. You have heard about some of them. He
    is a visionary with global experience that makes him eminently
    qualified to serve the President as Under Secretary of State
    for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment.
        What he has chosen to do with his success demonstrates his
    character and devotion to causes that will leave this planet
    better for future generations.
        As Solomon Kahn noted, Mr. Krach has empowered people to
    accomplish more than they had ever imagined, resulting in a
    profound impact on GDP per capita, international trade, and the
    sustainability of our planet.
        Take DocuSign as an example. Not only has it been a
    successful company, it was named one of Glassdoor's best places
    to work. And DocuSign's disruptive technology has saved more
    than 20 billion pieces of paper and 608,000 barrels of oil.
        Additionally, DocuSign IMPACT Foundation, which Mr. Krach
    now chairs, is a force multiplier for the charitable causes
    selected by DocuSign employees.
        Beyond DocuSign, Mr. Krach is an advisor for City Year,
    founder of Children's Autistic Network, and board member for
    Opportunity International, which issues micro-loans worldwide.
        So clearly he has a heart for service, and if that were not
    enough, he and his family foundation supports education,
    science, the arts, health care, and people in need.
        So there is nothing more humbling than reading through this
    list of achievements for me. And I am grateful that Mr. Krach
    has accepted this call to serve his country. He is going to be
    a true asset to the State Department, to this President, and to
    our nation. I look forward to supporting his nomination before
    the committee and on the Senate floor.
        Thanks so much.
        The Chairman. Thank you very much, both Senator Young and
    Senator Portman.
        Welcome to our guests.
        I am going to make some very brief introductory remarks and
    then turn it over to the ranking member, Senator Menendez, to
    make some introductory remarks. And then we will turn to you
    for your opening statements and we will have some questions.
        So with that, welcome to you and your families. Obviously,
    the families share in these just as much, sometimes more so
    than the nominees. I have experienced that myself. But we
    welcome all of you.
        First of all, talking about the appointment of Mr. Destro
    for Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights,
    and Labor. At a time where democracy and human rights are
    challenged across the globe, it is important for this position
    to be filled. In particular, pervasive threats against
    religious freedom threaten our core values. The United States
    will and must continue to defend this fundamental human right.
    Following the United States' withdrawal from the U.N. Human
    Rights Council last June, I look forward to from you on how the
    United States plans to continue to lead on human rights issues
    around the world.
        Next, Mr. Krach for the Under Secretary for Economic
    Growth, Energy, and Environment. This important position
    oversees a number of bureaus at the State Department, and I
    look forward to hearing how you plan to promote the important
    role that these bureaus play in advancing American economic
    interests overseas.
        Finally, I am pleased to welcome General David Stilwell,
    nominated to be Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and
    Pacific Affairs. General Stilwell brings a wealth of expertise
    in the Indo-Pacific region acquired during his more than 2
    decades of service in the United States Air Force. He served in
    Japan, South Korea, and China, as well as on the Joint Staff
    and at U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. He is currently the Director
    of the China Strategic Focus Group at USINDOPAC Command.
        And on a personal note, General, thank you for hosting me
    at the command. That was very instructive, and I appreciate
    that. Unfortunately, all my colleagues do not have the
    opportunity to do that, but that was a very enlightening
    briefing.
        The Indo-Pacific region is vital to American prosperity and
    security, and the United States has a deep interest in
    supporting a free and open region. I look forward to hearing
    how you will advance U.S. interests in this region, especially
    through strengthening and expanding our alliances and
    partnerships. Our enduring alliances with Japan, South Korea,
    Australia, and New Zealand are a source of American strength.
    Strengthening these alliances and expanding other partnerships
    are key to promoting peace, security, economic development, and
    freedom across the region.
        The challenge of China is global, but most acute in the
    Indo-Pacific. The Trump administration has already engaged in
    rebalancing bilateral relationships and pushing back on China's
    often coercive and intimidating actions in the region. However,
    more, much more, remains to be done.
        We face the continued threat of North Korea's nuclear and
    missile programs. I remain optimistic that we can get a deal,
    but it is going to take time and we will need to keep up the
    pressure.
        The Indo-Pacific and China in particular are a top priority
    for this committee, as we have already discussed in this
    committee. We look forward to particularly close coordination
    with you as you work to advance American interests in this
    important region.
        Along these lines, I would like to take note of the Asia
    Reassurance Initiative Act, an effort led by Senators Gardner
    and Markey, signed into law by the President last December.
    This act aligns well with the priorities articulated by the
    administration and should be implemented.
        Thanks to all for being here with us today. Thanks to your
    families for being here.
        And, Senator Menendez, I will turn the floor over to you.

                  STATEMENT OF HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY

        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Welcome to the nominees and to your families as well, and
    thank you for your willingness to serve.
        Mr. Chairman, however, before I turn to these nominees, I
    need to correct the record concerning statements reportedly
    made by President Trump yesterday afternoon in which he claimed
    Democrats were holding up nominations in the Senate.
        Let me be clear. When the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee has received qualified nominations, I have worked
    with efficiency and diligence to vet and advance these
    nominations. I have devoted my time and staff resources to
    ensure this because of our strong belief that the State
    Department and USAID and other foreign affairs agencies must be
    properly vetted and properly staffed.
        In the last Congress, the committee reported 169
    nominations. So I reject any assertion that we have not done
    our part to ensure that the State Department is appropriately
    staffed.
        As the chairman knows, the committee, with my full support,
    has been extremely diligent in moving forward on General
    Abizaid's nomination to be the U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
    He appeared on the very first committee nominations hearing of
    the 116th Congress, and I look forward to voting in favor of
    his nomination, as soon as the chairman puts him to a vote for
    the committee in a nomination process, and to a speedy
    confirmation.
        I have also proposed to the chairman moving forward with
    approximately 20 more nominees based on reaching an agreement
    regarding other committee business, and I look forward to a
    response.
        But I am concerned that President Trump has an inaccurate
    view of the nominations situation in the Senate and
    particularly on the Foreign Relations Committee. We cannot
    confirm diplomats that we do not have. All too often, the
    committee has received nominations late or not at all. It took
    23 months before the administration bothered to nominate
    General Abizaid. It took even longer, over 2 years, before the
    Trump administration nominated a candidate to be U.S.
    Ambassador to Turkey. We are now 26 months into the Trump
    administration, and we still lack ambassadorial nominees to
    critical countries like Egypt, Pakistan, and our close ally
    Jordan.
        And when we do receive nominations, the substandard vetting
    at State means I have to devote significant time and resources
    to ensure that we are not moving nominees who have no business
    representing the United States of America around the world.
        Now, I have been a gentleman about this. I have not gone
    through these nominees' backgrounds, but in fact I intend to go
    to the Senate floor and talk about some of the problems that
    these nominees have. They have problems with Me Too issues.
    They have legal issues. They have ethical issues. This is
    pretty significant for a series of these nominees.
        And so while we have tried to do this internally to get to
    a better place, if the administration wants to make charges
    that are exactly not true, then we will go to the Senate floor
    and have full vetting about what these nominees are all about.
        But to get diplomats in place, they need to be nominated in
    a timely fashion and vetted properly. That is the real holdup
    here above all.
        Now let me turn to the nominees here today.
        General Stilwell, thank you for your lifetime of service to
    our nation. It is good to see a nominee for a critical position
    of Assistant Secretary for East Asia and the Pacific. And it
    has taken a long time, nearly 2 years, but I am glad to see
    that we will, hopefully, soon fill this important post.
        I know you have a deep knowledge and understanding of
    China, but as you know, the region is much more than just
    China. I happen to be one who holds the view that to get China
    right, we have to first get the region right, starting with our
    allies and partners. So I am also interested in hearing your
    views on the rest of the region and how the United States
    should be positioning itself.
        I am sure you followed the press about the President's
    tweet reversing U.S. sanctions on North Korea, followed by what
    appears to be an effort to deny that the President had done
    what I thought he plainly did. I do not know what to say about
    such a process other than to know that dealing with Korea is
    deadly serious business, and I would expect you to share your
    views with us this morning on exactly what you believe both
    happened here and what we will be doing as we move forward
    against one of the critical national security challenges of the
    United States.
        Mr. Destro, welcome. As you know, the Bureau of Democracy,
    Human Rights, and Labor leads many of the State Department's
    most significant efforts to advance American values, including
    the rule of law, democracy, individual rights, religious
    freedom and labor rights. So should you be confirmed as
    Assistant Secretary for DRL, you will lead a bureau that works
    to promote some of our most basic values.
        Last year, I sent a bipartisan letter to the President
    urging him to nominate a properly qualified candidate for this
    position. We advocated for a qualified nominee but, most
    importantly, one committed to upholding the basic rights of all
    people, including those targeted for their work such as
    journalists, labor activists, and human rights defenders.
        So, sir, I have to say I have deep reservations about your
    willingness to carry out those duties.
        First, your statements and positions on a wide range of
    LGBT issues are extremely concerning. In the past, you have
    opposed the Equality Act, which would ban discrimination
    against LGBT Americans. You have criticized nondiscrimination
    protections that allow transgender people to use public
    accommodations. Perhaps most troubling, you have suggested that
    faith could be used as a pretext for discriminatory conduct
    against LGBT people.
        Given your history on these issues, it is hard for me to
    imagine how you could credibly advocate for the rights and
    equal treatment of LGBT individuals.
        When it comes to women's rights, I am not convinced that
    you would be a leader or the staunch defender of women's rights
    across the globe. In my view, reproductive rights are human
    rights, and the reality is that in too many countries around
    the world, it is still entirely acceptable for women and girls
    to be denied autonomy over their bodies and control of their
    lives.
        Many others share these concerns. On March 22nd, a
    coalition of 46 human rights and civil society organizations
    wrote a joint letter opposing your nomination. And I ask, Mr.
    Chairman, that this coalition letter be included in the hearing
    record.
        The Chairman. It will be.

        [The information referred to above is located at the end of
    this hearing transcript.]

        Senator Menendez. Last but not least, Mr. Krach, as
    President Trump's nominee to be the Under Secretary of State
    for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, I hope you
    are ready to hit the ground running. I think you will be.
        Here again, we are dealing with a position that has been
    vacant for more than 2 years.
        I will be looking forward to hearing in our questioning
    some of your views on some of the issues in your portfolio,
    particularly one that I think has a global challenge and that
    ultimately also has an economic growth and environmental
    challenge, which is the issues of climate change. And I look
    forward to hearing your views on that.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        To respond just briefly to your remarks about the President
    expressing his frustration on nominees, I share the President's
    frustration. As you know, you and I have had lengthy
    discussions on these, and we want to move these as rapidly as
    possible. We have got about 60 pending in the committee. We had
    13 on the business committee, which has been taken down, as you
    know.
        But the criticism that he has not filled some of these--
    again, I think everybody would like to see them filled, but
    when we have got a backlog of 60, it is hard to criticize him
    for not doing his job when we have got 60 in front of us before
    we get to those.
        So in any event, I look forward to working in a cooperative
    fashion and seeing if we cannot get them there. I appreciate
    your desire to go to the floor and talk about the flaws you
    believe in some of these appointments, which is certainly your
    right as Senator to do. But I think you have got the cart
    before the donkey. What we ought to do is get them out on the
    floor and debate them out on the floor, get them out of this
    committee, move them along, and people can vote yes or no as
    they see fit based upon their view of the nominee. The
    President certainly feels that they are qualified. I understand
    you have the absolute right to think otherwise and to debate
    otherwise, but what we should do is move the process along, get
    votes up or down, and let the chips fall where they may, and
    those that do not make it, the President can back up and
    refill.
        So I look forward to working in a cooperative fashion with
    you to moving these as rapidly as possible. There is a lot of
    angst out there, I can tell you, for getting these positions
    filled.
        So with that, Mr. Destro, the floor is yours.

      STATEMENT OF ROBERT A. DESTRO, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE ASSISTANT
       SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS, AND LABOR

        Mr. Destro. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Chairman Risch,
    Ranking Member Menendez, and members of the committee, thank
    you for giving me the opportunity today to appear before you as
    President Trump's nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State
    for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor. I am humbled by the
    nomination and grateful to the President for the confidence he
    has placed in me. If confirmed, I will be privileged to serve
    our great nation as a member of Secretary Mike Pompeo's team
    and as the leader of the dedicated public servants who are
    together the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.
        Please allow me at the beginning to take a moment to
    introduce my family. With me today are my wife, Dr. Brenda
    Destro; my daughter, Gina Destro; my son, Mark Destro; and my
    brother-in-law, William Cloonan. I am grateful that they have
    taken time from their busy schedules to be with me here today.
    I would also like to acknowledge the many family members,
    friends, colleagues, and students, both present and former, who
    are watching this hearing online. I am grateful for your
    support too.
        I would also like to acknowledge those who came before me
    but who are no longer with us. My parents, Anthony and Bette
    Destro, were first generation Americans. My dad was a policeman
    in Akron, Ohio for nearly 40 years, and my mom, a homemaker,
    who kept my sisters and me on the straight and narrow. All four
    of my grandparents were teenage peasants who arrived in this
    great country from Sicily in 1910. How amazed and proud they
    would be of our family. Only in America, Senator.
        I can say with confidence ``only in America'' because the
    individual success stories of the members of my wonderful and
    distinguished extended family would not have been possible had
    my grandparents not settled in a social and political community
    that respects the basic equality and dignity of every human
    being. That respect is written into the text and structure of
    our founding documents and is reflected in the text of the many
    human rights conventions, to which the United States is a
    party.
        Our nation's commitment to respect for human dignity shows
    up in our strong support for the rights of individuals and
    associations and in the demands of human rights advocates that
    governments and international organizations live by the command
    that all persons are entitled to equal protection--and I
    underscore ``protection''--of the laws. Americans support and
    encourage a myriad of civil society associations both at home
    and abroad because we strongly believe that, as human beings,
    it is our God-given nature to communicate freely and to
    organize associations to achieve our common goals in matters of
    faith, education, business, politics, the arts, and the welfare
    of others. This is why Congress and the President have asked
    DRL to provide support to individuals and organizations around
    the globe who aspire to enjoy the blessings of liberty,
    democracy, and the freedom to participate, both individually
    and collectively in the labor market.
        Respect for the inherent dignity of every human being
    requires no less. So over the course of my career, I have been
    privileged to serve both here in the United States and abroad
    as a civil rights lawyer, a public servant, an academic, and a
    policy advocate. My work on the legal and policy issues that
    arise at the juncture of law, religion, and culture has given
    me a unique perspective on nearly every aspect of the
    critically important responsibilities that Congress has
    assigned to DRL.
        If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, I will use all of this
    experience and, consistent with the law, will draw upon the
    experience of the many friends and colleagues with whom I have
    been privileged to work to advance DRL's ongoing efforts to
    protect and advance the cause of human rights across the globe.
    DRL is filled with dedicated public servants who are committed
    to the cause of human rights. I will work, if confirmed--to
    work hard to earn not only their support, but yours as well.
        Senator, I think I will leave it there. Thank you very much
    for the opportunity to be here today.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Destro follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of Robert A. Destro

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and members of the
    committee, thank you for giving me the opportunity to appear before you
    today as President Trump's nominee to be Assistant Secretary of State
    for Democracy, Human Rights & Labor. I am humbled by the nomination,
    and grateful to the President for the confidence he has placed in me.
    If confirmed, I will be privileged to serve our great nation as a
    member of Secretary Mike Pompeo's team and as the leader of the
    dedicated public servants who, together, are the Bureau of Democracy,
    Human Rights and Labor (DRL).
        Please allow me to take a moment to introduce my family. With me
    today are my wife, Dr. Brenda C. Destro, my daughter, Gina M. Destro,
    my son, Mark B. Destro, and my bother-in-law, William Cloonan. I am
    grateful that they have taken time from their busy schedules to be here
    with me today. I would also like to acknowledge the many family
    members, friends, colleagues and students, both present and former, who
    are watching this hearing online. I am grateful for your support.
        I would also like to acknowledge those who came before me, but who
    are no longer with us. My parents, Anthony and Bette Destro, were
    ``first-generation'' Americans. My Dad was a policeman in Akron, Ohio
    for nearly forty years and my Mom, a homemaker who kept my sisters and
    me on the straight and narrow. All four of my grandparents were teenage
    peasants who arrived in this great country from Sicily around 1910. How
    amazed and proud they would be of our family.
    Only in America!
        I can say with confidence ``only in America'' because the
    individual success stories of the members of my wonderful and
    distinguished extended family would not have been possible without my
    grandparents having settled in a social and political community that
    respects the basic equality and dignity of each and every human being.
    That respect is written into the text and structure of our founding
    documents and is reflected in the text of the many human rights
    conventions to which the United States is a party.
        Our Nation's commitment to respect for human dignity shows up in
    our strong support for the rights of individuals and associations, and
    in the demands of human rights advocates that governments and
    international organizations live by the command that all persons are
    entitled to equal protection of the laws. Americans support and
    encourage a myriad of ``civil society'' associations both at home and
    abroad because we strongly believe that, as human beings, it is our
    God-given nature to communicate freely and to organize associations to
    achieve our common goals in matters of faith, education, business,
    politics, the arts, and the welfare of others. This is why Congress and
    the President have asked DRL to provide support to individuals and
    organizations around the globe who aspire to enjoy the blessings of
    liberty, democracy, and the freedom to participate, both individually
    and collectively, in the labor market.
        Respect for the inherent dignity of every human being requires no
    less. Respect for the rights and freedoms of others is the foundation
    of effective diplomacy and a stable foreign policy. It is the key to
    helping others to strengthen the institutions of their own civil
    society, and respect for difference and the interests of others is
    absolutely necessary for the protection of America's vital national
    security and economic interests.
        Over the course of my career, I have been privileged to serve, both
    here in the United States and abroad, as a civil rights lawyer, a
    public servant, an academic and a policy advocate. My work on the legal
    and policy issues that arise at the juncture of law, religion and
    culture has given me a unique perspective on nearly every aspect of the
    critically important responsibilities that Congress has assigned to
    DRL.
        If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, I will use all of this
    experience--and, consistent with the law, will draw upon the experience
    of the many friends and colleagues with whom I have been privileged to
    work--to advance DRL's ongoing efforts to protect and advance the cause
    of human rights across the globe. DRL is filled with dedicated public
    servants who are committed to the cause of human rights. If confirmed,
    I will work hard to earn not only their support and respect, but yours
    as well.
        If confirmed as Assistant Secretary, I promise that I will provide
    my best advice and analysis to the Secretary and his leadership team. I
    will also work closely with this and other committees of the Congress
    to develop mutually agreeable outcome measures that will provide some
    assurance to you, and to America's taxpayers, that the money you
    entrust to DRL is being used wisely and effectively to advance our
    values and strategic foreign policy interests.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your time and attention.

        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Mr. Krach?

    STATEMENT OF KEITH KRACH, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE UNDER SECRETARY
      OF STATE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENERGY, AND THE ENVIRONMENT;
       UNITED STATES ALTERNATE GOVERNOR OF THE EUROPEAN BANK FOR
        RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES ALTERNATE
       GOVERNOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR RECONSTRUCTION AND
    DEVELOPMENT; AND UNITED STATES ALTERNATE GOVERNOR OF THE INTER-
                       AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK

        Mr. Krach. Thank you, Chairman Risch and Ranking Member
    Menendez, and members of the committee. It is a true privilege
    to appear before you today.
        I am especially grateful to Senators Portman and Young for
    their overly generous introduction.
        I am also honored and humbled that President Trump, at the
    recommendation of Secretary Pompeo, has nominated me to serve
    as Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the
    Environment, affectionately referred to as the ``E.''
        I would like to thank all seven of the former E's and the
    incredible State Department team who spent their valuable time
    with me sharing their insights on this important role. As a
    global businessman, I can tell you it is a strategic asset to
    have the finest diplomatic corps in the world in your corner,
    whether it is here or abroad.
        I also want to thank my family for being here today: my
    dear wife Metta, who is a Georgetown lawyer and serves on their
    board; and our five children, Monika, a marine biologist;
    Steve, a spacecraft design engineer at NASA; Carter, a Silicon
    Valley tech entrepreneur; and our 7-year-old twins, JD and
    Emma, whose courage, kindness, and sense of justice inspires me
    every day.
        My story starts like that of many Americans. I grew up in
    small-town Ohio where my father ran a machine shop and my
    mother was a teacher. My dad's customers were suppliers to the
    big three car companies in Detroit, and his fortunes were tied
    to theirs.
        At age 12, I became a welder in his shop and soon learned
    how to work all the machines. In good times, he employed as
    many as five workers, whom he treated as family. In bad times,
    I was his only employee and saw him go through the agonizing
    process of having to lay off his trusted team. His pain was not
    lost on me.
        My father dreamed that I would get some college knowledge
    and return as an engineer to help him grow the machine shop
    into a big company of 10 employees. While I did become an
    engineer, I never went back to work with my dad, but I believe
    he was proud that I joined the biggest company in the world,
    General Motors, which he had taken to calling ``Generous
    Motors'' after they gave me a full ride to Purdue and to
    Harvard Business School.
        10 years at GM gave me the chance of a lifetime to work at
    the Cadillac plant, Tech Center, New York Treasurer's Office,
    and pioneer the emerging field of robotics by starting a joint
    venture that is the largest industrial robotics manufacturer in
    the world today.
        That taste of high-tech innovation inspired me to risk it
    all and move out west to become an entrepreneur. In my eyes,
    Silicon Valley is the West Point of capitalism, a corporate
    United Nations, a total meritocracy, and a place where failure
    is recognized as the best teacher.
        My Silicon Valley journey began at Rasna where we invented
    mechanical design synthesis that enables engineers around the
    world, like my rocket scientist son, to optimize designs in
    real time.
        I then went on to start another company called Ariba,
    taking it public as the world's first business-to-business e-
    commerce company. My ultimate aim was to create a values-based
    driven company that was built to last. Now, $1.7 trillion in
    transactions go through the Ariba network each year, more than
    Amazon, eBay, and Alibaba combined.
        My mother taught me that a truly meaningful career is about
    giving back and paying it forward. So after some initial
    success, I worked with the biggest global insurer of micro-
    loans, and I would take my family along on journeys to some of
    the most poverty-stricken places in the world to hand out
    micro-loans. I will never forget being in the slums of Mumbai
    after 12-year-old Carter handed an 18-year-old single mother of
    a crippled child a $50 loan to purchase a sewing machine. And
    he said, I get it now, Dad. We are not giving them fish. We are
    teaching them how to fish.
        My children saw firsthand that economic empowerment and
    entrepreneurship can truly have a transformative impact on
    families and communities. That same concept is what makes the E
    mission so meaningful to me.
        I also had a chance to give back to my alma mater Purdue
    where I had the honor of serving as chairman of the board of
    trustees and recruiting Governor Mitch Daniels to be our
    president. I am particularly proud that Mitch is now recognized
    by the ``Wall Street Journal'' as America's most innovative
    university president, but even more so that we have frozen
    tuition for the last 7 years, working to address the $1.5
    trillion student debt crisis.
        I eventually went back to building another company called
    DocuSign, and after recently completing 10 years, it is now a
    public company with more than 400 million users in 188
    countries and, as Senator Young pointed out, along the way we
    saved 20 billion pieces of paper.
        This Ohio boy, who began his journey welding parts and
    later had the good fortune of welding together billion-dollar
    companies, has had the blessing of a true all-American dream.
    But even this dreamer could have never imagined that one day he
    might be presented with an opportunity to give back to this
    great nation which has given him so much.
        If confirmed, it would be the privilege of my life to serve
    the country and pay it forward to this next generation of
    Americans.
        I fully appreciate the enormity and gravity of this role,
    especially in a time where the reality we face as a nation is
    of ever-increasing cyber warfare and seemingly ceaseless
    variations of intense, perhaps even weaponized, economic
    competition.
        As you know, our rivals are playing the long game and they
    are playing for keeps, a four-dimensional game of economic,
    military, diplomatic, and cultural chess with little respect
    for human rights, intellectual property, international law,
    transparency, the environment, or sovereignty of nations.
        In order to prevail, we must play the game better and take
    economic statecraft to the next level. There is no substitute
    for American diplomacy. I believe the team with the best people
    wins and that diversity of thought is the catalyst for genius.
        With that aim in mind, if confirmed, I will work side by
    side at all levels with our preeminent diplomatic corps and
    with each of you in a meaningful way benefiting from your
    experience, your insights, and your wisdom. If confirmed, I
    will work tirelessly and strategically here and around the
    world to optimize economic growth, energy security, and the
    health of our planet for the sake of advancing the interests of
    our citizens and maximizing our national security.
        Thank you so very much for your kind attention.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Krach follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of Keith J. Krach

        Good morning, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and
    distinguished Members of the committee. It is a privilege to appear
    before you today and I thank you all for your time and consideration,
    especially those of you who took time from your busy schedules to meet
    with me.
        I am profoundly honored that President Trump, at the recommendation
    of Secretary Pompeo, has nominated me to serve as the Under Secretary
    of State for Economic Growth, Energy and the Environment,
    affectionately referred to simply as ``E.''
        I am also grateful to all 7 of the former E Under Secretaries who
    spent their valuable time with me and shared their insights about this
    important role. Thank you, Joan Spero, Stu Eizenstat, Al Larson,
    Josette Sheeran, Reuben Jeffery, Bob Hormats and Cathy Novelli.
        I would also like to thank the incredibly professional group of
    Civil and Foreign Service officers from the Department who helped bring
    me up to speed on the amazingly diverse work they do to support
    American interests here and abroad. I can honestly say I have never
    worked with a more welcoming, dedicated, intelligent, hard-working and
    patriotic group of individuals, and, if confirmed, it will be my great
    privilege to lead them.
        I particularly wish to thank Manisha Singh, the Acting Under
    Secretary, who has been most generous with her time from the Economic
    and Business Affairs Bureau. Frank Fannon, our Assistant Secretary for
    the Energy Bureau and Marcia Bernicat, the Principal Deputy Assistant
    Secretary for the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and
    Scientific Affairs, were equally generous with their time.
        Finally, I want to thank the E Team, in the Office of the Under
    Secretary who guided me throughout this complex process.
        I would not have been here today without their incredible
    dedication, preparation and good humor. As a global business man, I can
    tell you, it is a strategic asset having the finest diplomatic corps in
    the world on our side.
        I also want to thank my beloved family: My dear wife, Metta, who is
    a Georgetown lawyer and serves on their Board; and our five children:
    Monika, a marine biologist serving in the nonprofit sector; Stephen, a
    spacecraft design engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Carter,
    a Silicon Valley technology entrepreneur; and our seven-year-old twins,
    JD and Emma, whose courage, sense of justice and kindness inspires me
    every day.
        My story starts like that of many Americans. I grew up in small-
    town Ohio, where my father ran a machine shop and my mother was a
    teacher. My dad's customers were suppliers to the big three car
    companies in Detroit, and his fortunes were tied to theirs.
        In good times, he employed as many as five workers, whom he
    considered family. When things slowed down, I saw him go through the
    agonizing process of having to lay off trusted employees. His pain was
    not lost on me.
        At the age of 12, I became a welder in his shop and soon learned
    how to work the machines. I cherish the memory of working at his side.
    In boom times, we scrambled to fill big orders. In bad times, I was his
    only employee.
        When orders dried up, my mom courageously assured us that
    ``everything would be okay and to buckle our chinstraps.'' To help make
    ends meet, she worked second and third jobs, including coaching the 9th
    grade boys wrestling team. She was and is our rock and inspiration.
        My father dreamed that I would get some ``college knowledge'' and
    return as an engineer to help him grow the machine shop into a big
    company of 10 employees. While I did become an engineer, I never did go
    back to work with my dad in Ohio. But I think he was proud that I went
    to work for General Motors, the biggest company in the world at that
    time, which my dad had taken to calling ``Generous Motors'' after they
    awarded me a full scholarship to attend both Purdue University and
    Harvard Business School.
        I will be forever grateful for my 10 years working at GM where I
    learned manufacturing at the Cadillac plant in Detroit, engineering at
    the GM Tech Center, finance at the New York Treasurer's Office and was
    given the opportunity to lead a pioneering robotics joint venture,
    which I am proud to say has grown into the largest industrial robot
    manufacturer in the world.
        That taste of hi-tech innovation inspired me to take the risk to
    move out West and become an entrepreneur. In my eyes, Silicon Valley is
    ``the West Point of Capitalism,'' a corporate United Nations, a total
    meritocracy and a place where failure is recognized as the best
    teacher. The objective is to reinvent everything, innovate at scale,
    with speed being the ultimate currency.
        My Silicon Valley journey essentially began at Rasna Corporation, a
    software company where we invented Mechanical Design Synthesis that
    enables engineers around the world--like my rocket-scientist son at
    NASA--to optimize their designs in real time. I went on to start
    another company called Ariba, taking it public as the world's first
    business-to-business internet e-commerce company. My goal was to create
    a values-driven company that was ``built-to-last.'' Last year, $1.7
    trillion in transactions were processed through the Ariba network, more
    than Amazon, eBay and Alibaba combined.
        My mother taught me that a meaningful career is truly about
    ``giving back and paying it forward,'' so after some initial success I
    set out to give back to the organizations that helped me along the way,
    as well as, pay it forward to people who are less fortunate than me.
        I served on the Board of the largest private issuer of micro loans
    in the world, Opportunity International. I saw firsthand the way that
    transformational leadership and the private social sector can truly
    change communities and help families, many living on less than a dollar
    a day, by spreading kindness, empowerment and hope. I would bring my
    three teenage children along on these journeys as we traveled to the
    poorest of neighborhoods, schools and orphanages in countries like
    Kenya, the Philippines, India, Honduras, Indonesia, Peru, Viet Nam, and
    Nicaragua.
        They made hundreds of close connections by giving a warm hug and
    personally handing out numerous $50 loans. They witnessed in person the
    impact of what I refer to as ``the 3 big E's''--the power of
    entrepreneurship, economic empowerment of women and education. I will
    never forget what my 12-year-old son said, while in the slums of
    Mumbai, after handing a $50 loan to an 18-year-old single mother of a
    crippled child so that she could purchase a sewing machine instead of a
    dreadful alternative. ``I get it now, dad. Just like it says--we are
    not giving them fish, we are teaching them to fish.'' I knew then that
    by helping to transform the lives of those less fortunate, my
    children's as well as my life would be forever transformed.
        Always near and dear to my heart is my alma mater, Purdue
    University, where I had the honor of serving as the chairman of the
    Board of Trustees and recruiting the former head of OMB and Governor of
    Indiana, Mitch Daniels, to be our president. At Purdue, we worked to
    create a model in higher education, innovating new solutions in student
    affordability, online learning, global reach and retraining the
    workforce, which I believe will have a lasting impact in reforming
    higher education.
        I am particularly proud that Mitch is now recognized by WSJ as
    America's most innovative university president and equally proud that
    we have frozen tuition for the last 7 years, working to address the
    $1.5 trillion student debt crisis.
        I eventually went back to be a CEO and Chairman again at a small
    50-person company called DocuSign that had a simple dream of automating
    the signature process. After recently completing 10 years there, it is
    now a public company with more than 400 million users in 188 countries
    and recognized worldwide for its transformative impact on the way
    business is done. It is an example of how private industry and
    technological innovation can accelerate commerce securely by replacing
    slow, wasteful paper transactions--and along the way, we saved the
    planet 20 billion pieces of paper.
        This Ohio boy, who began his journey welding parts and later had
    the good fortune of welding together billion-dollar companies, has had
    the blessing of a true All-American dream. But not even this dreamer
    could have ever imagined, that one day, he might be presented with an
    opportunity to give back to this great nation, which has given him so
    much.
        If confirmed, it would be the privilege of my life to serve this
    country and pay it forward to the next generation of Americans.
        I fully appreciate the enormity and gravity of this role,
    especially in a time where the reality we face as a nation is one of
    ever-increasing cyber warfare and seemingly ceaseless variations of
    intense, perhaps even weaponized, economic competition.
        As you know, our rivals are playing the long game and they are
    playing for keeps a four-dimensional game of economic, military,
    diplomatic and cultural chess with little respect for human rights,
    intellectual property, international law, transparency, the
    environment, or the sovereignty of other nations.
        At the end of the day, there is no substitute for American
    leadership. In order to prevail, we must play this game better and take
    economic statecraft to the next level.
        My life's work has been focused on creating innovative companies
    and transformative social causes by building high-performance teams
    that challenge the status quo. I believe the team with the best people
    wins and that diversity of thought on any team is the catalyst for
    genius.
        With that aim in mind, if confirmed, I will be honored to work
    side-by-side at all levels with our accomplished and committed
    diplomatic corp and with each of you in a meaningful way, benefiting
    from your experience, insights and wisdom.
        Economic diplomacy is at an inflection point and technological
    advances have changed everything. Change is inevitable, and I believe
    it is also the most powerful and exciting word in any language. Change
    need not favor our adversaries.
        If confirmed, my focus will be on embracing this opportunity and
    harnessing 3 powerful areas of competitive advantage: strengthening our
    partnerships with friends and allies, leveraging the innovation and
    resources of the private sector, and amplifying the moral high ground
    of our American values and enduring optimism to advance peace and
    prosperity for our country and for the world.
        If confirmed, I will work tirelessly and strategically here and
    around the world to optimize economic growth, energy security and the
    health of our planet for the sake of advancing the interests of our
    citizens and maximizing our national security.
        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and distinguished members
    of the committee, I thank you for the opportunity to appear before you
    today. I am honored and humbled that you are considering me for this
    important position. I welcome your comments and questions. Thankyou.

        The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Krach.
        General Stilwell?

     STATEMENT OF BRIGADIER GENERAL DAVID STILWELL, USAF, RETIRED,
     OF HAWAII, TO BE ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE FOR EAST ASIAN
                          AND PACIFIC AFFAIRS

        Mr. Stilwell. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez,
    members of the committee, thank you for this opportunity.
        I would also like to thank President Trump and Secretary
    Pompeo for their confidence and support.
        Peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with East Asian
    and Pacific nations have been a U.S. strategic priority for
    generations. Recognizing this, as well as the region's more
    competitive environment, this administration has identified
    maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific as a top priority. If
    confirmed, I am committed to realizing a vision for the region
    that more actively advances longstanding U.S. interests,
    bolsters the freedom of East Asian and Pacific nations to
    choose their own path, and brings them together to form a
    strong and prosperous region.
        America's vision is built on enduring principles: freedom
    of the seas and skies; preserving sovereignty; resisting
    coercion; promoting market-based economics and free, fair, and
    reciprocal trade; and supporting good governance and respect
    for human rights. If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to
    advance these principles.
        A network of likeminded allies and partners is key. Our
    strong alliance relationships with Japan, Korea, Australia, and
    the Philippines continue to flourish, and the recent elections
    in Thailand are a very positive development.
        Growing relationships with strategic partners like Vietnam
    and Singapore will continue to benefit both sides, and the Vice
    President's trip to the region last fall demonstrated the
    importance of Pacific island countries to maintaining a free
    and open Indo-Pacific.
        In this effort, New Zealand increasingly contributes across
    the broader region, while ASEAN remains the core of our
    regional engagement.
        If confirmed, I will foster these relationships based on
    our shared interests and values.
        On the other hand, critical security challenges remain. The
    most urgent is North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
        Longer-term, strategic competition with China presents a
    comprehensive generational challenge. We will cooperate with
    China where it advances our interests as in North Korean
    denuclearization, but we must compete vigorously where our
    interests diverge.
        As the President's National Security Strategy makes clear,
    we are concerned by Beijing's use of covert, corrupt, and
    coercive means to interfere in the internal affairs of others.
    China has used various levers to undermine others' sovereignty
    whether through the One Belt One Road project or a
    militarization of the South China Sea. I appreciate this
    committee's work on ARIA and the BUILD Act to enable regional
    partners to resist these trends.
        As well, Beijing must abide by its commitments related to
    Taiwan in accordance with the Three Communiques. If confirmed,
    I commit to working to show China a better way that includes
    respect for human rights, freedom of religion, and building
    trust by honoring its commitments, while insisting on
    reciprocity and true mutual benefit in our bilateral
    relationship.
        In the region, there is concern about backsliding on human
    rights and democracy, for example, the plight of Burma's
    Rohingya people, Chinese government repression of Muslim
    minorities in Xinjiang, and the banning of political opposition
    in Cambodia. If confirmed, I will continue to promote openness,
    rule of law, and the protection of human rights and fundamental
    freedoms.
        Despite these challenges, the region is bright with
    opportunity with several of the United States' largest export
    markets and investment destinations in some of the world's
    fastest growing economies. As Vice President Pence noted in
    Singapore in November, our trade grows with the region's middle
    class, topping $1.83 trillion in 2017. This helps U.S.
    businesses, workers, farmers who can offer valuable goods,
    services, and American know-how.
        Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, this
    administration is working to ensure that East Asia and the
    Pacific continues to be a free, open, secure, and prosperous
    region. If confirmed, I am committed to working with you to
    ensure this trend continues.
        And now for the best part, I am joined today by my wife
    Jan, who flew out here with me from Honolulu; our son Dane, who
    is here from Los Angeles; and our daughter Janae could not make
    it. She is in Tokyo studying accounting as an exchange student.
    We are celebrating our 30th anniversary today. So thanks for
    making this milestone the most memorable.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Stilwell. And with that, I look forward to your
    questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Stilwell follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of David Stilwell

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and members of the
    committee: Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. I would
    also like to thank President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for their
    confidence and support.
        Peaceful and mutually beneficial relations with East Asian and
    Pacific nations have been a U.S. strategic priority for generations.
    Recognizing this, as well as the region's more competitive environment,
    this administration has identified maintaining a Free and Open Indo
    Pacific as a top priority. If confirmed, I am committed to realizing a
    vision for the region that more actively advances longstanding U.S.
    interests, bolsters the freedom of East Asian and Pacific nations to
    choose their own path, and brings them together to form a strong and
    prosperous core of a vibrant region.
        America's vision is built on enduring principles: ensuring the
    freedom of the seas and skies; insulating sovereign nations from
    external threat or unlawful use of force or coercion; promoting market-
    based economics, open investment environments, and free, fair, and
    reciprocal trade; and supporting good governance and respect for human
    rights. If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to promote these
    principles.
        Our network of like-minded allies and partners is key. Our strong
    alliance relationship with Japan continues to flourish as we cooperate
    economically, confront shared challenges, and strengthen bilateral
    trade ties. Our iron-clad and decades-long alliance with South Korea is
    now global in reach, and has only strengthened as we coordinate more
    closely to achieve the final, fully verified denuclearization of North
    Korea and welcome it into the family of nations. And Australia
    continues its tradition of mateship by addressing new challenges in
    innovative ways Australia is reaching beyond its historical areas of
    interest, linking up with traditional and non- traditional partners to
    attack common threats.
        In Southeast Asia, there is great potential to further expand
    cooperation with treaty allies Thailand and the Philippines, as well as
    other partners like Vietnam and Singapore. As the Vice President's trip
    to the region last fall showed, we recognize the importance of Pacific
    Island Countries to achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific, and are
    committed to working with them to tackle global and regional
    challenges. We work closely with New Zealand on the Pacific and across
    the region more broadly.
        The Trump administration is committed to maintaining ASEAN
    centrality at the core of our engagement with broader regional
    institutions such as the East Asia Summit, the ASEAN Regional Forum,
    and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. If confirmed, I will
    prioritize longstanding relationships based on our shared interests and
    values.
        While East Asian and Pacific nations have generally enjoyed peace
    for decades, critical security challenges remain. The most urgent is
    North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. If confirmed, I will work
    with Special Representative Biegun and others to maintain international
    pressure on North Korea.
        As a strategic competitor, China presents a longer-term challenge.
    We will cooperate with China where it advances our interests, as in a
    denuclearized North Korea and counter-narcotics, but we must compete
    vigorously where our interests diverge. As the President's National
    Security Strategy makes clear, we are concerned by China's use of
    covert, corrupt, and coercive means to interfere in affairs outside its
    borders, as well as its use of military threats to compel other states
    to heed its agenda. China's actions often undermine national autonomy,
    whether through commercially unviable projects that indebt other
    countries, or militarization of the South China Sea.
        China also should stop its pressure and coercion and resume
    dialogue with the democratically elected authorities on Taiwan. If
    confirmed, I commit to working to show China a better way to achieve
    its goal of national rejuvenation that includes respect for human
    rights, freedom of religion, and other nations' sovereignty, while
    insisting on fairness and reciprocity in our bilateral relationship. I
    also will make clear that the United States expects that any resolution
    of cross-Strait differences must be peaceful and based on the will of
    the people on both sides, in accordance with the Taiwan Relations Act
    and the Three Communiques.
        Despite these significant challenges, the region is also bright
    with opportunity, with a quarter of the global economy, some of the
    world's fastest growing economies, and several of the United States'
    largest export markets and investment destinations. As Vice President
    Pence noted in Singapore in November, our trade grows with the region's
    middle class, topping $1.83 trillion in 2017. This helps U.S.
    businesses, workers, and farmers who can offer valuable goods and
    services to the region's growing markets.
        The United States will work with East Asian and Pacific nations, as
    part of our broader Indo- Pacific approach, to create the conditions
    needed to attract greater private investment. This engagement allows us
    and our partners to advance an economic and trade architecture that
    opens markets; promotes high standards; and achieves free, fair, and
    reciprocal trade.
        If confirmed, I will work with my colleagues in the interagency to
    foster private sector-led development over state-dominated approaches
    that impinge on national sovereignty and local autonomy. In particular,
    I will work to implement the numerous economic initiatives the
    President, the Vice President, and Secretary Pompeo have announced.
    These promote fair and reciprocal trade, and expand sustainable
    investment in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy.
        Continued prosperity and autonomy are rooted in good governance and
    transparency. The United States supports strong civil society, efforts
    to counter corruption, judicial sector and legal reform, responsible
    borrowing, and honest procurement and contracting practices, among
    other aims.
        We are also concerned about backsliding on human rights and
    democracy, including the plight of Rohingya from Burma's Rakhine State,
    China's repression of Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, and banning of the
    political opposition in Cambodia. If confirmed, I will continue to
    promote openness, rule of law, and the protection of human rights and
    fundamental freedoms.
        Finally, the United States is working with East Asian and Pacific
    partners to strengthen maritime security and domain awareness,
    humanitarian assistance and disaster response, and peacekeeping
    capabilities, as well as to counter transnational crime. If confirmed,
    I will continue to deepen these important partnerships.
        Ensuring success for U.S. objectives in this region will require
    the full spectrum of our capabilities, including diplomatic
    initiatives, public diplomacy, capacity building, economic cooperation
    and commercial advocacy, and military cooperation. If confirmed, I am
    committed to using all of our tools to advance our strategic priorities
    and increase engagement with allies and partners.
        Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, this administration is
    working to ensure that East Asia and the Pacific continues to be a
    free, open, secure, and prosperous region. If confirmed, I am committed
    to working together with the dedicated professionals at the Department
    of State and our missions in the region to ensure this continues under
    my tenure as Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific
    Affairs.
        Thank you for inviting me to testify today and I look forward to
    your questions.

        The Chairman. Thank you, General. My wife and I have
    celebrated some anniversaries like that too.
        [Laughter.]
        The Chairman. Believe me, it will be a memorable experience
    over the remainder of your marriage. I promise you that.
        Well, we are going to do a round of questions. But I
    promised Senator Isakson, who has another commitment, that he
    could have a minute to start with. So, Senator Isakson, I am
    going to yield to you.
        Senator Isakson. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I
    apologize to the committee in advance.
        But two things. One is from a past Member that all of you
    know. Saxby Chambliss told me on Sunday if I did anything this
    week, I had to come and make sure that I said good things about
    Mr. Krach. So I want to say good things about Mr. Krach. I am
    sure his testimony is going to be as good as his introduction
    of himself. We are proud to have you and your family here
    today.
        The second thing I want to do is bring up an important
    issue for our country, particularly for aviation and something
    that Mr. Krach will have to deal with and I hope deal with it
    successfully. But we have open skies agreements with a number
    of the Middle Eastern country-owned airlines who are subsidized
    by the sovereign wealth funds and compete with the United
    States by getting into our marketplace through circuitous
    routes and then compete for personnel and other things at an
    advantage to our people, which we cannot compete with. I want
    to make sure Mr. Krach will promise us he will do everything he
    can to enforce U.S. agreements with foreign airlines coming
    into the country with regard to open skies and be sure we have
    fair and equitable play for our airlines and aviation industry
    in America with the open skies agreements. And I hope he will
    take that position.
        I congratulate you and you have a beautiful family.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Isakson. I am not speaking
    for everyone on the committee, but I think most people on the
    committee share your view on the open skies agreement and some
    of the backward way they are going about that, which has been
    detrimental to airline industries in the United States. So
    thank you very much for your comments.
        I also got the same call from Saxby.
        Well, first of all, I am going to be brief and then yield
    to the ranking member.
        I have a question, Mr. Stilwell, regarding North Korea. We
    all agree that it is important we maintain maximum pressure on
    North Korea especially after the second summit. He has
    indicated that it is not going to go as quickly as a lot of us
    would like to see although I think most of us understood we
    were going to have to have some patience in this regard.
        Last week, the Treasury designated two Chinese shipping
    companies for attempted evasion of North Korea sanctions. The
    next day, the President tweeted saying he had ordered the
    withdrawal of those additional sanctions, which has created
    some confusion. And I wonder if you could tell us your
    understanding of what happened, please, and in your view what
    the implications are for sanctions going forward. And I am sure
    we are going to explore that more as questions go on. So,
    General Stilwell.
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, thank you for that question, for the
    time we got to spend in your office.
        The North Korea question to me is very optimistic. Things
    are looking much better than they have over the last 20 years
    since I was first involved in 1994 in Kunsan, Korea when we
    discovered the Yongbyon reactor issue.
        If you look at the last 2 years under the pressure
    campaign, we have seen no nuclear tests. We have seen no
    missile launches. We have seen no provocations. The slow and
    patient diplomacy seems to be working. There is going to be ebb
    and flow with that, but staying the course and letting the
    North Koreans know that we are not going to pull back just on
    their word--we have been fooled enough times. And so the steady
    pressure will continue to have an effect.
        As for the sanctions, I am going to defer to Treasury on
    that one but look forward to working with you on that question.
        The Chairman. Thank you, General.
        Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        General, to you and your wife, happy anniversary. We will
    try to make it as happy as possible in this process.
        Let me turn to Mr. Destro. Mr. Destro, do you believe that
    the annual country reports on human rights are valuable?
        Mr. Destro. I am sorry?
        Senator Menendez. Do you believe that the annual country
    reports on human rights are valuable? And would you put your
    microphone on, please?
        Mr. Destro. Yes, Senator, I do. In fact--you go ahead. I am
    sorry.
        Senator Menendez. And in your view, do they contribute to
    advancing fundamental and universal human rights?
        Mr. Destro. I think they do, absolutely.
        Senator Menendez. So in 2018, while speaking on a panel by
    the Family Research Council, you said that the United States
    have these reports and we kind of cram the way we do things
    here down other people's throats and they are not ready for it.
    What did you mean by that?
        Mr. Destro. Well, Senator, thank you for the question and
    it is an important one.
        I look at the human rights reports as the foundation of
    much of our foreign policy in human rights. I know they are
    relied upon.
        But what I was reacting to is comments that I have had from
    people in other countries. So the essence of diplomacy is being
    engaged with everyone from good actors to bad actors, and there
    is frustration out there in some cases.
        Senator Menendez. But certainly the Universal Declaration
    of Human Rights of the United Nations and virtually most
    countries in the world have adopted--that promoting that is
    not, quote, cramming down people's throats.
        Mr. Destro. No, Senator, it is not. Like I said, the human
    rights reports are the foundation of much of the work that--
    certainly what DRL does. And it is also very foundational to
    what most of the human rights groups do. So I am very
    supportive of the reports and actually would like to take them
    to the next step.
        Senator Menendez. Well, what would that mean?
        Mr. Destro. Pardon?
        Senator Menendez. What would that mean?
        Mr. Destro. I would like to see them be more interactive. I
    think what we are looking at now is a very good, solid report.
    One of the things that the wonderful staff at DRL has done with
    me over the past month or so is they have given me access to
    what the instructions are, and I think Ambassador Kozak did a
    wonderful job when he explained what it is that DRL is trying
    to do with the reports. But there are many other pieces of
    information that are not in the reports that I think DRL could
    make available to you and to the public, working across these
    agencies in the State Department. And that is a conversation I
    look forward to having, if confirmed.
        Senator Menendez. In March 2017 at Catholic University
    School of Law, there was an event titled ``Trump's Refugee
    Order: Getting Down to Reality in the Age of Misinformation.''
    You were a panelist at that event. Is that correct?
        Mr. Destro. Yes, sir.
        Senator Menendez. In your remarks, you spoke to the U.S.
    refugee vetting system, and you said, quote, I would venture to
    say that it is probably unlikely that most of the consular
    officers really would know how to figure out who an ISIS person
    anyway because asking those kinds of questions require levels
    of sophistication that I have yet to see of the State
    Department. Close quote.
        I assume that before you spoke on the panel on refugees,
    should you not have known that all refugees admitted in United
    States are also vetted by the Department of Homeland Security,
    the FBI, and other national security agencies?
        Mr. Destro. Yes, Senator, I know that.
        Senator Menendez. So are you suggesting that the State
    Department employees have insufficient sophistication to
    perform their critical national security duties?
        Mr. Destro. No, Senator, I am not. What I am suggesting is
    that in the many years that I have been dealing with the State
    Department--and it goes back many years now--one of the things
    that I have learned over time is that the State Department--
    many of the people in the State Department--I should not say
    everyone--have had a hard time dealing with the issue of
    religion. And that is one of the issues I would like to bring
    to their attention. And this question of who is a terrorist and
    who is not requires a lot of sophistication.
        Senator Menendez. There is a lot of sophistication at DHS,
    FBI, and other national security agencies.
        But since you brought up the question of religion, as part
    of the Republican National Lawyers Association conference in
    May of 2017, you participated in a panel where you discussed
    the merits of the President's executive order granting broader
    religious freedom to individual organizations. And during the
    discussion, you said the following. Quote: What we need the
    President to do is get these agencies staffed up with people
    who really understand what religious liberty is all about so
    that we can get some training done and we do not have to deal
    with all the holdovers who make our lives miserable when we go
    deal with these executive agencies.
        Now, that statement is concerning to me. I can assure you
    that if you are confirmed, the committee will be watching
    closely on how you handle personnel issues at DRL. Can you
    assure, because we have already had instances of political
    retribution at the State Department--can you assure me that you
    will not engage in any of these prohibited practices?
        Mr. Destro. Senator, I am glad you asked me that question.
        Of course, I will assure you of that. I mean, I have been a
    labor lawyer all of my career. I believe that you address
    people according to their abilities. And my job as the leader
    of the wonderful people I have met at DRL is to actually find
    out what they want to do in their careers and for me to help
    them do that. So I do not have a problem with making that
    assurance to you, and I will be happy to report back to you
    whenever you would like.
        Senator Menendez. I have another question, Mr. Chairman,
    but I will wait for the second round.
        The Chairman. Senator Gardner?
        Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And, General Stilwell, happy anniversary to you. And I
    think Chairman Risch probably scheduled hearings on his
    anniversary so he could get out of paying for dinner. I do not
    know. Is that what you did, Mr. Chairman?
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Gardner. Thank you all for your time and testimony
    today and welcome to your families and your commitment to
    public service.
        General Stilwell, I am going to spend most of my time with
    you. Do you commit to the full implementation of the Asia
    Reassurance Initiative Act, or ARIA?
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, absolutely.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you. Your testimony is very much in
    line with what ARIA does. In fact, ARIA is basically the flesh
    and bones of your testimony. How would you interpret that, your
    testimony today, and how it fits with ARIA?
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, I see it as a proactive approach to
    a challenge in the Asia-Pacific that we really have not had to
    deal with in the past. And so the legislation is very timely.
    It counters a state-run and directed attempt to, in many ways,
    undermine state sovereignty, individual nation sovereignty,
    through what looks like infrastructure funding but does not.
    Whereas, ARIA leverages the open market private sector funding
    that develops and delivers all sorts of great things in the
    world of infrastructure, high quality infrastructure at
    reasonable prices.
        Senator Gardner. And I think you may be talking about the
    BUILD Act. So I want to make sure on the Asia Reassurance
    Initiative Act, though, that you are fully committed to the
    implementation of the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act.
        Mr. Stilwell. Yes. Apologies for conflating.
        Senator Gardner. No, no. That is okay. The Obama pivot and
    rebalance was a good idea, but the difference between that
    success and failure is ARIA. ARIA means all the difference
    between taking the pivot and rebalance and actually turning it
    into something that does provide U.S. presence and leadership
    in the region. So thank you for your commitment.
        And will you agree to appear before this committee in the
    future to talk about the implementation of ARIA?
        Mr. Stilwell. Yes, Senator, absolutely.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you.
        This is an important generational opportunity for the
    United States to provide leadership with all of the elements
    that the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act contains. Yesterday, I
    met with leaders from Vietnam, leaders from Thailand as well.
    And all of them--the first discussion we had was on ARIA and
    how they can partner with the United States to implement ARIA.
    If we miss this opportunity, the U.S. will once again have
    failed on leadership in Asia. We cannot afford to fail. ARIA is
    critical to that success.
        So thank you, General Stilwell, for your commitment and
    your leadership.
        Do you commit to the full enforcement of existing sanctions
    against the North Korean regime under U.S. law, including those
    mandated by the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement
    Act and ARIA as well?
        Mr. Stilwell. Affirmative. I do.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you.
        Do you agree that no sanctions against North Korea should
    be lifted?
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, I believe--yes. I believe UNSCR-
    approved sanctions should be enforced by all parties that
    signed up to that, U.S. and countries, as part of it.
        Now, as far as the bilateral U.S.-North Korea sanctions,
    yes, we should. I believe that------
        Senator Gardner. I want to clarify the question a little
    bit, that no sanctions will be lifted until North Korea
    demonstrates a commitment to complete, verifiable, irreversible
    denuclearization.
        Mr. Stilwell. Exactly. And so, again, we bought this horse
    before and appreciate the fact that long-term, patient pressure
    has had a very positive effect, as I mentioned earlier, and
    releasing that pressure too soon will get us right back where
    we started.
        Senator Gardner. My concern, of course, is that we are now
    slow boiling back to strategic patience, which failed to do
    anything to deter North Korea. I am concerned about sanctions
    that are being imposed under U.S. law, rightfully so by
    Treasury, and then waived by the administration for no apparent
    concrete step toward denuclearization. That is a very big
    concern. And I think if we are going to relieve maximum
    pressure, we are going to end up back in the failed strategic
    patience doctrine.
        I would just point out that on March 31st, in just a few
    days, a report is due from the Department of State. This is a
    report on a strategy to address the threats posed by and the
    capabilities of North Korea. This report requires identifying
    strategies and policies to achieve peaceful denuclearization,
    to eliminate the threat posed by ballistic missiles, includes
    an assessment of potential road maps towards peaceful
    denuclearization. This report is due in just a few days. We had
    a hearing yesterday with Dr. Victor Cha, Ms. Kelly Magsamen,
    and both of them agreed that we are nowhere near getting this
    report to Congress, as required by law, signed on December 31st
    by the President.
        So this is going to be a top priority of mine, should you
    be confirmed under this. So I would like to make sure that we
    get that.
        And then also I would just submit for the record a letter
    that Senator Markey and I sent to Secretary Pompeo and
    Secretary Mnuchin that talks about the slow-down in sanctions
    against North Korea. Since March of 2017, there were 182
    persons and entities sanctioned by--and I know this is a
    Treasury call, but you work very closely hand-in-glove with
    Treasury and we need your pressure to make sure maximum
    pressure is working.
        But since February 23rd, only 26 new designations have
    occurred despite ample evidence of illicit behavior from
    Pyongyang and its enablers.
        So, Mr. Chairman, I would ask unanimous consent that this
    be submitted for the record.
        The Chairman. It will be.

        [The information referred to above is located at the end of
    this hearing transcript.]

        Senator Gardner. Thank you.
        And just finally, the contours of the U.S. approach towards
    China--I will follow up on this with a question for the record.
    But do you commit to working with the subcommittee and the full
    committee on a comprehensive effort to shape a new China policy
    that is consistent with the National Security Strategy and the
    National Defense Strategy?
        Mr. Stilwell. Yes, Senator. I look forward to it.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you.
        And will you commit to appearing before my subcommittee or
    the full committee to discuss these efforts in the near future,
    including to provide constructive feedback on legislative
    efforts?
        Mr. Stilwell. Affirmative.
        Senator Gardner. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And, again, happy anniversary, General Stilwell. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Gardner.
        Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And congratulations to the witnesses for your nominations,
    for your anniversary.
        I grew up working in my dad's welding shop, Mr. Krach. So I
    appreciate that aspect of your story as well.
        Professor Destro, thank you for the opportunity to meet in
    the office, and I have a couple of questions for you, one that
    you and I talked about yesterday.
        I asked this question in a confirmation hearing when
    Governor Brownback was nominated to be Religious Freedom
    Ambassador, and I was disappointed that I did not get an
    unequivocal answer. So I want to ask you the same question
    because it is so directly related to your human rights
    portfolio, should you be confirmed.
        Some governments use religious justifications to imprison
    and execute LGBTQ people. Do you believe there is any
    circumstance under which religious freedom can justify
    criminalizing, imprisoning, or executing people based on their
    LGBTQ status?
        Mr. Destro. No, Senator, I do not.
        Senator Kaine. Professor Destro, you engaged in a lot of
    writing prior to the marriage equality decision of the Supreme
    Court, and my understanding of your position at that time was
    you did not believe that the Fourteenth Amendment equal
    protection guarantee extended to guarantee same sex individuals
    the right to choose their own partners and marry. There was a
    phrase that you used in one of the articles that you wrote in
    2012 that I just want to ask you about, and it goes like this.
    If the structure of heteronormativity is to be dismantled,
    there is only one place to do it. At the ballot box.
        Throughout our history on fundamental issues of human
    rights, people have not been able to rely purely on the ballot
    box to do that. Slavery did not end and may not have ended
    because of the ballot box. Women would not have gotten the
    right to vote just because of the ballot box. We would not have
    desegregated schools just because of the ballot box. If you ask
    oppressed minorities or disenfranchised people to wait for the
    ballot box, their human rights are often at risk because
    majorities view them with suspicion or do not want them to have
    equal treatment.
        So I was curious about that formulation. You are being
    nominated for a position. One of the key aspects of the
    portfolio is the promotion of human rights and that will often
    be human rights for people who might be of minority religions,
    minority ethnicities, minority political views, people who the
    ballot box does not offer them a lot of comfort. One of the
    great aspects of our liberal democracy is we have a democracy,
    but we also protect the liberties of minority populations so
    that they are not subject to oppression by a majority.
        So I was kind of curious about your suggestion in that
    article that dismantling heteronormativity, if people were
    LGBTQ and wanted to marry or wanted to be treated equally in
    the workplace, they would have to wait for the ballot box to do
    it. And I was just wondering if you could walk me through that.
        Mr. Destro. Sure, Senator. Thanks for the question, and
    thanks for taking the time with me yesterday morning to discuss
    these issues in some depth.
        The question--DRL deals with democracy, human rights, and
    labor. And so sometimes the tendency is to prioritize one over
    the other, and people in individual countries have the right to
    band together to govern themselves. And so there is a constant
    tension between kind of the question of how you prioritize
    human rights. And as we know from our experience here in the
    United States, that once the courts take a good, solid stand,
    then the people follow.
        So it seems to me that we have to give a good example of
    what we are doing, and we not only have to be fair, we have to
    act fair. And I certainly intend to bring that point of view
    not only to address Senator Menendez's concerns about the
    people within DRL--we are all going to be walking the walk
    there. And basically that is what we will be doing across the
    world as well.
        Senator Kaine. And can you tell me that you will be an
    advocate for the right of LGBTQ people to be treated as equals
    using the U.S. as an example of a country that has moved toward
    that and that should be one that we would want to impress the
    virtues of the example on others?
        Mr. Destro. Well, Senator, Brunei just took a slide down
    that road just the other day. And of course, we cannot tolerate
    lack of equal protection. That is why in my opening comments I
    underscored the word ``protection.'' That is an active verb,
    ``to protect.'' And I think we have an obligation to help
    people do that.
        Senator Kaine. One more question quickly. Within the State
    Department and the division, there were instructions given to
    embassies and others out in the field to provide information
    about the status of women's access to reproductive health care
    in countries as part of the annual human rights report. And
    that was the case from 2011 I believe to 2017. The instructions
    that are now being given to the field do not ask them to put in
    information about reproductive rights. You have the ability to
    change that, should you be confirmed.
        Would you instruct folks in the field to provide you
    information so that the human rights report would include
    information about the capacity of women around the world to
    access reproductive health care?
        Mr. Destro. Senator, my understanding is that the
    Secretary's instructions are to follow the statutes. The
    statutes require that we look at questions of access to health
    care, access to------
        Senator Kaine. I do not think you are quite answering my
    question. Instructions for a number of years did instruct to
    put in information about women's access to reproductive health
    care. Those instructions have now been changed to deemphasize
    that. If you are confirmed, you would have the ability to do
    this. Would you ask for that information to be reported to you
    from our FSOs in the field so that you can include it in the
    human rights report?
        Mr. Destro. Well, like I said, Senator, not being involved
    in the discussion beforehand--I have seen the instructions.
    They are trying to keep them uniform. I will do what I can
    within the statutes, but that is all I can commit to at this
    point.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Cardin is next. I know he has got some questions.
    So we will be at ease for a minute while we try to get Senator
    Cardin in here.
        Senator Menendez. Mr. Chairman, while we are waiting for
    Senator Cardin, since we would be going to a second round after
    Senator Cardin, in the interest of time--Senator Cardin has
    arrived.
        The Chairman. I was going to deny that request, Senator
    Menendez.
        [Laughter.]
        The Chairman. No offense. I wanted to make sure Senator
    Cardin------
        Senator Menendez. If I can, Mr. Chairman, to my
    distinguished colleague, we had it bad on our side in terms of
    the ordering. So we apologize.
        Senator Cardin. First, let me thank all of our nominees for
    their willingness to serve our country. These are challenging
    times. I also want to thank your families for your willingness
    to serve. These are challenging times for our country, and we
    thank you for your willingness to serve in these public
    positions.
        General Stilwell, happy anniversary. We have all been
    wishing you that. We hope that you celebrate many more, and we
    hope that this service to your country will only encourage that
    relationship.
        My main concern for this round of questioning is to deal
    with human rights issues. The East Asia and Pacific region is
    one that is very much of concern about what is happening on
    good governance and human rights. And I just really want to
    encourage you to make sure that these issues are front and
    center in the State Department because sometimes they get lost.
    There are so many other issues. We are dealing with nuclear
    proliferation. We are dealing with security issues, dealing
    with trade issues. But human rights are the strength of this
    country, and it is critical that these issues be included in
    all of these discussions. And you hold a key position on this.
        So you mentioned China and Burma. You mentioned Cambodia.
    You could have mentioned also the Philippines having real
    challenges. And I hope that you will make America's values a
    principal part of your responsibility in overseeing our
    missions in East Asia and Pacific.
        Mr. Krach, I must tell you I have listened to many
    statements before our committee, and yours was one of the most
    impressive I have heard about your history. Certainly on
    entrepreneurship, you bring incredible talent to this position.
    It just shows that learning welding skills can do you well in
    life. So I might go back and try to figure out how to become a
    welder. But congratulations on your success.
        But understand that your portfolio includes energy and the
    environment also. And I think we all are going to be anxious to
    understand your commitment to U.S. leadership in dealing with
    the global issues, particularly on the environment. And if we
    do not have time to ask today, we will get to those questions.
    Senator Menendez raised that in his opening statement.
        But to Mr. Destro, I want to concentrate a little bit on
    your role because you have a principal role in human rights and
    good governance, on anti-corruption, the values of this
    country. As I pointed out to General Stilwell, a lot of times
    it is difficult to get these issues front and center in this
    country because there are so many other issues that our
    missions depend on and work on that they do not want to be
    bothered by human rights. But human rights is our strength.
    Good governance is our strength.
        So I want to just follow up on some of the comments that
    you made. I did not quite understand what you meant about the
    State Department having a hard time dealing with religion. What
    did you mean by that in the response?
        Mr. Destro. Thank you, Senator. Thanks for that question.
        The Frank Wolf Religious Freedom Act requires that Foreign
    Service officers be trained when they go out into the field.
    And I have made the comment that not only do the Foreign
    Service officers need to be trained, but so do the lawyers at
    the State Department and at USAID. In the experience that I
    have had, especially it really came kind of full force to me
    when we were working on the inter-faith initiative in the Holy
    Land where we were trying to bring the groups together. And I
    have to tell you, Senator, I still have scars from people kind
    of------
        Senator Cardin. Do you believe that a practicing Muslim or
    a practicing Jew or a practicing Christian raises particular
    concerns?
        Mr. Destro. No, sir. Quite the opposite. I think that we
    need to bring people together, and I have devoted most of my
    career for at least the last 16 years to doing just that.
        Senator Cardin. So one of our concerns is that faith can be
    used as justification for discrimination certainly against the
    LGBT community. We all have our religious beliefs, and I
    respect that. But are you committed to making sure that all
    people globally are protected against persecutions, whether it
    is under the guise of faith or under the guise that we should
    not be interfering in the domestic relations of other
    countries?
        Mr. Destro. Absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Cardin. Can you be a little bit more definitive?
    Are you prepared--look, I have been on the Helsinki Commission
    for a long time, and we have specific provisions under the
    Helsinki Final Act where we can question activities in other
    countries. But we always get the rebuttal, why are you
    interfering in the domestic relations of another country? And
    Senator Menendez says these are basic human rights tenets that
    the global community has aspired to. Are you prepared to take
    on this battle with other countries to say, look, even though
    it may differ from my own personal religious beliefs, you are
    going to stand up to protect the rights of the LGBT community,
    to protect the rights against government laws and policies that
    persecute people because of who they are?
        Mr. Destro. Absolutely, Senator. It is a pervasive problem
    all over the place. I have spent probably the last 12 years
    working on getting prisoners out of jail thankfully, with the
    help of a lot of other people. That is getting in the face of
    other governments, and I would not hesitate to do that for one
    minute.
        The point I have been trying to make all along is that
    equal protection means protection. Every member of a community
    is entitled to the equal protection of the laws.
        Senator Cardin. Just one last question. So if a country has
    a law that would imprison someone because of being part of the
    LGBT community, would that be a priority for you to fight to
    have that law repealed?
        Mr. Destro. Yes, Senator, as much as a priority of a
    country that would imprison a woman for not being with her
    minder or who would imprison a Christian or a Buddhist or
    whomever. Equal protection means exactly that.
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Senator Shaheen?
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And thank you to each of you for being willing to consider
    being nominated to these positions that are very critical to
    the country at a very important time in the world.
        Mr. Destro, I am going to follow up with some questions,
    and if you have responded to these, I apologize for asking them
    again.
        But if confirmed, you would be responsible for overseeing
    global U.S. policies for women's reproductive rights. Congress
    appropriated $607.5 million in fiscal year 2019 for family
    planning and reproductive health programs that expand access to
    family planning services and activities for women and girls. So
    if confirmed, will you implement these programs and follow
    congressional will in spending appropriated dollars on family
    planning and reproductive health?
        Mr. Destro. Senator, yes. I mean, I will follow the
    government's policies. Secretary Pompeo made a very eloquent
    statement yesterday or the day before about the Mexico City
    policy. I am bound by what the Secretary and the administration
    does.
        But the United States government is a leader in advocacy
    for women around the world. The human rights reports do report
    on violence against women. They do on coercion and all of that.
        Senator Shaheen. I do not want to interrupt, but
    unfortunately, the United States has not been a leader on
    family planning and giving women around the world access to
    those services. In fact, what we have seen from some agencies
    over the last couple of years is a reluctance to spend the
    dollars that Congress has directly appropriated and directed
    them to spend. So it is not a surprising question.
        Do you believe in the freedom of speech, and will you
    commit to advocating for this right in countries that impose
    restrictions on speech?
        Mr. Destro. Absolutely, Senator, I will. I have been
    working on freedom of speech issues for my whole career.
        Senator Shaheen. Which I appreciate. Thank you for that.
        And given that answer, I would be interested in your
    personal take on Secretary Pompeo's announcement to expand the
    global gag rule even further to invoke the Siljander Amendment
    for the first time which, as you may know, would effectively
    restrain the operations of NGOs and other groups that have
    nothing to do with abortion services. Instead, it goes after
    groups that express their views on choice. Do you think it is
    appropriate for the United States to restrain the speech of pro
    choice organizations in this way? And how can you effectively
    advocate for free speech if you take that position?
        Mr. Destro. Senator, I must question the premise of your
    question. I mean, I do not think the United States government
    is inhibiting freedom of speech at all. I do believe that the
    Secretary spoke about this the other day, yesterday, and I will
    abide by his will on this issue.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, again, just to reiterate. The
    Siljander Amendment would effectively restrain the operations
    of NGOs and other groups that have nothing to do with abortion
    services. And what Secretary Pompeo said, as I understand, was
    that he was planning to expand the global gag rule to include
    the Siljander Amendment which would restrain the ability of
    other organizations that are not providing reproductive
    abortion services, but that may advocate on that behalf, that
    it would restrain our ability--any funding from the United
    States to go to those organizations based on taking that
    advocacy position.
        So I would hope that you would go back to the Department of
    State and that you would, if confirmed, get a clarification on
    what this actually means because I think it is in violation of
    our commitment to free speech around the world.
        Mr. Destro. Senator, you certainly have my commitment to go
    back and to talk to people about how that is understood.
        Senator Shaheen. Also, I was disappointed to see that the
    administration does not consider reproductive rights to be
    worthy of inclusion on the congressionally mandated country
    reports on human rights practices. And it has also
    significantly scaled back reports on gender-based violence.
        So if confirmed, you would oversee these reports. Do you
    consider gender-based violence to be a human rights violation?
        Mr. Destro. I do, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. And so will you commit to reporting on the
    prevalence of gender-based violence in these country reports?
        Mr. Destro. Senator, again, I have not been involved in the
    discussions about how the reports are put together. I have seen
    the instructions. I do know that there has been a movement
    lately to try and keep the reports more compact. But my comment
    to Senator Menendez a little earlier about adding on top of the
    report, to the extent that we can do that, I would like to see
    us report a little bit more about current events.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, I would certainly hope that
    reporting on gender-based violence would be done. Rather than
    an attempt to keep the report compact, it would be a
    recognition of a real effort to report on human rights
    violations that are happening across the world. That, as I
    understand, is the goal of this reporting. It is not to keep it
    short so that it is an easy read for people.
        Mr. Destro. That is true, Senator. Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Murphy?
        Senator Murphy. I would concur with the Senator's analysis
    of the reason that we do these reports.
        Mr. Krach, the House just passed a bill called the European
    Energy Security and Diversification Act by a big bipartisan
    majority, 391 to 24. This is a piece of legislation originally
    introduced here in the Senate by myself and Senator Cardin and
    Senator Johnson, Senator Rubio, Senator Gardner. A bunch of us
    on both sides of the aisle think it is really important to set
    up a financing vehicle that we could partner with diplomatic
    efforts in order to help countries, especially those on the
    Russian periphery, become energy independent of Russia, a way,
    at no cost to the American taxpayer, to find some ways to try
    to push back on one of the prime means of Russian leverage,
    which is their energy that continues to flow largely unimpeded
    into countries that then become reliant on not only Russia's
    energy source but become very intertwined with their foreign
    policy objectives and priorities as well.
        Can you talk about the importance of the United States
    standing up new capacities to try to help countries around the
    Russian periphery become energy independent of Russia? And I
    would love to get your commitment to work with us on both sides
    of the aisle on this legislation.
        Mr. Krach. Yes, Senator. And thank you for that piece of
    legislation--all of Congress--because I really believe that
    energy security is such a vital component to national security.
    And a key to energy security is obviously to diversify all
    sources of energy. So, Senator, you have my commitment. If
    confirmed, I will do everything possible to utilize our Foreign
    Service experts and bring all forces to bear.
        Senator Murphy. And I assume you believe that the United
    States can do more to try to promote energy independence in and
    around Russia's periphery.
        Mr. Krach. Absolutely, Senator. And my goal is to improve.
        Senator Murphy. Mr. Destro, you have a difficult job ahead
    of you. I am sure Senator Menendez and others have framed this
    for you. This administration's constant embrace of brutal
    oppressive regimes all around the world has set back the
    international human rights cause by decades in my opinion.
        But this position, when I think done right, is one that
    makes the argument that despite all of the competing priorities
    we have in bilateral relationships, when our President and our
    Secretary of State is sitting across from another world leader,
    that they should raise and must raise issues of human rights no
    matter the competing equities. There are always competing
    equities. And this job has been placed in the State Department
    in order to make sure that the human rights and democracy
    promotion equities are part of that equation.
        The President's first trip, when he became the commander in
    chief, was to Saudi Arabia, a country that occupies a position
    of primacy with respect to those brutal and oppressive regimes
    around the world. We have always known of it and its practices,
    but we know a little bit more now given the fact that they
    targeted an American resident for murder and have another today
    that they have reportedly electrocuted.
        Can you share with us what advice you are going to give
    this administration with respect to how we right-size our
    relationship with Saudi Arabia? Thus far, there have been
    absolutely no consequences to the government of Saudi Arabia
    from this administration. And I imagine if there was someone
    strongly advocating for human rights and democracy promotion as
    a cornerstone of our foreign policy in the State Department, we
    might have had a different outcome in this administration's
    policy. Give us your recommendations that you will make or how
    you view the need to raise these issues with a Saudi regime
    that seems to be targeting U.S. residents for repression.
        Mr. Destro. Senator, thank you. The behavior of the Saudi
    regime with respect to women and other minorities, religious
    minorities, leaves a lot to be desired. I will certainly be a
    strong advocate. My job, if confirmed as Assistant Secretary,
    is to do the homework for the Secretary and the President on
    these human rights issues.
        I do know that the President has been four square and so
    has Secretary Pompeo with respect to holding the people
    responsible for the murder of Khashoggi and others to account.
    There have been sanctions issued against people in the Saudi
    regime, and I understand that the process of looking at the
    evidence is still ongoing. Not having my security clearance,
    unless and until I am confirmed, I cannot comment on where they
    are in that process at this point.
        Senator Murphy. We will look forward to having you back
    here. I think everyone, with the exception of the President,
    who has taken a look at the evidence available to us, has come
    to the conclusion that we have not sanctioned and targeted the
    people who were responsible for this killing, thus the need to
    have somebody in your position who is speaking truth to power
    on who was actually responsible for these crimes and who
    actually needs to be held accountable.
        But thank you very much for your participation today.
        Mr. Destro. Thank you, Senator.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Senator Coons?
        Senator Coons. Thank you, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member
    Menendez, and thank you to the panel for your willingness to
    step forward and serve and represent our nation in important
    places around the world.
        Mr. Krach, if I might first to you. In your testimony, you
    mentioned the importance of leveraging the innovation and
    resources of our private sector. If confirmed as Under
    Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, you
    will need to advise Secretary Pompeo on his role as the
    chairman of the new International Development Finance
    Corporation created by the passage of the BUILD Act last year
    which could deploy up to $60 billion a year of American private
    capital in the developing world in a way that would allow us to
    compete with peer competitors like China and others who are
    much more active now in financing projects in the developing
    world that we are.
        What sorts of recommendations might you make to the
    Secretary about the use of this new tool, about the role of the
    IFDC to make sure that it is not just an appealing thing to
    talk about but it actually has impact on the ground, makes a
    difference in the developing world, and reengages particularly
    on the continent of Africa but in other places where we,
    frankly, have been sadly absent in recent years as China has
    significantly stepped up its investments?
        Mr. Krach. Thank you, Senator. And I think that is a
    strategic asset for our foreign policy.
        I would make a recommendation that really has three prongs
    to the strategy, Senator.
        The first one is in terms of deploying those funds, to
    focus those on strategic countries where we could make the most
    difference.
        The second would be to leverage the innovation and
    resources of the private sector. And when I mean private
    sector, I mean not just the business sector but also the
    educational sector and the social sector as well.
        The third one would be to amplify American values. The
    question is how do you make American values come alive. I would
    start off with focusing on the power of entrepreneurship,
    economic empowerment of women, and also education. If
    confirmed, I will do everything I can, Senator.
        Senator Coons. I could not agree with you more that this is
    a tool that allows both the deployment of capital and the
    financing of projects in a process that teaches about our
    values, more transparency, more connectivity to the legitimate
    development goals of our partner countries, and in ways that
    should help advance human rights, democracy, governance
    improvements.
        General, if I might, happy anniversary to you and your
    wife. Thank you for what I suspect has been a long career of
    service that has not often allowed you to be together on your
    anniversary.
        China today is attempting to rewrite the rules of
    international trade and is flexing its muscles broadly,
    economically, politically, militarily, as they continue to rise
    and as their economy and country continues to become more
    significant. And I am greatly concerned about their actions in
    ways that may redefine the international order for generations
    to come.
        While there are certainly areas where we are competing and
    must compete with China, there are areas where we may well end
    up in some confrontation with China.
        I am interested in your advice about specific areas where
    we could cooperate and where expanded cooperation with China
    may balance out the voices that say we are inevitably on a path
    towards confrontation. What are areas of cooperation you will
    be exploring with China in the years to come, should you be
    confirmed?
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, thank you for that question. That is
    really a good point.
        Oftentimes we use the word ``China'' and we blanket the
    entire not just the government but the people and all that. I
    really, if confirmed, will caution people on that and maybe
    more specific in our language and what are the objectionable
    actors and activities rather than splashing because Xi Jinping
    is using our language to fan nationalist flames and say that
    the world and the U.S. is holding China--trying to keep all
    Chinese people down. And that is not the point.
        So as far as cooperation, while I was there, I had some
    good interaction with Chinese veterans associations from World
    War II. Mr. Destro's family member spoke about Joe Stilwell in
    World War II and the interaction there. I had the opportunity
    while I was there, to meet some 95-year-old folks who fought
    alongside Americans. We put up a display in the Pentagon of
    positive cooperation between the U.S. and China, not
    necessarily the communists and the nationalists, and that
    seemed to resonate.
        So one area--and this is only because of my past
    experience--is to look at developing a positive interaction,
    not with the PLA but with the veterans especially from our
    cooperative period as allies in World War II.
        Senator Coons. Thank you.
        I have got one more question for Mr. Destro, but if I might
    suggest, General, I think there are ways in counterterrorism,
    in nonproliferation, in combating human trafficking, and
    combating wildlife trafficking. There are a range of areas.
    Peacekeeping. You know, I met my first Chinese flag rank
    officer in visiting a U.N. peacekeeping force in South Sudan.
    So I do think there are areas of potential cooperation, and I
    do think our narrative of the U.S. China relationship needs to
    include that. And I am encouraged to hear about your work with
    Chinese veterans. That was an aspect of it that had not
    occurred to me.
        Mr. Destro, last, if I might. In your testimony, you noted
    that--and I quote--respect for the rights and freedoms of
    others is the foundation of effective diplomacy and a stable
    foreign policy. As the co-chair of the Senate Human Rights
    Caucus, I could not agree more. And if confirmed, I will be
    looking to ensure that you stay true to that belief even when
    difficult or uncomfortable. I know my colleagues have
    questioned you at length about your positions and some public
    statements on LGBT rights and on other issues. And I join them
    in concern about making sure that we step forward and continue
    to be a voice for human rights broadly understood.
        But I want to focus on one last thing, if I might.
    Secretary Pompeo recently said China is in a league of its own
    when it comes to human rights violations. I think he was
    referring to the Uighur Muslims in the western most province of
    Xinjiang. How would you engage the international community on
    this issue, if confirmed to the position for which you have
    been nominated?
        Mr. Destro. Well, Senator, dealing with China and the human
    rights issues in China, particularly in Xinjiang, is going to
    take every ounce of creativity that we have. The Chinese have
    effectively shut down the NGOs that DRL certainly has worked
    with. It has become fashionable in many countries to shut down
    the NGO sector as effectively being spies. So we are going to
    have to find, as General Stilwell has just point out, ways in
    which we can cooperate and get that human rights message to the
    right people. Unfortunately, in the case of China, the right
    person is the party chairman, and we are going to have to
    figure out how to get that message to him.
        Senator Coons. One of the challenges you will face--and I
    know and admire the work of several of your predecessors, now
    Congressman Malinowski, Yale Law Professor Harold Koh under
    whom I studied at school. The work of the Bureau of Democracy,
    Human Rights, and Labor is to be a strong and persistent and
    effective and engaged voice for human rights not as one among
    many interests but as a principal interest of the United
    States. There are always security interests at the table. I
    think we need to work together to make sure that human rights
    interests, promoting a free press, promoting a free and open
    Internet, promoting respect for LGBT rights, promoting respect
    for religious liberty. You have a very broad portfolio and one
    I look forward to working with you closely on to make sure we
    continue to advocate for human rights in all the ways it has
    helped advance American interests in the past.
        Thank you all.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your forbearance.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Coons.
        Senator Menendez for a second round.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Mr. Destro, let me return to you. You can hear from my
    colleagues that we all have concerns.
        Do you recognize the constitutional right to marriage for
    LGBT Americans, including Department of State employees------
        Mr. Destro. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. Let me finish my question. And the
    nondiscrimination rights of LGBT citizens in other countries?
        Mr. Destro. I do, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. So here is our problem. You have talked
    very often in response to questions about your decades of
    working for certain things. How do you reconcile your prior
    statements and long-held views on LGBT rights and women's
    rights with the responsibilities of the position you are
    seeking today? How are we to assume that you are ready and
    willing to fight for some of the very rights you have fought
    against for decades?
        Mr. Destro. Well, Senator, thanks for the question.
        Let me take you back to 1987 when a good friend, the first
    person I ever knew who died of AIDS--I went to see him in the
    hospital. I saw how he was treated. And as a result of that
    treatment, I brought to the United States Civil Rights
    Commission, of which I was a member at the time, the issue of
    health care discrimination against people with HIV. That was
    not a popular position to take at the time.
        And throughout my career, I have tried to deal with
    everybody I have dealt with equally and to encourage their
    development as students, their development as employees, and to
    be honest, Senator, that is what I will do.
        Senator Menendez. Truly you must understand the hesitancy
    of some of us who believe this may be a nomination conversion
    because your statements are totally in contrast to the very
    mission that you are called upon, if confirmed, to lead. So I
    am not sure that--maybe after the hearing, I would love to have
    a conversation because I just do not see it. So I would like
    you to convince me because the history does not match up with
    what I hear here today.
        Mr. Destro. Well, Senator, again, I would be more than
    willing to sit down with you and talk, but I think that if you
    actually talk to the people who I have worked with, for whom I
    have advocated, you will find that at least most of them would
    say that the charge that I am anti-LGBT is laughable.
        Senator Menendez. General, let me ask you. This year we
    celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.
    U.S. support for Taiwan's flourishing democracy, for its
    ability to maintain the cross-strait status quo, for its
    ability to have a space for autonomy have been important to us
    in our relationship with Taiwan.
        What is your assessment of the current cross-strait
    situation, the pressure Beijing seems to be bringing on Taipei,
    seems to be doing it to various countries in the world, trying
    to disassociate themselves with Taiwan? What do you believe we
    need to do in this regard?
        Mr. Stilwell. Senator, thank you for that question.
        It is obvious that Beijing is trying to conclude their
    reunification in a way that is contrary to the agreements we
    made between 1972 and 1979, primarily the Three Communiques,
    and then subsequent.
        I am not sure why the rush. I am not sure why the
    leadership believes that now is the time to do this. The
    relationship across straits was actually fairly positive in
    terms of trade and other things. So I cannot understand why
    they are doing it, but I do believe that it is our role and our
    responsibility to communicate very clearly to them that it is
    not acceptable. We are going to ask them to live up to their
    commitments and reinforce our position as to the peaceful
    settlement of this dispute through dialogue and not through
    force or coercion.
        Senator Menendez. Well, there is a strong bipartisan
    support here for the U.S.-Taiwan relationship based upon the
    Taiwan Relations Act, and I hope you will be an advocate of
    that in your role, if confirmed.
        Mr. Stilwell. Absolutely.
        Senator Menendez. The administration has announced with
    some fanfare a new Indo-Pacific strategy. I have to admit
    listening to different administration officials, I am not sure
    exactly what it is and how it has been resourced. So could you
    explain, as you understand it, that strategy, and where do you
    think additional resources are needed and warranted?
        Mr. Stilwell. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        I guess I will start off with my current boss makes a great
    point that most great strategies are backed into. You know what
    your objective is and you state very clearly what it is you are
    trying to accomplish, and then over time and given time, you
    work out the ways and the means on how you are going to get
    that done.
        We have talked a lot about investment, economics. We have
    talked about ARIA, the BUILD Act. With the help of the
    Congress, this is one of those areas where I believe that there
    is no dispute. This is an area where the administration and the
    Congress can work together and has worked together very well
    over time.
        If I can just focus on one thing on the strategy, we need
    to focus on the idea of governance. If you look at what is
    coming out of Beijing in the last 8 years, you know, a couple
    books called the ``Governance of China,'' volumes 1 and 2, they
    are trying to push that governance model out, this
    authoritarian governance model I guess in an effort to develop
    likeminded allies, but having little success, which is good.
    But I think our job is to focus on something that we take for
    granted, we have taken for granted since the fall of the Soviet
    Union in 1991, and focus on the importance of democracies.
    Francis Fukuyama said in ``The End of History,'' democracy won.
    We have kind of become complacent. And that is one thing, if
    confirmed, I would like to focus on is why democracy is
    important, why free, open markets are important, and why top-
    down directed authoritarian rule just does not work.
        Senator Menendez. I appreciate that.
        Lastly, Mr. Krach, let me ask you. 2019 is a significant
    year for the U.S. participation in the Paris Agreement because
    November 4th is the day when President Trump can officially
    initiate the formal withdrawal process. And November 4th
    happens to be 7 days before the start of COP25 in Santiago,
    Chile, which by all indications what was intended to be pursued
    at COP25 is very beneficial to the United States and to its
    industries.
        Do you believe that the United States should withdraw from
    the Paris Agreement?
        Mr. Krach. Senator, let me put it this way. I think the
    climate issue is a very serious issue. I think we all want to
    leave and preserve the health of our planet for our children
    and our grandchildren.
        President Trump has made the decision to withdraw.
        I do believe that the health of the planet is critical for
    economic security and also national security. And I believe
    innovating in the clean tech area holds the key. And if
    confirmed, I will leverage my background in the area of
    innovation and high-tech to make sure that we mitigate
    greenhouse gases while protecting our national security.
        Senator Menendez. Well, you know, when the President
    announced, he said possibly we could stay in the Paris
    Agreement if a better deal could be reached. I have not seen
    efforts to achieve that. But if a better deal could be reached.
        Senator Collins and I wrote Secretary Pompeo a letter
    several weeks ago, for which we have not received a response
    yet, requesting that the Secretary explain how we intend as a
    nation to maintain our power and influence in a process that we
    are walking away from. How do you think that that can be
    achieved?
        Mr. Krach. Senator, I think to focus on results. For
    example, since 2005, our GDP has grown 19 percent. Our
    greenhouse emissions has gone down 14 percent. So I am a
    businessman. I think it is to clearly focus on results. And as
    I mentioned in my opening statement, I really want to focus on
    optimizing energy security, economic growth, and the health of
    the planet. And I really believe that innovation holds such a
    great key there. So, if confirmed I know this is a passionate
    issue for you, Senator--I would love to constructively engage
    and continue this dialogue.
        Senator Menendez. Well, I appreciate that. And let me just
    say it is difficult to understand how we leverage U.S.
    interests, for example, in the COP25--the COP24 hearings are
    going to take place in Chile. The reality is business, not me.
    Business is widely regarded as successful and favorable towards
    U.S. interests. But you have to be there to be able to make the
    case. You have to be there in international organizations to
    lead the way. When we have as a nation participated, we largely
    get to set the standards, and when we set the standards, we get
    to promote American interests at the end of the day.
        I hope that particularly in your unique role that has three
    significant buckets to it that you will be an advocate of that.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the time.
        The Chairman. Thank you.
        Thanks to all of our nominees and your families. Again, we
    appreciate your willingness to stand up and do this work for
    your country. It will be greatly appreciated.
        For the information of members, the record will remain open
    until the close of business on Thursday, including for members
    to submit questions for the record.
        With that, the committee is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 11:50 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Marco Rubio

        Question.  Do you commit to ensuring that the promotion of human
    rights and democracy is a central part of U.S. foreign policy?

        Answer. Yes. The President's National Security Strategy is clear on
    the point and the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor has a
    very important role in the promotion of human rights, which is in the
    best interest of the United States.

        Question.  Do you believe advocating for human rights and democracy
    is a U.S. national security imperative?

        Answer. Yes, absolutely. President Trump has made clear that human
    rights are in the national interest, and his National Security Strategy
    (NSS) reflects a strong commitment to human rights. It states that,
    ``Liberty, free enterprise, equal justice under the law, and the
    dignity of every human life are central to who we are as a people.'' It
    also makes clear that a commitment to human rights is essential to
    advance U.S. influence abroad, and that respect for human rights
    produces peace, stability and prosperity--making it integral to U.S.
    national security.

        Question.  Do you believe that the U.S. government's efforts to
    support emerging democracies can be more effective? If confirmed, where
    would you focus your efforts?

        Answer. Supporting emerging democracies is essential. I would hope
    to work closely with the committee on that important goal.
        For example, as Secretary Pompeo said: ``As a friend of the
    Venezuelan people, we stand ready to help them even more, to help them
    begin the process of rebuilding their country and their economy from
    the destruction wrought by the criminally incompetent and illegitimate
    Maduro regime.''

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meeting with dissidents
    and their families here in the U.S. and abroad to advocate for specific
    human rights cases?

        Answer. Yes. It is important that the U.S. stand with those who,
    sometimes at great risk to themselves, press their governments to
    protect human rights.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to pushing for freedom of
    the press and placing greater emphasis on an independent media that is
    free of fear and intimidation from their government?

        Answer. Absolutely. I will promote press freedom by engaging
    directly with governments to encourage reform of laws that unduly
    restrict freedom of expression or press freedoms, as well as raise
    specific cases and provide diplomatic and program support to
    independent media.

        Question.  Do you believe it is a wise investment of U.S. taxpayer
    dollars to support emerging democracies? Will you support critical
    funding to democracy promotion globally?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work for strategic investments
    that enable America to advance democracy worldwide.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have been working on civil and human rights issues for
    most of my career, both here in the United States and abroad. In
    addition to the examples I gave during my testimony, such as the
    pioneering work I did in the mid-1980s on discrimination against
    persons with HIV/AIDS, here are three (3) additional examples:

       Release of prisoners, journalists and prisoners of conscience.
            Since the early 2000s, I have been actively involved in efforts
            to seek the release of prisoners of conscience and journalists.
            Because of my work in the Middle East, I have had the privilege
            to work with American families whose loved ones are imprisoned,
            and to press the case for the release of their family members
            at every available opportunity. In several cases, we succeeded.
            Where individuals remain imprisoned or missing, I am committed
            to the effort to get them out for as long as it takes, and
            will, if confirmed, use whatever authorities I have to multiply
            the force of ongoing efforts. I am, as I make this report,
            working on four (4) such cases.
      Human Rights.  From a policy perspective, the most important
            accomplishment was the drafting, field work and advocacy for
            the ISIS genocide resolutions: House Concurrent Resolution 75,
            co-sponsored by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry and Anna Eshoo (adopted
            393-0); Senate Res. 340, co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy
            and Joe Manchin (adopted by unanimous consent). Then-Secretary
            of State, John Kerry, responded by making a formal genocide
            declaration on March 17, 2016. I have remained involved in the
            anti-genocide effort since that time, and have used the
            experience to inform my ongoing efforts to prevent and document
            the atrocities that are continuing in many parts of the world.
            If confirmed, I will bring that experience, and the many
            committed people with whom I have worked, into a broadly-based,
            international effort to implement the Elie Wiesel Atrocities
            Prevention Act.
      Democracy.  My experience as a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission
            on Civil Rights from 1983-1989, and as voting rights counsel
            for the Ohio Secretary of State from 2004-2006, has given me a
            ``ground-based'' understanding of the entire range of voting
            rights issues--from registration to the security of voting
            technology. My work with Christians, Muslims, Jews and other
            minorities in the Middle East and North Africa has given me
            unparalleled opportunities to discuss how to make the case for
            democracy and human rights in countries that do not have a
            democratic tradition.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    democracy or democratic development around the world? These challenges
    might include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. The promotion of democracy and human rights is central to
    our national interests and an essential element of our foreign policy.
    Societies that respect and defend human rights, fundamental freedoms,
    and the rule of law are more stable, secure, and prosperous and make
    stronger allies. Yet we face the challenge of anti-democratic
    governments working to undermine public faith in the democratic process
    and weaken democratic institutions, both at home and abroad. They seek
    to restrict the freedoms of expression, association, and assembly--
    essential to any functioning democracy. Political opposition, civil
    society activists, human rights defenders, independent media, and
    others face threats, harassment, intimidation, and violence from both
    state and non-state actors. Too often, these acts go unpunished, giving
    rise to a culture of impunity, which further stifles efforts by civil
    society to preserve and promote human rights and the rule of law.
        If confirmed, I will make it clear that the United States stands
    firmly with like-minded governments, civil society, and other
    stakeholders in our shared commitment to promote, protect, and advance
    democratic values.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy around the world? What do you hope to accomplish through
    these actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the
    specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, you have my commitment to use a range of
    diplomatic tools and programming to support democracy around the world.
    The most powerful thing we can do to support democracy is to support
    democrats--those people who exist in every society who are striving
    peacefully for democratic reforms. For example, I will use tools like
    the Magnitsky Act and the Global Magnitsky Act to deter attacks on
    democratic institutions or democratic activists. I will use democracy
    programs to help civil society. These are powerful tools, and it is
    important that the bureau be effective using them against forces that
    seek to restrict democratic institutions and activities. I hope to work
    closely with the committee to protect victims of abuses while
    increasing the space for civil society to operate.

        Question.  How will you utilize U.S. government assistance
    resources at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small
    Grants program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding,
    to support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I intend to utilize all resources at my
    disposal. In particular, I will continue to ensure that DRL programs
    will align with national security goals, including defeating ISIS and
    other terrorist groups, by addressing conditions that are conducive to
    the spread of these threats such as poor governance, corruption, and
    human rights violations and abuses. I understand that DRL's rule of law
    programs counter radicalization to violence caused by inability to seek
    redress of human rights violations and abuses, which enhances U.S.
    security and interests through greater stability. DRL will aid civil
    society to advocate for peaceful reform, more openness in repressive
    states, and enhanced respect for human rights. If confirmed, I will
    continue to prioritize protecting victims of religious discrimination
    globally, promoting rule of law in China, and improving the free flow
    of information in the DPRK. Under my leadership, DRL will continue to
    provide rapid responses to democratic openings and human rights crises;
    assert U.S. leadership by utilizing strategic partnerships with
    governments, the private sector, and faith-based organizations, as
    appropriate; oppose corruption and improve market-oriented governance,
    thereby fostering economic opportunities for the American people; and
    promote uncensored access to the Internet.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society when you travel abroad? What steps will you take to pro-
    actively address efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society
    via legal or regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will meet with civil society members,
    human rights groups, and other non-governmental organizations in the
    United States, as well as during my overseas trips. The United States
    values the voice and opinions of civil society and has a long history
    of engaging leaders both inside and outside the government, a tradition
    I will continue. Hearing this range of views is essential in
    understanding country conditions, including the state of democracy and
    human rights, and plays a key role in informing and advancing U.S.
    foreign policy.
        If confirmed, I will continue the Department's efforts to provide
    direct assistance to embattled civil society organizations around the
    world that are under threat or attack, in addition to empowering civil
    society around the world to build democratic institutions, support
    access to justice, create independent media, and document human rights
    abuses.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes on all counts. If confirmed, I will meet with a wide
    range of actors who are committed peacefully to promote democratic
    principles and human rights within their countries. If confirmed, I
    will explore how U.S. government programming and advocacy can push for
    space for political competition, the inclusion of diverse voices and
    opinions, and space for civil society and citizens to exercise their
    fundamental freedoms. I will advocate for access and inclusivity for
    women, youth, and minorities in the political process.

        Question.  Will you actively engage with governments on freedom of
    the press and address any government efforts designed to control or
    undermine press freedom through legal, regulatory or other measures?
    Will you commit to meeting regularly with independent, local press when
    you travel abroad?

        Answer. Yes to both questions. If confirmed, I will actively engage
    with governments on free expression and freedom for the press. I will
    work to advance press freedom, knowing that an informed citizenry is a
    fundamental requirement for free nations and people. If confirmed, I
    will meet regularly with independent, local press when I travel abroad.

        Question.  Will you actively engage with governments on the right
    of labor groups to organize, including for independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. I have spent a good portion of my career as a labor
    lawyer and remain actively involved in advocating for whistle-blowers
    and other employees who face discrimination and retaliation in the
    workplace for reasons unrelated to their job performance. I strongly
    believe that the right to organize and operate labor unions is
    protected by the fundamental rights of speech, press, association,
    expression, and peaceful assembly, and that such organizations serve as
    foundation stones in the building of democracy. As a result, they
    should be at the heart of our engagement on labor, democracy and non-
    discrimination issues. Ensuring that U.S. trade partners respect
    internationally recognized worker rights and adhere to high labor
    standards promotes a level playing field for U.S. workers and helps
    create stronger trading partners for the United States. If confirmed, I
    will support workers' rights, including their ability to form and join
    the independent trade unions of their choice.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the lesbian,
    gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face around the
    world? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work to defend the human rights
    and dignity of all people, including LGBTI individuals. LGBTI persons
    face serious challenges, including the criminalization of LGBTI status
    or conduct and bias-motivated violence and discrimination in employment
    housing and provision of government services.
        If confirmed, I would use the full range of tools at our disposal--
    including bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement, emergency
    assistance to LGBTI persons and organizations at risk, and the
    imposition of visa restrictions and economic sanctions, as appropriate,
    against perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses.

        Question.  When discussing the annual Country Reports on Human
    Rights during your confirmation hearing, you said, ``So, I'm very
    supportive of the reports and actually would like to take them to the
    next step..I'd like to see them be more interactive.''

       What is the ``next step''? How would you make the reports more
            interactive? Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with other bureaus and offices
    across the Department to explore digital and graphics tools that might
    be used by DRL in an effort to ensure that the information in the
    reports is as up to date, engaging and interactive as possible.

        Question.  Also in relation to the annual Country Report on Human
    Rights, during your hearing you said, ``.there are many other pieces of
    information that are not in the reports that I think DRL could make
    available to you and to the public.''

       What additional pieces of information do you think should be made
            available? Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. As I stated in my testimony, I consider the reports to be
    the ``foundation'' of DRL's reporting obligations. If confirmed, I
    would like to see if DRL can build upon that foundation by
    incorporating more graphical, visual and interactive elements that can
    effectively illustrate the content of the reports. I believe, for
    example, that additional data could be presented through interactive
    maps and charts that would further elaborate on and explain the
    patterns of abuses outlined in the reports.

        Question.  Many believe that the current administration has
    embarked on an unprecedented diminution of support for democracy and
    human rights around the world. Abroad, the President routinely praises
    dictators and congratulates autocrats on winning rigged elections. The
    administration's budget request would decimate foreign assistance
    provided to promote democracy and human rights in foreign countries.

        Answer. The National Security Strategy states that, ``Liberty, free
    enterprise, equal justice under the law, and the dignity of every human
    life are central to who we are as a people.'' It also makes clear that
    a commitment to human rights is essential to advance U.S. influence
    abroad, and that respect for human rights produces peace, stability and
    prosperity--making it integral to U.S. national security. If confirmed,
    I will use diplomacy, sanctions and other tools to press states and
    leaders who act contrary to human rights norms to change their
    behavior. I appreciate and share the longstanding Congressional support
    for democracy programming, and I pledge to respond quickly and flexibly
    to changing needs and opportunities to advance human rights around the
    world. I will also, for example, use the Human Rights and Democracy
    Fund rapid response mechanisms to reinforce U.S. leadership in global
    human rights promotion, leveraging partnerships with governments, the
    private sector, and faith-based organizations.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you think the President's actions and
    statements are helpful or harmful to the work you will be doing to
    advance human rights and democracy? If harmful, how do you intend to
    mitigate that harm?

        Answer. President Trump has been clear that promoting human dignity
    is key to our national security. As he said at his speech in Poland in
    2017: ``we value the dignity of every human life, protect the rights of
    every person, and share the hope of every soul to live in freedom. That
    is who we are. Those are the priceless ties that bind us together as a
    nation, as allies, and as a civilization.''
        Secretary Pompeo has told this committee that he is firmly
    committed to defend the human rights of all people and will work to
    strengthen democracy where it exists and promote it where it does not.
        If confirmed, I will support the President's policy by raising
    human rights and cases with counterparts, including when I travel.

        Question.  Do you believe that public criticism of violations of
    human rights or democratic norms committed by foreign governments can
    advance the cause of human rights and should be a technique used by the
    United States in appropriate cases?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question.  Are there any circumstances in which you believe the
    United States should not criticize other governments for violating
    human rights or democratic norms? What are the factors that you would
    consider in weighing that question?

        Answer. I do not believe there are any circumstances in which we
    should ignore violations of human rights or democratic norms. At times,
    it may be more effective to raise our concerns in a constructive rather
    than a critical tone, and sometimes it may be more effective to make
    criticisms in private. If confirmed, I will raise human rights and
    democracy issues bilaterally and multilaterally, including when I
    travel, using the tactics I judge will be most likely in a given
    situation to bring about progress.

        Question.  Should it make a difference in deciding whether to
    publicly criticize a government for violating human rights or
    democratic norms that the nation in question is considered to be an
    ally of the United States?

        Answer. We should hold all nations to their internationally
    accepted human rights standards and norms. If confirmed, I will do
    that. Whether we do that privately, publically, or both should be based
    on a calculation of which approach is most likely to bring about the
    change in respect for human rights we seek.

        Question.  Do you believe that raising concerns about human rights
    and democratic norms enshrined in international agreements and
    universally recognized documents such as the Universal Declaration of
    Human Rights constitutes interference in the internal affairs of
    another state?

        Answer. No. If confirmed, I commit to you that I will continue to
    raise human rights cases and issues.

        Question.  Do you believe that publicly raising concerns about
    corruption or violations of rights committed by a government currently
    in power and seeking to remain in power constitutes interference in the
    internal affairs of a state?

        Answer. No, I do not.

        Question.  What is the right balance for the United States when it
    comes to engaging or even partnering with deeply abusive governments?

        Answer. If confirmed, it will be my job to ensure that human rights
    and democracy issues are always part of the discussions at the foreign
    policy table. I commit to you that I will raise human rights cases and
    issues to ensure that they are part of the engagement when we find it
    necessary to engage with abusive governments.

        Question.  In general, how do you believe the U.S. can strike the
    right balance between addressing national security and human rights
    concerns? Many Central American women, adolescent girls, and families
    migrate to the U.S. because of gender-based violence, inadequate
    accountability for perpetrators, and inadequate support for survivors
    in their home countries. International human rights law recognizes that
    gender-based violence, including domestic violence, is a human rights
    violation. This year, the annual State Department Human Rights Report
    scaled back reporting on incidences of gender-based violence in many
    countries, including Central American countries like El Salvador,
    Guatemala, and Honduras where women and girls are fleeing unspeakable
    risks.

        Answer. President Trump's National Security Strategy explicitly
    states that the U.S. will support efforts to advance women's equality
    and protect the rights of women and girls. I believe that reporting on
    the prevalence of violence against women and girls is one of the many
    ways in which the Department of State is advancing U.S. efforts to
    press governments to create policies and practices that protect women
    and girls from violence.
        If confirmed, I would work to ensure that the Department of State's
    annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices report on the extent
    of gender-based violence such as: rape and domestic violence; female
    genital mutilation/cutting; harmful traditional practices such as
    dowry-related deaths, so-called honor killings, acid attacks, and widow
    violence. While it is not possible to list each instance of these
    terrible abuses, we need to find ways to give those who utilize the HRR
    access to qualitative, quantitative, graphical and geographic
    distribution data for every country in which such information is
    available.

        Question.  Do you believe, based on your understanding of
    international human rights law, that gender-based violence, including
    domestic violence, is a human rights violation?

        Answer. Yes. Gender-based violence, including domestic violence,
    violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women and girls of
    their human rights and fundamental freedoms.
        President Trump's National Security Strategy explicitly states that
    the United States will support efforts to advance women's equality and
    protect the rights of women and girls.

        Question.  How will you ensure that the annual State Department
    Human Rights Report restores its prior levels of reporting on gender-
    based violence as a serious human rights violation afflicting millions
    of women around the world?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will seek to ensure that the Country
    Reports on Human Rights Practices provide both qualitative and
    quantitative reporting on gender-based violence in each country
    report.to include rape and domestic violence, female genital
    mutilation/cutting; harmful traditional practices such as dowry-related
    deaths, so-called honor killings, acid attacks, and widow violence.I

        Question.  n your view, what message does a reduction in funding
    for democracy program, whether via NED, State or USAID send to those
    struggling for human rights and democracy as well as our adversaries,
    like China and Russia, who are seeking to disrupt the democratic world
    order and replace it with their authoritarian political, economic and
    governance model?
        As Assistant Secretary, will you commit to supporting a budget that
    invests in DRG funding, and will you recommend that the President
    abandon his proposed cuts to DRG funding in future budgets?

        Answer. I believe democracy programs are critical for defending
    national security, fostering economic opportunities for the American
    people, and asserting U.S. leadership and influence. I understand the
    FY 2020 budget request upholds U.S. commitments to key partners and
    allies through strategic, selective investments that enable America to
    retain its position as a global leader, while relying on other nations
    to make greater contributions toward shared objectives, including
    advancing democracy worldwide. If confirmed, I will look to continue
    support for these critical programs.

        Question.  How will you use the various diplomatic and development
    tools that DRL has at its disposal to promote the human rights of LGBT
    people and the need to hold violators of those rights to account?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to protect and defend human
    rights for all people equally--including LGBTI individuals. I would use
    the full range of tools at our disposal--including bilateral and
    multilateral diplomatic engagement, emergency assistance to LGBTI
    persons and organizations at risk, and the imposition of visa
    restrictions and economic sanctions, as appropriate.

        Question.  How specifically would you seek to support reform
    efforts in the nearly 80 countries that still criminalize same-sex,
    adult relationships?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will fully support long-standing U.S.
    efforts to advocate the de-criminalization of LGBTI status or conduct.
    These efforts are best led by local LGBTI human rights defenders. I
    would seek and listen carefully to their advice on where and how the
    United States can bring its diplomatic and programmatic tools to bear.
    I would continue the practice of highlighting criminalization of LGBTI
    status or conduct in the annual Human Rights Reports and the
    Department's consular information. I would work with our embassies and
    consulates to carefully calibrate our public and private messaging, and
    explore opportunities to work with private industry, law enforcement,
    faith leaders, and other allies whose voices may have greater influence
    than our own. In my interactions with governments, I would make clear
    that human rights are universal--and that that LGBTI persons are, like
    everyone else, entitled to equal protection of the laws.

        Question.  Despite pledging to fill the job of Special Envoy for
    the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons almost a year ago, Secretary Pompeo
    has yet to do so. If confirmed, will you commit to ensuring that a
    Senior Foreign Service Officer is appointed promptly to that position,
    and to ensuring that he or she is empowered to accomplish the advocacy
    duties of that position?

        Answer. I support the administration's plan to retain the position
    of Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons. If confirmed, I
    will fully support the Department's efforts to fill the position with a
    qualified individual empowered to perform its mandate.

        Question.  Will you commit to raising issues related to
    discrimination against LGBTI populations directly with your foreign
    counterparts, at your level, rather than delegating these issues to
    lower levels?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will personally advocate with foreign
    counterparts decriminalization of LGBTI status or conduct, bias-
    motivated violence, and discrimination such as in employment, housing
    and access to government services. As I said in my confirmation
    hearing, LGBTI individuals are entitled to the same freedoms and
    protections as all other human beings.

        Question.  Will you commit to ensure that DRL programs and
    engagement include transgender populations, wherever human rights
    reports have indicated that issues with transgender acceptance/
    exclusion exist?

        Answer. Yes. All humans, including LGBTI individuals are entitled
    to respect for their human rights. Where people are subject to criminal
    penalties, violence or discrimination in housing, employment or the
    provision of government services, I would, if confirmed, use diplomacy
    and programming to help them end such abuses.

        Question.  As the Assistant Secretary of the bureau that leads U.S.
    efforts to protect human rights around the world, what concrete
    measures will you take to protect those individuals who are on the
    frontlines of defending human rights in Guatemala?

        Answer. I support efforts to increase protections for human rights
    defenders and to promote their key role in a healthy democracy. If
    confirmed, I will support the work of Guatemalan human rights
    defenders. I will engage Guatemalan officials and commit DRL resources
    to promote respect for human rights and the rule of law to end impunity
    for violence against human rights defenders.

        Question.  Do you believe that DRL has been given adequate
    resources to fulfill its mission over the last decade?

        Answer. Yes, and I appreciate the committee interest in the welfare
    of the bureau.

        Question.  Do you believe that there is value in DRL directly
    managing programmatic budgets that allow it to quickly and flexibly
    support human rights defenders, support and defend democracy and help
    accomplish other objectives?

        Answer. Yes, I understand that the majority of DRL programming is
    implemented in repressive, authoritarian, or transitioning countries,
    including where the United States has no diplomatic presence. If
    confirmed, I will utilize the HRDF like a ``venture capital fund for
    freedom'' therefore enabling DRL to be flexible, adaptable, and
    responsive to complex and changing situations on the ground. I
    understand DRL has developed programming tools gives them the ability
    to respond to critical human rights and democracy issues in a matter of
    days. If confirmed, I will continue to expand our capacity to assist
    threatened human rights activists and organizations by providing them
    small infusions of support--to allow them to continue their work in
    safety. I understand such emergency assistance to human rights
    activists attacked or under threat includes paying the costs of
    temporary relocation, installation of surveillance cameras, and
    medical, legal, psychosocial, and other support services.

        Question.  Do you have any thoughts about how you might like to
    restructure DRL, its offices and programs?

        Answer. Not at this time. If confirmed, I will seek to ensure that
    we are organized to most effectively advance the bilateral and
    multilateral work of the bureau, and to make sure that we have strong
    democracy programs. I appreciate the question, and if confirmed and if
    I determine that we could be better organized, I would look forward to
    discussing these issues, including with Members of Congress.

        Question.  Do you have any criticisms concerning DRL's past
    programs, activities or priorities?

        Answer. No. As I said in my opening statement, if confirmed, I will
    be privileged to serve our great nation as a member of Secretary
    Pompeo's team and as the leader of the dedicated public servants who,
    together, are the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor (DRL). I
    care very deeply about the work of the bureau, which has historically
    enjoyed strong bipartisan support. Also, I hope to work closely with
    all the members of the committee, and would be pleased to discuss any
    concerns the committee members may have.

        Question.  If so, what are those criticisms and in what way to you
    plan to address them?

        Answer. I do not, at this time, have enough information to
    formulate any criticisms. If confirmed, I would be pleased to discuss
    any concerns raised by staff with them and with senior management of
    the Department, and to discuss any concerns about the Bureau or its
    operations that committee members may have.

        Question.  What do you think is the appropriate role for DRL within
    the Department of State? What should be the relationship between DRL
    and the regional bureaus?

        Answer. I believe the role of the regional bureau is to synchronize
    all of the different aspects of our relations with the countries in
    their areas of responsibility. I believe the job of DRL is to ensure
    that human rights and democracy are always part of that mix and being
    given proper priority, and that DRL can do so by seeking to understand
    the needs and priorities of those who must implement policy at the
    regional and country levels. If confirmed, I will build strong working
    relationships with my counterparts throughout the Department of State,
    especially in the regional bureaus. I commit to you that I will press
    DRL issues diligently including by raising the issues to more senior
    levels when necessary.

        Question.  Will you be willing to state disagreements with
    officials within regional bureaus and embassies on issues of human
    rights when they arise?

        Answer. I commit to you that I will, if confirmed, press DRL
    issues, including with regional bureaus and embassies.

        Question.  Will you pledge to do everything in your power to ensure
    that DRL has adequate resources and manpower to fulfill its many
    mandates, and that you will inform this committee if you feel that your
    efforts to strengthen DRL are being resisted by others within the
    administration?

        Answer. Absolutely. If I am confirmed, I do hope to work very
    closely with the committee and commit to consult regularly.

        Question.  Freedom of the press is enshrined in the first amendment
    to the United States constitution. Freedom of expression, including
    through a free news media, is also enshrined in Article 19 of the
    Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on
    Civil and Political Rights. Today, the President of the United States
    routinely labels members of the news media ``enemies of the people.''
    This is a term generally associated with Soviet dictators Lenin and
    Stalin, who applied the term to many of those executed by the communist
    state. Variations on the term were also used in the 20th century by
    Hitler and Mao. Today, dictators around the world, from Prime Minister
    Hun Sen in Cambodia, to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey, to
    President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Egypt use similar language to
    delegitimize independent media. In these countries, journalists are
    routinely harassed, imprisoned, and killed.

      What are your views on the role of the fourth estate in functioning
            democracies?
      Do you believe that journalists are ``enemies of the people''?

        Answer. A free press is an essential pillar of democracy. If
    confirmed, I will draw attention to the cases of journalists who have
    been imprisoned for their work, will push for accountability for
    violence against journalists around the world, and will oppose legal
    and regulatory measures to restrict press freedom. In addition, I would
    support programs to strengthen the professional capacity of independent
    journalists and to defend them against censorship and other such
    assaults on press freedom.

        Question.  Will you be willing, if confirmed, to stand up for
    freedom of expression in your dealings with foreign governments who
    seek to delegitimize the news media as a means to repress members of
    their society?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work to advance press freedom,
    and where countries fall short to uphold their commitments to free
    expression and a free press, I will push to call out those countries
    and encourage reforms.

        Question.  How do you plan to respond to critiques from foreign
    governments, journalists, and activists that the U.S. president does
    not support the notion that a free press is an essential check on
    government power?

        Answer. As an open society, the President and political leaders on
    both sides of the aisle encourage people to scrutinize all information
    they receive and come to informed judgments. Media in the United States
    remains fiercely independent with multiple points of view represented.
    If confirmed, I will work to advance press freedom, and I will also
    draw attention to the cases of journalists who have been imprisoned
    around the world for their work, and I will push for accountability for
    violence against or killings of journalists around the world.

        Question.  Turkey leads the world in the most jailed journalists.
    This is not behavior we expect from a NATO partner. If confirmed, what
    steps will you take to address this concern?

        Answer. I share your concern about Turkey's negative trajectory on
    rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms,
    including media freedom. U.S. officials speak out privately and
    publicly on issues of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Turkey.
    As noted in the U.S. National Security Strategy, these principles form
    the foundation of our most enduring alliances.
        If confirmed, I will urge Turkey to respect and uphold human rights
    and fundamental freedoms, release all those held arbitrarily--including
    unjustly detained journalists, Dr. Serkan Golge, an American citizen
    and NASA physicist who is serving a sentence for a conviction that the
    Department regards as wrongful, and locally employed staff of the U.S.
    Mission--and support judicial independence.

        Question.  The Leahy Laws--one for assistance provided through the
    State Department and one for assistance provided through the Department
    of Defense--were adopted by Congress to help insure that taxpayer
    funded assistance provided to foreign governments by the United States
    is not used to facilitate gross human rights violations. Do you support
    these laws?

        Answer. Yes. I believe that promoting democracy, human rights, and
    fundamental freedoms advances our national security. I believe that our
    most valued, dependable, and effective partner governments and security
    forces around the world uphold democratic values, protect the human
    rights of their citizens and civilians they protect, hold human rights
    violators accountable when necessary, and do not unduly restrict the
    fundamental freedoms of their people. I believe that we must continue
    to create and maintain strong security relationships with such partners
    through diplomacy, measured assistance, and frequent and ongoing
    cooperation. I believe that the Leahy laws are important tools that
    assist us in this effort, and I fully support the laws and their
    continued rigorous implementation by both the Department of State and
    Department of Defense.

        Question.  Do you have any criticisms of or concerns about the
    Leahy Laws?

        Answer. I believe that the Department of State and Department of
    Defense should continuously seek to make improvements to the policies,
    procedures, and the tools that are used to implement the Leahy laws, in
    order to make them as effective, transparent, accountable, and
    efficient as possible. While I believe that we should strive for
    constant improvement in the Leahy law implementation programs, I fully
    support the letter and spirit of the Leahy laws and their continued
    rigorous implementation, and do not have criticisms of or concerns
    about the Leahy laws.

        Question.  Do you believe that the Leahy Laws should be changed in
    any way?

        Answer. I believe that the improvements I will strive to implement
    to our Leahy law implementation programs are fully supported by the
    current Leahy laws. I understand the Departments are investing in new
    technology to carry out Leahy vetting, developing clearer guidance for
    Leahy law implementers throughout the world, and actively working to
    tackle remaining challenges in implementing the Leahy laws through
    policy solutions. I fully support these efforts and I believe that
    these efforts are further supported by the existing Leahy laws.

        Question.  Do you believe that DRL should be provided with
    sufficient resources to adequately vet the records of security force
    and police units intended to receive U.S. assistance and to do so in a
    timely fashion?

        Answer. Yes, I believe that DRL should be provided with sufficient
    resources to adequately vet the records of security force and police
    units in a timely fashion. This is an important mission for the bureau.
    The resources needed to vet these cases are included in the annual DRL
    budget request for Diplomatic Programs.

        Question.  Do you believe that DRL has been provided with
    sufficient resources in recent years to accomplish the objectives set
    forth in the prior question?

        Answer. Based on the information I currently have, yes. I
    understand that in addition to the amounts appropriated directly for
    democracy and human rights programming, regional bureaus in the
    Department have routinely transferred funds to DRL to support such
    programming in their areas of responsibility.

        Question.  The Leahy Laws encourage the United States government to
    offer assistance to foreign governments to clean up units found to be
    ineligible to receive assistance. Do you support these provisions?

        Answer. Yes. I fully support all provisions of the Leahy laws,
    including the provision to seek to offer assistance to partner
    governments to bring security force members who have committed gross
    violations of human rights to justice. I understand that the Department
    of State and the Department of Defense have worked together to draft
    and publish policies and procedures to recognize when partner
    governments have done this, and that U.S. assistance can be provided to
    these remediated foreign security forces units in accordance with the
    Leahy laws. I fully support this process. I agree with Senator Leahy's
    remarks that such ``Leahy diplomacy'' is a highly effective way to
    promote respect for human rights and security force accountability
    throughout the world.

        Question.  Do you believe that the Leahy Laws interfere with
    legitimate and important security cooperation?

        Answer. No. I am aware that sometimes inefficiencies in the
    nominating and vetting system have caused unnecessary complications in
    security cooperation, support the efforts now being made to upgrade
    technology, and if confirmed will look for every opportunity to make
    the administrative system more efficient while fully applying the law.
    I believe that promoting democracy, human rights, and fundamental
    freedoms advances our national security. I believe that our most
    valued, dependable, and effective partner governments and security
    forces around the world uphold democratic values, protect the human
    rights of their citizens and civilians they protect, hold human rights
    violators accountable when necessary, and do not unduly restrict the
    fundamental freedoms of their people. I believe that we must continue
    to create and maintain strong security relationships with such partners
    through diplomacy, measured assistance, and frequent and ongoing
    cooperation. I believe that the Leahy laws are important tools that
    assist the U.S. government in this effort.

        Question.  Do you believe that the Leahy Laws promote U.S.
    interests by allowing the United States to operate in conflict
    situations without underwriting gross human rights violations that
    alienate the public and create ill-will toward the U.S.?

        Answer. Yes. I believe that promoting democracy, human rights, and
    fundamental freedoms advances our national security and is a U.S.
    interest. I believe that even in conflict situations, the U.S.'s most
    valued, dependable, and effective partner governments and security
    forces uphold democratic values, protect the human rights of their
    citizens and civilians they protect, hold human rights violators
    accountable when necessary, and do not unduly restrict the fundamental
    freedoms of their people. I believe that the U.S. must continue to seek
    out and create and maintain strong security relationships with such
    partners, in accordance with the Leahy laws.

        Question.  Please describe steps that you will take to enhance
    effective implementation of this law within the Department of State and
    in U.S. embassies.

        Answer. I understand that in 2019, DRL plans to field a brand-new
    cloud-based International Vetting and Security Tracking (INVEST) system
    called INVESTc with upgraded software features and security protocols
    to make Leahy Law implementation even more effective and beneficial to
    U.S. national security and human rights objectives. This system should
    make the work of our embassies more effective. I will fully support
    this step to enhance the Department of State's Leahy Law implementation
    program.
        If confirmed, I also plan to fully support DRL's work with
    Department of State, U.S. embassies and Department of Defense partners
    to encourage accountability for partner security forces. I would seek
    to ensure that our messaging is consistent and that partner governments
    understand to the maximum extent possible what has resulted in the
    ineligibility of a particular unit and what steps they need to take
    with our support to make it eligible again. The purposes of the law are
    not served if our partners believe that assistance is being withheld
    for anything other than the commission of gross violations of human
    rights and the failure to take steps to bring the perpetrators to
    justice.

        Question.  Please describe the steps you would take to increase
    awareness of the intent of the law-helping allied governments end
    impunity for human rights violations.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will, in my engagements with partner
    governments, increase their awareness of the Leahy laws and their
    intent, with the goal of promoting accountability for human rights
    violators and ending impunity for human rights violations.
        I understand that in 2019, DRL plans to hold a Leahy law workshop
    in Washington D.C. The workshop will be attended by Leahy law
    practitioners from the Departments of State and Defense, as well as
    civil society organizations. I understand that the Department will hold
    panels to discuss Leahy law implementation topics that will be recorded
    and published to U.S. Embassies throughout the world who will be able
    to share them with our partner governments and security forces units
    and members. If confirmed, I will fully support this effort.

        Question.  Will you commit to briefing this committee every 6
    months on the steps you have taken to increase the efficacy and
    implementation of Section 620M?

        Answer. Yes, I fully support all efforts to improve the Department
    of State and Department of Defense Leahy Law implementation programs,
    and, if confirmed, am happy to commit to regularly brief this committee
    on our progress.

        Question.  Will you work to ensure that the Leahy Laws are
    faithfully implemented?

        Answer. Yes, I fully support the letter and spirit of the Leahy
    laws and their rigorous implementation by DRL, the Department of State,
    and the Department of Defense. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that
    efforts to enhance the Department of State Leahy Law implementation
    programs continue to be fully resourced and are completed. I will also
    continue to seek to develop and implement further enhancements to the
    Department of State Leahy law implementation programs.

        Question.  If confirmed, what process will you put in place for
    thorough human rights vetting of munitions sales?

        Answer. The Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM) has primary
    responsibility for the process of vetting munitions export license
    applications that are subject to the International Traffic in Arms
    Regulations. The Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation
    Affairs (ISN) and the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs (EB) have
    shared responsibility for the process within the Department of State of
    vetting munitions export license applications that are subject to the
    Export Administration Regulations and overseen by the Department of
    Commerce. The Conventional Arms Transfer Policy (CAT Policy; National
    Security Presidential Memorandum Regarding U.S. Conventional Arms
    Transfer Policy, April 19. 2018) directs the executive branch to
    continue to meet the requirements of all applicable statutes, including
    the Arms Export Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2751) and the Foreign
    Assistance Act (22 U.S.C. 2304), and that ``in making arms
    transfer decisions, the executive branch shall account for'' human
    rights and international humanitarian law alongside other
    considerations including the national and economic security of the
    United States.
        DRL plays an important role in making recommendations based on
    human rights. If confirmed, I will commit to making sure DRL's
    recommendations are appropriately considered.

        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes. Targeting of or retaliation against career employees
    based on their real or perceived political beliefs, prior work on
    policy, or affiliation with a previous administration should not be
    tolerated.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will hold all employees to the highest
    standards of professional conduct and will reiterate to all employees
    under my leadership that retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated. I will take allegations of
    such practices seriously and ensure they are referred to the
    Department's Inspector General.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and do not tolerate any types of behavior that
    could be considered discriminatory.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. Yes. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and do not tolerate any types of behavior that
    could be considered discriminatory. I would welcome further
    conversation with you on the importance of these topics and how I
    believe institutions and individuals can best respond to any complaints
    or allegations.

                Responses to Follow-Up Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. State Department Personnel: During your hearing, I
    expressed my concern over remarks you made in March 2017 regarding the
    sophistication of State Department employees. In response you said,
    ``.many of the people in the State Department-I shouldn't say everyone-
    have had a hard time dealing with the issue of religion, and that's one
    of the issues I'd like to bring to their attention and this question of
    who is a terrorist and who isn't requires a lot of sophistication:''

       Please elaborate on what you meant by this statement.

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working with the
    individuals at the Department who advise those who serve abroad and at
    our borders, to ensure they are effectively and accurately applying the
    First Amendment and the No Religious Test Clause in our foreign and
    visa policies. Section 103 of the Frank R. Wolf International Religious
    Freedom Act, P.L. 114-281, 130 Stat. 1426, already requires that the
    training of all Foreign Service Officers, deputy chiefs of mission and
    ambassadors include ``segments tailored to the particular religious
    demography, religious freedom conditions . in each receiving country.''
    For a more detailed discussion of the relationship between attitudes
    about religious freedom and cultural awareness please see my article
    ``Genocide, Statecraft and Domestic Geopolitics,'' a copy of which has
    been submitted for the committee's consideration.

        Question. During your hearing, your referenced ``equal protection
    of the laws'' several times:
       Please explain in more detail your understanding of the equal
            protection to which LGBTI persons should be entitled as part of
            your work, and for which you will advocate, as stated at your
            hearing.

        Answer. Like all other human beings, LGBTI individuals are entitled
    to the freedoms and protections enumerated in internationally accepted
    human rights instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human
    Rights. If confirmed, I will personally advocate with foreign
    counterparts and work with civil society to end bias-motivated
    violence, criminalization of LGBTI status or conduct, and
    discrimination such as in employment, housing and access to government
    services.

        Question. Arms Sales: In your response to Question 54, when you
    wrote that DRL's recommendations will be ``appropriately considered'',
    in what circumstances would you consider a DRL recommendation not to
    approve the sale to be ``inappropriate?''

       If the government of a country has been credibly accused of
            committing gross violations of human rights, would you approve
            sales of defense articles that themselves would likely not be
            used for additional human rights violations? If so, would not
            that conflict with U.S. foreign policy principles to use all
            means of U.S. leverage, including security assistance such as
            arms sales, to eliminate such abuses? What human rights abuses
            do you consider to be ``gross violations of human rights''?

        Answer. In no circumstances would I consider a DRL recommendation
    not to approve an arms sale to be inappropriate. If confirmed, I would
    seek to ensure that DRL's views are always considered in the arms sales
    approval process. In cases of arms sales to countries that have been
    credibly accused of committing gross violations of human rights but
    where the particular arms in question might not likely be used to
    commit human rights violations, if confirmed, I would seek to use all
    forms of leverage to advance respect for human rights. If confirmed, I
    would apply the definition of gross violations of human rights in 22
    USC 2304(d)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Rob Portman

        Question.  Mr. Destro, if confirmed to this position will you
    support the Trump Administration's initiative to end the
    criminalization of homosexuality globally in nations where it is still
    illegal to be a homosexual?

        Answer. Absolutely.

        Question.  Further, do you affirm to protect the rights of LGBTQ
    people worldwide and acknowledge that these people will be affirmed the
    same basic rights and human dignities that all people should receive?

        Answer. Yes. Again, as I articulated in my statement, respect for
    the rights and freedoms of others is the foundation of effective
    diplomacy and a stable foreign policy.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have been working on civil and human rights issues for
    most of my career, both here in the United States and abroad. Here are
    some three (3) examples:

       Release of prisoners--journalists and prisoners of conscience.
            Since the early 2000s, I have been actively involved in efforts
            to seek the release of prisoners of conscience and journalists.
            Because of my work in the Middle East, I have had the privilege
            to work with American families whose loved ones are imprisoned,
            and to press the case for the release of their family members
            at every available opportunity. In several cases, we succeeded.
            Where individuals remain imprisoned or missing, I am committed
            to the effort to get them out for as long as it takes, and
            will, if confirmed, use whatever authorities I have to multiply
            the force of ongoing efforts. I am, as I make this report,
            working on four (4) such cases.
       Human Rights.  From a policy perspective, the most important
            accomplishment was the drafting, field work and advocacy for
            the ISIS genocide resolutions: House Concurrent Resolution 75,
            co-sponsored by Reps. Jeff Fortenberry and Anna Eshoo (adopted
            393-0); Senate Res. 340, co-sponsored by Senators Bill Cassidy
            and Joe Manchin (adopted by unanimous consent). Then-Secretary
            of State, John Kerry, responded by making a formal genocide
            declaration on March 17, 2016. I have remained involved in the
            anti-genocide effort since that time, and have used the
            experience to inform my ongoing efforts to prevent and document
            the atrocities that are continuing in many parts of the world.
            If confirmed, I will bring that experience, and the many
            committed people with whom I have worked, into a broadly-based,
            international effort to implement the Elie Wiesel Atrocities
            Prevention Act.
       Democracy.  My experience as a Commissioner on the U.S. Commission
            on Civil Rights from 1983-1989, and as voting rights counsel
            for the Ohio Secretary of State from 2004-2006, has given me a
            ``ground-based'' understanding of the entire range of voting
            rights issues--from registration to the security of voting
            technology. My work with Christians, Muslims, Jews and other
            minorities in the Middle East and North Africa has given me
            unparalleled opportunities to discuss how to make the case for
            democracy and human rights in countries that do not have a
            democratic tradition.

        Question.  International human rights law recognizes that gender-
    based violence, including domestic violence, is a human rights
    violation. This year, the annual State Department Human Rights Report
    scaled back reporting on incidences of gender-based violence in many
    countries, including Central American countries like El Salvador,
    Guatemala, and Honduras where women and girls are fleeing unspeakable
    risks. Do you believe, based on your understanding of international
    human rights law, that gender-based violence, including domestic
    violence, is a human rights violation? How will you ensure that the
    annual State Department Human Rights Report restores its prior levels
    of reporting on gender-based violence as a serious human rights
    violation afflicting millions of women around the world?

        Answer. President Trump's National Security Strategy explicitly
    states that the United States will support efforts to advance women's
    equality and protect the rights of women and girls. I believe that
    reporting on the prevalence of violence against women and girls is one
    of the many ways in which the Department of State is advancing U.S.
    efforts to press governments to create policies and practices that
    protect women and girls from violence.
        If confirmed, I would work to ensure that the Department of State's
    annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices report on the extent
    of gender-based violence such as: rape and domestic violence; female
    genital mutilation/cutting; harmful traditional practices such as
    dowry-related deaths, so-called honor killings, acid attacks, and widow
    violence. While it is not possible to list each instance of these
    terrible abuses, we need to find a way to give both a qualitative and
    quantitative description of them for every country in the world.

        Question.  The report also removed reporting on women's rights
    issues broadly defined as reproductive rights. This term was adopted by
    states in a consensus document at the International Conference on
    Population and Development in 1994, but it was a recognition that
    reproductive rights are rights already recognized by international law.
    Will you restore the annual State Department Human Rights Report to its
    prior levels of reporting on reproductive rights? If not, why not? If
    yes, what specific steps will you take to ensure this mandate is
    followed by all U.S. embassies?

        Answer. U.S. law requires that we report on ``wherever applicable,
    practices regarding coercion in population control, including coerced
    abortion and involuntary sterilization.'' The Cairo Program of Action
    and the Beijing Platform for Action provide for the recognition of the
    basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and
    responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to
    have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the
    highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It also includes
    their right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of
    discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in human rights
    documents.
        If confirmed, I will report facts relevant to these provisions
    fully and efficiently.

        Question.  Do you believe it acceptable that religious freedom can
    be used, in any case, as a justification for policies that criminalize,
    stigmatize or otherwise discriminate against LGBTI people,
    relationships, or organizations? In some countries, governments cite
    their citizens' religious beliefs as a justification for their
    discriminatory policies. Given your history and writings, I am
    concerned that you might actually agree with them. Will you commit to
    standing by the State Department's policies, that religious beliefs
    should not be used as justification for discriminatory policies? If
    confirmed, how would you work with the Ambassador-at-Large for
    Religious Freedom to ensure that the legal and access rights of any
    minority population-including LGBTI populations-are not disrespected by
    the majority population, in law or otherwise?

        Answer. There is no justification for criminalization of LGBTI
    status, nor for violence against LGBTI persons, nor for discrimination
    in housing, employment or the provision of government services. Respect
    for the inherent dignity of every human person is a universal duty, and
    is the foundation of an effective foreign policy. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with colleagues across the State Department and beyond to
    promote respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and democratic
    governance for all people, including LGBTI persons. governments around
    the world must understand they are obligated to provide every citizen
    with equal protection under the law, and if confirmed, I would stand
    forcefully for that principle.
        I see no inherent tension between the U.S. government's
    longstanding effort to protect the human rights of LGBTI people
    globally and concepts of international religious freedom. In fact, the
    U.S. government promotes all these rights for exactly the same reason:
    we believe every person has the right to equal protection of the laws.
    All have an equal right to be free to live their lives without fear of
    persecution.
        United States policy is to oppose criminalization, bias-motivated
    violence, and serious discrimination targeting LGBTI persons in areas
    such as employment, housing, or the provision of government services.
    If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to advance those
    principles.

        Question.  DRL is responsible for promoting human rights, including
    women's rights and sexual and reproductive rights. The U.S. is a party
    to both the International Conference of Population and Development
    Programme for Action and the Beijing Platform for Action, which
    reaffirm reproductive rights and the right to reproductive health care.
    Implicit in the right to reproductive health is the right of men and
    women to be informed and to have access to safe, effective, affordable
    and acceptable methods of family planning of their choice, including
    information and access to the full range of modern contraceptive
    services such as hormonal contraception, condoms and barrier methods,
    and long-acting reversible contraception. Do you believe that the U.S.
    and other countries should work to ensure that women, young people and
    LGBTI receive accurate information about and access to a full range of
    information and services about their sexual and reproductive health? Do
    you think that health care providers in developing countries should be
    able to refuse to provide women, girls and LGBTI with information about
    modern contraception with the use of U.S. funds? Similarly, should
    health care providers be allowed to discriminate against LGBTI people,
    unmarried adolescent girls, or other minorities people in the delivery
    of services? Can providers deny to provide LGBTI people information
    about condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or methods to prevent
    transmission of HIV? How would you address these issues and potential
    sexual and reproductive rights violations in your role as Assistant
    Secretary?

        Answer. The U.S. has been a leader in promoting the dissemination
    of information about and access to contraception around the world as
    envisioned in the Cairo and Beijing documents. If confirmed, I will
    work to ensure that human rights for women and LGBTI people, including
    with respect to health, are promoted and protected.

        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I agree with Secretary Pompeo's recent statement: ``Our
    mission is, of course, to represent all of the American people in all
    corners of the globe, so the makeup of our workforce matters .'' He was
    referring to the longstanding commitment of the Department of State to
    having a diverse workforce. If confirmed, I will work to attract new
    talent from the diverse groups that make up U.S. society, inspire all
    of our employees, and encourage individual growth. I will foster an
    organization-wide environment in which diversity and inclusion are
    valued and respected.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will vigorously uphold the Department's
    commitment to foster, support and realize the full potential of a
    diverse staff. I will utilize resources within the Department and the
    Foreign Service Institute to provide training and enhance professional
    development that values and respects unique perspectives.

        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified mutual funds
    that may hold interests in companies with a presence abroad. I am
    committed to ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a
    conflict of interest and I will remain vigilant with regard to my
    ethics obligations.

        Question.  For the third consecutive year, the Trump administration
    has put forward a budget for the State Department and USAID that would
    decimate much of U.S. diplomacy, including with respect to foreign
    assistance geared toward promoting democracy and defending human
    rights. In an era in which human rights are increasingly under threat,
    what are your views on the role played by U.S. foreign assistance in
    promoting fundamental freedoms around the world? If confirmed, will you
    commit to support a robust Democracy, Rights and Governance (DRG)
    budget, and to inform this committee if you feel that support for human
    rights funding is being threatened? If confirmed, do you commit to
    utilize the resources that Congress appropriates and respect the
    Congressional intent for the use of those resources?

        Answer. U.S. foreign assistance to promote fundamental freedoms
    around the world is a low cost/high return element of our foreign
    policy. If we can help people who share our commitment to those
    freedoms bring about reform in their own sovereign countries,
    international stability and prosperity will be enhanced.
        I believe democracy programs are critical for defending national
    security, fostering economic opportunities for the American people, and
    asserting U.S. leadership and influence. If confirmed I would of course
    advocate for adequate funding for these programs.
        If confirmed, I commit to utilizing the resources that Congress
    appropriates and to respect the Congressional intent for the use of
    those resources.

        Question.  Your portfolio covers not only religious liberty, but
    the full range of human rights and labor rights issues, including
    support for democracy and good governance. What experience do you have
    supporting democracy, good governance, or labor rights overseas? How
    can the U.S. work to reverse the disturbing trends of democratic
    backsliding we see taking place worldwide? If confirmed, how would you
    use DRL's diplomatic and programmatic resources to support democratic
    actors and counter authoritarianism? Numerous countries in Latin
    America have created--or have discussed creating--anti-corruption
    commissions to support good governance. If confirmed, do you commit to
    support these efforts to prevent and combat corruption to promote good
    governance?

        Answer. I have worked on human rights and labor issues throughout
    my career. For example, I have practiced labor law, have pressed for
    the release of political prisoners around the world since 2007, and
    have worked to support organizations and individuals active in human
    trafficking prevention and victim recovery in both Central America and
    the Middle East. For almost twenty years I have built dialogues that
    encourage tolerance and collaboration among Christians, Muslims and
    Jews in the U.S. and Middle East on issues including basic human
    rights, the release of prisoners, atrocities prevention, religious
    freedom and human trafficking.
        If confirmed, I commit to create an enabling environment for civil
    society, and to support the work of individual citizens and
    associations to encourage their own governments to be more responsive
    and accountable. I will also press foreign governments to increase
    transparency and eliminate corruption, and continue the Bureau's work
    in support of civil society and democracy activists, especially in
    places where we have no USAID programs and sometimes no diplomatic
    representation. Corruption in Latin America is a significant problem
    that erodes support for democracy and enables human rights violations
    and abuses. Corruption robs societies of economic opportunity, erodes
    the rule of law, and serves as a driver for migration. As such, the
    U.S. national interest is clear in supporting meaningful Latin American
    efforts to prevent and combat corruption.

        Question.  As I'm sure you know, the U.N. describes the situation
    in Yemen as the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 24 million
    Yemenis in need of humanitarian assistance. Data shows that the Saudi
    and Emirati forces supported by the United States in Yemen are
    increasingly targeting civilians in what may amount to war crimes. On
    Monday, I introduced legislation--along with Senators Durbin, Wyden and
    Markey--that would require the Secretary to make human rights
    certifications for certain arms sales and transfers, specifically those
    involving heavy weapons capable of causing mass casualties or
    destruction, such as attack aircraft and missile launchers.

       Should the United States continue to facilitate arms sales to
            foreign governments like Saudi Arabia and the UAE credibly
            suspected of acts that may amount to war crimes?

        Answer. I am aware of and concerned by reports of civilian
    casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure resulting from Saudi-
    led Coalition airstrikes in Yemen. I understand the State Department
    adjudicates all potential arms transfers through an Administration
    review process on a case-by-case basis and through a consultation
    process with Congress, as required by law. If confirmed, I would expect
    to contribute to that process.

        Question.  What are your views on the position put forth by
    Secretary Pompeo that, in effect, continuing to arm and otherwise
    support Saudi Arabia and the UAE in Yemen is the best way to support
    human rights there?

        Answer. I believe U.S. priorities are advanced if we are able to
    influence, steer, and achieve results because of our ability to have
    honest, often difficult conversations with Saudi leadership on issues
    like the Yemen conflict. Saudi Arabia and the UAE helped get the
    parties to Sweden and continue to actively support the U.N. Special
    Envoy as he helps them implement the Stockholm Agreement and reach a
    political agreement. This agreement is the only way to end Yemen's
    conflict and humanitarian crisis and to secure a peaceful, stable Yemen
    that upholds human rights and is free of malign Iranian influence.

        Question.  Two weeks ago, the Senate passed S.J. Res. 7, which
    calls for an end to U.S. support for the Saudi- and Emirate-led war. In
    response to that bipartisan vote, Secretary Pompeo said, in effect,
    that those that really care about human rights in Yemen should be
    worried about Iran, not about the massive civilian harm being imposed
    on the people of Yemen by our security partners.

       If confirmed, how would you propose to engage security partners
            like Saudi Arabia and the UAE?

        Answer. If confirmed as DRL Assistant Secretary, I commit to
    consistently engage with security partners like Saudi Arabia and the
    UAE to mitigate civilian harm and strengthen human rights protections.
    Partnership with the United States in many cases provides political,
    security, and economic benefits, and we should use these relationships
    to advance American values and ideals, including protection of basic
    human rights, which undergird stable and prosperous societies.

        Question.  What would you do as DRL A/S to raise these and other
    human rights issues both privately and publicly with Saudi and Emirati
    authorities?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will raise human rights issues of concern
    with counterparts, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates,
    and seek to publicize those concerns when appropriate. The National
    Security Strategy prioritizes support for the dignity of all persons.
    Secretary Pompeo has said that ``we expect every country to behave in a
    way that treats their citizens with the dignity and respect they
    deserve.''

        Question.  If U.S. officials witness court proceedings in Saudi
    Arabia that fall short of international standards, will you urge them
    to say so publicly?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will urge the government of Saudi Arabia to
    ensure fair trial guarantees, freedom from arbitrary and unlawful
    detention, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. I will call
    on the government of Saudi Arabia to treat prisoners and detainees
    humanely, and to ensure that allegations of abuse are investigated
    quickly and thoroughly and that anyone found responsible is held
    accountable. I will urge that we publicize our concerns when I believe
    it will advance our human rights objectives.

        Question.  Would you seek to visit in their places of detention
    human rights activists who are at risk of torture?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work closely with my colleagues
    in the Department, as well as seek the views of civil society and human
    rights groups, to determine the best course of action, including
    possible visits to detained activists, for ensuring any detentions and
    prosecutions respect the rights of those detained and accused, and
    guarantee the humane treatment of any individuals involved.

        Question.  As you know, in response to the Saudi murder last
    October of Jamal Khashoggi, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee
    triggered a provision of the Global Magnitsky Act that directed the
    president to report on those individuals--up to and including Saudi
    Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman--whom the U.S. government believes had
    a role in killing Khashoggi, and on whether the administration intended
    to sanction those responsible.

       Do you agree that Mr. Khashoggi's killing is a completely
            unacceptable violation of national and international laws and
            norms? Do you agree that anyone involved in committing or
            directing that killing should face accountability, no matter
            their position or rank?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question.  Do you commit to brief this committee in the future with
    the whole truth about what the U.S. government knows concerning the
    circumstances of Mr. Khashoggi's killing?

        Answer. Yes to the full extent permissible under U.S. security laws
    and regulations. I would also favor using other channels to convey
    relevant information to the Congress when security so requires.

        Question.  If, once confirmed, you were told by appropriate
    officials within the IC and law enforcement communities that they
    assess with high confidence that MBS played a role in directing
    Khashoggi's killing, or was otherwise witting of the murder, can you
    commit to saying that you would advise Secretary Pompeo and President
    Trump that Crown Prince Mohammed's role in the murder should be made
    public, and that he should be held accountable?

        Answer. The President and Secretary of State have been clear that
    Saudi Arabia must hold accountable every individual implicated in the
    horrific murder of Jamal Khashoggi, including high-ranking members of
    the Saudi government. If confirmed, I will do my utmost to advance this
    process.

        Question.  If MBS or other senior Saudi officials were found to
    have played a role in Khashoggi's murder, what specific steps toward
    accountability would you recommend the U.S. government undertake?

        Answer. The President and Secretary of State have been clear that
    Saudi Arabia must hold accountable every individual implicated in the
    horrific murder of Jamal Khashoggi, which was fundamentally
    inconsistent with American values. Secretary Pompeo has stated that all
    those involved in the murder must be brought to justice regardless of
    rank and King Salman has made a similar demand. If confirmed, I will
    commit to engaging deeply on additional steps toward accountability
    that the administration could take.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to implementing the Global
    Magnitsky Act robustly?

        Answer. Yes. Global Magnisky is an extremely valuable tool as it
    allows us to target human rights violators without creating a sanctions
    program for an entire country. If confirmed, I look forward to working
    with the Department's experts and the interagency to advance
    implementation of this law.

        Question.  Do you commit to recommend sanctions designations under
    the Act against individuals found to have committed the most egregious
    or systemic crimes, and not to politicize sanctions determinations?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work with the Department and
    interagency to ensure a principled approach to implementation of the
    Global Magnitsky sanctions program.

        Question.  Do you commit to moving as expeditiously as possible to
    produce the global tranche of designations that were expected last
    December?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work within the Department and
    interagency to develop both global, thematic, and region specific
    sanctions tranches.

        Question.  Do you commit to informing this committee if you lack
    the resources to carry out robust implementation of the Russia
    Magnitsky Act and Global Magnitsky Act?

        Answer. Yes. You have my commitment.

        Question.  It's safe to say that democracy and human rights are
    being challenged right now. They're certainly being challenged by
    governments the United States views as hostile and/or as competitors,
    like China, Russia, Venezuela, and Iran. But they're also being
    challenged by U.S. partner states, from NATO allies like Turkey,
    Poland, and Hungary, to Middle East security partners like Saudi
    Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt. In this year's DRL Human Rights
    Report, Secretary Pompeo wrote: ``The policy of this Administration is
    to engage with other governments, regardless of their record, if doing
    so will further U.S. interests.'' What is the right balance for the
    United States when it comes to engaging or even partnering with deeply
    abusive governments? How would you recommend the Secretary of State
    approach such partnerships? In general, how do you believe the U.S. can
    strike the right balance between addressing national security and human
    rights concerns? Do you believe there are cases where political
    isolation or sanctions are appropriate, either based on a country's
    human rights abuses or other foreign policy concerns?Answer:

        Answer. Human rights advocates should always have a seat at the
    foreign policy table. We should always be pressing other governments,
    both abusive and friendly, to adhere to internationally accepted human
    rights standards. Promoting human rights is always in the best
    interests of the United States and of the countries for whose citizens
    we are advocating because societies that respect human rights and the
    rule of law are more stable, and make better allies. It is in our
    national interest to work with allies and partners to try to prevent
    conflict by addressing the causes of violence. Diplomatic efforts to
    prevent conflict are much more effective than engagement after conflict
    erupts. Secretary Pompeo has said that, under his leadership, the
    Department will use a range of programs and partners to promote our
    values abroad, including through bilateral and multilateral channels,
    and imposing visa restrictions and economic sanctions, as appropriate.
    Yes, there are cases where sanctions are appropriate.

        Question.  In addition to the concerning humanitarian crisis,
    Venezuela's democratic institutions have greatly deteriorated over the
    past two decades. What can the U.S. do to ensure that any transition
    paves the way for a return to democracy rather than a new authoritarian
    regime? What do you see as DRL's role in ensuring that any transition
    is peaceful and democratic?

        Answer. The administration has been clear and consistent that a
    change from one authoritarian regime to another is neither our
    objective, nor an acceptable outcome. I agree that our objective should
    be free and fair elections and reinvigoration of democratic
    institutions. The sprawling humanitarian crisis in Venezuela is a
    direct result of the former Maduro regime's efforts to dismantle
    democratic institutions, eliminate checks and balances, and repress the
    rights and freedoms of the Venezuelan people.
        I am deeply committed to helping the Venezuelan people restore
    their democracy and regain their freedom. I will work with the
    Organization of American States to urge its members to achieve the
    objectives of the Inter-American Democratic Charter.
        DRL has a key role to support Venezuela's embattled civil society
    and democratic institutions, to shine light on human rights abuses and
    to support free and fair elections.

        Question.  On December 03, 2018, the Holocaust Museum announced for
    the first time that it believes there is compelling evidence that the
    Burmese military committed ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity,
    and genocide against the Rohingya, Muslim minority population. Senator
    Young and I plan to re-introduce our Burma Human Rights and Freedom
    Act, which promotes democracy and human rights in Burma, and among
    other actions, requires a State Department report on crimes against
    humanity and other serious human rights abuses committed against the
    Rohingya and other ethnic groups in Burma. Do you believe that the
    gross human rights violations that took place in 2017, in which over
    700,000 fled persecution, when the Rohingya were raped, tortured,
    burned and killed for who they were,--do you believe those actions
    constitute genocide and crimes against humanity? What additional
    measures would you recommend the U.S. take to address allegations of
    genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes? What additional
    measures would you recommend the international community take? Would
    you recommend, for example, collaboration to establish a multilateral
    sanctions regime against Burmese military officials who aided,
    participated in, or were otherwise implicated in gross violations of
    internationally recognized human rights in Burma?

        Answer. I share the view that gross human rights violations took
    place in 2017 and am deeply concerned about the Burmese military's
    horrific abuses directed at the Rohingya and the ongoing humanitarian
    crisis that has ensued.
        If confirmed, I will undertake my own review of the facts, and
    offer my recommendations to the Secretary on appropriate actions to
    take to promote accountability and deter further atrocities. Our goal
    should be a mix of private and public and bilateral and multilateral
    diplomacy, economic sanctions and visa restrictions designed to remove
    from positions of responsibility those responsible for ordering these
    atrocities and to bring about the full transition to a civilian-led
    democracy. We also must address the causes of violence and
    discrimination in all regions of Burma.
        I will also support the United States' ongoing efforts to provide
    life-saving humanitarian assistance to those affected by these events
    and to ensure the security of the hundreds of thousands of Rohingya
    remaining in Burma

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question.  In the past, you have argued that Christians who oppose
    homosexuality, on the basis of religious belief, should be permitted to
    deny equal treatment and services to LGBT individuals. You have
    questioned whether a transgender person must be accepted as such by
    someone who doesn't accept the basis of gender identity. Given your
    past comments, how can you effectively carry out the position
    articulated by the Secretary of State and be a credible advocate of
    LGBTI rights globally?

        Answer. Respect for the inherent dignity of every human person is
    the foundation of an effective foreign policy. There is no
    justification for violence against LGBTI persons, for criminalization
    of LGBTI status or relations, or for discrimination in areas such as
    housing, employment, or the provision of government services. If
    confirmed, I will work closely with colleagues across the State
    Department and beyond to promote respect for fundamental freedoms,
    human rights and democratic governance for all people, including LGBTI
    persons.

        Question.  In his statement last year during Pride month, Secretary
    Pompeo said, ``LGBTI persons--like all persons--must be free to enjoy
    their human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of
    expression, peaceful assembly, and association, without fear of
    reprisal.'' Do you agree with the Secretary's past statements on the
    role of the U.S. government in promoting the human rights of LGBTI
    people abroad?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I look forward to advancing respect for
    the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, including LGBTI
    persons.

        Question.  Do you believe it acceptable that religious freedom can
    be used, in any case, as a justification for policies that criminalize,
    stigmatize or otherwise discriminate against LGBTI people,
    relationships, or organizations?

        Answer. There is no justification for criminalization of LGBTI
    status, nor for violence against LGBTI persons, nor for discrimination
    in housing, employment or the provision of government services. Respect
    for the inherent dignity of every human person is a universal duty, and
    is the foundation of an effective foreign policy. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with colleagues across the State Department and beyond to
    promote respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and democratic
    governance for all people, including LGBTI persons. governments around
    the world must understand they are obligated to provide every citizen
    with equal protection under the law, and if confirmed, I would stand
    forcefully for that principle.
        I see no inherent tension between the U.S. government's
    longstanding effort to protect the human rights of LGBTI people
    globally and concepts of international religious freedom. In fact, the
    U.S. government promotes all these rights for exactly the same reason:
    we believe every person has the right to equal protection of the laws.
    All have an equal right to be free to live their lives without fear of
    persecution.
        United States policy is to oppose criminalization, bias-motivated
    violence, and serious discrimination targeting LGBTI persons in areas
    such as employment, housing, or the provision of government services.
    If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to advance those
    principles.

        Question.  Following the departure of Randy Barry, the position of
    the LGBTI special envoy has remained unfilled. Do you support retaining
    the position? If so, what are your plans to encourage the Secretary to
    fill this position?

        Answer. I support the Administration's plan to retain the position
    of Special Envoy for the Human Rights of LGBTI Persons. If confirmed, I
    will fully support the Department's efforts to fill the position with a
    qualified individual empowered to perform its mandate.

        Question.  Following the designations of five individuals and two
    units for atrocities against the Rohingya population in 2017, the
    United States has refrained from sanctioning other senior Burmese
    military officials. Do you believe there should be additional sanctions
    against the Burmese military, including on Commander-in-chief Min Aung
    Hlaing? What will you do to make sure U.S. policy protects the rights
    and dignities of the Rohingya and holds perpetrators of mass atrocities
    accountable?

        Answer. The Administration has been clear that the atrocities
    committed against Rohingya and the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has
    ensued in Burma are the responsibility of the Burmese military
    leadership, that those responsible should be removed from power, and
    the military subordinated to civilian rule.
        If confirmed, I will advocate for actions that promote
    accountability and deter further atrocities. Such actions may include
    targeted economic sanctions and visa restrictions. While I do not want
    to prejudge any specific actions including additional U.S. visa
    restrictions or financial sanctions on specific Burmese individuals or
    security force units, I believe that the United States remains a key
    voice in the international community on the protection and promotion of
    human rights and fundamental freedoms. I will, if confirmed, review the
    conduct of Burmese security forces during the ethnic cleansing of
    Rohingya, as well as human rights abuses by Burmese security forces in
    other parts of the country.
        If confirmed, I will support programs to counter violence and
    discrimination in all affected regions of Burma, and I will support the
    United States' ongoing efforts to provide life-saving humanitarian
    assistance to those affected by violence.

        Question.  Given the trend in authoritarian behavior in the Indo-
    Pacific region, and China's efforts to export its authoritarian model
    to other countries in the region, how you will use your position to
    counter this trend and China's efforts to bolster authoritarianism?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to advance a free and open Indo-
    Pacific through strong support for good governance including promoting
    transparency, openness, rule of law, and the protection of human rights
    and fundamental freedoms within the Indo-Pacific region. These values
    are embedded in the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative that was
    announced by the Vice President last November. I will express U.S.
    concerns about China's efforts to export its authoritarian model, seek
    to ensure the U.S. government utilizes appropriate tools to counter
    this trend, and coordinate with our international partners.

        Question.  In you view, what role does civil society play in the
    Indo-Pacific region in promoting democracy and human rights? If
    confirmed, how will you ensure that U.S. foreign policy regularly
    includes engagement and support for civil society in the region?

        Answer. Civil society plays a key role in promoting democracy and
    human rights around the globe, including in the Indo-Pacific region. An
    absence of civil society means an abuse of human rights and democracy.
    If confirmed, I will work to promote a strong, active civil society by
    supporting opportunities for civil society organizations to engage
    their governments, to share best practices across borders, and to
    cooperate on common challenges affecting human rights and fundamental
    freedoms. I will counter efforts by certain governments in the Indo-
    Pacific region to place restrictions on the activities of civil society
    organizations and constrain the space in which civil society can
    operate. Finally, I will seek to ensure that democratic institutions,
    including elections, are more credible, inclusive, and effective.

        Question.  How will you ensure that the administration maintains
    focus on the grave situation of human rights in North Korea even as it
    continues diplomatic engagement on denuclearization?

        Answer. The DPRK's human rights record remains among the worst in
    the world. If confirmed, I will meet with North Korean defectors, work
    with likeminded partners to increase international awareness of the
    egregious abuses and violations, and promote respect for human rights
    in North Korea. I will also support civil society efforts to increase
    the free flow of independent information into, out of, and within the
    country.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you use your post to advocate for
    U.S. negotiators to press North Korea on human rights issues, including
    pressing them to cooperate with U.N. human rights mechanism and to join
    the International Labour Organization?

        Answer. Yes. The only way to resolve this human rights crisis is
    for the DPRK regime to join the community of nations and begin to
    respect human rights and adhere to international norms.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you use your post to raise awareness
    of the terms of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of
    2016, which specifically imposes sanctions on the North Korean
    government because of its human rights record? Under the law, these
    broader sanctions cannot be lifted, or even waived, unless North Korea
    takes steps to improve its human rights record; will you use your post
    to remind negotiators--on both sides--of this basic legislative
    reality?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work with Department and
    interagency counterparts to ensure that our North Korea human rights
    policy, including human rights-related sanctions, is implemented
    consistent with the law, including the North Korea Sanctions and Policy
    Enhancement Act of 2016.

        Question.  Do you think the U.N.'s establishment of a field office
    in Seoul to track rights violations in North Korea is helpful in
    shining a light on North Korea's human rights record? As you know, the
    U.S. withdrew from the UNHRC in June 2018. Do you think this helps or
    hurts multilateral efforts to call out Kim regime abuses?

        Answer. North Korea's human rights record is among the worst in the
    world. I support efforts to document the egregious human rights abuses
    and violations in North Korea for the purposes of shining a light on
    the country's deplorable human rights record and for future
    accountability purposes.
        I believe there are a variety of multilateral forums and tools we
    can use to call out the North Korean government's terrible human rights
    record, including the U.N. General Assembly, the U.N. Security Council,
    and the Universal Periodic Review process.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
              Submitted to Robert Destro by Senator Cory A. Booker

        Question.  Do you support these changes made in 2018 downgrading
    the importance of and focus on women's reproductive rights in the
    annual Human Rights Reports?

        Answer. U.S. law requires that we report on ``wherever applicable,
    practices regarding coercion in population control, including coerced
    abortion and involuntary sterilization.'' The Cairo Program of Action
    and the Beijing Platform for Action provide for the recognition of the
    basic right of all couples and individuals to decide freely and
    responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children and to
    have the information and means to do so, and the right to attain the
    highest standard of sexual and reproductive health. It also includes
    their right to make decisions concerning reproduction free of
    discrimination, coercion and violence, as expressed in human rights
    documents.
        If confirmed, I will report facts relevant to these provisions
    fully and efficiently.

        Question.  Since you have taken stances on numerous pieces of
    legislation in the past, do you support the passage of S.707,
    Reproductive Rights Are Human Rights Act? If not, why not?

        Answer. President Trump's National Security Strategy explicitly
    states that the U.S. will support efforts to advance women's equality
    and protect the rights of women and girls.
        If confirmed, I will work to ensure that women's human rights,
    including their right to the enjoyment of the highest attainable
    standard of physical and mental health, are promoted and protected.
        As a nominee, it would not be appropriate for me to express an
    opinion on a specific piece of proposed legislation. If confirmed, I
    will be happy to have a conversation about legislation of concern to
    you and to contribute to formulating the Administration's response to
    the proposed bill.

        Question.  The State Department's own 2018 Human Rights Reports
    acknowledge that the Nigerian ``government did not adequately
    investigate or prosecute most of the major outstanding allegations of
    human rights violations by the security forces or the majority of cases
    of police or military extortion or other abuse of power.''
    Unfortunately, this lack of lack of accountability for abuses by
    security forces has been a consistent challenge.
        As recently as October, according to an investigation by Amnesty
    International researchers, Nigerian soldiers and police used excessive
    force which led to the killing of at least 45 supporters of the Islamic
    Movement in Nigeria (IMN) over two days in October 2018, as the Shi'a
    Muslim group held a peaceful religious procession around Abuja. Video
    footage shows the security forces ``opening fire on unarmed
    demonstrators, sometimes shooting indiscriminately into the crowd at
    close range as people turned and tried to flee.'' The soldiers depicted
    were apparently the 7th unit of the Nigerian Brigade (also referred to
    as the Presidential Guard Brigade).

       To your knowledge, has the State Department implemented vetting
            under the Leahy Law for 7th unit of the Nigerian Brigade (also
            referred to as the Presidential Guard Brigade) for its alleged
            abuses in October?

        Answer. I am deeply concerned by allegations of extrajudicial
    killings by Nigerian security forces members, and the lack of public
    accountability to date. I believe it is incumbent upon Nigerian
    security forces to respond to protests in a measured manner that
    adheres to Nigerian law, respects fundamental freedoms, and the rules
    for the escalation of force, while protecting the lives of civilians
    and security forces. If confirmed, I will seek to ensure through the
    Leahy Law and other tools that Nigerian security forces responsible for
    serious human rights abuses do not receive assistance and that they
    improve their respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
        I am not privy as to whether the 7th unit of the Nigerian Brigade
    (also referred to as the Presidential Guard Brigade) has been nominated
    for assistance or training since the incident described in the Amnesty
    report. Were it to be to be nominated for training or assistance in the
    future if confirmed I would ensure that the information in that report
    was reviewed and taken into account.

        Question.  How will you seek to promote a greater respect for human
    rights and accountability for security force abuses in Nigeria when
    they remain an important security U.S. partner in fighting Boko Haram,
    if confirmed?

        Answer. I believe that the U.S. government needs to continue its
    robust efforts that aim to help the Nigerian government and civil
    society address instability across Nigeria while building more capable,
    professional, and accountable Nigerian security forces that respect
    human rights and protect civilians. I stress that these concerns are
    not mutually exclusive: protecting human rights, promoting
    accountability, and ensuring civilian protection are instrumental to
    defeating terrorism.
        We must press the Nigerian government for credible, transparent,
    and thorough investigations into allegations of corruption and human
    rights violations, pursuing accountability for those responsible. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that our security cooperation with Nigeria
    continues to support our goals of respect for human rights and
    protection of civilians.

        Question.  Do you support the administration's decision to ignore
    the statutory mandate in the Global Magnitsky Human Rights
    Accountability Act relating to requests for determinations from
    Congress?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with interagency legal and policy
    experts to implement the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability
    Act in accordance with applicable delegations of authority and other
    appropriate considerations.

        Question.  What do you view as Congress' proper role in requesting
    a sanctions determination under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights
    Accountability Act?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will welcome the recommendations of
    Congress in Global Magnitsky Act implementation and will work to ensure
    congressional views are taken into account.

        Question.  The most recent Religious Freedom Report on Bahrain from
    2017 states that: ``The government continued to question, detain, and
    arrest clerics, community members, and opposition politicians
    associated with the Shia community.'' Moreover, the government
    continued its crackdown against dissent of all kinds, typified by the
    ongoing imprisonment of human rights defender Nabeel Rajab for tweets
    critical of the government.
        In spite of these ongoing religious freedom and human rights
    concerns, according to a readout of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's
    meeting with the Bahraini King and Foreign Minister on January 11th,
    Secretary Pompeo failed to publicly raise either of these issues during
    his meeting.

       What steps do you plan to take to raise the concerns of Shia
            citizens in Bahrain, if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage counterparts in Bahrain on
    strengthening respect for the human rights of all Bahrainis, including
    Shia citizens. Societies are strengthened, not threatened, by
    expressions of opinion and dissent, and opposition voices can play a
    vital role helping societies become more tolerant and inclusive.
        Bahrain is an important U.S. partner. Closing avenues to legitimate
    civil and political discourse could open a window for external parties,
    including Iran, to exploit frustrated communities.

        Question.  What foreign policy tools do you think the United States
    should employ to put pressure on the Bahraini government for its
    failure to implement governance reforms and respect human rights?

        Answer. I will support human rights issues and raise human rights
    cases of concern with counterparts, including when I travel. I will
    also consult regularly with civil society and opposition voices. The
    National Security Strategy prioritizes support for the dignity of all
    persons. I will urge that we publicize our concerns when I believe it
    will advance our human rights objectives.
        I know the United States has many tools in addition to public and
    private messaging that we can use to effectuate improved human rights
    protections, and if confirmed, I will commit to engaging strongly on
    these issues regarding Bahrain.

        Question.  What in your view is should be the U.S. response to the
    Egyptian government's proposed amendments to extend President Sisi's
    time in power, reduce the independence of the judiciary, and increase
    the role of the military in civilian government?

        Answer. I believe constitutional transitions of power are essential
    for strong democracies everywhere and that we should encourage the
    Egyptian government to ensure that the referendum allows all Egyptians
    to give voice to their views, without penalizing dissenters. I believe
    the United States should encourage civilian control of the military and
    independent judicial systems if we are to advance our objectives of
    prosperity and security around the globe.
        Encouraging Egypt to build a more stable and secure society
    including through strengthening civil society and human rights
    protections is part of achieving those objectives.

        Question.  What innovative ideas will you propose, if confirmed, to
    support human rights defenders and civil society organizations in
    Egypt?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will raise our serious concerns about the
    human rights situation in Egypt with senior Egyptian government
    officials. In those conversations, I will emphasize the obligation that
    all governments have to protect and respect human rights, and to ensure
    that all persons enjoy fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of
    expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion. As I said at
    the hearing, I want our reporting to be more real time. If confirmed, I
    will look for new ways to use social media and other platforms to
    report on human rights problems and show support for civil society and
    human rights activists in places like Egypt and around the world.
        Enabling an environment for human rights defenders and civil
    society organizations to operate is critical Egypt's to stability and
    prosperity, and to meeting the very real security and terrorism
    challenges Egypt faces. Around the world, these individuals and groups
    are often key to identifying the most innovative initiatives to advance
    reform in their own countries, and I would look forward to seeking
    their views on how the United States can support their own efforts.

        Question.  Will you pledge to work with the Ambassador-at-Large for
    International Religious Freedom to ensure the Egyptian government takes
    concrete steps to end discrimination towards and ensure the safety of
    the Coptic Christian community and places of worship in Egypt, if
    confirmed?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I pledge to work with the Ambassador-at-
    Large for International Religious Freedom to ensure the Egyptian
    government takes steps to end discrimination towards and ensure the
    safety of the Coptic Christian community and places of worship in
    Egypt.

        Question.  Will you pledge to raise the cases of prominent human
    rights workers, lawyers, and political activists who have arbitrarily
    detained in your conversations with Egyptian authorities, if confirmed?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will raise our serious concerns about
    these issues with senior Egyptian government officials. In those
    conversations, I will emphasize the obligation that all governments
    have to protect and respect human rights, and to ensure that all
    persons enjoy fundamental freedoms, including freedoms of expression,
    peaceful assembly, association, and religion.
        Respecting these values and principles, and allowing space for the
    emergence of a robust civil society are critical to Egypt's stability
    and prosperity, and to meeting the very real security and terrorism
    challenges Egypt faces.

        Question.  According to the recently released State Department's
    2019 Human Rights Report on China, which includes Tibet: ``Official
    repression of the freedoms of speech, religion, movement, association,
    and assembly of Tibetans in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) and other
    Tibetan areas and of Uighurs and other ethnic and religious minorities
    in Xinjiang worsened and was more severe than in other areas of the
    country.'' Moreover, the report states that ``arbitrary arrest and
    detention remained serious problems'' in Tibet and as of November 27,
    2017, there were 303 Tibetan political prisoners known to be detained
    or imprisoned in China.

       Will to commit to raising the cases of Tibetan political prisoners
            and prisoners of conscience in meetings with Chinese government
            officials, if confirmed?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I am committed to pressing for respect
    for human rights, including freedom of religion and belief, in my
    conversations with Chinese officials, and advocating for the release of
    Tibetan political prisoners and prisoners of conscience.

        Question.  Will you support full implementation of the Reciprocal
    Access to Tibet Act of 2018, including revoking the visas of Chinese
    officials determined to substantially involved in the formulation or
    execution of policies related to access for foreigners to Tibetan
    areas, if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support full implementation of the
    Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Keith Krach by Senator Johnny Isakson

        Question.  Last spring, the State Department negotiated an
    agreement with the UAE to address subsidies provided by the UAE
    government to their state-owned airlines.
        When subsidized carriers open routes to the U.S., American jobs are
    put at risk. That's why Open Skies agreements are so important,
    particularly to my home state.
        However, an earlier agreement with Qatar appears to have been
    undermined when state-owned Qatar Airways acquired a 49% stake in an
    Italian airline. They are now able to use that airline to launch new
    service to the United States:

       If confirmed, will you commit to strictly enforce Open Skies
            agreements?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would commit to strictly enforcing our Open
    Skies agreements and leveling the playing field to ensure U.S.
    companies have an opportunity to succeed globally.

        Question.  What efforts will you undertake to remedy these types of
    violations?

        Answer. I would support the Department's leadership in ensuring
    appropriate follow-though on the Understandings reached in January 2018
    with Qatar and in May 2018 with the UAE. I would seek to address
    concerns of U.S. industry regarding subsidized competition while
    maintaining the Open Skies framework of U.S. international aviation
    policy. My goal would be to provide beneficial results for as many U.S.
    stakeholders as possible.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
              Submitted to Keith Krach by Senator Robert Menendez

    Paris Agreement
        Question.  2019 is a significant year for U.S. participation in the
    Paris Agreement because November 4th is the day when President Trump
    can officially initiate the formal withdrawal process. November 4th
    happens to be 4 weeks before the start of COP25 in Santiago, Chile.
    According to the historical responsibilities of your predecessors, if
    confirmed, you would be Head of Delegation to COP25.

       Do you believe the United States should withdraw from the Paris
            Agreement?

        Answer. I fully support the President's decision that the United
    States will withdraw from the Paris Agreement unless we can identify
    terms for participation that are better for the American people. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that the United States promotes a balanced
    approach to economic growth, energy security, and environmental
    protection. We will remain a global leader on the issue of climate
    change to advance and protect U.S. economic and environmental
    interests, including by participating in ongoing international climate
    change negotiations to ensure a level playing field for all countries.
    We will continue to work with other countries to reduce greenhouse gas
    emissions and enhance resilience in ways that drive innovation and
    market-friendly solutions.

        Question 2  How is it in the best strategic and economic interests
    for the United States to remove itself from the international Agreement
    every other nation of the world is using to shape the future of the
    global economy?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the United States remains
    engaged in international negotiations and discussions on the issue of
    climate change to advance and protect U.S. interests, working with
    other countries to help drive innovation and market-friendly solutions,
    so that our efforts to protect the environment and grow our economy are
    mutually supportive.

        Question.  When President Trump announced he would withdraw the
    United States from the Paris Agreement he did so with the caveat that
    he would work to seek a ``better deal'' wherein the United States would
    remain a party to the Paris Agreement.

       Are you aware of what work or progress to advance the president
            pledge to reach a new or better deal on international climate
            action, wherein he may justify keeping the United States party
            to the Paris Agreement?

        Answer. As I am not a government employee, I have not been engaged
    in conversations concerning this matter, but I understand that the
    United States has remained active in international negotiations related
    to the Paris Agreement in order to protect U.S. interests and keep all
    policy options open for the President. I also understand that the
    Administration policy regarding withdrawal from the agreement remains
    unchanged and that the United States intends to withdraw as soon as
    possible, consistent with the terms of the agreement.

        Question.  Will you commit to the committee that, if confirmed, you
    will develop and provide details on what a ``better deal'' would be as
    well as the strategy for achieving a new or better deal?

        Answer. As I am not a government employee, I have not been engaged
    in conversations concerning this matter. If confirmed, I will ensure
    that the United States remains actively engaged on the issue of climate
    change, in multilateral bodies, as well as directly through our
    diplomatic and development activities with other countries.

        Question.  Senator Collins and I wrote Secretary Pompeo a letter
    several weeks ago, for which we have not received a response,
    requesting the Secretary explain how he intends to maintain power and
    influence in a process that we are walking away from.

       Do you believe that U.S. interests are better served when we are
            inside and actively involved in diplomatic negotiations, or
            when we excuse ourselves, and walk from processes that the rest
            of the entire world is actively engaging in?

        Answer. The United States continues to participate in ongoing
    international climate change negotiations to to protect U.S. economic
    and environmental interests. Regardless of our position on the Paris
    Agreement, the United States' approach to environmental protection
    serves U.S. interests and has unburdened communities, individuals, and
    industries to develop and implement policies that fit their needs. This
    approach leverages the ingenuity of our citizens and businesses to
    protect our environment and grow our economy.

        Question.  Can the U.S. maintain its leadership and influence in
    negotiations of policy and implementation processes, in multi-lateral
    forums like the Paris Agreement, when we have chosen not to be party to
    these agreements? If you believe we can, how? If confirmed, will you
    develop and present the State Department's strategy for continued
    leadership on climate change diplomacy, international climate change
    cooperation, and engagement in the Paris Agreement, both during the
    year-long interim period wherein the U.S. withdrawal process is being
    processed, and for the years after a U.S. withdrawal is finalized and
    our country is no longer party to the Paris Agreement?

        Answer. Yes, I believe the United States can maintain its
    leadership and influence in these multilateral policy forums regardless
    of our position on the Paris Agreement. If confirmed, I will ensure
    that the United States remains actively engaged on the issue of climate
    change, in multilateral bodies, as well as directly through our
    diplomatic and development activities with other countries. I will
    ensure that we work to advance and protect U.S. interests, working with
    other countries to help drive innovation and market-friendly solutions,
    so that our efforts to protect the environment and grow our economy are
    mutually supportive.

        Question.  The outcomes from COP24 are widely regarded as
    successful and favorable towards the U.S.'s interests. a. Do you agree
    with this assessment? b. How much credence do you put on the
    achievement of these positive outcomes resulted from the U.S.'s full
    participation in the negotiations as a party to the Paris Agreement?

        Answer. I welcome the outcomes of the 24th Conference of the
    Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
    (UNFCCC COP24) in Katowice and appreciate the hard work of our
    negotiators, whose active and constructive engagement made it possible
    for the United States to achieve such outcomes. The outcome took a
    significant step toward holding our economic competitors accountable
    for reporting their emissions in a manner consistent with standards the
    United States has met since the early 1990s.

        Question.  What is your strategy for maintaining and growing U.S.
    influence, cooperation, and power on climate diplomacy at COP25?
    (Taking into consideration that in the coming months leading up to
    November 4, 2019, which is the earliest date the President can
    officially begin the United States' withdrawal process).

       How do you think our partner and ally, as well as rival, parties to
            the Paris Agreement posture and willingness to deal with the
            United States may change, knowing that on November 4, 2019 the
            United States may very likely initiate the withdrawal process?

        Answer. With COP25 months away, it is too early to say anything
    specific. That said, I understand that the United States was actively
    engaged at COP24 and, if confirmed, I would work with U.S. negotiators
    to develop an approach to advance and protect U.S. interests at COP25.

        Question.  Given your experience in business and negotiations, if
    your negotiating partner affirmatively states and maintains an
    intention to walk away from a deal, even after gaining concessions,
    would, or rather when, do you as the party sitting across the table
    from the walking party move on and write off further talks and
    concessions for the walking party?

        Answer. Regardless of our position on the Paris Agreement, I would
    work to ensure that the United States remains engaged on the issue of
    climate change internationally, to advance and protect U.S. interests,
    working with other countries to help drive innovation and market-
    friendly solutions, so that our efforts to protect the environment,
    enhance energy security, and grow our economy are mutually supportive.

        Question.  Are you aware that many major U.S. companies, like
    Microsoft, Nike, Walmart, Apple, Unilever, Kelloggs, Mars, Best Buy,
    and Exelon support U.S. remaining in the Paris Agreement?

        Answer. I am aware of the views of these private U.S. companies.
    Regardless of our position on the Paris Agreement, the United States'
    approach to environmental protection has unburdened communities,
    individuals, and industries to develop and implement policies that fit
    their needs. This approach leverages the ingenuity of our citizens and
    businesses to protect our environment and grow our economy.

        Question.  Congress approved funding for bilateral assistance for
    both renewable energy and adaptation programs in the FY19 omnibus
    appropriations bill. State and USAID have long and well-established
    channels and programs towards which to obligate these funds.

       Do you support implementing Congress's clear intention in this
            spending legislation, and devoting resources toward renewable
            energy and adaptation programming?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that all funds are
    implemented in a manner that is consistent with Administration policy
    and applicable law.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you work with the F bureau at State,
    to ensure the State Department will execute and spend these fund
    according to Congress's clear intent in the FY19 omnibus appropriations
    bill?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the F bureau to ensure that
    all funds are implemented in a manner that is consistent with
    Administration policy and applicable law.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you ensure that the full sums are
    obligated as intended, and not applied to existing spending or
    otherwise double-counted?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with colleagues on implementing
    programs consistent with Administration policy and applicable law.

        Question.  Regardless of whether the U.S. withdraws from the Paris
    Agreement, the U.S. remains a party to the U.N. Framework Convention on
    Climate Change. Should you be confirmed, will you continue U.S.
    engagement with the UNFCCC and prioritize payment of U.S. contributions
    to that organization?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the United States remains
    engaged on the issue of climate change, through the UNFCCC and other
    multilateral and bilateral fora, to advance and protect U.S. interests.
    The FY 2020 congressional budget justification includes a request for
    funds to be contributed to the UNFCCC

        Question.  In 2017, at the Meeting of Parties to the Montreal
    Protocol in Kigali Rwanda, all parties agreed to amend the Montreal
    Protocol to initiate a global phasedown of HFCs, a highly potent
    greenhouse gas used in refrigeration. U.S. industry stakeholders like
    Dow Chemical and United Technologies as well as the U.S. environmental
    community all support U.S. ratification of the Kigali amendment. In
    fact, 13 Republican senators led by Senator Kennedy, sent a letter to
    President Trump last year, including some members of the committee
    urging him to submit the Kigali to the Senate for advice and consent,
    and yet the Kigali amendment remains on his desk, where it's been since
    he took office.

       Will you ensure that, if confirmed, you will work to get the Kigali
            Amendment sent to the Senate for its Advice and Consent?

        Answer. I understand that the Administration is actively
    considering transmittal of the Kigali Amendment to the Senate for its
    advice and consent, but no final decision has been reached. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that the State Department remains fully
    engaged in the interagency process considering the Kigali Amendment.

        Question.  Are you aware of the Senate's strong bi-partisan support
    for the Kigali Amendment and, if you have not already, will you read
    the attached letter of support for the Kigali Amendment from 13 Senate
    Republicans, led by Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana, and signed by
    three members of this committee, and commit to reaching out to Sen.
    Kennedy to discuss the Kigali Amendment and brief him on the status of
    the Administration's deliberations?

        Answer. I am aware of the letter and, if confirmed, I would be
    happy to discuss this issue with Senator Kennedy and other co-signers.

        Question.  Are you aware of the strong support for the Kigali
    Amendment from affected U.S. industry leaders?

        Answer. I understand the Administration is aware of U.S. industry's
    views and that the State Department and other agencies are in regular
    communication with industry leaders on this issue.

        Question.  Will you reach out to these industry leaders to
    understand their perspective on how U.S. ratification of the Kigali
    Amendment improves their global economic competiveness and to brief
    them on the status of the Administration's deliberations?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with colleagues in the State
    Department to continue to work closely with all relevant stakeholders,
    including U.S. industry, as the Administration considers the Kigali
    Amendment.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I view our Foreign and Civil Service employees in the
    highest regard. Having now met with many of them in preparation for my
    hearings before the committee, I have been impressed with their
    professionalism, patriotism, and expertise. Career civil servants and
    Foreign Service employees should be evaluated on merit and are
    protected under law from being treated differently due to their real or
    perceived political affiliation or beliefs. As the Secretary has said,
    such prohibited personnel actions will not be tolerated at the State
    Department. If confirmed, I will ensure that employees under my
    leadership understand the rules and understand that they have the
    ability to report prohibited actions to the appropriate authorities,
    for example the Office of the Inspector General.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and do not tolerate any types of behavior that
    could be considered discriminatory. I would be happy to speak with you
    on the importance of these and similar topics of this nature, and give
    you my perspective on the need to treat everyone with respect,
    courtesy, and fairness.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and do not tolerate any types of behavior that
    could be considered discriminatory. I would be happy to speak with you
    on the importance of these and similar topics of this nature, and give
    you my perspective on the need to treat everyone with respect,
    courtesy, and fairness.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Keith Krach by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Even though I haven't served in government, I have focused
    on reinforcing human rights and democracy by putting American values
    into action in the business, education, and social sectors around the
    world.

    Business sector
        I helped to build four category-defining companies that have had a
    positive impact on productivity, standard of living, human empowerment,
    and the health of the planet. As I mentioned in my opening statement,
    my goal was always to create values-driven companies that were built to
    last. The values I worked to instill in my companies are fundamental
    principles of transparency, courtesy and respect for all, and
    accountability. U.S. companies serve as a model to promote good
    governance, human rights, and democracy around the world.

    Social sector
        As the founder and chairman of the DocuSign Impact Foundation, I
    led our team with the mission to transform lives through commitment to
    noble causes. We instituted a one-for-one match for employee's
    contributions to their favorite charities, which provided $30 million
    for these organizations. I also served on the board of Opportunity
    International, the largest global private issuer of micro loans, as
    chairman of the advisory board of New Story- which builds homes in
    third world countries, and as co-founder of the Children's Autistic
    Network.
        If confirmed, I will look for ways to have synergistic public/
    private partnerships with non-profits, to be a force for good in
    developing countries, and to amplify the moral high ground of American
    values by bringing the power of entrepreneurship and economic
    empowerment of women and the social sector alive.

    Diversity
        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. My life's work has been focused on creating innovative
    companies and transformative social causes by building high-performance
    teams that challenge the status quo. You cannot do that with old ideas
    and ways of thinking. I believe the team with the best people wins and
    that diversity of thought on any team is the catalyst for genius. You
    cannot have diversity of thought without having individuals from
    diverse backgrounds, particularly underrepresented groups. I pledge to
    you that I will do all that I can to recruit, support, and mentor a
    Foreign and Civil Service not only on my staff but throughout the
    Department that matches the incredible diversity of this country. The
    Foreign Service Act directs the Department to be representative of the
    American people and to do that we must encourage varied viewpoints and
    thinking at all levels. With that aim in mind, if confirmed, I will be
    honored to work side-by-side with our accomplished and committed
    diplomatic corps and with you to make this diversity a reality. I would
    also prioritize recruitment, training, and acquisition of appropriate
    tools and resources for the success of all employees.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. As I have sought to do in my private business and
    philanthropic work, I believe it is essential for any truly effective
    leader to model the inclusive behavior I have outlined above for
    supervisors, and, if confirmed, I pledge to do so. In cases where
    modeling has not been entirely effective, I will take swift and
    effective action to ensure Department employees are supervised by those
    who foster a diverse and inclusive workplace free from any form of
    discrimination. Additionally, to foster diversity I would support the
    utilization of recruitment and development programs such as the
    Pickering Fellowship, Rangel Fellowship, and others. I also believe
    that training is as essential for supervisors as it is for employees,
    and I will make every effort to have supervisors take part in
    leadership, diversity, and other training to ensure a workplace free of
    discrimination and harassment. I will also encourage mentoring and the
    use of career advancement and leadership development courses for
    promising employees.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. As listed on my financial disclosure form, I am a passive
    investor in several foreign-based private investment funds. Pursuant to
    the Ethics Agreement I executed, if confirmed I will divest these
    interests.

    Small Business
        Question.  Both at home and around the world, small businesses help
    drive innovation and economic growth. In developing countries in
    particular, they help build state capacity. I am working with
    Congressman Joaquin Castro to update and introduce the Global Small
    Business Network Act, which supports expanding the existing Small
    Business Development Center model-already adopted by Central America,
    South America, and the Caribbean-to Southeast Asia.

       If confirmed, will you commit to use your role to support economic
            security in partner countries through promoting small business
            and entrepreneurship?

        Answer. To promote American prosperity and jobs, Secretary Pompeo
    and the Department of State advance key relationships to secure
    commercial opportunities and foster investment and innovation. If
    confirmed, I will work to promote U.S. small business and
    entrepreneurship opportunities in partner countries.
        As you are aware, U.S. embassies and consulates support development
    of entrepreneurial values and job creation through small business
    development.
        We also advocate vigorously for open, fair, and transparent markets
    as an essential condition for U.S. and foreign entrepreneurs to create
    economic growth and jobs. If confirmed, I will seek to leverage all
    efforts in a way that engages U.S. small businesses and boosts
    entrepreneurship.

    WEEE Act Implementation
        Question.  In January of this year, the President signed into law
    the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act, which aims
    to reduce-and eventually eliminate-gender disparities related to
    economic participation. The WEEE Act supports women's property rights
    and capability to determine life outcomes, among other actions.

       If confirmed, will you commit to use your role to promote not only
            micro, small, and medium sized enterprises globally, but
            especially businesses owned, managed, and controlled by women?
       Will you commit to the committee to provide regular updates on the
            Bureau's progress in this regard?

        Answer. I am fully committed to supporting women's entrepreneurship
    and economic empowerment, and to implementing the objectives of the
    WEEE Act.
        Women's economic empowerment contributes to the overall advancement
    of U.S. economic interests, aligns with the National Security Strategy,
    and supports the recently launched White House-led Women's Global
    Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative. If confirmed, I would
    welcome the opportunity to provide updates to the committee on the
    State Department's work in support of the WEEE Act, as well as the W-
    GDP Initiative.

    Tariffs
        Question.  What are the risks to the international trading system
    of continued unilateral action on tariffs by the United States?

       Does the U.S. defense of certain industries, such as steel and
            aluminum, on national security grounds set a precedent for
            other countries to use similar exemptions to impose trade
            barriers against the United States?

        Answer. Our goal is to ensure that hard work and innovation are
    rewarded and there is a level playing field for U.S. companies, while
    unfair trade practices and illegal government subsidies are punished.
    For many years after World War II, the United States benefited from a
    global trading system that generally encouraged more efficient markets
    here and around the world. However, there are significant flaws in that
    trading system that are hurting American workers and businesses.
    Existing trade agreements have become imbalanced and outdated, and
    efforts to negotiate new rules within the multilateral trading system
    have failed. In fact, the global trading system has created
    unsustainable imbalances that appear to be tilted in favor of non-
    market economies like China.
        It is critical to take actions to protect our national security and
    to obtain fairer and better treatment for U.S. companies and workers.
    If confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress, my interagency
    counterparts, and private sector and civil society stakeholders to help
    open markets for American goods and services while protecting American
    workers and businesses from unfair competition.

    Paris Agreement
        Question.  This is a critical time for U.S. climate action. As you
    know, in December 2018, we had a successful COP24 summit, due in large
    part to continued U.S. participation and input in high level climate
    strategy discussions.

       Will you commit to maintaining U.S. engagement throughout the
            remainder of its membership to the Paris Agreement?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the United States remains
    engaged internationally on the issue of climate change to advance and
    protect U.S. interests, working with other countries to help drive
    innovation and market-friendly solutions, so that our efforts to
    protect the environment and grow our economy are mutually supportive. I
    will ensure that the United States is actively engaged in international
    climate change negotiations, as appropriate.

        Question.  How will you continue to advance these efforts after we
    withdraw from the Agreement in 2020?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the United States remains
    engaged internationally on the issue of climate change to advance and
    protect U.S. interests, working with other countries to help drive
    innovation and market-friendly solutions, so that our efforts to
    protect the environment and grow our economy are mutually supportive.

        Question.  Will you share with this committee your post-2020
    strategy to maintain and/or advance U.S. strategic and economic
    interests within the Paris Agreement framework?

        Answer. As I am not a government employee, I have not been engaged
    in conversations concerning this matter. Regardless of our
    participation in the Paris Agreement, we will continue to advance U.S.
    strategic and economic interests through active participation in
    international climate change negotiations, as appropriate, to protect
    U.S. economic and environmental interests.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Keith Krach by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question.  The Trump administration has emphasized ``great powers''
    competition as a pillar of its foreign and national security policy,
    and at the same time has focused its economic and trade policies on
    withdrawing from multilateral agreements, such as the Trans-Pacific
    Partnership, in favor of bilateral negotiations:

       In your view, what is the impact on U.S. economic influence in the
            world when the United States steps back from its international
            partnerships?

        Answer. The Administration has revised U.S. trade agreements and
    focused on much stricter enforcement of U.S. trade laws to create a
    more level playing field for American workers and a more fair and
    efficient global economy. President Trump withdrew from the Trans-
    Pacific Partnership and is negotiating better trade deals. NAFTA was
    renegotiated into the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to
    rebalance America's trade relationships and better serve the interests
    of American workers, farmers, ranchers, and businesses.
        The administration will continue pursuing new trade deals with
    strategic partners, including the launch of new trade negotiations with
    Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom and to deepen trade
    with Kenya through a trade and investment working group. If confirmed,
    I look forward to working with Congress, my interagency counterparts,
    and our partners around the world to strengthen our international
    partnerships and create economic opportunities for all Americans.

        Question.  On March 22, President Xi was in Rome to sign a
    memorandum of understanding with Italy, the first G-7 country to join
    the Belt and Road Initiative:

       What are the implications for U.S. interests when a member of the
            G-7 breaks with its allies on an issue as serious as economic
            partnership with China?

        Answer. It is important that we underscore the value of enduring
    international norms and standards as well as the continued benefits of
    cooperation among G7 nations in our mutual interests. The investment
    model practiced by the U.S. private sector offers commercially viable
    solutions, on transparent and financially sustainable terms, to the
    long-term benefit of partner countries.
        This approach offers an alternative to state-directed, predatory
    investment and lending practices that often leave countries worse off.
    If confirmed, I will work with our allies and partners, including the
    G7, to promote fair, transparent, and market-based approaches to
    economic engagement that are also consistent with our values.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you approach countering Chinese
    influence among our closest allies and how would you advocate with
    partners, as Italy did last week, who have drawn on the
    Administration's ``America First'' slogan to pursue their own interests
    rather than our mutual interests?

        Answer. The United States and our allies and partners, including
    Italy, have long-standing and economic and political ties. If
    confirmed, I will work closely with our partners to highlight ?areas in
    which we believe Chinese actions pose a risk to their economic or
    national security interests. Our partners are sovereign nations that
    will make their own decisions, but I am confident they will make good
    decisions when they understand the risk.
        I would also underscore the value of enduring international norms
    and cooperation with the United States in advancing our mutual
    interests.

        Question.  China has undergone significant market reform, but the
    transition to a fully free-market economy has clearly stalled. China
    abuses the rules and norms of the institutions that it has become a
    part of, including the World Trade Organization, in order to further
    its own strategic interests:

       Does the U.S. have a clear strategy to counter Chinese efforts to
            degrade the free market norms of these multilateral trade
            institutions? If confirmed, what partners would you work with
            in order to address China's economic and trade policies,
            especially China's delinquent membership in bodies such as the
            WTO?

        Answer. The trading system is inherently flawed, with problems that
    have affected U.S. trade agreements as well as global trade
    institutions. That system rewarded countries like China that engaged in
    unfair and market-distorting trading practices. China's behavior has
    been undermining the global trading system and the WTO for years, using
    its protected market to force technology transfers and acquiring
    leading technology companies overseas. Import substitution policies,
    like China's Made in China 2025 initiative, clearly state that China
    seeks to take away domestic and international market share from
    foreigners, in defiance of global norms.
        The United States and other WTO Members have focused on WTO reform,
    with G20 Leaders expressing support for the necessary reform of the WTO
    to improve its functioning. The Administration believes that WTO reform
    must address the unanticipated challenges of non-market economies, such
    as China. The United States is working with the European Union and
    Japan under a trilateral process to address these challenges. If
    confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress, my interagency
    counterparts, and our partners around the world to develop a common
    understanding of the harm posed by China's economic and trade policies,
    to build support for WTO reform proposals, and to ensure we continue to
    defend the interests of American workers, farmers, and businesses.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
              Submitted to Keith Krach by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question.  There are now 350,000 wind and solar jobs in our
    country. Compare that to only 50,000 coal jobs. Meanwhile, 50,000 solar
    jobs were created in 2016 alone. Do you commit to promoting renewable
    energy as a job-creation engine for our economy?

        Answer. Advancing clean energy technologies and energy efficiency
    are key elements of an overall approach to promote diversified energy
    supply for the United States and our partners and allies. Global
    renewable energy markets will only grow in importance over the next
    decades and are projected to account for almost two-thirds of the
    expected $11 trillion global investment in power generation through
    2040.
        U.S. technology positions U.S. firms to be major exporters,
    integrators, and developers of the full range of renewable energy
    technologies. This can serve to complement economic growth, lessen
    dependence on unstable or nefarious foreign sources, and increase
    energy access. Emerging economies like China, India, Indonesia, and
    others are poised to see explosive growth in energy consumption.
    Promoting U.S. technologies, business models, and financing sources
    abroad will be critical to capturing this $7 trillion market. U.S. jobs
    in export-oriented sectors can complement the exciting growth in
    domestic renewable energy manufacturing, installation, and servicing
    employment.
        The State Department leads coordinated U.S. government efforts to
    encourage the adoption and implementation of policies and programs to
    promote U.S. economic interests and improve energy security through
    bilateral, multilateral, and regional engagements. If confirmed, I will
    advocate strongly for the adoption of U.S. business and finance models
    across the globe and open, transparent global energy markets in which
    U.S. companies can successfully complete.

        Question.  Do you think climate change is a problem? Should we be
    working with our allies and partners to address climate change? If we
    are not party to the Paris Agreement, is the United States truly a
    leader when it comes to protecting the environment?

        Answer. I believe that climate change is a complex global challenge
    and that the United States should maintain its leadership and influence
    in multilateral policy forums, including international climate change
    negotiations, regardless of our position on the Paris Agreement. If
    confirmed, I will seek to maintain U.S. leadership to advance and
    protect U.S. economic and environmental interests, including by
    participating in ongoing international climate change negotiations. We
    will continue to work with other countries to reduce greenhouse gas
    emissions and enhance resilience in ways that drive innovation and
    market-friendly solutions, while ensuring energy security.

        Question.  How do you plan to address the United States'
    participation in upcoming international meetings on climate change,
    including the U.N. Climate Change Conference at the end of this year?

        Answer. I believe the United States should maintain its leadership
    and influence in these multilateral policy forums regardless of our
    position on the Paris Agreement. If confirmed, I will seek to maintain
    U.S. leadership to advance and protect U.S. economic and environmental
    interests, including by participating in ongoing international climate
    change negotiations.

        Question.  Do you believe it acceptable that religious freedom can
    be used, in any case, as a justification for policies that criminalize,
    stigmatize or otherwise discriminate against LGBTI people,
    relationships, or organizations?

        Answer. There is no justification for criminalization of LGBTI
    status, nor for violence against LGBTI persons, nor for discrimination
    in housing, employment or the provision of government services. Respect
    for the inherent dignity of every human person is a universal duty, and
    is the foundation of an effective foreign policy. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with colleagues across the State Department and beyond to
    promote respect for fundamental freedoms, human rights and democratic
    governance for all people, including LGBTI persons. governments around
    the world must understand they are obligated to provide every citizen
    with equal protection under the law, and if confirmed, I would stand
    forcefully for that principle.
        I see no inherent tension between the U.S. government's
    longstanding effort to protect the human rights of LGBTI people
    globally and concepts of international religious freedom. In fact, the
    U.S. government promotes all these rights for exactly the same reason:
    we believe every person has the right to equal protection of the laws.
    All have an equal right to be free to live their lives without fear of
    persecution.
        United States policy is to oppose criminalization, bias-motivated
    violence, and serious discrimination targeting LGBTI persons in areas
    such as employment, housing, or the provision of government services.
    If confirmed, I look forward to the opportunity to advance those
    principles.

        Question.  Following the designations of five individuals and two
    units for atrocities against the Rohingya population in 2017, the
    United States has refrained from sanctioning other senior Burmese
    military officials. Do you believe there should be additional sanctions
    against the Burmese military, including on Commander-in-chief Min Aung
    Hlaing? What will you do to make sure U.S. policy protects the rights
    and dignities of the Rohingya and holds perpetrators of mass atrocities
    accountable?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support the Department of State's
    efforts to promote accountability for those responsible for these
    abuses and achieving justice for victims. I support continued U.S.
    leadership of the international response to the crisis and efforts to
    deter further atrocities. In my role, I will work with my Department of
    State and interagency colleagues to consider the utility of all policy
    tools at our disposal, including sanctions where appropriate.

        Question.  How you will use your position to make sure the United
    States is seen as a leader and partner with the Indo-Pacific,
    particularly in maintaining robust economic and commercial ties to the
    region?

        Answer. Our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific excludes no
    nation. Our approach is centered on private-sector led development,
    innovation, and open markets.
        No government has enough money to meet the region's economic and
    development needs. Countries that rely on state-dominated funding for
    development crowd out the private-sector investments their economies
    need to promote long-lasting prosperity and stability.
        Private companies shun markets that are not transparent, unstable,
    and corrupt. If confirmed, I will work to foster private sector-led
    growth, address the infrastructure gap and uneven economic development,
    and help build welcoming business environments to promote mutual
    prosperity.

        Question.  How would you make sure that our North Korea sanctions
    enforcement efforts are communicated clearly and effectively?

        Answer. As the Secretary has made clear, pressure is what opened
    the door for diplomacy, and pressure will ensure the DPRK's final,
    fully verified denuclearization. Sanctions remain in full effect until
    North Korea denuclearizes. If confirmed, I plan to engage actively with
    the international community, to include outreach on U.S. sanctions
    actions, and call on countries to strictly implement all sanctions.

        Question.  Do you support the appointment of a designated focal
    point in the interagency to coordinate our sanctions efforts?

        Answer. Sanctions are a fundamental tool of diplomacy and the
    timely implementation of sanctions is critical to United States foreign
    policy objectives.
        Sanctions coordination will be a priority for me, if confirmed. I
    believe we have to be thoughtful and deliberative in assessing where we
    have been successful and where we may need further resources to ensure
    institutional success without creating unnecessary bureaucracy and
    inefficiencies. If confirmed, I will carefully evaluate this issue.

        Question.  What steps would you take to ensure that China, Russia,
    and other enablers of the Kim regime are held accountable for
    violations of sanctions?

        Answer. The United States continues to work with governments around
    the world, including China and Russia, to ensure all nations are fully
    implementing U.N. sanctions obligations. All U.N. Member States are
    required to implement U.N. Security Council sanctions resolutions and
    we expect them all to continue doing so.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to David Stilwell by Senator Marco Rubio

        Question.  What will be your top priorities to counter Chinese
    influence in the Indo-Pacific region?

        Answer. The Indo-Pacific strategy is built on principles that are
    widely shared throughout the region: ensuring the freedom of the seas
    and skies; insulating sovereign nations from external coercion;
    promoting market-based economics, open investment environments, fair
    and reciprocal trade; and supporting good governance and respect for
    individual rights.
        The United States seeks a constructive, results-oriented
    relationship with China, wherever possible, but if confirmed I will not
    shy away from speaking forthrightly and contesting Chinese policies and
    actions that undermine the rules-based international order that has
    fostered peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific for decades.

        Question.  How do regional U.S. allies such as Australia, Japan,
    the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand fit into the U.S.
    vision for a ``free and open Indo-Pacific''?

        Answer. Our strong relationships with allies and partners deliver
    invaluable benefits. Five of our seven non-NATO treaty allies, plus
    Taiwan, are in the Indo-Pacific. Their capabilities, and a shared
    vision of the principles that underpin a free and open international
    order, provide critical comparative advantage over those who challenge
    our presence in the Indo-Pacific. If confirmed, I will work with Japan,
    Australia, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, New Zealand, the Compact
    States, Singapore, Taiwan, and others to strengthen security and cyber
    capabilities, combat transnational crime, foster sound economic growth,
    good governance, and transparency and uphold the rules-based
    international order.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you commit to reviewing and updating
    the 2015 State Department's ``Guidelines on Relations with Taiwan''?

        Answer. Yes. I understand that the Department periodically updates
    and issues a memorandum detailing executive branch guidelines on
    relations with Taiwan, which reflects current U.S. policy related to
    Taiwan. If confirmed, I will explore the possibility of potentially
    updating these guidelines.

        Question.  As part of that review, do you commit that you will
    evaluate and potentially update the State Department's internal
    guidance to allow for more U.S. official engagement with Taiwan?

        Answer. Yes. I will seek opportunities for visits to Washington and
    Taipei by senior-level officials and authorities that advance our
    robust unofficial relationship and enable substantive exchanges on
    issues of mutual concern, consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act and
    the U.S. One China Policy.

        Question.  Pursuant to the 2015 Guidelines Memo on U.S. relations
    with Taiwan, the Taiwanese flag was removed from the State Department's
    website. If confirmed, will you commit to reviewing this and
    potentially updating the guidelines?

        Answer. I am not familiar with the specific circumstance that led
    to the removal of the Taiwan flag. If confirmed, I commit to reviewing
    the situation and will explore the possibility of potentially updating
    the guidelines.

        Question.  Do you commit to supporting high-level Taiwanese
    officials to enter the United States under conditions that are of
    appropriately respectful for the dignity of such high-level officials
    pursuant to the Taiwan Travel Act (Public Law 115-135) which encourages
    high-level visits between U.S. and Taiwanese officials?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will seek opportunities for visits to
    Washington and Taipei by senior-level officials and authorities that
    advance our robust unofficial relationship and enable substantive
    exchanges on issues of mutual concern, consistent with the Taiwan
    Relations Act and the U.S. One China Policy.

        Question.  In recent years, governments have switched diplomatic
    relations from Taiwan to China due to pressure from Beijing. If
    confirmed, what will you do to help Taiwan maintain and expand official
    relations with friendly nations and warn U.S. allies of the risks
    associated with doing business with China?

        Answer. Taiwan is a democratic success story, a reliable partner,
    and a force for good in the world. The United States must continue to
    support Taiwan as it seeks to expand its already significant
    contributions to addressing global challenges, and as Taiwan resists
    efforts to constrain its appropriate participation on the world stage.
        Working with our allies and partners, we are expressing our
    concerns that Chinese infrastructure development and financing is often
    not coordinated with other donors or development banks. We are raising
    awareness that, in many cases, the resulting debt loads are
    unsustainable. If confirmed, I pledge to continue this important work.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to supporting Taiwan's
    ability to defend itself against Chinese aggression?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to fully implement the
    provisions of the Taiwan Relations Act under which the United States
    makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services in such
    quantity necessary to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-
    defense capability.

        Answer. Taiwan's defensive capability gives it the confidence to
    engage with the mainland in dialogue to improve cross-Strait relations.
    In this context, our arms sales to Taiwan support peace and stability--
    not only in the Taiwan Strait, but also across the entire Asia Pacific
    region.

        Question.  What is your view on the principle of reciprocity in the
    context of U.S.-China relations?

        Answer. I view reciprocity as a key aspect of our relationship with
    China in order to ensure Americans are not disadvantaged, be it in
    trade, visa policy, academic access, or other areas.
        The United States National Security Strategy recognizes China as a
    strategic competitor. This reflects our increasing concerns about
    Chinese actions that undermine American interests.
        If confirmed, I will not shy away from speaking forthrightly and
    contesting Chinese policies and actions that undermine reciprocity and
    the international order that has fostered peace and prosperity in the
    Indo-Pacific for decades.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you support the use of Global
    Magnitsky Act sanctions on Chinese officials implicated in gross human
    rights abuses, in particular abuses in Xinjiang, where credible
    estimates suggest up to a million Uyghurs and other Muslims are
    arbitrarily detained and subjected to gross human rights abuses in
    ``political re-education'' camps?

        Answer. I am deeply troubled by the Chinese government's worsening
    crackdown on the human rights and fundamental freedoms of Uighurs,
    ethnic Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups in the
    Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and elsewhere in China. China's
    detention of more than one million individuals in Xinjiang since April
    2017 is illustrative of the worsening human rights situation. If
    confirmed, I am committed to supporting the implementation of the
    Global Magnitsky sanctions program and promoting the pursuit of targets
    that reflect our deep concern for human rights and corruption issues,
    including with respect to Xinjiang.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you commit to developing a longer-
    term U.S. strategy to address human rights abuses in China?

        Answer. I am deeply concerned about the worsening human rights
    situation in China. I understand that the United States coordinates
    closely with likeminded partners to address China's systemic human
    rights abuses and to press individual cases of concern. If confirmed, I
    am committed to continuing to take a long-term strategic approach to
    addressing China's human rights violations and abuses, and promote
    accountability. As part of this approach, I will support the Indo-
    Pacific Transparency Initiative's drive for accountable governance and
    the Department's global diplomatic campaign to galvanize international
    pressure on China to limit or halt its repression of Uighurs, ethnic
    Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and members of other Muslim minority groups in
    Xinjiang and elsewhere in China.

        Question.  If Washington hopes to deter the militarization of the
    South China Sea, it has to take a tougher stance now. What can be done
    to support this U.S. goal?

        Answer. China's efforts to assert its sovereignty claims over
    disputed land features and its unlawful maritime claims in the South
    China Sea, including through massive land reclamation, construction,
    and militarization of outposts, threaten the security and economic
    interests of our allies and partners, as well as the broader rules-
    based order in the Indo-Pacific that has been vital to American
    security and prosperity. If confirmed, I intend to work with
    interagency partners to use the range of national security tools that
    we have--diplomatic, economic, and military--to ensure the South China
    Sea remains free and open.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you commit to pressing the Chinese
    government for a resolution over the Tibet issue and to pressing
    Chinese authorities to guarantee unfettered access to Tibet for
    American citizens as required by the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act
    (Public Law 115-330)?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will fully implement the Tibetan Policy Act
    and the Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act. I will press the Chinese
    government to enter into dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his
    representatives, without preconditions, to seek a resolution of
    longstanding differences. I will also press Chinese authorities for
    reciprocity regarding the open access that China and many other
    countries enjoy in the United States. I am committed to working closely
    with Congress in pursuit of our shared goal of seeing Americans have
    full access to China, including to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and
    other Tibetan areas.

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen the
    U.S. government's efforts to push the Burmese government to cooperate
    with international investigators over the recent atrocities against the
    Rohingya population?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the U.S. Mission to
    the United Nations, as well as with like-minded countries and regional
    partners, to press the government of Burma to grant unhindered access
    for established U.N. mechanisms, including the International
    Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on
    Myanmar, and the U.N. Special Envoy to Myanmar. The United States has
    played a key role in creating and funding these mechanisms and has
    supported their efforts to promote accountability for atrocities and
    other human rights abuses in Burma.

        Question.  If confirmed, will you use your position to help enhance
    targeted sanctions on Burmese military commanders implicated in human
    rights abuses, by directing resources to support efforts to identify
    perpetrators and obtain information required to have them sanctioned
    under the Global Magnitsky Act?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support vigorous efforts to identify
    and hold accountable perpetrators of atrocities in Burma. The Global
    Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act is a valuable tool Congress
    has provided to promote accountability for gross violations of human
    rights around the globe and I will seek to use it along with the full
    range of tools available to the U.S. government to advance
    accountability in Burma.

        Question.  Will you pledge to advocate within the State Department
    and to the Secretary of State, as requested by many members of
    Congress, including myself, to reach a formal determination about
    whether the atrocities committed against the Rohingya by Burmese
    security forces in Rakhine State amount to crimes against humanity or
    genocide?

        Answer. I am deeply concerned about and appalled by the Burmese
    military's ethnic cleansing of Rohingya and the ongoing humanitarian
    crisis. The process for deciding whether and when to make a
    determination that certain acts may amount to genocide, crimes against
    humanity, or ethnic cleansing, has historically been reserved within
    the Executive Branch to the Secretary of State. If confirmed, I will
    seek to advise the Secretary on any future determinations as they fit
    into the Department's overarching objectives of easing the humanitarian
    crisis, seeking accountability for those that committed atrocities,
    deterring future such atrocities, and addressing root causes of
    violence.

        Question.  Do you commit to pushing for accountability for the
    atrocities committed-not just against the Rohingya in Rakhine State,
    but also against other ethnic minority groups in Burma targeted by the
    military?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize promoting accountability
    for the perpetrators of these gross violations of human rights and
    ensuring justice for victims. I will aim to continue the United States'
    leadership of the international response to the crisis and efforts to
    deter further atrocities. In this regard, I will consider the utility
    of all policy tools at our disposal. I also will continue U.S. efforts
    to support Burma's transition to a civilian-led democracy and to
    address the root causes of the violence in all regions of Burma.
    Further, I will seek to ensure the generous humanitarian funding from
    Congress is used effectively to relieve suffering and underwrite
    reconciliation and development efforts.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to David Stilwell by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question.  If confirmed, you are joining an administration that
    has, quite frankly, been very inconsistent on its approach to our
    allies and alliances, certainly in Europe but also in Asia. It's a view
    and approach I find deeply troubling. But the President's own words and
    tweets--which are U.S. policy--have been extremely divisive. Secretary
    Pompeo has also been clear that the President deserves a team that
    supports him, and that if you can't support the president don't work
    for the administration. That's a view I share, by the way. We can and
    must vet to make sure that people are capable and computer [sic] and
    not corrupt, and that their views are not dangerously out of the
    mainstream, but presidents do deserve their own teams.

       Do you associate yourself with all of the president's views on our
            allies and alliances?

        Answer. I recognize the invaluable advantages that our strong
    relationships with allies and partners deliver. Five of our treaty
    allies are in the Indo-Pacific. Their capabilities, and a shared vision
    of the principles that underpin a free and open international order,
    provide critical comparative advantage over those who challenge our
    presence in the Indo-Pacific. Under the leadership of President Trump
    and Secretary Pompeo, this Administration has taken concrete steps to
    strengthen our alliances and partnerships in the East Asia and Pacific
    region to uphold the rules-based order. The Indo-Pacific Strategy is
    about ensuring competition is fair and transparent and bounded by the
    commonly shared principles of the rules-based order.

        Question.  What role do you see for U.S. alliances in the region?

        Answer. I recognize the invaluable advantages that our strong
    relationships with allies and partners deliver. Five of our treaty
    allies are in the Indo-Pacific. Their capabilities, and a shared vision
    of the principles that underpin a free and open international order,
    provide critical comparative advantage over those who challenge our
    presence in the Indo-Pacific. If confirmed, I look forward to finding
    ways to strengthen our relations with our allies and partners.

        Question.  How do you view the role of human rights in U.S.
    national security and foreign policy in general, and as an issue in the
    bilateral relationship with China?

        Answer. Promoting respect for human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief, is a key component
    of American foreign policy. If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring
    that advancing respect for the rule of law and human rights and
    fundamental freedoms remain key priorities in our bilateral
    relationship with China.

        Question.  Are there particular issues--Xinjiang, Tibet, broader
    closure of civil society space under President Xi--that you find
    troubling?

        Answer. I am deeply concerned about the worsening human rights
    situation in China. I am alarmed by the Chinese government's crackdown
    on Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other members of Muslim minority groups
    in Xinjiang and elsewhere in China. I share Congress's concerns about
    the lack of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in Tibet,
    and the lack of regular access to the Tibetan Autonomous Region and
    other Tibetan areas for Americans. I am concerned by China's arbitrary
    detention of lawyers and human rights defenders. Finally, I am troubled
    by the increasing restrictions on Chinese civil society and the
    significant obstacles faced by U.S. NGOs in China as a result of the
    implementation of the Foreign NGO Management Law.

        Question.  If confirmed, how will you prioritize these issues in
    your portfolio?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to working closely with
    Congress to advance the Administration's priorities with regard to
    improving respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms in China
    and to addressing human rights issues there, including China's systemic
    abuses as well as individual cases of concern. Limiting or halting
    China's campaign of repression and mass detention of Uighurs, ethnic
    Kazakhs, and other members of Muslims minority groups in Xinjiang and
    elsewhere in China must be a top priority given the scale and severity
    of abuses. If confirmed, I am committed to continuing the Department of
    State's efforts to galvanize international pressure on China to end
    these counterproductive and repressive policies and to release all
    those who are arbitrarily detained.

        Question.  What diplomatic tools do you think the United States can
    effectively use to address these issues with China?

        Answer. The United States has a diverse set of policy tools to
    address China's human rights abuses. These tools include strengthening
    our diplomatic and public diplomacy efforts throughout the world;
    imposing economic costs; placing export restrictions on items that can
    be misused or on entities that act in a manner inconsistent with U.S.
    foreign policy; and imposing visa restrictions on individuals involved
    in or responsible for human rights abuse. If confirmed, I am committed
    to using all tools available as appropriate to promote the
    accountability of Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses
    and to press for greater respect for rule of law and human rights and
    fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion and belief.

        Question.  Do you believe that climate change is driven by human
    activity?

        Answer. The United States must support a balanced approach to
    promoting economic growth and energy security and access that also
    protects the environment. U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell by 14
    percent between 2005 and 2017, even as our economy grew by 19.4
    percent. This has been possible because of innovation and
    entrepreneurship that has allowed for the development and large-scale
    deployment of new, affordable, and cleaner energy technologies.
        Climate change is a complex global challenge. If confirmed, I will
    work with other U.S. government agencies to ensure that U.S. policy in
    the East Asian and Pacific region is informed by the bt scientific and
    intelligence assessments, including on the role of human activities in
    influencing the global climate system.

        Question.  Given the existential threat that rising sea levels from
    climate change pose for the Pacific Island nations as well as heavily
    urbanized low-lying coastal areas in Southeast Asia--and given the
    Trump administration's withdrawal from the Paris Accords and general
    denial of climate change--how do you intend to address climate change,
    if confirmed?

        Answer. I understand that the United States continues to help our
    partner countries reduce emissions from forests and other lands, adapt
    to the impacts of climate change, and respond to natural disasters.
    Regardless of our position on the Paris Agreement, the United States
    must continue to lead the world in providing affordable, abundant, and
    secure energy to our citizens, while protecting the environment and
    reducing emissions through job-creating innovation.
        The United States has long been engaged in supporting disaster risk
    reduction programs aimed at saving lives and reducing the impact of
    disasters worldwide.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that U.S. policy in the East Asian and
    Pacific region will ultimately enable us to achieve our climate and
    energy security goals.

        Question.  What is your assessment of the current state of the
    peace process and ethnic and national reconciliation--including in
    Rakhine state--in Burma?

        Answer. The government of Burma has said progress on the country's
    national peace and reconciliation process is a top priority, though
    there has been limited progress since the civilian government came to
    office in 2016. Burma has encountered significant obstacles in its
    national peace process and ethnic and national reconciliation. One
    common denominator is the negative role of the Burmese armed forces--
    the Tatmadaw--which continue to commit atrocities and other human
    rights abuses, particularly against members of ethnic minorities. While
    the government has a right to respond to attacks against it, it is
    incumbent on the Burmese military to respect human rights of all people
    in Burma and to protect civilians during military operations.

        Question.  How do you think the United States should engage with
    Burma given the Rohingya genocide, given the on-going violence in
    Kachin and Shan states, and elsewhere?

        Answer. I believe that we should seek to support through engagement
    and foreign assistance those elements of civil society, business, and
    government that seek reform and to enshrine the institutions of
    democracy, good governance, free markets, and respect for human rights.
    We should continue to condemn--through diplomacy, public messaging, and
    targeted sanctions--those individuals and groups that commit human
    rights abuses and benefit from corruption, especially those in uniform.
    The scale of atrocities committed by the security forces against
    Rohingya and other ethnic minorities is appalling. Our actions to
    address these atrocities should not undermine the civilian government's
    reform efforts to the detriment of vulnerable communities.

        Question.  What is your assessment of the situation and the drivers
    behind the Filipino request for clarification?

        Answer. Philippine policymakers and defense planners value clarity
    on U.S. strategic thinking in a contingency situation in the South
    China Sea and the Pacific Area. Our Mutual Defense Treaty lays out a
    process in Article Three for periodic consultation on the
    implementation of the Treaty, so it is expected that our allies seek to
    have these kinds of frank, open discussions.

        Question.  What sort of clarification do you think the United
    States can and should provide--and how do we establish a coordinated
    process so as to avoid the sort of damaging misstep that Secretary
    Pompeo appears to have made?

        Answer. The Secretary's March 1 clarification on the applicability
    of the Mutual Defense Treaty represented a significant reaffirmation of
    U.S. commitment to the Philippines, and I understand that President
    Duterte and Philippine cabinet officials have welcomed it. Top
    officials from the Office of the President and the Department of
    Foreign Affairs have expressed their satisfaction with this
    clarification and have publicly stated they do not see the need to
    review the Treaty. Other partners in the region took note and responded
    positively to the Secretary's clear stance on our alliance commitments
    with the Philippines.
        To the extent that the Philippines wishes to continue the
    conversation on our Treaty, if confirmed I will work with my
    interagency partners to engage the Philippine government through our
    many established channels for discussion, such as the Bilateral
    Strategic Dialogue.

        Question.  What additional measures for partner capacity building
    do you believe that the Philippines needs to undertake as part of this
    process?

        Answer. We enjoy significant collaboration with the government of
    the Philippines including the Armed Forces of the Philippines. I
    understand that there is an ongoing process of formulating potential
    additional capacity-building measures for discussion at the next
    iteration of the Bilateral Strategic Dialogue. If confirmed, I will
    continue this process and work to ensure that the U.S.-Philippines
    Mutual Defense Treaty continues to be part of the bedrock of the U.S.
    regional alliance network.

        Question.  How do we counter-balance the need to strengthen the
    alliance with on-going concerns regarding extra-judicial killings?

        Answer. The United States has not shied away from expressing its
    concerns with the prosecution of the drug war and, if I am confirmed, I
    commit to raising our concerns with the Philippine government. I will
    urge the Philippines to ensure that its law enforcement efforts are
    consistent with its international human rights obligations and
    commitments, and all credible accusations of extrajudicial killing are
    investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice. If confirmed, I
    will focus on working with the Philippine government to improve respect
    for human rights, strengthen the criminal justice system, counter
    transnational crime, and reduce drug demand through prevention,
    treatment, and recovery programs. I will also work to ensure that the
    Leahy Law continues to be rigorously applied.

        Question.  A few days ago Thailand held its long-awaited elections,
    starting the process to return to democracy after far too many years
    under military rule. I want to acknowledge this important step by
    Thailand and offer the Thai people my congratulations and best wishes.

       What are the next steps, now that the elections have been held, to
            strengthen U.S.-Thai relations after several years where the
            bilateral relationship has ``underperformed'' because of the
            coup?

        Answer. Foreign assistance to the government of Thailand remains
    restricted due to the 2014 military coup until the Secretary is able to
    certify and report to Congress that a democratically elected government
    has taken office in Thailand. I understand that a newly elected
    government may be in place by June. If confirmed, I look forward to
    working with Thailand's newly elected government to advance values that
    bring our countries closer together, including democracy, security, and
    prosperity for all citizens.

        Question.  Where do you see opportunities for greater U.S.
    engagement in working with the region to develop the right sorts of
    institutions and structures--supporting international law,
    international norms, and consistent with our interests and values--for
    the twenty-first century?

        Answer. The United States' Strategic Partnership with ASEAN
    supports the pursuit of our shared goal: a rules-based order which
    underpins peace, stability, and prosperity. ASEAN-centered fora such as
    the East Asia Summit and the ASEAN Regional Forum are vital to our
    efforts to promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region rooted in clear
    and transparent rules. I understand that the United States seeks to
    broaden and deepen our engagement in the Mekong region, a strategic
    area of engagement in our efforts to strengthen the Indo-Pacific
    architecture and continues to work through APEC to support the
    development of a rules-based regional trade and investment
    architecture, and to remove barriers for U.S. businesses to access
    markets in the region. If confirmed, I look forward to continuing to
    advance these efforts.

        Question.  What is your vision of a positive economic, development
    and trade agenda for the Asia-Pacific?

        Answer. I look forward to working with my colleagues across the
    Department to advance sustained and high-quality economic and
    commercial engagement in the Indo-Pacific. This includes promoting best
    practices for transparency and governance that enable sustainable,
    private sector-led development.
        If confirmed, I will work with E family bureaus and with the
    interagency to build strong, reciprocal, and balanced bilateral trade
    and investment relationships in the region. I am committed to
    supporting the Administration's efforts to conclude bilateral
    agreements that will lead to free, fair, and reciprocal trade and
    significantly improve market access for U.S. companies, workers,
    farmers, and ranchers.

        Question.  If confirmed, how do you plan to strengthen our
    partnership with Taiwan?

        Answer. If confirmed, I pledge to lead our team to ensure the
    United States continues to support Taiwan as it seeks to expand its
    already significant contributions to addressing global challenges, and
    as Taiwan resists Chinese efforts to constrain its appropriate
    participation on the world stage, such as through the Global
    Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF). If confirmed, I commit to
    further strengthen our partnership with Taiwan.

        Question.  How would you update our ``One-China Policy'' in order
    to better enhance U.S.-Taiwan relations?

        Answer. I understand that the Department periodically updates and
    issues a memorandum detailing executive branch guidelines on relations
    with Taiwan, which reflects current U.S. policy related to Taiwan. This
    memorandum was last revised in October 2015. If confirmed, I will
    explore the possibility of potentially updating these guidelines.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to secure Taiwan's
    participation in important international organizations?

        Answer. If confirmed, I pledge to support Taiwan as it seeks to
    maintain and expand its already significant contributions to addressing
    global challenges. I commit to working with like-minded partners to
    support Taiwan's meaningful participation in the World Health
    Organization and to push for Taiwan's participation in the ICAO
    Triennial Assembly and in the INTERPOL General Assembly in late 2019.
        I understand that the United States supports Taiwan's membership in
    international organizations that do not require statehood, such as
    APEC. In organizations that require statehood for membership, the
    United States supports Taiwan's meaningful participation.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to help Taiwan
    maintaining formal relations with its diplomatic allies?

        Answer. China's efforts to unilaterally alter the status quo by
    reducing Taiwan's diplomatic relationships are harmful and do not
    contribute to regional stability. Rather, they undermine the framework
    that has enabled peace, stability, and development for decades.
        If confirmed, I pledge to provide leadership to ensure the United
    States supports Taiwan as it seeks to expand its already significant
    contributions to addressing global challenges and resists Chinese
    efforts to squeeze its international space and constrain its
    appropriate participation on the world stage.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you review the Guidelines in a
    way that we can promote instead of discourage a stronger U.S.-Taiwan
    relationship?

        Answer. I understand that the Department periodically updates and
    issues a memorandum detailing executive branch guidelines on relations
    with Taiwan, which reflects current U.S. policy related to Taiwan. This
    memorandum was last revised in October 2015. If confirmed, I will
    explore the possibility of potentially updating these guidelines.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to fully implement the
    Taiwan Travel Act to allow regular and high-level exchanges between
    U.S. and Taiwanese officials?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will seek opportunities for visits to
    Washington and Taipei by senior-level officials and authorities that
    advance our robust unofficial relationship and enable substantive
    exchanges on issues of mutual concern, consistent with the Taiwan
    Relations Act and the U.S. one China policy.

        Question.  It has long been the policy of the U.S. government,
    provided by the Tibetan Policy Act, to promote dialogue between the
    envoys of the Dalai Lama and the Chinese government toward a solution
    on the Tibet issue, that guarantees the respect of the ``distinct
    identity'' of the Tibetan people, who continue to suffer under China's
    oppressive rule. The dialogue is now at a standstill and, as we have
    seen, the lack of substantive progress toward a genuine resolution
    continues to be a thorny issue in U.S.-China relations.

       Would you personally commit to pressing the Chinese leadership for
            a resolution of the Tibetan issue through a speedy resumption
            of dialogue with the Tibetan side, without preconditions?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to urging Chinese authorities
    to engage in meaningful and direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his
    representatives, without preconditions, to lower tensions and resolve
    differences.

        Question.  The major rivers of Asia that flow from the Tibetan
    Plateau and are subject to current and potential dam and diversion
    projects by China. These projects are planned and implemented without
    the proper involvement of the Tibetan people, who are the best stewards
    for the preservation of the delicate environment of the Tibetan
    Plateau. India and other governments in Asia are increasingly worried
    about China's plans to dam rivers originating in Tibet which serve over
    a billion people downstream.

       Would you raise the need to fully involve Tibetans in the
            preservation of Tibet's fragile environment with the Chinese
            authorities?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will encourage all countries to manage
    their water resources soundly and to cooperate on the management of
    shared waters. I will urge China to make decisions on dams and other
    major water-related infrastructure needs deliberatively, based on the
    best science available, and in transparent consultation with all
    affected stakeholders, including Tibetans.

        Question.  Would you call on the Chinese authorities to engage
    China's neighbors for the development of a regional framework on water
    security?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will encourage all countries, including
    China, to manage their water resources soundly and to cooperate on the
    management of shared waters. I will urge China to make decisions on
    dams and other major water-related infrastructure needs based on the
    best available science, deliberatively, and in transparent consultation
    with all affected stakeholders, including neighboring countries. I will
    also sustain our own cooperation with neighboring countries through the
    Lower Mekong Initiative and other U.S.-led mechanisms.

        Question.  Will you commit to pressing the Chinese authorities to
    allow for the opening of a U.S. consulate in Lhasa and to guarantee
    unfettered access to Tibet for American citizens as required by the
    Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act passed by Congress last year?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will press the Chinese government to allow
    the opening of a U.S. Consulate in Lhasa, consistent with the Tibetan
    Policy Act. I will also fully implement the Reciprocal Access to Tibet
    Act and I will press Chinese authorities for reciprocity regarding the
    open access that China and many other countries enjoy in the United
    States. I am committed to working closely with Congress in pursuit of
    our shared goal of seeing Americans have full access to China,
    including the Tibetan Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas.

        Question.  During the U.S.-China Summits held to date, President
    Trump did not publicly raise the issue of Tibet. Since 1997, all U.S.
    Presidents have publicly challenged the sitting Chinese President to
    negotiate with the Dalai Lama or his representative to find a lasting
    solution to the Tibetan issue.

       If confirmed, would you recommend and make sure that President
            Trump calls publicly on the Chinese President to address the
            grievances of the Tibetan people through dialogue with the
            Dalai Lama?

        Answer. I share your concerns about China's lack of respect for
    human rights and rule of law in Tibet. If confirmed, I will recommend
    that the United States express publicly, and at the highest levels of
    government, that Chinese authorities need to engage in meaningful and
    direct dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his representatives, without
    preconditions, to lower tensions and resolve differences.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Throughout my career of public service, I have had zero
    tolerance for any form of workplace harassment or discrimination based
    on political beliefs, religion, race, gender, disability, sexual
    orientation, or age. I understand that the Department has established
    procedures for reporting such incidents, and there are mechanisms to
    hold employees accountable. I will support these efforts
    wholeheartedly. The Department also has training that encourage
    bystanders to report workplace harassment or discrimination when
    victims are afraid to do so. At all levels of the organization, the
    Department provides mentoring and career counseling to help employees
    develop the skills needed to contribute to a respectful and courteous
    work culture. In addition, there are measures in place to protect
    employees from retaliation. Targeting of any career employees for their
    previous work or perceived political affiliation is not acceptable and
    I will not tolerate it. I understand the Department's Office of Civil
    Rights (S/OCR) and Bureau of Human Resources (HR) manage the
    Department's diversity and inclusion initiatives and work to propagate
    fairness, equity and inclusion at the Department of State and I will
    support their efforts.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. I will refer allegations of political reprisal against any
    career employees to the Department's Office of the Inspector General. I
    will ensure all personnel practices are carried out consistent with all
    laws and regulations. I hold our Foreign and Civil Service colleagues,
    and all our employees both domestic and overseas, in the highest
    regard. If any of my employees feel that prohibited personnel practices
    are taking place, I will ensure it is reported to the Office of the
    Inspector General. If I am confirmed, the Department's employees can be
    assured of the freedom to express their views within the Department's
    policy formulation process without fear of reprisal.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting?

       If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or allegation,
            your response, and any resolution, including any settlements.

        Answer. In my personal life and throughout my military service, I
    have held myself to the highest standards of integrity and conduct in
    my interactions with others. I have never received a formal or informal
    complaint or allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination, or
    inappropriate conduct in any setting. I commit to continue to uphold
    these high standards for conduct at the Department of State and to
    comply with all relevant federal ethics laws, regulations, and rules,
    and to raise concerns that I may have or that are brought to me through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority?

        Answer. I have promptly addressed through appropriate channels any
    concerns that were ever brought to me about sexual harassment or
    discrimination against employees under my supervisory authority.

        Question.  If so, please describe the outcome and actions taken.

        Answer. I complied with applicable laws, rules, and regulations
    pertaining to the protection of employees from workplace discrimination
    and harassment.

    North Korea
        Question.  If confirmed, will you commit to brief all Members of
    the SFRC, if and as requested, on all aspects of the administration's
    policy towards and negotiations with North Korea?

        Answer. I understand that the Department believes congressional
    oversight of diplomacy is key, and the Department is committed to
    keeping you and other members of Congress updated on all relevant
    matters. If confirmed, I will work to ensure that EAP continues to
    value close coordination with Congress and appreciates its role in
    America's foreign relations.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to David Stilwell by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Throughout my 35 years of service in the Air Force, and
    subsequent work in Asia-Pacific political and military affairs, I have
    extensively studied the region and worked to ensure that the promotion
    of democracy and the protection of human rights are an integral part of
    U.S. policy. The impact of such actions has been increased protection
    of the rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations, and more
    accountability for violations of those rights. Human rights and
    democracy ensure that societies are prosperous and peaceful. If
    confirmed, I intend to support fully and ensure the coordinated, whole-
    of-government implementation of the Indo-Pacific Strategy's
    Transparency Initiative.

    Diversity
        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I believe strongly in the value of diversity. I will
    continue to be committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive team, as
    I have throughout my career. If confirmed, I will ensure that the EAP
    Bureau promotes equal opportunities for all of our personnel, those
    from diverse backgrounds or historically underrepresented groups no
    less than anyone else. I will encourage my EAP leaders to play an
    active role in outreach to the Department of State's 13 Employee
    Affinity Groups and 19 Employee Organizations so we can recruit and
    retain a workforce that reflects the diversity of American society. I
    will foster a work environment which recognizes the contributions of
    all employees regardless of their employment status, to include Foreign
    Service, civil service, American and foreign staff hired overseas, and
    contractors.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. I understand that diversity is a core value in EAP's
    recruitment at all levels, especially for leadership positions, and I
    believe we need to model diversity at the highest levels of government.
    If confirmed, I look forward to collaborating with the Director General
    of the Foreign Service and Director for Human Resources and my
    leadership team to make greater progress in all areas of diversity. I
    will make sure that domestic and overseas managers maintain a positive
    and productive working environment open to different ideas and
    different ways of doing business.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will
    not give rise to a conflict of interest. I am in compliance and will
    continue comply with any guidance received from the Department's ethics
    office.

        Question.  On December 03, 2018, the Holocaust Museum announced for
    the first time that it believes there is compelling evidence that the
    Burmese military committed ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity,
    and genocide against the Rohingya, Muslim minority population. Senator
    Young and I plan to re-introduce our Burma Human Rights and Freedom
    Act, which promotes democracy and human rights in Burma, and among
    other actions, requires a State Department report on crimes against
    humanity and other serious human rights abuses committed against the
    Rohingya and other ethnic groups in Burma.

        Answer. I am deeply concerned about and appalled by the Burmese
    military's ethnic cleansing of ethnic Rohingya and the ongoing
    humanitarian crisis that has ensued. The process for deciding whether
    and when to make a determination that certain acts may amount to
    genocide, crimes against humanity, or ethnic cleansing, has
    historically been reserved within the Executive Branch to the Secretary
    of State. I understand that the Secretary has already determined that
    abuses against the Rohingya amount to ethnic cleansing, but, if
    confirmed, I will seek to advise the Secretary on future determinations
    as they fit into the Department's overarching objectives of easing the
    humanitarian crisis, seeking accountability for those that committed
    atrocities, deterring future such atrocities, and addressing root
    causes of violence.

        Question.  What additional measures would you recommend the U.S.
    take to address allegations of genocide, crimes against humanity, and
    war crimes?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize promoting accountability
    for the perpetrators of these gross violations of human rights and
    justice for victims. I will aim to continue the United States'
    leadership of the international response to the crisis and efforts to
    deter further atrocities. In this regard, I will consider all policy
    tools at our disposal. I also will continue U.S. efforts to support
    Burma's transition to a civilian-led democracy and to address the root
    causes of the violence in all regions of Burma. Further, I will also
    seek to ensure the generous humanitarian funding from Congress is used
    effectively to relieve suffering and underwrite reconciliation and
    development efforts.

        Question.  What additional measures would you recommend the
    international community take? Would you recommend, for example,
    collaboration to establish a multilateral sanctions regime against
    Burmese military officials who aided, participated in, or were
    otherwise implicated in gross violations of internationally recognized
    human rights in Burma?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Department's efforts to
    engage, influence, and lead actions of the international community,
    including with like-minded nations, non-traditional partners, and
    international organizations, with respect to advancing U.S. interests
    and values in Burma. I will seek to further the Department's efforts
    with allies and partners to support efforts and mechanisms at the
    United Nations to foster accountability for human rights abuses in
    Rakhine State and other areas of Burma. These include the Independent
    Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, along with the U.N. Special Envoy
    to Myanmar and the U.N. Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights
    Situation in Myanmar.

        Question.  China's shares its largest land border with Mongolia,
    the only Asian nation to successfully transform from communism to
    democracy. As such, Mongolia's success as a democracy, its strategic
    location between China and Russia, its sovereignty, territorial
    integrity, and ability to pursue an independent foreign policy are
    extremely relevant to the national security of the United States. I am
    working on a bill with Senator Sullivan to promote U.S.-Mongolia
    cashmere trade while simultaneously reducing Mongolia's reliance on
    China as its primary trading partner. Currently, 85 percent of
    Mongolia's exports go to China.

       Do you believe that bilateral trade promotion would help cement
            this important strategic alliance? How else can the U.S.
            demonstrate its support for this democracy?

        Answer. Mongolia is a free and democratic society and an important
    Indo-Pacific partner. I understand that the United States and Mongolia
    upgraded our bilateral relationship to an ``Expanded Comprehensive
    Partnership'' in September 2018 and created a ``Roadmap for Expanded
    Economic Partnership,'' in which the United States and Mongolia
    expressed a joint intent to seek new opportunities to increase mutually
    beneficial bilateral trade that is free, fair, and reciprocal and also
    to promote the introduction of new sectors and areas for bilateral
    trade.
        If confirmed, I look forward to working with you on continuing our
    support for Mongolia's free and democratic society.

        Question.  China has arbitrarily detained over one million Uyghur
    and Kazakh Muslims in the Xinjiang region as part of an effort to
    punish and reform those who have adhered to traditional cultural and
    religious practices. Many observers believe that this level of
    ideological indoctrination has not been seen in China since the
    Cultural Revolution over 40 years ago

       Have these events affected the overall U.S. approach toward China?
            If not, do you believe they should? How?

        Answer. Promoting respect for human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief, remains a key
    component of American foreign policy. The President has made it clear
    that we want a constructive and results-oriented relationship with
    China where our prosperity and security grow together, not apart. China
    has been moving further away from this vision, including in the areas
    of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. I am deeply
    troubled by the Chinese government's worsening crackdown on the human
    rights and fundamental freedoms of Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other
    members of Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous
    Region and elsewhere in China.

        Question.  China has arbitrarily detained over one million Uyghur
    and Kazakh Muslims in the Xinjiang region as part of an effort to
    punish and reform those who have adhered to traditional cultural and
    religious practices. Many observers believe that this level of
    ideological indoctrination has not been seen in China since the
    Cultural Revolution over 40 years ago

       Have they affected U.S. policies toward China in other areas of the
            relationship, such as diplomacy, trade, security, and cultural
            exchange? If not, do you believe they should? How?

        Answer. China's detention of more than one million individuals in
    Xinjiang since April 2017 is the starkest example of the worsening
    human rights situation in China, and makes it harder for democracies
    like the United States to engage with Beijing. However, China's leaders
    can still change course and return to the spirit of reform and opening.
    If confirmed, I am committed to standing up for freedom and human
    dignity and will push China to respect universal human rights and
    fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of religion. I am committed
    to working in close coordination with Congress and our like-minded
    partners to speak out against China's human rights abuses and promote
    accountability for these abuses.

        Question.  What do you see as the long-term strategic implications
    of China's building artificial islands in the South China Sea and
    converting them into military outposts?

       What do you see as the long-term impact on international norms of
            maritime behavior?
       What are your recommendations for U.S. policymakers for addressing
            these strategic and legal implications over the long run?

        Answer. China's efforts to assert its sovereignty claims over
    disputed land features and its unlawful maritime claims in the South
    China Sea, including through massive land reclamation, construction,
    and militarization of outposts, threaten the security and economic
    interests of our allies and partners, as well as the broader rules-
    based order in the Indo-Pacific that has been vital to American
    security and prosperity. If confirmed, I plan to work with interagency
    partners to use the range of national security tools that we have--
    diplomatic, economic, and military--to ensure the South China Sea
    remains free and open.

        Question.  On Sunday, February 24, President Trump delayed his
    deadline to increase tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports, citing
    ``substantial progress'' resulting from a continued trade talks between
    U.S. and Chinese officials in Washington. U.S. Trade Representative
    Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin are
    continuing negotiations this week in China.

       How do you see this trade war impacting broader U.S. foreign policy
            objectives in the Asia-Pacific region?

        Answer. The concerns that the United States is raising with China
    are concerns also shared by countries around the world. The President's
    trade policies focused on China will set the stage for long-term
    economic growth, not only in the United States, but in the Asia-Pacific
    region and globally.

        Question.  How can we be sure that China will not walk back
    commitments made in any trade deal?

        Answer. For these negotiations to be successful, China must
    demonstrate real structural changes across the range of unfair policies
    and practices that yield actual, verifiable, and enforceable results.
    These changes include stopping forced technology transfers, stronger
    protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights, and
    elimination of numerous tariff and non-tariff barriers faced by U.S.
    companies in China.

        Question.  What does a ``fair deal'' with China look like under
    this administration?

        Answer. An effective enforcement mechanism will be essential in any
    such deal to address any failure by China to properly implement its
    commitments and other related issues that may arise.

        Question.  What enforcement mechanisms will be in place to ensure
    China's compliance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with our State and interagency
    colleagues to implement any enforcement mechanism in an agreement that
    is reached by U.S. Trade Representative negotiators to ensure China's
    compliance.

        Question.  To what extent is the ``maximum pressure'' strategy
    still intact?

        Answer. Even as diplomacy with the DPRK proceeds, it is critical
    that the international community continue to apply diplomatic and
    economic pressure on the DPRK, including through the full
    implementation of U.N. sanctions. As the President has made clear
    throughout this process, he expects international pressure on the DPRK
    to continue until denuclearization is achieved, and we continue to
    reinforce this message with countries around the world.

        Question.  What evidence do you have that China and Russia, in
    particular, are continuing to enforce United Nations Security Council
    sanctions?

        Answer. I understand that the Administration is seeking to improve
    the effectiveness of pressure through several lines of effort,
    including engaging China and Russia as the DPRK's largest trading
    partners.
        The United States has made clear to China and Russia that they must
    continue to hold the North Korean regime accountable through applying
    economic and diplomatic pressure to achieve our shared objective of the
    final and fully verified denuclearization of North Korea. This includes
    the continued implementation of all relevant U.N. Security Council
    resolutions, which remain critical to ensuring progress on the
    commitments North Korea made at the 2018 Singapore summit. If
    confirmed, I will continue to engage Chinese and Russian officials on
    this objective and, where appropriate, ensure that we take action
    against entities involved in DPRK sanctions evasion activity.

        Question.  What about other countries that had taken measures to
    reduce even marginal trade with North Korea?

        Answer. International solidarity and increased pressure on the DPRK
    opened the door for U.S. engagement with North Korea on
    denuclearization. Implementation of U.N. Security Council resolutions
    by the international community brought us to this moment, and continued
    implementation will be necessary to ensure a successful outcome of this
    process. President Trump has consistently emphasized to allies,
    partners, and the DPRK that the international community cannot let up
    on pressure until the DPRK denuclearizes.

        Question.  What specific steps does North Korea need to take to
    warrant some sanctions relief?

        Answer. The President has been clear that sanctions relief cannot
    occur absent final, fully verified denuclearization. He has made clear
    that the United States remains ready to proceed-in parallel with
    denuclearization-with concrete steps to transform the U.S.-North Korea
    relationship and establish a lasting and stable peace regime on the
    Korean Peninsula. The United States looks forward to building a bright
    economic future for North Korea, the region, and the world when the
    DPRK fulfills its commitments to denuclearize.
        The international community must continue to implement U.N.
    Security Council resolutions to underscore to North Korea that the only
    way to achieve the security and development it seeks is to forsake its
    weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to David Stilwell by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question.  Last year, China increased its spending on foreign
    affairs by more than 12 percent, and recently Beijing announced that it
    would increase its foreign affairs budget by another 7.4 percent for
    next year. This comes at a time when the President's budget request
    called for a 24% reduction in the budget for the State Department and
    other international programs:

       How important is ``soft power'' in countering Chinese influence
            today and, if confirmed, where would you prioritize investment?

        Answer. The promotion of U.S. values is critical to countering
    Chinese malign influence activities. China is employing a whole-of-
    government approach to advance its interests globally. While Beijing-
    friendly programs from China Radio International and China Global
    Television Network broadcast freely in the United States, U.S.
    officials, scholars, journalists, and internet companies face limited
    or no access in China. If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring the
    State Department continues to use strategic messaging, international
    exchanges, and outreach to educational institutions to address Chinese
    influence efforts. These measures will complement our Indo-Pacific
    vision, which advances market economics, good governance, and
    transparency.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you advocate not only for U.S.
    economic and security interests but also U.S. values in contrast to the
    Chinese approach that does not take human rights or democracy promotion
    into account in its global investments?

        Answer. Promoting respect for human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including freedom of religion or belief, is a key component
    of American foreign policy. If confirmed, I am committed to upholding
    U.S. values and practices as an alternative to China's opaque
    investments and commercial activities, and disregard for basic human
    rights, by promoting adherence to high international standards of
    transparency, anti-corruption, good governance, and labor rights and
    taking into consideration of the needs and concerns of local
    communities.

        Question.  Recent negotiations with North Korean leaders have
    focused on how best to apply ``maximum pressure'' on Pyongyang.
    However, lost in all of these recent discussions has been North Korea's
    deplorable record on human rights:

       If confirmed, what would you do to ensure that in seeking peace
            with North Korea we do not give North Korean leaders a pass for
            their barbaric treatment of their people?

        Answer. The DPRK is among the most repressive authoritarian states
    in the world. North Korea's human rights record is deplorable. If
    confirmed, I will work with likeminded governments and civil society to
    raise awareness, highlight abuses and violations, increase access to
    independent information, and promote respect for human rights in the
    DPRK.

        Question.  If confirmed, could you describe how you plan to
    coordinate with the Bureau on Europe and Eurasia to ensure that the
    Department has a comprehensive view of Russia's global malign efforts?

        Answer. I share your concern about Russia's global malign efforts.
    If confirmed, I will confer closely with not only our colleagues in the
    Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs but also with the Bureau of
    Political Military Affairs, the interagency, countries with traditional
    ties with Russia in the Asia-Pacific region, and our close allies,
    including Japan and the Republic of Korea, to ensure we have a
    comprehensive view of Russia's global malign efforts.

        Question.  The local population of Okinawa, Japan seems to
    understand that the U.S. presence in Okinawa is necessary for the
    security of Japan and the United States. However, resistance to the
    U.S. presence has been gaining ground, and foreign propaganda outlets
    like Sputnik and others have spread disinformation about the U.S.
    military to play on the local population's worst fears:

       In your view, why is our presence in Okinawa critical and, if
            confirmed, what would you do to counter efforts to malign our
            forces there? If confirmed, how would you ensure the U.S.
            Mission in Japan engages in more public diplomacy to improve
            the U.S. image in Okinawa?

        Answer. Okinawa plays a crucial role in the defense of Japan and
    the preservation of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region. U.S.
    forces in Okinawa are ready to respond to regional contingencies,
    including humanitarian crises and natural disasters. If confirmed, I
    will work to continue enhancing the U.S.-Japan Alliance and our
    operational capabilities while addressing the concerns of local base-
    hosting communities. I will support the State Department's ongoing work
    with the Department of Defense and the government of Japan to ensure a
    positive impact of U.S. forces on local communities. I will also lend
    my full support to public diplomacy programs in Okinawa that build
    understanding between U.S. forces and local communities and strengthen
    people-to-people ties, including English language programs, youth
    exchanges with base personnel, and speaker programs highlighting the
    threat regional actors' malign activities pose to shared U.S. and
    Japanese values.

        Question.  Will you also commit to ensuring that our own
    administration does not engage in self-defeating policies such as
    making the Japanese government pay even more to support the U.S. troop
    presence or saying that Japan should develop its own nuclear weapons?

        Answer. Our commitment to the defense of Japan is ironclad and is
    backed by the full range of U.S. military capabilities, including
    conventional and nuclear weapons. The United States continues to
    maintain a credible nuclear umbrella extended to over 30 allies and
    partners, including Japan. Credible U.S. extended nuclear deterrence
    will continue to be a cornerstone of U.S. non-proliferation efforts.
        Japan's host nation support facilitates our force presence in Japan
    and throughout the region. If confirmed I commit to working with Japan
    to ensure that the cost of maintaining our alliance's operational
    capability is shared fairly.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to David Stilwell by Senator Corker A. Booker

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure
    perpetrators are held accountable for the atrocities committed not just
    against the Rohingya but also against other ethnic minority groups in
    Burma, such as the Karen or the Kachin?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize promoting accountability
    for those responsible for these abuses and achieving justice for
    victims. I will aim to continue U.S. leadership of the international
    response to the crisis and efforts to deter further atrocities. In this
    regard, I will consider the utility of all policy tools at our
    disposal, including targeted sanctions. I will also continue U.S.
    support for Burma's transition to a civilian-led democracy. Further, I
    will work closely with the U.S. Mission to the U.N. and with like-
    minded countries and regional partners, to press the government of
    Burma to grant unhindered access to U.N. mechanisms, including the
    International Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, the U.N. Special
    Rapporteur, and the U.N. Special Envoy.

        Question.  How do you believe the U.S. should be engaging on the
    question of accountability for such atrocities in multilateral fora,
    such as the United Nations?

        Answer. I believe that the United States should use all appropriate
    means to pursue our goal of ensuring accountability for atrocities,
    including by engaging in multilateral fora such as the United Nations.
    If confirmed, I commit to working with other senior officials in the
    Department and the interagency to find ways to pursue this objective
    and continue the United States' global leadership in seeking justice
    for the victims of atrocities.

        Question.  Hundreds of thousands of Muslims have reportedly been
    detained, tortured, and subjected to massive surveillance in ``re-
    education'' camps throughout Xinjiang. At the recent ministerial on
    religious freedom, Secretary of State Pompeo expressed grave concerns
    about the situation in Xinjiang for Uighur Muslims. Such treatment of
    religious and ethnic minorities in China is widespread. And these
    actions are part of a broader crackdown on civil society and
    independent media.

       Do you believe that senior Chinese government officials should be
            held accountable for these human rights abuses?

        Answer. I am deeply troubled by the Chinese government's worsening
    crackdown on the human rights and fundamental freedoms, including
    religious freedom, of Uighurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other members of
    Muslim minority groups in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and
    elsewhere in China. China's detention of more than one million
    individuals in Xinjiang since April 2017 is illustrative of the
    deteriorating human rights situation in China. If confirmed, I am
    committed to using all tools available as appropriate to promote
    accountability of Chinese officials responsible for these human rights
    abuses.

                                   __________

    Letter Submitted by Organizations Opposing the Nomination of Robert A.
    Destro to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights,
                                   and Labor

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Letter Sent by Senators Cory Gardner and Edward J. Markey to Secretary
       of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of the Treasury Steven Mnuchin
                       Regarding Sanctions on North Korea

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                  ----------

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                             TUESDAY, APRIL 9, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:03 p.m. in Room
    SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Todd Young
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Young [presiding], Kaine, and Merkley.
        Senator Young. This hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee will come to order.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. TODD YOUNG,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM INDIANA

        Senator Young. Today the committee will hold a nomination
    hearing for three very important positions.
        First we have Mr. Jeffrey Eberhardt to be Special
    Representative for the President for Nuclear Proliferation,
    with the rank of Ambassador.
        Second, we have the Honorable James Gilmore to be U.S.
    Representative to the Organization for Security and Cooperation
    in Europe, with the rank of Ambassador.
        And our third nominee is Mr. Alan Swendiman to be the
    Deputy Director of the Peace Corps.
        We also have one of our distinguished committee members,
    Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia, who will be joining us
    momentarily. He wishes to introduce one of our nominees, so we
    are going to allow him to proceed with his introduction as soon
    as he arrives. I will postpone my statement and ask the Ranking
    Member to do the same until after the nominees' introductions.
        I will go ahead and proceed in light of Senator Kaine's
    absence--we have such busy schedules here. Everyone is attuned
    to the schedules here on the Hill.
        So, welcome to each of the nominees to the committee, and
    thank you and your families for having the willingness to
    serve.
        First, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Jeffrey Eberhardt of
    Wisconsin and a career member of the Senior Executive Service
    who has been nominated to be Special Representative of the
    President for Nuclear Nonproliferation. Mr. Eberhardt is
    currently the Director of the Office of Multilateral and
    Nuclear Affairs in the Bureau of Arms Control, Verification,
    and Compliance at the State Department. Previously, Mr.
    Eberhardt served as a Foreign Affairs Officer in the Office of
    Nuclear Affairs at the State Department. He has also served as
    a Senior Military Adviser at the Pentagon; as a Foreign Area
    Officer with assignments in Europe and Asia; and as a Senior
    Fellow at the George Marshall Center; and a battery commander
    in Germany.
        At a time when the pursuit of nuclear weapons remains a
    deep ambition for the regimes in Iran and North Korea, as we
    face threats through Russia's repeated violations of the INF
    Treaty, and as China's nuclear ambitions continue to rise, it
    is critically important that we combat the proliferation of
    nuclear weapons and examine the future of the Nuclear
    Nonproliferation Treaty.
        Following the Administration's announcement that the United
    States would withdraw from the INF Treaty due to Russian
    violations and their refusal to return to compliance, I think
    it is critical for this committee to examine your views on the
    future of arms control and whether any nonproliferation
    agreement can be successful with unreliable partners like
    Russia and China.
        At this point, I would like to pivot to Senator Kaine, who
    has joined us, and I believe he would like to make an
    introduction of one of our nominees.

                     STATEMENT OF HON. TIM KAINE,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM VIRGINIA

        Senator Kaine. Absolutely. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Welcome to all. We were all just coming from a classified
    briefing of the committee, but it is my pleasure to introduce
    before the committee the 68th Governor of Virginia, a personal
    friend, the Honorable Jim Gilmore, just to share a few words
    about Jim with the committee.
        He is a nominee who I strongly support to be the Ambassador
    to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe,
    OSCE.
        Governor Gilmore began his public service in the military,
    where he was posted in Western Europe and became fluent in
    German. He has served as a local elected official,
    Commonwealth's Attorney, our elected prosecutor, and then the
    Attorney General of Virginia, then the Governor of Virginia,
    68th Governor of Virginia.
        He has also had additional service past his time as
    governor. From 1999 to 2003, he was Chairman of the
    congressional panel assessing America's capabilities to respond
    to terrorist attack, the Congressional Advisory Panel to Assess
    Domestic Response Capabilities. That panel was known as the
    Gilmore Commission.
        As governor, he did extensive work to build ties between
    Virginia and partners around the world, economic missions to
    nations all over Europe, all over the world, and he currently
    works in Alexandria at the American Opportunity Foundation as
    the President and CEO. This is a foundation--and its
    predecessor is the Free Congress Foundation that works to shape
    public dialogue about Congress and American society, with a
    special focus on national security issues.
        Governor Gilmore is a member of the Council on Foreign
    Relations, somebody who is well qualified for this position. I
    have had the opportunity as a member of this committee to visit
    the OSCE and dialogue about the important work, and as we have
    known from committee hearings about NATO and other important
    issues, there are a lot of equities on the table right now with
    respect to security cooperation between the United States and
    Europe, and not just the NATO members but all of Europe, and
    Governor Gilmore is very uniquely qualified to be in this
    position, and I am happy to be here to introduce him.
        Senator Young. Well, thanks so much, Senator Kaine, and
    congratulations to Governor Gilmore and to yourself on the big
    win last night at UVA's basketball game.
        You have an impressive record, sir. I will not recapitulate
    all that was just said, blessedly. But the role, again, that
    you have been nominated for is Ambassador to the Organization
    for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
        With 57 participating states and North America, Europe, and
    Central Asia, OSCE is the world's largest regional security
    organization. Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, OSCE sets
    standards in fields including military security, economic and
    environmental cooperation, and human rights and humanitarian
    concerns.
        In addition, OSCE undertakes a variety of preventive
    diplomacy initiatives designed to prevent, manage, and resolve
    conflict within and among the participating states.
        Mr. Gilmore, with the many challenges facing our world, I
    look forward to hearing more about how you envision using your
    post to advance American security interests.
        Finally, I am pleased to welcome Mr. Alan Swendiman of
    North Carolina, nominated to be Deputy Director of the Peace
    Corps.
        Mr. Swendiman currently serves as Founding Principal of the
    Capital Connection, a consulting strategy and business
    development firm. Previously, Mr. Swendiman served as a legal
    advisor and senior executive for a broad range of Federal
    agencies, including serving as Deputy Principal Legal Adviser
    and Chief of Staff for U.S. Immigration and Customs
    Enforcement, General Counsel of USAID, General Counsel and
    Acting Chief of Staff of the GSA, and General Counsel of the
    Federal Labor Relations Authority.
        Mr. Swendiman has held positions within the Executive
    Office of the President and the State of North Carolina,
    overseeing administrative services and information technology.
    In addition, he has more than 30 years of experience in private
    law practice, where he focused on corporate counseling and
    government contracting.
        Perhaps most notable, it is my understanding that Mr.
    Swendiman's daughter Shelly has served as a Peace Corps
    volunteer in Ukraine. Since President Kennedy established the
    Peace Corps in 1961, more than 230,000 Americans of all ages
    have served in 141 countries worldwide. The Peace Corps sends
    Americans with a passion for service abroad on behalf of the
    United States to work with communities and create lasting
    change. Volunteers help develop sustainable solutions to
    address challenges in education, health, community economic
    development, agriculture, environment, and youth development,
    and through their Peace Corps experience volunteers gain a
    unique cultural understanding and a lifelong commitment to
    service that positions them to succeed in today's global
    economy.
        I look forward to hearing how Mr. Swendiman will work to
    ensure that the Peace Corps remains an organization known
    around the world for their commitment to service and helping
    those in desperate need of assistance.
        With that, I would like to recognize my distinguished
    Ranking Member for his comments, Senator Merkley.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. JEFF MERKLEY,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM OREGON

        Senator Merkley. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. I am
    pleased to be working with you to launch the work of this
    subcommittee in this cycle.
        Many of the most pressing challenges facing the United
    States, from climate change to nuclear proliferation, are
    transnational threats that require collective solutions.
    International organizations are critical to addressing these
    challenges. The positions today's nominees will fill, if
    confirmed, are examples of this essential work.
        I join you in welcoming our three nominees, and I
    appreciate your willingness to serve, and welcome to your
    family members who might be attending with you today.
        Mr. Eberhardt and Governor Gilmore, if confirmed, you will
    have the difficult task of reasserting U.S. leadership in
    tackling key regional and international security challenges.
        At the center of much international mischief is Russia.
    Your jobs, as the President's Special Representative for
    Nonproliferation and U.S. Representative to the Organization
    for Security and Cooperation in Europe, would require leading a
    unified front with allies to push back on Russia's flouting of
    international norms and attempts to redraw boundaries.
        U.S. leadership in the arms category does not mean taking a
    trip back to the wild, wild west that we had before
    international agreements that helped control limits on both our
    regional and strategic forces. The collapse of the Intermediate
    Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in August and the lack of action to
    prepare for extending the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty,
    new START, past 2021 risks returning us to the instability of
    the time we had before we had such bilateral agreements.
        It is because of, not in spite of, Russia's misbehavior
    that we need to double down on diplomacy and partnership with
    our alliances around the world.
        Mr. Swendiman, it is a special joy to be able to
    participate in running the Peace Corps. This morning I met with
    the student leaders from Oregon State University in Corvallis,
    and one of them who is graduating is headed off to the Peace
    Corps in Rwanda. I was able to go to Rwanda with Chris Coons
    and several of our other senators a few years ago, and it is a
    nation that has many challenges following the intense, intense
    battles of a few years ago. And having our folks on the ground
    helping with fundamentals--clean water, education, all kinds of
    agricultural strategies--is something very important in their
    lives and important in the relationship between our two
    countries, and important in the development of the economy for
    the people there.
        Of course, this is multiplied by all the volunteers all
    over the world, so I wish you the best in that setting.
        I look forward to hearing from our nominees.
        Senator Young. Well, thank you, Senator Merkley.
        We will now turn to our first nominee, Mr. Jeffrey
    Eberhardt. Thank you for your willingness again to take on this
    critical role. Your full statement will be included in the
    record, without objection, so if you could please keep your
    remarks to no more than 5 minutes or so, we would appreciate it
    so that members of the committee can engage with you with their
    questions, sir.
        Mr. Eberhardt?

       STATEMENT OF JEFFREY L. EBERHARDT, OF WISCONSIN, A CAREER
         MEMBER OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE, TO BE SPECIAL
    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE PRESIDENT FOR NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION,
                      WITH THE RANK OF AMBASSADOR

        Mr. Eberhardt. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member
    Merkley.
        It is an honor to appear before this committee as President
    Trump's nominee to be the Special Representative of the
    President for Nuclear Nonproliferation. I am grateful to the
    President and Secretary Pompeo for the confidence they have
    placed in me, and for the opportunity, with your approval, to
    continue to serve this country in a new and challenging
    position of responsibility.
        I am proud to be joined today by two of my sons, Todd and
    Joshua, both of whom have the distinction of being born in what
    was then known as West Germany, during my first overseas tour.
        I joined the State Department following 23 years in the
    Army, and have worked on nuclear-related issues across three
    successive administrations. I participated in the Six-Party
    Talks beginning when I was still on active duty in the Office
    of the Secretary of Defense, and continuing when I joined the
    Department. I worked on the Iran and North Korea files for many
    years.
        Closer to our subject today, I have been involved in the
    review cycles of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear
    Weapons since 2005, participating in preparations for and
    working on the U.S. delegations to multiple NPT preparatory
    committees and review conferences. I was part of the State team
    contributing to both the 2010 and 2018 Nuclear Posture Reviews.
    I also contributed to numerous policy reviews over the past
    years on issues such as the proposed Fissile Material Cutoff
    Treaty, the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, and the NPT
    itself.
        What has struck me from these years of serving different
    administrations, Mr. Chairman, is the strong element of
    bipartisan continuity in U.S. nuclear policy. There have been a
    few guiding principles that date back decades: for instance,
    that the United States will work to reduce the numbers and
    salience of nuclear weapons, with the ultimate goal of someday
    eliminating them, but that for so long as nuclear deterrence
    remains necessary, we will maintain an effective nuclear force.
        The United States has also remained steadfast in its
    commitment to maintaining the global nonproliferation regime,
    recognizing the enormous dangers that would arise from allowing
    the spread of nuclear weapons to additional countries. This
    remarkable continuity is a credit to the many thoughtful and
    dedicated professionals that this nation has been fortunate to
    have serving in positions of responsibility for these matters.
    I have learned a great deal from them. They have left big shoes
    to fill, but if confirmed, I will strive to do so.
        It is no secret that this NPT review cycle, which will
    culminate with the Review Conference in May 2020, is a
    challenging one. The United States has been engaged in wide-
    ranging diplomatic efforts to prepare for that conference,
    stressing the importance of shoring up the nonproliferation
    regime against the challenges it faces from North Korea and
    Iran, stressing the importance to human prosperity and
    development of sharing the benefits of peaceful nuclear
    technology, and stressing the degree to which these benefits
    depend upon the solid foundation provided by adherence to best
    practices in the realm of nuclear safeguards, safety, and
    security. If confirmed, I will work to support, and to help
    lead, U.S. diplomatic efforts to protect and advance the
    important principles and objectives of the NPT.
        This may not be an easy road. There are those who believe,
    for example, that despite having reduced our nuclear arsenal by
    approximately 88 percent from its Cold War high, that the
    United States has not reduced far enough or fast enough. There
    is also the longstanding problem of how to advance toward a
    Middle East weapons of mass destruction free zone, an issue
    that dates to the Treaty's indefinite extension in 1995.
        These challenges are daunting, Mr. Chairman, but what is
    clear is that without strong U.S. leadership, achieving success
    will not be possible, and we are seeking to meet these
    challenges. Success, I believe, should begin by ensuring that
    when nations meet in 2020 to mark the 50th anniversary of the
    Treaty's entry into force, we all recommit ourselves to the NPT
    in all its aspects. The NPT has been extraordinarily successful
    in stemming what was, decades ago, expected to be rampant
    proliferation of nuclear weapons. Thankfully, that has not
    happened. There have been setbacks, most notably with North
    Korea, but we live in a much safer world thanks to the NPT. And
    the expansion of the many benefits of the peaceful uses of
    nuclear energy have been made possible by the strong
    nonproliferation norms established by the Treaty.
        The United States is also exercising leadership in the
    discussion of disarmament. Even as the obstacles to further
    progress have increased thanks to a deteriorating security
    environment, we are engaging a broad range of international
    partners in beginning to build a serious, multilateral
    discussion of what must be done to improve the security
    environment to allow further progress in reducing nuclear
    arsenals.
        If confirmed, I will work to advance these important
    objectives, striving to help ensure that the NPT, and the
    broader nonproliferation regime that has been built around that
    Treaty over the last 50 years, is positioned for continued
    success for another half century.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Eberhardt follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of Jeffrey L. Eberhardt

        Thank you Mr. Chairman and members of the committee, it is an honor
    to appear before this committee as President Trump's nominee to be the
    Special Representative of the President for Nuclear Nonproliferation. I
    am grateful to the President and Secretary Pompeo for the confidence
    they have placed in me, and for the opportunity--with your approval--to
    continue to serve this country in a new and challenging position of
    responsibility. I am proud to be joined today by two of my sons, Todd
    and Joshua, both of whom have the distinction of being born in what was
    then known as West Germany, during my first overseas tour.
        I joined the State Department following my 23 years in the Army,
    and have worked on nuclearrelated issues across three successive
    administrations. I participated in the Six-Party Talks beginning when I
    was still on active duty in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and
    continuing when I joined the Department. I worked on the Iran and North
    Korea files for many years. Closer to our subject today, I have been
    involved in the review cycles of the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of
    Nuclear Weapons (NPT) since 2005, participating in preparations for and
    working on the U.S. delegations to multiple NPT Preparatory Committees
    and Review Conferences. I was part of the State team contributing to
    both the 2010 and 2018 Nuclear Posture Reviews. I also contributed to
    numerous policy reviews over the past years on issues such as the
    proposed Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty, the Comprehensive Nuclear-
    Test-Ban Treaty, and the NPT itself.
        What has struck me from these years of serving different
    administrations, Mr. Chairman, is the strong element of bipartisan
    continuity in U.S. nuclear policy. There have been a few guiding
    principles that date back decades--for instance, that the United States
    will work to reduce the numbers and salience of nuclear weapons with
    the ultimate goal of someday eliminating them, but that for so long as
    nuclear deterrence remains necessary, we will maintain an effective
    nuclear force. The United States has also remained steadfast in its
    commitment to maintaining the global nonproliferation regime,
    recognizing the enormous dangers that would arise from allowing the
    spread of nuclear weapons to additional countries. This remarkable
    continuity is a credit to the many thoughtful and dedicated
    professionals that this nation has been fortunate to have serving in
    positions of responsibility for these matters. I have learned a great
    deal from them. They have left big shoes to fill, but if confirmed, I
    will strive to do so.
        It is no secret that this NPT review cycle, which will culminate
    with the Review Conference in May 2020, is a challenging one. The
    United States has been engaged in wide-ranging diplomatic efforts to
    prepare for that conference, stressing the importance of shoring up the
    nonproliferation regime against the challenges it faces from North
    Korea and Iran, stressing the importance to human prosperity and
    development of sharing the benefits of peaceful nuclear technology, and
    stressing the degree to which these benefits depend upon the solid
    foundation provided by adherence to "best practices" in the realm of
    nuclear safeguards, safety, and security. If confirmed, I will work to
    support--and to help lead--U.S. diplomatic efforts to protect and
    advance the important principles and objectives of the NPT.
        This may not be an easy road. There are those who believe, for
    example, that--despite having reduced our nuclear arsenal by
    approximately 88 percent from its Cold War high--the United States has
    not reduced far enough or fast enough. There is also the long-standing
    problem of how to advance toward a Middle East weapons of mass
    destruction free zone, an issue that dates to the Treaty's indefinite
    extension in 1995.
        These challenges are daunting, Mr. Chairman, but what is clear is
    that without strong U.S. leadership, achieving success will not be
    possible. And we are seeking to meet these challenges. Success, I
    believe, should begin by ensuring that when nations meet in 2020 to
    mark the 50th anniversary of the Treaty's entry into force, we all
    recommit ourselves to the NPT in all its aspects. The NPT has been
    extraordinarily successful in stemming what was, decades ago, expected
    to be rampant proliferation of nuclear weapons. Thankfully, that has
    not happened. There have been setbacks, most notably with North Korea,
    but we live in a much safer world thanks to the NPT. And the expansion
    of the many benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy have been
    made possible by the strong nonproliferation norms established by the
    Treaty.
        The United States is also exercising leadership in the discussion
    of disarmament. Even as the obstacles to further progress have
    increased thanks to a deteriorating security environment, we are
    engaging a broad range of international partners in beginning to build
    a serious, multilateral discussion of what must be done to improve the
    security environment to allow further progress in reducing nuclear
    arsenals.
        If confirmed, I will work to advance these important objectives,
    striving to help ensure that the NPT--and the broader nonproliferation
    regime that has been built around that Treaty over the last 50 years--
    is positioned for continued success for another half century.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

        Senator Young. Well, thank you, Mr. Eberhardt.
        Mr. Gilmore, you may proceed with your statement, sir.

      STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES S. GILMORE, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE U.S.
    REPRESENTATIVE TO THE ORGANIZATION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION
                 IN EUROPE, WITH THE RANK OF AMBASSADOR

        Mr. Gilmore. Thank you very much, Senator Young and Senator
    Merkley. I am delighted to have an opportunity to appear before
    this committee.
        I also want to thank Senator Kaine for coming here today to
    introduce me to the committee. Senator Kaine and I share a
    common background as former Governors of Virginia, and I am
    grateful for your support, Senator.
        If confirmed, it would be my pleasure to serve as the
    United States' Permanent Representative to the Organization for
    Security and Cooperation in Europe and to lead that mission
    together with allies and partners to address the comprehensive
    challenges facing Europe, Eurasia, and North America. I am
    grateful to President Trump for the opportunity to serve my
    country again, and I am grateful for his confidence in my
    ability to advance American interests and values.
        I am pleased to introduce my family members who are here
    with me today. First, my wife Roxane, my wife of 42 years, the
    former First Lady of Virginia. She holds two degrees in ancient
    history from the University of Virginia and has taught for more
    than three decades. She taught me, too. I have learned a great
    deal from her knowledge about all of this and Western
    civilization.
        I have two sons. One is able to be here with me today, my
    son Jay, who is here also. He works here in national security
    in Washington. My younger son Ashton is likewise not here
    today, but he also works in national security in
    Charlottesville.
        I have been a committed student of foreign policy since
    attending the University of Virginia. I served in the U.S.
    Army, as the Senator said, in military intelligence as a non-
    commissioned officer. I have been a prosecutor, Attorney
    General, and Governor. I traveled to 18 countries on three
    continents on trade issues. I will draw on these experiences,
    if confirmed, in order to work to stand up to those who seek to
    undermine our values and the rules of the institution of the
    OSCE.
        The OSCE is an indispensable pillar of the security
    architecture that has served the United States well for
    generations. I am proud that the United States helped to
    establish this organization at the height of the Cold War in
    the `70s. If confirmed, I would strive to maintain strong
    leadership in the OSCE and defend the principles on which the
    organization was founded.
        Its unique value stems from its broad-based membership, 57
    participating states and nations across the Atlantic and
    Eurasia, its comprehensive approach to security, which
    acknowledges the relationship between security and respect for
    human rights, and the rule of law and democracy. It is the
    premier platform in Europe and Eurasia for advancing human
    rights and fundamental freedoms. It is a rich body of human
    rights that is represented in the OSCE.
        The Helsinki Final Act principles speak of respect for the
    sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, as well as for
    human rights and fundamental freedoms. These tenets are
    enduring. The contempt that Russia has shown for these
    principles and commitments, through repression at home and
    aggression abroad, should concern us all.
        Of all the challenges confronting the OSCE today, none is
    more consequential or vexing than the conflict in Ukraine.
    Russia has armed, trained, led, and fought alongside its proxy
    forces in eastern Ukraine since 2014, leading to approximately
    13,000 deaths. Russia's fueling of the conflict, its purported
    annexation of Crimea, and its provocative actions in the Kerch
    Strait and the Black Sea undermine regional stability and
    directly contravene all 10 of the foundational Helsinki
    principles. The Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine of the
    OSCE serves as the world's eyes and ears in eastern Ukraine's
    conflict zone. If confirmed, I will call on Russia to respect
    Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its
    internationally recognized borders.
        The unresolved conflicts in Europe weaken regional
    stability. If confirmed, I would promote progress within the
    OSCE to resolve these protracted conflicts that have undermined
    peace in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus.
        We have to press for full implementation of existing
    agreements and arrangements to rebuild military transparency.
    If confirmed, I will work with allies and partners to restore
    transparency and predictability on the European continent among
    conventional forces.
        Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an
    essential aspect of security. If confirmed, I would ensure that
    the U.S. Mission to the OSCE remains a strong voice on behalf
    of human rights defenders targeted for repression, and I would
    continue to champion the role of civil society. I am committed
    to defending religious freedom and combating anti-Semitism and
    other manifestations of intolerance, including hate crimes. I
    would draw on my personal experience in that regard.
        Congress' active, bipartisan engagement in the OSCE has
    been a tremendous strength. I commend the members of Congress
    who serve on the Helsinki Commission and participate in the
    OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. They hold leadership positions in
    each. I am pleased to see so much active participation.
        If confirmed, I will follow the path set out by the
    President and Secretary Pompeo to provide U.S. leadership to
    uphold OSCE principles and commitments. Staying true to these
    principles is now the work with allies and partners to leverage
    the capabilities and address our conventional and emerging
    threats.
        Senator, Mr. Chairman, today I am very grateful for the
    opportunity to lead the outstanding team at OSCE in Vienna. If
    confirmed, I commit to providing my best analysis and advice to
    the U.S. government and to work with the committee of the
    Helsinki Commission and Congress to advance the policies that
    promote democracy, advance human rights, and enhance the
    prosperity and security of our country.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I welcome your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Gilmore follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of James S. Gilmore

        Thank you, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and members of
    the committee for the opportunity to appear before you. I thank Senator
    Kaine for introducing me to the committee. Senator Kaine and I share a
    common background as former Governors of Virginia, and I am grateful
    for his support. If confirmed, it would be my honor to serve as the
    United States' Permanent Representative to the Organization for
    Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and to lead the U.S. mission
    as it works with Allies and partners to address the comprehensive range
    of challenges facing Europe, Eurasia, and North America. I am grateful
    to President Trump for this opportunity to serve my country again and
    his confidence in my ability to advance U.S. interests and values.
        I am pleased to introduce my family who are here with me today.
    First, Roxane, my wife of forty-two years, the former First Lady of
    Virginia. Roxane holds two degrees in ancient history from the
    University of Virginia and has taught for more than three decades. I
    have learned a great deal from her knowledge of the beginnings of
    Western civilization. My two sons are here with me as well. Jay and
    Ashton are also University of Virginia graduates who work to defend our
    national security--Jay does so for the U.S. government, and Ashton
    works in the private sector.
        I have been a committed student of foreign policy since attending
    the University of Virginia. I also served as a U.S. Army intelligence
    officer in West Germany, practiced trial law, was elected prosecutor
    for my home county, then Attorney General of Virginia, and then
    Governor. As Governor, I traveled to eighteen countries on three
    continents on trade missions. If confirmed, I would draw on these
    experiences to serve U.S. interests, collaborate with our Allies and
    partners, and stand up to those who seek to undermine the values,
    rules, and institutions that underpin freedom, prosperity, and peace in
    the OSCE region.
        The OSCE is an indispensable pillar of the security architecture
    that has served the United States well for generations. I am proud the
    United States helped establish the organization at the height of the
    Cold War in the 1970s. If confirmed, I would strive to maintain strong
    U.S. leadership at the OSCE, defending the principles on which the
    organization was founded and strengthening it to face future
    challenges.
        The OSCE's unique value stems from its broad membership--57
    participating States across the Atlantic and Eurasia--and its
    comprehensive approach to security, which acknowledges the relationship
    between security and respect for human rights, rule of law, and
    democracy. It is the premier platform in Europe and Eurasia for
    advancing human rights and fundamental freedoms and defending civil
    society. Its rich body of human rights and security commitments, its
    network of field missions, and its independent institutions are
    strengths not replicated in any other security or regional
    organization.
        The Helsinki Final Act principles speak of respect for the
    sovereignty and territorial integrity of States as well as for human
    rights and fundamental freedoms. These tenets are enduring. The
    contempt that Russia has shown for these principles and commitments--
    through repression at home and aggression abroad--should concern us
    all.
        Of all the challenges confronting the OSCE today, none is more
    consequential or vexing than the conflict in Ukraine. Russia has armed,
    trained, led, and fought alongside its proxy forces in eastern Ukraine
    since 2014, leading to approximately 13,000 deaths.
        Russia's fueling of the conflict, its purported annexation of
    Crimea, and its provocative actions in the Kerch Strait and the Black
    Sea undermine regional stability and directly contravene all ten of the
    foundational Helsinki principles. The OSCE's highly effective Special
    Monitoring Mission to Ukraine serves as the world's eyes and ears in
    eastern Ukraine's conflict zone. If confirmed, I will call on Russia to
    respect Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its
    internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial
    waters.
        More broadly, unresolved conflicts in Europe weaken regional
    stability. If confirmed, I would promote progress within the OSCE to
    resolve the protracted conflicts that have undermined peace and
    stability for too long, particularly in Eastern Europe and the South
    Caucasus.
        We must also press for full implementation of existing agreements
    and arrangements to rebuild military transparency. If confirmed, I will
    work with Allies and partners at the OSCE to begin to restore
    predictability, transparency, and confidence in military security
    relations.
        Respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms is an essential
    aspect of security. If confirmed, I would ensure that the U.S. Mission
    to the OSCE remains a strong voice on behalf of human rights defenders
    targeted for repression and I would continue to champion the role of
    civil society. I am committed to defending religious freedom and
    combating anti-Semitism and other manifestations of intolerance,
    including hate crimes. I would also draw on my personal experience to
    support OSCE election observation missions. Democracy can only prevail
    when the citizens of OSCE countries know they can change their
    government peacefully through genuinely free and fair elections. If
    confirmed, I also plan to support OSCE efforts to combat human
    trafficking and violence against women.
        Congress's active, bipartisan engagement in the OSCE has been a
    tremendous strength to U.S. diplomatic efforts. I commend the Members
    of Congress who serve on the Helsinki Commission, participate in the
    OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and hold leadership positions in both. I
    am pleased to see that so many members of this committee serve on the
    Helsinki Commission. I know you recognize the value that the OSCE
    brings to U.S. foreign policy.
        If confirmed, I will follow the path set out by the President and
    Secretary Pompeo to provide U.S. leadership to uphold OSCE principles
    and commitments. Staying true to these principles and values, now is
    the time to work with Allies and partners to leverage the OSCE's
    capabilities to address both conventional and emerging threats in
    innovative and comprehensive ways.
        Mr. Chairman, I am grateful for this opportunity to lead the
    outstanding team at USOSCE in Vienna. If confirmed, I commit to
    providing my best analysis and advice to the U.S. government and to
    work with this committee, the Helsinki Commission, and Congress to
    advance policies that promote democracy, advance human rights, and
    enhance the prosperity and security of our country.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I welcome your questions.

        Senator Young. Thank you, sir.
        Mr. Swendiman, please make your opening statement, sir.

    STATEMENT OF ALAN R. SWENDIMAN, OF NORTH CAROLINA, TO BE DEPUTY
                      DIRECTOR OF THE PEACE CORPS

        Mr. Swendiman. Mr. Chairman, first, with your indulgence, I
    would like to congratulate Governor Gilmore and you, Senator
    Kaine, on UVA's winning the NCAA basketball championship. I
    told the Governor I was a little surprised he was here and you
    are here, Senator Kaine. I thought you would still be
    celebrating. Truth be told, as a graduate of the University of
    North Carolina, I had hoped that the Tar Heels would be there,
    and I suspect, Senator Young, you would have liked to see
    Indiana; and you, Senator Merkley, would have liked to have
    seen Oregon or Oregon State. Obviously, this was not our year.
    Needless to say, Virginia is an ACC school. So, Senator Kaine
    and Governor Gilmore, you have my support.
        Senator Young. I am trying to forget about that Purdue-
    Virginia game. So, all right.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Swendiman. I am sorry----
        Senator Kaine. And Oregon-Virginia.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Young. All right, all right.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Swendiman. I am sorry, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Young. This is not going in the right direction.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Swendiman. I am sorry, Mr. Chairman, I left Purdue out.
        Senator Young. You can proceed with your opening statement,
    sir.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Swendiman. Chairman Young, Ranking Member Merkley, it
    is an honor to appear before you today as the President's
    nominee to serve as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps.
        I appreciate the President's confidence in me, and Director
    Olsen's support to join her team of dedicated individuals
    working toward building stronger partnerships around the world.
        In addition, I would like to recognize my family. I am well
    aware that my public service career has been made possible
    because of the unconditional support my wife Kathy, daughter
    Shelley, and son Robert have provided over the years.
        My wife, by way of note, served for 40 years in the
    Congressional Research Service, American Law Division,
    specializing in health care, Social Security, Medicare and
    Medicaid. You may or your staff may be familiar with her work.
        My daughter regretfully could not attend today. Her 1-year-
    old son is quite sick, and now she has come down with it as
    well. She would have loved to be here, Senator Merkley.
        The Peace Corps is as important and relevant as ever. It
    represents the face of this nation. Volunteers build positive
    perceptions of this country in the minds and hearts of the
    people served throughout the world. And the impact of Peace
    Corps volunteers goes far beyond their time in service.
        I have witnessed this when I visited my daughter, Shelley,
    who was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine. She worked
    alongside her Ukrainian teacher counterparts to inspire the
    next generation of students to build and improve their English
    proficiency. Some of her former students still reach out to her
    today. After she returned to the United States, she continued
    her public service. She currently works at the Department of
    Labor Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor & Human Trafficking,
    overseeing grants made by this nation to foreign countries to
    stem the tide of child labor and forced labor, and in fact just
    recently came back from the Philippines on such official
    business.
        Public service is as important to me and as meaningful to
    me as it is to her.
        I wholeheartedly believe in the idea of service above self;
    that is, to serve my country and be part of something far
    greater than me. With that sense of mission, I am here today to
    share with you my commitment to advance agency priorities,
    focusing on ensuring that the Peace Corps remains the premiere
    volunteer program in the United States, while at the same time
    continuing to improve the application experience and mechanisms
    to promote the health, safety, and security of Americans
    representing our country in the communities throughout the
    world where Peace Corps volunteers are serving.
        I am confident my years of experience with other Federal
    agencies, including USAID, will transfer to Peace Corps'
    environment and, if confirmed, those experiences will inform
    and guide my recommendations to complement Director Olsen's
    priorities, including strengthening the country portfolio
    review process. If implemented properly, this process can
    ensure that the Peace Corps is preparing volunteers to serve in
    partner countries who share the same vision of maximizing the
    impact of projects that can be completed with finite resources.
        Coupled with the passion of volunteers, Peace Corps
    programs are designed to assist communities who are working
    hard to improve their economic opportunities. As you know, this
    approach has been a core mission of Peace Corps since its
    inception and it ensures that taxpayer dollars are used wisely
    in countries that have solidified their commitment by entering
    into a bilateral country agreement with the agency to guide
    expectations of our cooperation.
        Equally important, I am committed to advancing procedures
    that have been established by subject-matter experts to
    continue assessing the training and service delivery systems
    that are responsible for the health, safety, and security of
    all volunteers. As a parent of a return Peace Corps volunteer,
    I have experienced firsthand the inspiring work a healthy and
    safe volunteer can accomplish when he or she is properly
    trained and supported.
        If confirmed, I look forward to supporting current and
    future Peace Corps volunteers in the same manner Peace Corps
    professionals supported my daughter during her pre-departure
    and field service over 10 years ago. This includes working
    closely with experts and country directors to reduce risks
    volunteers face every day, including a professional and
    compassionate response to sexual assaults and other crimes when
    they occur.
        I want families to know that, if confirmed, I will work
    diligently to ensure Peace Corps provides the best response and
    assistance in case their loved ones experience a crime during
    their service. That I have a vested interest in.
        In closing, I want to thank your staff, who have been very
    courteous to me, as well as Peace Corps staffers who have
    helped me prepare for today's hearing.
        Chairman Young, Ranking Member Merkley, thank you for the
    opportunity to appear before you today. I look forward to your
    questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Swendiman follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of Alan Robert Swendiman

        Chairman Young and other distinguished members of the committee, it
    is an honor to appear before you today as the President's nominee to
    serve as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps.
        I appreciate the President's confidence in me, and Director Olsen's
    support to join her team of dedicated individuals working toward
    building stronger partnerships around the world.
        In addition, I would like to recognize my family. I am well aware
    that my public service career has been possible because of the
    unconditional support my wife Kathy, daughter Shelley, and son Robert,
    have provided over the years.
        The Peace Corps is as important and relevant as ever. It represents
    the face of this nation. Volunteers build positive perceptions of this
    country in the minds and hearts of the people served throughout the
    world. And the impact of Peace Corps volunteers goes far beyond their
    time in service.
        I have witnessed this when I visited my daughter, Shelley, who was
    a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine. She worked alongside her Ukrainian
    teacher counterparts to inspire the next generation of students to
    build and improve their English proficiency. Some of her now former
    students still reach out to her today. After she returned to the United
    States, Shelley continued her public service. She currently works at
    the Department of Labor--Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor & Human
    Trafficking--overseeing grants made by this nation to foreign countries
    to stem the tide of child and forced labor.
        Public service is important and meaningful to me, as it is to her.
        I wholeheartedly believe in the idea of service above self, that
    is, to serve my country and be part of something far greater than
    myself. With that sense of mission, I am here today to share with you
    my commitment to advance agency priorities focusing on ensuring that
    the Peace Corps remains the premiere Volunteer program in the United
    States, while at the same time continuing to improve the application
    experience and mechanisms to promote the health, safety and security of
    Americans representing our country in the communities throughout the
    world where Peace Corps Volunteers are serving.
        I am confident my years of experience with other federal agencies,
    including USAID, will transfer to Peace Corps' environment and, if
    confirmed, those experiences will guide my recommendations to
    complement Director's Olsen priorities, including strengthening the
    country portfolio review process.
        If implemented properly, this process can ensure that the Peace
    Corps is preparing Volunteers to serve in partner countries who share
    the same vision of maximizing the impact of projects that can be
    completed with finite resources.
        Coupled with the passion of Volunteers, Peace Corps programs are
    designed to assist communities who are working hard to improve their
    economic opportunities. As you know, this approach has been a core
    mission of Peace Corps since its inception and it ensures that taxpayer
    dollars are used wisely in countries that have solidified their
    commitment by entering into a bilateral country agreement with the
    agency to guide expectations of our cooperation.
        Equally important, I am committed to advancing procedures that have
    been established by subject matter experts to continue assessing the
    training and service delivery systems that are responsible for the
    health, safety, and security of all Volunteers. As a parent of a Return
    Peace Corps Volunteer, I have experienced first-hand the inspiring work
    a healthy and safe Volunteer can accomplish when he or she is properly
    trained and supported.
        If confirmed, I look forward to supporting current and future Peace
    Corps Volunteers in the same manner Peace Corps professionals supported
    my daughter during her pre-departure and field service ten years ago.
    This includes working closely with experts and country directors to
    reduce risks Volunteers face every day, including a professional and
    compassionate response to sexual assaults and crimes when they occur.
        I want families to know that, if confirmed, I will work diligently
    to ensure Peace Corps provides the best response and assistance in case
    their loved ones experience a crime during their service. I have a
    vested interest.
        In closing, I also want to thank your staff and Peace Corps
    staffers who helped me prepare for today's hearing.
        Chairman Young and other distinguished Members of the committee;
    again, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today.
        I look forward to your questions.

        Senator Young. Well, gentlemen, thank you for your
    thoughtful opening statements. Since I spent a lot of time in
    the Marine Corps when I was in Virginia, I am infused with the
    spirit of allowing my troops to eat first, which is an ethic of
    the Marines. So I will defer my questioning to a bit later. I
    am going to allow Senator Merkley to proceed with his
    questioning, Senator Kaine, and we may have some other members
    come in and out in the meanwhile. Thank you.
        Senator Merkley. Mr. Swendiman, the Peace Corps strategic
    plan does not set out currently a vision for how many Peace
    Corps volunteers there will be. Will you advocate for an
    expansion of the Peace Corps programs? And if so, what do you
    see it possibly expanding into?
        Mr. Swendiman. The agency, Senator, has this country
    portfolio review process, and in utilizing that process, which
    is data driven, it seeks to determine where best to place Peace
    Corps volunteers. As we know, Congress authorizes and
    appropriates funds for the agency. And so with those funds it
    will utilize that process as to where Peace Corps volunteers
    should serve.
        As you know, I am not on staff currently, so I have not
    been briefed specifically on where the Peace Corps is looking
    at expanding. I do know and am aware that Sri Lanka is a
    country that is on the list and on the table.
        Senator Merkley. Thank you. After you are on board, you can
    whisper and----
        Mr. Swendiman. And I will be glad, Senator, to get back to
    you or your staff.
        Senator Merkley. Thank you.
        Mr. Eberhardt, Saudi Arabia is seeking to acquire more
    nuclear reactors, and the U.S. is engaged in a conversation
    about the 123 standard, the gold standard. Do you feel we
    should not do any sales if Saudi Arabia will not agree to the
    gold standard?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Thank you, Senator. I know those
    negotiations have been going on for several years now. Those
    negotiations are not an issue that falls within my normal day-
    to-day work. I do believe the standard, the so-called gold
    standard, is something that we should always strive to achieve.
    I know that the Under Secretary shares that view, that we
    should always strive toward the highest nonproliferation
    standards possible in the negotiation of 123 agreements. How
    the negotiation with Saudi Arabia eventually comes out remains
    to be seen, but I absolutely agree that we should strive for
    that standard in a 123 agreement.
        Senator Merkley. But I think we should do more than strive,
    because if we make the sales without the gold standard, it is a
    whole lot of trouble ahead. And also, in terms of the
    additional protocol of the NPT, if Saudi Arabia is not willing
    to sign on to it, especially in the context of our dialogue to
    restrain and/or eliminate nuclear programs in Iran, if we give
    a bigger leash to Saudi Arabia, it is going to be very, very
    hard to maintain some higher standard for Iran.
        Do you support the development of the low-yield sea-
    launched cruise missile, and is that consistent with Article 6
    of the NPT?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Senator, I know that the Department of
    Defense is looking at several options coming out of the Nuclear
    Posture Review and where we are with the INF treaty with
    Russia. Regardless of how that comes out, I think even with the
    decision to move forward in that program, we are still in good
    stead with Article 6 of the NPT. Article 6 requires good-faith
    negotiations towards cessation of the nuclear arms race,
    eventually a nuclear free world, and of course general and
    complete disarmament. The United States record on Article 6 is
    extraordinarily strong. As I mentioned in my opening remarks,
    we reduced our arsenal by 88 percent from our Cold War high. We
    continue to reduce the number----
        Senator Merkley. My time is real short, so I am going to
    cut you off there, but thank you.
        How about the new START Treaty, if we fail to extend it? Or
    do you have an opinion, a strong opinion at this point on
    whether we should extend it or not?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Senator, I know that there is an ongoing
    review of whether or not we should extend the new START Treaty.
    There are a lot of factors that are being looked at, both the
    gains that we get from the inspection regime to the issue of
    dealing with Russia when they are cheating on treaties. So
    there are a lot of competing factors on both sides that I think
    all need to be weighed carefully before we make a final
    decision on extension of the new START Treaty.
        Senator Merkley. Governor Gilmore, I have been somewhat
    frustrated by the U.S. leadership on human rights the last
    couple of years. Burma conducted a massive, massive ethnic
    cleansing campaign against a Muslim minority, and our President
    has not ever said one word of condemnation. We have had other
    members of the Administration who have said a few words
    occasionally in a few places.
        The Philippines engaged in very, very significant
    extrajudicial slaughter of thousands of young men. We have not
    taken a clear stand.
        These things are not under your purview perhaps in the
    position you would take, but they are very related. Is it not
    important for the U.S. to take a strong stand on human rights
    throughout the world?
        Mr. Gilmore. It is, Senator. I can assure you that as the
    permanent representative to the OSCE, I will be taking a strong
    stand on human rights. We are observing the abuse of people in
    Crimea, occupied Crimea. One fellow has already been arrested
    and sent to an Arctic gulag. He should be returned immediately.
    He should be released immediately.
        We are seeing an opportunity to inject human rights and
    calm down some of the ethnic tensions that we see in the
    Balkans, particularly the Balkan countries and the challenges
    that they are facing there. The Russians have not only been
    imposing violations of human rights through Europe and within
    their areas but even within their own country.
        The OSCE is the premier organization that casts a standard
    on human rights. As the permanent representative, you can be
    sure I will be vigorous in these matters.
        Senator Merkley. Thank you, I appreciate that, and I do
    feel that our voice will be much more influential if we pay
    attention to human rights in places we have not been paying
    attention to it in the last couple of years. Thank you.
        Senator Young. Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thanks for the
    indulgence to allow us to go.
        Mr. Swendiman, you were giving congratulations about UVA.
    There are four UVA grads in the United States Senate, but
    neither of the Virginia senators had the talent and/or judgment
    to get a degree from the University of Virginia. So Governor
    Gilmore can accept congratulations, and Roxanne can, who has a
    UVA degree, and Jay also has a UVA degree and can take
    congratulations, but the Virginia senators sadly were lacking,
    at least at that point in their life. We have tried to
    compensate for it in years since.
        Governor Gilmore, I want to ask you, OSCE plays an
    important role in a fairly challenging time in Europe. There
    are 29 nations in the EU right now, but the EU challenges,
    especially with Brexit still being so much up in the air, have
    sort of paralyzed some European politics for the last few
    years.
        There are 29 nations in NATO in the North Atlantic. The
    OSCE is much larger, as your testimony points out, 57 nations.
    So, many that are not members of the EU or that are not members
    of NATO nevertheless have come together under the OSCE banner.
        Talk a little bit about how you would attempt, should you
    be confirmed, to use the breadth of the coalition to promote
    some stability and unity in what seems, at least from this side
    of the Atlantic, to be a pretty difficult time right now.
        Mr. Gilmore. Senator Kaine, the advantage of OSCE is its
    size, and it contains not just merely our allies and
    traditional friends but also people that are just emerging out
    of authoritarian regimes and people who are still developing.
    It not only handles Europe, but it also goes into Central Asia,
    many of the former Soviet republics that are independent now
    but somewhat authoritarian that benefit from OSCE and are
    asking for help from the OSCE.
        In addition to that, the organization has offices
    throughout many of its member countries, particularly in the
    Balkans, but in other places. There is American leadership
    heading those offices in Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia and
    Herzegovina.
        There are systems that have been put into place to deal
    with some of the thornier problems. Chechnya, for example,
    there is a Moscow mission mechanism to send OSCE people to
    investigate into the human rights violations there.
        There are problems with Georgia and the other countries
    that are there.
        The point is this, that even with Moldavia, there is a 5.2
    process where America plays a significant role. The reason I am
    saying these things is because the OSCE is working very hard to
    have processes in place to advance the interests of human
    rights but also national security, mostly in Europe and beyond,
    and that favors, of course, the United States.
        Maybe the most important thing is the special monitoring
    mission to Ukraine. As an ongoing conflict, an American was
    killed there last year. As a matter of fact, his name is Joseph
    Stone. The anniversary of his death is coming up. There are
    over a thousand people in place at the special monitoring
    mission in the Ukraine. So this is a serious opportunity to
    have eyes and ears on the ground. OSCE gives the opportunity to
    cast a light on what is going on throughout Europe and
    throughout these conflicts, and in that way to advance the
    interests of peace and security.
        Senator Kaine. I appreciate that answer.
        I want to ask you, Mr. Eberhardt, to follow up on something
    that Senator Merkley was asking you about. He was talking about
    nuclear proliferation issues in the Middle East, and you
    addressed those in your testimony as well. Just a quote from
    your written testimony, which you did also present orally here.
    ``There is also the longstanding problem of how to advance
    toward a Middle East weapons of mass destruction freeze zone,''
    an issue that dates to the Treaty's indefinite extension in
    1995.
        Some of the issues that we might deal with in terms of
    weapons of mass distraction in the Middle East will be in your
    portfolio. Some might not, but I gather what you would want us
    to do as members of the Foreign Relations Committee--I am also
    on the Armed Services Committee--is to be very focused on this
    issue. Anything dealing with nuclear proliferation or
    proliferation of missile programs in the Middle East are things
    that we need to take very seriously because, obviously, if we
    can have that part of the world be weapons of mass destruction
    free, that would be a huge weight off not only our shoulders
    but the shoulders of the entire world from a security
    standpoint. Would you not agree?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Thank you, Senator. I would. In NPT circles,
    this issue has been around for many years, and all too often it
    has tried to be cast in terms of Israel needs to join the NPT.
        There are a range of issues that are in the way of a Middle
    East weapons of mass destruction free zone, Syria's joining and
    then violating the CWC, its use of chemical weapons against its
    own people, what Iran is doing with its missile program, what
    Iran is--potentially with its breakout capability, what it can
    do with its nuclear program.
        Now, the President made a decision that the JCPOA was
    defective in that it did not take a complete approach to the
    problem of Iran and the Middle East, and that is what we are
    about now. We need to look at the full range of problems that
    are in the Middle East today, and only then, by addressing
    these problems, can you actually start to have a conversation
    about a weapons of mass destruction free zone. But that is
    going to take the participation of all states in the region
    taking a clear-eyed look at all the problems in the region and
    then working collectively to solve them.
        Senator Kaine. You would agree with me, though, as I
    conclude, you mentioned Iran, Syria, Israel just by name, but
    we ought to be concerned about any nation in the Middle East
    that is expanding a missile program or any nation that is
    expanding a nuclear program. All of those things need to be
    carefully, carefully monitored by Congress; would you not
    agree?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Yes, Senator, I would.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Senator Young. Mr. Eberhardt, in my opening statement, I
    referenced some of the significant headwinds to our
    nonproliferation efforts around the globe. If you just look at
    a map--I mean, Iran, North Korea, Russia, Pakistan, India,
    there are questions about China from many. So with respect to
    nonproliferation, is there a particular country or region that
    we should really be most focused on right now? I know the
    recent news has certainly had a number of us on tenterhooks
    with respect to India and Pakistan. But what do you consider
    the region of greatest concern to you as you consider stepping
    into this position that you have been nominated for?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Thank you, Senator. That is a difficult
    question. Judging between the problem of North Korea's nuclear
    program and the path that Iran is potentially on, both are
    extremely difficult challenges that need to be addressed, and
    they require different tools to address them.
        But if there is one thing in common, it is going to require
    collective activity on the part of the broader international
    community. I do not believe the United States can solve the
    North Korean problem alone. I do not think we can solve the
    Iran problem alone. We can lead in the solution to those
    problems by bringing pressure to bear on both of those regimes
    to end the nuclear program in North Korea and ensure that Iran
    never acquires a nuclear weapon.
        Senator Young. So by way of follow-up, what do you consider
    the most effective international organization or multilateral
    organization to deal with the threat of nonproliferation? We
    have had challenges in the Security Council, of course. So how
    do we combat proliferation?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Senator, I think we need to use all the
    tools in the toolbox. There are times when the U.N. can be of
    use. There are times when agencies such as the International
    Atomic Energy Agency can be useful. There are times when a
    group of nations working with the leadership of the United
    States can be the most effective tool. So I would not point to
    any one tool that is sort of the key to the solution of the
    problem. I think you need to look at each problem on its own
    basis and then craft a strategy to deal with it.
        Senator Young. Some have expressed concerns about a
    continuing qualitative and quantitative improvement in Chinese,
    Indian, and Pakistani nuclear arsenals that might destabilize
    the strategic relationship among those three countries, and in
    recent days we have had this standoff between India and
    Pakistan continue even though it seems the risk of conflict has
    diminished. It is obviously a significant concern if tensions
    were to again rise between nuclear powers. So if confirmed,
    what policies would you continue or would you initiate to
    increase strategic stability among these three countries?
        Mr. Eberhardt. Thank you, Senator. So, within the realm of
    the responsibility of the office that I would have, if
    confirmed, I think focusing on the nuclear issues is going to
    be key. I think one of the initiatives that we have tried to
    press is to expand the group of countries that have declared a
    moratorium on the production of fissile material. Four of the
    five of the P5 have done so. China, notably amongst the P5, has
    not, and of course neither have India and Pakistan. There have
    been efforts over the years to negotiate a treaty that would
    ban the production of fissile material for use in nuclear
    weapons. Those efforts have failed largely due to the
    opposition of both China and Pakistan, but there may be an
    interim step where you can get them to at least join the
    broader community in halting the production of fissile
    material.
        I do think we also need to look at how we have a
    conversation that includes India and Pakistan. Too often in NPT
    circles, they look at the world through only NPT states'
    parties and talk about a world free of nuclear weapons as if
    you could do so only with NPT state parties. Well, of course,
    one does need to deal with India and Pakistan if one imagines
    the achievement of such a world, so we do need to find a way to
    engage with them in appropriate fora to bring them into the
    conversation to talk about how responsible nuclear powers act,
    most notably by halting arms racing and beginning to look at
    how you can bring your numbers down.
        Senator Young. Thank you.
        Mr. Gilmore, I want to note something that my colleague,
    Senator Kaine, also mentioned. There is some overlapping
    membership between different entities, the NATO and EU, United
    Nations I would add, and OSCE. You mentioned as I think a
    unique value proposition of OSCE as you have dozens more
    members. Sixty-seven, I believe, is the number. Fifty-seven.
    All right. And then you also mentioned security and rule of law
    being points of emphasis, and then human rights really looms
    largest.
        How would you characterize the future of the OSCE? Will
    that really be the distinguishing factor and the defining facet
    of its mission as compared to these other entities, human
    rights?
        Mr. Gilmore. Senator, I think that the OSCE, because it is
    so broad-based and it has everybody in it, really transatlantic
    and all the way into central Asia, it is a wonderful
    opportunity to communicate and to advocate and to pursue
    American national interests, as well as the interests of our
    allies in a broad-based way.
        If you look at the higher profile of the multilateral
    organizations, the European Union is a basic economic type of
    organization seeking to try to emerge as some kind of nation,
    but it does not include a lot of people that are in the OSCE,
    all the way into Asia.
        NATO is our allies, and they are, of course, on a potential
    confrontation mode militarily. The OSCE is an opportunity to
    get out here and talk about all these other issues, issues of
    anti-Semitism, the ideas of religious freedom, which, by the
    way, members of Congress have been very forthright in leading
    on those kinds of issues, as well as security issues. It is the
    OSCE that deals with the Vienna document that talks about the
    transparency of the conventional forces in Europe and the
    challenges that are being faced with that right now.
        But Open Skies, which is ongoing right now, these
    confidence-building measures to prevent war. And then, of
    course, the third basket is the economic basket, as well.
        So there are a lot of different--it is a broader-based
    agenda than you see in most of the other multilateral
    organizations, and the American mission there punches above its
    weight. Considering the contributions financially that are
    given to OSCE from the United States, and especially to the
    American mission, it does an awful lot and deals with an awful
    lot of issues that are matters of war and peace. And that is
    why, if confirmed, I will try to pursue all these multi-areas,
    together with the mission at my command.
        Senator Young. You mentioned the multifaceted missions--
    anti-Semitism, religious freedom, Open Skies, conflict
    prevention--being some of the current issues. Do you foresee
    challenges for the organization moving forward? And if so, how
    would you characterize those challenges?
        Mr. Gilmore. I think that the countries that are in this
    organization perceive the value of it, and they understand how
    valuable it is to be a part of this. Even the Russians are
    trying to use the organization to their advantage. It is up to
    us to make sure that they cannot misuse the OSCE.
        The other countries--for example, Uzbekistan has now said
    that they want to work with the OSCE to begin to promote
    democratic values. You are not going to see that in conjunction
    with the other organizations to which you are referring.
        You have asked me a direct question, what is the future of
    the OSCE. I believe with senatorial and congressional support
    in support of the Secretary and the President, that this
    organization can be a central organization for the advancement
    not only of American interests but of multilateral interests,
    and will be, I believe. I believe there is confidence of the
    members in the organization going forward.
        Senator Young. Thank you, sir.
        Mr. Swendiman, as you know, in the 1961 Peace Corps Act,
    the Peace Corps was established as both a development
    organization to help meet the needs for trained manpower in the
    poorest areas of countries, and as a public diplomacy
    organization to help promote a better understanding of the
    American people.
        How would you assess the job the Peace Corps is doing as a
    development organization today?
        Mr. Swendiman. Senator, that is a very good question. I
    think the fact that Peace Corps has continued these many
    years--we are now 57 years, 58 years in existence--demonstrates
    its effectiveness. I think the fact that Peace Corps has sought
    to, in its country portfolio review process, to demonstrate and
    to assess its effectiveness using evidence-based data has shown
    that they have been effective. The personal stories that are
    received that come back to the agency about what the volunteers
    have done, the fact that a number of the projects that were
    started by volunteers still continue in existence when very
    easily they could have terminated, I think demonstrates the
    effectiveness of Peace Corps.
        And the fact that, although I cannot tell you specifically
    because I have not been briefed on everything, but that there
    are some countries that made a request to Peace Corps and, as
    you know, Senator, that is what starts a process--in other
    words, the country has to request that Peace Corps has the
    first step before the following process goes, the Peace Corps
    does not simply impose the fact that they want to be there, the
    country wants to have them there, I think demonstrates the
    effectiveness of the Peace Corps and the desire to have the
    Peace Corps present.
        Senator Young. Very good. I appreciate the response. And
    with respect to the evidence-based policies that they attempt
    to implement and iteratively improve, should you be confirmed,
    I look forward to working with you on seeing how we might
    enhance those moving forward.
        I thought you quite appropriately, Mr. Swendiman, discussed
    at some length the safety of volunteers, your concern about the
    safety of volunteers. I know there are a number of Hoosiers who
    I encounter who were either former Peace Corps volunteers or
    are looking to join the Peace Corps. We had a number of them
    that joined from Indiana University. We want our volunteers to
    be safe.
        In your view, what are some of the most important and
    effective steps taken by the Peace Corps in recent years to
    enhance the safety of volunteers?
        Mr. Swendiman. I think, Senator, there have been a number
    of steps with regard to that. First of all, as you pointed out,
    the health, safety, and security of the volunteers is the
    number-one priority of the agency. Through the Kate Puzey Act,
    which the agency implemented, policies in terms of sexual
    assault, for example, have been implemented. Training of the
    volunteers has been implemented. There is an Office of Victim
    Advocacy that has been established. There has been the sexual
    assault risk reduction liaisons that have been provided with
    regard to those that are subject to sexual assault.
        So the agency has done this, and what is interesting that
    has come back to me is that the Peace Corps is now becoming the
    gold standard with regard to the issue of sexual assault. There
    are other agencies that are looking to Peace Corps in terms of
    what they do.
        Now, the key thing for Peace Corps will be continuing to
    monitor and evaluate its policies, its training, its programs
    in that regard. It is much like our first responders or our men
    and women who serve in uniform, our diplomats abroad. It is
    constantly looking at what we are doing and vowing to make sure
    that we are effective and efficient.
        Senator Young. Thank you for that fulsome response. I am
    impressed by the many successes ongoing in the Peace Corps on
    that front.
        Currently, the Peace Corps has a presence in 65 countries.
    In the last decade, more than 20 countries have asked for a
    Peace Corps program to be established. You did indicate early
    on that you did not have eyeballs on that list of requested
    countries, if I recall, sir. Sri Lanka is one that you think
    may be on the list, you speculated.
        But can you give me some sense--and I think you also
    indicated you do not have committed to memory or access to the
    specific criteria for establishing a new program; is that
    correct? Or can you speak to that?
        Mr. Swendiman. Well, I think I can give you, Mr. Chairman,
    generally.
        Senator Young. Please.
        Mr. Swendiman. I mentioned, first of all, that the country,
    as you pointed out, has to request. After that, the Peace Corps
    has to assess a number of factors, approximately six, with
    regard to the feasibility of Peace Corps volunteers. They look
    at safety. They look at health. They look at effectiveness in
    terms of what is the need that the country is expressing. So,
    there are factors.
        Now, in the country portfolio review process, as I
    understand it, the process involves about 133 or so indicators.
    And the reason why they have gone to, as I understand it, have
    gone to evidence-based, first of all, people are looking, such
    as yourself, members of Congress are looking for evidence-based
    decisions. But they are looking at--the reason why it was
    implemented, among other things, was consistency, transparency,
    maintaining that there is no favoritism with regard to that.
        And by looking at a number of factors, Peace Corps is able
    to look at where is the best place for Peace Corps volunteers
    to be, and what country, if requested, can they work with in
    terms of the resources that are provided to Peace Corps.
        Senator Young. Relatedly and lastly, perhaps you could
    explain what the process is to close an existing program, if
    any.
        Mr. Swendiman. Well, I think, again, I am going to have to
    pause a moment, Mr. Chairman, because, as mentioned previously,
    I am not on staff, so I do not work intimately with the agency
    and with the people who make those decisions, and cannot be
    briefed.
        Senator Young. I understand. If confirmed----
        Mr. Swendiman. But if confirmed, I certainly would get back
    to you as to that. But I believe that the country review
    process, the portfolio review process is part of that.
    Certainly, there are external factors that are going to come
    into play with anything. For example, in terms of threats and
    the like, and under the law, current statute, the agency has to
    notify Congress in terms of opening, closing, suspending
    programs in a particular country.
        Senator Young. But I imagine there would be guideposts or
    different factors we follow.
        Mr. Swendiman. Correct.
        Senator Young. But, of course, this is an instrument of
    diplomacy, so we do need to consider external factors.
        Mr. Swendiman. Correct.
        Senator Young. Yes, sir.
        Well, that is all I have in terms of questioning, and I do
    not see any other members around waiting to ask questions, so
    congratulations to each of you for surviving this part of the
    process.
        Thank you again to all of our nominees for providing us
    with the benefit of your testimony earlier, your presence here
    today, and for bringing your family members along, as well.
        For the information of members who may be watching these
    proceedings, the record will remain open until the close of
    business on Thursday, including for members to submit questions
    for the record.
        Thanks again to members of this committee, our nominees and
    their families.
        This hearing is now adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 4:05 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

          Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
               to Jeffrey L. Eberhardt by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights?

        Answer. I believe my greatest contribution to promoting human
    rights and democracy was my twenty-three years of service in the United
    States Army. That service included postings in West Germany from 1983
    to 1990, witnessing the fall of the Soviet Union from my post on what
    was the Inner-German Border. Later, I deployed to the Persian Gulf for
    Operations Desert Thunder II and Desert Fox.

        Question. What has been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I had the privilege of leading and mentoring the finest men
    and women of our nation, and many of them continue to serve our nation
    in positions of leadership today.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations, to the
    extent the issues they raise have a bearing on your duties?

        Answer. Yes. In the course of my current duties, including dealing
    with issues related to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear
    Weapons, two Nuclear Posture Reviews, and other issues of concern to
    Civil Society, I have frequently met with such groups to hear their
    concerns and explain U.S. policies. If confirmed, I will continue to do
    so.

        Question. Will you advocate for access and inclusivity for women
    and minorities?

        Answer. Yes. Throughout my career, both military and civil, I have
    supported access and inclusivity for women and minorities. If
    confirmed, I will continue to do so.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will continue to defend the human
    rights and dignity of all people, no matter their sexual orientation or
    gender identity.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes. As both a career military officer and career civil
    servant, I fully believe that any targeting of, or retaliation against,
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?
        Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or allegation
    of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace or any
    other setting?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will strive to set the example in fostering
    an environment that is diverse and inclusive. That will of course
    include making clear that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated. In doing so, I
    will apply the leadership lessons I learned in my twenty-three years in
    the Army.I have not received any formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against me, in a workplace
    or any other setting. I take issues of sexual harassment,
    discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and
    inappropriate conduct very seriously. I do not tolerate any types of
    behavior that could be considered discriminatory. I would be happy to
    meet with you to discuss these important issues further and my belief
    that everyone should be treated with respect and fairness.

        Question. If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or
    allegation, your response, and any resolution, including any
    settlements.

        Answer. Not applicable.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority?

        Answer. I am committed to ensuring that harassment, discrimination,
    and inappropriate conduct are not tolerated and any allegations are
    handled appropriately. I have, over the course of both my military
    career and my service in the State Department, had to deal with issues
    of inappropriate conduct by individuals under my command/supervision.

        Question. If so, please describe the outcome and actions taken.

        Answer. In every case, I took the appropriate counseling and/or
    disciplinary steps in accordance with Army/Department policies.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I believe my greatest contribution to promoting human
    rights and democracy was my twenty-three years of service in the United
    States Army. That service included postings in West Germany from 1983
    to 1990, witnessing the fall of the Soviet Union from my post on what
    was the Inner-German Border. Later, I deployed to the Persian Gulf for
    Operations Desert Thunder II and Desert Fox.
        I had the privilege of leading the finest men and women of our
    nation, and many of them continue to serve our nation in positions of
    leadership today.

        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. While the position to which I've been nominated does not
    include a staff, if confirmed, I will seek to have diverse
    representation on all delegations I am assigned to lead. As Head of
    Delegation, I will strive to mentor all with whom I work in order to
    build the next generation of arms control specialists.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to Jeffrey L. Eberhardt by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. While the position to which I've been nominated does not
    include a staff, if confirmed, I will strive to set the example for
    other senior leaders in fostering an environment that is diverse and
    inclusive for all delegations I lead. In doing so, I will apply the
    leadership lessons I learned in my twenty-three years in the Army, one
    of the most diverse organizations in the country.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Is the bargain of the NPT still relevant over fifty years
    later? How do you assess the effectiveness of the treaty for U.S.
    nonproliferation policy?

        Answer. Yes, the NPT is just as relevant now as it was fifty years
    ago. The NPT has provided the essential foundation for international
    efforts to stem the looming threat--then and now--that nuclear weapons
    would spread across the planet. It remains the accepted international
    basis for responses to efforts by specific countries to acquire nuclear
    weapons. The success of the NPT has been a boon to U.S. national
    security and to the security of all nations.

        Question. What is your interpretation of the United States' nuclear
    disarmament obligations under the NPT, according to which, each of the
    states-parties ``undertakes to pursue negotiations in good faith on
    effective measures relating to cessation of the nuclear arms race at an
    early date and to nuclear disarmament, and on a treaty on general and
    complete disarmament under strict and effective international
    control''?

        Answer. Of the three obligations in NPT Article VI, the first--``to
    pursue negotiations in good faith on effective measures relating to the
    cessation of the nuclear arms race at an early date''--has essentially
    been achieved through the end and reversal of the Cold War nuclear arms
    race. The second--``to pursue negotiations in good faith on effective
    measures relating to nuclear disarmament''--has seen significant
    progress, including an 88 percent reduction in the U.S. nuclear
    stockpile since its Cold War peak. This, and the obligation--``to
    pursue negotiations . on a treaty on general and complete disarmament
    under strict and effective international control''--can only feasibly
    be addressed in the context of the overall security environment.

        Question. Describing the Trump administration's ``conditions-
    based'' approach to nuclear disarmament in a March 2018 speech,
    Christopher Ford, Assistant Secretary for International Security and
    Nonproliferation, argued that ``[w]e should thus not expect that any
    given articulation of `practical steps' needed for progress toward
    disarmament will necessarily remain valid over time.'' However, the NPT
    states-parties have adopted and reaffirmed practical steps toward
    nuclear disarmament in the past. What are the U.S. goals for the 2020
    Review Conference and the 2019 NPT Preparatory Committee meeting?

        Answer. We seek a positive outcome at the 2020 Review Conference
    that reflects broad-based consensus. We will emphasize that preventing
    the proliferation of nuclear weapons is a direct and fundamental
    benefit of the NPT to all its Parties, which also facilitates progress
    on nuclear disarmament and cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear
    energy. The central provisions of the NPT--nonproliferation,
    disarmament, and peaceful uses of nuclear energy--are shared interests
    of all NPT Parties, not competing priorities. The NPT's 50th
    anniversary provides an opportunity for all NPT Parties to reaffirm
    their commitment to the NPT, reflect on how much has been accomplished
    to achieve its goals, and rededicate ourselves to those shared goals.

        Question. How might the dynamics of the Review Conference change in
    light of a potential slow-down in U.S.-Russian strategic arms control?
    Should the New START Treaty be extended?

        Answer. During the 50-year history of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation
    (NPT) Treaty there have been highs and lows in U.S.-Soviet and then
    U.S.-Russian bilateral strategic arms control, but that has not
    prevented our two governments from working with others toward common
    interests at prior NPT Review Conferences. If confirmed, I will work
    toward keeping that dynamic as much as possible for the 2020 Review
    Conference.
        The New START Treaty is scheduled to expire February 5, 2021, and
    the administration is reviewing whether to seek an extension of the
    Treaty with the Russian Federation. Central to that review is
    evaluating whether extension is in the U.S. national interest and how
    the Treaty's expiration would impact U.S. national security in the
    evolving security environment, including Russia's ongoing development
    of new strategic offensive arms and serial noncompliance with its arms
    control obligations, as well as China's continuing nuclear
    modernization.

        Question. How does the signing of the 2017 Treaty on the
    Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (the ``nuclear ban'' treaty) by 69
    states impact the NPT?

        Answer. The United States opposes the Treaty on the Prohibition of
    Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and argues against its ratification. No state
    possessing nuclear weapons supports the TPNW, and the treaty will not
    result in the elimination of a single nuclear weapon, nor will it
    enhance the security of any state. The TPNW risks reinforcing divisions
    in the existing nonproliferation and disarmament bodies that could
    hinder the ability of the United States to work with others to address
    the pressing proliferation and security challenges faced today.
        The United States understands and appreciates states' desires to
    make more and faster progress on nuclear disarmament. However, the TPNW
    does not take into account the international security challenges that
    continue to make nuclear deterrence necessary to preserve U.S. national
    security and to ensure the security of our allies and partners.

        Question. How should the United States ensure that current NPT non-
    nuclear weapon states will not pursue these weapons in the future?

        Answer. The NPT has been successful, and will continue to be
    successful, because NPT Parties recognize that it is in their mutual
    self-interest not to acquire nuclear weapons. The nuclear
    nonproliferation regime must adapt in response to past and emerging
    proliferation challenges. This includes strengthening IAEA safeguards
    through universal adherence to the Additional Protocol, which gives the
    IAEA additional tools to respond to clandestine nuclear programs.
    Beyond that, the international community needs to make clear that
    states must comply with their nonproliferation obligations, including
    their obligations under relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions.

        Question. Several prominent commissions have recently argued that
    the IAEA lacks adequate resources to execute its missions. How would
    you work to support the mission of the IAEA, particularly in the realm
    of verification and nuclear security?

        Answer. Although the IAEA would not be one of my direct
    responsibilities, it does play a critical role in implementation of the
    Non-Proliferation Treaty, which would be my primary responsibility if
    confirmed. The IAEA's regular budget has not kept pace with the
    steadily growing demands placed upon the Agency by Member States,
    leading to a growing gap between its activities and its limited
    resources. As Director General Amano said during his April 2 briefing
    to the U.N. ``The steady increase in the amount of nuclear material and
    the number of nuclear facilities under IAEA safeguards, and continuing
    pressure on our regular budget, are among the key challenges facing the
    Agency today.'' We continue to encourage the IAEA to make a strong case
    for itself in describing what activities may be omitted if the budget
    does not keep pace with the Agency's growing responsibilities. Because
    of constraints on the IAEA regular budget, the annual U.S. Voluntary
    Contribution provides us the necessary resources to support the
    critical missions of the IAEA across the board. The IAEA's nuclear
    security program is particularly reliant on voluntary contributions,
    and we will continue to press for greater funding through the regular
    budget within existing budget constraints. A strong IAEA is in U.S.
    national security interests, not only for its important verification
    role in safeguards, but also its work in nuclear safety and security,
    and in promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

        Question. What should the IAEA's role be in global efforts to
    secure nuclear and radiological materials? How should the United States
    support this?

        Answer. The IAEA is well-positioned to serve its unique role as a
    central coordinator for strengthening nuclear and radiological security
    globally. The IAEA develops guidance on nuclear security and provides
    advice, training, and other assistance to Member States to prevent,
    detect, and respond to nuclear security incidents. The IAEA can also
    play a direct role in funding or facilitating projects to secure high-
    risk nuclear and radiological materials and in promoting alternatives
    to those materials. The IAEA's nuclear security programs are a vital
    component in advancing U.S. goals and objectives in nuclear security,
    and we will continue to support these efforts through political,
    technical, and financial assistance.

        Question.  How should the United States balance the goals of
    increasing non-nuclear weapon states' access to the peaceful use of
    nuclear energy with the nonproliferation goals of preventing the
    further spread of weapons technology?

        Answer. The United States supports and commits to high
    nonproliferation standards in the export of nuclear material,
    equipment, and technology and encourages other supplier states to do
    the same. Exercising responsible supply policy through the application
    of export controls--and the insistence upon high nuclear safeguards
    standards in nuclear cooperation agreements, including the recipient
    state's conclusion of an IAEA Additional Protocol--facilitates
    legitimate trade and gives confidence that items and technologies
    transferred will be used as intended in peaceful applications.

        Question. Should the United States be promoting nuclear energy in
    new countries?

        Answer. The United States encourages all countries that are
    considering pursing a nuclear energy program to do so under the highest
    standards for safeguards, nuclear security, and nuclear safety.

        Question. As Special Representative, how would you advance efforts
    to develop multilateral efforts to prevent the spread of enrichment and
    reprocessing technologies?

        Answer. Within the context of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty
    Review Conference process, if confirmed, I would work to complement our
    efforts in the Nuclear Suppliers Group and elsewhere to maintain and
    strengthen international norms that limit the spread of enrichment and
    reprocessing technologies and international mechanisms that reduce the
    need for such capabilities.

        Question. The State Department leads negotiations on new (and
    renewed) civilian nuclear cooperation agreements (section 123
    agreements) with other countries. Will the Trump administration
    continue the past U.S. policy of encouraging states to pledge to
    refrain from building enrichment or reprocessing facilities as part of
    123 agreement negotiations?

        Answer. Negotiating 123 Agreements would not be one of my
    responsibilities, however, all 123 agreements include, at a minimum,
    the requirements listed in Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act, as
    amended. Beyond these requirements, the United States has a
    longstanding policy of limiting the spread of enrichment and
    reprocessing capabilities around the world and will continue to seek
    the highest nonproliferation standards possible in all future 123
    agreements, including restrictions on enrichment and reprocessing.

        Question. Should the United States conclude a nuclear cooperation
    agreement with Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. Although negotiating 123 Agreements would not be one of my
    responsibilities, I note that the United States has significant
    strategic, commercial, and nonproliferation incentives to conclude a
    123 agreement with Saudi Arabia. Bringing into force such an agreement
    would provide substantial economic opportunities for U.S. firms and
    ensure the Saudi nuclear power program is subject to the highest
    nonproliferation, safety, and security standards required by any
    nuclear supplier in the world. In the absence of a 123 agreement, U.S.
    firms will lose the opportunity to compete and will likely be replaced
    by state-owned enterprises from other countries with lower
    nonproliferation standards.

        Question. What conditions, if any, should apply to a 123 agreement
    with Saudi Arabia?

        Answer. Negotiating 123 Agreements would not be one of my
    responsibilities, however, all 123 agreements include, at a minimum,
    the legal requirements listed in Section 123 of the Atomic Energy Act,
    as amended. On their own, these requirements represent the strongest
    nonproliferation, safety, and security standards required by any
    nuclear supplier in the world. As Secretary Pompeo has reaffirmed, the
    administration will pursue the strongest nonproliferation standards
    that are achievable in all 123 agreement negotiations, including
    negotiations with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, United States policy is
    to encourage all states, particularly those with civil nuclear
    programs, to bring into force an Additional Protocol to their
    safeguards agreements with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

        Question. Assistant Secretary Christopher Ford stated in April 2018
    that the United States ``will continue to support the commencement of
    negotiations'' on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT). How would
    you propose to include the non-NPT nuclear weapons states (i.e., India,
    Pakistan, Israel) in such a treaty?Could such a treaty help address
    North Korean fissile material production?

        Answer. The United States supports the commencement of negotiations
    on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty in the Conference on Disarmament
    (CD). The CD's membership includes all states relevant to an FMCT,
    including India, Pakistan, and Israel.
        The United States seeks the final, fully verified denuclearization
    of the DPRK and its return to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of
    Nuclear Weapons and IAEA safeguards. Simply obtaining the DPRK's
    adherence to an FMCT would fall short of this goal.

        Question. Should an FMCT verification regime apply to pre-existing
    fissile material stocks or just to the future production of weapons-
    applicable nuclear material?

        Answer. The United States supports the commencement of negotiations
    on a Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT) that bans the production of
    fissile material for use in nuclear weapons. The verification regime
    should therefore be focused on this basic obligation, which is future
    production. The long-standing U.S. position is that we do not support
    including legal obligations on pre-existing stocks of fissile material
    in an FMCT.

        Question.  Following its May 2018 decision to cease implementing
    U.S. commitments under the 2015 JCPOA, the administration has
    consistently attempted to build international support for U.S. efforts
    to pressure Iran. The other powers that negotiated the accord with
    Iran-Russia, China, France, Britain, and Germany-assert that the JCPOA
    is succeeding in its core objectives and that its implementation should
    not be jeopardized. On February 14, at an international conference in
    Warsaw, Poland, Secretary of State Pompeo denounced the EU's creation
    of a Special-Purpose Vehicle (SPV), designated to facilitate trade with
    Iran, calling it ``an effort to break American sanctions against Iran's
    murderous revolutionary regime. It's an ill-advised step that will only
    strengthen Iran, weaken the EU, and create still more distance between
    Europe and the United States.'' What are the prospects for Iran and the
    other parties to succeed in implementing the JCPOA without U.S.
    participation?

        Answer. President Trump ended U.S. participation in the JCPOA
    because it failed to permanently deny Iran a pathway to a nuclear
    weapon and did not address the full range of threats posed by Iran's
    destabilizing activities. The President did not believe it was in our
    national security interests to continue to provide sanctions relief to
    the Iranian regime while its threats continued to grow. The
    administration is now working with our international partners to bring
    maximum pressure on Iran to achieve a new deal that comprehensively
    addresses the full range of threats posed by Iran--including its
    support to terrorism, destabilizing regional activities, its
    development and proliferation of ballistic missiles, and its nuclear
    program.

        Question. How likely is it that the United States will be able to
    compel other parties to the JCPOA to re-impose all sanctions that were
    lifted?

        Answer. The Trump administration has imposed the toughest sanctions
    ever on the Iranian regime, including designating over 970 Iranian
    entities and individuals. While we differ with our European allies on
    the nuclear deal, we share a common assessment of the threat posed by
    Iran and have been successful in convincing other partners to join the
    pressure campaign.
        All U.N. Member States continue to be bound by the provisions of
    UNSCR 2231 that place restrictions on transfers of certain nuclear,
    missile, and conventional arms-related items to/from Iran. The United
    States is working to strictly implement these provisions, as well as
    the asset freeze and travel ban provisions on the entities and
    individuals that continue to be subject to U.N. sanctions.

        Question. How do you recommend the Trump administration proceed
    moving forward?

        Answer. As President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have made clear,
    the United States is committed to working with our partners to bring
    maximum pressure on Iran to achieve a new deal that addresses the full
    range of threats posed by Iran--including its destabilizing regional
    activities, its development and proliferation of ballistic missiles,
    and its nuclear program. We are offering Iran the possibility of full
    normalization of relations with the international community. However,
    to achieve that goal, Iran must be willing to operate like a normal
    country, change its malign behavior, and take lasting steps to
    demonstrate that its nuclear program will forever remain exclusively
    peaceful.

        Question. How do you view the importance of the NPT, Comprehensive
    Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and IAEA verification in any
    denuclearization agreement with North Korea?

        Answer. Ideally, a fully denuclearized North Korea will eventually
    return to the NPT as a non-nuclear weapons state. A robust IAEA
    verification regime would almost certainly be a part of this process.
    The International Monitoring System of the CTBT Organization
    Preparatory Commission's Provisional Technical Secretariat has proven
    its value in monitoring North Korean nuclear testing and its current
    moratorium.

        Question. Would you have an advisory role in these negotiations and
    how would you advocate bringing North Korea into compliance with the
    international nonproliferation regime?

        Answer. Special Representative for North Korea Steve Biegun leads
    our negotiations. I am prepared to play whatever constructive role the
    administration sees fit for me to play, including advising in these
    negotiations when appropriate and helpful to the denuclearization
    process. In such a role, bringing North Korea into compliance with the
    international nonproliferation regime would be my top priority in order
    to ensure that through this process the international nonproliferation
    regime is strengthened and that in the future the denuclearization of
    North Korea can provide a useful example should another country be in a
    similar position.

        Question. What are the best options for the U.S. and our partners
    to bring these programs to an end and create a nuclear weapons free
    Korean Peninsula?

        Answer. We continue to work towards a comprehensive agreement with
    the DPRK, and towards its final, fully verified denuclearization. The
    President remains confident that, despite challenges, Chairman Kim
    understands that only an agreement to fully denuclearize will bring
    true security for the North Korean People. We are committed to pursuing
    this path.

        Question. How would you support the administration's efforts to
    address the possibility of nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan?

        Answer. The administration is deeply concerned about the
    possibility that conflict between India and Pakistan could escalate to
    include the use of nuclear weapons. As such, the administration reached
    out to both sides during the rise in tensions following the February 14
    terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 40 Indian members of the
    Central Reserve Police Force. We were in regular contact with both
    sides during the situation, urging restraint from both sides and
    calling on Pakistan to take immediate, irreversible actions to crack
    down on terrorist groups. The administration encourages dialogue
    between both sides to keep lines of communication open and tensions as
    low as possible. Furthermore, we hold regular discussions with India
    and Pakistan on matters concerning regional stability and
    nonproliferation.

        Question. What steps, if any, would you take to persuade India and
    Pakistan to accede to the NPT or to reduce and /or constrain their
    nuclear arsenals?

        Answer. The United States continues to support the long-term goal
    of NPT universality, and we remain committed to efforts to strengthen
    and uphold the Treaty. We continue to encourage all states that have
    not yet done so to declare and maintain moratoria on the production of
    fissile material for use in nuclear weapons.
        We remain concerned by the growth of nuclear stockpiles and
    capabilities in Asia, and continue to encourage all states with nuclear
    weapons to exercise restraint regarding nuclear and missile
    capabilities. We welcome the steps that states have taken to bolster
    global nonproliferation efforts, including by harmonizing with,
    adhering to, and joining export control regimes and supporting efforts
    to prevent the acquisition and use of weapons of mass destruction by
    non-state actors.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Jeffrey L. Eberhardt by Senator Ted Cruz

        Question.  Do you consider Iran's past possession of the Nuclear
    Archive seized by Israel last year, including the materials in the
    Archive relevant to the development of nuclear weapons, to constitute
    non-compliance by Iran of its obligations under the Treaty on the Non-
    Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). If yes, please explain why. If
    no, please explain why.

        Answer. The intelligence community currently assesses that Iran is
    not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-related development
    activities judged necessary to produce a nuclear device. However,
    Iran's retention of documents and files from its pre-2004 nuclear
    weapons program raises serious questions regarding whether it intended
    to preserve the option to resume elements of a nuclear weapons program
    in the future. The legal question of Iran's compliance with its
    obligations under the NPT will be addressed in this year's Compliance
    Report, which is forthcoming.

        Question. Do you consider Iran's past concealment of the Nuclear
    Archive seized by Israel last year, including the materials in the
    Archive relevant to the development of nuclear weapons, to constitute
    non-compliance by Iran of its obligations under the NPT. f yes, please
    explain why. If no, please explain why.

        Answer. The intelligence community currently assesses that Iran is
    not currently undertaking the key nuclear weapons-related development
    activities judged necessary to produce a nuclear device. However,
    Iran's retention of documents and files from its pre-2004 nuclear
    weapons program raises serious questions regarding whether it intended
    to preserve the option to resume elements of a nuclear weapons program
    in the future. The legal question of Iran's compliance with its
    obligations under the NPT will be addressed in this year's Compliance
    Report, which is forthcoming.

        Question. Do you consider Iran a member in good standing of the
    NPT? If yes, please explain why. If no, please explain why.

        Answer. The legal question of Iran's compliance with its
    obligations under the NPT will be addressed in this year's Compliance
    Report, which is forthcoming.

        Question. Do you consider Iran to be entitled to benefit from
    nuclear technology pursuant to Article IV the NPT? If yes, please
    explain why. If no, please explain why.

        Answer. Article IV of the NPT recognizes the right of all the
    Parties to the Treaty to develop research, production and use of
    nuclear energy for peaceful purposes without discrimination and in
    conformity with Articles I and II of the Treaty. While Secretary Pompeo
    stated in his May 21, 2018 speech that Iran must stop uranium
    enrichment and never pursue plutonium reprocessing, the administration
    has not stated that Iran cannot enjoy the benefits of other peaceful
    applications of nuclear technology, for example, nuclear medicine.

        Question. Do you consider Iran to be entitled to benefit from
    nuclear technology for any reason? If yes, please explain why. If no,
    please explain why.

        Answer. In his speech on May 21, 2018, Secretary Pompeo stated that
    Iran must stop uranium enrichment and never pursue plutonium
    reprocessing. However, the administration has not stated that Iran
    cannot enjoy the benefits of other peaceful applications of nuclear
    technology, for example, nuclear medicine.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to James S. Gilmore by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. The OSCE does a lot of good work, but it does not receive
    much attention in part because its deliberations in Vienna are not open
    to public observation, either physically or by being live-streamed on
    the internet. Will you continue, if not strengthen, U.S. advocacy of a
    more visible OSCE by seeking to make Permanent Council sessions open to
    public observation?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support opening more OSCE meetings to
    the public and to the media in order to increase transparency and
    accountability and help counter disinformation and malign influence.
    The United States publicly releases its statements--in English and
    Russian--at the Permanent Council and many other OSCE fora, and I would
    continue this practice.
        I agree the OSCE's excellent work is not as widely known or
    appreciated as it should be. If confirmed, I would make it a priority
    to find and create opportunities to make the OSCE's contributions to
    human rights, prosperity, and security better known and understood at
    home and abroad. By improving public awareness of the OSCE's work, we
    can better hold all participating States accountable for meeting their
    commitments under the Helsinki Final Act.

        Question. Turkey has been at the forefront of efforts to restrict
    civil society participation in the Human Dimension Implementation
    Meeting organized by the OSCE- with Russia and several other countries
    encouraging a more restrictive approach.Will you ensure that civil
    society participation in Human Dimension Implementation Meeting is
    protected and maintained?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would oppose any attempts to restrict
    unduly NGO access and participation at OSCE events. The OSCE benefits
    from civil society's contributions to its discussions. I believe it
    would send the wrong signal to restrict NGO access and participation at
    a time when civil society is under increasing pressure in many
    countries in the OSCE region. Such restrictions would send the wrong
    signal to civil society, whose role we strongly support, and to
    repressive governments, which seek to obstruct their activities.

        Question. While the OSCE must remain focused on Russian aggression
    against its neighbors, particularly Ukraine, and growing restrictions
    on human rights and democratic development in the region, the OSCE has
    the bandwidth to focus on the whole scope of issues confronting Europe
    today. We hope the United States will support continued work to address
    xenophobia, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, racism and intolerance in
    Europe. We also hope the OSCE will maintain an active presence in the
    Western Balkans and keep some attention focused on potential
    instabilities in the region, in particularly between Serbia and Kosovo
    but also within Bosnia and Herzegovina.How will you maintain focus on
    these issues?

        Answer. The OSCE provides a venue where the United States can
    address a broad range of issues throughout the OSCE region. If
    confirmed, I will continue to support U.S. officials speaking out
    publicly in OSCE fora to condemn and combat all forms of intolerance,
    including hate crimes, against members of ethnic, racial, and religious
    groups, LGBTI individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of
    other vulnerable populations. I will also support a strong OSCE
    presence in the Western Balkans, including through budgetary support
    and the secondment of U.S. personnel to these missions.

        Question. The United States can only be credible in raising human
    rights concerns in other countries if it is honest about the
    shortcomings it has at home. Rather than take a defensive approach to
    this issues, it is to our advantage to be proactive in raising them and
    acknowledging that current U.S. policies and practices are heavily
    debated. This includes our policy on immigration, the use of the death
    penalty, the continued operations of the detention center at Guantanamo
    Bay and, the conduct of elections. The U.S. Mission has also regularly
    reported on investigations of incidents involving law enforcement when
    civilians, particularly minorities, have been shot or injured.What will
    your approach be with respect to these concerns in the United States?
    Will you continue to share U.S. insights with OSCE Participating States
    via U.S. experts on these policy and social justice issues?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to highlighting the United
    States' proud support of human rights, democracy, and rule of law at
    home and abroad, including our OSCE commitments. This includes
    promoting freedom of expression, including for members of the media,
    and encouraging public debate, even on sometimes controversial issues.
    I will support the continued participation of U.S. experts in OSCE
    events related to these policy and social justice issues.

        Question. For several years, Hungary has actively used the OSCE as
    forum for attacking Ukraine: reinforcing Moscow's misrepresentations of
    Ukraine's education law, complaining that Ukrainian troop movements are
    a threat to Hungary, parroting Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's
    ministerial statements, and holding unprecedented public ``side
    events'' where Lavrov and the Hungarian foreign minister (Szijjarto)
    jointly hold court for the press.

       Will you work closely with Amb. Cornstein in Budapest, Amb.
            Yovanovitch in Kyiv, and Amb. Hutchison at NATO to ensure that
            the U.S. is speaking with one voice on these issues and
            managing, to the extent possible, this dynamic with Hungary?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with our Ambassadors
    throughout the OSCE space. The United States values our relationship
    with Hungary and has attempted to set a new, positive tone for the
    U.S.-Hungary relationship. If confirmed, I will not be shy, however,
    about raising concerns with our Allies, including about Russian malign
    influence. U.S. officials regularly speak with their Hungarian
    counterparts about the importance of upholding democracy and promoting
    human rights and fundamental freedoms. At the OSCE, the United States
    has raised these issues, including at the annual Human Dimension
    Implementation Meeting.
        The United States encourages all Allies, including Hungary, to
    refrain from bringing bilateral disputes into multilateral fora. If
    confirmed, I will work closely with Ambassadors Cornstein, Yovanovitch,
    and Hutchison to encourage Hungary to remove its block of Ukraine's
    participation at high-level events at NATO and underscore to Hungarian
    authorities the strategic importance of the NATO-Ukraine relationship
    as well as the important role that the OSCE plays in Ukraine. At the
    same time, I would encourage Ukraine to take into account the concerns
    of the Hungarian minority community.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Throughout my career in public service, I have promoted
    human rights and democracy. After a series of heinous bombings of
    African American churches swept the United States in the early 1990s, I
    convened a summit of eight Southern Attorneys General, held at Howard
    University on July 2, 1996. I recruited L. Douglas Wilder, Virginia's
    first African American governor, and Elaine Jones, president of the
    NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to deliver the keynote
    speeches. During the summit, we heard from pastors and church members
    about their experiences and suggestions for solving the crimes. After
    the summit, the attacks stopped. In 1999, I proposed and signed into
    law Virginia's first stand-alone Martin Luther King Holiday. Until that
    date, Virginia had observed a combined Lee-Jackson-King Day that
    recognized Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Martin Luther King on
    the same day each year. But there was no doubt in my mind that Martin
    Luther King merited his own holiday to recognize his leadership as one
    of the United States' most important and influential advocates for
    civil rights. Later, my wife Roxane and I hosted a historic reception
    (2001) in the Governor's Mansion for Coretta Scott King and announced a
    technology partnership between Virginia and the King Center for
    Nonviolence. As governor, I also increased funding for two of
    Virginia's historically black universities, Norfolk State University
    and Virginia State University. I also proposed and funded a new
    African-American History Trail in Virginia and called upon the State
    Board of Education to include a more diverse range of historical
    figures in Virginia's Social Studies curriculum.
        If confirmed, I look forward to working with my colleagues across
    the administration, as well as Members of Congress, the Helsinki
    Commission, likeminded governments, and civil society, to advance human
    rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic principles of government
    throughout the OSCE region.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations?

        Answer. Absolutely. U.S. officials meet regularly with members of
    civil society, human rights organizations, and other non-governmental
    organizations at OSCE events. If confirmed, I would continue this
    practice.

        Question. Will you advocate for access and inclusivity for women
    and minorities?

        Answer. The United States advocates for access and inclusivity for
    women and minorities within the OSCE organization and OSCE
    participating States. This commitment is reflected in U.S. statements
    at OSCE events, including the Ministerial Council, Permanent Council,
    and Human Dimension Implementation Meetings. If confirmed, I will
    continue this practice.

        Question. Will you actively engage with governments on freedom of
    the press and address any government efforts designed to control or
    undermine press freedom through legal, regulatory or other measures?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support OSCE efforts on media freedom
    and safety of journalists. The United States regularly promotes these
    goals publicly and privately at the OSCE and through support for the
    OSCE's Representative on Freedom of the Media. The United States
    championed the adoption of the 2018 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision
    on Safety of Journalists, which calls on participating States to ``take
    effective measures to end impunity for crimes committed against
    journalists.'' I also recognize that violence is often targeted at
    women journalists.
        If confirmed, I will press participating States to implement their
    international legal obligations and OSCE commitments to uphold freedom
    of expression, whether it is exercised online or offline, including
    those relating to media freedom. I will call out governments for
    imposing undue restrictions on media freedom and for failing to hold
    accountable those responsible for crimes against journalists.

        Question. Will you actively engage with civil society and
    government counterparts on countering disinformation and propaganda
    disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support OSCE efforts to help expose
    and counter disinformation and malign propaganda from foreign state or
    non-state actors, including Russian malign influence efforts. The OSCE
    works with participating States to develop rule of law, independent
    media, democratic institutions, civil society, respect for human
    rights, energy security, and accountable governance. This work
    contributes to more secure, stable, and resilient societies that are
    better able to recognize and resist malign external influence and
    violent extremist voices.
        The OSCE is a forum for participating States to have a frank
    dialogue on the full range of security issues, including malign
    influence efforts they are experiencing. Exposure and frank discussion
    can help counter these campaigns that thrive on secrecy and
    disinformation. USOSCE regularly cooperates with U.S. embassies
    throughout the OSCE region and with Allies and partners to identify
    Russia's and others' malign influence efforts, counter disinformation,
    and refute Russian attempts to undermine democratic governments and
    transatlantic unity.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will defend the human rights and dignity of
    all individuals, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
    This includes having U.S. officials speaking out publicly in OSCE fora
    to condemn and combat intolerance, including intolerance against LGBTI
    individuals.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes, I agree with that statement. As Virginia's Attorney
    General and then Governor, I worked with people from both parties and
    all walks of life. My record reflects that. When I became Virginia's
    first Republican Attorney General in twelve years, I met with all
    employees to emphasize that they should continue serving the
    Commonwealth of Virginia. I valued their institutional knowledge, and I
    told them so. As Governor, I recruited a diverse group of people to
    serve in my Cabinet and as my advisors. Their diverse perspectives and
    backgrounds enhanced our effectiveness as we worked together to govern
    Virginia.If confirmed, I will work to prevent any attempts to target or
    retaliate against career employees on the basis of their perceived
    political beliefs, prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous
    administration. I will also take allegations of such practices
    seriously and ensure they are referred to the Department's Inspector
    General. As a leader, I value the unique perspectives and ideas that
    people from diverse backgrounds contribute, and I commit to promoting
    inclusion at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels. If confirmed, I will make it clear to the entire
    team at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE that I am committed to promoting a
    diverse and inclusive work environment. I will emphasize that
    retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will
    not be tolerated. I value the depth of knowledge and experience within
    the Foreign Service, the Department of State, and the U.S. government.
    I know that we will be most successful if people from diverse
    backgrounds are represented throughout the ranks of the mission. I will
    encourage supervisors to recruit, mentor, and support employees that
    reflect these values.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting?

       If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or allegation,
            your response, and any resolution, including any settlements.

        Answer. I have never been subject to a formal or informal complaint
    or allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
    conduct in a workplace or any other setting. I commit to comply with
    all relevant federal laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise
    concerns that I may have through appropriate channels.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to James S. Gilmore by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I have never had to address concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct made
    against any employee over whom I had supervisory authority. I commit to
    comply with all relevant federal laws, regulations, and rules, and to
    raise concerns that I may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Throughout my career in public service, I have promoted
    human rights and democratic principles. After a series of heinous
    bombings of African-American churches swept the United States in the
    early 1990s, I convened a summit of eight Southern Attorneys General,
    held at Howard University on July 2, 1996. I recruited L. Douglas
    Wilder, Virginia's first African-American governor, and Elaine Jones,
    president of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, to deliver
    the keynote speeches. During the summit, we heard from pastors and
    church members about their experiences and suggestions for solving the
    crimes. After the summit, the attacks stopped. In 1999, I proposed and
    signed into law Virginia's first stand-alone Martin Luther King
    Holiday. Until that date, Virginia had observed a combined Lee-Jackson-
    King Day that recognized Robert E. Lee, Stonewall Jackson, and Martin
    Luther King on the same day each year. But there was no doubt in my
    mind that Martin Luther King merited his own holiday to recognize his
    leadership as one of the United States' most important and influential
    advocates for civil rights. Later, my wife Roxane and I hosted a
    historic reception (2001) in the Governor's Mansion for Coretta Scott
    King and announced a technology partnership between Virginia and the
    King Center for Nonviolence. As governor, I also increased funding for
    two of Virginia's historically black universities, Norfolk State
    University and Virginia State University. I also proposed and funded a
    new African-American History Trail in Virginia and called upon the
    State Board of Education to include a more diverse range of historical
    figures in Virginia's Social Studies curriculum.
        If confirmed, I look forward to working with my colleagues across
    the administration, as well as Members of Congress, the Helsinki
    Commission, like-minded governments, and civil society, to advance
    human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic principles of
    government throughout the OSCE region.

        Question. To counter the perception that this administration does
    not actively and consistently consider human rights and rarely speaks
    of democracy in its foreign policy, will you maintain the long-held
    U.S. view that human rights in other countries is a legitimate concern
    of our country and that we consider human rights and democracy part of
    a comprehensive definition of security?

        Answer. The promotion and defense of human rights and democracy
    overseas are key elements of U.S. foreign policy. As the U.S.
    representative to the OSCE, I would maintain this long-held position
    and would support the organization's comprehensive approach to
    security, which includes respect for human rights and fundamental
    freedoms as an essential component.

        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. As Virginia's Attorney General and then Governor, I worked
    with people from both parties and all walks of life. If confirmed, I
    commit to recruit, promote, mentor, and support staff that come from
    diverse backgrounds in the Foreign Service. As a leader, I value the
    unique perspectives and ideas that people from diverse backgrounds
    contribute, and I commit to promoting inclusion at the U.S. Mission to
    the OSCE.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make it clear to the entire team at
    the U.S. Mission to the OSCE that I am committed to promoting a diverse
    and inclusive work environment. I value the depth of knowledge and
    experience within the Foreign Service, and I know that we will be most
    successful if people from diverse backgrounds are represented
    throughout the ranks of the mission. I will encourage Foreign Service
    supervisors to recruit, mentor, and support employees that reflect
    these values.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified exchange-
    traded funds and diversified mutual funds, which may hold interests in
    companies with a presence abroad, but which are exempt from the
    conflict of interest laws. My investment portfolio also includes sector
    funds, which hold interests in companies with a presence abroad, as
    well as financial interests in companies that maintain a presence
    abroad. I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not
    give rise to a conflict of interest. I will divest all investments the
    State Department Ethics Office deems necessary to avoid a conflict of
    interest, and I have committed to seek a waiver under the conflict-of-
    interest statute with respect to an investment fund that I am unable to
    divest. I will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Can you commit to working with me on supporting the
    United States' continued work at the OSCE to address anti-Semitism,
    racism, and intolerance, including supporting extra-budgetary projects
    for Jewish, Muslim, Roma, Afro-Europeans, migrants, refugees, and other
    vulnerable communities and women?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with you
    and other members of Congress to continue the United States' efforts to
    address anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of intolerance through
    the OSCE. This includes, resource permitting, support of extra-
    budgetary projects in these areas as well as our participation in OSCE
    events such as the Ministerial Council, Permanent Council, and Human
    Dimension Implementation Meetings.

        Question. Would you work with me on a joint event in the U.S. that
    focuses on all forms of intolerance in my capacity as OSCE PA Special
    Representative on Antisemitism, Racism, and Intolerance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support U.S. efforts to address anti-
    Semitism, racism, and intolerance through the OSCE and would welcome
    the opportunity to work with you on a joint event in the United States
    on these issues.

        Question. If confirmed, will you be proactive regarding questions
    of the U.S. record of compliance with OSCE norms, by noting not only
    the administration position on these matters, but also issues heavily
    debated by Americans, such as official investigations and judicial
    proceedings regarding disproportionate police shootings of African-
    Americans, Guantanamo bay, the death penalty, etc?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to highlighting the United
    States' proud support of human rights, democracy, and rule of law at
    home and abroad, including our OSCE commitments. This includes
    promoting freedom of expression, including for members of the media,
    and encouraging public debate, even on sometimes controversial issues.

        Question. The OSCE does a lot of good work, but it does not receive
    much attention in part because its deliberations in Vienna are not open
    to public observation, either physically or by being live-streamed on
    the internet. Will you continue, if not strengthen, U.S. advocacy of a
    more visible OSCE by seeking to make Permanent Council sessions open to
    public observation?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support opening more OSCE meetings to
    the public and to the media in order to increase transparency and
    accountability and help counter disinformation and malign influence.
    The United States publicly releases its statements--in English and
    Russian--at the Permanent Council and many other OSCE fora, and I would
    continue this practice.
        I agree the OSCE's excellent work is not as widely known or
    appreciated as it should be. If confirmed, I would make it a priority
    to find and create opportunities to make the OSCE's contributions to
    human rights, prosperity, and security better known and understood at
    home and abroad. By improving public awareness of the OSCE's work, we
    can better hold all participating States accountable for meeting their
    commitments under the Helsinki Final Act.

        Question. For several years, Hungary has actively used the OSCE as
    forum for attacking Ukraine: reinforcing Moscow's misrepresentations of
    Ukraine's education law, complaining that Ukrainian troop movements are
    a threat to Hungary, parroting Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's
    ministerial statements, and holding unprecedented public ``side
    events'' where Lavrov and the Hungarian foreign minister (Szijjarto)
    jointly hold court for the press. Will you work closely with Ambassador
    Cornstein in Budapest, Ambassador Yovanovitch in Kyiv, and Ambassador
    Hutchison at NATO to ensure that the United States manages, to the
    extent possible, the Hungarian Trojan Horse within the alliance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with our Ambassadors
    throughout the OSCE space. The United States values our relationship
    with Hungary and has attempted to set a new, positive tone for the
    U.S.-Hungary relationship. If confirmed, I will not be shy, however,
    about raising concerns with our Allies, including about Russian malign
    influence. U.S. officials regularly speak with their Hungarian
    counterparts about the importance of upholding democracy and promoting
    human rights and fundamental freedoms. At the OSCE, the United States
    has raised these issues, including at the annual Human Dimension
    Implementation Meeting.
        The United States encourages all Allies, including Hungary, to
    refrain from bringing bilateral disputes into multilateral fora. If
    confirmed, I will work closely with Ambassadors Cornstein, Yovanovitch,
    and Hutchison to encourage Hungary to remove its block of Ukraine's
    participation in high-level events at NATO and underscore to Hungarian
    authorities the strategic importance of the NATO-Ukraine relationship
    as well as the important role that the OSCE plays in Ukraine. At the
    same time, I would encourage Ukraine to take into account the concerns
    of the Hungarian minority community.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Alan R. Swendiman by Senator Robert Menendez

    Sexual Assault
        Question.  What additional work is necessary to advance Peace
    Corps' Sexual Assault Risk-Reduction and Response Program?

        Answer. As the dynamics of sexual assault prevention and response
    continues to evolve, the Peace Corps remains committed to staying aware
    of developments and leading the field in developing and incorporating
    best practices wherever possible. The agency appreciates the ongoing
    guidance received from the Sexual Assault Advisory Council as well as
    the Peace Corps' own internal subject matter experts and other
    partners. The Peace Corps is committed to the continuous evaluation of
    Volunteer- and staff-facing trainings, an on-going review of policies
    and response protocols, and the continued strengthening of risk
    reduction strategies.

        Question.  How will you approach redefining the Peace Corps culture
    to be a trauma-informed organization, specifically as it relates to
    sexual assault?

        Answer. All Peace Corps staff, both domestic and overseas, receive
    training on sexual assault response, including a focus on trauma
    informed care. Additionally, all staff who work directly with
    Volunteers who report sexual assault receive ongoing specialized
    training on trauma informed support. This fall, the Peace Corps will
    formally train select staff in Forensic Experiential Trauma Interview
    (FETI) methodologies. In addition, Peace Corps actively networks with
    other federal and non-government agencies to discuss best practices in
    applying trauma informed principles to the organizational and systems
    levels. The agency will continue to review and refine its policies,
    trainings, and protocols to ensure incorporation of these principles.

        Question.  Understanding that you are committed to establishing a
    culture of safety within the Peace Corps, how should the Peace Corps
    respond to Peace Corps Volunteer reports of living or working in
    hostile environments where they are experiencing physical, mental, or
    sexual abuse or harassment?

        Answer. First, and foremost, the Peace Corps treats all incidents
    reported by Volunteers as serious, by providing robust responses to
    such incidents. Responding to incidents, however, is only part of the
    agency's efforts. The Peace Corps begins with thorough risk assessments
    of proposed operational areas where Volunteers are placed, screens and
    reviews host families and counterparts, selects Volunteer housing and
    work sites based on established safety and security standards, and
    regularly reaches out to Volunteers with regard to their well-being.
    When incidents do occur, the Peace Corps responds immediately to
    reported incidents, prioritizing the immediate safety of Volunteers,
    invoking all necessary safety, security and medical protocols.
    Immediate responses are followed up with site specific security
    assessments to identify any residual risks to the well-being of
    Volunteers. When the Peace Corps identifies risks to a Volunteer's well
    being that cannot be mitigated, it will remove them from a site and
    seek a more suitable location for them to continue their service. And,
    finally, problematic sites are documented through the agency's site-
    history files, to prevent future placements in unsafe environments.
    Throughout this process, the Volunteer's voice is a significant driver
    in how the agency responds.

    Diversity
        Question.  While the Peace Corps has done an admirable job to
    improve the diversity of its recruits, including increasing recruitment
    at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, what steps do you
    think the Peace Corps must take to reduce attrition among the recruits
    who are accepted who ultimately decide not to take their Peace Corps
    assignment?

        Answer. The Peace Corps' Diversity Recruitment team understands the
    value and need of engaging and supporting candidates from Historically
    Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) throughout the application
    process. Peace Corps Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection
    (VRS) regularly connects with candidates on HBCU campuses, and notes
    opportunities to combat attrition. Most HBCU candidates, after being
    invited to serve in the Peace Corps, begin to inquire about the
    experiences they may encounter in service related to their identity.
    This is an important part of the evaluation process for students of
    color. A continued investment in Peace Corps' University Programs at
    HBCUs and additional recruitment resources could enable the agency to
    better support candidates as they move through the application process.
    VRS in collaboration with the Office of Third Goal, may also seek to
    create more formal networks or systems to connect with and support the
    inquiries of diverse applicants/invitees. However, it should be noted
    that a recent analysis of our latest survey data did not show a
    measurable increase in the dropout rate for diverse recruits.

        Question.  What do you believe are the barriers most accepted
    volunteers who opt out of accepting a volunteer assignment, or drop out
    somewhere along the application and acceptance process, and what should
    the Peace Corps do to alleviate these barriers of entry into the Peace
    Corps?

        Answer. In many communities in America, the Peace Corps' brand and
    value are still being established. While the messaging of altruism
    resonates, the landscape for local and global service opportunities
    have changed. Churches, multicultural fraternities and sororities, and
    campus groups now offer short-term global service experiences. These
    short term, low opportunity cost options can seem more attainable in
    comparison to the approximate two-year Peace Corps commitment.
    Uncertainty surrounding the value of service as it relates to career
    development or job placement is also a barrier. VRS could work closer
    with other Peace Corps entities to determine how best to address these
    and other barriers to Peace Corps service.

    Healthcare
        Question.  Will you commit to working with the Department of Labor
    to improve the handling and dispensation of healthcare benefits to
    return volunteers, especially to those return volunteers who become
    disabled as a result of their service?

        Answer. Yes. The Peace Corps has increased its collaboration with
    the Department of Labor (DOL), Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
    (OWCP) to improve access to and delivery of Federal Employees'
    Compensation Act (FECA) benefits to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
    (RPCV). In addition, the Farr-Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018
    states that the Department of Labor (DOL) shall authorize the Director
    of the Peace Corps to furnish medical benefits to a Volunteer, who is
    injured during the Volunteer's period of service, for a period of 120
    days following the termination of such service if the Director
    certifies that the Volunteer's injury probably meets the requirements
    listed in the Act. The agency's Post Service Unit in the Office of
    Health Services has been proactively working with DOL to ensure this
    requirement is met and to put in place a smoother transition to FECA
    for Volunteers who have left service.

        Question.  Many returned Volunteers with service-related illnesses
    or injuries that are not caused by violence or criminal activity have
    stated that they don't have an advocate or network from the agency to
    speak on their behalf and ensure they get the health care and support
    they deserve. How can the Peace Corps improve this situation?

        Answer. The Peace Corps has conducted extensive analysis of post-
    service Volunteer healthcare issues, and collaborated with DOL to
    create solutions to address concerns of RPCVs' claims under FECA. The
    Peace Corps has established a strong working relationship with DOL to
    improve FECA communication and streamline processes. The Peace Corps
    Office of Health Services, Manager, Post-Service Unit has been provided
    a specific DOL liaison to contact for unresolved medical issues
    impacting returned Volunteers.

        Question.  What do you envision to be the next key steps to
    ensuring Peace Corps' commitment to volunteer, and return volunteer,
    health and safety?

        Answer. Key steps include continued collaboration with DOL to
    develop and fine tune processes for the implementation of the Sam Farr
    and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform Act of 2018.

    Human Rights
        Question.  What would you do to strengthen Peace Corps' influence
    and ability to advance Human Rights?

        Answer. The mission of the Peace Corps is to promote world peace
    and friendship through its statutorily mandated three goals:
       To help peoples of countries where Volunteers serve in meeting
            their needs for trained manpower, particularly the basic needs
            of those living in the poorest areas of such countries;
       To promote a better understanding of the American people on the
            part of the peoples served; and
       To promote a better understanding of other peoples on the part of
            the American people.

        Peace Corps pursues its mission and goals through a wide variety of
    programs across various sectors including education, health, youth,
    environment, agriculture, and community economic development. In the
    context of these sector focuses, the Peace Corps Act further directs
    the administration of its programs to give particular attention to
    integrating women and persons with disabilities into the economies of
    developing countries.
        As Deputy Director, I will work vigorously to advance the agency's
    mission and goals, thereby contributing to human dignity and the rights
    of peoples served.

        Question.  What will you do to expand basic human rights for LGBT
    people?

        Answer. The Peace Corps assigns LGBT Volunteers overseas and
    assigns same-sex couples where legal, security and other relevant
    factors permit. As Deputy Director, I will support and advance these
    efforts. In addition, the Peace Corps has strong non-discrimination
    policies in place for LGBT staff in the workforce. LGBT employees also
    have an Employee Resource Group at the agency. As Deputy Director, I
    will ensure that the rights of LGBT staff at the Peace Corps continue
    to be enjoyed and protected.

        Question.  As a possible official of the Trump administration, will
    you condemn and oppose policies and practices that are derogatory and
    discriminatory on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender,
    sexual orientation, or gender identity?

        Answer. As Deputy Director, I will work to ensure that all laws and
    policies affording protections to protected classes of individuals are
    upheld and enforced, and I will work to condemn and oppose any policies
    or practices that are discriminatory.

        Question.  What will you do to ensure that statements by the Trump
    campaign and transition teams that are racist, xenophobic,
    misogynistic, or otherwise denigrate human rights and support abuses,
    will not become government policy?

        Answer. As Deputy Director, I will be committed to carrying out and
    enforcing all applicable laws and policies extending protections to
    protected classes of persons. I will work to ensure that diversity at
    the Peace Corps continues to advance and is protected.

        Question.  Will you uphold the rights of all persons to equality
    and freedom from discrimination, and call on Americans to refrain from
    discrimination of any sort?

        Answer. As Deputy Director, I will uphold and seek to enforce all
    applicable laws and policies promoting equality and protecting persons
    from discrimination and, in carrying out the mission and authorities of
    the Peace Corps, I will voice support for such laws and policies.

    Five-Year Rule
        Question.  The Peace Corps' five-year rule has its positive and
    negative aspects. One negative is the cost attributed to high turnover.
    According to the 2017 CRS' ``The Peace Corps: Current Issues,''
    ``Negative features of the five-year rule largely derive from the
    higher turnover and short tenure of staff. Instead of a turnover of 20
    percent each year, implied by the five-year rule, the actual rate is
    much higher-25 percent to 33 percent each year since 2004 according to
    the OIG, quadruple that of the rest of the federal government. The
    average length of service is three years.'' A 2012 report by the
    agency's OIG noted that ``costs strictly attributable to five-year rule
    turnover estimated by the OIG to be between $12.6 million and $15.5
    million in the period 2005 through 2009.''

       Considering the steep costs attributed to the five-year rule, do
            you think the Peace Corps should pursue eliminating it, or
            extending to other personnel those exempt from it, in order to
            save costs, especially in the face of level or decreased
            funding?

        Answer. I am aware that the Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps
    Reform Act of 2018 authorizes the Director to designate positions as
    critical management or management support positions that require
    specialized technical and professional skills and knowledge of Peace
    Corps operations. Positions so designated would be eligible for
    renewable five year term appointments beyond standard time limits
    imposed by the Peace Corps Act. As Deputy Director, I would work
    closely with the Director, the Chief Human Capital Officer, the Chief
    of Staff, and other relevant offices and stakeholders to assess the
    impact of the five-year rule and possible options under this new
    authority.
        The 2017 CRS link referenced above was updated on October 12, 2018,
    just three days after the Sam Farr and Nick Castle Peace Corps Reform
    Act of 2018 was signed into law. This Act gives the Director authority
    to designate positions as critical management or management support
    positions that require specialized technical or professional skills and
    knowledge of Peace Corps operations. Once designated, these positions
    are eligible for renewable five year appointments. Due to this
    language, I do not think the Peace Corps should pursue eliminating the
    five-year rule, rather it should take a thoughtful approach to
    implementing this new authority.

        Question.  How might the Peace Corps mitigate the negative impacts
    of the five-year rule?

        Answer. As Deputy Director, I would work closely with the Director,
    the Chief Human Capital Officer, Chief of Staff, and other relevant
    officers and stakeholders to assess and understand the impacts of the
    five-year rule and possible options under available authorities to
    mitigate any such impacts.

    Let Girls Learn
        Question.  There is a lack of clarity as to the administration's
    stance on Let Girls Learn. Last year the Peace Corps stated: ``We have
    not received any guidance from the administration about the future of
    the [Let Girls Learn] program. We continue our focus on girls'
    education and empowerment, as we always have.''

       Can you describe the work you believe Peace Corps can and should be
            doing to promote girls' education in host countries where Peace
            Corps has missions?

        Answer. Since 1961, the Peace Corps has had a strong focus on
    girls' education and empowerment and will continue to do so going
    forward. The agency's work across six sectors, Agriculture, Community
    Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health, and Youth
    Development integrates and embeds considerations aimed at maximizing
    opportunities for girls and young women that includes meaningful
    participation and leadership in the classroom as well as in the broader
    community. It is through this approach that the agency will continue to
    build on its historic commitment to girls' empowerment and leverage the
    work done during LGL.

        Question.  Will you commit to making girls' education a priority
    among Peace Corps' youth and child education missions?

        Answer. Girls' and youth education have been and will remain a
    priority for the Peace Corps. As Deputy Director, I will support the
    agency's exceptional work in this space, including the agency's
    participation in the READ Act passed by Congress in 2017

    Democracy
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As General Counsel of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID), I was engaged in matters of civil society in
    Ukraine which included working with groups such as the American Bar
    Association on issues of rule of law, judicial ethics and accreditation
    of law institutions. I was a member of the U.S. delegation to a world
    HIV/AIDS conference in Kampala, Uganda assessing the effectiveness of
    the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This work
    continues to have an impact.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society?

        Answer. As a continuation of the work I undertook at USAID, I will
    meet with civil society members, human rights and other non-
    governmental organizations (NGOs).

        Question.  Will you advocate for access and inclusivity for women
    and minorities?

        Answer. The Peace Corps supports a culture of inclusion that builds
    on the strengths of the diversity of this country and of the countries
    where Volunteers serve. In support of the Director's priorities, I will
    work to ensure that the Peace Corps continues to reflect the diverse
    population of the United States.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity?

        Answer. I am committed to upholding and supporting all anti-
    discrimination laws, regulations and policies.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I am committed to upholding and enforcing in the workplace
    all of the laws to prevent prohibited personnel practices set forth in
    5 USC Sec. 2302. The Peace Corps Office of General Counsel works
    annually with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) to provide all
    employee notifications and training required by law including annual
    supervisory training on prohibited personnel practices and how to
    respond to complaints involving whistleblowers consistent with 5 U.S.C.
    Sec. 2302(c), the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act,
    and the Office of Special Counsel Reauthorization Act of 2017. The OSC
    provided its annual supervisory training to the agency on April 1.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. During my tenure as a career employee at the Department of
    Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I submitted
    witness affidavits in three EEO cases that were filed against the
    agency. I do not know the disposition of the claims.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. During my tenure as a career employee at the Department of
    Homeland Security/Immigration and Customs Enforcement, I submitted
    witness affidavits in three EEO cases that were filed against the
    agency. I do not know the disposition of the claims.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Alan R. Swendiman by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As General Counsel of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID), I was engaged in matters of civil society in
    Ukraine, which included working with groups such as the American Bar
    Association on issues of rule of law, judicial ethics and accreditation
    of law institutions. I was also a member of the U.S. delegation to a
    global HIV/AIDS implementers' conference in Kampala, Uganda, assessing
    the effectiveness of the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
    (PEPFAR). This work has had a lasting impact.

    Diversity
        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. As the Peace Corps' Deputy Director, I will work closely
    with the Director and the Office of Human Resources to assist the
    agency in recruiting the best and brightest U.S. citizens from all
    walks of life to serve as Peace Corps employees. I previously served as
    Chief Human Capital Officer with the Department of Homeland Security
    and understand the importance of recruiting and retaining a diverse
    workforce that represents the American public. I will also work closely
    with the agency's more than 10 individual Employee Resource Groups
    (ERGs), which include African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic
    Americans, Women, and LGBTQ employees.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. I plan to work with the Director to continue the work she
    started this year to elevate among supervisors and staff the importance
    of diversity and inclusion in the workplace and will support all
    efforts to expand training and professional development activities,
    such as Unconscious Bias training for Hiring Managers and enhanced
    training for supervisors, to ensure the managers of the agency
    understand the responsibility of creating a fair and equitable
    workplace for all employees.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department and Foreign Service) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. The Peace Corps is an independent agency within the federal
    government with its own Office of Inspector General. If confirmed as
    Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, I commit to reporting to
    appropriate authorities any possible violations of law or policy
    falling within the jurisdiction of the Deputy Director's office and
    authority and to upholding the statutory oath of the office.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed as Deputy Director of the Peace Corps, I
    commit to reporting to appropriate authorities any possible violations
    of law or policy falling within the jurisdiction of the Deputy
    Director's office and authority and to upholding the statutory oath of
    the office.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. I own some publicly traded mutual funds that have a small
    holding in foreign companies. They have been reported, as required, on
    the nominee public financial disclosure report.

    Comprehensive Assessment and Peace Corps Reform
        Question.  The 2010 Comprehensive Assessment Report provided the
    blueprint for a series of reforms that were implemented over the
    following six years. How would you judge the success of those reforms?

        Answer. As a result of the 2010 Comprehensive Agency Assessment,
    the Peace Corps established systems and processes that have become
    institutionalized. The reforms and changes have been a success. The
    agency continues to build on the recommendations from the 2010
    assessment, and many of them formed the foundation for new business
    processes in both domestic and overseas operations.
        Examples include:

       The Country Portfolio Review process that has become the
            cornerstone of the assessment and review process for overseas
            posts.
       A streamlined application portal that provides prospective
            Volunteers with more information, a shorter application
            process, and more choice in assignments. This has resulted in
            record application numbers and an applicant pool that reflects
            the diversity of the American public.

        Question.  Would you support the undertaking of a new comprehensive
    assessment of Peace Corps operations?

        Answer. The Peace Corps undertakes a strategic planning process
    every four years to lay out long-term goals and objectives designed to
    advance the Peace Corps mission. The annual performance plan identifies
    the strategies to accomplish these goals and objectives, as well as the
    specific results the agency expects to achieve. I fully support this
    process.

    Health and Safety
        Question.  In the past decade, the safety of volunteers has become
    an issue of significant congressional concern. What are the most
    important and effective steps taken by the Peace Corps in recent years
    to enhance the safety of volunteers?

        Answer. The effort of the Peace Corps to improve its ability to
    identify and mitigate risk to its Volunteers and general operations are
    ongoing. The agency can point to three distinct developments in the
    last five years that it believes have significantly improved Volunteer
    safety and security:

       The agency has recalibrated its approach to training Volunteers in
            safety and security. Through guided development of individual,
            personal safety plans, maintained throughout their service, the
            Peace Corps prepares and empowers its Volunteers to identify
            and mitigate risks.
       The agency has prioritized the training of its safety and security
            professionals. Over the past three years, the agency has
            invested in high-quality training in areas such as risk
            assessment and management and conducting investigations. The
            next series of security trainings for security personnel will
            occur this fall.
       The Peace Corps has developed new and more sophisticated tools that
            have enhanced its ability to identify and manage risk at the
            country level. In 2018, the agency overhauled its country
            assessment tool and associated procedures, which provide
            country teams with a more nuanced view of potential risk.

        Question.  Are the provisions in the 2018 Peace Corps Reform Act
    aimed at improving volunteer access to health care sufficient?

        Answer. Yes. The provisions of the 2018 Peace Corps Reform Act are
    aimed at improving access to Volunteer health care through recruitment
    and retention of well-qualified medical staff, routine clinical
    oversight to ensure and maintain compliance with all relevant Peace
    Corps policies, practices and guidelines, and to expedite eligibility
    for coverage following service. These statutory requirements are now in
    the process of being implemented.

        Question.  How does Peace Corps respond to criminal acts
    perpetrated on volunteers?

        Answer. The Peace Corps' response to criminal acts perpetrated
    against Volunteers has three distinct phases: notification, response,
    and follow-up support. Through in-country staff emergency contact
    lists, duty officer systems, emergency numbers for local authorities
    and members of their communities, Volunteers have multiple ways to
    reach out for help. Once notified, Peace Corps country team members
    mobilize the necessary resources to attend to any immediate threats to
    the safety or health of a Volunteer--from deployment of Peace Corps
    safety and security managers and medical officers to local police and
    U.S. Embassy Regional Security Officers, the country team mobilizes all
    necessary personnel. With guidance and support from Peace Corps
    security experts in investigations and legal counsel, country teams
    will also work with Volunteers to navigate the local legal system
    should they wish to pursue charges against their alleged assailants.

    Country Presence
        Question.  Currently, the Peace Corps has a presence in 65
    countries. In the last decade, more than 20 countries have asked for a
    Peace Corps program to be established. Do you believe that the Peace
    Corps should open programs in all of these countries?

        Answer. The Peace Corps conducts an annual Country Portfolio Review
    process that includes a comprehensive review of potential new country
    entries or reentries. I fully support this process.

        Question.  What would be your criteria for establishing new
    programs?

        Answer. Through the annual Country Portfolio Review process the
    Peace Corps undertakes a comprehensive review of internal and external
    data points in six major priority areas to determine whether or not to
    open new programs in countries that invite the agency:

       Safety and security,
       Medical care,
       Host country need and U.S. strategic interest,
       Host country commitment and engagement,
       Programmatic impact, and
       Post management and costs.

        Answer. I fully support the review process, which is evidence-
    based, rigorous, and transparent.

        Question.  What should be the principal criteria for a decision to
    close existing programs?

        Answer. The agency reviews the criteria mentioned above for non-
    emergency closures of programs, which are very rare. In other cases,
    circumstances beyond the Peace Corps' control, such as political
    unrest, natural disasters, or an insecure work environment, warrant the
    closing of a country program.

    Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
        Question.  Do you believe that returned volunteers receive
    sufficient post-service benefits, such as student loan forgiveness,
    career assistance, and educational support?

        Answer. Yes. The Peace Corps Office of Third Goal initiates a
    program a few months prior to the end of Peace Corps Volunteer's
    service, which begins to increase awareness about the types of
    assistance available and what steps a Volunteer can take in preparation
    for leaving service. This includes a series of email notifications that
    the Peace Corps sends to each Volunteer, which is complemented and
    reinforced at a Close of Service (COS) Conference. The COS Conference
    is provided for each Volunteer approximately three months prior to
    finishing service. Some of the topics covered include non-competitive
    eligibility within the federal government and the Paul D. Coverdell
    Fellows program-a graduate degree program available at more than 100
    colleges or universities across the United States offering professional
    internships and some financial assistance.

        Question.  Are returned volunteers well-utilized by the Peace Corps
    for promoting its third goal programs?

        Answer. The Peace Corps has numerous Returned Peace Corps
    Volunteers (RPCVs) working as staff at all levels of the agency. In
    addition, the Peace Corps Office of Third Goal and other Peace Corps
    offices work in conjunction with the National Peace Corps Association
    (NPCA) and many of their 200 affiliate groups around the country. The
    Peace Corps Director has also made a priority of collecting and
    publicly amplifying examples of RPCV engagement in the U.S. and abroad.

                                   __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                            THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:33 p.m. in Room
    SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Ron Johnson,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Johnson [presiding], Gardner, Portman,
    Young, Menendez, Shaheen, and Kaine.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RON JOHNSON,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN

        Senator Johnson. Good afternoon. This hearing will come to
    order.
        I want to welcome the nominees. Thank you for your past
    service, for your willingness to serve in the future
    representing our nation to North Macedonia, Ireland, and to
    Turkey, three, from my standpoint, pretty important posts at
    this point in time.
        I know you have family and friends. I want to encourage you
    all in your opening statement to recognize and introduce your
    family and friends.
        We have two distinguished Senators from Ohio that are here
    to introduce Mr. Crawford. So I think without any further ado,
    why do we not do that so you can move on with your day as well.
    So I will start with Senator Portman.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. ROB PORTMAN,
                         U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO

        Senator Portman. Well, thank you, Chairman Johnson and
    Ranking Member Shaheen, and Senator Menendez, for holding the
    hearing today. And as you say, we have got some vitally
    important roles to be filled, and one is Ireland.
        Along with my colleague, Senator Brown, it is my honor to
    introduce Ed Crawford as the nominee to serve as Ambassador to
    Ireland. I am happy to see that Mary is with us today too, his
    wife and his son and daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
        I know Ed from his business work and civic participation
    from many years of interacting with him, but when I really got
    to know him well was in 2014 when I was asked to introduce him
    at a Mayo Society event. Every year, they choose a person of
    the year, and it is always somebody from the County of Mayo. In
    this case, they made a slight exception because of Ed
    Crawford's incredible commitment to Ireland, and that was
    special.
        And at that event, which was well attended by the Irish
    American community in Cleveland, I had the honor of co-
    introducing Ed Crawford along with a young man named Colin, who
    is his grandson who is with us today. He was about 3 feet
    shorter then, but he was the same Colin. So I am glad that
    Colin Crawford is with us here today too.
        Mr. Chairman, you look at Ed's biography. He has been
    President, CEO, or Director of so many successful companies,
    philanthropic organizations. He has worked tirelessly to
    improve his community not just by building his business from
    the ground up, but also being very involved in the community
    and again providing great jobs for the people of Cleveland.
        He is very proud of his Irish American heritage, as you
    might imagine, having gotten the Mayo Society award. He has
    been involved with that. It was said in 2016 that there were
    about 32 million Americans who claimed Irish heritage. I think
    half of them are in Cleveland, Ohio, and I think Ed knows most
    of them. He is really active in Irish American civic groups,
    was the driving force behind the Irish Garden Club of
    Cleveland, which is dedicated to preserving the magnificent
    Irish Cultural Garden, which some of you may have seen when you
    visited Cleveland. Ed was a founding member and served as its
    President. These affiliations represent just a small portion of
    his charitable work. So he has been so involved in the
    betterment of Cleveland and the people of Ohio and has a track
    record to prove it.
        He is highly qualified. I am confident he is the right
    person to serve as our Ambassador to Ireland. But even more
    importantly, the Irish want him and they are eager to get him
    there.
        In addition to his deep love of the country, he has got a
    keen business background I think that will be helpful in
    maintaining and deepening our economic relationships with
    Ireland in what could be some challenging times ahead. Brexit
    or no Brexit, it is going to be challenging, but if there is
    Brexit, Ireland will play a bigger and bigger role for the
    United States in so many respects, including in our economic
    relationship with Europe. It has got a dynamic, diverse economy
    already. We are their number one source of foreign direct
    investment, the United States of America. We are second in
    terms of our export goods. So Ireland and the United States
    have so many close economic ties, and as we navigate the
    challenges again associated with the future, I am glad that
    someone of his acumen and relationship with the President has
    the opportunity to be in that ambassadorial role, should he be
    confirmed.
        There is a great deal to be said about the role of personal
    relationships in international diplomacy. I have certainly seen
    that in my experience, and I will tell you Ed Crawford also has
    the natural Irish gift of gab, maybe I should say. He gets
    along with people, having kissed the Blarney Stone a time or
    two in his travels. He will be instantly respected by the Irish
    both for his background and intellect but also his love of the
    country and embracing the Irish, as he does.
        So, again, I urge my colleagues to support this nomination
    here in the committee and on the Senate floor. And I am pleased
    that he is willing to step up and serve his country.
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Senator Portman.
        Senator Brown?

                   STATEMENT OF HON. SHERROD BROWN,
                         U.S. SENATOR FROM OHIO

        Senator Brown. Thank you, Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member
    Shaheen, and Senator Menendez. Thank you. It is my pleasure to
    join my friend Rob Portman today to introduce a fellow
    Clevelander, Ed Crawford, and also Mary and Matt at today's
    hearing to discuss his nomination to be Ambassador to the
    Republic of Ireland.
        For 200 years, Irish Americans have been an integral part
    of the fabric of my home city of Cleveland. Ed's grandparents
    came from County Cork to the United States. Like so many
    immigrants, the Irish came for freedom, for safety from
    political oppression and from hunger. They came for opportunity
    for themselves, for their children, for their children's
    children. We should remember that some resented and opposed the
    arrival of Irish immigrants. Some politicians proclaimed that
    our country was full. Those naysayers were wrong then. Those
    naysayers are wrong today.
        Cleveland and the State of Ohio and our nation benefited
    and prospered because of the industry, the initiative, and the
    faith brought by Irish immigrants. Mr. Crawford's life makes
    clear the Irish in Cleveland often succeeded beyond their
    wildest dreams. The first Irish immigrants who came to the city
    were mostly men who worked on the Erie Canal. They found work
    on the city's docks and on the canals traveling between
    Cleveland and Akron. They built families and prosperous lives
    on the east and west sides of Cleveland. They established civic
    organizations that fostered a sense of civic purpose and of
    community.
        Ed carried on that proud tradition. He has been an integral
    part of Cleveland's Irish American community in founding the
    Irish Garden Club and devoting time and energy towards the
    Irish Cultural Garden, one of the great places to visit in our
    great city.
        It is fitting we are holding Ed's hearing today, the day
    after the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
    Everyone in this room knows how important that agreement was
    and is to the peace and prosperity of everyone in Northern
    Ireland and Ireland. Today it is more important than ever that
    we have a thoughtful, skilled Ambassador in Dublin to negotiate
    the intricacies of our two countries' relationship, especially
    with the UK poised to leave the European Union.
        We appreciate, Ed, your willingness to serve. Thank you. I
    am always glad when a Clevelander steps up and answers the call
    to service.
        Thank you.
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Senator Brown and Senator
    Portman.
        As our former chairman used to say, you are welcome to stay
    but just not sitting there.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson. With that, I will turn it over to Ranking
    Member Senator Shaheen.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. JEANNE SHAHEEN,
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE

        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        In the interest of time, I will also submit my opening
    statement for the record.
        But I would like to echo your comments about the importance
    of the three countries that these ambassadorial nominees have
    been asked to serve, not just Ireland and Turkey, which have
    been allies of the United States, but certainly North
    Macedonia, given the recent agreement with Greece, is on a
    trajectory which we hope will bring an end to both NATO and the
    European Union.
        So thank you all very much. Welcome to you and your
    families. And I look forward to hearing your statements.
        [Senator Shaheen's prepared statement follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of Hon. Jeanne Shaheen

        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the nominees before us
    today.
        Ms. Byrnes, Mr. Crawford, Mr. Satterfield, each of the respective
    countries you have been nominated to serve in are at the helm of
    crucial U.S. foreign policy priorities.
        Ms. Byrnes, given your previous experience in Greece, you are well
    aware of the strategic relevance of incorporating North Macedonia into
    NATO and the EU and the hard-fought path that both Greece and now,
    North Macedonia, have traveled to get to where we are today.
        In addition to my role as the Ranking Member of this subcommittee,
    I am also the Senate NATO Observer Group Co-Chair. In that capacity, I
    am pleased that Greece and North Macedonia were able to overcome their
    name dispute and that North Macedonia continues to make the right moves
    on defense reforms to ensure its membership in NATO and to help better
    integrate the Balkans region.
        Mr. Crawford, Ireland has also traveled a hard-fought road,
    particularly with the UK, to ensure Europe's integration.
        Unfortunately, tensions long-buried by close economic ties and the
    peace process in Northern Ireland have the potential to rise to the
    surface, once again, with the Brexit negotiations. I look forward to
    hearing more from you on this matter.
        And, Mr. Satterfield, Turkey seems to lie at the center of a host
    of political, economic and security issues-all with the potential to
    spill over into NATO, Syria, the Balkans and even, Venezuela.
        As we discussed, I am worried that President Erdogan has played
    directly into Vladimir Putin's hands as well as his own worst demons. I
    look forward to discussing how the U.S. can work with the remaining
    democratic elements of Turkish society to ensure that Turkey's once-
    western, rules-based trajectory is not gone for good.
        Again, welcome and congratulations to all of the nominees today.

        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Senator Shaheen.
        I think we will start with Mr. Crawford. I do not think any
    further introduction is really necessary. I think Senator Brown
    and Senator Portman did a pretty good job.
        I am glad to see--I think when we met, you were wearing an
    orange tie, and I was a little disappointed. I see you have got
    the Irish green on there. So you look good in it.
        But Mr. Crawford.

      STATEMENT OF EDWARD F. CRAWFORD, OF OHIO, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                           AMERICA TO IRELAND

        Mr. Crawford. Well, good afternoon, Senator Johnson,
    Senator Shaheen, Senator Menendez. Good afternoon members of
    the Foreign Relations Committee.
        I am honored to appear here before you today as President
    Trump's nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic
    of Ireland. I am grateful to the President for his nomination
    and Secretary Pompeo for his trust and confidence. If confirmed
    by the Senate, I will pledge to work closely with the members
    of the Foreign Relations Committee to advance U.S. interests
    and values in Ireland.
        At this time, I would like to take an opportunity to thank
    my wife Mary from high school, as well as my son Matthew, my
    daughter Debbie, my grandchildren Colin, Catherine, and Claire,
    better known in the family as the three bears.
        A few thoughts on Ireland.
        The connection between the people of the United States and
    the people of Ireland is undeniable. Over 30 million Americans
    identify themselves as having Irish heritage, more than 10
    percent of the U.S. population.
        The United States has built on hard work and sacrifice of
    immigrants, like the Irish who made significant contributions
    to the country and continue to serve as an example for all of
    us today. From the time of the nation's founding, thousands of
    Irish men and women had come to America and have had a lasting
    impact on the history and development of our country.
        Ireland is also one of our most reliable trading partners.
    More than $138 billion and growing in two-way trade in goods
    and services pass between the United States and Ireland each
    year.
        While adhering to a longstanding policy of military
    neutrality, Ireland continues to be a valuable partner in
    maintaining global security and protecting American interests
    abroad. I applaud our cooperation with the Irish government on
    strengthening Ireland's cybersecurity capacity to help
    safeguard U.S. companies and citizens located in Ireland. If
    confirmed, I will do everything I can to continue making
    progress in this area.
        The United States and Ireland have worked together through
    history to resolve conflicts and peace accord and prosperity.
    The United States views proudly its role in the events leading
    up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, ending years of strife
    and bloodshed in Northern Ireland. If confirmed, I would
    maintain the United States' firm commitment to the Northern
    Ireland peace process.
        A few thoughts or comments on Ed Crawford.
        In 1960, while I was attending John Carroll University
    night school, I started my first commercial effort, a company
    called Cleveland Steel Container, which manufactured 5-gallon
    steel pails. The continuation of that enterprise today has
    grown the revenues to approximately $9 billion.
        Park-Ohio currently operates manufacturing facilities in
    North America, Canada, Mexico, the Euro Zone, China, India, and
    other countries.
        We employ over 7,500 individuals. This is not a high-tech
    business we are talking about. We manufacture products for
    trucks, autos, washing machines, aerospace, and many other
    production line components. We are very proud of our
    relationships with our factory employees.
        For example, in City of Conneaut, Ohio, we employ 300
    factory workers. Conneaut has one McDonald's, no movie, just a
    race track, but there are 8,200 people living in Conneaut,
    Ohio. And the average time in service in those employees--we
    employ 300 people and the average time of service in that
    facility is 15 years. We are very, very, very positive and feel
    great about the partnership we have as owners of the company
    and our employees. It is very important to us. It has been in
    the past and will be in the future. The mere fact that they
    leave work each day--I can only say this with my heart. These
    300 people come every single day and punch a time clock at 6:30
    in the morning. They leave at 3:30 in the afternoon. And they
    have families, and they need those jobs. They depend on those
    jobs. So they go home to their families.
        What we are as a family--our family loves feeling
    commitment on both sides. It is important to us, and I think we
    did a great job with it. And why? Because they need us and we
    need them. It is a good thing. I employed a lot of hourly
    employees for a very long time. I enjoy it. I like the
    factories. I am an operating guy. I am in the buildings.
        During my 58 years of building this company, I learned a
    great deal about people, problems, and opportunities. If I am
    confirmed, I will bring this experience, knowledge, and
    enthusiasm to the post of the U.S. Ambassador to Ireland to
    strengthen the Irish relationship.
        Senators, my mother left Ireland in 1927, my father in
    1925. Both came through Ellis Island as Irish immigrants. They
    would be very proud of what we have accomplished as a family
    and our need to serve America.
        Thank you.
        [Mr. Crawford's prepared statement follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Edward F. Crawford

        Good morning Senator Johnson, Good morning Senator Shaheen and
    other Members of the Foreign Relations Committee:
        I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's
    nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Ireland. I am
    grateful to the President for his nomination and to Secretary Pompeo
    for his trust and confidence. If confirmed by the Senate, I pledge to
    work closely with the members of the Foreign Relations Committee to
    advance U.S. interests and values in Ireland.
        At this time, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my
    wife, Mary (from high school), as well as my son, Matthew, my daughter,
    Debbie, and my grandchildren, Colin, Catherine, and Claire (better
    known as the three bears) for their love and support.
        A few thoughts on Ireland.
        The connection between the people of the United States and the
    people of Ireland is undeniable. Over 30 million Americans identify
    themselves as having Irish heritage, more than 10 percent of the U.S.
    population.
        The United States was built on the hard work and sacrifice of
    immigrants, like the Irish, who have made significant contributions to
    this country and continue to serve as an example for all of us today.
    From the time of our nation's founding, thousands of Irish men and
    women have come to America, and have had a lasting impact on the
    history and development of our country.
        Ireland is also one of our most reliable trading partners. More
    than $138 Billion (and growing) in two-way trade in goods and services
    passes between the United States and Ireland each year.
        While adhering to its long-standing policy of military neutrality,
    Ireland continues to be a valuable partner in maintaining global
    security and protecting American interests abroad. I applaud our
    cooperation with the Irish government on strengthening Ireland's
    cybersecurity capacity to help safeguard U.S. companies and citizens
    located in Ireland. If confirmed, I will do everything I can to
    continue making progress in this area.
        The United States and Ireland have worked together throughout our
    histories to resolve conflicts and promote peace and prosperity. The
    United States views proudly its role in the events leading to the Good
    Friday Agreement of 1998, ending years of strife and bloodshed in
    Northern Ireland. If confirmed, I would maintain the United States'
    firm commitment to the Northern Ireland Peace Process.
        In the 1960's while attending John Carroll University night school,
    I started my first commercial effort, a company called Cleveland Steel
    Container which manufactured five-gallon steel pails. The continuation
    of that enterprise today has grown in revenues to approximately $1.9
    billion annually.
        Park-Ohio currently operates manufacturing facilities in North
    America, Canada, Mexico, the Euro Zone, China, India and other
    countries.
        We employ over 7,500 individuals. This is not a high-tech business.
    We manufacture products for trucks, autos, washing machines, aero-space
    and many other production line components. We are very proud of our
    relationships with our factory employees.
        For example, in Conneaut, Ohio, we employ 300 factory workers.
    Conneaut has one McDonald's, no movie theater and a dirt track for auto
    racing. The population of Conneaut is approximately 8,200. The average
    time in service for our production line employees is over 15 years.
    This is a partnership with families. They come to the plant each day
    and punch a time clock. They leave work each day and go home to their
    families. Our family loves the feeling of commitment on both sides.
        During the 58 years of building the company I learned a great deal
    about people, problems and opportunities. If I am confirmed, I will
    bring this experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the Post of the U.S.
    Ambassador to Ireland to strengthen the U.S.-Irish relationship.
        Senators, my mother left Ireland for America in 1927 and my father
    in 1925. Both came through Ellis Island as Irish immigrants. They would
    be very proud of what we have accomplished as a family and our need to
    serve America.

        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Mr. Crawford. As a fellow
    manufacturer and entrepreneur, I have nothing but respect for
    what you have accomplished in your life. And, again, thank you
    for your willingness to serve.
        Our next nominee is Ms. Kate Marie Byrnes. Ms. Byrnes is
    the President's nominee to be Ambassador to North Macedonia.
    Ms. Byrnes is a career member of the State Department's Senior
    Foreign Service and currently serves as the Deputy Chief of
    Mission at the U.S. embassy in Athens.
        Her previous service includes Deputy Permanent
    Representative to the U.S. Mission to the OSCE, as well as
    postings in Madrid, Afghanistan, and to NATO headquarters in
    Belgium.
        Ms. Byrnes is the recipient of the Secretary's
    Expeditionary Service Award and the United States Army
    Meritorious Civilian Service Award.
        She speaks Spanish, Hungarian, and Turkish.
        Ms. Byrnes?

    STATEMENT OF KATE MARIE BYRNES, OF FLORIDA, A CAREER MEMBER OF
    THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
          STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF NORTH MACEDONIA

        Ms. Byrnes. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and
    distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to appear
    before you today as President Trump's nominee for U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia. I deeply
    appreciate the trust and confidence the President and the
    Secretary of State have placed in me to represent the American
    people, and I hope to earn your trust as well. If confirmed, I
    pledge to work closely with you to advance our nation's
    interests in North Macedonia.
        Thank you for the opportunity to introduce my husband,
    retired U.S. Navy Captain Scott Gage, who is here with me
    today, and to thank him for his love and partnership. I would
    also like to thank all my family, beginning with my parents,
    Paul and Hope Byrnes. My father, a retired Foreign Service
    officer, with my mother's support, introduced my brothers, Paul
    Jr., Sean, and me to the rewards and challenges of this path of
    service. And their support continues to inspire my commitment.
        Over my 26-year career, I have worked in Washington and in
    Europe to build strong partners for the United States. As the
    Deputy Chief of Mission in Athens, I supported U.S.-Greece
    efforts to deepen regional stability and cooperation and
    encouraged Greece's leadership in its engagement with the
    Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.
        North Macedonia is on its chosen path to NATO and the
    European Union. Through the Prespa Agreement, the political
    leaders of North Macedonia and Greece overcame difficult
    historical issues by focusing on a future of progress. The
    United States supported the leaders on both sides who drove
    this process. Full implementation of the agreement is crucial
    to the region. External actors with malign intent are working
    against this progress in an effort to undermine the country and
    the confidence the people of North Macedonia have in their
    future.
        If confirmed, I will focus the work of the embassy on three
    priorities.
        First, we will promote stability through strong
    institutions. North Macedonia has made significant progress on
    updating its laws to advance reforms, including in the areas of
    judicial independence, rule of law, and accountability. Its
    political leaders need to ensure these laws are thoroughly
    implemented, making real change to meet the standards of
    membership in both NATO and the EU, as well as the expectations
    of its citizens.
        Congress has made a lasting impact on North Macedonia's
    democratic reforms and economic development. If confirmed, I
    will ensure that this U.S. government collaboration continues
    and that U.S. resources are spent effectively in support of
    U.S. goals and priorities.
        Second, we will enhance security through partnership. As a
    future NATO ally, North Macedonia must meet its commitments. If
    confirmed, I will work with members of this committee to ensure
    that North Macedonia continues to be a strong and steadfast
    contributor to the security of the North Atlantic area.
        North Macedonia has contributed to international operations
    since 2002, deploying almost 4,000 soldiers. As our strong
    partner in the Coalition to Defeat ISIS, it set an important
    example for all members of the coalition in repatriating,
    prosecuting, and sentencing foreign terrorist fighters. Our
    soldiers also courageously fought alongside each other in Iraq
    and still do so today in Afghanistan. This year, over 1,000
    U.S. troops will participate in exercises alongside North
    Macedonia's troops at the Krivolak Training Area. If confirmed,
    I will look to expand our partnership efforts in order to
    counter threats from terrorism, as well as malign actors who
    seek to disrupt and destabilize democratic systems.
        Third, we will foster prosperity through positive
    influence. North Macedonia will prosper by advancing human
    rights, diversity, inclusion, free media, and open markets. The
    United States will partner in building new opportunities for
    future generations through our Peace Corps, USAID, and other
    assistance programs, and through robust public diplomacy and
    people-to-people exchanges. There are prospects for U.S. firms
    to partner with North Macedonia. If confirmed, I will commit
    the U.S. embassy in Skopje to help make these deals happen.
        Expanding ties between the United States and North
    Macedonia will foster a positive vision of a more prosperous
    and secure future and is our strongest weapon against global
    competitors.
        The outstanding embassy team in Skopje is dedicated to
    helping North Macedonia secure a positive future. I am eager to
    join them, if confirmed, to lead their efforts moving forward.
        I pledge to the committee that I will protect American
    interests, ensure the fair treatment of American citizens, and
    promote American values with every engagement I have with the
    government of North Macedonia and its people.
        Thank you for your time. I welcome your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Byrnes follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Kate Marie Byrnes

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished members of
    the committee, I am honored to appear before you today as President
    Trump's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of North Macedonia.
    I deeply appreciate the trust and confidence the President and the
    Secretary of State have placed in me to represent the American people,
    and I hope to earn your trust as well. If confirmed, I pledge to work
    closely with you to advance our nation's interests in North Macedonia.
        Thank you for the opportunity to introduce my husband, retired U.S.
    Navy Captain Scott Gage, who is here today, and to recognize him for
    his love and partnership. I would also like to thank all my family
    beginning with my parents, Paul and Hope Byrnes. My father, a retired
    Foreign Service officer, with my mother's support, introduced my
    brothers Paul Jr., Sean and me to the challenges and rewards of this
    path of service. Their support continues to inspire my commitment.
        Over my 26-year career, I have worked in Washington and in Europe
    to build strong partners for the United States. As the Deputy Chief of
    Mission in Athens, I supported U.S.Greece efforts to deepen regional
    stability and cooperation, and encouraged Greece's leadership in its
    engagement with the Western Balkans, including North Macedonia.
        North Macedonia is on its chosen path to NATO and the European
    Union. Through the Prespa Agreement, the political leaders of North
    Macedonia and Greece overcame difficult historical issues by focusing
    on a future of progress. The United States supported the leaders on
    both sides who drove this process. Full implementation of the agreement
    is crucial to the region. External actors with malign intent are
    working against this progress in an effort to undermine the country and
    the confidence the people of North Macedonia have in their future.
        If confirmed, I will focus the work of the Embassy on three
    priorities:

        First, we will promote stability through strong institutions.
        North Macedonia has made significant progress on updating its laws
    to advance reforms, including in the areas of judicial independence,
    rule of law, and accountability. Its political leaders need to ensure
    these laws are thoroughly implemented, making real change to meet the
    standards of membership in both NATO and the EU, as well as the
    expectations of its citizens.
        Congress has made a lasting impact on North Macedonia's democratic
    reforms and economic development. If confirmed, I will ensure this U.S.
    government collaboration continues and that U.S. resources are spent
    effectively in support of U.S. goals and priorities.

        Second, we will enhance security through partnership.
        As a future NATO ally, North Macedonia must meet its commitments.
    If confirmed, I will work with members of this committee to ensure that
    North Macedonia continues to be a strong and steadfast contributor to
    the security of the North Atlantic area.
        North Macedonia has contributed to international operations since
    2002, deploying almost 4,000 soldiers. As our strong partner in the
    Coalition to Defeat ISIS, it set an important example for all members
    of the Coalition in repatriating, prosecuting and sentencing Foreign
    Terrorist Fighters. Our soldiers also courageously fought alongside
    each other in Iraq, and still do so today in Afghanistan. This year,
    over 1,000 U.S. troops will participate in exercises alongside North
    Macedonia's troops at the Krivolak Training Area. If confirmed, I will
    look to expand our partnership efforts in order to counter threats from
    terrorism as well as malign actors who seek to disrupt and destabilize
    democratic systems.

        Third, we will foster prosperity through positive influence.
        North Macedonia will prosper by advancing human rights, diversity,
    inclusion, free media, and open markets. The United States will partner
    in building new opportunities for future generations through our Peace
    Corps, USAID and other assistance programs, and through robust public
    diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges. There are prospects for U.S.
    firms to partner with North Macedonia. If confirmed, I will commit the
    U.S. Embassy in Skopje to help make these deals happen.
        Expanding ties between the United States and North Macedonia will
    foster a positive vision of a more prosperous and secure future and is
    our strongest weapon against global competitors.
        The outstanding Embassy team in Skopje is dedicated to helping
    North Macedonia secure a positive future. I am eager to join them, if
    confirmed, to lead their efforts moving forward.
        I pledge to the committee that I will protect American interests,
    ensure the fair treatment of American citizens, and promote American
    values with every engagement I have with the government of North
    Macedonia and its people.
        Thank you for your time today. I would be pleased to take your
    questions.

        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Ms. Byrnes.
        Our final nominee is the Honorable David Michael
    Satterfield. Mr. Satterfield is the President's nominee to be
    Ambassador to Turkey.
        Ambassador Satterfield is a career member of the State
    Department's Senior Foreign Service who has been the Acting
    Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs since
    2017.
        Previously he served as Director-General of the
    Multinational Force and Observers in Rome, as Special Advisor
    to the Secretary of State for Libya, as Deputy Chief of Mission
    in Baghdad, as Ambassador to Lebanon.
        Ambassador Satterfield is the recipient of the Presidential
    Distinguished Executive Rank Award, the Secretary of State's
    Distinguished Service Award, and the United States Department
    of the Army Outstanding Civilian Service Award.
        He speaks Arabic, French, and Italian.
        Ambassador Satterfield?

      STATEMENT OF HON. DAVID MICHAEL SATTERFIELD, OF MISSOURI, A
     CAREER MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF CAREER
    MINISTER, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF
         THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

        Ambassador Satterfield. Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member
    Shaheen, Senators Menendez and Portman, thank you for the
    opportunity to come before you today as the President's nominee
    for Turkey. I am grateful to the President, to Secretary Pompeo
    for the confidence they have placed in me. If confirmed, I look
    forward to continuing the close consultative relationship I
    have had for many years with this committee.
        With your permission, I will submit my full testimony for
    the record.
        Next month will mark 40 years of service for me with the
    U.S. government, almost entirely as a career Foreign Service
    officer. My focus has been the Middle East. That has meant my
    overseas assignments have largely been in unaccompanied
    critical threat posts, Beirut, Baghdad, Tripoli, Libya, the
    Sinai. I am profoundly aware of the importance of family in
    today's Foreign Service and separations that the requirements
    of that service entail for most of my colleagues. In this
    regard, I want to thank my spouse, Foreign Service Officer
    Elizabeth Fritschle, for her love, understanding and support
    through many separated assignments. She and our daughter, Mary
    Parker, are at post in Tel Aviv today, but they are with me
    always in spirit.
        If confirmed, I will be going to Ankara at a complex and
    challenging moment. Today, Turkey fulfills key NATO rolls in
    Afghanistan and Iraq, stands firm in support of Ukraine's
    territorial integrity, and its critical efforts to bring about
    a political solution to the Syrian conflict and the enduring
    defeat of ISIS.
        The Turkish people also merit recognition for their hosting
    of nearly 4 million Syrian refugees.
        Our interests extend beyond U.S. national security
    priorities. Turkey hosts more than 1,700 American companies,
    particularly in the aerospace, pharmaceutical, financial, and
    insurance services industry. Bilateral trade topped $20 billion
    in 2018, and Presidents Trump and Erdogan have pledged to
    significantly increase that trade relationship.
        Nevertheless, as this committee knows very well, the
    relationship faces profound challenges. By moving ahead with
    its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system and as
    Secretary Pompeo told this committee yesterday, Turkey puts its
    participation in the F-35 program at profound risk and faces
    sanctions under CAATSA. As Vice President Pence said on the
    occasion of NATO's 70th anniversary, Turkey must choose. Does
    it want to remain a critical partner in the most successful
    military alliance in history, or does it want to risk the
    security of that partnership by making such reckless decisions
    that undermine our Alliance? If confirmed, I will press Turkey
    to make the right strategic choice.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the committee, if
    confirmed, my highest priority, of course, will be the safety
    and security of American citizens in Turkey.
        Let me express in that regard the administration's
    appreciation to Congress and to this committee for your
    sustained efforts to help us achieve the release of Pastor
    Andrew Brunson. If confirmed, I will not rest until all of our
    people, including NASA physicist Dr. Serkan Golge, and Mission
    Turkey local employees are at home with their families and
    free.
        More broadly, the United States is troubled by the state of
    Turkish democracy and respect for individual freedoms in
    Turkey. Rebuilding confidence in the rule of law would go far
    towards expanding the potential, which Turkey very much has,
    for economic investment and partnership. If confirmed, I will
    work to challenge Turkey to uphold its domestic and
    international human rights commitments while pushing Turkey to
    live up in full to its status as a NATO ally.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the committee,
    thank you again for the opportunity to testify today. I look
    forward to taking your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Satterfield follows:]

                Prepared Statement of Hon. David M. Satterfield

        Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member, members of the committee, thank
    you for the opportunity to come before you today as the President's
    nominee to Turkey. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary
    Pompeo for the confidence they have placed in me. If confirmed I look
    forward to continuing a close, consultative relationship with the
    committee.
        Next month will mark forty years of my service with the U.S.
    government, almost entirely as a career Foreign Service Officer with
    focus upon the Middle East. My overseas assignments have been largely
    in unaccompanied critical threat assignments--Beirut, Baghdad, Tripoli,
    the Sinai--and I am profoundly aware of the importance of family as
    such service and the separations it entails have become routine for all
    in the Foreign Service. In this regard, I want to thank my spouse,
    Elizabeth Fritschle, also a career Foreign Service Officer with her own
    three decades of service, including in those same posts I noted, for
    her love, understanding and support in what has been a rewarding but
    very challenging life. She and our daughter Mary Parker are at post in
    Tel Aviv today, but they are with me always in spirit.
        If confirmed, I will be going to Ankara at a particularly complex
    and challenging moment in U.S.-Turkey relations. As this committee is
    aware, in the 66 years since Turkey became a NATO Ally, we have worked
    closely with the Turks to advance key national security interests, from
    Korea to Kosovo and beyond. Our partnership with Turkey--which has the
    second largest standing military in NATO and is a G-20 economy--enables
    us to defend NATO's eastern flank and project U.S. power in the region.
        Today, Turkey hosts the NATO Land Component Command in Izmir,
    serves as one of four Framework Nations for Operation Resolute Support
    in Afghanistan, and fills the deputy commander position in NATO's new
    training mission in Iraq. Turkey has stood firm in support of Ukraine's
    sovereignty and territorial integrity, refusing to recognize Russia's
    attempted annexation of Crimea. We have worked together to counter
    terrorism. Turkey has been integral to our efforts to bring about a
    political solution to the Syrian conflict and achieve the lasting
    defeat of ISIS, not least because of our access to Turkish air bases.
    Meanwhile, the Turkish people merit recognition for their generosity in
    hosting nearly four million Syrian refugees. As the President has made
    clear, as we draw down U.S. forces in Syria, we are determined to
    ensure that those who fought with us will not come to harm. At the same
    time, we will continue to work with Turkey to address its legitimate
    security concerns.
        Our interests extend beyond U.S. security priorities. Turkey is an
    important economic partner hosting more than 1,700 U.S. companies,
    particularly in the aerospace, pharmaceutical, and financial and
    insurance services industries. Bilateral trade topped $20 billion in
    2018. Presidents Trump and Erdogan have pledged to significantly
    increase our trade.
        As this committee is all too aware, the relationship faces profound
    challenges.The administration has worked tirelessly with Congress to
    address Turkey's legitimate security needs. However, by moving ahead
    with its purchase of the Russian S-400 missile defense system, Turkey
    puts its participation in the F-35 program at risk and faces potential
    sanctions under CAATSA. As Vice President Pence said April 4 on the
    occasion of NATO's 70th anniversary, ``Turkey must choose. Does it want
    to remain a critical partner in the most successful military alliance
    in history, or does it want to risk the security of that partnership by
    making such reckless decisions that undermine our Alliance?'' If
    confirmed, I will ensure we continue to press Turkey to make the right
    strategic choice by procuring NATO interoperable military equipment.
        Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member, if confirmed my highest priority
    will be the safety and security of American citizens in Turkey.
        The Trump administration has worked tirelessly to achieve the
    release of our staff and U.S. citizens. Let me express our appreciation
    to Congress and to this committee for your sustained efforts. While we
    are grateful that Pastor Andrew Brunson and one local employee are out
    of jail and reunited with their families, the United States cannot
    accept Turkey's continued detention and prosecution of other U.S.
    citizens--including NASA physicist Dr. Serkan Golge--and Mission Turkey
    local employees. If confirmed, you have my assurance that I will be
    clear that this is unacceptable and will urge a swift and fair
    resolution to these cases.
        The United States, along with many others in the international
    community, is troubled by the negative trajectory of democracy and
    respect for freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly
    in Turkey. Turkey currently incarcerates more journalists than any
    other country in the world. No democracy can flourish without a
    vibrant, diversely-owned, and free press. Accountable and responsive
    government, an independent judiciary, and respect for individual rights
    are pillars of established democracies. Turkey should protect freedom
    of expression, especially for those voices that are critical of the
    government, and release journalists imprisoned for their work.
        Rebuilding confidence in the rule of law in Turkey would go far
    towards expanding the potential for economic investment and
    partnership. The U.S.-Turkish partnership is strongest when Turkish
    democracy is thriving. If confirmed, I will work to challenge Turkey to
    uphold its domestic and international human rights commitments while
    pushing Turkey to live up to its status as a NATO Ally and EU aspirant.
        Despite the very real challenges in U.S.-Turkish relations, Turkey
    remains an essential partner in a complicated geostrategic position,
    presenting both opportunities and challenges. There is no alternative
    to an 80-million strong Ally on the edge of a region in constant flux.
    The United States and Turkey must work together to confront the very
    real threats to global peace and security that emanate from Russia,
    Iran, and elsewhere in the region. If confirmed, I am committed to
    working to advance our national security interests.
        Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member, members of the committee, thank
    you again for the opportunity to testify before you. I look forward to
    taking your questions.

        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Ambassador Satterfield.
        I am going to be here for the duration of the hearing. So
    out of respect for my colleagues' time--and I do appreciate
    people showing up for the hearings--I will defer to Senator
    Shaheen.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to begin with you, Mr. Crawford, because as I am
    sure all of us have been following, the outcome of Brexit will
    have a direct impact on what happens with Ireland and whether
    there needs to be a hardened border between Ireland and
    Northern Ireland. I visited there when I was Governor, and we
    visited both Ireland and Northern Ireland. And I can remember
    going across that border at the time. And there were actually
    checkpoints. So you knew that you were going across.
        So can you talk about how we should engage in the cross-
    border efforts to ensure continued peace and trade relations
    between Ireland and whatever happens with the outcome of
    Brexit?
        Mr. Crawford. Senator, it is unfortunate we have two of our
    closest allies, EU and UK, in this situation. It has been going
    on well over a year, results that were not anticipated. What is
    very important about this is also it has affected Ireland in
    very strange ways.
        But this is something I believe has to be settled by the
    two parties most concerned, and that is the EU and the UK.
    Westminster--they have to work to solve this problem. I think
    our involvement in it is, from my viewpoint, steadfast that we
    should let them work this problem out themselves.
        Senator Shaheen. Do you not think we should weigh in
    publicly in a way that suggests that we hope they will work it
    out and urge them to do that so that they understand clearly
    that we think that is in everyone's best interest?
        Mr. Crawford. Well, I think they realize it is in their
    best interests because we have made it very clear that we are
    behind the agreement. We have said that is where we stand. I
    think that is representative. I am not a diplomat. I am only a
    person that has limited information.
        Senator Shaheen. You are about to be a diplomat if you get
    confirmed. So it will be very important to----
        Mr. Crawford. Yes. But have I answered your question?
        Senator Shaheen. I think I would say I hope that if you are
    confirmed, that you will make it very clear that we support the
    Good Friday Agreements and that that should be maintained as
    part of any Brexit deal.
        Mr. Crawford. Yes, I will do that.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Ms. Byrnes, you mentioned in your opening statement forces
    that are trying to continue to sow dissent within the Republic
    of North Macedonia in its efforts to look West towards the EU
    and NATO.
        One of those countries that we have heard from, of course,
    is Russia. They tried to engineer a coup in Montenegro before
    it joined NATO. They have continued to sow dissent in other
    parts of the Western Balkans.
        So can you talk about what efforts you could encourage as
    Ambassador that could help address those concerns?
        Ms. Byrnes. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        As you note, Russia does not share the same vision of
    Western integration that we hold and is one held by the people
    of North Macedonia. They do seek to create divisions and
    distrust. They were actively opposing the Prespa Agreement.
    They have been vocal in their opposition to North Macedonia's
    accession to NATO, often misrepresenting the facts. The embassy
    in Skopje worked very hard to present the truth, to present
    those facts, to work closely with the media, that it would be
    free and fair in reporting on that.
        If confirmed, I would like to continue those efforts to
    make sure that we speak the truth, that we support independent
    media and civil society voices that speak the truth, and also
    that we make very clear that our aspirations match those of the
    people of North Macedonia, that we are in alignment in that
    respect, and that what we are seeking is not only in U.S.
    strategic interests but in the strategic interests of the
    country and the region.
        Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you.
        And I would like to applaud Prime Minister Zaev and Prime
    Minister Tsipras for their willingness to take stands that were
    difficult for them to reach an agreement. I think in the long
    term, it is going to be in the best interests of both
    countries.
        Mr. Satterfield, obviously, Turkey has been an important
    ally but one where we have seen backsliding with respect to
    democracy. As we discussed when you were in my office, they
    have the highest number of reporters imprisoned of any country
    in the world. They have just had recent elections that are now
    being contested by President Erdogan's party.
        So what should be the response of the United States and the
    embassy if President Erdogan is allowed to manipulate
    Istanbul's election results and is able to get an entirely new
    election? How do you think we should respond?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, I will not comment, of
    course, on the hypothetical. But I will tell you what our
    position is right now and will continue be.
        Senator Shaheen. Good.
        Ambassador Satterfield. A free, fair, and transparent
    electoral process is a fundamental pillar of any democracy.
    Turkey is a democracy. We look to that pillar. We look to that
    transparent process to be fully respected by all involved so
    that the will of those who went to the polls is acknowledged in
    terms of the results. We will be watching this as it unfolds
    over the days ahead very closely.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        I was pleased to hear in your opening statement that you
    mentioned not just Pastor Brunson, who I think was released
    because of the whole-of-government approach, the bipartisan
    effort that involved both Congress and the administration to
    try and pressure and urge Turkey to release him. And I was
    pleased to hear you talk about the other American citizens and
    the diplomatic officials who are currently in jail.
        Can you talk about what more you might be able to do as
    Ambassador to urge Turkey to release those citizens and also
    any Turkish citizens that are being improperly jailed?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, we made very clear by our
    physical presence in the court proceedings for those who are
    part of our mission in Turkey and for our public engagement--
    indeed, the public engagement, not just the administration,
    executive branch, but also of this body and of the House--in
    registering that this is an important relationship for us with
    Turkey. But it is a relationship that can only flourish as it
    might if there is full respect, not just for democratic
    principles and practices in Turkey with respect to Turkish
    citizens, but also, of course, with respect to American
    citizens.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Johnson. Senator Portman?
        Senator Portman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        So, Mr. Crawford, sometimes we have nominees come before us
    and they have not had much opportunity to visit the countries
    they are being selected for and, therefore, do not have
    familiarity with the people and the customs of those countries.
        Can you just talk briefly about any trips you have made to
    Ireland and any familiarity you have with Ireland?
        Mr. Crawford. I have been to Ireland many, many times.
    Again, my mother and father were both born there, and I have
    lots of first cousins.
        I have been active there in the past in a small business
    down in Cork City. It employs 17 people. It is a distribution
    business. So I have had some contact with the working persons
    or people. Again, my experience in building our company has
    given me the tools I believe to understand really the Irish,
    and if there is any change in this Brexit situation, I think I
    am able and will be able to contact and get along with the
    Irish leadership, as well as the Irish people. And I think I
    can be a very positive, positive force for the goal, which is
    to make the relationship stronger between Ireland and America.
        I have an industrial background and a manufacturing
    background, but I also have a business background. And it is
    very important to Ireland and to America that we increase the
    trade to make this thing a better relationship between the two
    countries. And I think some of the background I have--but I
    love Ireland. It is a great place, and I think I can play an
    important role there because of my background but my ability to
    bring some things to the table that will help enhance the
    relationship between America and Ireland.
        Senator Portman. Excellent. Well, thank you. I think you
    are right. I said earlier the Irish want you too. I mean, the
    Irish were looking for an ambassador, and they have been very
    pleased to have you step up.
        So, Ms. Byrnes, first of all, thank you to you and to your
    husband, a Navy fighter pilot, who is hanging out behind you
    there, for your service to our country.
        And you have had some really interesting roles. You are
    going to a fascinating country at a time when it is, although a
    small country, really a microcosm of what is happening all
    throughout Eastern and Central Europe with regard to Russia.
    And specifically the two issues that I want to talk to about
    briefly are the dependency that they have on natural gas from
    Russia, and second is the referendum and what might happen with
    regard to the NATO ascendancy.
        With regard to the first question, it seems to me you have
    an opportunity while you are there to be sure that Russia does
    not do to Northern Macedonia what they have done to other
    countries in Eastern and Central Europe, which is to use their
    leverage by withholding access to natural gas unless certain
    other priorities of Russia were met and therefore enhancing
    their opportunity to receive other supplies.
        Have you thought about that, and specifically what would
    you do as Ambassador to encourage them to look to the West and
    maybe even to the United States for LNG?
        Ms. Byrnes. Thank you, Senator.
        As you note, North Macedonia does need to diversify its
    energy sources and routes. It also needs to develop a
    competitive, efficient, and transparent energy market and then
    to integrate its energy market into the region.
        Right now, there is only one pipeline for gas, and the gas
    comes from Russia, as you note. There is a projected project to
    build an interconnector with Greece that would allow North
    Macedonia not only to diversify its supplies but also to
    perhaps gasify other parts of the country that do not have that
    situation right now.
        Another opportunity is in the energy sector as a result of
    a new energy law. With USAID assistance, the government passed
    a new energy law that will bring it in line with EU directives,
    including the common third energy package.
        We are also looking to support efforts to reform the energy
    market through an incentive scheme, and if confirmed, I would
    like to continue that work not only to create opportunities for
    the private sector to fully engage there but, in fact, to
    engage some U.S. companies hopefully in bidding on some of
    those renewable energy projects.
        Senator Portman. That is terrific. And I think that is an
    appropriate role for an ambassador to try to encourage them to
    look to the West.
        On the Prespa Agreement and the referendum on it last year,
    the Russians did what they have done in so many elections,
    including our own, and that is attempt, through disinformation
    and propaganda, to try to change the result. They were not
    successful. But it was certainly an eye-opener for a lot of
    smaller countries in the region.
        Are you aware of the Global Engagement Center at the State
    Department?
        Ms. Byrnes. Yes, Senator, I am aware of the Global
    Engagement Center. And in my current capacity in Greece, we
    have worked on some proposals with them.
        Senator Portman. Excellent. I am glad to hear that. We have
    been promoting this for the last several years, and we think it
    is part of the answer to provide a pushback and have the U.S.
    government help countries like North Macedonia be able to
    respond. So I assume you would be looking to them for some
    guidance as to how you could push back against that
    disinformation coming from Russia.
        Ms. Byrnes. Senator, yes. Thank you.
        I have already looked into possibilities for North
    Macedonia so that, if I were confirmed, I would be able to
    continue those projects, as well as projects that would help
    the broader region, so have the countries in the Western
    Balkans, including in Southeast Europe, working together to
    combat Russian misinformation and develop media that can
    provide an alternative source of information.
        Senator Portman. Thank you.
        Mr. Satterfield, you are going into also a very interesting
    situation. Turkey persists in acquiring this Russian S-400
    system. I think it is impossible for us to continue with the F-
    35 contract. I hate to see us begin to distance ourselves
    further from Turkey because it is such a critical country and
    in the past it has been such a critical ally.
        How do you approach that issue? How would you effectively
    try to get the Turks to see that it is in their interests to
    align not just with us, with NATO and with NATO compatibility?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, what we do is what the
    President, the Vice President, the Secretary of State Acting
    Secretary Shanahan, what all of you here in the Congress have
    done, which is to message the Turkish government at the highest
    levels in public and privately in the clearest possible terms
    that if they proceed with the acquisition of the S-400, then
    they will not be able to participate in the F-35 program, the
    program itself or receipt of the F-35 platforms, that there
    will be no Patriot sale if they acquire the S-400. That message
    has been reinforced as clearly as it can be. It needs to
    continue to be reinforced. This would be a very unwise step
    from the immediate and a long-term perspective were the Turks,
    indeed, to go ahead with this decision. But we are doing
    everything in our power at every level available to us to make
    quite clear what the consequences are but also what the
    alternative is, which is an extraordinarily attractive proposal
    for the Patriot sale.
        Senator Portman. And broader compatibility with NATO.
    Correct?
        Ambassador Satterfield. And, of course, absolute
    compatibility with NATO.
        Senator Portman. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Johnson. Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Congratulations to all of the nominees and your families.
        Ambassador Satterfield, I was disappointed that you had to
    cancel your meeting with me, which I would have looked forward
    to going through a series of things. So I came to the hearing
    to ask you them.
        Let me start off with do you acknowledge that from 1915 to
    1923, nearly 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children were
    killed by the Ottoman Empire?
        Ambassador Satterfield. We are certainly aware, Senator, of
    the facts of that atrocity.
        Senator Menendez. So you acknowledge it. Is that correct?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Yes, sir.
        Senator Menendez. And do you acknowledge it as a genocide?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, the President has stated
    this is one of the most horrific atrocities in the 20th
    century, and I will abide by those remarks.
        Senator Menendez. It undoubtedly is an atrocity. The
    question is, is it a genocide?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Those remarks stand as a reflection
    of the U.S. government's position, sir.
        Senator Menendez. All right. So you will not tell me it is
    a genocide.
        Let me ask you this. Do you acknowledge that in 1915, the
    allied powers of England, France, and Russia jointly issued a
    statement explicitly charging for the first time ever another
    government of committing crimes against humanity and
    civilization?
        Ambassador Satterfield. I am a historian, sir, and well
    aware of the events at that time.
        Senator Menendez. So you acknowledge that fact.
        Do you acknowledge that Henry Morgenthau, the United States
    Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire at the time, said that the
    Turkish government's deportation order for the Armenians was,
    quote, a death warrant to a whole race and in a way in which
    they made no particular attempt to conceal their discussions
    with him?
        Ambassador Satterfield. I am aware of that quote, sir.
        Senator Menendez. So this is an inartful dance that we do
    as a nation in which we do not recognize the historical fact
    that even the U.S. Holocaust Museum, which is a quasi-
    governmental entity, acknowledges the facts of the Armenian
    genocide, but we are incapable of mouthing the comments of an
    Armenian genocide. And we cannot ultimately move to the future
    if we cannot recognize the past as a simple reality.
        And so I just bring to your attention that Senator Cruz, a
    member of this committee, and I, along with others, have
    introduced a resolution to ensure the foreign policy of the
    United States reflects appropriately the understanding and
    sensitivity and the reality of what was an Armenian genocide.
    And I commend it to your attention.
        Let me turn to the S-400. You spoke about this quite a bit.
    I appreciate your comments, but it is my hope--and, Mr.
    Chairman, I would like to include in the record an op-ed that
    the chair and ranking member of this committee, myself, and
    Senator Risch, along with the chair and the ranking member of
    the Senate Armed Services Committee wrote together, Senator
    Inhofe and Senator Reed, in which basically we say Turkey must
    choose. I would like it to be included in the record at this
    time.
        Senator Johnson. Without objection.

        [The material referred to above follows:]

                                      The New York Times--April 9, 2019

            A U.S. FIGHTER JET OR A RUSSIAN MISSLE SYSTEM, NOT BOTH

            by Jim Inhofe, Jack Reed, Jim Risch, and Bob Menendez\1\
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------

        \1\ Mr. Inhofe and Mr. Reed are the chairman and ranking member of
    the Senate Armed Services Committee. Mr. Risch and Mr. Menendez are the
    chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

              If Turkey accepts delivery of a Russian S-400 missle system,
    ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
            sanctions will be required by American Law.

              By the end of the year, Turkey will have either F-35 advanced
            fighter aircraft on its soil or a Russian S-400 surface-to-air
            missile defense system. It will not have both.
              The choice made by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
            will have profound consequences for his country's place in the
            world, its relationship with the United States and its standing
            in NATO.
              The F-35 program is the world's largest fifth-generation
            fighter aircraft program, with more than a trillion dollars in
            investment from a dozen international partners, including
            Turkey, and customers. In large part, the ability of the United
            States and its allies to maintain a military advantage in the
            skies is riding on the program.
              In July 2017, Turkey announced that it would purchase the S-
            400 surface-to-air missile defense system from Russia. The S-
            400 is the most advanced system produced to date in Russia's
            quest to defeat stealth technology--the system Russia built to
            shoot down the F-35 fighters.
              Turkey's purchase of the S-400 would be incompatible with its
            commitments to NATO and reduce its interoperability with
            allies. Purchasing the S-400 would create an unacceptable risk
            because its radar system could enable the Russian military to
            figure out how the F-35 operates. That threat compelled the
            Pentagon to suspend some activities associated with Turkey's F-
            35s last week.
              Turkey has legitimate air defense needs. The United States,
            since 2012, has offered the Patriot air defense system as an
            alternative to the S-400, but Turkey has rejected that offer.
            With the S-400 scheduled to arrive in Turkey in July and the F-
            35s scheduled to arrive in November, it is time for President
            Erdogan to choose. It is our hope he will choose to abandon the
            S-400, defend Turkish skies with the Patriot system and save
            the F-35 arrangement.
              If President Erdogan fails to make this choice and accepts
            delivery of the S-400, sanctions will be imposed as required by
            United States law under the Countering America's Adversaries
            Through Sanctions Act. Sanctions will hit Turkey's economy
            hard--rattling international markets, scaring away foreign
            direct investment and crippling Turkey's aerospace and defense
            industry.
              Further, no F-35s will ever reach Turkish soil. And Turkish
            participation in the F-35 program, including manufacturing
            parts, repairing and servicing the fighters, will be
            terminated, taking Turkish companies out of the manufacturing
            and supply chain for the program.
              We are committed to taking all necessary legislative action
            to ensure this is the case. Turkey is an important partner in
            the F-35 program, but it is not irreplaceable.
              Abandoning the F-35 will have severe consequences for Ankara.
            Turkey has already invested more than $1.25 billion in the F-35
            program, and that will be squandered. It will not receive the
            more than 100 F-35s it planned to purchase, and it will be
            forced to settle for a less-capable fighter aircraft that will
            not arrive for many years.
              Turkish companies that produce parts for the F-35 will see
            their orders dry up completely. The country's F-35 engine
            maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade facility will see all
            its work go to other facilities in Europe. President Erdogan's
            hope to make the Turkish defense industry a pillar of economic
            growth for the future will be dashed.
              We do not seek to harm our Turkish friends. Indeed, we hope
            it will be possible to enhance American-Turkish cooperation on
            Syria, the Black Sea, counterterrorism and other issues of
            mutual concern. We seek only to protect the F-35 program and
            the capabilities of the NATO alliance, including allies like
            Turkey.
              We understand that Turkey has a relationship of necessity
            with Russia--on Syria, energy, agriculture, tourism and more.
            If President Erdogan walks away from the S-400, Mr. Putin may
            retaliate in one or more of these areas. In that unfortunate
            event, we commit to do all we can to assist Turkey as it
            weathers the storm.
              Paying tribute to the Kremlin with the purchase of the S-400
            is not in Turkey's interests. Mr. Putin is not an ally of
            Turkey any more than the Soviets or the czars. His aggression
            in Georgia, Ukraine and Syria has made Turkey less safe. Now
            Mr. Putin is trying to divide Turkey from the West with the S-
            400s.
              If he succeeds, what little regard he has for Turkey's
            interests will shrink further. The more isolated Turkey is from
            its allies, the more power Mr. Putin will have in the
            relationship: Russia does what it can, Turkey suffers what it
            must.
              Mr. Putin fears and respects a Turkey strategically anchored
            in the West and committed to NATO. We hope President Erdogan
            will choose that future for Turkey by rejecting Mr. Putin's
            divisive S-400 ploy, meeting its air defense requirement with
            the Patriot system and moving forward as a critical partner in
            the F-35 program.

        Senator Menendez. I hope that President Erdogan clearly
    understands that the U.S. is not bluffing. I helped write
    CAATSA. It is not a question of if. It is a question that it
    will face sanctions. And if it does, which I do not seek, it is
    going to hit the Turkish economy hard. It is going to rattle
    international markets. It is going to scare away foreign direct
    investment. It is going to cripple Turkey's aerospace and
    defense industry. So I expect that I can rely upon you, if you
    are confirmed, to make it very sure to President Erdogan that
    he understands the risks and the implication of this deal in an
    unvarnished way.
        Ambassador Satterfield.  Without question, sir.
        Senator Menendez. Let me turn to the question of democratic
    backsliding in Turkey. I am alarmed by the rapid and sharp
    decline of human rights in Turkey. It is leading the world in
    the most jailed journalists. Recently Human Rights Watch
    reported Turkey is arbitrarily jailing hundreds of lawyers. Now
    that is something that I expect from oppressive regimes like
    Tajikistan. I do not expect it from a NATO ally.
        Your written testimony makes note of this trajectory, which
    is a good starting point. But what will you do specifically to
    engage the government of Turkey to reverse this trend, if
    confirmed?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, the U.S. mission in
    Turkey--all of our posts--have, in their average in their
    contacts and their physical presence at certain proceedings,
    registered very clearly the United States supports a very
    different vision of how rights and liberties should be
    practiced in any democracy, including in Turkey. We have not
    hesitated to speak directly about our concerns to the most
    senior members of the Turkish government, and I assure you, if
    confirmed, I will continue to do so, as will the mission in
    Turkey.
        Senator Menendez. This is a less of a question but more of
    a rejoinder to something you said that I agree with. Turkey
    continues to detain a U.S. citizen and embassy employees. And I
    appreciate in your written testimony that you underlined, if
    confirmed, you will be clear with the government of Turkey this
    is unacceptable and to urge swift and fair resolution. Bogus
    charges against an essentially hostage taking of a U.S. citizen
    and mission employs is not what we expect of a NATO ally. And
    they should be very clear in understanding that this is another
    irritant in our relationship. You do not take our people and
    arbitrarily and capriciously jail them at the end of the day
    and use them as hostages. It is just not acceptable anywhere in
    the world, and it is certainly not acceptable of a NATO ally.
        Let me turn to Mr. Crawford. Mr. Crawford, Tom Quinn is a
    pain in the neck.
        Mr. Crawford. I agree.
        Senator Menendez. There we go.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. So we can agree on a little Irish humor
    there.
        So if he came to me one more time about your nomination,
    you might have never had a hearing at the rate he was going.
    But I am glad you are here today.
        And I just want to say I have been involved in Irish issues
    for a long time in the 27 years I have been in Congress. I was
    one of the leaders or the ad hoc Irish Caucus in the House of
    Representatives. We got Bill Clinton to give Gerry Adams his
    first visa to the United States to move away from the gun and
    the bomb and to follow a path of peace that ultimately led to
    the Good Friday Accords.
        And so there is a lot at stake here beyond the economic
    realities that we have with Ireland. There is a lot at stake if
    in fact we do not have a resolution, a good resolution as it
    relates to Brexit. So I hope that you will be committed to
    making sure that we solidify, whatever happens, the resolution
    of the Good Friday Accords, the commitment to our efforts for
    peace and justice in Northern Ireland. Do I have that
    commitment from you?
        Mr. Crawford. Yes, I will.
        Senator Menendez. And I hope that you will commit to me
    that you will, in fact, meet before you leave to Ireland, if
    confirmed, with American civil society leadership here.
        Mr. Crawford. Yes, I will.
        Senator Menendez. And finally, I ask you to maintain a
    direct line with me as Ireland moves through this potentially
    tumultuous period of time. Do I have that commitment from you?
        Mr. Crawford. Yes. I would appreciate that opportunity.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you very much.
        Ms. Byrnes, I have questions for you, but since I am going
    to see you in Greece, I will ask you there. But I will submit
    them for the record. But primarily I want to know how you will
    be involved in following up on the accords that were reached in
    order to perform what we hope for Macedonia. I appreciate your
    career service.
        Senator Johnson. Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And thanks to the witnesses. Congratulations to Ambassador
    Satterfield and you, Ms. Byrnes, for a good longstanding
    careers of service in the State Department. And to you, Mr.
    Crawford, congratulations on the nomination. With your family
    background, I know your family is particularly proud of this
    and they ought to be.
        My questions, Ambassador Satterfield, are mostly going to
    be for you. Other questions have been asked that I was going
    to. I really want to talk to you about the Kurds.
        So I sort of want to understand--and you have such
    expertise--sort of the set of equities and issues between the
    Turkish government and the Kurds. So in Turkey, there is a
    sizable Kurdish population. Turkey has dealt with terrorist
    incidents by some Kurds, but there are massive amounts of the
    Kurdish population that is peaceful. There are Kurdish
    representatives in the Turkish national legislature. I worry
    that sometimes in the effort to go after terrorist activities,
    Kurds more generally have been targeted who are peaceful, who
    are exercising their right in a democracy to form their own
    political parties and have representation.
        Then we get to the situation of the Kurds in northern
    Syria. The U.S. has partnered well with the Kurds to defeat
    ISIS. That has been incredibly important. That partnership has
    been a real flashpoint of tension between the United States and
    Turkey. I am on the Armed Services Committee as well. Every
    time we have hearings with either CENTCOM or EUCOM regional
    commands and we talk about Turkey and we talk about Syria, we
    are always told this is one of the toughest issues that they
    are trying to resolve, how to maintain a military alliance with
    Turkey, that NATO membership, the use of the air base in Adana
    that has been helpful to us in campaigning against ISIS. But
    the Turks have been very, very distraught over the
    relationships that we have had with the Kurds in northern
    Syria.
        So I was wondering if you could talk a little bit about
    domestic Turkish politics and the Kurds and the way we should
    understand what Turkey's legitimate concerns are and then
    possibly illegitimate, and then what you might do on the
    diplomatic front to work with our military leadership over the
    issue of the U.S. alliance with Kurds in northern Syria.
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, with respect to the
    domestic Kurdish issue, Turkey does, indeed, have a legitimate
    concern over terror from the PKK. Like Turkey, we regard the
    PKK as a foreign terrorist organization. And we have partnered
    with Turkey. We continue to partner with Turkey at many
    different levels and in an operational sense against that
    terrorist organization and their targeting of innocent Turks
    throughout the country.
        We have welcomed Turkish efforts to integrate their Kurdish
    community as a whole into Turkish society, to respect and
    regard Turkish culture as part of Turkey in a broad sense, and
    positive steps have, indeed, been taken in that regard.
        But when it comes to the PKK and terror, we are in exactly
    the same position. There are quite legitimate Turkish concerns.
        To pivot to the Syrian issue, the mission of Jim Jeffrey
    that has gone on now for the past several months is to try to
    achieve several objectives in northeast Syria, along the
    Turkish border, and in partnership with both the Turkish
    government and also in consultation with Syrian Democratic
    Forces, which are largely but not entirely Kurdish in their
    makeup.
        The objectives of that mission are several, but one of them
    is the protection of those partners who fought and died with
    and for us in the campaign against the caliphate and continue
    to engage in what we might call the enduring campaign for the
    enduring defeat of ISIS in northeast Syria. Now, that is a
    critical objective, and it can only be established in
    conjunction with negotiations with the Turks over how their
    legitimate security needs along that border, that long fraught
    border can best be done.
        And I would praise the Turkish government, its national
    security leadership because they have given the time and the
    space to Ambassador Jeffrey to proceed with these negotiations.
    And I will not in this forum go into greater detail, but I
    certainly think the ability to achieve a success, which meets
    all of the U.S. goals, protection of our partners in the SDF,
    the avoidance of a vacuum in northeast Syria into which, with
    certainty, Russia, Iran, and the Syrian regime would promptly
    move, the continuation of stabilization efforts and the
    enduring campaign against ISIS--all of those goals can be
    achieved. We hope they will be achieved in the near future.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you for that. And I think that will be
    a significant part of your work because it is certainly a
    military effort, but it is probably more diplomatic than it is
    defense or military. And I think that will be an important part
    of your work.
        One other question about Turkey. There has been reporting
    in the last few years that the administration has contemplated,
    possibly in connection with the return of Pastor Brunson or
    another instance just independently, the return of the cleric,
    Gulen, who is a U.S. resident to Turkey pursuant to the
    requests of the Turkish government. I am sure I know the answer
    to this question, the way you are going to answer.
        My sense is we are a nation of laws not men. There are laws
    about extradition that if evidence is presented to the United
    States about anyone that is sufficient for them to be
    extradited somewhere because they need to face responsibility
    in a lawful manner for their actions, that we will follow
    extradition laws. But we are not in the business of handing
    people over if there has not been a demonstration that is
    sufficient for extradition. And that has been my understanding
    of the sort of legal position of this matter, the controversy
    with Cleric Gulen. And I just want to understand if you agree
    with it as I have stated it.
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, you have quite accurately
    stated our position. We have requirements to meet judicial
    sufficiency standards under U.S. law. We welcome the provision
    from the government of Turkey, as we would with any government
    with whom we have an extradition treaty, material that can
    contribute to a finding of that sufficiency. And we are
    continuing to engage the Turks and to ask for any additional
    information they may have.
        Senator Kaine. Great. Thank you.
        I have no further questions, Mr. Chair. Thanks.
        Senator Johnson. Thank you, Senator Kaine.
        Ambassador Satterfield, I want to kind of follow up again
    the situation in Syria. Again, I do not really want to ask a
    hypothetical, but what is your assessment in terms of the long-
    term commitment of some type of coalition force in that buffer
    zone in order to protect the PDF to provide the kind of
    stability? Is that going to require, I mean, years and years
    and years?
        Ambassador Satterfield. Senator, your question really
    breaks into two different parts. The first is the ability to
    have a coalition. We do have a coalition. There are other boots
    on the ground apart from U.S. boots. There are today and we
    very much believe there will be looking through the rest of
    this year and into the future. That coalition, that ability to
    sustain those other boots on the ground, is very much dependent
    on there being U.S. boots on the ground, not in large numbers.
    That is not a requirement. But a U.S. presence is an essential
    component as we hear from our coalition partners.
        How long does this campaign go on? I spoke with Senator
    Kaine on the enduring character of the efforts to achieve the
    lasting defeat, the permanent defeat of ISIS. I would speak
    that way in terms of Iraq. I certainly would speak that way in
    terms of northeast Syria. And I cannot give you a time limit, a
    terminus ad quem, to that campaign. ISIS is powerful. Its
    physical caliphate has been defeated. I cannot color a map
    anymore and show you towns held by ISIS, but I assure you in
    northeast Syria, as well as in northern Iraq. ISIS as a brand,
    as a coherent entity with funding and with arms, continues to
    be a challenge and a threat, and that will require coherent
    strategically patient sustained engagement to defeat.
        Senator Johnson. Those of us that were over at the Munich
    conference--we heard that loud and clear from coalition
    partners that it required a U.S. presence. And a bunch of us
    were rather vocal publicly in terms of supporting that U.S.
    presence.
        Do you envision a point in time, though, where things
    stabilize to the point where other coalition partners can take
    that up and not necessarily have U.S. presence? Or do you
    really think it is going to require that long-term?
        Ambassador Satterfield. We would very much like to see
    exactly the goal you just described, Mr. Chairman, achieved.
    That is a situation where stabilization efforts could have
    proceeded to the point where it is not necessary to have U.S.
    boots on the ground, at least in a dwell status, and that
    others can take on this burden. That has been the whole thrust
    of our policy for the past year and a half.
        Senator Johnson. It is good to hear that would be the goal.
        Ms. Byrnes, because you are serving in Athens, you have
    seen--and now you are going over to North Macedonia. You have
    seen both sides of that really--you know, the Prespa
    Agreement--to those of us in America, if you take a look at
    that, and you go this is a dispute over a name? Can you talk
    about really how deep-seated that problem was and the political
    courage it took on the leaders on both sides of those to reach
    that agreement?
        Ms. Byrnes. Thank you, Senator.
        As you note, this was an extremely difficult process on
    both sides of the border for both countries. North Macedonia
    has been unable to pursue its path towards Euro-Atlantic
    integration for years because of the failure to reach an
    agreement on the name issue.
        What the leaders in both Skopje and Athens did, in terms of
    coming together and working over a long period of time to come
    to an agreement, to show that kind of political courage and
    vision, and to focus on the future rather than on the past, was
    a tremendous diplomatic achievement. We encouraged that effort.
    We supported the leaders. Obviously, it was a U.N.-facilitated
    process, but it was really the leaders in both capitals that
    made that commitment and then were able to deliver on what has
    been the historic agreement and we think one that will bring
    great stability to the broader region.
        Senator Johnson. It is my hope that success will breed
    success. We saw Kosovo and Montenegro resolve their border
    dispute, and now we have seen Greece and North Macedonia
    resolve that. Next up, Serbia, Kosovo, a far more difficult
    problem.
        One of my concerns is we take a look at Brexit and the EU,
    the EU probably not anytime soon looking at adding membership.
    But as you are well aware, in North Macedonia, the ascension
    to, the aspiring to, be it NATO or be it EU, leads to all kinds
    of positive reforms. It is actually the desire of their
    population that actually provides the political support to do
    the tough reforms that otherwise would not be possible.
        Can you just talk a little bit about another path?
    Obviously, I will do everything I can to make sure that North
    Macedonia--you know, we confirm that ascension here in the
    United States Senate. But just talk about other nations that
    aspire for this type of membership, what those paths could be.
        Ms. Byrnes. Thank you.
        What I would say--and I thank you, first of all, for your
    support in this process because North Macedonia will need our
    support as it moves forward in both processes.
        With NATO accession, there are clear standards of
    membership that relate not only to the security contributions
    that North Macedonia would make as a future NATO ally, but the
    way that it organizes its security sector and its intelligence
    reform. So this has been a major focus not only of North
    Macedonia's government for some time, but of our U.S.
    assistance and support and coordination of that.
        We look forward to, hopefully, a very positive decision in
    June from the EU to begin the accession negotiations with North
    Macedonia. That begins a process of opening and closing
    chapters that will help with the reform process both by
    providing the framework, but also the impetus for moving some
    of those reforms not just to passing the laws, but then to
    actually implementing them and seeing real change on the
    ground.
        And it is important for the people in the country, to see
    positive benefits of that cooperation soon. So the sooner that
    they can get started on that process--and again, our assistance
    is intended to coordinate not only with the efforts of the
    government of North Macedonia but our EU allies and NATO
    partners to make sure that we are all coordinating towards that
    effort.
        Senator Johnson. Mr. Crawford, as a business person, you
    understand the importance of tax rates. And from my
    standpoint--I am sure this could be disputed, but I think one
    of the successes of the Ireland economy is they have recognized
    the fact that you want to keep business tax rates quite low. As
    a result, that has attracted an awful lot of investment. But
    that has also been an irritant to Ireland's trading partners.
        Can you just comment on that a little bit?
        Mr. Crawford. Ireland's lower tax rate that is in place
    today--I do not really believe I have enough information
    available to me of quality to be able to give you an opinion on
    the currencies in that particular issue because it is very,
    very complicated. The currencies keep changing all around
    Europe. Brexit has put pressure on this whole situation. But
    clearly, if I am confirmed, I am going to support the current
    laws around it and support the business as it stands. And then
    people with more responsibility and more authority and more
    information will change the rules, and I will play by those
    rules.
        Senator Johnson. Fair enough.
        Any other member have further questions?
        [No response.]
        Senator Johnson. Well, then with that, again I want to
    congratulate the nominees for being nominated. Thank you for
    your past service. Thank you for your willingness to serve. I
    want to thank the families as well.
        Ambassador Satterfield, Ms. Byrnes, I certainly recognize
    you have already experienced that sacrifice. Mr. Crawford, you
    might as well. These are important positions and it is a family
    level of service and sacrifice. So, again, thank you all very
    much for your service and for appearing before our committee
    today.
        The hearing record will remain open for statements or
    questions until the close of business on Friday, April 12th.
        The hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 3:36 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Edward Crawford by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. Do I have your commitment, if confirmed, to maintain a
    direct line with me as Ireland moves through this potentially
    tumultuous period?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I look forward to engaging with you and
    other members of the Senate and the House.

        Question. If confirmed, do I have your commitment to meet with
    Irish American civil society leadership here before you leave for
    Dublin?

        Answer. If confirmed, I plan to meet with Irish American civil
    society leadership.

        Question. What are the top U.S. policy interests as it relates to
    Brexit?

        Answer. The United States supports a Brexit outcome that maintains
    global economic and financial stability, minimizes disruption to
    Transatlantic commercial and security ties, preserves the gains of the
    Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland, and allows sufficient
    British autonomy to negotiate an ambitious U.S.-UK trade agreement.

        Question. In the event that the UK crashes out of the EU, what will
    your priorities be as Ambassador to Ireland, if confirmed, with respect
    to the fallout from Brexit?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would work with the Irish government, as
    one of the co-guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure 21
    years of gains in the peace process are safeguarded and to ensure that
    Transatlantic security, stability, and prosperity are maintained.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. A cornerstone of my business philosophy is building
    companies that are part of communities. Whether that company is in
    Cleveland or Japan, the companies I build create jobs and opportunities
    for communities. Employees of my companies are always treated with
    respect and dignity. I am proud of the relationships we have with our
    employees and their families and grateful to serve the communities
    where we operate.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Ireland? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. Ireland has strong democratic institutions. However, the
    2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Ireland noted
    societal discrimination and violence against immigrants and racial and
    ethnic minorities remained a problem. If confirmed, I will engage with
    Irish authorities and civil society to promote tolerance and
    nondiscrimination.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Ireland? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, my team at the Embassy in Dublin would
    continue to engage Irish officials at all levels of government in
    support of tolerance and nondiscrimination. Through the International
    Visitors Leadership Program and other exchange programs, Irish citizens
    with aspirations to serve in government and other elements of civil
    society travel to the United States and meet with Americans engaging in
    similar work to share best practices and develop relationships that
    will last throughout their careers. If confirmed, I would further these
    efforts with the goal of addressing the issues raised in the 2018 U.S.
    Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Ireland. This effort will
    need to involve engagement with both the Irish government as well as
    members of civil society.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I would ensure my employees abide by
    U.S. law, as well as the Department's rules and regulations.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I have never had a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
    conduct raised against me.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I am not aware of any formal or informal concerns or
    allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
    conduct made against any employee over whom I have had supervisory
    authority. Park-Ohio Holdings and its operating subsidiaries are
    engaged in heavy manufacturing around the world, employing over 6,000
    people. The companies are involved in routine civil litigation and
    administrative proceedings involving employment matters. These routine
    matters are handled by other senior executives without my involvement.

                                   __________

           Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
                to Edward Crawford by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. A cornerstone of my business philosophy is building
    companies that are part of communities. Whether that company is in
    Cleveland or Japan, the companies I build create jobs and opportunities
    for communities. Employees of my companies are always treated with
    respect and dignity. I am proud of the relationships we have with our
    employees and their families and grateful to serve the communities
    where we operate.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Ireland? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Ireland? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Ireland has a strong human rights record. However, the 2018
    U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Ireland noted societal
    discrimination and violence against immigrants and racial and ethnic
    minorities remained a problem. If confirmed, I will engage with Irish
    authorities and civil society and encourage cooperation to promote
    tolerance and nondiscrimination.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Ireland in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. If confirmed, I and my team at the Embassy in Dublin would
    continue to engage Irish officials at all levels of government, as well
    as civil society to promote tolerance and nondiscrimination. Through
    the International Visitors Leadership Program and other exchange
    programs, Irish citizens with aspirations to serve in government and
    other elements of civil society travel to the United States and meet
    with Americans engaging in similar work to share best practices and
    develop relationships that will last throughout their careers. If
    confirmed, I would further these efforts with the goal of addressing
    the issues raised in the 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices in Ireland. This effort will need to involve engagement with
    both the Irish government as well as members of civil society.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Ireland? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    non-governmental organizations both in the United States and in Ireland
    on a range of human rights and other issues of mutual interest. I will
    also ensure all the required vetting is carried out for any security
    assistance and security cooperation activities.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Ireland to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Ireland?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Will you engage with Ireland on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Ireland?

        Answer. My and my spouse's investment portfolio includes interests
    in entities that have a presence in the Republic of Ireland. This
    includes a financial interest in Park-Ohio Holdings Corp, an entity I
    currently serve as President and Director. Through its subsidiaries,
    Park-Ohio Holdings Corporation conducts activities throughout the
    world, including in the Republic of Ireland. I am committed to ensuring
    that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest.
    I will divest all investments the State Department Ethics Office deems
    necessary to avoid a conflict of interest, and I will remain vigilant
    with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, one of my first actions as ambassador will be
    to meet the entire team at our Embassy in Dublin. People are the
    foundation of my businesses. Diversity and inclusion on teams is very
    important to me. Diversity not only enhances our effectiveness but also
    promotes a workplace culture that values the efforts of all members and
    enhances the professional experience of our valued public servants. At
    my companies we employ a diverse worldwide workforce, and if confirmed,
    I commit to promoting the Department's goal of ensuring its workforce
    reflects the rich composition of the American people all over the world
    of different races, ethnicities, genders, and religions.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would lead by example and promote the
    highest standards from our management team. Any behavior that hinders
    an inclusive environment will not be tolerated.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Ireland
    specifically?

        Answer. Corruption erodes public trust and institutions. Ireland
    has strong democratic institutions, established rule of law, and a free
    press. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption, and the
    government generally implements the laws effectively.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Ireland
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Ireland has a strong record of combating corruption.
    Ireland enacted legislation in 2018 that overhauled Ireland's
    anticorruption laws. According to the 2018 Investment Climate Statement
    for Ireland, corruption is not a serious problem for foreign investors
    operating in Ireland.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Ireland?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my team at the Embassy in
    Dublin to engage Irish officials at all levels of government in support
    of good governance and anticorruption. Through the International
    Visitors Leadership Program and other exchange programs, Irish citizens
    with aspirations to serve in government and other elements of civil
    society travel to the United States and meet with Americans engaging in
    similar work to share best practices and develop relationships that
    will last throughout their careers. If confirmed, I would further these
    efforts.

        Question. To what extent is the United States concerned about
    Brexit's potential political and economic repercussions on Ireland and
    Northern Ireland?

        Answer. The United States is concerned with the impact Brexit will
    have on Ireland, and how in turn it could impact the broad and deep
    trade and investment ties the United States presently enjoys with the
    Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and of
    course the EU writ large. The U.S. government has urged both the UK and
    EU to pursue a path that will result in as minimal disruption as
    possible to the free flow of goods and services between the UK and
    Ireland. If confirmed, I will work with the government of Ireland in
    support of a Brexit outcome that maintains global economic and
    financial stability, minimizes disruption to Transatlantic commercial
    and security ties, and preserves the gains of the Good Friday Agreement
    in Northern Ireland.

        Question. In your view, could a ``hard'' border on the island of
    Ireland inflame sectarian tensions and pose a security concern?

        Answer. Brexit will impact Ireland, as well as Northern Ireland,
    and opportunistic extreme groups could take advantage of uncertainty to
    attempt to advance what they perceive as political agendas. If
    confirmed, I will work with the Irish government, as one of the co-
    guarantors of the Good Friday Agreement, to ensure 21 years of gains in
    the peace process are not jeopardized by the exit of the UK from the
    EU.

        Question. Even if the UK parliament were to agree to the negotiated
    withdrawal agreement or other arrangements with the EU to help ensure
    the border remains invisible, to what extent might Brexit affect the
    economies of Northern Ireland and Ireland?

        Answer. Brexit will have an impact on the economies of Ireland and
    Northern Ireland. While it is difficult to calculate the exact impact
    any disruption to trade will have following the UK's exit from the EU,
    it is in the UK and Ireland's interest that their economic ties remain
    strong. The U.S. government has urged both the UK and EU to pursue a
    path that will result in as minimal disruption as possible to the free
    flow of goods and services between the UK and Ireland. If confirmed, I
    will work with the government of Ireland in support of a Brexit outcome
    that maintains global economic and financial stability, minimizes
    disruption to Transatlantic commercial and security ties, and preserves
    the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

        Question. Some analysts suggest that Brexit has increased momentum
    and support for a united Ireland in Northern Ireland. How do you assess
    the degree of support for a united Ireland in the Republic of Ireland?

        Answer. I think it will be important to first understand the impact
    Brexit will have on Northern Ireland. The immediate challenge that
    exists for Northern Ireland is returning devolved government to
    Stormont. It is important for people in Northern Ireland to be
    represented in this critical time.

        Question. Some in the UK, especially those in favor of a ``hard
    Brexit'' or a ``no deal Brexit,'' claim that the Good Friday Agreement
    and concerns about Northern Ireland are being exploited by Ireland and
    the EU to impede Brexit. Some of this view have suggested that it also
    might be time to reexamine the Good Friday Agreement. How do you
    respond to such suggestions?

        Answer. The United States supports the Good Friday Agreement, and
    if confirmed, I will continue to work with the Irish government, as a
    co-guarantor of the Agreement to safeguard and build on the 21 years of
    stability, reconciliation, and economic development that the Good
    Friday Agreement facilitated.

        Question. How might the United States and Ireland work together to
    minimize any possible future negative impacts of Brexit on Ireland and
    Northern Ireland?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would work with Irish officials to support
    a Brexit that maintains global economic and financial stability,
    minimizes disruption to Transatlantic commercial and security ties, and
    preserves the gains of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Edward Crawford by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. Brexit is expected to impact Ireland more than any other
    EU member state due in large part to the land border shared with the
    UK. Given your experience as a businessman, what consequences could be
    expected from a sudden inability of goods and services to move freely
    between two communities and countries so reliant on the free-flow of
    trade?

        Answer. I am concerned with the impact Brexit will have on Ireland,
    and how in turn it could impact the broad and deep trade and investment
    ties the United States presently enjoys with the Republic of Ireland,
    Northern Ireland, the United Kingdom, and of course the EU writ large.
    The U.S. government has urged both the UK and EU to pursue a path that
    will result in as minimal disruption as possible to the free flow of
    goods and services between the UK and Ireland. While it is difficult to
    calculate the exact impact any disruption to trade will have on Ireland
    following the UK's exit from the EU, it is in the UK and Ireland's
    interest that their economic ties remain strong. If confirmed, I will
    work with the government of Ireland in support of a Brexit outcome that
    maintains global economic and financial stability, minimizes disruption
    to Transatlantic commercial and security ties, and preserves the gains
    of the Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland.

        Question. The Irish government has expressed concern over trade
    tensions with the U.S. resulting from retaliatory sanctions and subsidy
    practices. If confirmed, how would you address Irish concerns about the
    impact of the Trump Administration's trade policies?

        Answer. The United States and Ireland have a strong trading
    relationship, and it is in both countries' interest to maintain this.
    The Administration is committed to the ongoing U.S-EU trade discussions
    with the goal of concluding a comprehensive U.S.-EU trade agreement. If
    confirmed, I would listen to the Irish government's concerns, and
    convey the Administration's policy to promote free, fair, and
    reciprocal trade.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Kate Marie Byrnes by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. As a future NATO ally, North Macedonia must meet its
    commitments. North Macedonia has not yet met its 2% of GDP goal, and of
    course the 20% threshold is as important, if not more:

       If confirmed, what steps will you take to ensure the government
            meets its commitments?

        Answer. North Macedonia is a steadfast security partner of the
    United States. It sent troops to fight alongside ours in Iraq and
    Afghanistan. It plans to spend approximately 1.2 percent of its GDP on
    defense in 2019, has a clear and credible plan to reach 2 percent by
    2024 in line with NATO's Wales Pledge, and is on track to meet its 20
    percent commitment on capabilities spending even earlier. North
    Macedonia permits NATO Allies and Partners to use the Krivolak Training
    Area, which provides terrain for maneuver exercises not available
    elsewhere in Europe. In 2019, North Macedonia will host its largest
    joint multinational exercise (``Decisive Strike'') since the breakup of
    Yugoslavia; over 1,000 U.S. troops will participate over the course of
    the exercise.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that this remains at the top of our
    bilateral agenda. I will urge North Macedonia to meet all its
    commitments to the Alliance and contribute to our collective security.
    This will advance stability and security in the region.

        Question. The Prespa Agreement signifies a historic moment in which
    the political leaders of North Macedonia and Greece overcame difficult
    historical issues by focusing on the future-including opening the door
    to NATO. This agreement is fragile, and steps need to be taken to
    implement provisions of the agreement: What do you envision your role,
    if confirmed, in ensuring this agreement is fully implemented?

        Answer. The Prespa Agreement lays out a timeline for full
    implementation of the agreement and mechanisms for expanding bilateral
    cooperation, covering the technical and political phase-in of the name.
    A bilateral joint commission on historic and educational matters is
    already meeting. A group of experts will be established, within the
    context of the EU, to advise on commercial and trademark use.
        North Macedonia and Greece are building on the Prespa Agreement to
    expand bilateral cooperation across a range of areas, both officially
    and between private businesses and organizations. If confirmed, I will
    remain committed to working with North Macedonia to guarantee the
    success and full implementation of the Prespa Agreement, including the
    implementation of continuing reforms, and to see that North Macedonia
    integrates fully into the Western community of nations.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Promoting human rights and democracy has been central to
    every one of my Foreign Service assignments. In Turkey, Bolivia,
    Hungary and Spain, I engaged actively as a Public Diplomacy Officer to
    ensure that our Embassy programs, working with host country
    institutions and non-governmental organizations, strengthened rule of
    law and democratic processes and promoted freedom, democracy,
    individual liberty, and human dignity. I set guidelines to ensure our
    exchange programs emphasized diversity. In all my assignments, I
    engaged civil society representatives, the public and media to bring
    attention to minority groups, including Muslim and Roma minorities,
    refugees and migrants, LGBTQ, and disabled persons. Through outreach
    and joint programming, we amplified their voices and supported their
    inclusion, contributing to our partner countries' democracies.
        At the OSCE, I led team efforts to underscore U.S. policy concerns
    and urge human rights violations and abuses that threaten stability in
    Europe were addressed. In the context of North Macedonia, as well as
    other OSCE participating states, I coordinated with EU counterparts to
    craft OSCE policy statements reiterating the importance of reform
    implementation to North Macedonia's future. I worked with the
    Department of State's Office of the Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to
    Europe and Eurasia to direct U.S. government resources to rule of law,
    electoral reform, and other programs at OSCE field missions that
    strengthened democratic institutions and advanced U.S. security
    interests. Our efforts protected the access to, and representation of,
    human rights organizations and other civil society groups at the OSCE/
    ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and other OSCE meetings,
    in the face of opposition from some OSCE participating states. I helped
    establish the Democracy Defender Award in 2016 with a small group of
    like-minded OSCE delegations, which is now in its fourth year with 36
    co-sponsors. Our delegation's strong voice brought international
    attention to abuses and human rights violations in Crimea and Chechnya
    and supported new efforts to combat trafficking in human beings, anti-
    Semitism, and discrimination across the OSCE region. We also worked to
    protect the OSCE's independent institutions, maintain focus on
    preserving and advancing the Helsinki principles, and ensure that U.S.
    resources, and to the greatest extent possible those of the OSCE,
    addressed U.S. national priorities.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in North Macedonia? These challenges might
    include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. A lack of judicial independence and corruption are among
    the most pressing challenges facing North Macedonia. The State
    Department's 2018 Human Rights Report also noted other significant
    human rights concerns in North Macedonia included the Council of
    Europe's Committee for Prevention of Torture's assessment that prison
    conditions could be described as constituting cruel, inhuman, or
    degrading treatment, and allegations of discrimination against some
    minorities and LGBTQ persons. If confirmed, I will work to strengthen
    adherence to our shared values, and provide appropriate support to the
    government of North Macedonia's ongoing reform efforts, especially in
    rule of law, anti-corruption, and public administration. To this end, I
    will engage not only government officials and political parties, but
    also civil society and citizens in North Macedonia, utilizing the full
    range of our diplomatic, foreign assistance, and public diplomacy
    tools.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in North Macedonia? What do you hope to accomplish through
    these actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the
    specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support North Macedonia on its Western
    trajectory. The Administration strongly supports the historic Prespa
    Agreement with Greece, which unblocks the path for North Macedonia's
    integration into NATO and the European Union. Over the past year, the
    government of North Macedonia made significant progress in implementing
    reforms needed for the country to align with NATO and EU values. This
    included strengthening rule of law and judicial independence, media
    freedom, transparency, and government accountability. At the
    government's request, we are supporting these important reform efforts.
        If confirmed, I will encourage the government of North Macedonia to
    increase accountability at all levels, break the cycle of corruption,
    and unleash the country's economic potential, thus advancing the
    country's strategic goals.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I agree with that statement. If confirmed, I will work to
    prevent any attempts to target or retaliate against career employees
    based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work on policy, or
    affiliation with a previous administration. If confirmed, I will ensure
    that each of the supervisors at the Embassy in North Macedonia fosters
    an environment that is diverse and inclusive, including by making my
    own commitment and my expectations clear from the very first country
    team and town hall meeting. I will not tolerate retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices. I take
    allegations of such practices seriously and will ensure their referral
    to the Department's Inspector General, as appropriate.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I have never been subject to a formal or informal complaint
    or allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
    conduct in a workplace or any other setting. I commit to comply with
    all relevant federal laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise
    concerns that I may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. As a Deputy Chief of Mission, I have had a role in
    supporting the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) process for employees
    under my overall supervision and have worked with the Department's
    Office of Civil Rights per its guidance to address those situations
    appropriately. If confirmed, I commit to continue complying with all
    relevant federal laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns
    that I may have through appropriate channels.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Kate Marie Byrnes by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Promoting human rights and democracy has been central to
    every one of my Foreign Service assignments. In Turkey, Bolivia,
    Hungary and Spain, I engaged actively as a Public Diplomacy Officer to
    ensure that our Embassy programs, working with host country
    institutions and non-governmental organizations, strengthened rule of
    law, democratic processes, and promoted freedom, democracy, individual
    liberty, and human dignity. I set guidelines to ensure our exchange
    programs emphasized diversity. In all my assignments, I engaged civil
    society representatives, the public, and media to bring attention to
    minority groups, including Muslim and Roma minorities, refugees and
    migrants, LGBTQ and disabled persons. Through outreach and joint
    programming, we amplified their voices and supported their inclusion,
    contributing to our partner countries' democracies.
        At the OSCE, I led team efforts to underscore U.S. policy concerns
    and urge human rights violations and abuses that threaten stability in
    Europe were addressed. In the context of North Macedonia, as well as
    other OSCE participating states, I coordinated with EU counterparts to
    craft OSCE policy statements reiterating the importance of reform
    implementation to North Macedonia's future. I worked with the
    Department of State's Office of the Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to
    Europe and Eurasia to direct U.S. government resources to rule of law,
    electoral reform, and other programs at OSCE field missions that
    strengthened democratic institutions and advanced U.S. security
    interests. Our efforts protected the access to and representation of
    human rights organizations and other civil society groups at the OSCE/
    ODIHR Human Dimension Implementation Meeting and other OSCE meetings,
    in the face of opposition from other OSCE participating states. I
    helped establish the Democracy Defender Award in 2016 with a small
    group of like-minded OSCE delegations, which is now in its fourth year
    with 36 co-sponsors. Our delegation's strong voice brought
    international attention to abuses and human rights violations in Crimea
    and Chechnya, and supported new efforts to combat trafficking in human
    beings, anti-Semitism, and discrimination across the OSCE region. We
    also worked diligently to protect the OSCE's independent institutions,
    maintain their focus on preserving and advancing the Helsinki
    principles, and ensure that U.S. resources, and to the greatest extent
    possible those of the OSCE, addressed U.S. national priorities.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in North
    Macedonia? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in North Macedonia?
    What do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The State Department's 2018 Human Rights Report noted that
    the most significant human rights concerns in North Macedonia included
    the Council of Europe's Committee for Prevention of Torture's
    assessment that prison conditions could be described as constituting
    cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; high-level corruption; and
    allegations of discrimination against some minorities and LGBTQ
    persons. If confirmed, I will support efforts to strengthen the rule of
    law in North Macedonia and combat intolerance and promote inclusivity
    for all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. I
    will utilize the full range of our diplomatic, assistance, and public
    diplomacy tools to continue supporting the office of the independent
    human rights ombudsman and advancing implementation of democratic
    reforms by the government, including those that strengthen the
    judiciary and rule of law, bolster media freedom, and increase the
    competence and accountability of the public administration. The United
    States has been vocal about increasing transparency and public
    involvement in governance in North Macedonia. If confirmed, I will
    continue my engagement with government, political parties, civil
    society, and ordinary citizens to raise awareness of, and promote
    adherence to, our shared values of democracy, human rights, and the
    rule of law.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in North Macedonia in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Since emerging in 2017 from a protracted political crisis,
    North Macedonia has made significant progress in implementing
    democratic reforms and increasing transparency and accountability. This
    progress was made by the government of North Macedonia, in close
    cooperation with the United States, the European Union, and other
    members of the international community. More work remains. The
    government must keep its focus on implementing reforms that deliver
    sustainable and concrete results in combating high-level corruption and
    impunity, restoring public trust in state institutions, and bolstering
    the fairness and integrity of the judiciary.
        Challenges remain to address the causes of negative public
    perception of, and widespread societal discrimination against,
    minorities, LGBTQ persons, and persons with disabilities. It will
    require time and effort to overcome deep-seated biases common
    throughout the region. However, our encouragement and the support of
    civil society organizations, the government of North Macedonia is
    taking necessary steps to increase alignment with international human
    rights standards. This includes the March 11 adoption of an updated Law
    on Prevention and Protection Against Discrimination.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in North Macedonia? If confirmed, what steps
    will you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar
    efforts, and ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and
    security cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Civil society plays an indispensable role in free and
    democratic societies by promoting respect for human rights, rule of
    law, and transparency. If confirmed, I am committed to deepening the
    Embassy's long-standing relationships with civil society and continuing
    to work with the non-governmental sector to promote support for
    democracy in North Macedonia. The Leahy law plays a pivotal role in
    ensuring that respect for human rights remains a core precept in our
    promotion of global security. If confirmed, I will reinforce this
    commitment to human rights by ensuring the Embassy continues to follow
    the Leahy law, including by thoroughly vetting all individuals and
    units nominated to receive U.S. security assistance and participate in
    U.S.-funded security cooperation activities.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with North
    Macedonia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by North Macedonia?

        Answer. The U.S. Embassy in North Macedonia takes very seriously
    any allegation or instance where individuals may be prosecuted for the
    exercise of their human rights, such as freedom of opinion or belief
    and freedom of expression, and regularly engages to demand independent,
    accountable judicial action. In the event there were credible reports
    of prisoners of conscience, or indications that the government or its
    agents committed arbitrary or unlawful killings or caused
    ``disappearances,'' if confirmed, I would utilize every resource at my
    disposal to engage with government and other officials to remedy the
    situation, as appropriate.

        Question. Will you engage with North Macedonia on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the work of the Embassy to
    work with the government of North Macedonia, political parties, ethnic
    and religious groups, members of civil society, and domestic and
    international organizations to advance North Macedonia's aspirations of
    joining the European Union and NATO as a country that upholds its
    obligations and commitments regarding human rights, including civil
    rights, and governance.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in North Macedonia?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes funds that may have or
    acquire investments in companies in North Macedonia; however, these
    funds are exempt from the conflicts of interest rules and have been
    reviewed by the State Department Ethics Office. I am committed to
    ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict of
    interest. I will divest my interests in any investments the State
    Department Ethics Office deems necessary in the future to avoid a
    conflict of interest, and I will remain vigilant with regard to my
    ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. Today's Foreign Service is more diverse, more creative, and
    more effective than my father's Foreign Service, and I consider it a
    personal responsibility to ensure that it continues to grow in that
    direction, even more expeditiously, to better represent today's diverse
    America. The strongest message our overseas Missions or delegations to
    multilateral institutions can send to foreign counterparts is that we
    represent the full strength of the United States and the diversity of
    all its citizens. The Department's formal programs are a first step in
    recruiting talented, diverse individuals into the system; it is up to
    managers to ensure that diversity and inclusion become a part of their
    daily decision making and thought processes in the workplace.
        In my formal and informal mentoring of officers and specialists I
    seek first to understand the perspectives of my colleagues. I ask about
    their background, why they chose this path of service, and what they
    hope to contribute, in order to support their career aspirations. There
    is no single path of success in the Foreign Service; there are many. I
    work with individuals under my supervision to ensure that in their
    current assignments they have opportunities to express their views,
    test their initiatives, and receive constructive feedback. I believe in
    the value of after-action discussions to ensure that team members
    understand how and why decisions are ultimately made, particularly when
    a diversity of views are expressed, to ensure transparency and promote
    professional learning.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that staff members in my Mission rotate
    leadership responsibilities as control officers, project coordinators,
    reporting officers, and public outreach officers, to strengthen their
    tradecraft and expose them to different aspects of our diplomatic
    world. I will continue to encourage the officers and specialists who
    work in my Mission, or who reach out to me from other assignments, to
    consider bidding strategies that open up new opportunities to expand
    their skill sets as well as their professional networks. Additionally,
    I will ensure that my Mission's professional development programs
    provide opportunities to personnel at every stage of their career as
    they move beyond the entry level.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that each of the supervisors at
    the Embassy in North Macedonia fosters an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive by making my own commitment and my expectations clear
    from the very first country team and town hall meeting. I will set a
    leadership example by seeking input from all members of the country
    team. I will encourage challenging questions and reflection and
    analysis among staff members. I will establish a ``no-fault'' policy
    for good ideas, tabling all issues and inviting collaboration.
        I will demonstrate interest in how my country team members interact
    with their own teams and encourage my Deputy Chief of Mission to do the
    same, by encouraging them and their subordinates to structure meetings
    and other Mission processes to create an environment in which all staff
    members can express their views. I will ensure all supervisors are held
    to the same standards, working with them to broaden input into our
    policies and programs. During the Open Season and other assignment and
    hiring periods, I will work with them on their recruitment strategies
    and position choices. My commitment is to building a team that is
    diverse and representative of all of America and to fostering an
    environment that is inclusive, collaborative and an engine for the best
    ideas to further U.S. interests in North Macedonia.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in North
    Macedonia specifically?

        Answer. As noted by the global anti-corruption watchdog
    organization Transparency International, when corruption seeps into the
    democratic system, corrupt leaders will seek to bypass democratic
    checks and balances to remain in power and thwart the public will. Weak
    anti-corruption mechanisms and an atmosphere of impunity lead to weak
    public institutions and weak rule of law, eroding public trust and
    confidence in their democratic institutions and the state. To fight
    corruption and strengthen democratic institutions and governance, we
    must champion democratic checks and balances, strong laws but also
    their strong implementation, judicial independence and integrity, and
    public accountability and media freedom.
        With respect to North Macedonia, numerous international reports
    cite the country's failures to uphold the rule of law over the last
    decade. Political interference, inefficiency, favoritism, prolonged
    processes, and corruption weakened the country's judicial system and
    led to state capture under the previous government. The current
    government is taking steps to address these weaknesses. The United
    States is supporting these efforts as well as civil society initiatives
    that hold the government accountable for progress.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in North
    Macedonia and efforts to address and reduce them by the government of
    North Macedonia?

        Answer. Following a prolonged political crisis caused by a
    wiretapping scandal that revealed widespread corruption and abuses by
    the previous government, the current government took power in June
    2017. It has worked to combat corruption and restore accountability.
    One key step was the enactment of a new Law on Prevention of Corruption
    and Conflict of Interest in January 2019 that provided for the re-
    constitution of the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption and
    Conflict of Interest with greater independence and strengthened
    competencies. It can now examine public officials' bank records,
    political party and election campaign finances, and all political
    appointments, as well as request prosecutions. As a result of efforts
    such as these by the government of North Macedonia, the country moved
    up 14 places between 2017 and 2018 in Transparency International's
    Public Perception of Corruption Index, to rank 93rd out of 180
    countries surveyed. More is necessary, and the government of North
    Macedonia has committed to intensifying anti-corruption efforts and is
    cooperating with the State Commission for Prevention of Corruption and
    Conflict of Interest's inquiry into alleged nepotism cases involving
    the employment of current and former government officials or their
    relatives.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in North Macedonia?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to lead the Embassy in
    supporting programming that will help North Macedonia implement reforms
    that strengthen its democracy, the rule of law, and government
    accountability. U.S. assistance will focus on helping North Macedonia
    develop an effective and transparent justice sector that reduces
    corruption and impunity and restores citizens' trust in public
    institutions. Embassy Skopje will advise, assist, and deliver projects
    to augment the separation of powers with functional checks and
    balances, strengthen and build an effective criminal justice system,
    and fight public corruption, tied directly to the strategic interests
    of the United States. To avoid duplication of effort, we will
    coordinate our assistance with other donors.

        Question. As you know, the Helsinki Commission has taken a leading
    role in advocating greater respect for the rights of Roma throughout
    Europe. Commission co-chairman Senator Roger Wicker and I have recently
    introduced Senate Resolution 141, celebrating the heritage of Roma in
    this country. North Macedonia has a large and relatively vibrant Romani
    community, even though its members may face discrimination in
    employment, education, housing and other areas similar to Roma in other
    countries.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, will you ensure the U.S. embassy
    continues its active engagement of the Romani community in North
    Macedonia and speak out when human rights violations or other problems
    reflecting prejudice occur?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue longstanding efforts to
    ensure the rights of all people--including the Romani community as well
    as other members of ethnic and religious minority communities--are
    protected. If confirmed, I will continue to promote the values of
    freedom, democracy, individual liberty, and human dignity. U.S.
    assistance includes grants to local groups that promote the protection
    of human rights and fundamental freedoms of members of targeted
    populations, including minority groups.

        Question. While progress will hopefully convince a broad majority
    of Macedonian citizens of the wisdom of the name-change, in the short-
    term there is considerable opposition. How might this affect the
    Macedonian presidential elections in April or obtaining sufficient
    support for still-needed internal reforms?

        Answer. The Prespa Agreement represents the committed efforts of
    leaders of both North Macedonia and Greece to find a solution to a
    longstanding problem that advances stability and prosperity in both
    countries. It involves compromises that were difficult for both sides.
    While many citizens support the Prespa Agreement and what it will
    achieve for the country, some citizens are still disappointed with
    those compromises. We believe the Prespa Agreement advances stability,
    security, and prosperity throughout the region, as it opens a door for
    North Macedonia's full Western integration.
        The Prespa Agreement is an issue of national interest in North
    Macedonia and is therefore a topic of discussion among the presidential
    candidates. All three candidates support a NATO and EU future for North
    Macedonia.
        If confirmed, I will remain committed to working with North
    Macedonia to guarantee the Prespa Agreement's full implementation and
    the implementation of continuing reforms, to see that North Macedonia
    is fully integrated into the Western community of nations.

        Question. Now that the Greek and Macedonian parliaments have
    ratified the Prespa Agreement, what are the next steps for the
    Macedonian government to formalize the name change and join NATO? Do
    you anticipate any potential complications?

        Answer. The Prespa Agreement sets out a timeline for full
    implementation of the Agreement and mechanisms for expanding bilateral
    cooperation, covering the technical and political phase-in of the name.
    A joint commission on historic and educational matters is already
    meeting. A group of experts will be established, within the context of
    the EU, to advise on commercial and trademark use.
        NATO Allies signed the Accession Protocol for North Macedonia in
    Brussels on February 6. Allies are proceeding with their domestic
    processes necessary to ratify North Macedonia's NATO accession
    protocol. To date, eleven countries have ratified the Accession
    Protocol. On March 27, the White House submitted to Congress the report
    on the Republic of North Macedonia's Accession to NATO for Senate
    review.
        Importantly, North Macedonia and Greece are building on the Prespa
    Agreement with expanded bilateral cooperation in a range of areas, both
    officially and between private businesses and organizations. The United
    States is supporting both North Macedonia and Greece as they move
    forward with implementation to ensure the success of the Prespa
    Agreement and to strengthen their bilateral ties.

        Question. Do you see opposition to North Macedonia's integration
    from countries other than Russia, such as Hungary or Turkey?

        Answer. Both Hungary and Turkey have been supportive of the Prespa
    Agreement. North Macedonia deserves these countries' continued support
    as it moves along its chosen path of Western integration.

        Question. What role should the United States play in North
    Macedonia, and in the Western Balkans as a whole, especially to counter
    Russian and other destabilizing influences?

        Answer. Russia does not accept the post-Cold War settlement in
    Europe and is pushing back with a variety of tools, both overt and
    covert, to forestall the region's Western integration. It seeks to
    incite divisions. In contrast, the United States supports EU membership
    for all countries of the Western Balkans and NATO membership for those
    who want it.
        In the case of North Macedonia, Russia has been vocal in speaking
    out against the country's democratically chosen NATO path and attempted
    to undermine effort to reach an agreement on the name issue. We are
    supporting North Macedonia's further steps towards Western integration
    and pushing back on Russia's attempts to hinder these efforts. The
    United States firmly believes that North Macedonia's interests and
    those of its Western Balkans neighbors--as well as ours--are best
    served by their cementing democratic norms, rule of law, and
    cooperation, based on common values and a shared future.

        Question.  North Macedonia was directly impacted by the mass
    migration into Europe from Africa and the Middle East in recent years.
    What have been the effects of the migrants and refugees who have
    transited through North Macedonia? What challenges does the country
    continue to face regarding migration?

        Answer. During the 2015-2016 European migration crisis, the U.S.
    government worked with the United Nations and other international
    organizations, as well as EU institutions and member states, to provide
    a comprehensive, coordinated response that protected lives, upheld
    respect of human rights, and ensured proper screening and registration
    procedures. The number of new migrants and asylum seekers in North
    Macedonia has significantly fallen since 2016. The United States has
    contributed equipment and training on border management in response to
    Western Balkan requests, and we will work to support the government of
    North Macedonia as it continues to respond to the effects of migration.

        Question.  The Helsinki Commission is also active in efforts to
    combat human trafficking. North Macedonia has been a Tier 2 country
    since 2016 for not meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of
    trafficking in persons, even if it is making significant efforts to do
    so. Prior to that, and despite its other problems, it had been the only
    country in the Western Balkans to have Tier 1 status:

       As North Macedonia seeks to join the NATO Alliance, are we pressing
            that country--as frankly we should all NATO members who are not
            in the Tier 1 category--to devote more resources to the
            prevention of tracking, the protection of victims and the
            prosecution of the culprits? What will it take for North
            Macedonia to again warrant Tier 1 status? What can the U.S.
            Embassy in Skopje do to help?

        Answer. The government of North Macedonia does not fully meet the
    minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is
    making significant efforts to do so. The government demonstrated
    increased efforts in 2018 compared to the previous year; therefore,
    North Macedonia remained a Tier 2 country in our annual Trafficking in
    Persons report.
        If confirmed, I will work with our Embassy to encourage the
    government to vigorously investigate, prosecute, and convict
    traffickers and impose strong sentences, as well as improve victim
    identification, protection, and compensation. We will continue to
    encourage the government to work closely with non-government
    organizations to achieve these goals.

        Question. What is your assessment of the extent to which North
    Macedonia has implemented the Ohrid Agreement (the agreement that ended
    Macedonia's armed conflict between Albanian rebels and Macedonian
    security forces in August 2001) and taken steps to integrate ethnic
    Albanians in government and respect their rights regarding language?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to support full
    implementation of the Ohrid Framework Agreement. Our Embassy in Skopje
    regularly engages to advocate for the advancement of interethnic
    cooperation. There are continuing efforts to build a functional multi-
    ethnic society based on full implementation of the Ohrid Framework
    Agreement, and we encourage further efforts in this area.

        Question. Similarly, how would you assess the commitment of those
    belonging to the large Albanian community in North Macedonia to the
    unity and integration of the country?

        Answer. Citizens need to be able to interact easily with their
    government and with each other. Multi-ethnic democracies around the
    world have chosen to address this issue in different ways. If
    confirmed, the Embassy and I will support the ongoing efforts of the
    ethnic communities and the government of North Macedonia to work
    towards a stronger, functional, multi-ethnic society.

        Question. Are there concerns about the influence of Albania and
    Kosovo in North Macedonia's Albanian community?

        Answer. There are strong, historic, cultural, and linguistic ties
    among ethnic Albanians, and this is natural. However, calls for
    political unification across borders, and other language insinuating
    the pursuit of such unification, narrow opportunities for a European
    path. Full integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions coupled with
    strong rule of law and unfettered commerce throughout the region
    remains our vision of a future in which all the people of the region
    thrive.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Kate Marie Byrnes by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. The foreign aid budget for North Macedonia has declined
    steadily in recent years from $21.6 million in FY 2017 to a budget
    request this year for FY 2020 of only $5.7 million. In your view where
    has U.S. foreign aid been effective in North Macedonia and why has aid
    declined so dramatically in the past few years?

        Answer. North Macedonia, on the threshold of joining NATO, is
    committed to a path that aligns with Western principles and is focused
    on partnering with the Western alliance, including the United States,
    to advance regional prosperity and stability. Bilateral U.S. assistance
    programs have facilitated North Macedonia's progress by supporting the
    government's efforts to improve governance and strengthen the rule of
    law, fostering electoral reforms and political party capacity,
    bolstering civil society's role in advocating for reforms, and
    supporting access to objective media content. Regional U.S. assistance
    programs have advanced private sector-led economic development,
    including through support to improve North Macedonia's business
    environment, and strengthened independent media's business viability
    through improved digital strategies.
        The FY 2020 Request for North Macedonia is $5.7 million, which is
    $640,000 (10 percent) below the FY 2019 Request. U.S. assistance will
    facilitate citizen-responsive governance; strengthen the rule of law,
    governance, and democratic institutions; stimulate economic growth,
    trade, and investment; promote reconciliation; increase energy
    independence; and increase the resilience of civil society and media to
    disinformation and malign external influence.
        While the Administration views the State Department and USAID's
    roles in diplomacy and development as critical to national security,
    the Administration remains committed to restraining overall non-defense
    discretionary spending, including for the State Department and USAID.
    If confirmed, I look forward to continuing discussions with Congress on
    funding for our diplomacy and assistance programs, including for FY
    2020.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to David Satterfield by Senator Robert Menendez

    Cyprus
        Question. Jane Holl Lute was recently in Cyprus meeting with
    President Anastasiades regarding the peace process, and the ``terms of
    reference'' document is slated to be delivered to the U.N. Secretary
    General on April 15. If it were not for Turkey's obstructive role in
    the peace process, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would have
    likely reached a settlement.

       If confirmed, how will you engage with the government of Turkey to
            mitigate its adverse role in the peace process in Cyprus?

        Answer. This Administration continues to support a Cypriot-led,
    U.N.-facilitated process to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal
    federation.
        We hope the leaders of the two communities will demonstrate their
    full resolve to a comprehensive settlement not only through their
    engagement with U.N. Senior Official Jane Holl Lute, but also by
    meeting again in the near future in order to make progress towards
    other confidence-building measures (CBMs) which they agreed to in 2015.
        If confirmed, I will encourage Turkey to engage in the
    international effort to reach a negotiated settlement.

        Question. Cyprus Peace Process: My position on this is very clear.
    I oppose Turkey's ongoing occupation of Northern Cyprus, and I believe
    that if it were not for Turkey obstructive role in the peace process,
    Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots would have found its way to a
    settlement:

       If confirmed, what do you envision your role in this peace process?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will encourage Turkey to play a productive
    role in a Cypriot-led, U.N.-facilitated process to reunify the island
    as a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

    Syria--Safe Zone
        Question. I am concerned about the potential ``safe zone'' in
    northeast Syria being discussed with the Turkish government, which
    Ambassador Jeffrey recently said would exclude the YPG. The Turks have
    reportedly planned to repopulate the border areas, potentially pushing
    Syrian Kurds out of their ancestral homes. Moreover, the Kurds are very
    concerned about their wellbeing and lasting safety if such a zone were
    to be created under Turkey's administration:

       What commitments can we make to the Kurdish communities who have
            fought alongside the United States?

        Answer. Turkey is a NATO ally and a key partner in the Global
    Coalition to Defeat ISIS. We are fully committed to its security. We
    also want to ensure that our partners who continue to fight with us to
    ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS are protected. The President has
    been clear that Turkish forces should not militarily engage against the
    Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), including the Kurdish component of the
    SDF.

        Question. What guarantees would we seek to ensure that Kurdish
    rights, property, and security are protected?

        Answer. The President, the Secretary of State, and Ambassador
    Jeffrey have engaged extensively with their Turkish counterparts on how
    to ensure a stabilized northeast Syria. Stability requires that people
    are able to stay in their homes if they choose and that any return of
    refugees or internally displaced persons is safe, voluntary, and
    dignified.

    Syria--Turkish Incursions
        Question. Turkish incursions into Syria, such as in Afrin, have
    reportedly occurred jointly with jihadist militias and other groups
    opposed to the Syrian Kurds. Support for and facilitation of these
    groups are counterproductive for regional stability and exacerbate the
    human suffering in Syria:

       What is your assessment of these reports?

        Answer. Turkey has worked with a number of different Syrian
    opposition groups over the course of the conflict. We are aware of
    reports that certain groups have engaged in actions that undermine
    stability and share your concerns about the consequences of such
    actions.
        We have raised these concerns with Turkish counterparts while
    emphasizing that it is the responsibility of Turkish authorities to
    ensure the protection of civilians and property in its operations,
    including safeguarding civilians from unlawful activities.

        Question. Do you think the Turkish military, the military of a
    NATO-allied country, would have any reason to associate with these
    kinds of militias?

        Answer. Turkey is a NATO ally and a key partner in the Global
    Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Turkey has legitimate security concerns along
    its border, which this Administration remains committed to addressing.
    The Administration has emphasized that stability and security
    throughout opposition-controlled areas of Syria depend on security and
    governance structures being acceptable to residents of these areas.

        Question. What steps can the United States take to deter this
    behavior?

        Answer. We have made clear to Turkey that it is the responsibility
    of Turkish authorities to ensure the protection of civilians and
    property in the areas in which it operates, including safeguarding
    civilians from unlawful activities. In our Syria-focused discussions
    with Turkey, we have and will continue to assert that stability and
    security throughout opposition-controlled areas of Syria depend on
    security and governance structures being acceptable to residents of
    these areas.

    Syria--Humanitarian Corridor
        Question. I am pleased to see that Turkey has played a critical
    role in maintaining the ceasefire in Idlib. While the fighting may be
    temporarily on hold, there remains a humanitarian crisis there.
    government and nongovernment organizations have had significant
    difficulty opening and maintaining a safe humanitarian corridor to
    facilitate assistance to the people there. With the United States
    withdrawing our own START teams from providing direct assistance, we
    are increasingly reliant on others to carry out this vital work that
    provides relief and advances stability:

       Can you describe Turkey's role in providing assistance or in
            cooperating with operating partners on providing assistance?

        Answer. Turkey hosts over four million refugees, 3.6 million of
    whom are Syrian, opening their schools, hospitals, and other public
    services and allowing refugees the right to work. Over 60% of school-
    age refugee children are back in school, given the language barrier
    this is particularly notable. The government of Turkey estimates that
    it has spent over $30 billion hosting refugees.
        In northwest Syria, Turkey plays a critical role in authorizing and
    facilitating assistance for much of the population of nearly three
    million, over half of whom were previously displaced from other parts
    of Syria and depend on cross border humanitarian assistance. In
    Turkish-controlled areas of northern Syria, the Turkish government
    along with international, Syrian and Turkish NGOs provide assistance on
    the ground. We continue to work with Turkish authorities to advocate
    for better access for increased humanitarian actors in those areas and
    for more visibility on the full picture of whether the most urgent
    needs are being met in those areas.

        Question. Do you believe it is in our interest to stop the direct
    delivery of aid?

        Answer. Our goals in Syria remain the enduring defeat of ISIS, a
    lasting political solution in accordance with U.N. Security Council
    Resolution 2254, and the removal of Iran and its proxies from Syria.
    Our ongoing assistance, supported by the START and the Southern Syria
    Assistance Program platforms, along with contributions from our
    partners in the International Coalition, provides us with the tools
    necessary to achieve those goals.
        The more than $9.5 billion of humanitarian assistance provided by
    the United States to the people of Syria has undoubtedly saved hundreds
    of thousands, if not millions of lives. Last month, the United States
    announced more than $397 million in additional humanitarian assistance
    for the people of Syria, reflecting the steadfast commitment of the
    United States to providing lifesaving support to the people of Syria
    impacted by conflict, both inside Syria and throughout the region. The
    U.N. and partner NGOs reach over four million people inside Syria each
    month with aid that we provide.
        Throughout northeast Syria, the United States continues to provide
    critical humanitarian assistance and stabilization work, such as
    restoring electricity grids, providing psychosocial support for
    children, supporting justice and accountability, removing rubble,
    restoring water delivery, and other essential services. Additional aid
    has rehabilitated damaged schools and allowed hundreds of thousands of
    children to get back to school, while providing livelihood and
    agricultural support. Our assistance has removed thousands of acres of
    territory of the left-behind explosive remnants of war (ERW) and the
    clearance of corpses and rubble from streets.

        Question. Can you talk more about the ways in which we can leverage
    our assets?

        Answer. One of the ways we have leveraged our assets in Syria is
    through the programs managed by our regional platforms, the Turkey-
    based Syria Transition Assistance Response Team (START) and the
    Southern Syria Assistance Platform based in Amman. The networks and on-
    the-ground connections forged by our stabilization programs have
    provided insight into the ever changing conditions in northern Syria
    while forging connections with the Syrian people.
        Ensuring the enduring defeat of ISIS will require continued
    stabilization assistance in the region to alleviate human suffering and
    to make progress in the political process outlined in UNSCR 2254.

    PKK
        Question. Turkey indeed faces legitimate and serious security
    threats from the PKK, a terrorist group designated by the United States
    as such since 1997. However, Turkey's recent ground incursions into and
    attacks in Iraqi Kurdistan have been particularly destabilizing in
    recent months, especially considering the fragile state of the joint
    KDP-PUK Kurdish Regional government that faces a tough economic
    recovery from the war against ISIS and ongoing counter-ISIS operations.
    A stable and secure Kurdish Regional government with a stable Iraqi
    border is in Turkey's best interests:

       What levers do we have to reduce the PKK threat to Turkey while
            working to strengthen Iraqi territorial integrity against
            foreign attack?

        Answer. Over the last two years, the Administration has increased
    our assistance in support of Turkey's national defense against the PKK,
    in addition to the assistance we have consistently provided to the
    Turkish government since 2007.
        In November 2018, the Department announced the listing of three
    senior PKK members under the Rewards for Justice program, offering up
    to $12 million for identification or information leading to their
    capture. In March 2019, the Department renewed the designation of the
    PKK as a foreign terrorist organization.
        We have encouraged the Turkish and Iraqi governments--including
    those in the Kurdistan Regional government--to increase their
    communication and coordination in order to address the destabilizing
    presence of the PKK in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region. We have seen
    increased bilateral Iraqi-Turkish engagement on this topic, and will
    continue to advocate for further cooperation.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. In all of my previous posts, I have engaged with human
    rights activists, representatives of civil society, and foreign
    government leaders to promote human rights and democracy. The promotion
    of democracy and human rights is central to our national interests and
    an essential element of our foreign policy. Societies that respect and
    defend human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are more
    stable, secure, and prosperous and make stronger allies.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Turkey? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. The Department's 2018 Human Rights Report for Turkey
    includes reports of arbitrary killing; suspicious deaths in custody;
    forced disappearances; torture; arbitrary arrests and detentions;
    political prisoners; closure of media outlets and criminal prosecution
    of individuals for criticizing government policies or officials;
    blocking websites and content; severe restrictions on freedoms of
    expression, peaceful assembly, association and movement; and violence
    against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex
    (LGBTI) persons, and members of other minorities.
        If confirmed, I intend to speak out privately and publicly on
    issues of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Turkey, including
    those listed above.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Turkey? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. We should press other governments, despite obstacles and
    challenges, to adhere to their human rights obligations. If confirmed,
    I will urge the Turkish government in public and in private to respect
    and ensure freedom of expression and the media, fair trial guarantees,
    judicial independence, and other human rights and fundamentals of
    democratic rule. Accountable and responsive government, rule of law,
    and respect for fundamental freedoms are bulwarks of sovereignty and
    internal and international stability. Protecting these rights and
    institutions expands the potential for investment and partnership.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Department's engagement
    with the government of Turkey and its ongoing work with Turkish civil
    society groups on strengthening rule of law. democracy, and good
    governance, such as ensuring protections for journalists and civil
    society leaders, academics, and anti-corruption NGOs, as well as
    growing the space for freedom of expression. If confirmed, I will use
    all available resources at my disposal to pursue these objectives.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Turkey? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work with groups that are
    supporting democratic governance, rule of law, human rights, and
    fundamental freedoms in Turkey. I would continue the U.S. Mission's
    important ongoing work of tracking the human rights situation in
    Turkey, monitoring trials, engaging with civil society leaders, and
    working with like-minded partners to underscore the importance of
    respect for rule of law and fundamental freedoms.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with peaceful opposition groups
    and political figures committed to promoting democracy and the rule of
    law in Turkey. The United States values engaging with groups and
    individuals that voice diverse opinions and has a long history of
    engaging leaders both inside and outside the government, a tradition I
    will continue. I will also be clear with the Turkish government in
    public and in private that the United States views transparency, a free
    press, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, and
    rule of law as essential elements to the health of Turkish democracy. I
    will also continue our support for access and inclusivity for women,
    minorities and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with the
    government of Turkey on freedom of the press and address any government
    efforts designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Turkey?

        Answer. I share your concern about Turkey's negative trajectory on
    media freedom. Respect for the rule of law, human rights, and
    fundamental freedoms, such as freedom of expression, as well as media
    freedom, are pillars of established democracies. Freedom of
    expression--especially for speech which many may find controversial or
    uncomfortable--should and must be protected for everyone. If confirmed,
    I will promote these universal values, and I am committed to meeting
    regularly with independent, local press in Turkey. I would continue
    Mission Turkey's work to engage the government of Turkey to address
    specific cases of violations and laws that unduly restrict freedom of
    expression. I would regularly emphasize to the Turkish government that
    freedom of expression strengthens democracy and needs to be protected.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Combatting disinformation and propaganda is a priority for
    the Department. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with
    the Department's Global Engagement Center and other U.S. government
    programs to help stop disinformation and enable larger audiences to
    gain greater access to accurate information about U.S. culture and
    policy. In doing so, I hope to build upon Mission Turkey's support for
    international public broadcasters such as the Voice of America to
    bolster diverse and independent sources of programming in the absence
    of a strong, independent media in Turkey, and the use of social media
    platforms to amplify this content.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with the
    government of Turkey on the right of labor groups to organize,
    including for independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will continue Mission Turkey's active
    engagement with the government of Turkey on the right of labor groups
    to organize, including for independent trade unions. Protecting labor
    rights are a key component of the Department's efforts to promote
    democracy and human rights around the world. Mission Turkey and the
    Department closely track labor rights, including the freedom of
    association and the right to collective bargaining, in the Department's
    annual Human Rights Report and elsewhere.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Turkey, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Turkey? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people in
    Turkey?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to using my position to defend
    the human rights and dignity of all people in Turkey, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity. The 2018 Human Rights Report
    documents violence and other acts of discrimination and abuse against
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons, and
    members of other minorities. If confirmed, I look forward to advancing
    respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all, including
    LGBTI persons. I would use the full range of tools at my disposal--
    including bilateral and multilateral diplomatic engagement--to protect
    the rights of LGBTI persons in Turkey.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. By setting a personal example, communicating the
    relevant laws and rules directly to my staff, and taking appropriate
    action when necessary, I will ensure that all employees under my
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated. I will also take
    allegations of such practices seriously and ensure they are referred to
    the Department's Inspector General.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I have handled such cases as a supervisor over the past
    three decades. All such cases were dealt with in accordance with the
    relevant laws and Department policies and in as prompt a manner as
    possible. Harassment, discrimination and misconduct are unacceptable
    and allegations of such must be addressed--and I have done so in all
    such cases throughout my career--in a thorough and effective manner. I
    will continue to do so if confirmed.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to David Satterfield by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. In all of my previous posts, I have engaged with human
    rights activists, representatives of civil society, and foreign
    government leaders to promote human rights and democracy. The promotion
    of democracy and human rights is central to our national interests and
    an essential element of our foreign policy. Societies that respect and
    defend human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law are more
    stable, secure, and prosperous and make stronger allies.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in the
    Republic of Turkey? What are the most important steps you expect to
    take--if confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in the
    Republic of Turkey? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions?

        Answer. The Department's 2018 Human Rights Report for Turkey
    includes reports of arbitrary killing; suspicious deaths in custody;
    forced disappearances; torture; arbitrary arrests and detentions;
    political prisoners; closure of media outlets and criminal prosecution
    of individuals for criticizing government policies or officials;
    blocking websites and content; severe restrictions on freedoms of
    expression, peaceful assembly, association and movement; and violence
    against women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex
    (LGBTI) persons, and members of other minorities.
        If confirmed, I intend to speak out privately and publicly on
    issues of human rights and fundamental freedoms in Turkey, including
    those listed above.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in the Republic of
    Turkey in advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in
    general?

        Answer. It is always challenging to balance the promotion of human
    rights, civil society and democracy while advancing our other bilateral
    objectives, such as security and economic cooperation, with our
    partners. This is particularly true in Turkey, which is a NATO Ally
    facing numerous challenges related to human rights and the rule of law.
    That said, I believe that we should press other governments, despite
    obstacles and challenges, to adhere to their human rights obligations.
    If confirmed, I will urge the Turkish government in public and in
    private to respect and ensure freedom of expression and the media, fair
    trial guarantees, judicial independence, and other human rights and
    fundamentals of democratic rule. Accountable and responsive government,
    rule of law, and respect for fundamental freedoms are bulwarks of
    sovereignty and internal and international stability. Protecting these
    rights and institutions expands the potential for investment and
    partnership.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in the Republic of Turkey? If confirmed, what
    steps will you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar
    efforts, and ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and
    security cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with groups that are helping to
    move Turkey forward on a path towards democratic governance and rule of
    law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. I would
    continue the U.S. Mission's important ongoing work of closely following
    the human rights situation in Turkey, monitoring trials, engaging with
    civil society leaders, and working with like-minded partners to
    underscore the importance of respect for rule of law and fundamental
    freedoms. If confirmed, I will ensure the U.S. Mission continues to
    enforce the Leahy Law and ensures provision of U.S. security assistance
    and security cooperation activities reinforces human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with the
    Republic of Turkey to address cases of key political prisoners or
    persons otherwise unjustly targeted by the Republic of Turkey?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will urge Turkey to respect and uphold
    human rights and fundamental freedoms, maintain judicial independence,
    and to release those held for their political beliefs and those
    unjustly detained including civil society activists, opposition
    leaders, and journalists.
        I would make it a particular priority to secure the release of Dr.
    Serkan Golge, a U.S. citizen and NASA physicist, and locally employed
    staff of the U.S. Mission--all of whom we believe have been detained
    unjustly.

        Question. Will you engage with the Republic of Turkey on matters of
    human rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral
    mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I intend to speak out privately and
    publicly on matters of human rights, civil rights and governance.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I
    may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I
    may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in the Republic of Turkey?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified mutual funds,
    which may hold interests in companies with a presence in Turkey, but
    which are exempt from the conflict of interest laws. My investment
    portfolio also includes a sector fund, which may hold interests in
    companies with a presence in Turkey. Finally, my investment portfolio
    includes financial interests in companies with a presence in Turkey. I
    am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to
    a conflict of interest. I will divest all investments the State
    Department Ethics Office deems necessary to avoid a conflict of
    interest. I will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. In my current position as Acting Assistant Secretary for
    the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, I have made clear that the U.S.
    government's commitment to equal employment opportunity should be
    respected and promoted. I have encouraged and supported the Equal
    Employment Opportunity Counselor program and I will continue this
    approach if confirmed as Chief of Mission for Turkey.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will convey to all supervisors at Mission
    Turkey my expectation that they will promote and respect an inclusive
    climate that fosters diversity, including the commitment to equal
    employment opportunity, and will reinforce this message through my
    example.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in the
    Republic of Turkey specifically?

        Answer. Political corruption has a deleterious effect upon the rule
    of law, and fighting against corruption helps to strengthen democratic
    institutions.
        Corruption remains a serious concern in Turkey, a reality reflected
    in Turkey's falling score in recent years in Transparency
    International's annual Corruption Perceptions Index, where it ranked 78
    of 180 countries and territories around the world in 2018. government
    mechanisms to investigate and punish alleged abuse and corruption by
    state officials remained inadequate, and impunity remained a problem.
    Though independent in principle, the judiciary remained prone to
    government interference, including with respect to the investigation
    and prosecution of major corruption cases. In some cases, the 2016-2018
    state of emergency amplified pre-existing concerns about judicial
    independence.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in the
    Republic of Turkey and efforts to address and reduce it by that
    government?

        Answer. Turkey's score in Transparency International's Perceptions
    of Corruption Index has dropped from 50 in 2013 to 41 in 2018, ranking
    it 78 of 180 countries. We have seen no pattern or mechanism for
    investigating, indicting, and convicting individuals accused of
    corruption, and there are concerns regarding the impartiality of the
    judiciary in the handling of corruption cases. There are no reports
    that senior government officials faced official investigations for
    alleged corruption, and journalists accused of publicizing corruption
    allegations have at times faced criminal charges.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in the Republic of Turkey?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Department's engagement
    with the government of Turkey as well as work with Turkish civil
    society groups on issues of importance to Turkish citizens, including
    those related to good governance and anti-corruption, such as
    increasing legal protections for journalists, particularly
    investigative journalists, civil society members, anti-corruption NGOs,
    and growing the space for freedom of expression.

    Democracy/Human Rights/Rule of Law
        Question. According to the most recent State Department Human
    Rights Report, since 2016 Turkey has purged more than 130,000
    government employees, jailed more than 80,000 individuals, closed more
    than 1,500 NGOs, shuttered more than 200 media outlets, and imprisoned
    scores of journalists. The Committee to Protect Journalists ranks
    Turkey as the world's worst jailer of journalists, with at least 68
    reporters behind bars at the end of last year. Particularly over the
    past two years, we have seen a steady stream of farcical indictments
    alleging involvement in terrorism, espionage, coup attempts, and
    ``insulting the president'' levied against every manner of peaceful
    activist, reporter, politician, and even innocent Americans and the
    local staff of our consulates in the country.

       Given this state of affairs, in your opinion, is Turkey a
            democracy? What effective checks remain on Erdogan's
            presidency?

        Answer. As described in the Department's 2018 Human Rights Report,
    Turkey is a constitutional republic with an executive presidential
    system and a 600-seat legislature. Although the constitution and law
    provide citizens the ability to change their government through free
    and fair elections, the government restricted equal competition and
    placed restrictions on the fundamental freedoms of assembly and
    expression.

        Question. What do you believe the United States should do to
    preserve and strengthen the remaining elements of Turkish civil society
    that defend democracy and human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will show support to civil society members,
    human rights groups, and other non-governmental organizations in
    Turkey. The United States values the voice and opinions of civil
    society and has a long history of engaging leaders both inside and
    outside the government, a tradition I will continue. I will also be
    clear with the Turkish government in public and in private that the
    United States views transparency, a free press, freedom of expression,
    and rule of law as important elements to the health of Turkish
    democracy.

        Question. Will you raise the issue of politically motivated
    prosecutions of democratically elected officials with Turkey in your
    capacity as ambassador?

        Answer. Yes. The Department has repeatedly expressed serious
    concern about the pattern of actions by Turkish officials, which appear
    to target those whose views differ from the government's, including
    opposition politicians, public intellectuals, civil society actors,
    lawyers, and journalists. If confirmed, I will underscore the
    importance of transparency and respect for rule of law.

        Question. What role do you see for the U.S. Mission to Turkey in
    advocating for respect for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of
    Turkish citizens and in raising specific cases of violations? How would
    you balance the use of private engagement with public messaging?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will urge Turkey, publicly and privately at
    the highest levels, to respect and uphold human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, and support judicial independence. I will use whatever form
    of messaging and engagement that is most effective at achieving results
    under the particular circumstances of each case.

    Detentions
        Question. As you know, Turkish authorities continue to interfere
    with the work of the U.S. Mission to Turkey by holding two veteran
    local employees--Metin Topuz and Mete Canturk--of the U.S. Consulate
    General in Istanbul in jail and under house arrest. U.S. citizen and
    NASA scientist Serkan Golge is one of several American citizens caught
    up in the sweeping government-led purge that followed the 2016 coup
    attempt in Turkey. Senator Wicker and I introduced legislation last
    week that would impose visa denials and asset freezes on the officials
    responsible for this ongoing injustice.

       Bearing in mind that justice delayed is justice denied, what do you
            plan to do to secure the prompt release of these local staff
            and a timely, fair, and transparent adjudication of their
            cases?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue Mission Turkey's ongoing
    engagement to ensure fair, timely treatment of all detainees and the
    release of all those held arbitrarily. I am committed to taking
    whatever steps are necessary to ensure the fair resolution of these
    cases. I will also continue to raise the cases of wrongfully detained
    U.S. citizens and local employees of the U.S. Mission in Turkey at the
    highest levels.

        Question. How will you protect your other locally employed staff
    and their families from similar legal jeopardy?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage the Turkish government at the
    highest levels to make it clear that arbitrarily detaining our local
    staff or their families is unacceptable and undermines our ability to
    cooperate on other elements of the bilateral relationship.

        Question. Can Congress play a role in giving you the tools you need
    to let the Turkish government know this kind of behavior will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I intend to utilize all resources at my
    disposal. I am looking forward to working with Congress and hope to
    utilize any resources or tools that Congress provides to the Department
    of State to help strengthen rule of law and respect for human rights in
    Turkey. If confirmed, I would also welcome Congressional delegations to
    help reinforce the United States' position that accountable and
    responsive government, rule of law, and respect for fundamental
    freedoms are bulwarks of sovereignty and internal and international
    stability.

    Demographic Change/North Syria Intentions
        Question. Turkish leadership has repeatedly threatened unilateral
    military action in northern Syria to create a buffer zone or otherwise
    seize strategically important territory from Kurdish militias in
    northern Syria. It has threatened to use force against the Syrian
    Democratic Forces--U.S. partners in the fight against ISIS--and has
    often preferred force to negotiations in handling its own Kurdish
    question:

       What do you think the consequences of a unilateral Turkish military
            incursion into northern Syria would be on the local populations
            in Syria and on the broader dynamics within Syria's Civil War?

        Answer. We are fully committed to Turkey's security. As we have
    said before, however, unilateral military strikes into northeast Syria
    by any party, particularly as U.S. personnel may be present or in the
    vicinity, are of great concern to us. We have made clear that any
    actions that could destabilize areas liberated from ISIS could bring
    about a resurgence of ISIS, which remains a threat in northern Syria.

        Question. How can the United States encourage Turkey to seek
    diplomatic, rather than military, solutions in this regard?

        Answer. The President, the Secretary of State, and Ambassador
    Jeffrey have engaged extensively with their Turkish counterparts on how
    to ensure a stabilized northeast Syria. At every opportunity, the
    Administration has emphasized that we believe it is possible to reach
    an arrangement that meets Turkish national security priorities while
    allowing for ongoing Coalition efforts to defeat ISIS. We are engaged
    in ongoing military-to-military and diplomatic consultations with our
    Turkish counterparts to achieve these objectives.

        Question. Do you believe Turkey intends to take delivery of an S-
    400 air defense system from Russia? What can the Administration do to
    prevent this from happening?

        Answer. The Administration has made it clear that procurement of S-
    400 will put Turkey's continued participation in the F-35 program and
    other potential future arms transfers to Turkey at risk, as well as
    lead to potential actions under the Countering America's Adversaries
    through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) upon any individuals or entities
    involved in such a transaction.
        As Vice President Pence said at the NATO 70th Anniversary event,
    ``Turkey must choose. Does it want to remain a critical partner in the
    most successful military alliance in history, or does it want to risk
    the security of that partnership by making such reckless decisions that
    undermine our alliance?''

        Question. Is the Administration's decision to end Turkey's
    preferential trade status in March 2019 at all related to the S-400
    issue?

        Answer. The General System of Preferences (GSP) is a unilateral
    trade benefit program intended to help the world's poorest countries
    grow economically. USTR's review found that Turkey is sufficiently
    economically developed and should no longer benefit from preferential
    market access to the United States market. Turkey's increase in Gross
    National Income per capita, declining poverty rates, and export
    diversification are evidence of Turkey's higher level of economic
    development since the United States designated Turkey as a GSP
    beneficiary country in 1975.

        Question. According to the State Department's annual human rights
    report, at the end of 2018, 6,000 lawmakers, executives, and party
    members from the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were in
    prison on politicized charges. Will you raise the issue of politically
    motivated prosecutions of democratically elected officials with Turkey
    in your capacity as ambassador?

        Answer. The Administration is seriously concerned by the pattern of
    actions by Turkish officials, which appear to target those whose views
    differ from the government, including opposition politicians. If
    confirmed, I will underscore the importance of transparency and respect
    for due process. Fair and non-politicized judicial process will
    reinforce confidence in the Turkish judicial system among citizens.

        Question. According to the text of the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO
    states commit to safeguard the freedom, common heritage and
    civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy,
    individual liberty and the rule of law." The government of Turkey has
    fallen short of this standard in its treatment of ethnic minority
    populations, like Kurds and Armenians, and of its political opposition:

       As Ambassador to Turkey, how would you encourage the current
            government to better uphold principles of pluralism and
            democracy?"

        Answer. Turkey has long been a multi-ethnic, multi-religious state
    and we welcome the government's recognition of the richness these
    communities provide.
        The Administration is concerned about Turkey's negative trajectory
    on democracy, rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental
    freedoms. Transparency, respect for the rule of law, and freedom of the
    press, expression, association, and of peaceful assembly are pillars of
    established democracies. If confirmed, I will continue to promote these
    values.

        Question. According to the text of the North Atlantic Treaty, NATO
    states commit to ``settle any international dispute in which they may
    be involved by peaceful means in such a manner that international peace
    and security and justice are not endangered, and to refrain in their
    international relations from the threat or use of force in any manner
    inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.'' Turkey has
    repeatedly threatened to use force against the Syrian Democratic
    Forces--U.S. partners in the fight against ISIS--and has often
    preferred force to negotiations in handling its own Kurdish question:

       Is this in line with Turkey's NATO commitments and values?

        Answer. Turkey is a NATO ally and a key partner in the Global
    Coalition to Defeat ISIS. We are fully committed to its security. We
    also want to ensure that our partners who continue to fight with us are
    not attacked, and that forces acting in Syria are not able to attack
    Turkey, all while protecting the safety of civilians.

        Question. How can the United States encourage Turkey to seek
    diplomatic, rather than military, solutions in this regard?

        Answer. The President, the Secretary of State, and Ambassador
    Jeffrey have engaged extensively with their Turkish counterparts on how
    to ensure a stabilized northeast Syria. At every opportunity, this
    administration has emphasized that we believe it is possible to reach
    an arrangement that meets Turkish national security priorities while
    allowing for ongoing Coalition efforts to defeat ISIS. We are engaged
    in ongoing military-to-military and diplomatic consultations with our
    Turkish counterparts to achieve these objectives.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to David Satterfield by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. Should the United States be prepared to counter the
    expansion of Gazprom's TurkStream pipeline as well as the nuclear
    reactors being financed by Russia in Turkey's southeast?

        Answer. Turkstream does not advance Europe's need for greater
    energy diversification. When complete, the first line of TurkStream
    will transit gas exclusively to Turkey's large and relatively
    diversified domestic market, replacing volumes that are currently
    shipped by Gazprom to Turkey via the Trans Balkan Pipeline. However,
    the second line would increase Europe's reliance on Russian gas.
    Rosatom's construction of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey's
    southeast may also deepen Turkey's dependence on Russian energy
    sources, as Russian suppliers would provide all of the nuclear fuel for
    the reactors. If confirmed, I will engage with government of Turkey on
    the need for energy diversification and security, including through the
    importation of more U.S. liquefied natural gas.
        The Department of State takes the implementation and enforcement of
    the Countering America's Adversaries through Sanctions Act (CAATSA)
    seriously. If confirmed, it will be the highest priority for me and the
    mission to closely monitor Gazprom's TurkStream pipeline projects as
    well as other projects by Russia that may deepen Turkey and Europe's
    reliance on Russian energy.

        Question. According to the NGO We Will Stop Femicides (Kadin
    Cinayetlerini Durduracagiz Platformu), a total of 440 women lost their
    lives through violence (mostly committed by male relatives or spouses)
    in Turkey in 2018. The organization said that in 88 percent of these
    cases, it was ``not clear'' whether the state protected the woman under
    threat. What do you think is driving this increasing trend of violence
    against women in Turkey, and if confirmed, what are your plans to
    address this matter? How will you work with the government of Turkey to
    ensure that they are addressing this growing problem in Turkey? Are
    there particular organizations that you plan to work with?

        Answer. Mission Turkey closely tracks the issue of violence against
    women. The Mission publicly and vocally engages on this issue, from
    speaking directly with the government to partnering with NGOs that
    empower and educate young women and girls, as well as engaging with the
    public via social and traditional media.
        NGOs have reported that the annual rate of women who lost their
    lives through violence in the country has steadily increased since
    2002. Some assess that the increase may be the result of greater
    awareness and reporting. Some activists have also raised concerns about
    social trends that advocate more traditional roles for women and
    restrictive conditions on independent women's organizations.
        Mission Turkey actively engages with a range of women's rights and
    advocacy groups. If confirmed, I will continue to work with
    organizations committed to addressing the problem of violence against
    women in Turkey. I will also encourage the Turkish government to
    improve services for victims of violence, including improving
    psychosocial services for victims of such forms of violence.

        Question. I was pleased by your testimony and statements regarding
    Sekan Golge, Hamza Ulucay, Metin Topuz, and Mete Canturk. If confirmed,
    do you pledge to visit this American citizen and these Mission Turkey
    employees? As you know, they are either in jail or under house arrest.
    If you feel like you cannot commit to a visit to each, please explain
    why.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue Mission Turkey's ongoing
    engagement to ensure the fair, timely, and transparent treatment of
    Serkan Golge and the remaining two detained Mission Turkey employees. I
    am committed to taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure the fair
    resolution of these cases, including attending trials and visiting
    wrongfully detained persons when legally appropriate and helpful for
    securing their just treatment and release. I will also continue to
    raise the cases of wrongfully detained U.S. citizens and local
    employees of the U.S. Mission in Turkey at the highest levels.

        Question. The 2018 State Department Human Rights Report highlighted
    that Turkish authorities had dismissed or suspended more than 130,000
    civil servants from their jobs, arrested or imprisoned more than 80,000
    citizens and closed more than 1,500 non-governmental organizations
    (NGOs) on terrorism-related grounds since the coup attempt in 2016.
    However, the human rights issues were not limited to the purge but also
    included arbitrary killings; suspicious deaths of persons in custody;
    forced disappearances; torture; arbitrary arrest and detention of tens
    of thousands of persons, including opposition members of parliament,
    lawyers, journalists, foreign citizens, and three Turkish-national
    employees of the U.S. Mission to Turkey for purported ties to
    ``terrorist'' groups or peaceful legitimate speech; political
    prisoners, including numerous elected officials and academics; closure
    of media outlets and criminal prosecution of individuals for
    criticizing government policies or officials; blocking websites and
    content; severe restriction of freedoms of assembly and association;
    restrictions on freedom of movement; and violence against women, and
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons, and
    members of other minorities. The detailed country report also provided
    many concrete examples of human rights abuses such as 28 disappearance
    cases across the country.

       Despite these damning statistics, last year, I had to step in when
            the State Department canceled a very small funding stream meant
            to go to Turkish civil society organizations (to help them
            engage with other civil society actors outside of Turkey). I
            understand that the space for civil society engagement in
            Turkey is narrowing by the day, but what can we do to continue
            working with those elements of Turkish society that share our
            values and are willing to risk their lives to build a more
            democratic Turkey?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Department's engagement
    with the government of Turkey as well as its work with Turkish civil
    society groups on the respect for fundamental freedoms and rule of law,
    improving protections for journalists and civil society members,
    workers' rights, and growing the space for freedom of expression.

        Question.  Will you advocate for Osman Kavala's release, who is
    being held in solitary confinement, and the release of other civil
    society actors, including those in Amnesty International, who have been
    jailed without adequate evidence and largely bogus charges?

        Answer. The Department has expressed grave concern about the case
    of Osman Kavala and the 15 other civil society and media leaders that
    prosecutors in Turkey indicted earlier this year, as well as other
    similar cases. If confirmed, I will continue to advocate for the rights
    to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. These
    rights are fundamental to any healthy democracy, and I will continue to
    urge Turkey to respect these freedoms and to release all those held
    arbitrarily.

        Question. Do you plan to prioritize cultural programming to help
    represent American culture in a positive light in Turkey? I am
    concerned that average Turks only have the perception of the U.S. that
    is portrayed on largely Erdogan-owned media which depicts the U.S. in a
    very negative light?

        Answer. There is considerable misinformation circulating in Turkish
    media concerning U.S. policy and American culture. Cultural programming
    and exchange programs are effective means of correcting misconceptions
    and misinformation. If confirmed, I will use every resource at my
    disposal to help represent the United States and American culture in an
    accurate light.

        Question. Studies by the DFRLab and Rand have pointed to the rise
    of Sputnik Turkiye as an ``independent news source'' in Turkey. How
    will you bolster Voice of America and other truly independent sources
    of news in Turkey? Will you incorporate Voice of America, etc. in the
    Embassy's social media platforms, etc.?

        Answer. I am aware of Sputnik Turkiye's role in the Turkish media
    space, as well as others like it. If confirmed, I look forward to
    working closely with the Department's Global Engagement Center and
    other U.S. government programs to help stop disinformation and enable
    larger audiences to gain greater access to accurate information about
    U.S. culture and policy. In doing so, I hope to build upon Mission
    Turkey's support for international public broadcasters such as the
    Voice of America to bolster diverse and independent sources of
    programming in the absence of a strong, independent media in Turkey,
    and the use of social media platforms to amplify this content.

                                   __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                             THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:00 p.m. in Room
    SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Mitt Romney,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Romney [presiding], Cardin, Shaheen,
    Udall, and Kaine.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MITT ROMNEY,
                         U.S. SENATOR FROM UTAH

        Senator Romney. This hearing of the Senate Foreign
    Relations will come to order.
        Today the committee will hold a nominations hearing for
    four ambassadorial positions. I appreciate that each of you has
    answered a call to serve our country.
        First, we are going to hear from Ms. Bridget A. Brink, to
    be Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. Ms. Brink previously
    served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of European
    and Eurasian Affairs and as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S.
    Embassy in Uzbekistan. Her career has been devoted to European
    affairs, and I hope to hear how this experience could shape her
    time in Slovakia and will help her meet the challenges that
    Russia is posing in the region.
        Second, we have Mr. Kenneth A. Howery, to be Ambassador to
    the Kingdom of Sweden. As the co-founder of PayPal, as well as
    an early investor in major Silicon Valley companies such as
    Facebook and SpaceX, Mr. Howery has helped shape Silicon
    Valley, and I am interested to hear how he plans to approach
    this new challenge. I am especially interested in Mr. Howery's
    views on the challenges Russia poses to Sweden today and how we
    can continue to strengthen the relationship with that great
    country.
        Our third nominee is Colonel Matthew S. Klimow, to be
    Ambassador to Turkmenistan. Colonel Klimow, thank you for your
    service to our country, first for your career in the Army and
    also for your time as Deputy Assistant Secretary for NATO and
    the Senior Advisor for the Under Secretary of Management at the
    State Department. Turkmenistan lies bordering both Iran and
    Afghanistan and, of course, has a long history with Russia
    given that it was formerly part of the Soviet Union. It also
    has deep ties to China. I look forward to hearing from you on
    how you might preserve U.S. strategic interests in the area
    given the many adversaries at its doorstep.
        Our fourth nominee is Mr. John Jefferson Daigle, to be
    Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde. Mr. Daigle is a
    Foreign Service officer who currently serves as the Designated
    Federal Official for the United States Advisory Commission on
    Public Diplomacy. Previously, Mr. Daigle has served in places
    like Cambodia and Iraq. Cabo Verde is a prime example of how an
    island chain small in size can still have strategic value. I
    look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we can strengthen
    our relationship with this nation.
        With that, I would like to recommend that we recognize the
    distinguished ranking member for her comments. Senator Shaheen?

                   STATEMENT OF HON. JEANNE SHAHEEN,
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE

        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And congratulations to each of you, and thank you for your
    willingness to be considered for these nominations to these
    very important posts.
        I am going to submit my opening statement for the record
    and look forward to hearing your comments as nominees and the
    discussion that follows. Thank you.
        [Senator Shaheen's prepared statememt follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of Hon. Jeanne Shaheen

        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the nominees before us
    today and their families. Ms. Brink, Mr. Howery, Colonel Klimow and Mr.
    Daigle, each of the respective countries you have been nominated to
    serve in are at the helm of critical U.S. foreign policy priorities.
        Ms. Brink, given your extensive experience in the European Bureau
    and in Georgia, you are well aware of the strategic relevance of
    Central Europe and of the U.S. and EU's energy diversification goals in
    that region. Further, I was particularly pleased to see the Slovak
    Republic elect its first woman and youngest-ever president last March.
    I am looking forward to hearing your input on these matters today.
        Mr. Howry, Sweden is not only a critical counterterrorism partner
    in Iraq, but it is on the frontlines of the fight against Russian
    malign influence. I will be interested to hear your thoughts on how we
    can better support Sweden in its dealings with Russian flyovers,
    disinformation and other hostile actions and ensure that the
    administration's rhetoric is not amplifying the false narratives that
    the Kremlin is circulating.
        Colonel Klimkow, Turkmenistan's strategic location is undoubtedly
    important for U.S. security interests, particularly as they relate to
    Afghanistan and Iran, but Turkmenistan's record on human rights and
    reliance on China is of extreme concern. I am interested to hear how
    the U.S. can best balance its priorities in that country.
        And, Mr. Daigle, as you know well, the State Department considers
    Cabo Verde to be ``one of Africa's success stories.'' Given the
    strategic location of Cabo Verde, the U.S. investment made in that
    country and the sizable Cabo Verdean diaspora in the United States, it
    is definitely in our interest to continue Cabo Verde's progress. I look
    forward to your thoughts on that matter.
        Again, welcome and congratulations to all of the nominees today. I
    look forward to hearing your testimony and answers to our questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Senator Shaheen.
        We are now going to turn to our first nominee, Ms. Bridget
    Brink. Thank you for your willingness to take on this important
    role. Your full statement will be included in the record,
    without objection. So if you could please keep your remarks to
    no more than 5 minutes, we would appreciate it so that members
    of the committee can engage you with their questions. Ms.
    Brink?

    STATEMENT OF BRIDGET A. BRINK, OF MICHIGAN, A CAREER MEMBER OF
    THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
                STATES OF AMERICA TO THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

        Ms. Brink. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen,
    distinguished members of the Foreign Relations Committee, for
    the opportunity to appear before you today.
        I am honored to be President Trump's nominee for the
    position of U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. I am
    grateful for the trust and confidence the President and
    Secretary Pompeo have placed in me. If confirmed, I pledge to
    work with you to advance our nation's interests in the Slovak
    Republic.
        I first want to introduce and thank my husband, Nicholas
    Higgins, for his love and support for over 26 years. A fellow
    Foreign Service officer, Nick has served in Afghanistan, India,
    and Georgia, and has traveled from Armenia to be here today. We
    are so proud of our children, Jack and Cole, who are also here
    today. As part of a diplomatic family that has moved every few
    years for their entire lives, I want to thank them for their
    own service to our country.
        Coming from Michigan, I know these careers have taken us
    far from those who gave us so much. I want to acknowledge and
    thank my mother, Gwen Brink; father and stepmother, John and
    Judy Brink; sister, Joanna Brink; nephews, Andrew and Andre
    Brink; aunt and uncle, Mary and Patrick Sayne, as well as my
    in-laws, Adrienne and Kingsley Foster; and my brothers and
    sisters-in-law, all of whom have been bedrocks of support every
    step of the way.
        I have worked closely with our NATO allies and EU partners
    to advance U.S. interests in Europe throughout my nearly 23-
    year career.
        If confirmed, my number one priority would be to ensure the
    security and safety of my embassy team, as well as any and all
    U.S. citizens living and traveling in the Slovak Republic. I
    would also focus the work of the embassy on three main
    priorities.
        First, I would reinforce our defense partnership with
    Slovakia. As a member of NATO, Slovakia contributes to NATO
    missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Latvia. Slovakia also plans
    to meet the NATO Wales Pledge of spending 2 percent of GDP
    ahead of schedule. If confirmed, I will work to deepen our
    defense cooperation, which shores up security on NATO's eastern
    flank. I will also encourage increased energy security as a key
    part of any nation's national security.
        Second, I would promote increased trade and investment
    opportunities. If confirmed, I will prioritize the continued
    health of Slovakia's business climate for U.S. investors and
    work to improve transparency and accountability.
        Third, I would underscore and promote our shared values.
    Since the end of the Cold War, Slovakia has anchored itself
    solidly within the democratic family of nations. If confirmed,
    I will support the strengthening of democratic institutions and
    the rule of law that underpin our transatlantic bond.
        With Secretary Pompeo's visit to Bratislava in February and
    President Trump's Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister
    Pellegrini earlier this month, the United States is deepening
    our partnership with Slovakia. If confirmed, it would be my
    highest honor to lead our talented team in Slovakia to build on
    this diplomatic investment and advance our country's interests
    there and across the region.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and members of the
    committee, thank you again for the opportunity to appear before
    you today. I welcome your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Brink follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of Bridget A. Brink

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, distinguished members of the
    Foreign Relations Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear
    before you today. I am honored to be President Trump's nominee for the
    position of U.S. Ambassador to the Slovak Republic. I am grateful for
    the trust and confidence the President and Secretary Pompeo have placed
    in me. If confirmed, I pledge to work with you to advance our nation's
    interests in the Slovak Republic.
        I first want to introduce and thank my husband Nicholas Higgins for
    his love and support for over 26 years. A fellow Foreign Service
    officer, Nick has served in Afghanistan, India, and Georgia, and has
    traveled from Armenia to be here today. We are so proud of our
    children, Jack and Cole, who are also here today. As part of a
    diplomatic family that has moved every few years for their entire
    lives, I want to thank them for their own service to our country.
        Coming from Michigan, I know these careers have taken us far from
    those who gave us so much. I want to acknowledge and thank my mother
    Gwen Brink, father and stepmother, John and Judy Brink, sister Joanna
    Brink, nephews Andrew and Andre Brink, aunt and uncle Mary and Patrick
    Sayne as well as my in-laws Adrienne and Kingsley Foster and my
    brothers and sisters-in-law, all of whom have been bedrocks of support
    every step of the way.
        As a new officer serving in Belgrade during the Balkan wars, a
    political officer supporting historic reform in Georgia, and a
    policymaker in Washington during Russia's attempts to redraw the
    borders of Europe, I have worked closely with our NATO Allies and EU
    partners to advance U.S. interests in Europe throughout my nearly 23-
    year career. As a student in London in 1989, I remember clearly that
    November day when the Berlin Wall fell. Eight days later, the Velvet
    Revolution began. In the three decades since, the United States has
    been proud to support Slovakia's transition to democracy and its NATO
    accession.
        If confirmed, my number one priority would be to ensure the safety
    and security of my Embassy team as well as any and all U.S. citizens in
    the Slovak Republic. I would also focus the work of the Embassy on
    three priorities:
        First, I would reinforce our defense partnership with Slovakia. As
    a member of NATO, Slovakia contributes to NATO missions in Afghanistan,
    Iraq, and Latvia. Slovakia is also modernizing its military with NATO-
    interoperable equipment. Last year's purchase of 14 U.S.-made F-16s was
    the largest defense procurement in Slovakia's history and signaled
    Slovakia's commitment to strengthening its relationship with the United
    States. Slovakia plans to meet the NATO Wales Pledge of spending two
    percent of its GDP on defense ahead of schedule. If confirmed, I will
    prioritize this cooperation, which shores up security on NATO's Eastern
    Flank.
        I will also encourage increased energy security, a key part of any
    nation's national security.
        Second, I would promote increased trade and investment
    opportunities. Since joining the EU in 2004, Slovakia's economy has
    become one of the fastest growing in Europe. If confirmed, I will
    pursue U.S. investment and export promotion efforts to maximize the
    many commercial opportunities in the Slovak market. I will also
    prioritize the continued health of Slovakia's business climate for U.S.
    investors, and work to improve its transparency and predictability. I
    will promote opportunities for Slovak firms seeking to invest in the
    United States.
        Third, I would prioritize our shared values. Since the end of the
    Cold War, Slovakia has anchored itself solidly within the democratic
    family of nations. I understand that the people of Slovakia care deeply
    about safeguarding their hard-won freedoms. I am proud of the support
    that America has offered to Slovakia at critical moments in its
    history. If confirmed, I would support the strengthening of democratic
    institutions and rule of law with the knowledge that accountability and
    transparency are essential to modern democracies and economic
    prosperity.
        With Secretary Pompeo's visit to Bratislava in February--the first
    such visit in almost 20 years--and President Trump's Oval Office
    meeting with Prime Minister Pellegrini earlier this month, the United
    States is deepening our partnership with Slovakia. If confirmed, it
    would be my highest honor to lead our talented team in Slovakia to
    build on this diplomatic investment and advance our country's interests
    there and across the region.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and members of the committee,
    thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today. I
    welcome your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Ms. Brink.
        Mr. Howery?

      STATEMENT OF KENNETH A. HOWERY, OF TEXAS, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                    AMERICA TO THE KINGDOM OF SWEDEN

        Mr. Howery. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished
    members of the committee, thank you for the honor and privilege
    of addressing the committee as the President's nominee to be
    the United States Ambassador to the Kingdom of Sweden.
        I thank President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for their
    trust in me for this important nomination. I also thank the
    professionals at the White House, State Department, and the
    U.S. embassy in Sweden.
        My mother, Karen Howery, is here, and my father, Ken
    Howery, is watching from overseas. I owe them my thanks as
    well. They embody integrity, hard work, and giving back, and
    instilled those values in their children, as my sister
    Christina can attest. She is here today, and her husband John
    and their daughters, Emma and Eden, are watching in Austin.
        Family taught me the importance of public service. My
    grandfathers are no longer with us, but their legacies remain.
    Both served in World War II: Fred Howery in the Navy in the
    Pacific theater and Hubert Jurek in the Army in Europe and
    North Africa. Without the encouragement of my family and the
    examples they set, I would not be here today. I am grateful to
    them all, and I believe my grandfathers would be pleased that I
    might also serve, in a different way, the nation they loved.
        A visit to the Capitol is a reminder that ideas and
    determination can shape the world. I hope my own experience
    reflects those principles. When I graduated from Stanford, I
    co-founded PayPal. Our idea was simple: to make online
    transactions easy.
        PayPal started small. We drafted our first business plan in
    a windowless broom closet. Today, PayPal is one of the world's
    large e-payments systems, operating in over 200 regions and
    countries with over 18,000 employees. But what is extraordinary
    about that story is how ordinary it is. America's tremendous
    talent pool and business climate encourage constant innovation.
    That is true for Sweden too.
        After PayPal, I co-founded a venture capital firm that has
    supported hundreds of new companies, helping create tens of
    thousands of jobs and fostering innovation in space
    exploration, quantum computing, biotechnology, virtual reality,
    alternative energy, and consumer technologies. One of them is
    Spotify, which was born in Sweden, has operations in the U.S.,
    and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
        International issues have always been important to me in
    business and more broadly. I have participated in the World
    Economic Forum and am a member of the Explorers Club, which
    promotes scientific exploration. I also advise Kiva, a
    nonprofit that helps individuals make micro-loans to fight
    poverty in over 80 nations.
        I have had the good fortune to travel to 99 countries,
    including trips to Sweden, a country for which, like many
    Americans, I have great affinity. Our two nations share long
    ties of kinship and common values. The formal American-Swedish
    relationship dates to 1783 when Sweden became one of the first
    nations to recognize the United States in the Treaty of Amity
    and Commerce, cosigned by Benjamin Franklin, our first envoy to
    Sweden.
        If confirmed, I will devote myself to deepening that
    legacy, emphasizing economic and security partnerships.
    American-Swedish trade already encompasses everything from
    medicines and machine parts to clothing and furniture. We can
    expand established trade while creating entirely new
    opportunities. Our nations are leaders in technological
    innovation and transnational investment, providing ample
    opportunities for mutual benefit, which I will vigorously
    promote.
        Another priority I will work to advance, if confirmed, is
    our nation's mutual commitment to security, exemplified by our
    cooperation on everything from counterterrorism to Arctic
    concerns.
        Security and the prosperity it permits are pillars of the
    American-Swedish relationship. Strengthening those pillars
    allows us to build great things upon them, including expansion
    of our artistic, scientific, and cultural exchanges.
        While there is no perfect preparation to serve as an
    ambassador, I believe my experience and outlook would prove
    particularly useful in Sweden. I have spent my career thinking
    about technology, which is increasingly central to growth. I
    also firmly believe that many goals, even those that seem
    impossible, can be achieved through cooperation, always being
    mindful that the preconditions for success are, as Franklin
    showed, friendship and shared priorities.
        An ambassadorship is a position of honor and trust. I take
    those ideals seriously. If confirmed, I will strive to do
    credit to the office, always faithful to the values of decency,
    progress, and freedom that are responsible for the successes of
    the United States of America, the Kingdom of Sweden, and our
    236 prosperous years as global partners.
        Thank you for allowing me to appear before the committee
    today. I welcome your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Howery follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Kenneth A. Howery

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the
    committee, thank you for the honor and privilege of addressing the
    committee as the President's nominee to be the United States Ambassador
    to the Kingdom of Sweden.
        I thank President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for their trust in me
    for this important nomination. I also thank the professionals at the
    White House, State Department, and the U.S. Embassy in Sweden for
    sharing their expertise and guidance.
        My mother, Karen Howery, is here, and my father, Ken Howery, is
    watching from overseas. I owe them my thanks as well. They embody
    integrity, hard work, and giving back, and instilled those values in
    their children--as my sister, Christina, can attest. She's here today,
    and her husband, John, and their daughters, Emma and Eden, are watching
    in Austin.
        Family taught me the importance of public service. My grandfathers
    are no longer with us, but their legacies remain. Both served in World
    War II: Fred Howery in the Navy in the Pacific Theater and Hubert Jurek
    in the Army in Europe and North Africa. Without the encouragement of my
    family, and the examples they set, I would not be here today. I'm
    grateful to them all--and I believe my grandfathers would be pleased
    that I might also serve, in a different way, the nation that they
    loved.
        A visit to the Capitol is a reminder that ideas and determination
    can and have shaped our country and the world for the better. I hope
    that my own experience reflects those inspirational principles. When I
    graduated from Stanford, I co-founded PayPal. Our idea was simple: to
    make on-line payments convenient and secure.
        PayPal started small: we drafted our first business plan in a
    windowless broom closet. Today, PayPal is one of the world's largest e-
    payments systems, operating in over 200 regions and countries, with
    over 18,000 employees. But what's extraordinary about that story is how
    ordinary it is. America's tremendous talent pool and business climate
    encourage constant innovation; new ideas, companies, and jobs emerge
    daily. That's true for Sweden, too.
        After PayPal, I co-founded a venture capital firm that has and
    continues to support hundreds of new companies, helping create tens of
    thousands of jobs, and fostering innovation in space exploration,
    quantum computing, biotechnology, virtual reality, alternative energy,
    and consumer technologies. One of those companies is Spotify, the
    popular music streaming platform, which was born in Sweden, has
    operations in the U.S., and trades on the New York Stock Exchange.
        International issues have always been important to me, in business
    and more broadly. I've participated in the World Economic Forum and am
    a member of the Explorers Club, which promotes scientific exploration.
    I also advise Kiva, a non-profit that helps individuals to fight
    poverty by making micro-loans to people in over 80 countries. Kiva has
    helped more than 3 million people, over three-quarters of whom are
    women, to build better lives.
        I've had the good fortune to travel to 99 countries, including
    trips to Sweden, a country for which, like many Americans, I have great
    affinity. Our two nations share long ties of kinship and common values.
    Swedish settlers first arrived in North America in 1638, settling along
    the Delaware River and today, over four million Americans claim Swedish
    ancestry. In addition to family, Sweden provided our young nation with
    one of its earliest friends. In 1783, Sweden became one of the first
    nations to formally recognize the United States, in the Treaty of Amity
    and Commerce co-signed by Benjamin Franklin, our first envoy to Sweden.
        If confirmed, I will devote myself to deepening that legacy,
    emphasizing economic and security partnerships. American-Swedish trade
    already encompasses everything from medicines and machine parts to
    clothing and furniture; you can find iPhones in H&M pockets, and IKEA
    desks in American homes. The depth of our nations' commerce affirms the
    strength of our shared values and our commitments to free and fair
    trade. The United States is Sweden's largest trading partner outside of
    Europe, and some 1,300 American companies operate in Sweden, the
    largest foreign contingent that Sweden hosts. Our ties are reciprocal:
    Sweden is a major investor in the United States, supporting over
    200,000 jobs here. Indeed, on a per capita basis, Sweden is one of the
    biggest investors in America, a testimony to the Swedes' enduring faith
    in the American endeavor. We can expand on those relationships,
    furthering existing trade, while paving new avenues to promote growth
    and employment.
        In particular, American and Swedish leadership in science,
    technology and entrepreneurship offers considerable opportunities for
    mutual benefit, which I will vigorously pursue. Stockholm is already
    home to the second-highest number of billion-dollar technology
    companies per capita after Silicon Valley, creating tremendous
    potential for further cooperation. Our two nations also partner on
    everything from polar science to cancer research. And, of course, the
    Nobel Prize famously attests to Sweden's essential role in fostering an
    international climate that rewards scientific and artistic excellence,
    as America's many Nobel Laureates can confirm.
        Another priority I will work to advance, if confirmed, is our
    nations' mutual commitment to security. Our countries are committed to
    a safe Arctic, and partner on regional security in the Baltic Sea.
    Sweden is also a NATO Enhanced Opportunities Partner, and has
    participated in international security operations in Afghanistan,
    Libya, and the Balkans. Our nations are close partners in the fight
    against terrorism, and are both members of the Global Coalition to
    Defeat ISIS. Sweden has long served as the United States' protecting
    power in North Korea, and continues to play an important role in
    helping to bring detained Americans home.
        Security, and the prosperity it permits, are pillars of the
    American-Swedish relationship. Strengthening those pillars allows us to
    build great things upon them, including the expansion of our artistic,
    scientific, and cultural exchanges.
        While there is no perfect preparation to serve as an ambassador, I
    believe that my experience and outlook would prove particularly useful
    in Sweden. I've spent my career thinking about technology, which is
    increasingly central to growth and a priority for both nations. I also
    firmly believe that many goals, even those that seem impossible, can be
    achieved through cooperation-always being mindful that the pre-
    conditions for success are, as Franklin showed, friendship and shared
    priorities.
        An ambassadorship is a position of honor and trust. I take those
    ideals seriously. If confirmed, I will strive to do credit to the
    office, always faithful to the values of decency, progress, and freedom
    that are responsible for the successes of the United States of America,
    the Kingdom of Sweden, and our 236 prosperous years as global partners.
        Thank you for allowing me to appear before the committee today. I
    welcome your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Mr. Howery.
        Colonel Klimow?

     STATEMENT OF COLONEL MATTHEW S. KLIMOW, USA, RETIRED, OF NEW
     YORK, A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE, TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
                   STATES OF AMERICA TO TURKMENISTAN

        Mr. Klimow. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and
    distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to appear
    before you today as President Trump's nominee to be the next
    United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
        If confirmed, I pledge to work with this committee to
    advance our nation's interests in Turkmenistan and in the vital
    region of Central Asia.
        Before I proceed, I would like to recognize my wife Edie.
    Edie is here today. She is a retired Army nurse, and in the
    course of serving our nation together, we have had 18 household
    moves and we hope to have the privilege to do so again.
        Our son Daniel is with us. He is an attorney at the State
    Department, and he is here with his wife Beth, who is also
    serving at the State Department. I am just incredibly proud of
    both of them. So, as you can see, diplomacy is all in the
    family for us.
        Mr. Chairman, the United States has long-term interests in
    Central Asia, and Turkmenistan presents both opportunities and
    challenges in furthering our policy objectives.
        Turkmenistan's geopolitical significance is obvious. It has
    long borders with Afghanistan and Iran. It possesses some of
    the world's largest natural gas reserves, and it serves as a
    bridge between the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the regions
    beyond.
        The reality is that Turkmenistan is situated in a tough
    neighborhood. Porous borders, terrorism, drug trafficking are
    all potential threats to Turkmenistan.
        Both China and Russia exert enormous economic and political
    pressure on the government in Ashgabat.
        Since its independence, Turkmenistan has embraced a policy
    of positive neutrality to ensure its sovereignty and
    territorial integrity.
        Within those parameters, Turkmenistan has supported efforts
    by the United States to increase regional stability, especially
    in regard to Afghanistan. If confirmed, I will work to support
    Turkmenistan's contributions to a stable Afghanistan and ensure
    that our partnership in this area continues.
        I will also work diligently to bolster America's influence
    with the government of Turkmenistan. We have an opportunity to
    act as a counterweight and a positive alternative to Russia and
    China's unrelenting push to further their economic and
    political objectives at the expense of the Turkmen people.
        If confirmed, I will also encourage Turkmenistan's
    increased integration in regional and global markets, which
    promotes greater stability and creates opportunities for U.S.
    trade and investment. I will make every opportunity to promote
    diversification of Turkmenistan's gas export markets across the
    Caspian Sea, as well as to South Asia.
        Economic development, however, is a challenge in
    Turkmenistan given its weak regulatory environment and
    excessive bureaucracy. Also troubling are concerted attempts to
    control access to information, to include the Internet and
    independent news sources.
        If confirmed, I will work toward making steady progress in
    those areas, and that effort would include encouraging access
    to uncensored information and taking advantage of U.S. cultural
    exchanges and educational opportunities.
        If confirmed, I will also engage the government of
    Turkmenistan assertively and constructively across the full
    spectrum of human rights issues, to include the use of forced
    labor in cotton harvesting and undue restrictions on religious
    practices. I believe that progress in those areas is possible
    through forthright, consistent, pragmatic dialogue.
        Mr. Chairman, in 1948, tens of thousands of people died in
    an earthquake that devastated the capital of Ashgabat, and that
    seismic fault line is still active.
        I have spent a great deal of my life living and working
    overseas, often in dangerous places.
        If confirmed, I will make the safety of our embassy a top
    priority, incorporating situational awareness and meticulous
    crisis response planning in all aspects of embassy life.
        I am not a stranger to Central Asia. In the crucial months
    following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, I
    traveled throughout South and Central Asia with the Chairman of
    the Joint Chiefs of Staff, meeting with heads of state, chiefs
    of defense to solidify basing rights, gain political support,
    and to articulate U.S. national interests. And although much
    has changed in the following years, those national interests
    endure.
        I can imagine no greater honor than returning to Central
    Asia and representing our nation at this critical time.
        But the greatest privilege that any person can ask for is
    to simply be entrusted to lead others. If confirmed, I will
    work tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of our staff,
    to forge a cohesive team that strengthens the institutions we
    deeply care about, and to do so in an atmosphere of mutual
    respect with dignity as our byword. That is a leader's sacred
    trust instilled in me at West Point, at the heart of my service
    as a soldier, and at the core of what we do every day as
    diplomats and professionals at the United States Department of
    State.
        Thank you, Senator, and I look forward to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Colonel Klimow follows:]

                    Prepared Statement by Matthew S. Klimow

        Mr. Chairman and distinguished members of the committee. I am
    honored to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee, to be
    the next United States Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
        If confirmed, I pledge to work with this committee to advance our
    nation's interests in Turkmenistan and in the vital Central Asia
    region.
        I'd like to recognize my wife, Edie, a retired Army nurse who is
    with me today. In the course of serving our nation, we have had 18
    household moves, and we hope to have the privilege to do so again.
        Our son, Daniel, is with us--he is an attorney at the State
    Department--also his wife Beth, who serves at the State Department as
    well. So, as you can see, diplomacy is a family affair for us.
        The United States has long-term interests in Central Asia, and
    Turkmenistan presents opportunities and challenges in furthering U.S.
    policy objectives.
        Turkmenistan's geo-political importance is clear:

       it has long borders with Afghanistan and Iran;
       it possesses some of the world's largest natural gas reserves; and
       it serves as a bridge between the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the
            regions beyond.

        The reality is that Turkmenistan is situated in a tough
    neighborhood. Porous borders, terrorism, and drug trafficking are all
    potential threats to Turkmenistan.
        Both China and Russia exert enormous economic and political
    pressure on the government in Ashgabat.Since its independence,
    Turkmenistan has embraced a policy of ``positive neutrality'' to ensure
    its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
        With those parameters, Turkmenistan has supported efforts by the
    United States to increase regional stability, especially in regard to
    Afghanistan.
        If confirmed, I will work to support Turkmenistan's contributions
    to a stable Afghanistan and ensure that our partnership in this area
    continues.
        I will also work diligently to bolster America's influence with the
    government of Turkmenistan.
        We have an opportunity to act as a counterweight and positive
    alternative to Russia and China's unrelenting push to further their
    economic and political objectives at the expense of the Turkmen people.
        If confirmed, I will also encourage Turkmenistan's increased
    integration in regional and global markets, which promotes greater
    stability and creates opportunities for U.S. trade and investment.
        I will make every effort to promote diversification of
    Turkmenistan's gas export markets-across the Caspian Sea as well as to
    South Asia.
        Economic development, however, is a challenge in Turkmenistan given
    its weak regulatory environment and excessive bureaucracy.
        Also troubling are concerted attempts to control access to
    information, to include the internet and independent news sources.
        If confirmed, I will work toward making steady progress in those
    areas. That effort would include encouraging access to uncensored
    information and taking advantage of U.S. cultural exchanges and
    educational opportunities.
        If confirmed, I will also engage the government of Turkmenistan
    assertively and constructively across the full spectrum of human rights
    issues, to include the use of forced labor in cotton harvesting and
    undue restrictions on religious practices.
        I believe progress in those areas is possible through consistent,
    pragmatic dialogue.
        In 1948, tens of thousands of people died in an earthquake that
    devastated the capital of Ashgabat. That seismic fault line is still
    active.
        I have spent a great deal of my life living and working overseas,
    often in dangerous places.
        If confirmed, I will make the safety of our embassy staff a top
    priority, incorporating situational awareness and meticulous crisis
    response planning into all aspects of embassy life.
        I am not a stranger to Central Asia. In the crucial months after
    the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, I traveled throughout
    South and Central Asia with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
    meeting with heads of state and chiefs of defense to solidify basing
    rights, gain political support, and articulate U.S. national interests.
    Although much has changed in the following years, those interests
    endure.
        I can imagine no greater honor than returning to Central Asia and
    representing our nation at this critical time.
        But, the greatest privilege that any person can ask for is to
    simply be entrusted to lead others.
        If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to:

       make a difference in the lives of our staff;
       forge a cohesive team that strengthens the institutions we deeply
            care about; and
       do so in an atmosphere of mutual respect with dignity as our
            byword.

        That is a leader's sacred trust,instilled in me:

       at West Point;
       at the heart of my service as a soldier; and
       at the core of what we do every day as diplomats and professionals
            at the United States Department of State.

        Thank you, Senator. I look forward to your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Colonel Klimow.
        Mr. Daigle?

      STATEMENT OF JOHN JEFFERSON DAIGLE, OF LOUISIANA, A CAREER
        MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-
     COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY
     OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF CABO VERDE

        Mr. Daigle. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman, Ranking
    Member Shaheen, and members of the committee.
        It is my honor to appear here today as the President's
    nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo
    Verde. I am grateful for the confidence that the President and
    Secretary of State have placed in me with this nomination. If
    confirmed by the Senate, I pledge to do my utmost to uphold
    this trust and to advance U.S. national interests.
        Over the past 2 decades, I have been privileged to
    represent the United States at U.S. missions on four
    continents. Any measure of success that I have achieved during
    those postings would not have been possible without the love
    and support of my family. So I would like to start by
    expressing my sincerest gratitude to them. I come from a very
    large Louisiana family. I have 10 sisters, one brother, and
    more than 70 nieces and nephews, so I will not name them all
    here. But I do want to single out my wonderful mother, Carole
    Daigle; my father, World War II naval hero, Warren Daigle; and
    of course, my partner and spouse of 18 years, Matthew Cuenca-
    Daigle, who is here with me today, as he has been for almost
    all of my Foreign Service postings except the very first one.
        Over the course of my career, I have worked with
    governments that are allies of the United States and with those
    that have had strained ties with our country. I have worked in
    developing nations and in rich ones. Irrespective of the host
    country environment, the one constant I have witnessed
    throughout my service is the positive impact the United States
    has on people around the world by staying true to our values as
    we further our national interests. As a public diplomacy
    officer, I am keenly aware of the direct relationship that
    exists between advancing U.S. national interests and
    strengthening our ties with foreign peoples and supporting them
    in their aspirations for a better life for themselves and their
    children.
        Cabo Verde is a true success story in lifting up the lives
    of its people, having transitioned to a lower middle-income
    economy in recent years. The country enjoys a vibrant, multi-
    party democracy, and has had an unbroken history of civilian
    rule since its independence in 1975. This year, we are
    celebrating 200 years of relations between our two countries,
    which stretch back to December 1818 when the United States
    established in Cabo Verde the first U.S. consulate in sub-
    Saharan Africa. Since then, many people of Cabo Verdean descent
    have settled in the United States, with New England now home to
    a large and vibrant Cabo Verdean diaspora.
        Increasing economic growth and development is the top U.S.
    priority in Cabo Verde, which has the distinction of being the
    first country to complete two Millennium Challenge Corporation
    compacts. Both compacts focused on improving Cabo Verde's
    openness to investment and the private sector, which are
    playing vital roles in the country's development. Cabo Verde
    now aspires to have a bilateral trade agreement with the United
    States and, if confirmed, I will vigorously support efforts to
    increase trade and investment between our two countries. A key
    focus will be continuing to support Cabo Verde in strengthening
    its business environment in support of the administration's
    Africa Strategy and Prosper Africa objectives.
        Cabo Verde has set an ambitious target to produce 100
    percent of its energy using renewable resources by 2040. And in
    December 2018, Cabo Verde also announced new plans to
    capitalize on its geostrategic location to attract private
    sector investment in such areas as tourism, air transport, and
    maritime activity to advance the country's strategic plan for
    sustainable development. Both of these initiatives present
    exciting opportunities for U.S. companies and entrepreneurs to
    partner with Cabo Verde and help the country reach its goals.
        In February, Boston's mayor led a delegation to Cabo Verde,
    and I look forward to welcoming other U.S. delegations and
    business people to the country wishing to explore trade and
    investment opportunities. U.S. investors will soon be able to
    take advantage of the new support and opportunities presented
    by the BUILD Act and the new Development Finance Corporation. I
    will promote these new tools as a means of attracting U.S.
    investment to Cabo Verde, and I will champion the country's
    continued efforts to improve its business climate and achieve
    self-reliance.
        Our other top objective in Cabo Verde is strengthening
    security cooperation between our countries, which is reflected
    in our strong maritime security and law enforcement
    partnerships. Cabo Verde has hosted U.S. military exercises
    such as Epic Guardian 2016 and Africa Endeavor 2018, and the
    Boston police are providing training on community policing
    practices. AFRICOM and the U.S. Coast Guard also conduct
    training and exercises and share best practices with their Cabo
    Verdean counterparts to enhance the country's capacity to
    interdict illicit maritime vessels and carry out search and
    rescue operations. The success of this training was
    dramatically illustrated by Cabo Verde's interception in late
    January of 9 tons of cocaine bound for Europe.
        Cabo Verde has also made excellent advances in recent years
    in combating sexual and gender-based violence and violence
    against children, as well as improving prison conditions. If
    confirmed, I pledge to sustain U.S. support and encouragement
    for Cabo Verde's admirable efforts to continue making progress
    on these and other civil and human rights issues.
        Finally, if confirmed, no responsibility will be more
    important to me than that of protecting the lives, interests,
    and welfare of the thousands of American citizens who live in
    Cabo Verde and the thousands more who visit the country each
    year.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, if confirmed, I look
    forward to working with you and the honorable members of this
    committee to advance U.S. interests in Cabo Verde and to
    sustain and expand the progress we have achieved in our long
    and positive relationship.
        Again, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you
    today. I would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Daigle follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of John Jefferson Daigle

        Thank you very much Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of
    the committee. It is my honor to appear here today as the President's
    nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde. I
    am grateful for the confidence that President Trump and Secretary of
    State Pompeo have placed in me with this nomination. If confirmed by
    the Senate, I pledge to do my utmost to uphold this trust and to
    advance U.S. national interests.
        Over the past two decades, I have been privileged to represent the
    United States at U.S. missions on four continents. Any measure of
    success that I achieved during these postings would not have been
    possible without the support of my family, so I would like to start by
    expressing my sincerest gratitude to them. I come from a very large
    Louisiana family--I have 10 sisters, one brother, and more than 70
    nieces and nephews--so I won't name them all, but I do want to single
    out my mother, Carole Daigle; my father, World War II naval hero Warren
    Daigle; and of course my partner and spouse of 18 years, Matthew
    Cuenca-Daigle, who has been with me through every posting but one.
        Over the course of my career, I have worked with governments that
    are allies of the United States and with those that have had strained
    ties with our country. I have worked in developing nations and in rich
    ones. Irrespective of the host country environment, the one constant I
    have witnessed throughout my service is the positive impact the United
    States has on people around the world by staying true to our values as
    we further our national interests. As a Public Diplomacy officer, I am
    keenly aware of the direct relationship that exists between advancing
    U.S. national interests and strengthening our ties with foreign peoples
    and supporting them in their aspirations for a better life for
    themselves and their children.
        Cabo Verde is a true success story in lifting up the lives of its
    citizens, having transitioned to a lower middle-income economy in
    recent years. The country enjoys a vibrant, multi-party democracy and
    has had an unbroken history of civilian rule since its independence in
    1975. This year we are celebrating 200 years of relations between our
    two countries, which stretch back to December 1818 when the United
    States established in Cabo Verde the first U.S. consulate in subSaharan
    Africa. Since then, many people of Cabo Verdean descent have settled in
    the United States, with New England now home to a large and vibrant
    Cabo Verdean diaspora.
        Increasing economic growth and development is the top U.S. priority
    in Cabo Verde, which has the distinction of being the first country to
    complete two Millennium Challenge Corporation compacts. Both compacts
    focused on improving Cabo Verde's openness to investment and the
    private sector, which are playing vital roles in the country's
    development. Cabo Verde now aspires to have a bilateral free trade
    agreement with the United States, and, if confirmed, I will vigorously
    support efforts to increase trade and investment between our two
    countries. A key focus will be continuing to support Cabo Verde in
    strengthening its business environment in support of the
    administration's Africa Strategy and Prosper Africa objectives.
        Cabo Verde has set an ambitious target to produce 100 percent of
    its energy using renewable resources by 2040. And in December 2018,
    Cabo Verde also announced new plans to capitalize on its geo-strategic
    location to attract privatesector investment in such areas as tourism,
    air transport, and maritime activity to advance the country's Strategic
    Plan for Sustainable Development. Both of these initiatives present
    exciting opportunities for U.S. companies and entrepreneurs to partner
    with Cabo Verde and help the country reach its goals.
        In February, Boston's mayor led a delegation to Cabo Verde, and I
    look forward to welcoming other U.S. delegations and businesspeople to
    the country wishing to explore trade and investment opportunities.
    Investors will soon be able to take advantage of the new support and
    advantages presented by the BUILD Act and the new Development Finance
    Corporation. I will promote these new tools as a means of attracting
    U.S. investment to Cabo Verde, and I will champion the country's
    continued efforts to improve its business climate and achieve
    selfreliance.
        Our other top objective in Cabo Verde is strengthening security
    cooperation between our countries, which is reflected in our strong
    maritime security and law enforcement partnerships. Cabo Verde has
    hosted U.S. military exercises such as Epic Guardian 2016 and Africa
    Endeavor 2018, and the Boston Police are providing training on
    community policing practices. AFRICOM and the U.S. Coast Guard also
    conduct training and exercises and share best practices with their Cabo
    Verdean counterparts to enhance the country's capacity to interdict
    illicit maritime vessels and carry out search and rescue operations.
    The success of this training was dramatically illustrated by Cabo
    Verde's interception in late January of nine tons of cocaine bound for
    Europe.
        Our Status of Forces Agreement with Cabo Verde entered into force
    in November 2018. The agreement enables the U.S. military to respond
    more rapidly to humanitarian or disaster-related emergencies and
    enhances our ability to conduct military training exercises in
    coordination with our partners in West Africa, and AFRICOM continues to
    explore new ways to deepen our cooperation under the agreement. Cabo
    Verde is a model in the region for forging successful security
    partnerships, and if confirmed, it is my goal to not just maintain but
    to expand our collaboration with Cabo Verde in this area by working
    with AFRICOM and others in the inter-agency to explore all options
    available to us.
        Cabo Verde has made excellent advances in recent years in combating
    sexual and gender-based violence and violence against children, as well
    as improving prison conditions. If confirmed, I pledge to sustain U.S.
    support and encouragement for Cabo Verde's admirable efforts to
    continue making progress on these and other civil and human rights
    issues.
        Finally, if confirmed, no responsibility will be more important to
    me than that of protecting the lives, interests, and welfare of the
    thousands of American citizens who live in Cabo Verde and the thousands
    more who visit the country each year.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, if confirmed, I look forward to
    working with you and the honorable members of this committee to advance
    U.S. interests in Cabo Verde and to sustain and expand the progress we
    have achieved in our long and positive relationship.
        Again, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I
    would be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

        Senator Romney. Thank you so much for your testimony, and
    that is true for each of you. Thank you also to your families
    for being here where that was possible. I mentioned earlier
    that we appreciate the sacrifice you have made in behalf of our
    country and our national interests. But I also want to
    underscore the appreciation we have for the members of your
    family and for their contributions and supporting you in these
    important roles.
        I get 5 minutes to ask questions, and I have a question to
    ask each of you. So with a little math, you can figure out how
    much time I would like you to spend on the answer.
        Ms. Brink, Russia is meddling in Slovakia, obviously, tried
    to disseminate information that is untrue there. The
    presidential elections saw a pro-Russia candidate get a good
    deal of support.
        What do you think we can do or you can do to help combat
    Russia's malign interest in Slovakia?
        Ms. Brink. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for that question. This
    is a really important question.
        Slovakia has come a very long way since independence. One
    of the key areas where more work needs to be done is on anti-
    corruption and strengthening the transatlantic bond. With the
    recent presidential election you mentioned of a person with a
    reputation as a strong anti-corruption fighter, I think there
    will be an opportunity for us to work together on that.
        With regard specifically to malign influence and
    misinformation, in my experience corruption offers an
    opportunity, an opening for that, which we must try to close.
    And we have many programs that we work on as part of the
    administration with support and funding from Congress to try to
    fight this influence. And to be quick, I will just say we have
    programs that help to support independent journalists and also
    civil society. We use our own platforms to call out this
    misinformation, and we also work with the Slovak government to
    help the government identify and find countermeasures.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Mr. Howery, we obviously have a very strong relationship
    with Sweden. It is a country that is committed defense in a
    region which is dangerous from time to time.
        Are there ways you think we need to strengthen or deepen
    our security partnership with the nation of Sweden?
        Mr. Howery. Thank you for the question, Chairman Romney.
        As you mentioned, the current relationship between Sweden
    and the United States is very strong. The two countries have
    signed a bilateral statement of intent for defense cooperation.
    They have purchased the Patriot missile system. We participate
    together in trainings and exercises. And so we already have a
    strong base upon which to build.
        If confirmed, I would seek to continue strengthening
    bilateral ties between the U.S. and Sweden, as well as
    strengthening ties between Sweden and NATO; Sweden is a NATO
    partner, not a NATO member, but strengthening that relationship
    as well and work closely with Swedish officials on
    strengthening national security ties.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Colonel Klimow, do you have a perspective of what China is
    trying to do in Turkmenistan? Obviously, the Russians have long
    had interest in what is happening there, but is China playing a
    role there? And is there an effort on our part that should try
    and dissuade them from becoming too close to any malign intent?
        Mr. Klimow. Thank you for your question, Senator. And also
    thank you for your membership and leadership in the
    subcommittee that oversees Central Asia.
        You are correct, Senator. China has a big influence in
    Turkmenistan, and that is understandable. They have historic
    trading links that go back centuries.
        Turkmenistan is a relatively young country, and I believe
    it is in our national interest to help them feel secure in
    their sense of sovereignty, independence, and territorial
    integrity, especially when they are dealing not only with China
    but with Russia as well. That is good for the entire Central
    Asia region to have Turkmenistan feel that they are strong
    enough to resist the malign efforts of the powers in the
    region, to include China and Russia.
        It is also in our interest to help them with reforms. A
    stable country is based on the support of its people. It is in
    our interest to help them bring the Turkmen people into the
    21st century marketplace of ideas and technology. I think in
    that way, they are better prepared to deal with China. We offer
    them a very positive alternative, one without strings attached,
    and if confirmed, I will work hard to make that a reality.
        Senator Romney. Thank you very much, Colonel.
        With regard to Mr. Daigle and Cabo Verde, I have to tell
    you that it is hard for me to pronounce that properly because
    as a former resident of Massachusetts, I had a number of
    friends there that called themselves Cape Verdeans. So I think
    of it being called Cape Verde. It is Cabo Verde, which is a
    different pronunciation, but I appreciate your willingness to
    be of service there.
        Clearly the location geographically of this nation is of
    great strategic significance to anyone considering maritime
    trade or perhaps even naval ambition. And it is not surprising
    to understand that China is making a substantial investment in
    the country.
        I wonder if there are efforts on your part--and hopefully,
    there will be--to dissuade the leadership there from getting
    involved perhaps with ports and predatory loans that China has
    been known for and instead focus them on projects that can
    build the economy for the nation but not lead them to become
    involved in an unfortunate way with China.
        Mr. Daigle. Yes, sir. Thank you for that question.
        As Cabo Verde exercises its sovereign right to choose its
    own partners, if I am confirmed, I would really advocate with
    the country's leaders the importance of pursuing stronger trade
    ties with the United States, as well as a broader range of
    trade partners, and also stress upon them the importance of
    selecting foreign investment that is high quality, inclusive,
    sustainable, and transparent. So I think those are the
    important things to stress with the country so that they do
    choose things that are in their best interests.
        At this point, China is very active in Cabo Verde, and they
    have made investments in their infrastructure. But at this
    point, the Chinese do not hold a significant percentage of
    their external debt.
        Senator Romney. Thank you so much.
        We will now turn to the ranking member for questions that
    she may have.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I would like to begin with you, Ms. Brink. I recently
    introduced legislation with a number of the members of this
    committee to sanction vessels that are engaged in laying deep
    sea pipe for Russia's pipeline, Nordstream 2 pipeline.
        Given your experience in the European Bureau and the fact
    that there has been no sign that the construction of Nordstream
    2 is slowing down, do you think that the EU member states in
    Central Europe are doing enough to express their concerns about
    Nordstream 2?
        Ms. Brink. Thank you, Senator Shaheen.
        This is a really important question. Energy security is
    national security. And I think we all can always do more. And I
    would say with regard to Slovakia, this is one area that I
    intend to focus on. Slovakia could increase its energy
    independence and its national security by doing a couple
    things, including by continuing its opposition vocally to Nord
    Stream 2, which it has been. So I would encourage that.
        We, as an administration, are also opposed to the second
    stream of Turk Stream. In addition to that area, I would also
    support interconnectors. There are some possibilities of
    interconnectors to Poland and potentially other neighboring
    states. We believe the free flow of gas in the region is
    beneficial to Slovakia and to Slovakia's security.
        And then finally, there is potential for U.S. LNG and
    bringing U.S. LNG to Europe, which also could change the
    balance and the dependence on a single country. There is also
    nuclear energy and trying to bring that down from 100 percent
    dependence on Russia which would, in our view at least, be in
    Slovakia's interest. So I would prioritize that.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. I appreciate your
    response. I think it is very important that we do everything we
    can to encourage Europe to diversify its electricity production
    and to not have another generation that is dependent on Russian
    oil and gas.
        Mr. Howery, one of the challenges in Sweden has been
    Russia's effort to spread disinformation throughout the
    country. Some of the instances that have gained traction there
    have been stories about adopted Russian children who are
    abused, horrible stories about crimes committed by migrants.
        If confirmed, how will you help to counter these false
    narratives?
        Mr. Howery. Thank you for the question, Ranking Member
    Shaheen.
        This is a really important question and one that Sweden,
    like ourselves, has been dealing with. Sweden has been the
    target of, as you mentioned, Russian disinformation, as well as
    cyber intrusions from Russia. And they have been a partner of
    ours in pushing back. We do share information in the
    information space with Sweden.
        They have taken a number of steps, internally, to try to
    push back on Russian disinformation, everything from training
    election officials to look for election meddling in the most
    recent election. And they have actually set up a national board
    for psychological defense. These are just a few of the
    countermeasures I know that Sweden has implemented.
        If confirmed, I would want to speak with Embassy Stockholm
    and Swedish officials to find out if these or other
    countermeasures they have taken have been effective in pushing
    back against Russia. So, if confirmed, I would commit to
    prioritizing working closely with Sweden to push back against
    Russian--their destabilizing activities.
        Senator Shaheen. I hope you will also plan to meet with the
    Global Engagement Center at the State Department to talk about
    what we are doing to push back against disinformation as well.
        Mr. Howery. I plan on doing that. Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen. Colonel Klimow, in your written testimony,
    you talk about the importance of Turkmenistan for its
    geopolitical presence and the importance of the relationship
    that we have.
        How do you balance that relationship with the human rights
    challenges that Turkmenistan is facing?
        Mr. Klimow. Ranking Member Shaheen, thank you very much for
    that very thoughtful and important question.
        Let me start by saying that I believe there is nothing more
    fundamental than human dignity. I also believe it is the duty
    of every American diplomat, whether it is a junior officer
    reporting for his or her first tour at an embassy or the chief
    of staff, to be a champion for American values, and those
    include, of course, human rights, freedom of expression, good
    governance and democracy. If I am confirmed, this will be one
    of the highest priorities of my portfolio, and I believe that I
    have a role to play in that regard as well.
        I think part of the first things that I would need to do is
    to establish rapport at the highest levels of the Turkmenistan
    government. There are three or four areas, to include of
    freedom of religion, that I would like to focus on, as well as
    trafficking in persons where they are a tier 3 country. These
    are issues of great import, and I believe that through
    forthright, consistent, pragmatic, and disciplined messaging
    and engagement, we can make a difference.
        Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. I am out of time, but
    your last comment about the consistent, disciplined messaging I
    think is a good reminder of what good diplomacy includes.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Senator Udall?
        Senator Udall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And thank all of you for your service. I know three of you
    have been longtime career folks.
        Mr. Daigle, small, low-lying islands such as those that
    comprise Cabo Verde are at the highest risk of suffering from
    climate change. With rising sea levels, these islands really
    risk extinction.
        As Ambassador to Cabo Verde, how will you work with the
    government and the people of Cabo Verde to encourage them to do
    what they can to address climate change and its impending
    effects on the islands?
        Mr. Daigle. Thank you for that question, sir.
        In Cabo Verde's instance at least, the islands are
    volcanic. So they are a little bit more elevated than some of
    the lower-lying islands in the Pacific. So the risk of the
    islands being completely inundated is a little bit less.
        But nevertheless, the effects of climate change are real in
    the country. They have experienced severe droughts over the
    past several years. Cabo Verde in Portuguese means the Green
    Cape, and that is certainly not the case any longer. There is
    not a lot of greenery left in Cabo Verde. So it is an issue
    that the government is seized with.
        At this point, the country no longer qualifies for U.S.
    development assistance because it has become a lower middle-
    income country. But I will certainly look to partner with USAID
    and see what else we might be able to do to assist them in
    coping with climate change, particularly through USAID's
    regional hub in West Africa.
        Senator Udall. And how would you describe this
    administration's climate change policy to the country of Cabo
    Verde?
        Mr. Daigle. There is a discussion underway as to what is
    the cause of climate change within the government and how we
    should deal with it. At this point, I think we have made
    efforts to assist countries in coping with climate change and
    adjusting to it. And I will certainly see what else we might be
    able to do with Cabo Verde, should I be confirmed and head out
    there.
        Senator Udall. Mr. Howery and Mr. Daigle, is climate change
    a real emergency, or is it an opportunity, as Secretary Pompeo
    described it, because the melting ice will open up new routes
    to trade even as it floods coasts and low-lying areas? That was
    a comment made about the Arctic.
        Mr. Daigle. Mr. Howery or Mr. Daigle?
        Senator Udall. Both of you. Mr. Howery, why do you not
    start on that one?
        Mr. Howery. Thank you, Senator.
        Climate change is real, but my personal views are not what
    is important. My job, if confirmed, will be to represent the
    United States and our foreign policy in Sweden. It will not be
    my job to set policy or to promote my personal views.
        Senator Udall. So what would you describe this
    administration's climate change policy as to the country that
    you are going to serve, which is actively been one of the
    leaders in the world in terms of climate change and believes it
    is an urgent threat and that we should move forward with it
    very deliberately? So what are you going to tell them what is
    the United States' policy, as you understand it?
        Mr. Howery. Thank you, Senator.
        If confirmed, I would help explain that regarding the Paris
    Agreement specifically, the President has announced his
    intention to withdraw the country from the Paris Agreement,
    absent the identification of terms more favorable to the
    American people.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, my job would be to find points
    of overlap and intersection on environmental policy. Like many
    challenges we have faced in the past, I believe that the role
    of innovation and new technologies will have to play a critical
    role. Given my background, I will look for ways to engage the
    private sector. I believe this is an opportunity to leverage
    the ingenuity of individuals and businesses instead of just
    relying on regulation to help protect the environment while
    growing the economy. So, if confirmed, I look forward to
    working on this issue with Swedish officials.
        Senator Udall. And the two other panelists, would you
    describe your description of this administration's climate
    policy and how you will relate that to the country you are
    serving?
        Mr. Klimow. Thank you, Senator.
        Turkmenistan is a relatively young country. I would go to
    first principles in engaging with Turkmenistan, especially in
    regard to water management and the effects that climate change
    may have on what is a dire situation throughout Central Asia. I
    would also work with them in terms of smart energy.
    Surprisingly, I found as I began my quest to become Ambassador
    to Turkmenistan, that they are interested in solar power and
    wind power. These things, of course, will be part and parcel of
    the bigger energy program.
        Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Udall. Mr. Chairman, with your permission, I would
    just ask the last witness to----
        Senator Romney. Absolutely, please.
        Senator Udall. Thank you for the courtesies.
        Ms. Brink. Thank you, Mr. Senator.
        Slovakia was disappointed that the United States--President
    Trump--announced our intention to withdraw from the Paris
    Agreement. Slovakia had the EU presidency at the time of the
    conclusion of the agreement and adheres to the EU position.
        If confirmed, my goal would be to try to find areas where
    we can work with Slovakia to address climate change, but also
    address other issues. And I think there are some areas where we
    could do both. For example, in the energy sphere, renewable
    energy is a real area where we can work with Slovakia to try to
    bring down dependence on a single country with regard to their
    own energy needs.
        Also, we already have a lot of cooperation in the
    technology sector, and I think that could offer some areas of
    exploration as well. And I would look for any and all areas
    where we can continue to work together.
        Senator Udall. Thank you for the courtesies, Mr. Chairman.
    I appreciate it.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And thanks to the witnesses. Congratulation on your
    nominations.
        Just a couple of questions, Ms. Brink, first for you with
    respect to Slovakia.
        Slovakia has a number of challenges, and one of them is in
    their military, replacing obsolete Soviet era equipment. We
    supported the accession of Slovakia to NATO in 2004.
        How could the State Department work together with Slovakia
    to help them make the transition to equipment that is more
    compatible with those of NATO allies?
        Ms. Brink. Thank you, Mr. Senator.
        This is going to be, if confirmed, one of my key
    priorities. We have some good news here in that Slovakia has
    prioritized modernizing its military as a NATO member and
    moving away from Soviet era military equipment. And just last
    year, Slovakia purchased 14 F-16's, which is a very significant
    purchase. They are also continuing military modernization
    needs. And if confirmed, I would do what I can to advocate for
    U.S. businesses because that would be good, obviously, for our
    business, but to continue to have NATO interoperable equipment
    is also good for Slovakia's military.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you for that.
        Mr. Howery, with respect to Sweden, there was news this
    week in the ``Jerusalem Post'' and elsewhere about a hate crime
    committed in Sweden, the stabbing of a 60-year-old woman who
    was a leading figure in one of Sweden's largest cities' Jewish
    community. And it highlights how pervasive hate crimes
    perpetrated against Jews have become around the country and in
    our own country.
        I introduced a resolution in the last 2 weeks with Senator
    Cruz to focus upon the need for all of us to band together
    regardless of nationality or party to condemn and combat anti-
    Semitism.
        As Ambassador, how would you work to try to make sure that
    anti-Semitism is on the decrease and not on the increase in
    Sweden?
        Mr. Howery. Thank you, Senator Kaine.
        I agree this is a very important issue.
        As you mentioned, Sweden does struggle with, in some cases,
    anti-Semitism just like we have some here at home. Jews in
    Sweden are the most frequently targeted group relative to their
    size of religiously motivated hate crimes. So it is an issue.
        If confirmed, I would work with Swedish officials to
    reiterate our support for both religious tolerance and
    religious freedom and work together closely with them and would
    welcome your involvement as well, if I am confirmed.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Howery.
        Ms. Brink, the issue has been one slightly different, but
    also one in Slovakia. In 2015, the foreign minister of Slovakia
    said, with respect to refugees, that they wanted just to take
    Christians. They were particularly antipathetic to taking
    Muslim refugees. And they cited the small Muslim population.
    There were not many mosques. But the notion of something like
    humanitarian aid you would condition it upon people's religion
    is very abhorrent to me, and I hope it is to you.
        Sadly, this is becoming a feature in all of the hearings we
    are having, is what we can do at home and abroad to try to
    promote respect for that important American value that you are
    neither preferred nor punished based on how you worship or do
    not worship. And I hope you will also in Slovakia stand strong
    for that principle.
        Ms. Brink. Yes, sir. Senator, this has always been
    something that I have promoted through over 20 years of my
    foreign service career. I will continue to do so when I go to
    Slovakia, and I know that members of the Hill, but also our
    public cares about this issue since it is a key American value
    and it underpins the transatlantic bond that we have with
    Slovakia and also the rest of Europe.
        Senator Kaine. It is very important. When Senator Cruz and
    I introduced the bill, I said we came in the Senate on the same
    day, but I am not sure we have ever found common cause enough
    on a single issue to introduce a bill together. But on this
    one, we were very much in common cause. And I am excited that
    it has picked up so many bipartisan cosponsors.
        Colonel, let me ask you a question about Turkmenistan.
    Since 2015, the U.S.-Turkmenistan bilateral relationship has
    been assisted and complemented by the C5 Plus 1 Framework,
    which is the U.S. engagement, really a forum for the U.S. and
    the five Central Asian countries. And we have used that
    framework to talk about issues like security and economic
    connections and trade and environmental issues. Talk a little
    bit about how that framework might assist in your work, should
    you be confirmed as Ambassador to Turkmenistan.
        Mr. Klimow. Thank you for that question, Senator.
        In fact, a C5 Plus 1 meeting is taking place this week.
    This is an encouraging sign that we are making some progress I
    believe with the government of Turkmenistan. They recently
    volunteered to co-chair committees on environment. And we
    believe that the fact that they stepped forward is an
    indication that there may be other opportunities to work with
    them on some of the pressing issues regarding human rights.
        But the C5 Plus 1 forum is a centerpiece. It allows us to
    engage with Turkmenistan where in many instances, it is very
    difficult to reach the government of Turkmenistan in a
    meaningful way.
        Senator Kaine. Great. Thank you.
        Mr. Chair, thank you.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Thank you to all of the nominees for your very thoughtful
    and well reasoned responses to the questions that have come
    from the members. I appreciate that very much. We want to
    appreciate also the questions that have been asked.
        And at this stage, just note that for information of the
    members, that the record will remain open until the close of
    business on Friday, including for members to submit questions
    for the record.
        And so with the thanks of the committee, the hearing is now
    adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 2:50 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Bridget A. Brink by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, I worked across
    Eastern Europe and the Caucasus in support of democracy and human
    rights in Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
    I led anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine and Moldova. In both
    countries, our support for conditioning IMF assistance on reforms
    resulted in important institutional steps forward, including the
    creation of an anti-corruption court in Ukraine and cleaning up the
    banking sector in Moldova. In Azerbaijan, I advocated vigorously for
    the release of human rights and democracy activists, and was gratified
    to see the release of high-profile activists Leyla and Arif Yunus and
    Khadija Ismailova during my tenure.As Deputy Chief of Mission in
    Georgia, I supported the first democratic transfer of power in that
    country's history with the change of power in 2012. With this peaceful
    transfer, Georgia was able to continue its contribution to the NATO
    mission in Afghanistan as well its support of European energy security
    with the Southern Gas Corridor. As the Chief of the Political and
    Economic Section, I supported the reforms of the Rose Revolution that
    turned around a nearly failed state. While there, I led our team to
    help Georgia combat trafficking-in-persons and attain ``Tier 1'' status
    on the annual Trafficking in Persons report for the first time. For our
    overall efforts to promote human rights, my ambassador nominated me and
    our human rights officer for the State Department's annual human rights
    award.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in the Slovak Republic? Please be as specific
    as possible.

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Slovakia highlighted several ongoing human rights issues of concern,
    including: corruption; violence or hate speech targeting lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons; widespread
    discrimination against Roma; and security force violence against ethnic
    and racial minorities.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in the Slovak Republic? What do you hope to accomplish
    through these actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing
    the specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to strengthen democratic
    institutions and the rule of law in Slovakia, reinforcing that
    accountability and transparency are necessary to modern democracy and
    economic prosperity. I will also stress that corruption enables malign
    actors to undermine Slovakia's hard-fought independence.In my
    experience, three factors are needed to improve rule of law and fight
    corruption in this region: political will, strong institutions, and
    public accountability. The election in March of President-elect Zuzana
    Caputova, with her strong reputation as a fighter against corruption,
    suggests the Slovak people wish to see more progress in this area.
    Slovakia has an adequate legal structure, but democracies need an
    independent, impartial, and accountable judiciary whose first
    obligation is to uphold the law. If confirmed, I will use this
    opportunity to support an independent and accountable judiciary as well
    as other actions to strengthen Slovakia's democratic institutions.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. As an EU member and World Bank-designated ``high income
    country,'' Slovakia has ``graduated'' from U.S. development assistance.
    If confirmed, I will use the full range of public diplomacy and other
    resources at our disposal to support small-scale projects to promote
    democracy and good governance as well as to counter Russian
    disinformation.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    Slovak Republic?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society in Slovakia,
    including with human rights organizations. If confirmed, I will
    actively monitor the health of the civil society sector and will oppose
    any efforts to restrict NGOs or civil society through legal or
    regulatory measures.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with a broad array of
    democratically-oriented political opposition figures and parties and
    will advocate for their broad access to and inclusion in political
    processes. I will advocate for access and inclusivity for women,
    minorities, and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Russia uses disinformation and other hybrid tactics in
    Slovakia to exploit historical and cultural ties. Russia also exploits
    broad displeasure with corruption and the rule of law within Slovakia
    to erode Slovak citizens' confidence in democratic institutions as well
    as the progress Slovakia has made as a member of the Transatlantic
    community. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    government counterparts to counter disinformation and propaganda in
    Slovakia. I will also continue to make public messaging about the
    shared values, history, and experiences that unite the American and
    Slovak people a key Mission priority.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in the Slovak
    Republic, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What
    challenges do the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)
    people face in the Slovak Republic? What specifically will you commit
    to do to help LGBTQ people in the Slovak Republic?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to protect and defend human
    rights for all, including by broadening and deepening efforts to
    address the bias-motivated violence and discrimination LGBTI persons
    face in areas such as employment and occupation, housing, and access to
    government services. I will also continue our Embassy's long-standing
    public support for the human rights of LGBTI persons. The 2018 U.S.
    Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Slovakia noted a number of
    concerns, including anti-LGBTI violence, online harassment, and the
    forced or coerced sterilization of transgender persons in order to
    obtain legal gender recognition.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will make sure all employees know
    their rights and responsibilities as set out by U.S. law and the
    Department's rules and regulations.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I have never had a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate
    conduct raised against me.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. Throughout my career, I have immediately addressed any
    issues with regard to sexual harassment, discrimination, or
    inappropriate conduct by anyone over whom I have had supervisory
    authority in accordance with the Department of State's policies and
    practices in dealing with such conduct.
        In cases of inappropriate conduct, I have followed the Department's
    established practices. With regard to discrimination, I am aware of an
    informal concern about conduct made against two employees at missions
    where I served as Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM). As DCM, I was made
    aware of concerns regarding any potential conduct that could be
    considered as a concern regarding an EEO protected category. I take any
    allegation seriously and follow established protocols on how such
    concerns should be addressed. In my role as DCM, I regularly
    communicated our Mission's commitment to proactively addressing any
    possible EEO concern and if confirmed, I am committed to continuing
    this practice.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Bridget A. Brink by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. As Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, I worked across
    Eastern Europe and the Caucasus in support of democracy and human
    rights in Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia.
    I led anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine and Moldova. In both
    countries, our support for conditioning IMF assistance on reforms
    resulted in important institutional steps forward, including the
    creation of an anti-corruption court in Ukraine and cleaning up the
    banking sector in Moldova. In Azerbaijan, I advocated vigorously for
    the release of human rights and democracy activists, and was gratified
    to see the release of high-profile activists Leyla and Arif Yunus and
    Khadija Ismailova during my tenure.As Deputy Chief of Mission in
    Georgia, I supported the first democratic transfer of power in that
    country's history with the change of power in 2012. With this peaceful
    transfer, Georgia was able to continue its contribution to the NATO
    mission in Afghanistan as well its support of European energy security
    with the Southern Gas Corridor. As the Chief of the Political and
    Economic Section, I supported the reforms of the Rose Revolution that
    turned around a nearly failed state. While there, I led our team to
    help Georgia combat trafficking-in-persons and attain ``Tier 1'' status
    on the annual Trafficking in Persons report for the first time. For our
    overall efforts to promote human rights, my ambassador nominated me and
    our human rights officer for the State Department's annual human rights
    award.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Slovakia? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Slovakia? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Slovakia highlighted several ongoing human rights issues of concern,
    including: corruption; violence or hate speech targeting lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons; widespread
    discrimination against Roma; and security force violence against ethnic
    and racial minorities. If confirmed, I will engage with Slovak
    authorities and civil society and encourage cooperation to promote
    tolerance and nondiscrimination and to address ongoing corruption
    concerns.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Slovakia in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Strengthening the rule of law and addressing corruption are
    long-term, ongoing, and complex challenges. While Slovakia has come a
    long way since independence, more remains to be done. If confirmed, I
    will work to strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law in
    Slovakia, reinforcing that accountability and transparency are
    necessary to modern democracy and Slovakia's continued economic
    success. This effort will need to involve engagement with both the
    Slovak government as well as members of civil society.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Slovakia? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    non-governmental organizations both in the United States and in
    Slovakia on a range of human rights and other issues of mutual
    interest. With my experience in the Balkans, I appreciate the
    importance of the Leahy Law and will ensure all the required vetting is
    carried out for any security assistance and security cooperation
    activities.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Slovakia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Slovakia?

        Answer. According to the 2018 Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices, there were no reports of political prisoners or detainees in
    Slovakia. However, I have always prioritized such cases in the past,
    and, if confirmed, I pledge to actively engage with Slovakia to address
    any such cases should they arise.

        Question. Will you engage with Slovakia on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Slovakia?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I have actively promoted diversity as a principle of
    leadership and driver of productivity in every managerial position I
    have held in the Department of State. I believe that leaders need to
    lead by example. If confirmed, I will actively seek diversity in
    recruitment, continue to mentor more junior staff and encourage those I
    supervise to do the same, and work to ensure that leadership positions
    in the mission reflect the diversity of our institution.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. As I have in previous leadership positions, I will
    underscore my expectation of a commitment to diversity and inclusion as
    a key aspect of achieving our foreign policy goals. If confirmed, I
    will relay my own ``zero tolerance'' for violations of Equal Employment
    Opportunity laws and State Department rules and regulations on
    harassment. I will also encourage supervisors to foster an environment
    that is diverse and inclusive by focusing on recruitment, mentoring
    more junior officers, and creating a working environment that is based
    on respect.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Slovakia
    specifically?

        Answer. Corruption erodes citizens' confidence in democratic
    institutions, enables malign actors, increases their influence, and
    weakens economic growth. The February 2018 murder of investigative
    journalist Jan Kuciak brought the issue of corruption to the center of
    Slovakia's political debate and resulted in the collapse of the
    government and the election in March 2019 of President-elect Zuzana
    Caputova. Although Slovakia enacted a number of new measures to fight
    corruption in the last year, including a whistleblower protection law
    and risk assessments of corruption vulnerabilities in government
    offices, implementation remains key.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Slovakia
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Slovakia noted corruption remained a concern. According to the report,
    the Slovak government did not always implement its anti-corruption laws
    effectively, and high-level officials were rarely prosecuted for
    corruption. While the recent enactment of a whistleblower protection
    law is a step in the right direction, its effectiveness will depend on
    successful implementation. The election in March of President-elect
    Zuzana Caputova, with her strong reputation as a fighter against
    corruption, suggests the Slovak people wish to see more progress in
    this area. If confirmed, I will seek to continue our work in support of
    anti-corruption efforts as an important aspect of Slovakia's political
    stability and economic prosperity.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Slovakia?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my team at the Embassy in
    Bratislava to engage Slovak officials at all levels of government to
    support good governance and anti-corruption programming. The Embassy
    promotes awareness of the importance of the rule of law to building a
    strong country and a strong economy and supports efforts by Slovak
    officials and non-governmental organizations to promote transparency,
    combat fraud, and encourage accountability. This support comes through
    grants and awards to NGOs and individuals working in the field. The
    Embassy also brings in substantive experts to offer training to Slovak
    judges, police, and prosecutors. If confirmed, I will continue to build
    on these efforts.

                                   __________

          Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
                to Kenneth A. Howery by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have been a long-time advisor to Kiva, a non-profit with
    the goal to ``expand financial access to help underserved communities
    thrive.'' They achieve this by allowing individuals to fight poverty by
    making micro-loans to people around the world. Kiva has raised more
    than $1.3 billion in loans to help more than 3 million people in over
    80 countries, 81 percent of whom are women.
        Kiva has also funded loans to thousands of refugees and internally
    displaced people (IDPs) around the globe. Kiva's goal is to address
    refugees' needs by offering access to loans that allow them to pay for
    critical medical needs, continue their education, or start a business
    in an effort to rebuild their lives.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. Sweden has a strong record on human rights issues. If
    confirmed, I will utilize all U.S. government resources at my disposal
    to continue supporting democracy and good governance in Sweden. As much
    of our cooperation on human rights issues with Sweden occurs in other
    countries (e.g., emerging democracies and developing countries), I will
    prioritize ensuring that our human rights and assistance agendas are
    coordinated and do not duplicate resources or lines of effort.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in
    Sweden?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will stress the importance of having
    genuine political competition during my meetings with government and
    civil society leaders. I will also advocate for access and inclusivity
    for women, minorities and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Sweden, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Sweden? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people in
    Sweden?

        Answer. Sweden has strong antidiscrimination laws in place that
    protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex
    (LGBTI) individuals. As a result, they do not face the same challenges
    found in less democratic countries. If confirmed, I commit to using my
    position to defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Sweden
    and continue Embassy Stockholm's engagement with members of the LGBTI
    community in Sweden.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will do everything possible to ensure
    that all employees understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or
    other prohibited practices will not be tolerated. I will do this by
    ensuring that existing federal and Department rules and regulation are
    clearly understood and enforced.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Kenneth A. Howery by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have been a long-time advisor to Kiva, a non-profit with
    the goal to ``expand financial access to help underserved communities
    thrive.'' They achieve this by allowing individuals to fight poverty by
    making micro-loans to people around the world. Kiva has raised more
    than $1.3 billion in loans to help more than 3 million people in over
    80 countries, 81 percent of whom are women.
        Kiva has also funded loans to thousands of refugees and internally
    displaced people (IDPs) around the globe. Kiva's goal is to address
    refugees' needs by offering access to loans that allow them to pay for
    critical medical needs, continue their education, or start a business
    in an effort to rebuild their lives.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Sweden?
    What are the most important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to
    promote human rights and democracy in Sweden? What do you hope to
    accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Sweden has a strong human rights record. However, one
    challenge facing Swedish society is anti-Semitism. According to the
    U.S. Department of State's 2017 International Religious Freedom Report
    (the latest available), Jews in Sweden are the most frequently targeted
    group relative to the size of its community of religiously motivated
    hate crimes. If confirmed, I will engage with Swedish authorities and
    civil society and encourage cooperation to promote religious tolerance
    and nondiscrimination.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Sweden in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue Mission Sweden's engagement
    with Swedish officials at all levels of government, as well as civil
    society to promote religious tolerance and nondiscrimination. One
    potential obstacle is the difficulty of maintaining good communication
    between our Embassy in Stockholm and Jewish groups outside of
    Stockholm. If confirmed, I will deepen the Embassy's outreach to Jewish
    groups across Sweden, including those outside of Stockholm, to support
    their efforts to maintain community security and combat anti-Semitism
    and use my position as the U.S. Ambassador to continue to call
    attention to this important issue.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Sweden? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    non-governmental organizations both in the United States and in Sweden
    on a range of human rights and other issues of mutual interest. I will
    also ensure all the required vetting is carried out for any security
    assistance and security cooperation activities.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Sweden to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Sweden?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Will you engage with Sweden on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may
    have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may
    have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Sweden?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes interests in entities that
    have a presence in Sweden. This includes stock holdings, mutual funds
    or exchange traded funds, and private investment funds that hold
    interests in companies with a presence in Sweden. I am committed to
    ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict of
    interest. If confirmed, I will divest all investments the State
    Department Ethics Office deems necessary and recuse myself from matters
    when required to avoid a conflict of interest, and I will remain
    vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. Supporting diversity in the workplace is not only a good
    practice in advancing American values, it is also a boon to
    productivity, as diverse perspectives often reveal unexpected
    opportunities. I support diversity and advocate for people with
    different experiences and backgrounds. If confirmed, I will take steps
    to create a culture based on respect, teamwork, and inclusivity to
    ensure people of different ages, races, genders, and sexual
    orientations feel supported.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. People take cues from the leader of their organization, and
    I understand the importance of my actions and words. If confirmed, I
    will work to create a positive work environment first by modeling
    respect for diversity and inclusion in my own work, but also by
    engaging directly with the supervisors and employees at the Embassy to
    convey the importance of these values. I will also ensure they are
    promoting and supporting team members from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Sweden
    specifically?

        Answer. Corruption erodes public trust and institutions. Sweden has
    strong democratic institutions, established rule of law, and a free
    press. The law provides criminal penalties for corruption, and the
    government generally implements the laws effectively.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Sweden
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Sweden has a strong record of combating corruption.
    According to Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions
    Index, Sweden was ranked as the third least corrupt country in the
    world out of 180 countries. If confirmed, I will continue to engage
    Swedish officials on this important issue to ensure the country remains
    free from corruption.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Sweden?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue Embassy Stockholm's
    engagement with officials at all levels of the Swedish government in
    support of good governance and anticorruption. Through the
    International Visitor Leadership Program and other public diplomacy
    programs, I will deepen and expand our engagement with Sweden on ways
    to promote transparency and the rule of law, which are core elements of
    both our societies.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Matthew Klimow by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. From 1995-2000, I was member of a team of United States
    diplomats and senior military leaders that traveled throughout the
    conflict region in the Balkans, to include Kosovo and Bosnia-
    Herzegovina, pursuing peace and justice in that war-torn region. In
    Srebrenica, site of genocidal mass murder of Bosniaks, I met with
    families of the survivors. In Brcko, I witnessed the wanton destruction
    of homes that had occurred based on ethnic and religious hatred. I
    heard the testimonials of women who were subject to brutal mass rape
    used as a weapon of war. Our work in the region brought stability and
    safety for a populace that experienced some of the worst human rights
    violations in the last decade of the 20th century. Those events and my
    work in the Balkan region strengthen my commitment to support democracy
    and human rights.

        Question. Do you commit to engaging the government on the release
    of political prisoners and prisoners of conscience in Turkmenistan? In
    particular, do you commit to raise the case of long-held political
    prisoner Gulgeldy Annaniyazov?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to maintaining an open and frank
    dialogue with the government of Turkmenistan on our values and concerns
    about human rights and fundamental freedoms, and this includes raising
    the cases of Gulgeldy Annaniyazov and other individual political
    prisoners. Working with my Embassy staff, if confirmed, I would
    continue to urge Turkmenistan to uphold its obligations and commitments
    on human rights, fundamental freedoms, and adherence to the rule of
    law, including its obligations with respect to substantive and
    procedural trial safeguards under the International Covenant on Civil
    and Political Rights (ICCPR).

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, under my leadership the Embassy will continue
    to use the full range of available resources to support democracy and
    governance with our partners in Turkmenistan. This includes utilization
    of the Democracy Commission Small Grants program, USAID's civil society
    and governance strengthening programming funding, and other State
    Department funding sources in accordance with relevant U.S. laws and
    regulations to support more accountable and inclusive democratic
    institutions that can deliver tangible benefits to all citizens.
    Central to these efforts will be support to civil society along with
    programs to eliminate trafficking in persons.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    and non-governmental organizations doing work in/on Turkmenistan?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to developing and maintaining
    regular contact with human rights activists, civil society leaders, and
    other representatives of domestic and international non-governmental
    organizations in Turkmenistan, as is appropriate and safe for those
    involved, with the goal to strengthen Turkmenistan's democratic
    development, stability, and prosperity.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will actively engage with civil society and
    my government counterparts to counter disinformation and propaganda
    disseminated by foreign states or non-state actors in Turkmenistan.
    This will include supporting accreditation for trained independent
    journalists. I further commit to coordinating public diplomacy
    programming in Turkmenistan to promote people-to-people exchanges and
    increase access to accurate information about the United States,
    countering the impact of foreign state-sponsored disinformation.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Turkmenistan, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity?

        Answer. I pledge to uphold our values and defend human rights and
    dignity, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. If
    confirmed, I commit to working with civil society and NGOs that address
    LGBTI issues and to have a frank dialogue with the government of
    Turkmenistan on the obligation of governments to respect the human
    rights of everyone in their countries.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. I agree that targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, has no place
    in the federal government. I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules. If confirmed, I will communicate
    these expectations and values to all Embassy staff.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. In 2011, an employee filed a complaint with the U.S.
    Department of State Office of Civil Rights (S/OCR). I was the
    employee's second-line supervisor. The S/OCR investigation did not find
    any evidence of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct, and the case
    was closed without further action. I take any allegation seriously and
    follow established protocols on how such concerns should be addressed
    and if confirmed, I am committed to continuing this practice.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and do not tolerate any types of behavior that
    could be considered discriminatory. As a battalion commander in the
    U.S. Army from 1992-1994, I administered non-judicial punishment under
    Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice and, in one
    instance, referred a soldier for court martial for inappropriate
    relations with a subordinate.

                                   __________

         Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted to
                  Matthew Klimow by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. From 1995-2000, I was a member of a team of United States
    diplomats and senior military leaders that traveled throughout the
    conflict region in the Balkans, to include Kosovo and Bosnia-
    Herzegovina, pursuing peace and justice in that war-torn region. In
    Srebrenica, site of genocidal mass murder of Bosniaks, I met with
    families of the survivors. In Brcko, I witnessed the wanton destruction
    of homes that had occurred based on ethnic and religious hatred. I
    heard the testimonials of women who were subject to brutal mass rape
    used as a weapon of war. Our work in the region brought stability and
    safety for a populace that experienced some of the worst human rights
    violations in the last decade of the 20th century. Those events and my
    work in the Balkan region strengthen my commitment to support democracy
    and human rights.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Turkmenistan? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Turkmenistan? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. I am particularly concerned about restrictions on religious
    freedom, freedom of expression by the media and civil society, freedom
    of assembly, and freedom of movement as well as prison conditions and
    the use of forced labor in Turkmenistan's cotton harvest. If confirmed,
    I pledge to engage in an open, pragmatic and consistent dialogue with
    the government of Turkmenistan on our values and concerns about human
    rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of religion or
    belief, and the rule of law.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Turkmenistan in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Sharing long borders with Iran and Afghanistan,
    Turkmenistan is in a challenging neighborhood. Its government does not
    acknowledge that it is repressing human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including the freedoms of association, expression, religion
    and assembly. It also has a tradition dating back to Soviet times of
    utilizing forced labor in the cotton harvest. If confirmed, I will
    continue to engage the government of Turkmenistan on new or current
    laws that restrict human rights and fundamental freedoms in the
    country. I will seek out every opportunity, using the programs and
    mechanisms available to me, to urge the government to protect these
    rights and freedoms, strengthen the rule of law and civil society, and
    increase respect for rights.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Turkmenistan? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to developing and maintaining
    regular contact with human rights activists, civil society leaders, and
    other representatives of domestic and international non-governmental
    organizations in Turkmenistan, as is appropriate and safe for those
    involved. If confirmed, I will support the Embassy's Leahy program for
    vetting security force units and individual recipients of U.S. foreign
    assistance. I will further ensure that all U.S. security and law
    enforcement assistance activities will continue to reinforce the
    importance of human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Turkmenistan to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Turkmenistan?

        Answer. If confirmed, I pledge to continue to raise key individual
    cases with the government of Turkmenistan and urge the protection of
    human rights and fundamental freedoms, including its obligations with
    respect to substantive and procedural trial safeguards and the rule of
    law.

        Question. Will you engage with Turkmenistan on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. The United States has full and robust dialogue with
    Turkmenistan on the range of bilateral issues, including human rights
    and good governance. The Department consistently raises specific human
    rights concerns with the government of Turkmenistan, and underscores
    those concerns through official statements at the U.N. the OSCE, and
    other bodies, as well as in our annual reports on Human Rights,
    International Religious Freedom, and Trafficking in Persons. If
    confirmed, I will continue to use these reports and other tools to
    document human rights problems and encourage Turkmenistan to make
    progress in areas of concern.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I may have
    through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Turkmenistan?

        Answer. Neither I nor any members of my family have any financial
    interests in Turkmenistan.

    Diversity
        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make a priority of encouraging the
    recruitment and professional development of a diverse staff that
    represents the United States. Working with my staff, I will encourage
    the recruitment of a diverse, qualified group of applicants for each
    job opening, and I will continue the mentoring program for entry-level
    officers to include specialists and eligible family member employees.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will communicate to Embassy senior staff
    that I will have zero tolerance for discrimination and sexual
    harassment. In addition, ahead of our annual personnel selection
    season, I will communicate my expectation that we invite applications
    from the broadest possible slate of qualified candidates to ensure that
    we foster a diverse and inclusive community. I will ask our supervisors
    to reinforce these principles with their American and Turkmen staff to
    ensure we set appropriate expectations.

    Corruption
        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in
    Turkmenistan specifically?

        Answer. Corruption and the arbitrary application of law are
    problems in Turkmenistan and hindrances to good governance and economic
    growth. The Department of State's Investment Climate Statement clearly
    outlines these obstacles. If confirmed, this is an area where I will
    continue to push the government of Turkmenistan to pursue needed
    reforms and build respect for the rule of law.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in
    Turkmenistan and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. As outlined in the Department of State's Investment Climate
    Statement, a lack of established rule of law, an opaque regulatory
    framework, and rampant corruption are serious problems in Turkmenistan.
    The report also notes that rules and procedures lack transparency and
    although Turkmenistan has legislation to combat corruption, these laws
    are not generally enforced. Monitoring or investigating corruption is
    difficult in Turkmenistan. If confirmed, this is an area where I will
    continue to push the government of Turkmenistan to pursue needed
    reforms and build respect for the rule of law.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Turkmenistan?

        Answer. Turkmenistan has much to gain by removing the barriers to a
    truly democratic process presented by endemic corruption. Corruption is
    a serious impediment to development. If confirmed, I would continue
    programming and high-level engagement efforts to improve rule of law in
    the interests of establishing and maintaining a fair playing field for
    all actors, as well as to urge the government to move forward with the
    democratic reforms necessary to support political pluralism, a vibrant
    civil society, and an improved investment climate.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to John Jefferson Daigle by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. Cape Verde was upgraded to Tier 2 in the 2018 Trafficking
    in Persons (TIP) Report. Cabo Verde does not meet the minimum standards
    in part because it ``did not train law enforcement or judiciary
    officials on trafficking investigations and prosecutions; officials
    remained without formal procedures to identify trafficking victims and
    refer them to care; and the Ministry of Justice and Labor (MJT) did not
    receive any funding specifically for anti-trafficking efforts.''

       Does the United States support any activities focused on training
            for judges or law enforcement on trafficking investigation and
            prosecutions?

        Answer. The United States has provided funding to the United
    Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in 2018 and now we are
    processing a second grant to the International Organization for
    Migration (IOM) to combat TIP in Cabo Verde. Both grants were provided
    to the United Nations but in close coordination with the Ministry of
    Justice and Labor (MJT).
        The United States has funded TIP and other related human rights
    training for Cabo Verde's police investigators, prosecutors, and judges
    to TIP and other related human rights trainings in Ghana, the U.S., and
    elsewhere. The United States sent eight Cabo Verdean professionals to
    an International Visitor Leadership Program on demand to learn about
    how the United States responds to incidents involving victims of
    violent crime. The United States also funded an IVLP on sexual violence
    response for two other professionals.

        Question. Has the United States provided funding to the Ministry of
    Justice for anti-trafficking efforts?

        Answer. Yes, indirectly through grants for UNODC and IOM.

        Question. What organizations on the ground provide care for
    trafficking victims and how are they funded?

        Answer. government-funded agencies provide emergency services,
    temporary shelter, and psycho-social care to female and child
    trafficking victims, as well as other at-risk populations, in
    partnership with the IOM and several strong local nongovernmental
    organizations. In general the Cabo Verdean Institute for Children and
    Adolescents assists child victims, the Cabo Verdean Institute for
    Gender Equality assists women victims, the Public Ministry assists
    victims requiring long-term care, and the IOM provides services to
    foreign nationals who are victims of trafficking in Cabo Verde.

        Question. What further steps could the government of Cabo Verde
    take to improve its TIP ranking next year?

        Answer. The United States recommends that the Cabo Verdean
    government take the following steps to improve its TIP ranking next
    year:

       Vigorously investigate and prosecute trafficking offenses and
            convict and punish traffickers-including Cabo Verdean-American
            sex traffickers and sex tourists.
       Develop and train officials on standardized procedures to identify
            trafficking victims-including adults and victims among
            vulnerable populations-and to refer victims to services.
       Train law enforcement and judiciary officials on the 2015 anti-
            trafficking amendment, article 271-A.
       Consistently refer potential trafficking victims to the appropriate
            shelters to ensure all identified trafficking victims receive
            care and collect data on such efforts.
       Increase efforts to raise public awareness of human trafficking,
            including child sex trafficking and domestic servitude.
       Develop a system to compile and share comprehensive anti-
            trafficking law enforcement and victim identification data
            among agencies.
       Increase collaboration with foreign governments on cases of
            transnational trafficking and child sex tourism involving
            foreign nationals.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Over my 20-year career as a Public Diplomacy officer, I
    have worked closely with government and civil society organizations in
    a number of countries--including Nigeria, Iraq, and Cambodia--to
    implement programs that promoted human rights and democracy, including
    through press conferences, media professionalization and literacy
    training, and capacity building. As the Charge d'Affaires, a.i., and
    Deputy Chief of Mission in Cambodia, I was also able to directly engage
    government leaders regarding human rights concerns, which opened up
    space for civil society action and freedom for public expression in the
    lead-up to contentious national elections.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Cabo Verde? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. The United States views Cabo Verde as one of the
    Continent's strongest multi-party democracies; however, improvement is
    always possible. We would like to do more to help Cabo Verde to take a
    more active role in encouraging democracy in West Africa and among
    Portuguese-speaking African countries. Cabo Verde will continue to be
    one of Africa's best political and economic success stories. It has one
    of the highest literacy rates, a vibrant two-party political system,
    and a low level of corruption (as noted by Transparency International).
    Challenges to Cabo Verde's democracy include its small market, which
    limits the number of private-sector employment opportunities, which
    leads journalists and others to self-censor to avoid problems with
    future employability, and complicates decentralization models in this
    resource-poor economy with significant variations among the islands.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Cabo Verde? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. Cabo Verde serves as a regional example of democracy and
    good governance. If confirmed I will encourage Cabo Verde to continue
    this trend. If confirmed, I will continue to support Cabo Verde's
    efforts to distribute wealth and prosperity, and I will prioritize
    voices from outside the capital in reporting and in program
    participation.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. We can use ESF, Public Diplomacy, Self-Help, and other
    funds to support democracy and governance. We will seek to apply these
    resources to people and projects throughout the archipelago, drawing
    voices from all the islands to form our opinions and shape our
    policies.
        Cabo Verde will hold legislative, municipal, and presidential
    elections in 2021 and one of my priorities, if confirmed, will be to
    encourage free, fair, and credible elections.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Cabo Verde? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Cabo Verde. Embassy Praia currently has a robust and growing
    relationship with civil society in Cabo Verde. As appropriate I will
    meet with local contacts in the capital, around the archipelago, and
    the government to address efforts to restrict NGOS and civil society. I
    will encourage Cabo Verde to serve as a leader in democracy, good
    governance, and human rights.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties. Cabo Verde enjoys a
    vibrant, multi-party democracy and has had an unbroken history of
    civilian rule since its independence in 1975, and if confirmed I would
    encourage Cabo Verde to continue serving as an example of democracy,
    good governance, and human rights.
        If confirmed, I would also advocate for access and inclusion for
    women, minorities, and youth within political parties. Embassy Praia
    continually seeks to promote opportunities for women and youth, and
    under my leadership I would continue this trend.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Cabo
    Verde on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Cabo Verde?

        Answer. Yes. Embassy Praia has a strong relationship with the Cabo
    Verdean press and the United States has funded training for journalists
    on investigative journalism and elections. If confirmed I will continue
    to encourage freedom of the press and meet with them regularly.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes. Embassy Praia has worked directly with the government
    and the local media to counter disinformation. If confirmed, I would
    continue to ensure training on accurate reporting is provided for the
    press and government officials, particularly spokespersons.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with Cabo
    Verde on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will continue to ensure my country
    team remains actively engaged on the right of labor groups to organize
    and that they increase their knowledge on the labor conditions in Cabo
    Verde. Currently, the embassy engages with government and civil society
    actors on questions of child labor, forced labor, and labor in the
    informal sector. Cabo Verde's labor unions are strong and established.
    They face few institutionalized obstacles to operation. Unions tend to
    represent their members' interests reasonably well.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Cabo Verde, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do
    the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face
    in Cabo Verde? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in Cabo Verde?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I would work with existing civil society
    and governmental organizations to promote the basic humanity of all
    citizens and residents of Cabo Verde.
        The LGBTQ community enjoys a relatively good status in Cabo Verde
    but faces discrimination in obtaining work and housing. There is
    significant, culturally accepted dark humor about the LGBTQ community
    that will be difficult to change in the short term. In recent years,
    there have been no known acts of violence perpetrated against members
    of the LGBTQ community. Cabo Verde adhered to the Equal Rights Campaign
    in 2018, and the embassy facilitated a trip by the president of the
    Institute on Equity and Equality of Gender to Vancouver, where she met
    with State Department officials. The embassy routinely seeks
    opportunities to support LGBTQ civil society organizations with
    training and funding opportunities. If confirmed, I would encourage
    Cabo Verde to continue its positive trend serving as a regional leader
    on this issue and to continue setting the example on human rights.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. If confirmed,
    I would clearly state at my very first Country Team meeting with
    section heads and my first Town Hall with all Mission staff that any
    retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will
    not be tolerated, and I would continue to reinforce this message
    through word and deed throughout my tenure as Chief of Mission.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and throughout my career, I have immediately
    addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with the Department of
    State's policies and practices in dealing with such conduct.
        With regard to discrimination, I am aware of two instances when EEO
    complaints were filed regarding one of my direct reports and my
    involvement in the cases. In both of these instances, I followed
    Department protocols fully and cooperated with the Department's Office
    of Civil Rights. At the conclusion of both investigations, OCR
    determined that there was no evidence of discrimination or harassment
    and closed the cases.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and throughout my career, I have immediately
    addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with the Department of
    State's policies and practices in dealing with such conduct.
        With regard to discrimination, I am aware of two instances where
    EEO complaints were filed involving one of my direct reports. In both
    of these instances, I followed Department protocols fully and
    cooperated with the Department's Office of Civil Rights. At the
    conclusion of both investigations, OCR determined that there was no
    evidence of discrimination or harassment and closed the cases.

                                   __________

          Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
             to John Jefferson Daigle by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Over my 20-year career as a Public Diplomacy officer, I
    have worked closely with government and civil society organizations in
    a number of countries--including Nigeria, Iraq, and Cambodia--to
    implement programs that promoted human rights and democracy, including
    through press conferences, media professionalization and literacy
    training, and capacity building. As the Charge d'Affaires, a.i., and
    Deputy Chief of Mission in Cambodia, I was also able to directly engage
    government leaders regarding human rights concerns, which opened up
    space for civil society action and freedom for public expression in the
    lead-up to contentious national elections.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Cabo
    Verde? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Cabo Verde? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Cabo Verde has made excellent advances in recent years in
    combating sexual and gender-based violence and violence against
    children, as well as improving prison conditions. If confirmed, I
    pledge to sustain U.S. support and encouragement for Cabo Verde's
    admirable efforts to continue making progress on these and other civil
    and human rights issues. I hope to engage resources to improve media
    freedoms--including training for journalists on mis- and
    disinformation--and to highlight the role of citizens in a robust
    democracy. I would encourage the government to prioritize equitable
    growth and distribution of its economic gains.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Cabo Verde in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Cabo Verde struggles with a perennial lack of resources,
    and vulnerable elements of society tend to suffer the most from neglect
    and invisibility. Its small market and a legacy of government
    involvement in all sectors results in a tendency toward self-
    censorship: few Cabo Verdeans are eager to speak publicly and frankly
    about issues for fear of alienating a potential future employer.
    Finally, although conditions in Cabo Verde are improving slowly,
    complacency about some of the issues hinders more rapid progress in
    addressing them.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Cabo Verde? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    United States and with local human rights NGOs and other members of
    civil society in Cabo Verde. Embassy Praia currently has a robust and
    growing relationship with civil society in Cabo Verde. As appropriate,
    I would meet with local contacts in the capital, around the
    archipelago, and with the government to address challenges faced by
    NGOs and civil society. I would encourage Cabo Verde to continue
    serving as a leader in democracy, good governance, and human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Cabo
    Verde to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Cabo Verde?

        Answer. Cabo Verde has no tradition of political prisoners or
    political targeting. There has never been a violent conflict on Cabo
    Verdean soil, and political transitions have all been peaceful and
    transparent. If confirmed, I would build on the solid foundation
    Embassy Praia has developed with security services, correctional
    personnel, and political actors to advance and advocate for the best
    human rights environment possible.

        Question. Will you engage with Cabo Verde on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Cabo Verde?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. As a member of a minority group myself, I deeply appreciate
    how critically important it is for leaders to promote, mentor, and
    support all staff members, irrespective of their gender, ethnic
    background, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs. If confirmed, I
    would work with the Mission's Deputy Chief of Mission to ensure post
    has a robust mentoring program in place for all entry level officers,
    and I would regularly discuss mentoring with the Mission's supervisory
    team. To promote an environment of transparency and equality, I would
    also institute an open-door policy and encourage all Mission staff to
    come directly to me for guidance and support as desired and to make me
    aware of any issues as needed.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, during my very first Country Team meeting, I
    would stress the importance that I place on fostering an inclusive and
    diverse environment and that this would be an important criteria upon
    which I will evaluate supervisors as part of the annual employee review
    process. I would also stress these values in my introductory Town Hall
    meeting with all Mission staff and continue to do so throughout my
    tenure at Embassy Praia.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Cabo Verde
    specifically?

        Answer. Cabo Verde regularly ranks in the top five African
    countries in Transparency International's index. In 2018 it was #3
    (behind Seychelles and Botswana) and #45 globally. The opposition
    parties regularly claim that the government is corrupt, but to date we
    haven't seen actionable evidence of the sort. The current government is
    often accused of non-transparency, and it sometimes fails to
    communicate legitimate business clearly and in a timely manner.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Cabo
    Verde and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Corruption by the government is not a big issue in Cabo
    Verde, although the current government fails sometimes to communicate
    its plans and methods clearly. Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva
    requested and received support from the National Democratic Institute
    for creating a more robust and investigative press corps during his
    tenure as Mayor of Praia; that program continues today. As Cabo Verde's
    2020 and 2021 electoral cycles approach, political actors will likely
    talk more about transparency and corruption, but much of it will be
    grandstanding.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Cabo Verde?

        Answer. Cabo Verde needs resources to address the small indicators
    of corruption that remain, and it needs a broader and less government-
    dependent market. If confirmed, I would continue to push for support to
    fight mis- and disinformation campaigns; encourage participation in
    local, regional, and international events for civil society actors; and
    pursue professional development opportunities and training for Cabo
    Verde's security and judicial sectors.

                                  __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                             TUESDAY, MAY 21, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 11:04 a.m. in
    Room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Marco Rubio,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Rubio [presiding], Gardner, Young,
    Menendez, Cardin, Udall, Murphy, and Kaine.

                OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. MARCO RUBIO,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA

        Senator Rubio. This is the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee hearing on the nominations of Ms. Pamela Bates of
    Virginia to be the U.S. Representative to the Organization for
    Economic Cooperation and Development, with the rank of
    Ambassador; Christopher Landau of Maryland, to be the U.S.
    Ambassador to Mexico; Ms. Jennifer Nordquist of Virginia, to be
    the U.S. Executive Director for the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development; and Mr. Eliot Pedrosa of
    Florida, to be U.S. Executive Director of the Inter-American
    Development Bank.
        I would also add that Mr. Pedrosa, who is a Florida native,
    is currently serving as the alternate Inter-American Bank
    Executive Director and was previously a principal shareholder
    of the law firm of Greenberg Traurig where he was the chair of
    the Miami firm's litigation department. This is the second
    hearing for you, so welcome back.
        Ms. Nordquist is currently the Chief of Staff at the
    Council of Economic Advisors. She was previously the Chief of
    Staff for the Economics Program at the Brookings Institution.
        Christopher Landau, nominated to be U.S. Ambassador to
    Mexico, will play a critical role in a country with strong ties
    to the United States. I had the opportunity to speak to him. We
    had a great conversation about the challenges and opportunities
    in the relationship between the U.S. and our southern neighbors
    in Mexico.
        Ms. Bates served for 24 years as a career member of the
    United States Foreign Service before assuming her current role
    as a partner at Securitas Global Risk Solutions in Wayne,
    Pennsylvania. 2017 is when she joined.
        I welcome the nominees here with us today. Thank you, all
    four of you, for the willingness to serve and continue to serve
    our country. If confirmed, each of you will have important
    roles and responsibilities in advancing our nation's foreign
    policy objectives and in protecting our national security
    interests, as well as our values.
        Before us are four very different positions that will each
    help advance economic growth and stability in our own
    hemisphere and beyond. This will be especially true for those
    countries in the western hemisphere that are undergoing
    democratic transitions and are taking important steps to
    improve their economy, security, and bilateral relations with
    the United States.
        I will start with Mexico where the U.S. and Mexico share
    not just the long border, but a long history and a critical
    relationship on a number of fronts.
        Last year, Mexico elected a candidate from the Movimiento
    Regeneracion Nacional, the MORENA party, that was created in
    2014. President Obrador's election broke with the two
    traditional parties in Mexico that had ruled Mexican politics
    for years. In the coming days, it will be important to find
    areas where our cooperation together can be strengthened. We
    are partners in security cooperation and intelligence sharing
    as a result of the Merida Initiative. The U.S. and Mexico are
    trading partners, with the U.S. being Mexico's most important
    export market for goods. 80 percent of Mexico's exports come to
    the United States. We should continue to find ways to enhance
    our cooperation on existing initiatives to fight the production
    and distribution of opioids and illicit fentanyl that cause far
    too many deaths in the U.S. each year.
        We also need to work with Mexico to improve trade practices
    to ensure that it remains a fair trade partner with the U.S.
        The Mexican government has committed to increasing
    government subsidies, which by the way is in violation of WTO
    rules, to promote more agricultural acreage and greenhouse and
    irrigation infrastructure with the intent to export more fruits
    and vegetables into the U.S. across a longer marketing season.
        Mexican producers are dumping produce in select U.S.
    markets at select times of the year to try to outmaneuver U.S.
    antidumping laws.
        Concerns are rising with respect to the role transnational
    criminal organizations are playing to commingle drug shipments
    and launder money with legitimate Mexican agricultural
    operations.
        We also need to engage the Mexican government on Venezuela,
    and we should work with the Mexican and Guatemalan governments
    to bolster security in the border areas between these two
    countries.
        Finally, the U.S. needs to press the government of Mexico
    and have conversations about ongoing human rights violations in
    the country such as the targeting and the murder of
    journalists.
        In general, for all of our nominees, your positions
    representing the U.S. in countries and at multilateral
    organizations are essential to advancing our objectives
    worldwide. The ongoing challenges posed around the world by
    increasingly aggressive governments, such as the Chinese
    Communist government and the Russian government under Vladimir
    Putin, make the case even further for U.S. engagement and
    leadership in the world and in organizations, such as the three
    that you are nominated here for today.
        We must find ways to support developing countries, our
    friends, and our allies who are targets of Chinese economic
    bullying and pressure.
        We have a real opportunity to strengthen the U.S. role and
    partnerships on an array of important foreign policy matters.
    Your roles will be critical to ensuring that U.S. interests are
    advanced here in our own region and across the world.
        Once again, thank you and your families for your commitment
    to our country.
        And now I will recognize the ranking member for his opening
    comments.

                 STATEMENT OF HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM MARYLAND

        Senator Cardin. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman, for
    convening this hearing.
        It is interesting that we have a Marylander and a Floridian
    and two Virginians that happen to be thrown into the mix. But
    we welcome all of you here.
        As I told Mr. Landau, if I was not ranking, I would have
    been pleased to introduce him to the committee as a Marylander.
    I think your background, your family background--as I
    understand, you have lived in Canada, Paraguay, Chile, and
    Venezuela. Your father was involved in diplomatic services. So
    I think that is going to be important background in regards to
    serving as Ambassador to Mexico.
        I welcome all four of the nominees here today, and I thank
    you for your willingness to, in some cases, continue to serve
    our country; in some cases, to make this commitment of public
    service during an extremely difficult time. And I very much
    recognize that you cannot do this without the support of your
    families. So we thank your families for being willing to share
    your significant other in public service.
        As the chairman has mentioned, all four of these positions
    are critically important to our national security and our
    economic welfare. So each of these positions, in its own right,
    are important.
        The Ambassador to Mexico is particularly of importance to
    us on the Western Hemisphere Subcommittee that Senator Rubio
    and I chair and are ranking. I know this is a full committee
    hearing, but we are particularly concerned about the
    relationship with Mexico.
        It has been too long without a confirmed Ambassador. So,
    Mr. Chairman, I hope that we can expedite this nomination and
    get it moving because I think it is important that we have a
    confirmed Ambassador in our neighbor, Mexico.
        I did have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Landau. I
    enjoyed our conversation. I went over a lot of the issues that
    I think are critically important. The chairman has already
    mentioned some. The U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement is here
    now. It is going to be submitted to us very shortly. Then the
    Congress is going to have to take that up, and your role in
    that regard could be very, very important.
        We have gone over the migration issues. The challenge is
    going to be greater. I was in Mexico City not too long ago. I
    met with my counterparts in the Mexican Senate. They were
    outraged by President Trump's language and the concept of a
    medieval wall. That is going to make your job more challenging,
    and we look forward to how you can use diplomacy so that we can
    work together with Mexico to deal with the migration issues,
    which is critically important.
        Mexico is confronting criminal elements and drug activity
    that we have to work in partnership. One of the areas that I
    ask every nominee for Ambassador to be committed to--and I
    asked you in my office--is to advance human rights. There are
    challenges in Mexico on human rights. No question about it. It
    is not safe to be a journalist. It is not safe to be a social
    activist in a large part of Mexico. And we would expect that
    you will find ways that we can advance the protection of these
    values in our bilateral relationship with Mexico.
        As the chairman pointed out, there is a new administration
    in Mexico, a different party. So I think it does present
    opportunities, and we look forward to how you believe you can
    advance those interests on behalf of the United States.
        In regards to Eliot Pedrosa, the Executive Director for the
    Inter-American Development Bank, a very important position to
    improve lives in Latin America and the Caribbean. The challenge
    is Venezuela. It is a challenge for our whole hemisphere and
    the economic impact and the migration issues, people leaving
    Venezuela, the economic impact of the humanitarian crisis
    there.
        And the unresolved issues in the Northern Triangle that
    some of us are working very hard to develop the type of
    partnership between the United States and the Northern Triangle
    to deal with their security issues, to deal with their economic
    issues, to deal with their basic problems of good governance.
    So that is an issue that we need to explore as to how we can
    use the Inter-American Development Bank to meet those types of
    challenges.
        It is interesting to focus, as I am sure all of us are
    aware, for social inclusion and equality, productivity and
    innovation, and economic integration. These are principles we
    all agree on and I welcome how you believe we can use the bank
    in that regard.
        As is true with all the international bank activities, the
    player that is presenting the greatest interest to us is China.
    China's involvement in this hemisphere is one in which we would
    welcome your thoughts as to how the bank can deal with that
    opportunity or challenge, the way you look at it.
        The Executive Director of the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development, Jennifer Nordquist, again a
    position that is critically important. It is the largest lender
    among the world banks. We have been presented a plan for
    recapitalization. The administration is supportive of the
    recapitalization with reform. The decision will be Congress' to
    make on recapitalization and reform, and we welcome your
    comments as to how you see the reforms taking place within the
    bank and how the recapitalization, which falls heaviest on the
    United States because of our share, is in our national security
    interests.
        In regards to the OECD, Pamela Bates, first of all, thank
    you for your career service. That is a commitment that you have
    made moving on to an extremely important position. The OECD is
    committed to market economies backed by democratic
    institutions, and that is being challenged in our regions as
    well as globally. So how does the OECD protect market economies
    and the democratic institutions in the work that you do? You
    have key interests today from China, again. How do you deal
    with that? Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa. Challenges
    are great in the global community, and OECD can play an
    extremely important role. And I look forward to our
    conversation in regards to those matters.
        Bottom line, four very important positions, and we thank
    each of you for being willing to serve.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Ms. Bates, we will begin with you.

    STATEMENT OF PAMELA BATES, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE REPRESENTATIVE OF
     THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE ORGANIZATION FOR ECONOMIC
        COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT, WITH THE RANK OF AMBASSADOR

        Ms. Bates. Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Cardin, and
    distinguished members of the Senate Committee on Foreign
    Relations.
        It is an honor and a privilege to appear before you today
    as the nominee to serve as the Representative of the United
    States of America to the Organization for Economic Cooperation
    and Development, the OECD. I deeply appreciate the trust and
    confidence placed in me by President Trump and Secretary Pompeo
    by nominating me for this responsibility.
        On a personal note and as a prior member of the career
    foreign service, I would like to thank the many family members,
    friends, and colleagues who have encouraged me in my journey
    which has led to this room today. I would like to thank my
    husband and son for adapting to and making the most of serving
    overseas with the Department of State. I would especially like
    to thank our son, who bravely attended new schools, sometimes
    in a foreign language, and who skillfully and diplomatically
    enjoys correcting my French pronunciation.
        I would also like to acknowledge my family members who
    could not be here today, many of whom served our wonderful
    country. My two grandfathers, who fought in World War I in the
    Army and my uncles who fought in World War II in Korea; my two
    grandmothers and my aunts who worked tirelessly on the home
    front; my father, a proud graduate of the United States Naval
    Academy; and my mother, the first person that I know of in my
    family to endeavor to take the foreign service exam.
        I would also like to thank my brother, a colonel in the
    United States Marine Corps, and his family, who are currently
    serving our country.
        My family, and especially my parents, instilled in me a
    deep appreciation for the freedoms that we enjoy as citizens of
    the United States, as well as the duty to serve our country.
        Finally, I would also like to thank many friends and
    colleagues, some of whom are here today. You have helped me to
    be a better diplomat and, if confirmed, representative of our
    great nation.
        Mr. Chairman, I believe that my life experience, including
    more than 2 decades of experience with the Department of State,
    has prepared me well to take on this important challenge.
        As a Foreign Service officer, I devoted most of my career
    to advancing U.S. economic interests across the globe. From
    working to secure greater access to international markets for
    U.S. firms, to supporting energy security and promoting U.S.
    trade and investment, I have gained a deep understanding of the
    intersection between government and the private sector and the
    role international organizations can play in advancing U.S.
    interests. Through my work at the OECD, the International
    Energy Agency, and the World Trade Organization, I have worked
    with likeminded countries to build support for policies that
    benefit the United States. I have also spent time in the
    private sector, an experience that will be valuable to ensuring
    that private sector perspectives inform the work of the U.S.
    mission to the OECD.
        Since its founding in 1961, the OECD has played a unique
    role among international organizations as a valuable source of
    market-friendly, evidence-based research and policy advice.
    Through economic analysis, peer reviews, and development of
    policy standards, the OECD encourages sound economic policies
    that support economic growth and open markets for U.S. trade
    and investment. The OECD also serves as a platform to convene
    likeminded governments to cooperate on approaches to common
    challenges. It provides a venue where networks of regulators
    and government officials agree on market-enhancing rules on
    export credits, anti-bribery, sovereign wealth funds,
    international investment and competition policy. This work
    helps to promote U.S. job creation and expand international
    trade, investment, and financing and create opportunities for
    U.S. business and workers.
        The National Security Strategy calls on international
    organizations to be more accountable. If confirmed, I will work
    with other member countries to make the OECD accountable,
    transparent, member-driven, and cost-effective. I will advocate
    for improving the OECD's working methods to ensure member-
    driven prioritization, increase efficiency, and improve
    management practices to bring the OECD to the forefront of
    leading international organizations.
        If confirmed, I will press the OECD to focus on its core
    work of improving the functioning of markets and governments,
    encouraging fair and efficient systems of taxation, competition
    and investment; reinforcing mechanisms for combating
    corruption; and promoting the openness, integrity, and
    transparency of business and governments. I will ensure that
    the OECD's leadership responds to members' concerns rather than
    pursuing its own agenda.
        Over the past 50 years, the OECD has expanded its
    membership from the original 20 countries to 36. It is
    currently considering additional members. We need to proceed
    carefully to support qualified candidates without undermining
    the core work of the OECD. The OECD derives its global
    relevance not from universal membership but from the quality
    and impact of its policy instruments and best practice
    recommendations.
        If confirmed, I look forward to consulting with this
    committee and its staff both here in Washington and during the
    visits of congressional delegations to Paris.
        I thank the committee for this opportunity to appear today.
    If confirmed, my primary goal will be to leverage our
    participation in the OECD to advance U.S. economic interests.
        I would be happy to answer your questions. Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Bates follows:]

                       Prepared Statement of Pamela Bates

        Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the
    Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, it is an honor and a privilege
    to appear before you today as the nominee to serve as the
    Representative of the United States of America to the Organization for
    Economic Cooperation and Development, the OECD. I deeply appreciate the
    trust and confidence placed in me by President Trump and Secretary
    Pompeo by nominating me for this responsibility.
        On personal note, and as a prior member of the career foreign
    service, I would like to thank the many family members, friends and
    colleagues who have encouraged me in my journey which has led to this
    room today. I would like to thank my husband and son for adapting to
    and making the most of serving overseas with the Department of State. I
    would especially like to thank our son, who bravely attended new
    schools, sometimes in a foreign language--and who skillfully and
    diplomatically enjoys correcting my French pronunciation. I would also
    like to acknowledge my family members who could not be here today, many
    of whom served our wonderful country. My two grandfathers, who fought
    in World War I and my uncles who fought in World War II and Korea, my
    two grandmothers and my aunts who worked tirelessly on the home front,
    my father, a proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy, and my
    mother, the first person that I know of in my family to endeavor to
    take the foreign service exam. I would also like to thank my brother,
    and his family, who are currently serving with the United States Marine
    Corps. My family, and especially my parents, instilled in me a deep
    appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of the United
    States, as well as the duty to serve our country. Finally, I would also
    like to thank many friends and colleagues, some of whom are here today.
    You have helped me to be a better diplomat and, if confirmed,
    representative of our great nation.
        Mr. Chairman, I believe that my life experience--including more
    than two decades of experience with the Department of State--has
    prepared me well to take on this challenge.
        As a Foreign Service Officer, I devoted most of my career to
    advancing U.S. economic interests across the globe. From working to
    secure greater access to international markets for U.S. firms, to
    supporting energy security and promoting U.S. trade and investment, I
    have gained a deep understanding of the intersection between government
    and the private sector, and the role international organizations can
    play in advancing U.S. interests. Through my work at the OECD, the
    International Energy Agency and the World Trade Organization, I have
    worked with likeminded countries to build support for policies that
    benefit the United States. I have also spent time in the private
    sector, an experience that will be valuable to ensuring that private
    sector perspectives inform the work of U.S. Mission to the OECD.
        Since its founding in 1961, the OECD has played a unique role among
    international organizations as a valuable source of market-friendly,
    evidence-based research and policy advice. Through economic analysis,
    peer reviews and development of policy standards, the OECD encourages
    sound economic policies that support sustainable economic growth and
    open markets for U.S. trade and investment. The OECD also serves as a
    platform to convene likeminded governments to cooperate on approaches
    to common challenges. It provides a venue where networks of regulators
    and government officials agree on market-enhancing rules on export
    credits, anti-bribery, sovereign wealth funds, international investment
    and competition policy. This work helps to promote U.S. job creation
    and expand legitimate international investment, financing and trade
    opportunities for U.S. business.
        The National Security Strategy calls on international organizations
    to be more accountable. If confirmed, I will work with other member
    countries to make the OECD accountable, transparent, member-driven, and
    cost-effective. I will advocate for improving the OECD's working
    methods to ensure member-driven prioritization, increase efficiency and
    improve management practices to bring the OECD to the forefront of
    leading international organizations.
        If confirmed, I will press the OECD to focus on its core work of
    improving the functioning of markets and of governments, encouraging
    fair and efficient systems of taxation, competition and investment;
    reinforcing mechanisms for combating corruption; and promoting the
    openness, integrity, and transparency of business and governments. I
    will ensure that the OECD's leadership responds to members' concerns
    rather than pursues its own agenda.
        Over the past 50 years, the OECD has expanded its membership from
    the original 20 countries to 36. It is currently considering additional
    members. We need to proceed carefully to support qualified candidates
    without undermining the core work of the OECD. The OECD derives its
    global relevance not from universal membership but from the quality and
    impact of its policy instruments and best practice recommendations.
        If confirmed, I look forward to consulting with this committee and
    its staff, both here in Washington and during the visits of
    congressional delegations to Paris.
        I thank the committee for this opportunity to appear today. If
    confirmed, my primary goal will be to leverage our participation in the
    OECD to advance U.S. economic interests. I would be happy to answer
    your questions.

        Senator Rubio. Thank you very much.
        Mr. Landau?

    STATEMENT OF CHRISTOPHER LANDAU, OF MARYLAND, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                  AMERICA TO THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES

        Mr. Landau. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished
    members of this committee, I am honored to appear before you
    today as the nominee for Ambassador to Mexico. I am very
    grateful to both President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for their
    trust and confidence' and I appreciate the time that the
    members of this committee and your staff have spent with me.
    The confirmation process has only reaffirmed my respect for our
    Founders' wisdom in requiring the advice and consent of the
    Senate for ambassadorial nominations. If confirmed, I look
    forward to working closely with all of you.
        This hearing brings my life full circle. As an 8-year-old
    boy, I attended my father's hearing as nominee for Ambassador
    to Paraguay. I am here today, 47 years later, with my wife
    Caroline and our two children, Nathaniel and Julia. I am
    incredibly grateful for their love and support, as well as
    their enthusiasm, for this opportunity to serve our great
    country.
        My dad, George Landau, was a career Foreign Service
    officer. For him and for our family, the Foreign Service was
    more than just a job; it was the path to the American dream.
    Both of my parents were immigrants who came to this country
    with nothing. My father fled Austria when the Nazis took over
    in 1938 and made his way to Colombia, South America, and then
    to New York City. He became a U.S. citizens and Army
    intelligence officer in World War II.
        He later joined the Foreign Service and ultimately served
    as U.S. Ambassador to Paraguay, Chile, and Venezuela. He was
    nominated by and served under Presidents of both political
    parties.
        My parents devoted their lives to strengthening the bonds
    between the U.S. and Latin America. I would not be here today
    but for the opportunities that this country and particularly
    the Foreign Service afforded my family.
        I can think of no greater honor or privilege than the
    opportunity to represent our country in Mexico and to continue
    my family's mission of building bridges between the U.S. and
    Latin America. I grew up in the region and speak Spanish
    fluently. I focused on Latin American studies as an
    undergraduate and fully intended to join the Foreign Service
    myself.
        Ironically, it was my dad who urged me to go to law school
    and get a professional degree. My 30-year career in the law, in
    which I had the opportunity to brief and argue cases in the
    U.S. Supreme Court, all of the federal courts of appeals, and
    many State courts, has given me a profound respect for the rule
    of law, the importance of resolving disputes civilly, and the
    dignity of the individual. If confirmed, I will bring these
    passions to my job in Mexico.
        Our relationship with Mexico is one of paramount importance
    and complexity. We share a nearly 2,000-mile border from San
    Diego, California to Brownsville, Texas. More than 10 percent
    of all Americans, some 36 million people, are of Mexican
    heritage. Our cultures have grown increasingly intertwined from
    the Starbucks in Mexico City to Hollywood blockbusters directed
    by Mexicans. There is a lot to celebrate in our relationship
    with Mexico that often gets lost amidst discussion of the
    challenges.
        If confirmed, I will continue this administration's focus
    on a number of key priorities. The first will be to ensure the
    rule of law at the border. That is obviously a huge job that
    involves many agencies. My role, if confirmed, will be to
    foster cooperation with the Mexican people and authorities,
    neither country can solve the challenge of illegal immigration
    alone, and I am convinced that we can find common ground.
        Another key priority, if confirmed, will be the protection
    of the American people. The scourge of illegal drugs is
    devastating both our communities and the Mexican communities.
    Again, I see this as an area where we share a common interest
    with Mexico and pledge, if confirmed, to strengthen our
    partnership in fighting drugs. I would also like to underscore
    the importance of protecting the many millions of U.S. citizens
    who live in or visit Mexico.
        Finally, I would like to emphasize the importance of our
    economic relationship with Mexico. One of the most dramatic
    changes in my lifetime has been the integration of the U.S. and
    Mexican economies. When I was in college, the leading book on
    U.S.-Mexico relations was called ``Distant Neighbors.'' We used
    to have our backs to each other. Now the leading book is called
    ``Vanishing Frontiers,'' and Mexico recently became our largest
    trading partner in the world. This transformation offers
    benefits, but it also presents challenges. If confirmed, I look
    forward to working for passage of the USMCA and to promote fair
    and reciprocal trade.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Cardin, and distinguished
    members of this committee, our relationship with Mexico is
    unique in its direct impact on the security and prosperity of
    the American people. If confirmed, I pledge to be a good and
    faithful steward of that relationship.
        Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Landau follows:]

                     Prepared Statement Christopher Landau

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the
    committee, I'm honored to appear before you today as the nominee for
    Ambassador to Mexico. I'm very grateful to both President Trump and
    Secretary Pompeo for their trust and confidence. And I appreciate the
    time that the members of this committee and your staff have spent with
    me. The confirmation process has only reaffirmed my respect for our
    Founders' wisdom in requiring the advice and consent of the Senate for
    Ambassadorial nominations. If confirmed, I look forward to working
    closely with all of you.
        This hearing brings my life full circle. As an eight-year old boy,
    I attended my father's hearing as nominee for Ambassador to Paraguay.
    I'm here today, 47 years later, with my wife, Caroline, and our two
    children, Nathaniel and Julia. I'm incredibly grateful for their love
    and support, as well as their enthusiasm for this opportunity to serve
    our great country.
        My dad, George Landau, was a career Foreign Service Officer. For
    him, and for our family, the Foreign Service was more than just a job;
    it was the path to the American dream. Both of my parents were
    immigrants who arrived here with nothing. My dad fled Austria alone, at
    age 18, shortly after the Nazi takeover in 1938, and was able to get a
    visa for Colombia, South America. He arrived there by boat, without
    speaking a word of Spanish. That was the beginning of my family's close
    connection with Latin America. My dad had two main objectives in
    Colombia: to get his parents safely out of Austria, and to get himself
    to the United States. Within three years, he managed to accomplish
    both. With the help of the Catholic Church, he extracted his parents
    from Nazi-occupied Austria, thereby saving them from certain death, and
    they lived happily in Colombia for the rest of their lives and are
    buried there. And with the help of the Otis Elevator Company, my dad
    obtained a job in New York City, and arrived in this country in July
    1941, just months before Pearl Harbor. After the war broke out, he
    joined the Army, and soon became both a military intelligence officer
    and an American citizen. He met my mother, Maria, on active duty in
    occupied Austria, and she came over as a war bride in 1947.
        It was always my father's dream to join the Foreign Service, and he
    took and passed the exam in 1946, but wasn't allowed to join because he
    hadn't been a citizen long enough. Eventually, he met the citizenship
    requirements, and joined in 1957. Within 15 years, he became U.S.
    Ambassador to Paraguay, and then to Chile, and finally to Venezuela. He
    was nominated by, and served under, Presidents of both political
    parties. My parents devoted their lives to strengthening the bonds
    between the U.S. and Latin America. I wouldn't be here today but for
    the opportunities that this country, and particularly the Foreign
    Service, afforded my family. There's no other country in the world
    where immigrants like my parents could--through sheer talent,
    determination, and hard work--rise so fast and so far. For that, I'm
    deeply grateful.
        I can think of no greater honor or privilege than the opportunity
    to represent our country in Mexico, and to continue my family's mission
    of building bridges between the U.S. and Latin America. I grew up in
    the region, and speak Spanish fluently. I focused on Latin American
    studies as an undergraduate, and fully intended to join the Foreign
    Service myself. Ironically, it was my dad who urged me to go to law
    school and get a professional degree. My 30-year career in the law, in
    which I had the opportunity to brief and argue cases in the U.S.
    Supreme Court, all of the federal courts of appeals, and many state
    courts, has given me a profound respect for the rule of law, the
    importance of resolving disputes civilly, and the dignity of the
    individual. If confirmed, I'll bring these passions to my job in
    Mexico.
        Our relationship with Mexico is of one of paramount importance and
    complexity. We share a nearly 2,000 mile border from San Diego,
    California, to Brownsville, Texas. More than 10 percent of all
    Americans--some 36 million people--are of Mexican heritage. Our
    cultures have grown increasingly intertwined, from the Starbucks in
    Mexico City to Hollywood blockbusters directed by Mexicans. There's a
    lot to celebrate in our relationship with Mexico that often gets lost
    amidst discussion of the challenges.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I'll continue this administration's
    focus on a number of key priorities. The first will be to safeguard
    American sovereignty and ensure the rule of law at the border. That's
    obviously a huge job that involves many agencies. My role, if
    confirmed, will be to foster cooperation with the Mexican people and
    authorities. Neither country can solve the challenge of illegal
    immigration alone, and I'm convinced that we can find common ground.
        Another key priority, if confirmed, will be the protection of the
    American people. The scourge of illegal drugs is devastating both our
    communities and Mexican communities. Again, I see this as an area where
    we share a common interest with Mexico, and pledge if confirmed to
    focus on strengthening our partnership in fighting drugs, with a
    particular focus on fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine. I'd also
    like to underscore the importance of protecting the many millions of
    U.S. citizens who live in, and visit, Mexico. The U.S. Mission in
    Mexico is the largest consular operation in the world, and I fully
    understand and appreciate the value of those consular services to our
    fellow Americans and your constituents.
        Finally, I'd like to emphasize the importance of our economic
    relationship with Mexico. One of the most dramatic changes in my
    lifetime has been the integration of the U.S. and Mexican economies.
    When I was in college, the leading book on U.S.-Mexico relations was
    called ``Distant Neighbors.'' We used to have our backs to one another.
    Now, the leading book is called ``Vanishing Frontiers,'' and Mexico
    recently became our largest trading partner in the world. This
    transformation offers benefits, but also presents challenges. If
    confirmed, I look forward to working for passage of the USMCA and to
    promote fair and reciprocal trade.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of this committee, our
    relationship with Mexico is unique in its direct impact on the security
    and prosperity of the American people. If confirmed, I pledge to be a
    good and faithful steward of that relationship. Thank you.

        Ms. Nordquist?

     STATEMENT OF JENNIFER D. NORDQUIST, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE UNITED
        STATES EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTERNATIONAL BANK FOR
         RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS

        Ms. Nordquist. Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Cardin, as
    well as full committee Chairman Risch and Ranking Member
    Menendez, and all distinguished members of the committee, thank
    you for the opportunity to testify before you today.
        I would also like to thank President Trump for nominating
    me to serve as Executive Director of the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development, which forms a major component
    of the World Bank.
        I would not be sitting here today were it not for the love
    and support of my family, who are both literally and
    figuratively behind me: my husband and my rock Nels--and since
    this is a Foreign Service panel, I will also mention that he
    was in the Foreign Service and naval officer and is currently
    in the intelligence community--our three children, Annika, who
    flew in from Stanford University to be here, Lars and Britt
    Marie, who both are happily missing school today; my parents,
    my father Henry Berinstein is here visiting from New York; and
    my in-laws, Myron and Barbara Nordquist, who are your
    constituents, Senator Cardin. And I have a few friends and
    colleagues in the audience who are here or watching online
    today. So thank you, everybody, for your support.
        As this committee sees every day, the world faces many
    difficult and complex issues. These challenge the World Bank
    Group as never before. The United States has played a leading
    role in the bank since its founding at Bretton Woods, New
    Hampshire 75 years ago, and I look forward to keeping the U.S.
    actively engaged in the bank, using our voice and vote to
    advance the bank's mission to ameliorate poverty around the
    globe while also ensuring that the bank works in the best
    interests of U.S. taxpayers.
        I have had a deep interest in responding to poverty ever
    since I was a graduate student in Chicago, volunteering at
    Cabrini Green, then one of the nation's most dangerous housing
    developments. Later, while living and working in Thailand, I
    helped lead a national health education campaign to stem the
    AIDS epidemic that was ravaging the country at all
    socioeconomic levels. Subsequently in government service, I
    helped work to rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina,
    which hit the lowest income residents particularly hard, and I
    continued to work on related issues while at HUD.
        Research into the causes and impact of poverty was a large
    part of my portfolio at Brookings, where I spent almost 9 years
    in the economic studies program. In my current role at the
    Council of Economic Advisers, I counsel on the development of
    policies that promote opportunity and economic growth based on
    the latest economic research and analysis. I also have a
    background in macroeconomics, evidence-based policy, and
    banking and finance regulation, and plan to bring these
    valuable perspectives to my work, should you confirm me.
        Poverty remains an intractable problem. If there were easy
    policy solutions, they would have been implemented long, long
    ago. In the U.S., we have made a lot of progress since the War
    on Poverty was launched over half a century ago. Both
    bilaterally and through multilateral institutions, such as the
    World Bank, the U.S. has played a leading role in supporting
    the progress that the rest of the world has made in lifting
    people out of poverty and generating economic growth.
        The World Bank Group's loans and grants have helped
    diminish extreme poverty and improve human capital and health
    outcomes in countless countries, helping establish the
    necessary ingredients for prosperity. These efforts not only
    allow people to lead better, more productive and fulfilled
    lives, but they also open up markets to American firms--40
    percent of our exports go to the developing world--not only
    supporting American jobs, but also promoting stability and, of
    course, peace.
        The World Bank now faces the challenge of promoting
    development and stability in an environment where other
    lenders, both bilateral and multilateral, push developing
    countries into unsustainable debt and dependence, forcing these
    sovereign borrowers to accept poor quality projects that do not
    meet high quality environmental and social standards. In that
    regard, it is difficult to understand how any nation can be
    both a lender to the developing world while also taking
    advantage of the taxpayer-supported loans that the bank
    provides at the same time.
        If you allow me the privilege to serve as U.S. Executive
    Director, my goal would be to ensure the bank rises to these
    challenges. If Congress approves the capital increase requested
    in the President's budget, that means implementing the reforms
    that the U.S. negotiated as part of that package. These include
    stronger financial discipline, constraints on overhead costs at
    the bank itself, and focusing resources away from more
    developed countries and towards the less developed, more
    vulnerable ones, which is indeed the bank's core mission. These
    reforms should ensure that the bank does not ask for another
    capital increase in the near future.
        It would be an honor and a privilege to put my background
    in economic policy and government to work ensuring that the
    World Bank implements these reforms and develops a laser-like
    focus on sound, sustainable projects that eliminate extreme
    poverty, empower women, and help prevent violence and conflict.
        Thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today,
    and I look forward to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Nordquist follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of Jennifer D. Nordquist

        Chairman Rubio, Ranking Member Cardin--as well as full committee
    Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Menendez--and all distinguished
    members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify
    before you today. I'd also like to thank President Trump for nominating
    me to serve as Executive Director of the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development--which forms a major component of the
    World Bank.
        I would not be sitting here today were it not for the love and
    support of my family, who are literally and figuratively behind me: my
    husband and my rock, Nels; our three children--Annika (who flew in from
    Stanford to be here), Lars and Britt (who are happily missing school
    today); my parents (my dad is here visiting from New York); and my in-
    laws.
        As this committee sees every day, the world faces many difficult
    and complex issues. These challenge the World Bank Group as never
    before. The United States has played a leading role in the Bank since
    its founding at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire 75 years ago, and I look
    forward to keeping the U.S. actively engaged, using our voice and vote
    to advance the Bank's mission to ameliorate poverty around the globe,
    while also ensuring that the Bank works in the best interests of U.S.
    taxpayers.
        I have had a deep interest in responding to poverty ever since I
    was a graduate student in Chicago, volunteering at Cabrini Green, then
    one of the nation's most dangerous housing developments. Later, while
    living and working in Thailand, I helped lead a large health education
    campaign to stem the AIDS epidemic that was ravaging the country at all
    socio-economic levels. In subsequent government service, I helped work
    to rebuild the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina, which hit the lowest
    income residents particularly hard. I continued to work on related
    issues at HUD.
        Research into the causes and impact of poverty was a large part of
    my portfolio at Brookings, where I spent almost nine years. In my
    current role at the Council of Economic Advisers, I advise on the
    development of polices that promote opportunity and economic growth,
    based on the latest economic research and analysis. I also have a
    background in macroeconomics, evidence-based policy, and banking
    finance and regulation, and plan to bring these valuable perspectives
    to my work, should you confirm me.
        Poverty remains an intractable problem. If there were easy policy
    solutions, they would have been implemented long ago. In the U.S., we
    have made a lot of progress since the War on Poverty was launched over
    half a century ago. Both bilaterally and through multilateral
    institutions such as the World Bank, the U.S. has played a leading role
    in supporting the progress that the rest of the world has made in
    lifting people out of poverty and generating economic growth.
        The World Bank Group's loans and grants have helped diminish
    extreme poverty and improved human capital and health outcomes in
    countless countries, helping establish the necessary ingredients for
    prosperity. These efforts not only allow people to lead better, more
    productive, fulfilled lives, but they also open up markets to American
    firms--40 percent of our exports go to the developing world--not only
    supporting American jobs, but also promoting stability and, of course,
    peace.
        The World Bank now faces the challenge of promoting development and
    stability in an environment where other lenders, both bilateral and
    multilateral, push developing countries into unsustainable debt and
    dependence, forcing these sovereign borrowers to accept poor quality
    projects that do not meet high quality environmental and social
    standards. In that regard, it is difficult to understand how any nation
    can be both a lender to the developing world while also taking
    advantage of the taxpayersupported loans that the Bank provides at the
    same time.
        If you allow me the privilege to serve as the U.S. Executive
    Director, my goal would be to ensure the Bank rises to these
    challenges. If Congress approves the capital increase requested in the
    President's Budget, this means implementing the reforms that the U.S.
    negotiated as part of that package. These include stronger financial
    discipline, constraints on overhead costs at the Bank itself, and
    focusing resources away from more developed countries and towards the
    less developed, more vulnerable ones--which is indeed the Bank's core
    mission.
        It would be an honor and a privilege to put my background in
    economic policy and government to work ensuring that the World Bank
    implements these reforms and develops a laser-like focus on sound,
    sustainable projects that eliminate extreme poverty, empower women, and
    help prevent violence and conflict.
        Thank you for this opportunity to testify before you today, and I
    look forward to your questions.

        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Mr. Pedrosa?

      STATEMENT OF ELIOT PEDROSA, OF FLORIDA, TO BE UNITED STATES
    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK FOR A
                            TERM OF 3 YEARS

        Mr. Pedrosa. Thank you, Chairman Rubio and Ranking Member
    Cardin. Thank you to Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez,
    and all of the members of the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee.
        I was privileged last year to be advanced by this committee
    and confirmed by the full Senate to represent the United States
    on the board of the Inter-American Development Bank as its
    Alternate Executive Director. Today I am before you again as
    President Trump's nominee to serve as Executive Director. I was
    humbled to be nominated and confirmed last year, doubly so now.
    I want to thank the President and Secretary Mnuchin for their
    continued confidence in me, and I would like to thank each of
    the distinguished members of this committee for giving me the
    opportunity to present my qualifications for your consideration
    as you discharge your important constitutional role in
    providing advice and hopefully giving consent on the
    nominations before you today.
        I also want to thank my family for their love and support.
    My wife Nilda is here with me. She is my inspiration, my hero,
    and my love. Our 9-month-old twins, Emma Rose Adlin and Elias
    Augustus, are at home today, and although they are still far
    too young to watch this hearing live, during the many, many
    times that I plan to bore them with it when they are older, I
    have a message for them. Emma Rose, Elias, Mom and Dad love you
    very much. We are proud of you today, and we will be proud of
    you every single day as you grow up.
        I also want to thank my parents, Elier and Ines, and my in-
    laws, Ricardo and Nilda, who are live-streaming this hearing
    back home in Florida. Chairman Rubio and Ranking Member
    Menendez, my parents, just like yours, risked everything to
    escape tyranny so that their son could be born and live in the
    land of freedom and opportunity. This country welcomed my
    family and yours and thousands like them, offering liberty,
    equality, and the opportunity for prosperity. I am forever
    grateful to my family and my country for the life they have
    given me.
        Over the past year, I have had the honor of representing my
    country on the board of the IDB. During that time and
    throughout my 18 years of legal practice in the private sector,
    I was blessed by the opportunity to work with stakeholders
    throughout the Americas from Mexico down to the Southern Cone.
    This is a region blessed with incredible promise and
    opportunity, with rich natural resources, and with warm,
    dynamic people.
        But I have seen firsthand some of the challenges that the
    region faces. In too many places, weak institutions, unchecked
    corruption, political instability, and economic uncertainty
    throttle investment and prevent sustained growth. Since the
    IDB's founding 60 years ago, millions have been lifted out of
    poverty, but tens of millions in our region still live below
    the poverty line. The power of free markets and democratic
    institutions have together unleashed prosperity on
    unprecedented levels, but still too many citizens of the
    Americas are deprived of their basic rights to life, liberty,
    and economic opportunity by corrupt and oppressive governments,
    violent criminal gangs, and the crushing weight of economic
    hopelessness.
        As Americans, it is in our vital national interest to run
    towards these challenges, not away from them, and to work to
    help our neighbors create, nourish, and sustain stable,
    prosperous democracies in every corner of our shared
    hemisphere.
        If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed again today, I
    will devote myself to continue to work in partnership with my
    colleagues both in the executive branch and the Congress and
    particularly with this committee and your staff to ensure that
    the IDB continues to be an important part of the solution to
    regional problems. I firmly believe that American leadership
    and investment, both public and private, can change outcomes in
    the region for the better, and I hope to continue to have the
    opportunity work with you and your staffs to achieve that goal.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Members Menendez and Cardin, I thank
    you again for the opportunity to appear before you and the
    other members of this committee, and I welcome your questions.
    Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Pedrosa follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of Eliot Pedrosa

        Chairman Risch, Chairman Rubio, Ranking Members Menendez and
    Cardin, and members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I was
    privileged last year to be advanced by this committee and confirmed by
    the full Senate to represent the United States as Alternate Executive
    Director of the Inter-American Development Bank. Today, I am before you
    again as President Trump's nominee to serve as Executive Director.
        I was humbled to be nominated and confirmed last year; doubly so
    now. I want to thank the President and Secretary Mnuchin for their
    continued confidence in me, and I would like to thank each of the
    distinguished members of this committee for giving me the opportunity
    to present my qualifications for your consideration as you again
    discharge your important constitutional role in providing advice and
    consent on the nominations before you today.
        I also I want to thank my family for their love and support. My
    wife, Nilda, is here. She is my inspiration, my hero, and my love. Our
    nine-month old twins, Emma Rose Adlin and Elias Augustus, are at home
    today, and although they are still too young to watch this hearing
    live, during the many, many times, I bore them with it when they are
    older, I have a message for them. Emma Rose, Elias, Mom and Dad love
    you very much. We are proud of you today and we will be proud of you
    every single day as you grow up.
        I also want to thank my parents, Elier and Ines, and my in-laws,
    Ricardo and Nilda, who also could not be here today but are
    livestreaming the proceedings back home in Florida. Chairman Rubio and
    Ranking Member Menendez, my parents, like yours, risked everything to
    escape tyranny so that their son could be born and live in a land of
    freedom and opportunity. This country welcomed my family and yours and
    thousands like them, offering liberty, equality, and the opportunity
    for prosperity. I am forever grateful to my family and to my country,
    for the life they've given me.
        Over the past year, I've had the honor of representing my country
    on the Board of the IDB. During that time, and throughout my 18-year
    career in private legal practice, I have been blessed by the
    opportunity to work with stakeholders throughout the Americas, from
    Mexico down to the Southern Cone. This is a region blessed with
    incredible promise and opportunity, rich natural resources, and warm,
    dynamic people.
        But I have seen first-hand some of the challenges the region faces.
    In too many places, weak institutions, unchecked corruption, political
    instability, and economic uncertainty throttle investment and prevent
    sustained growth. Since the IDB's founding 60 years ago, millions have
    been lifted out of poverty, but tens of millions still live below the
    poverty line. The power of the free market and democratic government
    have together unleashed prosperity on unprecedented levels, but too
    many citizens of the Americas are still deprived of their basic rights
    to life, liberty, and economic opportunity by corrupt and oppressive
    governments, violent criminal gangs, and the crushing weight of
    hopelessness.
        As Americans, it is in our vital national interest to run towards
    these challenges, not away from them, and to work to help our neighbors
    create, nourish, and sustain stable, prosperous democracies in every
    corner of our shared hemisphere.
        If I am fortunate enough to be confirmed, I will devote myself to
    working in partnership with my colleagues, both in the Executive Branch
    as well as the Congress--and particularly in this committee--to ensure
    that the IDB continues to be an important part of the solution to
    regional problems. I firmly believe that American leadership and sound
    investment, both public and private, can change outcomes in the region
    for the better, and I hope to continue to have the opportunity to work
    with you and your staffs to achieve that goal.
        Mr. Chairman and Ranking Members Menendez and Cardin, I thank you
    again for this opportunity to appear before you and the other members
    of the committee, and I look forward to your questions.

        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Mr. Landau, let me just begin with you. I would start out
    by saying against some of the conventional wisdom, the
    relationship with the Obrador administration has been generally
    friendly. There are still some key issues, however, and trade
    disputes and tariffs, immigration and border security issues,
    obviously, the decision to remain neutral in the crisis in
    Venezuela which are potential or existing irritants.
        In fairness, the Mexican government and the Obrador
    administration has accommodated U.S. migration and border
    security policies and done so despite significant domestic
    criticism that it has received for agreeing to allow migrants,
    asylum seekers to await our immigration proceedings while still
    in Mexico, and for rapidly increasing deportation.
        So in light of all this, if confirmed, what do you view are
    our priorities in our relationship with Mexico, and what do you
    view are the areas that we need to improve?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, I think there are three key priorities
    that I would focus on, and I was relieved to hear that they
    were the same three priorities that Senator Cardin mentioned in
    his opening remarks as well and that you alluded to as well,
    Senator.
        The first is to address the common challenge of migration,
    particularly the Central American caravans that we have been
    seeing over the last several months.
        The second is drugs and transnational criminal
    organizations.
        And the third is trade.
        I think on all of those three issues, Senator, there is a
    lot of room for us to find common ground with Mexico. I think
    these are challenges, but I think at the same time, if I am
    confirmed, my role as a diplomat will be to look for that
    common ground, to work with the new administration in Mexico,
    to listen respectfully to what they have to say, to make our
    case persuasively to them. I am optimistic that we can find
    common ground that yields mutual benefits.
        Senator Rubio. Ms. Nordquist, a similar question. What
    would be your priorities, if confirmed as the U.S. Executive
    Director?
        Ms. Nordquist. Thank you, Senator.
        Well, the most pressing issue before the bank is the
    capital increase, which I mentioned in my testimony. I think in
    exchange for the capital increase, which as Senator Cardin
    mentioned, the United States is a very large share of it, the
    Treasury has negotiated to put in place some good reforms to
    ensure that the bank is not overextending itself, to keep its
    overhead costs under control, to make sure that there is
    organic capital accumulation from the loans and that they can
    be sustained over a 10-year window. So that would be my top
    priority.
        Also, I would like to focus on better coordination between
    the World Bank Group and some of our bilateral aid
    organizations within the U.S. government.
        Senator Rubio. Ms. Bates, what role, if any, can the OECD
    play alongside the WTO, the World Trade Organization, to reduce
    the growing tensions in global trade?
        Ms. Bates. Thank you for that question, Senator.
        The OECD has a tradition of data-driven analysis and making
    neutral policy recommendations.
        Senator Rubio. But that is so boring.
        [Laughter.]
        Ms. Bates. Well, what I was going to say in the trade
    context----
        Senator Rubio. I am kidding. I am joking. Somebody might be
    watching C-SPAN. I am sorry.
        [Laughter.]
        Ms. Bates. In the trade context, the organization has
    served in a capacity of allowing a forum where likeminded
    countries can discuss trade issues that is not a negotiating
    setting. My understanding is that USTR has found this very
    helpful to air a variety of issues in the OECD setting and to
    take a look at OECD recommendations which can then be used to
    formulate appropriate positions to the trade negotiations that
    are taking place.
        Senator Rubio. And, Mr. Pedrosa, obviously I am curious as
    to your views on the massive effort that will be required to
    help Venezuela rebuild after this catastrophe. They had--I
    think it was--an 18 percent contraction last year in their
    economy, projected to be another 25 percent this year. Some
    estimates are running in the $60 billion-$70 billion range to
    rebuild a completely archaic and non-functioning electric grid.
    There is a lot of work to be done. People view Venezuela as a
    wealthy country with a lot of oil resources, but it requires
    infrastructure to utilize that to build its future. So what
    plans are you aware of or what is your view of the role that
    the Inter-American Development Bank can play in that process?
        Mr. Pedrosa. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the question.
        I entirely agree with you. We have to get the
    reconstruction of Venezuela right not only for the sake of the
    Venezuelans, who have been living under a tyrannical and
    corrupt government for too long and who have suffered inhuman
    levels of poverty. Estimates are that 90 percent of Venezuelans
    now live in poverty, down from what used to be the richest
    country in the hemisphere.
        The IDB, I hope, will be a central player in the
    reconstruction of Venezuela. We are currently the first
    institution among the multilateral development banks and the
    IMF that have recognized and accepted a governor and executive
    director appointed by interim President Juan Guaido. The staff
    and the teams at the IDB are working closely with Governor
    Hausmann for Venezuela and his executive director on the
    planning for reconstruction efforts, and the United States
    government is working closely to understand the information
    that the IDB has and its plans so that members of the
    administration are fully briefed on what the IDB is thinking
    and doing. Certainly the IMF will play a critical role, one
    would hope, but the IDB can move in and help to improve lives,
    which is ultimately the core function of the institution. We
    will have the opportunity in Venezuela, I hope, to do it and we
    have to get it right.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Cardin?
        Senator Cardin. Again, I thank all of our witnesses for
    your testimony.
        Mr. Landau, I want to start first with the statement that
    you made on border issues, that the Ambassador will be to
    foster cooperation with the Mexican people and authorities.
    Neither country can solve the challenge of immigration alone,
    and I am convinced that we can find common ground.
        I can tell you that over recent times when we have had
    cooperation between the Mexicans and Americans, we have had
    much more stable circumstances on our border, and the sharing
    of information, the working together, working with Mexico on
    its southern border rather than our southern border has all
    been in our interest in dealing with the migration issues.
        But as I said in my opening statement, in my visit to
    Mexico City, there are some hard feelings between the
    government officials of Mexico and the United States.
        So, can you just share with me some thoughts as to how you
    can go about finding that common ground between Mexico and the
    United States?
        Mr. Landau. Absolutely, Senator. If confirmed, my role
    would be to be a diplomat, and what a diplomat does is
    articulates the position of his or her country effectively,
    communicates that to the people of the host country, and
    listens respectfully to what the authorities and the people of
    the host country say to look for common ground on these issues.
    I do think that public diplomacy is a very important tool in an
    ambassador's toolbox, and I look forward, if confirmed, to
    using that tool to the maximum extent I can. I think
    establishing personal relationships of trust and confidence
    down there will be absolutely critical and getting out to see
    the Mexican people and to forming, again, relationships with
    the new government will be my top priority.
        Senator Cardin. Mexico being our neighbor, I would just
    urge you to work with Members of Congress and see whether we
    can assist you in some of these efforts. We are looking at ways
    of improving OAS and helping with parliamentary dimensions
    because I do think engaging us can help you with your
    diplomatic mission. I just make that offer to you.
        Mr. Landau. Senator, I appreciate those words. I could not
    agree with you more. Certainly if I cannot find common ground
    here.I think it will be much harder to find common ground with
    the Mexicans and with people from other countries if we as
    Americans cannot find common ground amongst ourselves. And, if
    confirmed, I can certainly pledge to you that I will do
    everything I can in that regard, and I certainly look forward
    to having a very constructive and ongoing relationship with
    this committee.
        Senator Cardin. And I want to ask all the nominees in
    regards to basic human rights issues. So let me just start
    again with Mr. Landau, and then on my second round, I might get
    around to the others in regards to human rights.
        As I mentioned in my opening statement, Mexico has
    challenges. Every country in the world has challenges. In our
    bilateral relationships, we hope that we can advance basic
    values of human rights, good governance, anti-corruption, rule
    of law. So will you commit to work with this committee to
    advance human rights in Mexico particularly the safety of
    journalists and social activists? And to work to fight
    corruption in that country so that we can find ways that we can
    partner with Mexico in order to advance human rights and to
    fight the corruption?
        Mr. Landau. One hundred percent, Senator. The human rights
    and the support for democracy is a basic pillar of American
    foreign policy and has been so across administrations of both
    political parties here in our country. And I certainly come to
    this job, if confirmed, with a passion for the values that you
    just mentioned in terms of the rule of law. From my own
    professional background, I have litigated First Amendment
    cases. I understand the values that you just spoke of, and I am
    very committed to upholding them.
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Ms. Bates, you mentioned in your statement that you will do
    what you can, reinforcing mechanisms for combating corruption
    and promoting the openness, integrity, transparency of business
    and governments. OECD stands for a market economy, stands for
    democratic values, and yet we are fighting trends of so many
    countries where we find the rise of corruption and the
    weakening of democratic institutions.
        So how can you use your role to advance those values of
    open markets and good governance in a way that is consistent
    with the mission of the OECD?
        Ms. Bates. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        As you mentioned, there are a number of issues here on
    which the OECD can help to play a role in advancing accountable
    and transparent government.
        For OECD members, as I am sure the Senator is aware, the
    OECD is home to the Anti-Bribery Convention, and all 36
    members, plus an additional 4 countries who are not members of
    the OECD, are a party to that treaty, which uses a peer
    mechanism to review each other's anti-bribery and anti-
    corruption efforts.
        In terms of developing nations, there is also the
    Development Advisory Committee, the DAC, which puts out best
    policy and practices and recommendations that countries can
    adopt to help improve accountability of their government
    transparency and efficient functioning of their government. So
    there are tools and options available that the U.S.
    participates in currently that can be used to help ameliorate
    and improve the situation for governments that are facing
    challenges through these mechanisms at the OECD.
        Senator Cardin. I would ask that you would keep us informed
    as to how you are using those mechanisms to advance good
    governance, anti-corruption. We are considering legislation in
    this committee that would establish certain standards for all
    countries in regards to fighting corruption, as we do for anti-
    trafficking issues. And I think if you could keep us informed
    as to how you are using the convention in the OECD, it could be
    very helpful to us in our work.
        Ms. Bates. I would be happy to keep the committee informed.
    Thank you.
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And congratulations to all the nominees. You are very well
    qualified for the positions to which you have been nominated.
        Ms. Bates, since we have kind of a Latin America theme on
    this panel and that is a passion area of mine, I want to begin
    with you.
        Brazil would like to be an OECD member. Recently Colombia
    became the third member of the OECD--Colombia, Chile, Mexico--
    from the Americas.
        Talk a little bit about the path to accession for a nation
    like Brazil. In my view, it is a real positive that the OECD is
    kind of moving out of sort of just a northern American/European
    body to include more nations from other parts of the world. So
    just talk a little bit about that.
        Ms. Bates. Thank you, Senator.
        Accession at the OECD is a process that is agreed to by the
    current members of the OECD, and there are several steps to
    that process. One of the main goals of that process is to
    ensure that accession candidates are adopting what is called
    the OECD key, the criteria, the policies the ways of governing
    that meet OECD standards. So it is very helpful for countries
    that are moving into a Western democracy type of economy
    because these road maps are very detailed. I believe the one
    that was for Colombia had over 200 separate items that Colombia
    needed to engage upon and complete in order to be able to join
    the OECD. So it creates best practices, common standards, and a
    way of doing things that has been tried and true for the most
    part for the existing members, and it creates likemindedness.
        So for the accession process, it is part of the
    multilateral process within the organization that all members
    engage on not only in terms of invitations but also in terms of
    evaluating a country's readiness.
        Thank you.
        Senator Kaine. I know you have not been confirmed for the
    position yet and you cannot assume anything about confirmation.
    I know that President Trump has indicated his desire that
    Brazil would have that opportunity, and I imagine this will be
    something that will proceed according to the multilateral
    process you described. And we would like to continue to sort of
    stay in touch about that status, that progress.
        Mr. Landau, congratulations to you. I want to ask you a
    question about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada agreement.
        The ITC issues a report, and then that kind of triggers a
    period for Congress to respond. And their report on the pending
    agreement suggests that the deal will have a marginal positive
    effect on the American economy. I think marginal because the
    status quo was NAFTA. And so it was not, you know, should we
    not do it or do the USMCA. It is like compared to NAFTA, what
    would the effect be, and I think they say it would be a
    marginal positive agreement. That is good. But they indicate
    that that is only the case if the deal is effectively enforced.
        If you are confirmed, what might you tell us about how you
    would--without engaging in Mexico domestic politics, what could
    you do as the Ambassador to make sure that the commitments made
    in the agreement, particularly around things like labor and
    others, are effectively enforced by the Mexican government so
    that that net positive effect could be realized by Americans?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, that is a very important question.
    Certainly the Mexican legislature has just passed very
    significant labor reforms for Mexico. I think your question
    highlights the ongoing issue to make sure that those agreements
    and commitments are implemented. And if confirmed, I will work
    closely with this committee, with the U.S. Trade
    Representative, and Ambassador Lighthizer's team to make sure
    that all of the commitments are in fact fully and fairly
    implemented.
        Senator Kaine. I should know the answer to this question. I
    do not. Was a general way to describe the labor provisions of
    the renegotiated NAFTA is that Mexico would be required to have
    provisions that would accord with the ILO international labor
    standards?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, like you, I do not know if they are
    specifically ILO standards. I know that they are improved labor
    standards. There are higher wages at least in certain parts of
    Mexico, and I can get you the answer to that specific question
    after the hearing.
        Senator Kaine. I can find that out on my own, but I
    appreciate your answer to the general idea that if we do not
    enforce these, then people not only become cynical about trade
    deals, they become cynical about trade itself. And we really
    cannot afford to have that happen when so much of the economy
    relies on trade.
        Last thing, Mr. Pedrosa, talk a little bit about the IDB.
    Do we have a sufficient competitive alternative to Chinese
    investments in the Americas in the IDB now?
        Mr. Pedrosa. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        I think it is a critically important area. It is something
    that the IDB can do, and it is something that the IDB can do in
    partnership with the United States. I was thrilled that the
    House and Senate passed the BUILD Act last year, doubling the
    capacity of OPIC and transforming it into the DFC. I was
    actually in Colombia with the then-president of OPIC on the day
    that the Senate was voting on the bill. They are looking at
    opportunities for IDB and OPIC to work together.
        I think that it is critically that lenders like the IDB,
    like OPIC that adhere to international best practices, that are
    committed to transparency, that are committed to making sure
    that borrowers do not undertake unsustainable debt levels, we
    got to work together. We got to work together to provide a
    credible alternative to China and also to help strengthen the
    institutional capacity in the ministries of the countries that
    are being approached by China for lending so that they are
    better able to protect themselves against predatory lending.
        Senator Kaine. Great. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Senator Udall?
        Senator Udall. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Thank you to all of the panelists here today and the
    experience that you bring before the committee.
        And my question directed to Mr. Landau--I want to thank you
    for meeting in my office last week. You obviously have a
    distinguished legal career that has brought you before the
    Supreme Court many times and you have worked on behalf of your
    clients to solve many issues.
        Now, if confirmed, you will need to bring these skills to
    the post in Mexico City, a post that I believe is one of the
    most important, if not the most important, for the United
    States speaking as a border State Senator. Mexico is our
    southern neighbor, an important trading partner, a country that
    we share a long and varied history and culture--the United
    States and Mexico--and the border States in particular have a
    long history with Mexico, including a long history of
    intermingling and cultural sharing.
        As a well respected attorney, you have the opportunity to
    work with Mexican legal officials at all levels as they
    continue to reform their judiciary. This work will help Mexico
    address many of the structural issues that were addressed in
    the past and which continue to haunt many Mexican communities
    today.
        How will you work to leverage those skills to help Mexico
    during its transformation to an adversarial system, and what do
    you think should be the biggest priorities in terms of
    addressing procedure and due process in Mexico?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, thank you for that question.
        I do come to this job, if confirmed, with 30 years of legal
    practice under my belt and certainly a profound commitment to
    basic values of due process and fairness and respect for the
    rule of law. These are issues that Mexico, as you noted in your
    question, has been working on. They have made some significant
    steps in recent years to reform their own internal justice
    system. I think those kind of efforts are critical to
    increasing the security and prosperity within Mexico and, if
    confirmed, I would certainly draw on my legal background and my
    connections in the U.S. legal community, judges, prosecutors,
    State attorneys general, the entire panoply, to offer Mexico
    whatever partnership we can as they work to develop their own
    institutions.
        Senator Udall. It is interesting that you mention also
    State attorneys general. When I was an attorney general in the
    1990s, we actually would detail several people to Mexico. I
    think other border States did the same thing, of our four
    border States, in order to try to help them with these issues
    of moving to a different type of judiciary. So I think they are
    also a very important partner in this.
        The incoming or new Mexican administration has made
    combating corruption a major issue. This is, of course, a very
    important issue for U.S. companies doing business or investing
    in Mexico. How will you address corruption in Mexico?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, as you noted in your question, the
    Mexican government itself has focused on issues of corruption
    that they have had in that country. Certainly I will make it a
    priority to let the Mexican authorities and people understand
    that we stand ready, willing, and able to be a partner with
    Mexico, if asked, to work with them in this area, which is so
    important to the development of their economy because
    corruption issues are a huge deterrent to economic prosperity.
    At the end of the day, a strong, stable, and prosperous Mexico
    is very much in the interest of the United States.
        Senator Udall. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Congratulations to all of the nominees and their
    nominations.
        Let me start with you, Mr. Landau. I appreciate you can by
    and visited with me. We had a good conversation I thought, and
    I appreciated hearing your Spanish and making sure it is for
    real.
        [Laughter.]
        Mr. Landau. Esta verdad, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. [Spanish spoken.]
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. Last month, I cosponsored the Fentanyl
    Sanctions Act with Leader Schumer because I, like many
    Americans, are concerned about the massive amounts of fentanyl
    and heroin that is coming into the United States and the
    catastrophic effect it is having on Americans.
        Now, the President claims that building a wall at the
    Mexican border will help address the flow of drugs coming into
    our country, but the problem is--I want to ask you, are you
    aware that the Drug Enforcement Administration's 2018 National
    Drug Threat Assessment has repeatedly reported that the
    majority of illegal drugs coming from Mexico into the United
    States are coming through our legal points of entry?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, we need a holistic approach to the
    border that allows for trade to go, for people to be able to
    cross, and certainly one of my priorities would be to do what I
    can to improve the efficiency of the border. Efficiency in a
    way that also promotes our security. And as you noted, there is
    a very significant issue of fentanyl coming over the border, as
    well as other illegal drugs. Certainly I am aware that a large
    percentage of the fentanyl comes through legal points of entry.
        Senator Menendez. Okay. So as such, will you commit, if you
    are confirmed, to working with me and other members of this
    committee to advance a comprehensive solution that addresses
    all the steps in the production and trafficking process so that
    we can try to meet this challenge?
        Mr. Landau. Absolutely.
        Senator Menendez. Are you aware that Mexico is the second
    largest market for the United States' goods and services in the
    world?
        Mr. Landau. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. In the world.
        Mr. Landau. In the world.
        Senator Menendez. Now, as such, our trade with Mexico then
    is incredibly important in our economic interests as well. And
    so that is something I hope you are going to pay attention to.
        A group of Democratic colleagues and I introduced the
    Central American Reform and Enforcement Act which proposes I
    think responsible solutions to address the root causes driving
    individuals to flee their home countries and to strengthen our
    own mechanisms to ensure fairness and efficiency for those who
    do reach our border.
        In that context, I would like to ask you the following. Do
    you agree that migration from Central America's Northern
    Triangle is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted
    solution that tackles both strengthening our own mechanisms
    while also addressing the root causes that drive individuals to
    flee?
        Mr. Landau. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. Do you agree that Mexico plays a key role
    in addressing issues of migration from Central America?
        Mr. Landau. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. President Lopez Obrador has expressed an
    interest in working with the United States to address the root
    causes driving migration from Central America. Will you work
    with our partners in Mexico on these issues?
        Mr. Landau. Absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. Now, I am concerned about the confidence
    gap that exists. You and I discussed this a little bit. In the
    poll last year by the Pew Research Center, an overwhelming
    majority of respondents in Mexico--78 percent, in fact--said
    they had no confidence at all with reference to what the
    administration would do when it comes to global affairs. And
    negative views like this only increase the political costs for
    Mexican officials to work closely with the United States on a
    wide range of policies, which we need them to work with us.
        How do you plan to address this confidence gap, and how
    will you convince Mexican officials to cooperate with you and
    U.S. counterparts when you have this environment which you are
    walking into?
        Mr. Landau. Senator, I have tremendous respect for Mexico's
    history, its culture, its people, and certainly if I were to be
    confirmed, I would want to very aggressively pursue a program
    of public diplomacy so that the Mexican people and government
    would understand our positions, where we are coming from. I see
    public diplomacy as absolutely critical to the mission of a
    successful Ambassador and would use all of the tools at my
    disposal. And certainly my family and I cannot think of
    anything we would rather do than enjoy living in Mexico and
    experiencing the country and the hospitality of the Mexican
    people.
        Senator Menendez. And lastly, will you commit to myself and
    to the committee that if you are confirmed, that you will, when
    called upon, give honest and accurate information about
    circumstances in Mexico when you are called upon to do so and
    work with us when we have some legislative ideas to get your
    perspectives on it?
        Mr. Landau. Absolutely, Senator. I look forward, if
    confirmed, to welcoming you and other members of this committee
    to Mexico.
        Senator Menendez. Mr. Chairman, I have one or two other
    questions, and I do not know what the timing is.
        Senator Rubio. That is good. Let us go ahead.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you. I do not want the rest of you
    feel that I have left you out.
        So, Mr. Pedrosa, earlier this year, an IDB bank meeting in
    China fell apart when the Chinese government refused to
    accredit Venezuelan interim President Juan Guaido's governor to
    attend the meeting. As I understand it, the IDB lost millions
    of dollars in the last minute cancellation of the event.
        What lessons should the United States take away from these
    events, and what does it say about Chinese engagement in the
    hemisphere and at the IDB?
        Mr. Pedrosa. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        I think it says that China is not yet fully committed to
    playing by international rules. And I think it is an example of
    a phenomenon that we have seen elsewhere, and it was
    personified in that decision by the Chinese to refuse entry to
    a duly acknowledged and accepted governor of an international
    institution. Their failure to honor their commitment as a host
    country I think shows that they are not yet willing to abide by
    the international rules surrounding multilateral organizations,
    and I think we have seen other examples where they are not
    willing to abide----
        Senator Menendez. And so as such, I hope at the IDB, you
    are going to take that into consideration. I know we want their
    money in the bank, but by the same token, they have to live
    under the rules that all of us live under.
        Mr. Pedrosa. Absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. And finally, for Ms. Bates and Ms.
    Nordquist, I am increasingly concerned that the United States
    is not well positioned to engage in economic statecraft for the
    21st century, including promoting U.S. jobs, businesses, and
    economic interests, engaging in development financing for
    infrastructure and other needs, including climate change-
    related resiliency and setting standards for emergent
    technologies in the digital economy areas where we lead the
    world. But if we are not at the table, then others write the
    standards.
        Can you share with me how you view your role and your
    institution's role, if you are confirmed, in helping to renew
    and replenish U.S. economic statecraft instruments? What do you
    see as the biggest challenges? What do you see as the biggest
    opportunities?
        Ms. Bates. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        Economic statecraft, as previously defined and as will be
    defined as I am sure in ongoing conversations, is extremely
    important. Good economic policies that we promote to the rest
    of the world through an institution such as the OECD help to
    grow the American economy, help create jobs, help create a
    foundation for strong economic relationships between our
    country and others.
        I look forward to working with the committee in that
    capacity to look for new ways, as well as to work within the
    institution, if confirmed, to define the goals that would be
    appropriate, as I said, in conversation with the committee for
    economic statecraft.
        Within the mission itself, I think there are a number of
    tools. There are a number of committees within the OECD where
    we can promote U.S. views on the best practices and best
    approaches to foster an environment that creates sustainable
    economic growth.
        Senator Menendez. Ms. Nordquist?
        Ms. Nordquist. Thank you, Senator.
        So I am a huge believer in the mission of the World Bank.
    And the U.S. is the largest contributor to the World Bank, and
    we have a long history with the bank, one of its founding
    members, and obviously, the president is an American. And so I
    hope to continue to represent the United States interests as
    best as possible and be a good steward of taxpayer dollars
    while representing the U.S. interests at the bank.
        The U.S. also has taken a leading role in the environmental
    and social framework and pushing for anti-corruption efforts.
    And I also believe that the reforms that would be part of the
    increased capital package would really improve things at the
    bank. I think the bank is not a perfect entity, but it is
    certainly better than most of the Chinese loans that are out
    there that are forcing borrowers into bankruptcy and then the
    Chinese are seizing the assets.
        Senator Menendez. Well, I look forward to both of you and
    your institutions having some sense of how do we meet--you
    know, Chinese investment is manipulative at best and coercive
    at worst. And so I look forward to see how we use these
    institutions not only as a counter to compete successfully
    against them so they do not undermine countries that ultimately
    cannot afford what they get from the Chinese under the terms
    and then go into deep debt, but also how do we use our tools in
    international financial institutions to ultimately promote the
    U.S. interests abroad. And I would like to hear a little bit
    more from you on that maybe for the record.
        Senator Rubio. Senator Cardin?
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Ms. Nordquist, let me follow up on this point: the
    recapitalization reform. You indicate the reform is to
    concentrate more on the less developed countries, which I agree
    with completely, carrying out the mission of the bank, which is
    to make sure we have stable regimes to reduce poverty, to help
    women--which I strongly support--and to reduce the violence. I
    absolutely agree with those types of reforms that would lead us
    to those conclusions.
        But it is one thing to say that we are going to do it. It
    is another thing, in fact, to be able to be accountable in this
    area.
        You mentioned anti-corruption several times. To me,
    corruption is the fuel for instability in these countries. We
    have a lot of less developed countries that do not have
    sophisticated governments. They may even have resources. Those
    resources are used to fuel corruption rather than to help the
    people.
        So how do you see the reforms at the bank actually being
    carried out and practiced to help less developed countries
    develop the type of governance that can benefit the people of
    that country for a more stable life?
        Ms. Nordquist. Thank you, Senator.
        One thing that I have not really mentioned is that the
    whole idea of the World Bank is to help stabilize these
    countries so that private capital can come in. And I think that
    private capital is not going to come into a country that is
    endemically riddled with corruption.
        So the World Bank actually does have an inspection panel
    and an ombudsman, that they are actually increasing the funding
    towards those two entities to make sure that there is
    accountability and that there is not corruption. I do not know
    if you are familiar with the Jam v. IFC case, but obviously
    that was a project in India that went awry. The same thing
    happened in Uganda, and the warning signs were there, but there
    was not enough accountability in the bank to ensure that it did
    not happen. Right now, I think that those accountability
    mechanisms are much stronger and should hopefully prevent that
    in the future.
        I would say I am a little bit of a research nerd. There was
    a great paper last year in the ``Journal of Economic
    Perspectives'' that actually compared World Bank loans in
    Africa to Chinese-led loans in Africa. And they found that the
    Chinese loans not only had zero positive economic impact on the
    area, but they were corrupt and they spread the corruption
    exactly around where that project had taken place.
        Senator Cardin. I think I will challenge you on one point,
    and that is, there are extractive industries that go into
    corrupt countries because they know they can work out their
    deals and get the minerals that they want. And we have tried to
    take action to prevent that from happening.
        So I do not think we can just say that private investment
    will not go into corrupt regimes because we have seen that
    happen over and over again. But I do agree with you stable
    regimes need to be able to fight corruption because they will
    not stay stable.
        So I guess my question is what in the reforms give us
    confidence that, in fact, we will see a commitment in the less
    developed countries to deal with good governance?
        Ms. Nordquist. So I do know that particularly in the
    African region, the majority of World Bank loans go towards
    administrative, which is really focusing on developing strong
    governance tools and teaching these countries how to fight
    corruption. So there are mechanisms in place. And certainly,
    Senator, should you confirm me, I pledge to you to work to
    focus more of the World Bank resources on that issue.
        Senator Cardin. Would you commit to keep this committee
    informed, assuming the reforms go forward, as to how you are
    making progress or not making progress in dealing with
    corruption and good governance in less developed countries as a
    result of the recapitalization, the result of these efforts?
        Ms. Nordquist. Absolutely, Senator.
        Senator Cardin. We will hold you to that.
        Ms. Nordquist. Okay.
        Senator Cardin. Mr. Pedrosa, you mentioned the problems of
    fighting corruption in our hemisphere, and that goes well
    beyond Venezuela. We have many democratic governments that are
    plagued with corruption in our hemisphere.
        So how do you see your role in development assistance
    dealing with rooting out corruption so we have less impunity
    and more safety for the people in our region? It will also help
    us, by the way, in regards to the migration issues.
        Mr. Pedrosa. Senator, thank you for the question.
        I entirely agree with your last statement, that that will
    help us with the migration issues.
        As you know and as you mentioned at the beginning of your
    opening statement, one of the IDB's signature cross-cutting
    issues is anti-corruption, transparency, and rule of law. It
    means that every project that comes to the IDB board gets
    scored as to whether or not it is actually having some impact
    on that issue. I think that is vitally important. I think the
    work that we do to strengthen institutional capacities at the
    ministries is vitally important and it is something that we
    need to continue to do.
        I think we stand at a point of enormous opportunity. I
    think the light that has been shed on corruption in the region
    by the series of scandals that rocked it from Odebrecht to the
    Cuaderno scandal in Argentina put us in a position where the
    governments are finally--many of them willing to face this
    issue, which is not an easy on for government officials in
    these countries. Sometimes facing this issue means putting
    relatives and friends in legal jeopardy, but it is important
    work that has to be done. And I look forward to continuing to
    work within the IDB system to make sure that we are a part of
    that solution.
        Senator Cardin. And again, I would ask, as I have asked
    other witnesses, please keep us informed as to your success or
    lack of success in that regard. As I mentioned earlier, we are
    working on legislation here to try to identify best practices
    so that countries know that they are being watched on their
    efforts to fight corruption. And our bilateral relationship
    should always be aimed at reducing corruption and the
    mechanisms to provide for stability against corruption.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Rubio. We want to thank all four of you for being
    here.
        The record will remain open for 48 hours. If you get
    questions for the record, the quicker you can respond to them,
    the faster the chairman can move on to the business hearing,
    which is the next step in this process.
        But, again, I want to thank you all for giving us the time,
    for your willingness to serve.
        And with that, the hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 12:18 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
              Submitted to Pamela Bates by Senator Robert Menendez

    Economic Statecraft
        Question. As I mentioned during the hearing, I am increasingly
    concerned that the United States is not well positioned to engage in
    economic statecraft for the twenty-first century, including promoting
    U.S. jobs, business and economic interests, engaging in development
    financing for infrastructure and other needs, including climate change-
    related resiliency, and setting standards for emergent technologies and
    the digital economy.

       Can you expand upon how you view your role and your institutions
            role, if you are confirmed, in helping to renew and replenish
            U.S. economic statecraft instruments?

        Answer. The OECD promotes market-based policies and market-friendly
    regulations that contribute directly to expanding market opportunities
    and lowering costs for U.S. firms. By working with the OECD, the United
    States is able to make sure those recommendations reflect U.S.
    interests and priorities, and gain agreement on those recommendations
    among like-minded countries. This helps create and expand legitimate
    investment and financing opportunities for U.S. business and promote
    U.S. job creation.

        Question. Where do you see the biggest challenges? Biggest
    opportunities?

        Answer. In a rapidly changing economic, social, and technological
    landscape, determining policies that will promote the highest
    sustainable economic growth as stated in the OECD charter is a central
    challenge. It is important to keep the OECD focused on its strengths of
    high-quality, unbiased data collection and analysis to make those
    policy recommendations. U.S. engagement and leadership in the work and
    the governance of the OECD will ensure that the organization remains an
    effective, relevant institution and that its work continues to benefit
    the American people.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes. I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. I believe
    that it is important for government decision makers to be presented
    with an array of different policy views and perspectives, and if
    confirmed I would seek to encourage rather than stifle the presentation
    of such views. Moreover, any personal political beliefs of career
    employees are not relevant as long as they are able to fulfill the
    needs of their position and remain in compliance with all applicable
    laws, such as the Hatch Act.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would make certain all employees at the
    U.S. Mission to the OECD have taken necessary training to support
    diversity in the workplace and maintain Equal Employment Opportunity
    principles. I will also work to ensure that supervisors are promoting
    those principles through example and instruction and are handling any
    complaints through appropriate channels and mechanisms.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting?

        Answer. No.

        Question. If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or
    allegation, your response, and any resolution, including any
    settlements.

        Answer. Not applicable.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority?

        Answer. No.

        Question. If so, please describe the outcome and actions taken.

        Answer. Not applicable.

        follow-up questions submitted to pamela bates by senator robert
                                    menendez

        Question. In your response to my Questions for the Record, you
    stated: ``In a rapidly changing economic, social, and technological
    landscape, determining policies that will promote the highest
    sustainable economic growth as stated in the OECD charter is a central
    challenge. It is important to keep the OECD focused on its strengths of
    high-quality, unbiased data collection and analysis to make those
    policy recommendations. U.S. engagement and leadership in the work and
    the governance of the OECD will ensure that the organization remains an
    effective, relevant institution and that its work continues to benefit
    the American people:''

       When you say ``It is important to keep the OECD focused on its
            strengths of high-quality, unbiased data collection and
            analysis,'' does that include data and information based on the
            scientific community's consensus on climate change?

        Answer. The OECD should focus on providing data, information and
    analysis on a variety of technical issues, as agreed by member states,
    including those related to climate change such as emissions data and
    financing of low-carbon investments. The OECD provides value to its
    members by collecting information to produce data and analysis that
    informs decision-makers and supports negotiations and cooperation in
    other fora.

        Question.  What purpose do you believe is being served by the
    following policies and actions affecting the quality and integrity of
    U.S. data?

       the ``red team vs. blue team'' climate science review proposed by
            former EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt;
       limiting the scope of computer-generated climate change impact
            models used by U.S. government agencies making climate related
            policy decision to only project through 2040 (rather than
            through the end of the century as is accepted by the broader
            scientific community);
       eliminating the publication of ``worst case scenarios'' from
            reports on climate change effects;
       or the work within the White House, led by Dr. William Happer, to
            review the role climate science serves in U.S. national
            security planning?

        Answer. The U.S. Mission to the OECD relies on technical experts
    from more than 25 U.S. agencies to participate in the sharing of data
    and information at the OECD. If confirmed, I would work with relevant
    U.S. government agencies to support U.S. participation in OECD
    technical committees working on environmental policy and climate change
    issues. These agencies have the expertise to evaluate technical
    questions regarding the quality and integrity of U.S. data.

        Question.  Are you concerned with the effect the actions taken in
    the question above could have on the quality and integrity of U.S.
    (produced) climate change data?

        Answer. I would defer to subject matter experts from relevant U.S.
    government agencies to evaluate technical issues affecting the quality
    and integrity of U.S. data.

        Question.  What will you do to protect the integrity, impartiality,
    and quality of the scientific data on climate change the U.S.
    contributes to the OECD, especially in light of the aforementioned
    policies and reviews, which appear designed to limit publication and
    collection of scientific data in the interest of a biased political
    agenda to minimize, obfuscate, and deny the risks posed by climate
    change?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support the participation of
    technical experts from relevant U.S. government agencies in sharing
    data related to climate change and reviewing technical issues affecting
    the quality and integrity of U.S. data.

        Question.  Do you support the findings and agree with the concerns
    raised by the ``OECD Environmental Outlook to 2050: The Consequences of
    Inaction'' report, and would you support the OECD producing more high-
    quality and unbiased reports on the significant development and
    security risks associated with climate change?

        Answer. I would defer to subject matter experts to comment on the
    findings of this report and other OECD technical reports. If confirmed,
    I would support a process for producing high-quality and unbiased
    reports that have been reviewed by technical experts from the United
    States and other member states through OECD technical committees.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Pamela Bates by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What is the OECD's role in strengthening democratic
    institutions and promoting good governance?

        Answer. The OECD promotes best practices that support sound
    democratic institutions and good governance in areas such as rigorous
    government audits and financial controls, transparency in government
    contracting and procurement, and combatting bribery. For example, the
    OECD Anti-Bribery Convention reflects U.S. priorities as encapsulated
    in the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and helps to level the
    global playing field for U.S. business. U.S. efforts have led to a
    notable improvement in the legal, regulatory and enforcement efforts of
    the major trading countries of the world. As of 2018, 44 countries have
    acceded to the Anti-Bribery Convention, representing more than 60
    percent of world GDP.

        Question. If confirmed, how would you work to bolster the OECD's
    efforts in this area (strengthening democratic institutions and
    promoting good governance)?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would support projects that evaluate and
    improve the recommendations on best practices in these areas. I would
    also look for ways to encourage non-member countries to adhere to these
    practices, including through active enforcement and potential accession
    to the Anti-Bribery Convention.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. In my previous work as a career foreign service officer, I
    promoted market-based policy approaches at the OECD, which advance
    sustainable economic growth. Strengthening and expanding economic
    opportunities helps to enhance human rights and democracy by empowering
    the individual and improving his or her standard of living.

        Question. How would you characterize the OECD's engagement with
    emerging economies that are not members of the Organization, like
    China, Brazil, and India?

        Answer. Brazil, China, and India are all part of the OECD Key
    Partner program. Key Partners are encouraged to share data and
    participate actively in mutually beneficial OECD work areas including
    competition, investment, and taxation. Most of these countries already
    adhere to at least some of OECD's policy standards and legal
    instruments, but the objective of the Key Partner program is to help
    them adhere to more. By encouraging high standards for a wide range of
    economic policies, the OECD can help level the playing field for U.S.
    businesses.

        Question. What more should the Organization do to involve large
    non-members such as Brazil, China, and India in its work?

        Answer. The OECD should do more to make sure large non-members like
    Brazil, China, and India are adopting more OECD standards to provide a
    stronger foundation for economic growth and expand commercial
    opportunities for U.S. firms. Countries such as Brazil have
    demonstrated a commitment to OECD-inspired economic reforms while
    others, such as China and India, have shown less interest in adopting
    OECD norms. OECD members, including the United States, use the Key
    Partner program as a way to leverage the OECD to achieve our bilateral
    policy priorities including by promoting transparency, open markets and
    investment regimes, and a level playing field for U.S. business.

        Question. In recent weeks and months, we have seen some of the
    initial effects of how disruptive trade disputes can be for the U.S.
    economy. What role, if any, can the OECD play alongside the World Trade
    Organization (WTO) to reduce global trade tensions?

        Answer. The OECD can complement the WTO by providing evidence-based
    analysis of the OECD Trade Committee and being a forum that advocates
    policies aimed at opening markets and promoting free and fair trade.
    The OECD provides the United States with a forum for building support
    for initiatives at the WTO such as the digital trade discussions and
    fisheries subsidies negotiations. The OECD produces the most precise
    indicators available for monitoring countries' compliance with the WTO
    Trade Facilitation Agreement.

        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups at
    the OECD?

        Answer. If confirmed as the Chief of Mission, I would seek to
    recruit staff for the Mission from a broad range of backgrounds and to
    foster an environment of tolerance, respect, and professionalism that
    complies with U.S. law. As part of the governing Council of the OECD, I
    would push to make certain the OECD is doing the same.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the OECD are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would work closely with the OECD on all
    employment issues, including fostering a diverse and inclusive work
    environment, and the hiring of American citizens. I would ensure that
    OECD management understands the importance we place on equal employment
    opportunity and seek to influence OECD hiring policies to closely match
    U.S. standards in this area.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may
    have through the appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may
    have through the appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes interests in diversified
    mutual funds and a diversified Real Estate Investment Trust which may
    hold interest in companies located outside the United States, but which
    are exempt from the conflict of interest laws by regulation. My
    investment portfolio also includes interests in U.S. companies that may
    have a presence abroad. I am committed to ensuring that my official
    actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest. I will divest all
    investments the State Department Ethics Office deems necessary to avoid
    a conflict of interest, and I will remain vigilant with regard to my
    ethics obligations.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Christopher Landau by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question.  The President's repeated and public criticism of Mexico
    and the Mexican people continue to raise the political cost for Mexican
    authorities that cooperate with the United States on issues including
    securing our border, addressing unauthorized migration or challenges
    related to narcotics trafficking, which are contributing to the heroin
    and fentanyl epidemic plaguing our country.

       As our principal diplomat for the Americas, do you intend to
            formulate a strategy to make Mexico pay for a border wall
            between our countries?

        Answer. I understand that a border wall is one part of a
    comprehensive approach to further improve security on our southern
    border. I further understand that the State Department is engaged in an
    ongoing dialogue with our Mexican partners to ensure coordination and
    to exchange information on joint efforts to secure and modernize the
    border. If confirmed, I would work with U.S. interagency partners and
    the Mexican government to improve security for both countries along our
    common border.

        Question. Do you believe that the United States can address border
    security, migration, and drug trafficking without a productive
    partnership with Mexican authorities?

        Answer. I believe that Mexican cooperation is vital to the success
    of U.S. policy on issues of border security, migration, and drug
    trafficking. In fact, that is why I seek this job: I believe that these
    are shared challenges that neither country can successfully overcome on
    its own.

        Question. The day of your confirmation hearing, the President
    tweeted--
              I am very disappointed that Mexico is doing virtually nothing
            to stop illegal immigrants from coming to our Southern Border
            where everyone knows that because of the Democrats, our
            Immigration Laws are totally flawed & broken. Mexico's attitude
            is that people from other countries, including Mexico, should
            have the right to flow into the U.S. & that U.S. taxpayers
            should be responsible for the tremendous costs associated w/
            this illegal migration. Mexico is wrong and I will soon be
            giving a response!

       What is your assessment of how this tweet was received by the
            government of Mexico?

        Answer. I do not know how this tweet was received by the government
    of Mexico. I understand that the United States and Mexico are committed
    to working closely together to address our shared challenges. If
    confirmed, I pledge to work with our Mexican counterparts to find
    common ground to advance our important bilateral priorities, including
    illegal immigration.

        Question. During a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee in 2018, Secretary Pompeo affirmed that presidential
    statements are official U.S. positions and policy; therefore, is it is
    your assessment that Mexico is doing virtually nothing to stop
    undocumented migrants from entering the United States?

        Answer. I understand that the United States works closely with
    Mexico to address illegal immigration. Stopping illegal immigration and
    promoting safe, legal, and orderly forms of migration is a shared
    challenge for both countries. I believe that neither country can solve
    this challenge alone, and that we can find common ground with the
    government of Mexico on this critical issue.
        Question. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than
    42,000 Americans lost their lives to opioid overdoses in 2016--more
    than 20,000 of those deaths were related to fentanyl and more than
    15,000 were related to heroin. As you know, the majority of the heroin
    coming into the U.S. originates from Mexico and much of illicit
    fentanyl entering the U.S. comes from China and transits through
    Mexico.

       What is your assessment of the importance of U.S.-Mexico
            cooperation to address illicit heroin and fentanyl trafficking
            and transnational organized crime?

        Answer. I believe that Mexican cooperation is vital to address
    illicit heroin and fentanyl trafficking and transnational organized
    crime and, if confirmed, I will seek to foster our security partnership
    with Mexico. Neither country can successfully confront transnational
    organized crime or the scourge of drugs alone.

        Question. Do you think the U.S. can address heroin and fentanyl
    trafficking without Mexico's cooperation?

        Answer. No. I believe that neither country can successfully
    confront transnational organized crime or the scourge of illegal drugs
    alone.

        Question. Are you aware that DEA's 2018 National Drug Threat
    Assessment states that the majority of illegal drugs coming from Mexico
    into the U.S. are coming through our legal ports of entry?

        Answer. Yes, I am aware of the statements in DEA's 2018 National
    Drug Threat Assessment.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to advancing a comprehensive
    solution that includes addressing all steps in the production and
    trafficking processes, as well as common sense efforts to reduce
    demand?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to advancing a comprehensive
    solution that includes addressing all steps in the production and
    trafficking processes, as well as common sense efforts to reduce
    demand. I understand that the State Department will continue to
    coordinate with the Office of National Drug Control Policy, which has
    the lead on reducing demand in the United States.

        Question. Immigration is one of the most complex issues in the
    national debate. Do you agree that migration from Central America's
    Northern Triangle through Mexico is a complex issue that requires a
    multifaceted solution that tackles both strengthening our own
    mechanisms while also addressing the root causes that drive individuals
    to flee?

        Answer. Yes. I understand that the Department of State is committed
    to working with Mexico and Northern Triangle countries on shared
    security and development challenges. If confirmed, I look forward to
    continued dialogue on these issues.

        Question. Do you agree that Mexico plays a key role in addressing
    issues of migration from Central America?

        Answer. Yes. I believe that Mexico plays a key role with respect to
    migration from Central America, and that continued cooperation between
    Mexico and the United States is essential to address the security and
    humanitarian dimensions of such migration from Central America.

        Question. President Lopez Obrador has expressed an interest in
    working with the United States to address the root causes driving
    migration from Central America; do you commit to working with our
    partners in Mexico on these issues?

        Answer. Yes. I understand that the State Department is committed to
    working with Mexico on shared security and development challenges. If
    confirmed, I would seek to continue dialogue on these issues.

        Question. Do you believe that toxic rhetoric against Mexicans,
    Mexican Americans, and Central Americans is helpful in helping address
    these challenges?

        Answer. Our ties to both Mexico and Central America are grounded in
    our long, shared history. Our commitment to working together to achieve
    mutual goals of prosperity, security, and democracy is steadfast. If
    confirmed, I would seek to communicate with our Mexican neighbors in a
    fashion consistent with that tradition of cooperation and friendship.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption in the federal and
    state governments of Mexico?

        Answer. Corruption is a universal challenge and I understand that
    the Mexican government is committed to fighting corruption and
    fostering good governance at the federal and state levels. I understand
    that Mexico has undertaken an historic transition to an oral accusatory
    justice system that will provide greater transparency, accountability,
    and efficiency in the administration of justice. If confirmed, I will
    be committed to working with the Mexican government to support efforts
    to fight corruption and enhance the rule of law.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption in the main
    political parties in Mexico?

        Answer. I understand that Mexican voters have repeatedly cited
    corruption as a major concern and that President Lopez Obrador ran for
    office on an anti-corruption platform and stated he will not tolerate
    it in his administration. If confirmed, I will support Mexico's efforts
    to fight corruption in every context.

        Question. What steps will you take to support efforts by the
    government of Mexico to combat corruption?

        Answer. I have dedicated my career to the rule of law. I understand
    that the United States has supported Mexico's transition to an oral
    accusatory system that will provide greater transparency,
    accountability, and efficiency in the administration of justice. If
    confirmed, I will support this and other good governance and anti-
    corruption efforts in Mexico.

        Question. In a poll last year by the Pew Research Center, an
    overwhelming majority of respondents in Mexico--78 percent, in fact--
    said they had no confidence at all that President Trump would do the
    right thing when it came to global affairs. Negative views like this
    only increase the political cost for Mexican officials to work closely
    with the United States on a wide range of policy officials.

       How do you plan to address this confidence gap and how will you
            convince Mexican officials to cooperate with their U.S.
            counterparts when they don't trust our President?

        Answer. Mexico is one of the United States' closest and most valued
    partners. Our two countries share unbreakable bonds of geography,
    history, culture, economy, and family. If confirmed, my job will be to
    highlight these transcendent bonds, and to find common ground to
    address our shared challenges. I would use all the public diplomacy and
    outreach tools at my disposal to ensure that the Mexican people and
    government understand our positions and interest in fostering an even
    closer and mutually beneficial relationship.

        Question. How can they trust you, when you are his representative?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will devote myself to building personal
    relationships across Mexican society and communicating my deep respect
    for Mexico's history, culture, and people.

        Question. There are currently more than 37,000 missing or
    disappeared people in Mexico. In 2014, this issue shocked the
    conscience of Mexico and the world, when we heard of 43 students who
    disappeared in Iguala, a case that is symptomatic of a much larger
    issue. Additionally, the Committee to Protect Journalists reported the
    murder of a fifth Mexican journalist last week and has documented how
    Mexican journalists feel vulnerable as a result of President Obrador's
    anti-press comments.

       What is your assessment of the more than 37,000 Mexican citizens
            that are missing or disappeared?

        Answer. The issue of the missing and disappeared people is a major
    human rights challenge for Mexico. I understand that President Lopez
    Obrador has pledged that his administration will increase efforts to
    search for such people and also to identify the remains of the deceased
    in the possession of authorities. If confirmed, I will explore
    opportunities to support the Mexican government's efforts to address
    this challenge.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to raising concerns about the
    number of journalists who have been victims of violence?

        Answer. Yes. A free press is essential for any democracy. If
    confirmed, I commit to exploring ways that the United States can assist
    Mexican efforts to protect journalists.
        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to provide support
    in the resolution of the case of the 43 missing students?

        Answer. I understand that both the Inter-American Commission on
    Human Rights and the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human
    Rights have reached agreements to assist the Mexican government's
    investigation of the Iguala case. If confirmed, I would look to
    continue ongoing U.S. assistance to Mexico's law enforcement and
    justice sectors to enhance the capability of Mexican authorities to
    investigate and prosecute cases such as the disappearance of the 43
    students.
        Violence in Mexico is a serious challenge, and violence against
    women is a particularly alarming problem. In 2018, 3,580 women and
    girls were killed in Mexico, three times as many as were killed in
    2007, according to Mexican government statistics. During the same
    period, 14,558 women were raped, a figure that has risen steadily from
    12,638 in 2014. In several prominent cases, Mexican authorities have
    investigated killings of women first as suicides, a practice that
    places blame on the victim and absolves their killers of responsibility
    long before the facts of the case have even been determined. Mexican
    women's rights groups say authorities meet violence against women with
    indifference and impunity, and even the Lopez Obrador administration
    admitted in March that it had failed to do enough to protect women and
    girls.

        Question. What is your assessment of violence against women in
    Mexico?

        Answer. Violence against women is an abhorrent crime which
    unfortunately, occurs in all corners of the world, including Mexico. It
    is an issue that deeply concerns me. I understand that President Lopez
    Obrador has made the promotion of human rights and the elimination of
    corruption and impunity a priority for his administration. I further
    understand that the U.S. supports Mexican law enforcement with training
    assistance to be able to better detect, investigate, and prosecute
    crimes, including violence against women. If confirmed, I will look
    forward to fostering this close cooperation.

        Question. What steps will you personally take to address the
    challenge of violence against women in Mexico?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with our Mexican
    partners, including government, civil society, and others, to combat
    violence against women and other human rights abuses. I will continue
    Mission Mexico's work to support Mexico's justice sector and other
    organizations by offering training assistance, engaging in public
    messaging efforts, and supporting initiatives to help ensure
    perpetrators of these crimes face justice before the law and victims
    are able to obtain the services they need.
        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As a lawyer, I have devoted my career to promoting the rule
    of law and the civil resolution of disputes. I have handled cases
    seeking to promote judicial independence, see Beer v. United States,
    696 F.3d 1174 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (en banc), and the First Amendment, see
    Boehner v. McDermott, 484 F.3d 573 (D.C. Cir. 2007) (en banc). I have
    also handled pro bono cases seeking to protect individuals from
    arbitrary or unlawful government action. See e.g.,Maslenjak v. United
    States, 137 S. Ct. 1975 (2017); Perry v. Merit Systems Protection
    Board, 137 S. Ct. 1975 (2017). I revere the U.S. Constitution, and if
    confirmed all my actions as an officer of the United States will be
    animated by fidelity to that document.

        Question. What has been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As a lawyer in private practice, my actions have had the
    impact of civilly resolving disputes over my clients' rights and
    advancing their interests. If confirmed, I will seek to advance the
    interests of the United States, including our interest in promoting
    democracy and the rule of law in cooperation with our Mexican partners.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Mexico? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. I believe that institutionalization of the rule of law and
    addressing corruption are two of the most important challenges facing
    Mexico. The continued transition to a fair, prompt, effective and
    transparent justice system is essential to promote public confidence in
    Mexican institutions and to protect and promote human rights. In
    addition, the day-to-day safety and security of many Mexicans is
    threatened by criminal violence perpetrated by powerful transnational
    criminal organizations.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Mexico? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions?

        Answer. As an initial matter, I believe that it is important to
    underscore how far Mexico has advanced in this regard over the past
    generation. For most of my life, Mexico was a one-party state. That
    began to change in the 1980s and 1990s, and the change really took hold
    in 2000. During this period, Mexico has made tremendous strides to
    establish a competitive multi-party democracy, as underscored by the
    fact that political power has shifted between different parties at both
    the federal and state levels. Of course, ongoing challenges remain,
    including finalizing the transformation of the justice system and
    addressing impunity and corruption. If confirmed, I will work closely
    with U.S. and Mexican government officials and different elements of
    civil society to support the consolidation of democracy and rule of
    law.

        Question. What are the potential impediments to addressing the
    specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. Mexico's historic efforts to strengthen democracy and the
    rule of law face impediments ranging from criminal violence to
    corruption to economic and social inequality.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. I understand that the Department of State and USAID support
    democracy and governance programs in Mexico at the federal and state
    levels. If confirmed, I would explore available assistance resources
    and programs to continue to support Mexico's efforts to counter
    impunity, protect human rights, promote transparency, and prevent crime
    and violence, including near the U.S.-Mexico border. I will prioritize
    efforts that have a direct and lasting impact on our shared security.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Mexico?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Mexico.

        Question. What steps will you take to proactively address efforts
    to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or regulatory
    measures?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would certainly want to hear from civil
    society and NGOs any concerns they may have about any legal or
    regulatory measures that they believe might restrict or penalize their
    efforts.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties, understanding that
    such meetings do not entail endorsement, but merely underscore our
    support for meaningful political competition in a flourishing civil
    society.

        Question. What steps will you take to encourage genuine political
    competition? Will you advocate for access and inclusivity for women,
    minorities and youth within political parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with democratically oriented
    political opposition figures and parties, listen to their concerns, and
    if appropriate raise those concerns with government officials. I will
    also use these interactions, as well as exchange programs funded by the
    USG, to advocate access and inclusivity for women, minorities, and
    youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you advocate for access and inclusivity for women,
    minorities and youth within political parties?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will advocate for access and
    inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Mexico on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, the embassy team and I will actively
    engage with Mexico on freedom of the press and address any government
    efforts designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory, or other measures.

        Question. Will you commit to meeting regularly with independent,
    local press in Mexico?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Mexico.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work with my embassy team and I
    will actively engage with civil society and government counterparts on
    countering disinformation and propaganda disseminated by foreign state
    or non-state actors in Mexico.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Mexico on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, the embassy team and I will actively
    engage with Mexico on the right of labor groups to organize, including
    the right for independent trade unions to organize.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Mexico, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to using my position to defend
    the human rights and dignity of all people in Mexico, regardless of
    their sexual orientation or gender identity.

        Question. What challenges do the lesbian, gay, bisexual,
    transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in Mexico?

        Answer. I understand that LGBTQ people face challenges in Mexico,
    just as in other parts of the world, including discrimination and
    violence.

        Question. What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in Mexico?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to continuing the Mission's outreach
    to and engagement with LGTBQ organizations, to listening to their
    concerns, and if appropriate raising those concerns with government
    officials.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. I believe
    that this is important for government decision makers to be presented
    with an array of different policy views and perspectives, and if
    confirmed I would seek to encourage rather than stifle the presentation
    of such views.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that prohibited personnel
    practices, including retaliation and blacklisting, will not be
    tolerated. As a leader, I will demonstrate by example that I believe
    that the presentation of different policy views and perspectives should
    be encouraged, not stifled.May 21, 2019

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial ethnic, religious, etc.) or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority?

        Answer. No.

        Question. If so, please describe the outcome and actions taken.

        Answer. Given my response to the previous question, this is not
    applicable.

     follow-up question submitted to christopher landau by senator robert
                                    menendez

        Question. I posed this question previously, and would ask that you
    re-answer the following question.

            The President's repeated and public criticism of Mexico and the
            Mexican people continue to raise the political cost for Mexican
            authorities that cooperate with the United States on issues
            including securing our border, addressing unauthorized
            migration or challenges related to narcotics trafficking, which
            are contributing to the heroin and fentanyl epidemic plaguing
            our country:

       As our principal diplomat for the Americas, do you intend to
            formulate a strategy to make Mexico pay for a border wall
            between our countries?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador to Mexico, I will work to
    strengthen cooperation between our two countries on a broad range of
    political, security, migration, and economic issues involving our
    common border. Like the President, I am committed to improving border
    security, which is essential for the safety of our people. I believe
    that a secure and efficient border is in the interest of both
    countries, as it would facilitate legitimate trade and travel, while
    preventing the movement of illicit goods and travelers. I further
    believe that improved border infrastructure, to include walls, is a
    critical piece of strengthening control of the border, and defer to the
    President and Congress on funding decisions.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Christopher Landau by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  Mexican journalists, civil society leaders, and human
    rights defenders face higher risks than in almost any country in the
    world. A tragic number have been killed. Your predecessors worked hard
    to engage with civil society groups across the political spectrum. They
    also used the Embassy's powerful public platform to highlight human
    rights defenders who were at risk.

       If confirmed, how would you engage with civil society
            organizations?

        Answer. An active, engaged civil society is a vital part of a
    vibrant democracy. If confirmed, I would follow in my predecessors'
    steps by maintaining regular dialogue with civil society organizations,
    including journalists and human rights defenders, and look for ways to
    provide appropriate assistance, support, and training.

        Question. Do you commit to using the prominent, public nature of
    your position to help protect those at risk?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to using the prominent public
    nature of my position to help protect those at risk.

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. As a lawyer, I have devoted my career to promoting the rule
    of law and the civil resolution of disputes. I have handled cases
    seeking to promote judicial independence, see Beer v. United States,
    696 F.3d 1174 (Fed. Cir. 2012) (en banc), and the First Amendment, see
    Boehner v. McDermott, 484 F.3d 573 (D.C. Cir 2007) (en banc). I have
    also handled pro bono cases seeking to protect individuals from
    arbitrary or unlawful government action. See e.g., Maslenjak v. United
    States, 137 S. Ct. 1975 (2017); Perry v. Merit Systems Protection
    Board, 137 S. Ct. 1975 (2017). I revere the U.S. Constitution, and if
    confirmed all my actions will be animated by fidelity to that document.
        As a lawyer in private practice, my actions have had the impact of
    civilly resolving disputes over my clients' rights and advancing their
    interests. If confirmed, I will seek to advance the interests of the
    United States, including our interest in promoting democracy and the
    rule of law in cooperation with our Mexican partners.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Mexico?
    What are the most important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to
    promote human rights and democracy in Mexico? What do you hope to
    accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. I understand that the most pressing human rights issues in
    Mexico include unlawful or arbitrary killing, forced disappearances,
    torture, arbitrary detention, impunity, and violence directed against
    journalists. I believe that the most important steps we can take are to
    continue to support ongoing Mexican efforts to strengthen the justice
    sector to promote accountability for violators of human rights.
    Enhancing the capability and independence of the police, prosecutors,
    and the courts is essential to strengthen the rule of law and address
    impunity. The national search commission holds promise to address the
    problem of forced disappearances. I believe that my background and
    experience as a lawyer will enhance my ability to make a positive
    impact in these areas.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Mexico in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. I understand that Mexico is continuing to carry out an
    historic transformation of its justice system as it completes the
    transition from an inquisitorial to an accusatorial system and
    establishes a new Prosecutor General designed to have higher
    professional standards and greater independence. In addition, I
    understand that Mexico has also passed major legislation addressing
    torture and disappearances over the last two years. These changes will
    take years to fully implement, and at the same time Mexico faces
    historic levels of criminal violence, largely driven by transnational
    criminal organizations. In light of these challenges, I believe our
    continuing support for Mexican efforts is critical.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Mexico? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to proactively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I pledge to meet with human rights
    groups, civil society and other non-governmental organizations in the
    United States and Mexico. In fact, if confirmed, I plan to begin
    meetings with U.S.-based human rights organizations even before I
    arrive in Mexico. If confirmed, I also pledge to fully support the
    Leahy Law to ensure that any potential Mexican recipient of U.S.
    security assistance is thoroughly vetted. Also in this regard, if
    confirmed, I will explore ways in which we can continue to make human
    rights training a part of our broader security assistance efforts.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Mexico to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Mexico?

        Answer. While I am not aware of any credible reports of political
    prisoners or detainees in Mexico, if confirmed, I will ensure the
    Embassy takes all appropriate steps to address any such cases. In
    addition, if I am confirmed, the protection and well-being of
    incarcerated U.S. citizens will be a top priority.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns through appropriate
    channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns through appropriate
    channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Mexico?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified exchange-
    traded funds and diversified mutual funds, which may hold interests in
    companies with a presence in Mexico, but which are exempt from the
    conflict of interest laws. My investment portfolio also includes sector
    funds, which may hold interests in companies with a presence in Mexico,
    as well as financial interests in companies that maintain a presence in
    Mexico. I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not
    give rise to a conflict of interest. I will divest all investments the
    State Department Ethics Office deems necessary to avoid a conflict of
    interest, and I will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics
    obligations.

        Question. You will be managing one of our largest missions with
    more than 2,500 staff spread across the Embassy and consulates in ten
    cities. You will be responsible for large numbers of American families
    and the many Mexican locally engaged staff the Mission depends on to
    function.

       Can you tell me about your management experience and how you plan
            to lead such a large, diverse, and geographically scattered
            team?

        Answer. I have been a partner at two of the largest law firms in
    the world for almost 25 years. In that role, I have led innumerable
    teams of lawyers on cases, sometimes multiple lawyers at different
    firms in a single case. I understand the importance of effective
    leadership, especially in the context of a large and sprawling Mission
    like Mexico: setting clear priorities, ensuring all members of the team
    know how they contribute to the success of the mission, and
    establishing clear channels for communication. If confirmed, I look
    forward to working with the country team to ensure the success of
    Mission Mexico.
        Having grown up in a Foreign Service family, I am familiar with the
    operation of an embassy, and the importance of keeping up the morale of
    all the various team components, including employees of different
    federal agencies, foreign national employees, and employees at the
    various consulates throughout the country.

        Question. What steps would you take to ensure the continued
    motivation and morale of the Mission's hundreds of Mexican staff in
    light of potentially harsh rhetoric between our countries' leaders?

        Answer. Managing the diverse workforce of Mission Mexico, to
    include both Embassy and Consulate staff, multiple U.S. government
    agencies, contractors, direct-hires, U.S. citizens and Mexican
    nationals, will be a top priority for me if confirmed as Ambassador.
    Having grown up in a Foreign Service family, and having worked
    shoulder-to-shoulder with foreign national staff during my summer
    breaks, I am keenly aware of the critical contributions of such staff
    to the embassy's mission.
        I believe maintaining a positive work environment, open
    communication, and respecting the richness that diversity brings to our
    organization and work is an important part of being a good leader. If
    confirmed, I look forward to meeting the team in Mission Mexico,
    learning from them, and working together with that talented staff to
    strengthen the vital U.S.-Mexico relationship.Research from private
    industry demonstrates that, when managed well, diversity makes business
    teams better both in terms of creativity and in terms of productivity.

        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups in
    the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to leading the diverse team at
    Mission Mexico and to tapping the unique talents of each individual to
    advance our bilateral relationship and promote U.S. foreign policy
    objectives. If confirmed, I will prioritize training and mentoring to
    ensure that all employees have the skills and support necessary for
    current and future career development.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make clear that a diverse and
    inclusive work environment is a key priority.
        I understand that the State Department is fully committed to equal
    employment opportunity (EEO) and ensuring the Department's work
    environment is free from prohibited discrimination and harassment. I
    further understand this includes improving and enhancing mentorship
    programs, expanding outreach to managers who make hiring decisions, and
    encouraging collaboration with external partners. If confirmed, I will
    ensure that the Department's EEO policies in Mission Mexico are
    understood and followed, and will take advantage of the variety of
    programs the Department offers to help supervisors work with a
    multicultural staff.

        Question. Combatting corruption is important everywhere, but in few
    places more so than Mexico. Eliminating corruption ensures
    transnational criminal groups do not find safe haven in Mexico and it
    levels the playing field for U.S. companies doing business in Mexico.
    President Lopez Obrador was elected in large part due to his pledges to
    root out corruption, but thus far he has done comparatively little to
    complete the National Anti-Corruption system or implement promises his
    promises.

       How do you believe political corruption impacts democratic
            governance and the rule of law generally, and in Mexico
            specifically?

        Answer. Corruption is a challenge for all countries, including
    Mexico. Addressing corruption, promoting transparency and abiding by
    the rule of law are essential to good governance in any country. If
    confirmed, I commit to working with the Mexican government to support
    efforts in these areas.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Mexico
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Corruption is a challenge for all countries, and I
    understand that the Mexican government is working to fight impunity and
    corruption and promote good governance at the federal and state levels.
    I understand that Mexico is in the midst of an historic transition to
    an open, accusatorial system of justice, and that successful
    implementation of this effort will require substantial dedication and
    perseverance. I also understand that President Lopez Obrador ran for
    office on an anti-corruption platform, stated that he will not tolerate
    it in his administration, and recently appointed the first independent
    prosecutor general for Mexico. If confirmed, I will support these and
    other efforts to help Mexico fight corruption.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Mexico?

        Answer. I have dedicated my career to promoting the rule of law. If
    confirmed, I will support good governance and anti-corruption efforts
    in Mexico. I will continue to work with our partners in Mexico to
    strengthen an independent judiciary and will be ready to support
    Mexico's efforts as appropriate with my own professional experience and
    contacts throughout various branches of the U.S. federal and state
    governments.

        Question. We have worked closely with Mexico to confront shared
    security challenges. Through the Merida Initiative, a bilateral
    security and rule of law partnership, Congress has provided Mexico
    approximately $3.0 billion since 2008. President Lopez Obrador has been
    highly critical of Merida and has called for a different approach.

       How do you view the overall security situation in Mexico?

        Answer. I understand that Mexico continues to confront the threat
    posed by transnational criminal organizations. I further understand the
    United States and Mexico are committed to work together to address our
    shared security challenges, including confronting transnational
    criminal organizations, human smuggling and trafficking, the
    trafficking of illicit drugs, and illegal migration. If confirmed, I
    will work with our Mexican counterparts to advance these shared
    priorities.

        Question. What are your views on the Merida Initiative?

        Answer. I believe that the Merida Initiative established a vital
    framework for ongoing cooperation and dialogue between U.S. and Mexican
    officials on security matters of mutual concern. As with any such
    initiative, I believe that it is important from time to time to review
    whether specific programs are effective and worthwhile. If confirmed, I
    look forward to engaging in such a review with appropriate U.S. and
    Mexican officials.

        Question. How can we best partner with Mexico on shared security
    issues of concern?

        Answer. I believe that we can best partner with Mexico on shared
    security issues of concern by identifying such issues and working
    closely together to develop a strategy that yields mutually beneficial
    results.

        Question. Are adjustments needed in our security partnership?

        Answer. I believe adjustments are a fact of life in any
    partnership. The Merida Initiative has evolved over the years, and I
    will look for opportunities with Mexico to make additional adjustments
    where necessary and appropriate to reflect changes in conditions and
    priorities.

        Question. Over-militarizing law enforcement creates human rights
    concerns and is limited in its effectiveness. President Lopez Obrador
    pledged to demilitarize policing during the campaign, but he now
    appears to be backtracking on this pledge.

    W   hat role do you believe the Mexican military should have in
            internal security and law enforcement?

        Answer. I share the concern about over-militarization of law
    enforcement. By the same token, I recognize that transnational criminal
    organizations pose a substantial security threat to both the United
    States and Mexico, and that, to date, civilian police forces in Mexico
    have not been able to adequately meet this threat. If confirmed, I look
    forward to discussions with officials in both Mexico and the United
    States, including you and other interested Members of Congress,
    regarding this important issue.

        Question. How do you plan to engage the Mexican government on this
    issue?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize discussing ways in which
    the United States and Mexico can best align our law enforcement and
    security cooperation efforts, within the framework of how the Mexican
    government, through its democratic processes, chooses to organize its
    public security forces. I will, of course, always work to support
    Mexican efforts to advance human rights and promote democratic
    governance, and look forward to discussing the role of the military in
    internal security and law enforcement activities in this context.

        Question. One of the strengths of NAFTA was its incorporation of
    labor standards. These are critical as they both ensure protections for
    Mexican workers and a level playing field for American businesses.

       What is your assessment of the labor provisions in the USMCA?

        Answer. I understand that the USMCA includes a fully revised labor
    chapter with the strongest, most advanced, and most comprehensive set
    of enforceable labor obligations of any U.S. trade agreement, as well
    as a special annex on worker representation in collective bargaining in
    Mexico. On May 1, 2019, the government of Mexico--consistent with its
    2017 Constitutional reforms and in adherence with its USMCA
    commitments--approved groundbreaking reforms that will overhaul the
    country's system of labor justice and provide for the effective
    recognition of the right to bargain collectively.

        Question. In your view, were Mexico's most recent labor reforms
    sufficient?

        Answer. I understand the Mexican labor legislation is fully
    consistent with the obligations Mexico undertook in the USMCA. I
    believe that these reforms will promote better working conditions and
    higher wages for Mexican workers, and create the conditions for fairer
    competition between U.S. workers and their Mexican counterparts.

        Question. If confirmed, how would you help to ensure Mexican
    compliance with the provisions of the USMCA if the agreement is
    ratified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to facilitating U.S.
    government efforts to ensure Mexico's compliance and to working closely
    with the Mexican government as it implements these important reforms.

        Question. In December 2018, the Trump administration announced a
    new policy, the Migration Protection Protocols, to require asylum
    seekers who arrive at our southern border to wait in Mexico while
    United States immigration courts process their cases. Under the
    ``Remain in Mexico'' plan, asylum seekers could remain in limbo for a
    year or more in a country that has offered few details on how it will
    ensure immigrants adequate protections.
        As documented by the American Immigration Council, the American
    Immigration Lawyers Association, and Catholic Legal Immigration Network
    in a February 2019 letter to then-Department of Homeland Security
    Secretary Nielsen, there is substantial evidence that Mexican border
    towns are ``not safe places for asylum seekers'' and that the Migration
    Protection Protocols will cause serious harm to those affected by its
    implementation.

       So long as the ``Remain in Mexico'' plan is in place, what specific
            steps will you take to work with the Mexican government and
            ensure that asylum seekers are provided protection, as well as
            the opportunity to obtain a job, adequate housing, and other
            services?

        Answer. I understand that the State Department maintains an ongoing
    dialogue and close cooperation with Mexico on a wide range of issues,
    including border security efforts, immigration, and humanitarian
    assistance.
        I also understand that the Department is working with the
    government of Mexico to provide opportunities within Mexico, including
    working through multilateral partners such as the U.N. High
    Commissioner for Refugees to bolster Mexico's Refugee Commission, so
    that persons in need of international protection can find safety
    without continuing the journey to the U.S. southern border. If
    confirmed, I intend to engage the government of Mexico and our
    international partners on these important efforts.

                                   __________

          Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
              to Jennifer D. Nordquist by Senator Robert Menendez

    Economic Statecraft
        Question.  As I mentioned during the hearing, I am increasingly
    concerned that the United States is not well positioned to engage in
    economic statecraft for the twenty-first century, including promoting
    U.S. jobs, business and economic interests, engaging in development
    financing for infrastructure and other needs, including climate change-
    related resiliency, and setting standards for emergent technologies and
    the digital economy.

       Can you expand upon how you view your role and your institutions
            role, if you are confirmed, in helping to renew and replenish
            U.S. economic statecraft instruments?

        Answer. As the largest shareholder at all of the World Bank Group
    institutions, the United States is well-placed to use its voice and
    vote to ensure that our long-term economic and security interests are
    at the forefront of the Bank's mission. The World Bank is already one
    of the most important sources of financial assistance and policy advice
    to many of our strategic partners in the developing world and plays a
    vital role in helping to address many of the biggest economic and
    development challenges we face, from creating jobs for youth, to
    building quality infrastructure to help expand markets, investing in
    health and education, and tackling fragility, conflict, and violence.
    If confirmed, I look forward to ensuring that the World Bank remains a
    leader in advancing progress on these issues. To be effective, it is
    paramount that the Bank adhere to the Environmental and Social
    Framework, and the many U.S. legislative requirements passed by
    Congress, to ensure only high-quality projects are approved.

        Question.  Where do you see the biggest challenges? Biggest
    opportunities?

        Answer. It is critical to address the increasing debt burdens among
    many middle and low-income countries, which stem in part from the
    opening of many new sources of finance to these countries, including
    from non-traditional official creditors. Many non-traditional lenders,
    specifically China, do not appear to have the same goals as the Bank,
    or the United States for that matter, because they do not adhere to a
    rule-based system in any international fora. They underwrite
    infrastructure initiatives that push developing countries into
    unsustainable debt and dependence. Many of these projects are of poor
    quality, with low environmental and social standards, and may indeed be
    harmful to the countries receiving the loan or grant. As I mentioned at
    the hearing, research published in the Journal of Public Economics last
    year found that African countries taking these loans suffered from
    increased corruption and had zero impact on local economic activity.
    The opportunity is to show developing nations that the World Bank, with
    a higher set of standards, has a track record of delivering positive
    development results with its projects and that the Bank should be among
    the first place these countries approach for development finance and
    knowledge, not China.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree. I have worked with a great many civil
    servants and have the highest respect for them. In fact my husband is a
    civil servant. I pledge to protect all civil servants under me from any
    of the prohibited practices above, should you confirm me. I was also
    proud to gain the trust of my colleagues as noted in a letter in
    support of my nomination which was signed by 38 bipartisan policymakers
    and scholars, stating that I am ``respectful of diverse viewpoints, and
    accepting of what evidence-based research shows without political
    bias.''

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. In my current role, I discovered an anomaly on our books:
    an employee had taken funds in a questionable way immediately prior to
    my start date. Because this was highly unusual, I reported it to the
    Office of Administration counsel who confronted the employee and began
    an investigation. The employee then retaliated against me by lodging an
    informal complaint of discrimination which was then investigated by the
    EEO staff as well as our ethics officer, who informed me that he did
    not find evidence of wrongdoing on my part, and the complainant was
    uncooperative with his investigation. She then withdrew her EEO
    complaint, with prejudice, as part of an agreement terminating her
    employment.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. In my current role, some female interns complained of a
    toxic work environment created by some male interns. Our general
    counsel and I interviewed the entire intern class to get to the bottom
    of it. Our investigation concluded that three of our male interns
    behaved inappropriately, and we removed them from workplace immediately
    and relieved them of their positions. I also talked to the female
    interns afterwards to counsel them and further conferred with multiple
    female members of our staff to determine measures to prevent this from
    ever happening again; those measures were implemented immediately.

                                   __________

          Responses to Additional Questions for the Record Submitted
             to Jennifer D. Nordquist by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights and Corruption
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights, good governance, and
    democracy? What has been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. To date, I have mainly worked in the macroeconomic space,
    focusing on academic research within the U.S. government and at the
    Brookings Institution. However, in prior government service, I worked
    to ensure good governance in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina,
    working with state and local authorities to put systems in place to
    help rebuild the Gulf Coast and help get those devastated by the storm
    back on their feet. In addition, while living in Thailand, I did pro-
    bono work on AIDS education and prevention, doing outreach to sex
    workers about using protection. From my time living within an emerging
    market and my background in economic research, I understand how
    critical it is for countries to establish good governance and improve
    public service delivery in order to reduce poverty and spur long-term
    economic growth.

        Question.  How can the World Bank help to promote good governance
    and safeguard human rights?

        Answer. Multilateral institutions like the World Bank Group (WBG)
    can help developing countries understand the importance of good
    governance, rule of law, and human rights for poverty reduction, job
    creation, and economic growth. governments should protect everyone
    regardless of their race, creed, color, religion, or sexual
    orientation. The most successful countries in the world have good
    governance and protect human rights, while fragility, conflict, and
    violence are inextricably linked to poor governance and abuse of human
    rights. The WBG has technical expertise, combined with funds, to help
    countries advance prosperity for the poorest, especially targeting the
    least advantaged in these countries.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you use this position to advance
    human rights and good governance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will use my role as the U.S. representative
    to the WBG to advance these goals, uphold standards that promote
    transparency and protect human rights, and use the voice and vote of
    the United States to oppose assistance to governments identified as
    gross violators of human rights or not taking sufficient steps to
    combat trafficking in persons, among others.

    World Bank Capitalization
        Question.  On October 12, 2018, World Bank members, including the
    United States, approved a $60.1 billion capital increase for the IBRD,
    which would raise its capital from $268.9 billion to $329 billion.
    While the Trump administration supports a U.S. contribution to the
    capital increase, Congress must ultimately approve the use of U.S.
    funds.

       What are the benefits of increasing the IBRD's capital?

        Answer. The capital increase package negotiated by the U.S.
    Treasury institutes significant reforms at the International Bank for
    Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) in exchange for taxpayer funding
    of $1.2 billion as our share of the increase over six years. If
    Congress approves U.S. participation in the increase, it will be my job
    to ensure that World Bank Management implements the reforms, should you
    confirm me. The much-needed reforms that are part of the capital
    increase package include: a financial sustainability framework that
    prevents the IBRD from over lending; differentiated loan prices that
    require better-off borrowers to pay more; increasing the proportion of
    annual lending to the poorest IBRD borrowers; making sure the Bank
    takes a stronger position on graduating countries that do not need IBRD
    funds; and constraining overhead costs at the Bank itself, especially
    by restraining salary growth. The additional funding from shareholders
    will allow the Bank to maintain its recent levels of support to
    developing countries in real terms without jeopardizing its triple-A
    credit rating, while doing more to focus that support on countries
    without access to other sources of development finance. The Bank needs
    to be transparent, accountable and focused on sound, sustainable
    projects that are economically robust and use evidence-based research
    to ensure results meet the mission of eliminating extreme poverty.

        Question.  What repercussions would we see if the U.S. does not
    contribute towards the capital increase?

        Answer. Our voting share at the IBRD will be diluted, which makes
    our voice and vote harder to hear and will make us less effective.
    Furthermore, it will allow other shareholders such as China to have a
    larger role, which is not in our national security nor economic
    interests. The United States was a founding member of the Bretton Woods
    system that created the World Bank and IMF. We should not cede our
    leadership role. Further, the IBRD will have fewer resources to provide
    to it its borrowers. For FY18, the Middle East and North Africa region
    was the largest recipient of IBRD funds, which provide stability and
    support U.S. priorities in the region, including through education
    reforms, increasing youth and women's employment, and establishing more
    stable, inclusive macroeconomic frameworks.

    Diversity
        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups at
    the IBRD?

        Answer. I have lived and worked in culturally, religiously, and
    ideologically diverse environments in Asia, Europe, and the United
    States and hope to bring that background with me to the Bank, should
    you confirm me. In particular, I have worked to mentor younger women my
    entire career, especially at Brookings as a founding member of the
    Women's Mentoring Network. I have counseled countless women elsewhere
    in my career as well, including in my current job, encouraging younger
    women to stay in economic policy, given the dearth of female and
    minority economists in the United States. Staff diversity in any
    organization is important, and more so in a multilateral, multicultural
    institution.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the IBRD are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. Should you confirm me, I would like to see what systems
    IBRD already has in place to foster diversity and inclusion. I would
    then take that framework and discuss it with staff, particularly those
    involved in hiring decisions.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. Yes

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. Yes

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. Other than stock ownership in some international companies,
    any of which will be divested subject to agreement with OGE, I do not
    have any interest of which I am aware.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Eliot Pedrosa by Senator Robert Menendez.

    Economic Statecraft
        Question. As I mentioned during the hearing, I am increasingly
    concerned that the United States is not well positioned to engage in
    economic statecraft for the twenty-first century, including promoting
    U.S. jobs, business and economic interests, engaging in development
    financing for infrastructure and other needs, including climate change-
    related resiliency, and setting standards for emergent technologies and
    the digital economy.

       Can you expand upon how you view your role and your institutions
            role, if you are confirmed, in helping to renew and replenish
            U.S. economic statecraft instruments?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to leverage the United States'
    leadership position as the largest shareholder of the IDB to promote
    U.S. interests and its profile in the region. By promoting partnerships
    between the IDB Group and the newly-created Development Finance
    Corporation (DFC), the U.S. can magnify its impact throughout the
    region. In my current role as Alternate Executive Director, I have
    worked closely with my colleagues at OPIC to enhance cooperation and
    deal sharing between OPIC and the IDB Group, and if confirmed as
    Executive Director, I will continue to work with the DFC to expand and
    deepen this cooperation.

        Question.  Where do you see the biggest challenges? Biggest
    opportunities?

        Answer. A significant challenge and opportunity will be working to
    rebuild economies encumbered by unsustainable debt levels, often
    because of non-market predatory lending by China. The crushing debt
    burdens faced by countries like Venezuela, Ecuador and Argentina serve
    as a potent warning to others in the region. The United States, working
    with responsible partners in the G7 and the IFIs, should use this
    opportunity to assist regional developing countries to improve the
    institutional capacity of their ministries, demand transparency from
    their lenders, and adopt responsible policies that channel borrowing
    towards investment rather than consumption.

    Administrative
        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I agree and if confirmed will work to ensure that all
    employees under my leadership are fully and properly trained in all
    applicable policies and legal and ethical rules and that they abide by
    their letter and spirit scrupulously.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No allegations or complaints have been made against me.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I have not received complaints or allegations of this
    nature against an employee over whom I had supervisory authority.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Eliot Pedrosa by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights
        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As United States Alternate Director of the InterAmerican
    Development Bank, I have used my voice and vote on the IDB Board to
    promote human rights (including the rights of victims of human
    trafficking, the disabled, and religious minorities), gender equality,
    democracy, transparency and rule of law. I am particularly proud of our
    office's work to have the IDB recognize representatives of Interim
    President Guaido as the legitimate representatives of Venezuela at the
    IDB. I also continue to work to restrain IDB assistance to Nicaragua,
    given the deterioration in respect for human rights and democracy
    occurring there. Outside the boardroom, I have spoken to groups such as
    the Council of the Americas and the United States Global Leadership
    Coalition about the importance of human rights and rule of law and of
    the important role the IDB and other MDBs can play in their promotion.
        Previous to my current role, I worked on projects for the promotion
    of democracy and human rights throughout my career. As a law student, I
    had the opportunity to serve as a research assistant for the Harvard
    Institute for International Development's Central America Project,
    contributing to the publication of a book on legal reform in Central
    America. More recently, I spoke as a panelist at Harvard Law School on
    the continued failure of the Cuban government to respect democracy and
    human rights. Finally, through my service as Chairman of the Dean's
    Advisory Council of the Green School of International and Public
    Affairs at Florida International University, I provided support for the
    education and scholarship generated under the Green School's umbrella,
    such as the V clav Havel Program for Human Rights & Diplomacy.

    Diversity
        Question.  What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups at
    the IDB?

        Answer. If confirmed as Executive Director I will continue to
    promote, mentor, and support staff who come from diverse backgrounds
    and underrepresented groups, consistent with fair management practices
    and relevant U.S. government and IDB policies.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the IDB are fostering an environment that is diverse and
    inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to use my oversight role on
    the IDB's Board of Directors to try to ensure that IDB management
    fosters an environment that is diverse and inclusive. I will also
    continue to advocate for these issues to be considered, as appropriate,
    in the implementation and execution of IDB's human resources policies.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to continue to carry out my duties
    consistent with applicable conflict of interest laws and policies, and
    to reporting any potential misconduct of which I become aware to the
    appropriate authorities.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to continue to carry out my duties
    consistent with applicable conflict of interest laws and policies, and
    to reporting any potential misconduct of which I become aware to the
    appropriate authorities.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. No.

    China in Latin America
        Question.  Latin America and the Caribbean's economic relationship
    with China is increasing quickly, with exports to China increasing by
    30 percent in 2017 according to IDB data. As China-Latin America trade
    has increased over the past several years, China has increased its
    financial contributions to various IDB financing mechanisms and China
    was chosen as the site for the 2019 IDB annual meetings.

       How can the U.S. respond to China's increasing influence in the
            Western Hemisphere, especially in light of the U.S. decision to
            scale back contributions to the IDB?

        Answer. The United States should leverage its leading role in the
    relevant multilateral development banks--especially the IDB--to
    coordinate multilateral efforts with the efforts of the U.S. private
    sector and U.S. bilateral financing to provide a credible alternative
    to Chinese lending to the developing nations of the Western Hemisphere.
    The United States and the IDB can also provide technical assistance and
    cooperation to improve the institutional capacities of regional
    governments so that they can better protect themselves from predatory
    lending practices.
        The economic importance of China to the region has been growing
    quickly, but its impact has not fairly benefited the region's
    developing economies. China's demand for commodities positively
    contributed to Latin America's growth over the past decade, but has
    also deepened the region's dependence on commodities exports and
    exposure to volatility. The region must have a clear vision for what it
    hopes the relationship with China will be and ensure that Chinese trade
    and investment do not undercut the incentives to improve business
    environments, governance structures, and macroeconomic policies.

    BUILD Act
        Question.  As you know, The BUILD Act is part of the U.S. policy
    response to China's growing economic influence in developing countries.
    It aims to provide an alternative to China's state-directed investment
    financing model--which many U.S. policymakers view as lacking
    transparency, operating under inadequate environmental and social
    safeguards for projects, and employing questionable lending practices
    that may lead to unsustainable debt burdens in some poorer countries
    (``debt diplomacy'').

       What can you do to make multilateral development bank financing
            more attractive to developing countries relative to bilateral
            financing by China?

        Answer. Multilateral development banks should focus on their core
    value proposition to borrowers, which relies on lending that is
    sustainable and targets development impact in the borrowing country. By
    pairing sustainable, responsible lending with technical expertise and
    advice, the MDBs offer full-service development solutions that benefit
    the borrower, in contrast to Chinese bilateral lending, which primarily
    benefits China. MDBs should also continue to provide technical
    assistance and cooperation to improve the institutional capacities of
    regional governments so that they can better protect themselves from
    predatory lending practices. Finally, MDBs should continue to promote
    debt transparency and support their borrowers in demanding transparency
    from their bilateral lenders as well.

        Question.  What are opportunities for synergies between the new DFC
    and the IDB in collaborating on infrastructure and other projects in
    countries along China's Belt and Road Initiative?

        Answer. The synergies between the DFC and the IDB's private sector
    window, IDB Invest, are vast. The two organizations share common
    values, common safeguards for environmental, social and governance
    standards, and a common approach to development effectiveness that
    makes them natural partners and co-investors. As United States
    Alternate Executive Director at the IDB, I have been working to
    increase coordination between OPIC and the IDB Group, and if confirmed
    as Executive Director, I will continue to work with the DFC towards
    that goal.

    Northern Triangle of Central America
        Question. The IDB has worked extensively in Central America's
    Northern Triangle.
       How would you gauge the effectiveness at these efforts in
            increasing security, good governance, and prosperity to address
            the root causes of migration?

        Answer. The IDB's work with the Northern Triangle countries--both
    as a lender and as the technical secretariat of the Alliance for
    Prosperity--has provided important support for regional initiatives
    aimed at strengthening all three countries, including for example,
    strengthening the countries' push towards a customs union and an
    integrated regional market for electricity. However, much work remains
    to be done both on citizen security, rule of law, and creating economic
    opportunity so that the citizens of the Northern Triangle countries can
    feel both a sense of personal safety and fair opportunity, which can
    lower their vulnerability to migration. If confirmed, I will continue
    to support the IDB's efforts and focus on improving the effectiveness
    of these programs.

        Question.  What more can the IDB do to address the root causes of
    migration?

        Answer. The IDB should continue to support the governments of the
    Northern Triangle countries as they push for greater regional
    integration, more transparency and enhanced rule of law. In addition,
    IDB Invest should support the private sector in these countries to help
    promote greater investment and economic development. Historically, 9
    out of 10 new jobs are created by the private sector, and the
    participation of the private sector in the Northern Triangle is
    critical to addressing the root causes of migration.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you work to ensure the IDB
    effectively channels resources and technical assistance to the region?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to work with IDB management
    and my colleagues from the other IDB members to ensure that IDB lending
    is targeted to projects whose impact can improve conditions for those
    vulnerable populations who are victimized by organized trafficking
    rings. In addition, I will continue to work to ensure that technical
    assistance resources are effectively targeted to improve security and
    rule of law in order to create an environment receptive to investment
    and economic development.

    Venezuela Crisis
        Question.  What role does the IDB have in ensuring the region is
    equipped to handle the effects of the Venezuela crisis, including the
    influx of millions of fleeing Venezuelans?

        Answer. Recovery of the Venezuelan economy will require fundamental
    economic policy change, but also immediate humanitarian assistance and
    external financing to reactivate severely eroded productive capacity.
    International participation will be important, including from the IDB
    and other IFIs, and coordination with the region will be a critical
    component to any assistance effort. The IDB's role will be central
    within this broad framework, and the IDB is already engaged in a
    dialogue with the representatives of Venezuela's legitimate government,
    appointed by Interim President Juan Guaido, on the planning for that
    effort.
        In addition, the IDB has an important role to play in assisting
    Venezuela's neighbors to mitigate the regional impacts of Venezuela's
    crisis. This year, the IDB--with United States support--authorized the
    use of up to $100 million in grant resources, to be deployed alongside
    ordinary lending, to support IDB borrowing members who have been the
    destination for large and sudden migration of Venezuelans fleeing the
    crisis in their homeland. As IDB commits and disburses these funds, it
    will be important that they be used to maximum effect to mitigate the
    impacts of this regional crisis.

        Question.  Do you believe the IDB has the resources it needs to
    respond to the Venezuela crisis?

        Answer. The IDB is well-capitalized and operates with a disciplined
    long-term financial plan, which places it in a strong position to
    marshal the resources needed to fill this role as part of a coordinated
    response to the crisis.

                                   __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                            THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                 Committee on Foreign Relations
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 9:50 a.m. in Room
    SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. James E. Risch,
    chairman of the committee, presiding.
        Present: Senators Risch [presiding], Rubio, Gardner,
    Romney, Barrasso, Paul, Young, Cruz, Menendez, Cardin, Shaheen,
    Murphy, Kaine, and Markey.

               OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. JAMES E. RISCH,
                        U.S. SENATOR FROM IDAHO

        The Chairman. The committee will come to order.
        Good morning, everyone. We have four nominations to hear
    this morning.
        And just a friendly reminder for our guests in the audience
    that we invite everyone's participation here as guests.
    Expressions of approval or disapproval, et cetera, of course,
    are not permitted. There is an appropriate process for dealing
    with this. We hope that is not necessary.
        So with that, we are going to hear four important
    positions. Our nominees today are Mr. Andrew Bremberg to be
    Ambassador to the U.N. mission in Geneva; the Honorable Philip
    Goldberg to be Ambassador to Colombia; Mr. Doug Manchester to
    be Ambassador to The Bahamas; and Mr. Adrian Zuckerman to be
    Ambassador to Romania.
        First, we have Mr. Bremberg, nominated to serve as
    Ambassador to the Office of the United Nations and other
    international organizations in Geneva. Mr. Bremberg has a long
    history of public service and currently serves as Assistant to
    the President and Senior Advisor for Domestic Policy at the
    White House. He previously worked, as many of us here know, as
    policy advisor and counsel for Leader McConnell. He has also
    worked at the Department of Health and Human Services for 8
    years in a variety of capacities.
        The U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva is a critical
    role, which represents the U.S. at over 20 U.N. agencies based
    there. These agencies include the World Health Organization,
    the U.N. Refugee Agency, the International Organization for
    Migration, and the International Labor Organization, all very
    important organizations, and others besides.
        Right now, the World Health Organization is facing a
    serious problem with the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda. It
    is critical the U.S. continues to work closely with the World
    Health Organization to prevent the spread of this serious
    disease. The spread, of course, is also complicated by the
    political disruptions in the area.
        Also, as the world is facing a large refugee crisis now,
    the U.S. needs to work closely with the U.N. Refugee Agency and
    International Organization for Migration to ensure that the
    growing needs are being addressed.
        I look forward to hearing from you on these and many other
    issues during today's hearing.
        Next, we have Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, nominated to
    serve as Ambassador to Colombia. Ambassador Goldberg is a
    Career Minister in the U.S. Foreign Service and has received
    numerous presidential, State Department, and intelligence
    community awards. Ambassador Goldberg served as U.S. Ambassador
    to the Philippines and Bolivia, Chief of Mission in Kosovo, and
    Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research.
        Colombia is a key U.S. ally and the oldest democracy in
    Latin America with a growing international footprint. Our
    bilateral relations are anchored in the security framework of
    the 1999 Plan Colombia and the 2012 U.S.-Colombia Free Trade
    Agreement. Colombia is going through a significant
    transformation as it seeks to implement the 2016 peace
    agreement between the Santos government and the FARC terrorist
    organization. Colombian peace and prosperity continues to be
    threatened by criminal organizations inside its territory.
    Terrorist groups operating from Venezuela such as the National
    Liberation Army and the massive influx of refugees from the
    political and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which all of
    us, particularly I think myself and the ranking member, are
    very concerned.
        If confirmed, Ambassador Goldberg would fill a key role in
    strengthening our diplomatic relations with Colombia.
        Next, we have Mr. Doug Manchester, nominated to serve as
    Ambassador to The Bahamas. Mr. Manchester is a successful
    businessman and prominent philanthropist in his community. He
    is the former chairman of the Manchester Financial Group and
    former chairman and publisher of the San Diego Union Tribune.
        The United States has traditionally enjoyed close economic
    ties and cooperative relations with The Bahamas, which lies 45
    miles from Florida. Like other countries in the hemisphere, The
    Bahamas has become a destination of interest for Chinese
    investment and engagement. The U.S. has not had an Ambassador
    in The Bahamas since 2011, the longest gap in nearly 50 years.
        Some areas of productive engagement with the Bahamian
    authorities and people include energy investment, strengthening
    security cooperation, and support to counter Chinese predatory
    economic practices.
        I look forward to hearing from Mr. Manchester about how he
    plans to continue U.S. engagement with The Bahamas.
        Finally, we have Mr. Adrian Zuckerman of New Jersey,
    nominated to be the Ambassador to Romania. Mr. Zuckerman is a
    partner in the international law firm of Seyforth Shaw. A
    member of the New York Bar, he has practiced law since 1984.
    Mr. Zuckerman immigrated to the United States from communist
    Romania when he was 10 years old.
        Romania is a key U.S. partner in Europe and currently holds
    the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union.
    While they have been a NATO member since 2004 and an EU member
    since 2007, rampant corruption still remains an issue in the
    country. Romania continues to have difficulty with rule of law
    and has been designated a tier 2 country by the State
    Department for its continuing problems with trafficking in
    persons, a serious situation.
        Despite these domestic issues, Romania has been an
    excellent military partner for the U.S. and NATO.
        And I look forward to hearing your ideas about how the U.S.
    can both deepen our bilateral relationship and continue to
    encourage positive reforms in Romania.
        Thank you for being with us here today.
        Now I will turn it over to Senator Menendez.

                  STATEMENT OF HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW JERSEY

        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        To all the nominees, welcome and thank you for your
    willingness to serve.
        Now, normally I would use this time to praise the nominees
    before us for their deep knowledge and understanding of the
    region or institution where they will serve their extensive
    service to our country and the fine example we expect them to
    set as representatives of the United States abroad. However,
    with the exception of Ambassador Goldberg, I have strong
    concerns about each of these nominees today on this panel from
    policy grounds and lack of diplomatic experience to concerns on
    matters of character. And I hope the nominees can convince me
    today that my concerns are groundless and mistaken.
        Let me be clear. While I will be raising concerns about the
    backgrounds and views of the individual nominees who are here
    today, my real qualm is with the White House, which continues
    to send us nominees that, frankly, call into question whether
    the administration is conducting any due diligence before
    deciding who should be entrusted with the honor of serving the
    American people.
        Mr. Bremberg, if confirmed, you will represent the United
    States at the United Nations mission in Geneva at a time when,
    in some parts of the world, including here in Congress, there
    is concern about the administration's commitment to
    multilateral institutions and international organizations and
    the values they are championing at these forums.
        Geneva is home to some of the most important U.N. entities
    and international organizations, including the International
    Labor Organization, the International Organization for
    Migration, the U.N. Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for
    Human Rights, the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for
    Refugees, the U.N. Population Fund, the World Health
    Organization, and many others. If confirmed, you will be
    responsible for advancing a wide range of U.S. interests at
    these organizations.
        I have no doubt that you have expertise on a number of
    domestic policy issues, but I have concerns about your
    nomination to such a prominent diplomatic role, given your lack
    of experience in international diplomacy and on foreign policy
    issues more broadly.
        In addition, I have serious reservations about your
    suitability for this position based on some of the domestic
    policies you have advanced. While at the White House, you were
    involved in a number of troubling policies, including efforts
    to restrict access to birth control, to add a citizenship
    question to the Census. You also played a lead role in
    championing a deregulatory agenda that has repealed measures to
    protect women's health, retirement security, workplace safety,
    clean water, and anti-corruption safeguards.
        If these are the American values you will seek to
    championing in Geneva, I believe we are in a world of trouble.
    As I stated earlier, I hope you can convince me otherwise, and
    I look forward to hearing from you today.
        Mr. Manchester, frankly I am surprised to see you back
    here. After your last appearance before the committee, you made
    statements that I could not find fathomable, including that The
    Bahamas was a protectorate of the United States.
        Subsequent to your hearing and committee vote last
    Congress, information came out about a hostile work environment
    you fostered towards women at the San Diego Union Tribune.
        So I look forward to exploring those issues with you after
    your testimony.
        Mr. Zuckerman, when looking at Romania, I am concerned
    about the rule of law and corruption. Transparency
    International ranks Romania as one of the bottom four members
    of the European Union in terms of corruption, and I have heard
    from members of the American business community that problems
    with due process and rule of law hinder U.S. business
    investments there. The U.S. Ambassador to Romania must press
    the government of Romania on addressing corruption and
    strengthening its institutions to create a friendlier climate
    not only for Romania's people and businesses, but for U.S.
    companies as well. I intend to raise these and some other
    issues that I think you are familiar with during your
    questioning.
        Finally, I am pleased that we are considering the
    nomination for our next Ambassador to Colombia, one of the
    United States' closest partners in the Americas. Over 2
    decades, our countries have built a close-knit partnership, and
    the U.S. was proud to have stood with Colombia as it signed a
    historic peace accord in 2016. However, achieving peace
    requires a strategic vision and enduring commitment.
        So I look forward to hearing from Ambassador Goldberg as to
    how he envisions U.S. support for Colombia at this key moment,
    especially given the continued counternarcotics challenges and
    threats to social leaders around the country. I welcome the
    Ambassador's comments on how the U.S. can best support Colombia
    as it responds to the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela and the
    impact of more than 4 million refugees and migrants that are
    fleeing that country.
        Thank you all, and I look forward to your testimony.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Menendez.
        We will start with Mr. Bremberg.

          STATEMENT OF ANDREW P. BREMBERG, OF VIRGINIA, TO BE
    REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE OFFICE OF
      THE UNITED NATIONS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN
                  GENEVA, WITH THE RANK OF AMBASSADOR

        Mr. Bremberg. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez,
    distinguished members of this committee, thank you for the
    opportunity to be considered to represent the United States of
    America to the United Nations and other international
    organizations in Geneva.
        I want to thank the President for nominating me for this
    position and for the trust he has placed in me.
        I would not be here today without the support of my family.
    My wife Maria; my children, Paul, Lucy, Jane, and Annie; and
    other members of my family that are here with me today. I
    cannot thank them enough for their love and support and the
    sacrifices that they have made on my behalf. In particular, I
    want to thank my mother Rebecca for coming from New Jersey
    today. While growing up in Summit, her daily example of love
    and service to others has been the most formative experience of
    my life.
        Public service to our country has been my life's calling. I
    have served in government for more than a decade, both in the
    Senate and during two administrations. I have worked at the
    Department of Health and Human Services, and most recently I
    served as the Director of the Domestic Policy Council at the
    White House where I ran the interagency process for domestic
    policy issues, similar to the National Security Council.
        I have worked on a wide range of domestic and foreign
    policy issues in these positions, but through all of them, I
    have learned key skills that have served me well: the
    importance of consensus building and creating coalitions to
    support key initiatives: the value our career foreign and civil
    services can bring to address technical and complex policy
    issues; and the necessity of putting the American people first
    at every decision point.
        If confirmed to be the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in
    Geneva, I intend to focus on promoting human rights and
    advocating for key reforms in the U.N. system on behalf of the
    American people.
        American leadership was critical to the formation of the
    United Nations and adoption of the Universal Declaration of
    Human Rights. When we consider the ethnic cleansing of the
    Rohingya in Burma, the detention of 1 million Uighurs in China,
    and the growing crisis in Venezuela, it is clear that America's
    voice and moral clarity on human rights is needed to today as
    much as ever.
        Regrettably, the United Nations Human Rights Council in
    Geneva has not lived up to its noble mission or its name. The
    only permanent item on the council's agenda is criticism of
    Israel, which is a beacon of democracy and protection of human
    rights in a region that has little of either.
        If confirmed, I commit to giving voice to human rights
    issues that the council is either incapable or unwilling to
    address. I will continue to work productively with the Office
    of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and I will meet with
    human rights advocates and ensure that American leadership is
    consistently present on human rights.
        To legitimately fulfill its mandate, the Human Rights
    Council must be a fair, reliable, and impartial advocate for
    human rights and fundamental freedom. This is not possible if
    countries like China are allowed to use its influence campaign
    to undermine the work of the HRC. For example, we cannot stand
    for Chinese threats to missions in Geneva urging them to stay
    away from an event organized on March 13th about China's
    internment of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.
        American leadership was essential to the creation of the
    United Nations and we must pursue reforms to international
    organizations to protect the universal values these
    institutions were created to foster and defend in the first
    place.
        If confirmed, I will advocate for reforms at U.N.
    organizations to protect U.S. sovereignty and the broader world
    order we have fought so hard to create. We contribute more to
    the United Nations than any other country. It is our duty to
    ensure these funds are spent effectively, efficiently, and in a
    manner consistent with American values and interests.
        An example of the kind of reform I am talking about is an
    effort I spearheaded at the White House to address unfair
    postal rates in the Universal Postal Union. The UPU sets rates
    that foreign postal operators, such as the China Post,
    compensate the U.S. Postal Service for shipping small packages
    once they arrive in the United States. Under the current
    system, these rates are set so low that certain foreign
    shippers pay 70 percent less compared to what a U.S. small
    business has to pay to ship a package the same distance within
    the United States. In practice, this allows some Chinese
    sellers to sell for less their product, including shipping,
    than an American business must pay for shipping costs alone.
    The administration is currently seeking to renegotiate the UPU
    conventions to address this issue, and I am committed to
    working with our international partners to fix this problem.
        If confirmed, I commit to bring the same eye and initiative
    to other international organizations to seek reforms that will
    better protect Americans and people around the world.
        Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before this
    committee today, and I will be happy to answer your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Bremberg follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Andrew P. Bremberg

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, distinguished Members of
    the committee. Thank you for the opportunity to be considered to
    represent the United States of America to the United Nations and Other
    International Organizations in Geneva. I want to thank the President
    for nominating me for this position and for the trust he has placed in
    me.
        I would not be here today without the support of my family. My wife
    Maria, my children Paul, Lucy, Jane and Annie, and other members of my
    family that are here with me today. I cannot thank them enough for
    their love and support, and the sacrifices they have made on my behalf.
    In particular, I want to thank my mother Rebecca for coming from New
    Jersey today. While growing up in Summit, her daily example of love and
    service to others has been the most formative experience of my life.
        Public service to our country has been my life's calling. I have
    served in government for more than a decade, both in the Senate and
    during two administrations. I have worked at the Department of Health
    and Human Services, and most recently, I served as the Director of the
    Domestic Policy Council at the White House, where I ran the interagency
    process for domestic policy issues similar to the National Security
    Council.
        I have worked on a wide range of domestic and foreign policy issues
    in these positions, but throughout all of them I learned key skills
    that have served me well:

       The importance of consensus-building and creating coalitions to
            support key initiatives;

       The value our career foreign and civil services can bring to bear
            to address technical and complex policy issues; and

       The necessity of putting the American people first at every
            decision point.

        If confirmed to be the U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, I
    intend to focus on promoting Human Rights, and advocating for key
    reforms in the U.N. system on behalf of the American people.
        American leadership was critical to the formation of the United
    Nation and adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. When
    we consider the ethnic cleansing of the Rohingya in Burma, the
    detention of one million Uighurs [wee-gurs] in China, and the growing
    crisisin Venezuela, it is clear that America's voice and moral clarity
    on human rights is needed today as much as ever.
        Regrettably, the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva has
    not lived up to its noble mission or its name. The only permanent item
    on the Council's agenda is criticism of Israel, which is a beacon of
    democracy and protection of human rights in a region that has little of
    either.
        If confirmed, I commit to giving voice to human rights issues that
    the Council is either incapable or unwilling to address. I will
    continue to work productively with the Office of the High Commissioner
    for Human Rights, and I will meet with human rights advocates and
    ensure that American leadership is consistently present on human
    rights.
        To legitimately fulfill its mandate, the Human Rights Council must
    be a fair, reliable, and impartial advocate for human rights and
    fundamental freedom. This is not possible if counties like China are
    allowed to use its influence campaign to undermine the work of the HRC.
    For example, we cannot stand for Chinese threats to missions in Geneva
    urging them to stay away from an event organized onMarch 13 about
    China's internment of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang.
        American leadership was essential to the creation of the United
    Nations and we must pursue reforms to international organizations to
    protect the universal values these institutions were created to defend
    in the first place.
        If confirmed, I will advocate for reforms at U.N. organizations to
    protect U.S. sovereignty and the broader world order we have fought so
    hard to create. We contribute more to the United Nations than any other
    country. It is our duty to ensure these funds are spent effectively,
    efficiently, and in a manner consistent with American values and
    interests.
        An example of the kind of reform I am talking about is an effort I
    spearheaded at the White House to address unfair postal rates in the
    Universal Postal Union (UPU).
        The UPU sets the rates that foreign postal operators, such as the
    China Post, compensates the U.S. Postal Service for shipping small
    packages once those packages arrive in the United States. Under the
    current system, these rates are set so low that certain foreign
    shippers pay 70 percent less compared to what U.S. small businesses
    have to pay to ship a package the same distance within the United
    States. In practice, this allows some Chinese sellers to charge less
    for their product (including shipping and handling) than an American
    business must pay for shipping costs alone.
        The administration is currently seeking to renegotiate the UPU
    conventions to address this issue, and I am committed to working with
    our international partners to fix this problem.
        If confirmed, I commit to bring the same eye and initiative to
    other international organizations to seek reforms that will better
    protect Americans and people around the world.
        Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before this committee
    today, and I will be happy to answer your questions.

        The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Bremberg.
        Ambassador Goldberg?

    STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE PHILIP S. GOLDBERG, OF THE DISTRICT
      OF COLUMBIA, A CAREER MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE,
    CLASS OF CAREER AMBASSADOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND
        PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES TO THE REPUBLIC OF
                                COLOMBIA

        Ambassador Goldberg. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member
    Menendez, members of the committee, I am greatly honored to
    appear before you today as the President's nominee to serve as
    U.S. Ambassador to Colombia.
        This is the fourth time I have come before this committee
    over the past 13 years to ask for your advice and consent to
    serve in a presidential appointment. I deeply appreciate the
    vital constitutional role played by the Senate and the Congress
    as a whole in the foreign policy process. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with Congress on all aspects of our relationship
    with Colombia.
        30 years ago, I received a miniature flag of Colombia and
    was informed that I would be assigned to Bogota as a consular
    and political officer. The country at the time was racked with
    drug-fueled violence, urban bombings, and political
    assassinations that threatened the future of democratic
    governance and stability. Through hard work and perseverance,
    the Colombian government and people with the assistance of the
    government and people of the United States, disbanded the drug
    cartels of that era.
        In 2000, I returned to the embassy in Bogota on a temporary
    assignment to coordinate our contribution to Plan Colombia, an
    integrated approach to deal with the deteriorating political,
    economic, and security situation in the country. Through Plan
    Colombia, the Colombian government and people again organized
    to address the lawlessness and violence associated with
    criminal groups and the drug production that sustained them.
    Kidnapping and homicides were reduced substantially. Drug
    production and trafficking decreased. Again, the United States
    stood at the side of the Colombian government and people as
    they averted the potential collapse of the state.
        In both periods, the success of our efforts was the result
    of unwavering support from successive American administrations
    and bipartisan backing from the U.S. Congress. In my diplomatic
    career, Colombia has served as a model for how bipartisan
    foreign policy can achieve results that serve American
    interests, American values, and the American people.
        Now Colombia has entered a challenging but also very
    hopeful period in its history. In 2016, the Colombian
    government reached a historic peace agreement with the FARC.
    While implementation of the peace agreement has proven
    difficult and at times uneven, it represents the best
    opportunity to progress even further in key areas, particularly
    in extending rule of law and economic development to large
    areas of rural Colombia where human rights abuses and the
    plight of the displaced continue to be serious problems.
        Another urgent task is reducing the coca cultivation and
    drug production that increased alarmingly from 2013 to 2017. To
    reverse this troubling trend, the United States and Colombia
    agreed in 2018 to a plan that aims to cut cultivation and drug
    production in half by the end of 2023. Aggressive Colombian
    efforts under the Duque government have already led to
    substantially increased eradication of coca plants and
    interdiction of coca paste.
        And then there is Venezuela where a corrupt and
    undemocratic regime has driven well over a million desperate
    refugees and migrants into a generous Colombia, causing social,
    economic, and budgetary challenges that exacerbate existing
    problems and create whole new ones.
        As the security situation in Colombia has improved over the
    past 20 years so too has the economy. Colombia has become an
    important destination U.S. trade and investment. Colombian GDP
    has almost quadrupled in the past 20 years. Foreign investment
    has increased during that time almost tenfold, and the poverty
    rate cut from 64 to 28 percent. Our two-way trade of close to
    $30 billion supports over 100,000 U.S. jobs and represents a
    trade surplus in goods in our favor. With improved security,
    tourism has grown, including to places that 30 years ago would
    have been unimaginable. If confirmed, I will do all I can to
    increase this side of our relationship, the economic
    relationship.
        I would be honored to return to Colombia to lead the
    outstanding men and women who serve at our large and
    multifaceted mission. If confirmed, I pledge to work with our
    team to carry out a bilateral agenda rooted in a shared
    commitment to democracy, security, and prosperity.
        I look forward to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Goldberg follows:]

                       Prepared Statement Philip Goldberg

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, Members of the committee,
    I am greatly honored to appear before you today as the President's
    nominee to serve as United States Ambassador to Colombia. I appreciate
    the confidence shown by the President and Secretary Pompeo in asking me
    to take on this important responsibility.
        This is the fourth time I have come before this committee over the
    past 13 years to ask for your advice and consent to serve in a
    presidential appointment. I fully understand and deeply appreciate the
    vital constitutional role played by the Senate--and the Congress as a
    whole--in the foreign policy process. If confirmed I look forward to
    working closely with this committee and the entire Congress on our
    relationship with Colombia.
        Thirty years ago I received a miniature flag of Colombia and was
    informed that I would be assigned to Bogota as a consular and political
    officer. The country at the time was racked with drug-fueled violence,
    urban bombings and political assassinations that threatened the future
    of democratic governance and stability. Through hard work and
    perseverance, the Colombian government and people--with the assistance
    of the government and people of the United States--disbanded the drug
    cartels of that era.
        In 2000, I returned to the embassy in Bogota on a temporary
    assignment to coordinate our contribution to Plan Colombia, an
    integrated approach to deal with the deteriorating political, economic
    and security situation in the country. Through Plan Colombia, the
    Colombian government and people again organized to address the
    lawlessness and violence associated with insurgent groups and the drug
    production that sustained them. Kidnapping and homicides were reduced
    substantially. The Colombian government established a presence in the
    32 departments. Drug production and trafficking were reduced. During
    this period, the United States stood at the side of the Colombian
    government and people as they averted the potential collapse of the
    state.
        In both periods, the success of our efforts in Colombia was the
    result of unwavering support from successive American administrations
    and bipartisan backing from the U.S. Congress. In my diplomatic career,
    it has served as a model for how bipartisan foreign policy can achieve
    results that serve American interests, American values and the American
    people.
        Now, Colombia has entered a challenging but also very hopeful
    period in its history. Much has been accomplished over the past 20
    years but much remains to be done. In 2016, the Colombian government
    reached a historic peace agreement with the FARC. While implementation
    of the peace agreement has proven difficult and at times uneven, it
    represents the opportunity to progress even further in key areas,
    particularly in extending rule of law and economic development to large
    swaths of rural Colombia, where human rights abuses and the plight of
    the displaced have disproportionally impacted the Indigenous and Afro-
    Colombian populations.
        Another urgent task is reducing the coca cultivation and drug
    production that increased alarmingly from 2013-2017. To reverse this
    troubling trend, the United States and Colombia agreed in 2018 to a
    plan that aims to cut cultivation and drug production in half by the
    end of 2023. Aggressive Colombian efforts under the Duque government
    have already led to substantially increased eradication of coca plants
    and interdiction of coca paste. Our assistance continues to be
    essential in supporting all aspects of the Colombian government's
    integrated approach.
        And then there is Venezuela, where a corrupt and undemocratic
    regime has driven well over a million desperate refugees and migrants
    into a generous Colombia--and up to four million to the region--causing
    social, economic and budgetary challenges that exacerbate existing
    problems and create whole new ones. Colombia and President Duque have,
    not surprisingly, been stalwart partners in our diplomatic and
    humanitarian efforts to restore democracy and provide safe haven to the
    people of Venezuela. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Menendez,
        As the security situation in Colombia has improved over the past 20
    years, so too has the economy. Colombia has become an important
    destination for U.S. trade and investment. Colombian GDP has almost
    quadrupled in the past 20 years. Foreign investment has increased
    during that time almost tenfold--and the poverty rate cut from 64% to
    28%. Our two-way trade of close to $30 billion supports over 100,000
    U.S. jobs. We are Colombia's largest trading partner, and in 2018 our
    bilateral trade in goods created a $1.2 billion surplus in favor of the
    United States. Meanwhile, Colombia has entered the Organization for
    Economic Cooperation and Development as an upper middle income country,
    a step that will lead to greater policy alignment with free market
    economies. With improved security, tourism has grown, including to
    places that 30 years ago would have been unthinkable. On a festering
    trade dispute--the so-called ``truck scrappage law'' that imposed non-
    tariff barriers for the sale of new U.S. trucks--the Colombian
    government is committed to resolving the issue and removing those
    barriers by the end of June.
        I would be honored to return to Colombia to lead the outstanding
    men and women who serve at our large and multi-faceted mission. If
    confirmed, I pledge to work with our team to carry out a bilateral
    agenda rooted in a shared commitment to democracy, security and
    prosperity.
        I look forward to answering your questions.

        The Chairman. Mr. Manchester?

     STATEMENT OF DOUG MANCHESTER, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
               AMERICA TO THE COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS

        Mr. Manchester. Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, it
    is good to be back here, and I will answer your questions.
        I am honored to appear before you today as President
    Trump's nominee to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the
    Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am deeply grateful to the
    President and Secretary Pompeo for the support and confidence
    that they have placed in me. If confirmed, I pledge to work
    closely with you and this committee and its staff and other
    Members of Congress to advance our nation's interests in The
    Bahamas, which is so very, very important.
        We live in the greatest country in the world. I am blessed
    to have been brought up here and born here. And I am blessed
    with eight children and 13 grandchildren.
        I have also been blessed to be in this country to have
    success in insurance, real estate, medical instrumentation,
    broadcasting, publishing, construction, hotel ownership,
    development and oil drilling. I have operated 27 companies over
    the last 55 years with a total workforce of 6,000 people,
    surrounded myself with outstanding and diverse group of
    employees and advisors. I believe this experience is integral
    and essential in managing a successful U.S. mission in The
    Bahamas as well as prepared me for the duties of an Ambassador
    to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.
        Since its independence as a sovereign nation in 1973, The
    Bahamas has been a steadfast partner and neighbor of the United
    States. And given our shared interests--at its nearest point,
    the country lies barely 50 miles from the coast of Florida--we
    have cooperated as partners on security, commercial, and
    cultural and other issues. Together, we are confronting shared
    challenges such as illicit trafficking in narcotics, arms, and
    people, as well as the need to bolster the rule of law. If
    confirmed as Ambassador, I affirm my intention to maintain and
    strengthen the United States' collaboration with The Bahamas.
        If confirmed, I would take charge of the mission that has
    forged strong diplomatic and political ties with the government
    in Nassau. The Bahamas has been a leader in our drive to
    restore democracy in Venezuela, which is so very important.
    They have bravely staked a position supporting the government
    there under the leadership of interim President Guaido. The
    Bahamas has taken the lead in the Caribbean and setting a bold
    example for the nations in the regions to follow. The Prime
    Minister of The Bahamas joined President Trump last March at
    Mar-a-Lago, reinforcing our shared ties and steadfast
    commitment to democracy and prosperity in this hemisphere.
        Through those political, economic, and cultural ties, the
    United States and The Bahamas has forged a strong bilateral
    relationship that has served both countries well. Bahamians
    regularly travel to the United States to visit friends and
    family and conduct business. Approximately 23,000 United States
    citizens have residences in The Bahamas and 6 million travel
    there annually for tourism.
        If confirmed, I will strive to ensure the safety and
    security of American citizens living in or visiting The
    Bahamas. I will work closely with the Bahamian authorities,
    civil society groups, and guide the U.S. mission to promote
    innovative, effective, and whole-of-government efforts to
    reduce crime and other illegal activities.
        I will also continue to promote greater economic ties
    between the United States and The Bahamas for our mutual
    benefit. The Bahamas is an attractive destination for U.S.
    businesses when Bahamian authorities offer stable and
    transparent regulations for procurement and investment. We can,
    in fact, provide wonderful business opportunities for U.S.
    businesses. And we can create the engine for their own
    development. Earlier this month, the embassy participated in a
    business conference that highlighted the advantages and
    opportunities for American businesses to develop investments
    and export markets in The Bahamas. If confirmed, I intend to
    support efforts to further U.S. economic interests abroad.
        While, generally speaking, geography and history have
    forced strong bonds between our countries, The Bahamas also
    maintains close economic ties with other nations. We strongly
    believe that American companies can successfully compete with
    anybody in the world.
        In closing, I am confident that I will have the experience,
    commitment to lead our bilateral relationship with the people
    and the government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. If
    confirmed, I pledge to uphold the tradition and high standards
    of public service expected of a U.S. Ambassador. I look forward
    to the opportunity to continue to serve my country in this new
    capacity.
        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and committee
    members, I thank you and I am open for questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Manchester follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Douglas Manchester

        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and distinguished Members
    of the committee, I am honored to appear before you today as President
    Trump's nominee to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the
    Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I am deeply grateful to the President and
    Secretary Pompeo for the support and confidence they have placed in me.
    If confirmed, I pledge to work closely with you, with this committee
    and its staff, and other Members of Congress to advance our nation's
    interests in The Bahamas.
        I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family for all
    their support over the years. My children and grandchildren could not
    be here, but it is my family's love and support that has made this
    possible. I have had the wonderful fortune of success in insurance,
    real estate, medical instrumentation, broadcasting, publishing,
    construction, hotel ownership and development, and oil drilling. I have
    operated 27 companies, with a total workforce of more than 6,000
    people, surrounded myself with an outstanding and diverse group of
    employees and advisors. I believe this experience is integral and
    essential in managing a successful U.S. mission in the Bahamas and has
    well prepared me for the duties of Ambassador to the Commonwealth of
    The Bahamas.
        The Bahamas, since its independence as a sovereign nation in 1973,
    has been a steadfast partner and neighbor to the United States. Given
    our shared interests--at its nearest point, the country lies barely 50
    miles from the coast of Florida--we have cooperated as partners on
    security, commercial, cultural, and other issues. Together we are
    confronting shared challenges such as illicit trafficking in narcotics,
    arms, and people, as well as the need to bolster the rule of law. If
    confirmed as Ambassador, I affirm my intention to maintain and
    strengthen the United States' collaboration with The Bahamas.
        If confirmed, I would take charge of a Mission that has forged
    strong diplomatic and political ties with the government in Nassau. The
    Bahamas has been a leader in our drive to restore democracy in
    Venezuela. In bravely staking a position supporting a government there
    under the leadership of interim president Guaid", The Bahamas has taken
    the lead in the Caribbean, setting a bold example for nations in the
    region to follow. The Prime Minister of The Bahamas joined President
    Trump last March at a Mar a Lago summit, reinforcing our shared ties
    and steadfast commitment to democracy, security, and prosperity in this
    hemisphere.
        Through close political, economic, and cultural ties, the United
    States and The Bahamas have forged a strong bilateral relationship that
    has served both countries well. Bahamians regularly travel to the
    United States to visit friends and family and to conduct business. And
    approximately six million U.S. citizens travel to The Bahamas annually.
        If confirmed, I will strive to ensure the safety and security of
    American citizens living in or visiting The Bahamas. I will work
    closely with Bahamian authorities, civil society groups, and guide the
    U.S. Mission, to promote innovative, effective, and whole-of-government
    efforts to reduce crime and other illegal activities.
        I will also continue to promote greater economic ties between the
    United States and The Bahamas for our mutual benefit. The Bahamas is an
    attractive destination for U.S. businesses when Bahamian authorities
    offer stable and transparent regulations for procurement and
    investment. The Bahamas can offer our businesses a place to grow while
    we offer them an ``engine'' for their own development. Earlier this
    month, the Embassy participated in a business conference that
    highlighted the advantages and opportunities for American businesses to
    develop investments and export markets in The Bahamas. If confirmed, I
    intend to support efforts to further U.S. economic interests abroad.
        While geography and history have forged strong bonds between our
    countries, The Bahamas also maintains close economic ties with many
    other nations. We strongly believe that American companies can
    successfully compete with anybody in the world when transparent
    regulations and practices and steadfast respect for the rule of law
    prevail. If confirmed, I will continue our work to ensure the United
    States remains the commercial partner of choice in The Bahamas. I will
    also prioritize monitoring China's growing engagement in the region.
        Expanding educational exchanges is one of the best ways to deepen
    the already existing cultural and historical ties between the United
    States and The Bahamas. At present, approximately 2,100 students from
    The Bahamas study in the United States, and more than 950 students from
    the United States study in The Bahamas. And in the year ahead, we will
    resume our sponsorship of Fulbright scholarships for Bahamians,
    scholarships that allow experts to research and explore more about our
    two nations, deepening our understanding and cooperation. If confirmed,
    I will seek to increase levels of educational exchange between our two
    countries, including through enhancing existing partnerships and the
    building of new ones to achieve greater understanding and ties between
    our people.
        If confirmed, I look forward to enhancing U.S.--Bahamian relations
    and exploring every opportunity to engage with the government and
    people of The Bahamas to advance U.S. and shared interests. I will also
    work closely with Congress to broaden our engagement under the U.S.-
    Caribbean Resilience Partnership and U.S.-Caribbean 2020 strategy.
        Finally, as a matter of the highest priority, I would like to
    emphasize that my number one priority as Ambassador will be to protect
    U.S. Mission personnel, private U.S. citizens, and visiting American
    tourists throughout The Bahamas.
        In closing, I am confident that I have the experience, commitment,
    and energy to lead our bilateral relationship with the people and the
    government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. If confirmed, I pledge
    to uphold the tradition and high standards of public service expected
    of a U.S. ambassador. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to
    serve my country in this new capacity if confirmed.
        Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and committee Members, I
    thank you again for the opportunity to appear before you today, and I
    welcome your questions.

        The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Manchester.
        Mr. Zuckerman?

    STATEMENT OF ADRIAN ZUCKERMAN, OF NEW JERSEY, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                           AMERICA TO ROMANIA

        Mr. Zuckerman. Thank you, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member
    Menendez, and distinguished members of the Senate Foreign
    Relations Committee.
        I am honored to appear before you today as President
    Trump's nominee to be the United States Ambassador to Romania.
    I am humbled and very grateful for the confidence President
    Trump has placed in me. I am also thankful to all of you for
    your consideration.
        Please allow me to introduce my daughter Natalie. She
    represents our future, and I am fortunate she is with me here
    today.
        My voyage starts with two people who are here in spirit
    only: my beloved parents, Emil and Aura. Were it not for their
    courage, wisdom, and sacrifice, I would not be here. Both were
    teenagers in Bucharest during the Second World War. Like so
    many of their contemporaries, their families were dislocated
    and their property was confiscated. Against all odds and
    against continuing discrimination against Jewish people in the
    post-war communist regime, they both survived and attended
    college and medical school.
        I was born in Bucharest, Romania. I can read, write, and
    speak Romanian fluently.
        Aware of the brutal shortcomings of the communist regime,
    my parents decided to emigrate about the time I was born. Some
    9 years later, we were allowed to do so with little more than
    the clothes on our backs.
        My parents cherished American values, hard work, and hope
    for a better future, freedom of speech, and utmost respect for
    life, liberty, and individual rights. Their proudest day was
    when they became American citizens. They made sure I always
    knew and remembered to appreciate and live by these hard fought
    for principles.
        Romania finally shed its horrific communist regime in
    December 1989, less than 30 years ago, a day I had always hoped
    for but never thought I would live to see.
        Since 1989, Romania established a democratic parliamentary
    form of government, joined NATO, joined the European Union, and
    has become a strategic ally of the United States. The strongest
    aspect of the U.S.-Romania relationship is our military
    cooperation. There is an American Aegis missile defense battery
    at Deveselu. U.S. Army personnel are rotationally deployed at
    Kogalniceanu Joint military base. U.S. Air Force units
    routinely deploy to Romania, and U.S. naval vessels dock at the
    Black Sea deepwater port of Constanta.
        Romania has stood in solidarity with the United States to
    condemn Russian intervention and aggression in Ukraine and
    strongly supports Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and
    territorial integrity.
        Romania is also a wonderful host and partner to other NATO
    member state forces. Romania is a robust contributor to NATO
    missions and operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other
    countries. Romania has committed to meet its financial
    commitment to NATO.
        The Romanian economy has been among the fastest growing in
    the EU. Our trade and investment relationship has been
    increasing as well. Romania is rich in timber, agriculture,
    minerals, oil, natural gas, and other natural resources. Recent
    exploration in the Black Sea has discovered substantial oil and
    gas reserves, which have the potential to bolster Romania's and
    Europe's energy security.
        Romania needs to continue to fight against corruption,
    create a more investment-friendly business climate, invest in
    infrastructure, health, education, and strengthen public
    administration.
        If confirmed, I would offer continued support for Romania's
    noteworthy anti-corruption efforts. Fighting corruption and
    supporting judicial independence are vital to Romania's long-
    term prosperity and security.
        The perils of an aggressive Russia seeking to destabilize
    democracies in Europe from within and without are substantial
    and cannot be underestimated. I am confident that with
    proactive American leadership and assistance to educate,
    support, and encourage democratic institutions, Romania will
    meet these challenges and prosper.
        If I am confirmed, I pledge to use all of my knowledge and
    experience to advance our country's interests in Romania.
        Thank you for your consideration, which will allow me, if
    confirmed, the opportunity to serve and repay at least in part
    the enormous debt of gratitude I have for everything America
    has given me and my family.
        I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.
        Senator Menendez, I wish to point out that this morning,
    unfortunately, due to the endemic corruption issues that you
    referred to, Romania was downgraded to tier 2 watch status in
    the TIP Report, which is unfortunate, and if I am fortunate
    enough to be confirmed, I will make one of my chief priorities.
    Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Zuckerman follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of Adrian Zuckerman

        Thank you, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Menendez, and
    distinguished Members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
        I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's
    nominee to be the United States Ambassador to Romania. I am humbled and
    very grateful for the confidence President Trump has placed in me. I am
    also thankful to all of you for your consideration.
        Please allow me to introduce my daughter, Natalie. She is a
    graduate of the University of Edinburgh and has always been interested
    in our family's Romanian heritage. We traveled there together when she
    was in high school. To me, she represents our future and I am fortunate
    she is with me here today.
        My voyage starts with two people who are here in spirit only: my
    beloved parents, Emil and Aura. Were it not for their courage, wisdom,
    and sacrifice, I would not be here. Both were teenagers in Bucharest
    during the Second World War. Like so many of their contemporaries,
    their families were dislocated and their property was confiscated.
    Against all odds and in the face of persistent anti-Semitism in the
    post-war communist regime, they both attended college and medical
    school. Emil became a senior academician and researcher at the
    University of Bucharest. He achieved international acclaim for his
    research on epilepsy. Aura pursued research in the field of
    endocrinology.
        Shortly after I was born, my parents, aware of the brutal
    shortcomings of the communist system, decided their only child should
    have the opportunity of a better life. Upon filing a request to leave
    Romania, they were terminated from their elite academic positions. They
    began a new life on the edge of poverty, living from hand to mouth.
        I remember the occasional gratitude of my parents' patients
    bringing a fish or a live chicken. We lived on the fourth floor of a
    walk-up building, in two small rooms, each heated by a wood burning
    terra cotta fireplace. The heat stored in the terra cotta never lasted
    through morning. Water for bathing was heated in a pot on a bottled gas
    stove top.
        We were finally allowed to emigrate when I was nine years old. We
    left with little more than the clothes on our backs. We were not
    allowed to take any valuables or currency, not that we had anything of
    consequence. Following friends' advice, my parents took two salamis
    that could be either sold or eaten when we arrived in Rome, Italy.
        We remained in Rome for the next nine months while my parents
    sought work in the United States. My father was finally offered a
    position as an assistant professor of medicine at Yale Medical School.
    Arriving in New Haven, Connecticut in May of 1966, we started living
    the American dream. My parents worked as physicians and I enrolled in
    third grade and started learning to speak English.
        My parents were beyond proud to seek American citizenship. Emil and
    Aura pursued the American dream with the vigor, zeal, and energy of
    wide-eyed youngsters. I remember their joy at buying their first car,
    their first house and the ubiquitous backyard staple--the barbecue.
    Their proudest day came seven years later when they actually became
    American citizens. They cherished American values--a belief in hard
    work and a better future, a regard for freedom of speech, and the
    utmost respect for life, liberty and individual rights. They made sure
    I always knew and remembered to appreciate and live by these hard-
    fought for principles.
        Romania shed its horrific Communist regime in December 1989, less
    than thirty years ago--a day I had always hoped for, but never thought
    I would live to see. However, the Romanian democratic state is still in
    its infancy.
        Romania is of great economic, military and geo-political strategic
    importance. Located in southeast Europe, it is an economic entry point
    to Europe and a staunch American military ally.
        Since 1989, Romania has established a democratic parliamentary form
    of government, joined NATO, joined the European Union, and has become a
    strategic ally of the United States. The strongest aspect of the U.S.--
    Romania relationship is our military cooperation. There is an American
    Aegis Missile Defense battery at Deveselu; U.S. Army personnel are
    rotationally deployed at the Mihail Kogalniceanu joint military base;
    U.S. Air Force units routinely deploy to Romania; and U.S. naval
    vessels dock at the Black Sea deep water port of Constanta.
        In addition to being a committed partner of the United States,
    Romania is a wonderful host and partner to other NATO member states
    forces. Romania is a robust contributor to NATO missions and operations
    in Afghanistan, Iraq and other countries. Romania is already the 4th
    largest contributor to the Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, and
    at the recent NATO Summit in Brussels it pledged additional substantial
    commitments to the mission in 2019.
        Romania has undertaken to meet its financial commitment to NATO and
    has made major strides toward this goal.
        Romania has also stood in solidarity with the United States to
    condemn Russian intervention and aggression in Ukraine, Romania's
    neighbor. In addition to supporting American sanctions against Russia,
    Romania has provided various humanitarian and development aid to
    Ukraine, and strongly supports its independence, sovereignty, and
    territorial integrity.
        The Romanian economy has been among the fastest growing in the EU,
    and our trade and investment relationship has been increasing as well.
    There are approximately five hundred American companies conducting
    business in Romania, including Fortune 500 companies, numerous smaller
    companies, and a continually growing number of information technology
    companies.
        Romania is a country of abundant farmland, minerals, oil, natural
    gas, and other natural resources, and it is blessed with a well-
    educated, multilingual and industrious populace. In addition to its
    onshore oil and gas reserves, recent exploration in the Black Sea has
    discovered substantial off-shore oil and gas reserves, which have the
    potential to bolster Romania's energy security. The Romanian education
    system, with high-quality schools and universities, has produced an
    educated workforce and internationally respected professionals.
        Although much has been achieved in Romania, there is still room for
    improvement. In order for Romania to further the incredible progress it
    has made over the past 29 years, Romania needs to continue to fight
    against corruption, create a more investment friendly business climate,
    invest in infrastructure, health, and education, and strengthen public
    administration. Investors want a relationship with Romanian decision-
    makers based on mutual trust. They seek a business climate that enables
    their businesses to contribute to Romania's sustained economic growth,
    to create jobs, to earn profits, and to grow their enterprises.
        If confirmed, I would offer continued support for Romania's
    noteworthy anti-corruption efforts. Fighting corruption and supporting
    judicial independence are vital to the region's long-term prosperity
    and security, as well as to the extraordinary law enforcement and
    security cooperation that exists between the United States and Romania.
        There is much work to be done to foster, support, and encourage
    democratic institutions. The perils of an aggressive Russia seeking to
    destabilize democracies in Europe, from within and without, are
    substantial and cannot be underestimated. I am confident that with
    proactive American leadership, assistance, and friendship, Romania will
    meet these challenges and prosper.
        If I am confirmed, I pledge to use all my energy to advance our
    country's interests in Romania. I will apply all of my experience and
    knowledge to address the issues and vulnerabilities Romania faces. I
    look forward to bringing the American values I was lucky enough to be
    raised with to the country from which I hail.
        Thank you for your consideration which will allow me, if confirmed,
    the opportunity to serve and repay, at least in part, the enormous debt
    of gratitude I have for everything America has given me and my family.
        I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

        The Chairman. Thank you, Mr. Zuckerman.
        We are now going to conduct a round of 5-minute questions,
    and we will start with Senator Menendez.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Mr. Manchester, when you were last before this committee,
    you said that The Bahamas was a protectorate of the United
    States. The Bahamas is a sovereign nation. How do you expect to
    go to a country who you described as a protectorate and is a
    sovereign nation with its own democracy, elected leadership,
    and whatnot and be thought of in a way that will treat them
    with respect?
        Mr. Manchester. Well, I answered that question, and the
    bottom line was the fact that I have been going there for
    years. And I know that it is a sovereign, independent country.
    As I said in my previous testimony, I certainly know the fact
    that it is a sovereign and independent nation. And what I was
    referring to was the fact that we have joint defense forces and
    we are joined at the hip, as we should be, to defending our
    mutual shores.
        Senator Menendez. Well, being a protectorate of the United
    States--words matter, especially when you are going to be an
    Ambassador. Being a protectorate of the United States is not
    about mutual defense. Being a protectorate of the United States
    is almost like you are a ward of the United States. And so The
    Bahamas is not a ward of the United States.
        Mr. Manchester. I understand that, and I corrected my
    statement.
        Senator Menendez. Well, I did not hear you correct your
    statement. I just heard you say that now you recognize it is a
    sovereign nation. I am glad that we have come to that point.
        Let me ask you this. I want to talk about your time running
    the San Diego Union Tribune. A 2018 ``Washington Post'' article
    described the environment for women who worked at the paper and
    its affiliated TV station, U-T TV, as toxic. Speaking of you,
    one woman said that, quote, you do not want to get caught alone
    in the elevator with him. Others described the environment as
    madman style and the hiring meetings were like a boys club, and
    the boys picked which women they wanted. To be clear, we are
    talking about 2011 to 2015, not 10, 20, or 30 years ago.
        Is this type of culture appropriate?
        Mr. Manchester. I have been involved with 55 years of
    business, 27 different companies, 6,000 employees. And that is
    a salacious and inaccurate depiction. I have never been accused
    of sexual harassment ever.
        Senator Menendez. So do you have any objection then, if
    that is the case, to diplomatic security or the FBI examining
    the accusations related to the workplace environment you
    fostered or you were alleged to have fostered at the Union
    Tribune and sharing their findings with members of this
    committee prior to the committee voting your nomination?
        Mr. Manchester. I do not have any objection and never have.
        Senator Menendez. Let me ask you this. You were cited in
    the ``Washington Post'' article, which you said is salacious--
    this is an article that was based on the conversations with
    more than 20 women and men--as saying that you took action to
    address, quote/unquote, egregious mistakes by the staff at the
    San Diego Union Tribune. What were those mistakes?
        Mr. Manchester. What I was referring to there is the fact
    that, once again, I have not ever been involved in any kind of
    sexual harassment, a claim in 55 years of business and 6,000
    employees. I do not know what they are referring to there. That
    was a salacious----
        Senator Menendez. This is your direct quote. You said that
    you took action to address, quote, egregious mistakes by the
    staff at the San Diego Union Tribune. Now, I am asking you if
    you took action to address egregious mistakes, what were those
    actions. What were the mistakes that you were correcting? Did
    you institute any disciplinary actions? Did you fire anybody? I
    mean, you are going to be head, if you are confirmed, of a
    mission that is going to have a diverse both in gender, race,
    ethnicity workforce. And we have got to know that at the very
    beginning, that the person who is heading the embassy is going
    to create an environment that is worthy of working in. So I
    want to understand, based upon your own remarks, what were the
    mistakes that the staff that you hired--what were the mistakes
    they created, and what did you do to correct those mistakes?
        Mr. Manchester. We have instituted policies in every one of
    the companies that I have been involved with that in fact if
    somebody, in fact, did something wrong, we in fact fired them.
        Senator Menendez. Who did you fire at the San Diego Union
    Tribune then?
        Mr. Manchester. I cannot recall because of the fact that I
    did not work on a day-to-day basis for the individuals that
    were running the TV station I think that they are referring to.
        Senator Menendez. Well, you are going to have to give me
    better answers than that.
        Mr. Bremberg, this is the problem with four panelists and 5
    minutes. So I know there will be another round at least.
        In your written answers to my pre-hearing questions about
    adding a citizenship question to the Census, you stated that
    you, quote, discussed your opinion on including the citizenship
    status Census question with other White House staff. What is
    your opinion on including a citizenship question on the Census?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, given my employment in the White
    House as an advisor to the President, I do not think it would
    be appropriate for me to discuss the confidential
        Senator Menendez. I did not ask you that. I asked you your
    opinion. I did not ask you what you said to the President. I
    asked you what your opinion is. What is your opinion?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes. And I believe disclosing my opinion on
    the matter would disclose--open up for any further inquiry into
    advice I may----
        Senator Menendez. What type of privilege are you asserting
    here?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I am not asserting any privilege.
        Senator Menendez. Well, if you are not asserting any
    privilege, then how is it that you failed to answer a question
    of the committee at your confirmation hearing?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I am happy to discuss any policy or
    I----
        Senator Menendez. This is a policy. You are going to be
    going to an institution that has, among a wide array of issues,
    the questions of people in refugee status, the questions of
    people in a series of ways in which views such as this are
    insightful for the committee to understand how you are going to
    act at that location.
        Mr. Bremberg. I understand. And I am happy to describe the
    policy. I just want to be careful. I know other nominees who
    have come before the committee that have served in the White
    House have not gone down the road of providing their personal
    opinion, but I am happy to articulate the administration's
    position. It is not an attempt to distance myself from it. I am
    just being clear that I am not providing my personal opinion. I
    can describe the reason behind the policy that the Census
    department put forward, if that is what you would like to hear,
    Senator.
        Senator Menendez. No. I asked a specific question. You are
    smart enough to give me a specific answer.
        So I am sending a letter to you today, which I ask
    unanimous consent to be entered into the record.
        The Chairman. It will be.

        [The information referred to above is located at the end of
    this hearing's transcript.]

        Senator Menendez. I have to understand, as I continue to
    ask you questions of this and other nature, if you are going to
    assert privileges, you are going to tell me what privilege you
    are asserting because as far as I am concerned, there is no
    rational basis for a privilege to be asserted when I ask you
    things that are not directly in conversations with the
    President of the United States, but that go to insights into
    the policy views you will hold at a critical institution.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator. We will have a second
    round with enough time.
        After that, we will go to Senator Paul.
        Senator Paul. They say beauty is in the eye of the
    beholder. And I am not saying you are beautiful, but I am
    saying that each of you seem to have attributes that I think
    would be good as ambassadors.
        I was told by people who jump to conclusions that I could
    not be a Senator because I had just been a doctor, that a
    doctor was not somehow smart enough unless I had been a State
    rep or a State senator or this and that. And I really think we
    all bring attributes from different walks in life.
        I have dealt with Mr. Bremberg in the White House. I find
    him to be intelligent, forthright, and I think he will do a
    good job.
        I do not know Mr. Goldberg, but his resume sounds
    impeccable, you know, as a career.
        But I think we have career people and we also have
    political people.
        Mr. Manchester has been successful in business. What does
    that mean? Well, capitalism is very, very selective. Most
    businesses fail. To succeed with 6,000 employees and 27
    companies means that on a day-to-day basis he is running a
    business and making the decisions that not just please him.
    Capitalists have to please their customers and everybody that
    invests in them. They have to make a profit. Capitalism is a
    very demanding sort of person to work for. And so to have
    succeeded through all those years meant that Mr. Manchester has
    made many wise decisions over time.
        Mr. Zuckerman, I was impressed not only with your
    background and your family background, but I think languages
    are important. The fact that you speak the language will be a
    big asset to being an Ambassador to Romania.
        So I am actually very impressed with the panel, very
    impressed with the President. People said President Trump could
    not be President because he had not been a State representative
    or a governor or this and that. And so I do not think that
    really intelligence or your ability to figure out problems
    comes from having a previous position. It comes from your
    desire, your background, and also to acknowledge sometimes we
    do not know things and you ask for advice. I get help from my
    staff on a daily basis who know things that I do not know, and
    I ask for that advice. And I think it is the same with an
    ambassador as well.
        I do think it is important, though, in an era where people
    make accusations that are very personal--and I think the
    accusations against Mr. Manchester are very personal. It does
    not sound like he had any personal involvement. He was sort of
    the owner of a company that had probably 10 layers between him
    and the employees. He has never been accused of anything. But
    all of a sudden, he is caught up in something that I think is
    really bad because he is judged without having a chance to
    defend himself.
        And we live in an era where people are making these
    accusations all the time. 40 years ago, somebody in high school
    said this. And it is like we live in this world. Do people not
    deserve some sort of due process before people--you know, Mr.
    Manchester is well known in San Diego. He is not only a
    successful businessman and makes a profit at businesses by
    pleasing customers, but he is a philanthropist. And I think it
    is wrong to drag his name through the mud particularly for
    something that there has never been a personal accusation
    against Mr. Manchester.
        So I just hope as we go through this that we will give
    people the benefit of the doubt and also to consider that
    people have attributes from their different backgrounds that do
    not always they have been an ambassador to this or that in the
    past.
        Mr. Manchester, is there anything else you wanted to say
    about how difficult it is to succeed in business, how you got
    started in business?
        Mr. Manchester. No. I just want to make it clear that I
    actually am in a position where I really believe that it is
    important for us to have U.S. representation in The Bahamas
    because of the Chinese influence and other reasons. And I am
    volunteering for that assignment, and I recognize that it is
    going to be a hard job, but it is a needed job. And it is a way
    in which I can pay back my country for all of the blessings
    that I have received for my family and myself.
        Senator Paul. Thank you.
        No further questions.
        The Chairman. Senator Shaheen?
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        You know, Senator Paul, I certainly agree with you--and I
    think all of us do--that people bring different attributes to
    the job and that to get to this point, everyone has significant
    attributes. But I do believe when there are personal
    allegations made against nominees, that it is very important to
    reassure the public about the integrity of the process and the
    people who will be representing this country, for anyone who is
    the subject of those accusations to be able to rebut them
    adequately to persuade the public that they are not true and
    that they will not influence the ability to do the job. So I
    think it is very important for the committee to be able to
    reassure people about the integrity of the individuals we
    support.
        So I hope, Mr. Manchester, that you will be able to rebut
    those accusations in a way that make it clear that you were not
    involved.
        Mr. Manchester. Once again, I have been involved 55 years
    of business in 27 different companies, over 6,000 employees,
    and I have never had a sexual harassment claim against me. And
    we have hired and promoted to the highest level all ethnic and
    sexual orientation employees and we are very proud--very
    proud--of the success that we have had in the companies that we
    have been involved with.
        Senator Shaheen. Good. I look forward to hearing more about
    that.
        Mr. Bremberg, for decades, the United States has been the
    leader in advocating for human rights, especially the rights of
    women and girls. If confirmed as the U.S. Representative to the
    U.N. in Geneva, you will lead a team that is responsible for
    advancing U.S. policy on human rights and global health. Do you
    recognize reproductive rights and the rights of the LGBT
    community as human rights?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I do recognize and accept that
    reproductive rights, as defined by the 1995 Beijing Conference
    Strategic Objective and under the objective in line with the
    program of action of the International Conference on Population
    and Development as important rights. But those state that in no
    case should abortion be promoted as a method of family
    planning. So, yes, to your question with that important caveat.
        Senator Shaheen. I am not asking about abortion, but just
    that you recognize that reproductive rights are important human
    rights around the world.
        And how about the LGBTQ community?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. You recognize. And if you are confirmed
    for this position, will you defend those rights in your new
    position?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. In your capacity as the Director of the
    Domestic Policy Council, were you ever involved in discussions
    to expand the global gag rule that restricts foreign assistance
    to groups that provide a full range of family planning
    services?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, yes, I participated in the
    development and implementation of the President's expanded
    Mexico City policy, which you are referring to.
        Senator Shaheen. Have you seen any of the reports about the
    impact of that expanded policy on women and families in
    countries that are affected? And have you made any attempt to
    get information about what the real impact of those policies
    have been?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator. And I look forward to learning
    more. In my time in the White House, I was briefed on its
    implementation I believe approximately a year into its
    implementation. One particular question that I and others were
    asking was was this actually a difficult policy for our
    grantees and contractors to implement or adopt or was it
    relatively easy. I am happy to get the number for you, but I
    recall at the time of hundreds, I believe upwards of 500
    entities, I think they only had concerns raised or problem
    with, I believe, three to five. I do not have the precise
    number. I am happy to get back to you, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. I would very much like to have you get
    back to me because when I have asked that question of the USAID
    Administrator and of the Department of State, I have been told
    by both of those that they are awaiting reports on what the
    impact is of those policies and that we do not have that
    information yet. So if that information exists within the White
    House and it is not being shared, I think that is a huge
    oversight. So I would very much like to see. Mr. Chairman, I
    hope that that information will be shared with the full
    committee.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Shaheen. Now, Ambassador Goldberg, you talked about
    the commitment that had been made to Colombia and about the
    progress that has been made in that country. And I think we
    would all agree that that has been very important.
        But despite that commitment, what we have seen is that
    Colombia remains an origin of a lot of the poppy growing that
    we are dealing with and the drug trafficking that has such a
    huge impact in the United States on States like mine in New
    Hampshire where we have the third highest overdose death rate
    in the country.
        So I wonder if you can tell me as Ambassador what you will
    do to try and continue to work with the Colombian government to
    address this huge problem that is affecting the United States.
        Ambassador Goldberg. The Colombian government at the moment
    and we have agreed, as I mentioned in my statement, to a 5-year
    plan to cut production of coca and interdict coca paste and the
    finished product. That is underway. And we have seen some
    progress in that regard. It is a difficult problem, obviously,
    especially since wide areas of the country remain under control
    of criminal elements, whether they are the dissident FARC or
    they are ELN or they are paramilitaries or they are drug
    cartels. And so the government has this program, and we are
    assisting with it to try to reduce the production of coca and
    the drugs that come out of Colombia.
        We also have a commitment to reduce demand in Colombia and
    here, and that is an important element as well. It is an
    integrated approach. They have a very sophisticated way about
    going after money laundering. And so as Ambassador, if
    confirmed, I would want to work very closely with them as they
    go about carrying out this plan.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. I would like to hear
    more. I am out of time. So we will submit some questions for
    the record to try and get more information. Thank you very
    much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Young?
        Senator Young. Well, thank you, gentlemen, for your desire
    to serve our country as ambassadors. I am most grateful.
        Ambassador Goldberg, Venezuelans continue to flee into
    Colombia after the reopening of the border in the past month.
    Colombia is now hosting more than 1.2 million Venezuelan
    migrants, as you know, according to most estimates. What do you
    view as the immediate challenges and priorities for managing
    the arrival of Venezuelans such as the provision of shelter,
    food, and emergency health care?
        Ambassador Goldberg. As the situation has developed,
    Senator, the population of Venezuelan migrants and refugees has
    dispersed from the border region into other areas. But it is a
    problem. It is a huge budgetary requirement for the Colombians.
    Estimates are anywhere from $1 billion to $1.3 billion this
    year. So the immediate needs are in health and education, and
    as you mentioned, shelter. They are huge challenges.
        And we have helped very strongly in that regard directing
    more than half of the humanitarian assistance that we have
    committed to to help with the Venezuelan situation to Colombia
    about $143 million, thanks to action in Congress.
        So those are the challenges, and the Colombians are going
    about it. USAID is very much involved in trying to help. But
    you know, this is ultimately a challenge that the Colombians
    will have to bear the great brunt of, as well as, by the way,
    the NGOs that are very active, UNHCR and all of the
    humanitarian groups that are there. So it is an active and
    ongoing effort.
        Senator Young. So what additional support do you anticipate
    the multilaterals, those you mentioned and others, needing to
    provide Colombia and the host communities in the coming months?
        Ambassador Goldberg. I would not put a figure on it, but
    substantial. And I was somewhat concerned when I heard the U.N.
    representative say that the commitments are only resulting in
    about 30 percent of what was pledged. So we have to continue to
    try to help the Colombians as they take on this huge burden.
    And so it is an effort for governments, and we have to do it
    diplomatically as well as with the Colombians to make sure that
    they have the resources necessary.
        Senator Young. Mr. Bremberg will, of course, need to be
    working through the United Nations on this and many other
    matters. That will include the U.N. mission in Geneva.
        The United States is currently assessed 22 percent of the
    U.N. regular budget and 28.4 percent of U.N. peacekeeping
    operations--the budget there.
        So over the years, members of this committee and on the
    Multilateral Institutions Subcommittee, which I chair, have
    debated appropriate levels of U.S. support for the United
    Nations. Are you satisfied with the current process and
    formulas for determining U.S. assessments?
        Mr. Bremberg. No, Senator. Thank you for the question.
        No, and I think the administration has put forward a strong
    case for transforming the current assessed model of assessed
    contributions towards a voluntary contribution model. I think
    that would serve the interests of the United States and in fact
    I believe over the term, serve the interests of the various
    U.N. international organizations more by helping to make sure
    they become more efficient and accountable to member states.
        Senator Young. Do you pledge to work with me on that and
    allow me to be supportive of your efforts on that front, should
    you be confirmed?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator. I would appreciate any support
    you could provide, and I pledge to work with you on this and
    other topics.
        Senator Young. Thank you much.
        I yield back.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Young.
        Senator Cardin?
        Senator Cardin. Well, I join in thanking you all for your
    willingness to serve our nation and thank your families because
    we know this is a family matter.
        Mr. Goldberg, we had a chance to talk as the ranking
    Democrat on our hemisphere. Having a confirmed Ambassador in
    Colombia is critically important, and I appreciate your
    background. And I hope we can move your nomination quickly.
        Mr. Bremberg, this committee--I worked on, with Senator
    Lugar, the transparency in the extractive industries, section
    1504 of the Dodd-Frank Act. Regulations took a long time to be
    promulgated. We ultimately got regulations, and after a long
    process, in which other nations of the world followed the U.S.
    leadership in regards to requiring extractive industry
    companies to disclose their contracts, amounts so that the
    revenues could go to the country rather than to corruption, we
    made progress.
        And then under President Trump a decision was made to use
    the CRA to eliminate many of the regulations that were adopted
    in the previous administration. This, of course, came out of
    the SEC.
        Were you aware of the strategy to use the CRA in regards to
    section 1504?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator.
        Senator Cardin. And the concerns that were expressed at the
    time that they thought the regulation was overly broad and
    required information that was proprietary. I disagree with that
    analysis, but that was the major justification given. And there
    was a lot of interest to get the SEC to issue a regulation
    consistent with those concerns.
        What efforts have you made to get the SEC to act on 1504?
        Mr. Bremberg. In my time in the White House, after the
    repeal of the regulation to the CRA, the domestic policy
    portfolio view did not cover the SEC. The National Economic
    Council covers the SEC. So that was not something that was in
    my----
        Senator Cardin. Were you involved at all in the CRA
    involving 1504? Did you have any conversations with that?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator. Can I describe that briefly?
        Senator Cardin. Well, I am interested in your views as to
    how you are going to represent our nation in multilateral
    discussions when the extractive industries and dealing with
    corruption and dealing with the poverty nations that have
    resource wealth. How do you intend to deal with that if the
    only action I have seen is to block efforts for disclosure here
    in America where other countries have already acted on
    disclosure?
        Mr. Bremberg. Thank you, Senator. I believe the
    administration worked with Congress to pass the CRA to repeal
    that regulation because we and many felt it was overly
    burdensome of the extraction industry in the United States and
    would lead to substantial potential job losses in the United
    States and putting U.S. companies at an unfair disadvantage
    versus foreign competitors.
        Senator Cardin. And of course, it is up to Congress to make
    the policy decision. You are supposed to implement it in the
    executive branch.
        Mr. Bremberg. Absolutely. As a firm believer in the Article
    1 power, I am a firm believer in that. In fact--and I could
    describe a little bit of my work on the CRA.
        Senator Cardin. I would like to know your work on
    implementing 1504.
        Mr. Bremberg. I believe the CRA is an excellent tool and
    actually empowered by Congress. It is a way of Congress
    correcting what they believed----
        Senator Cardin. But you encouraged us to correct this, and
    then the President signed it. And do you know when 1504 became
    law? Do you know how many years ago it was?
        Mr. Bremberg. I believe 9 years ago.
        Senator Cardin. And do we have regulations under 1504?
        Mr. Bremberg. This is not an area of my expertise. But I
    believe the first regulations that were implemented under the
    Obama administration I believe were challenged in the courts
    and I believe were struck down, had problems.
        Senator Cardin. For technical reasons, not on substantive.
        Mr. Bremberg. Understood. And I think the final regulation
    that the CRA actually undid--I mean, the Obama administration I
    do not believe finalized it until----
        Senator Cardin. What action have you taken to comply with
    what was said to Congress that you favored 1504. You thought
    the regulations were wrong. Now we do not have any regulations
    at all. It has been now almost 2 years since the CRA passed.
        Mr. Bremberg. I do not want to speak just for myself. I
    think the administration would look forward to working with
    Congress on amending the law to put in place an appropriate
    disclosure method.
        Senator Cardin. We do not want to amend the law. We want
    regulations. We spoke. It is not your job to interpret whether
    we did the right thing or not. Your job is to implement that.
        Mr. Bremberg. And with respect, Senator, then Congress then
    spoke again.
        Senator Cardin. On the regulation but not on the law.
        Mr. Bremberg. Right, and amended----
        Senator Cardin. So is it your position that you will not
    enforce a law passed by Congress?
        Mr. Bremberg. No, Senator. Absolutely not.
        And to your specific point about the SEC's rulemaking
    part--I am not trying to dodge your question, Senator--my role
    as the domestic policy side--within the White House policy
    structure, we have the National Security Council. There is a
    National Economic Council, which was previously headed by Gary
    Cohn and is now headed by Larry Kudlow. The National Economic
    Council is the chief policy part of the White House that works
    with the SEC. The SEC was never part of my policy portfolio. I
    am sorry for the confusion, Senator.
        Senator Cardin. Well, Mr. Chairman, I would like to have--I
    would like you to inform us as to what the administration's
    policy is in regards to 1504, implementing a law that was
    passed by Congress 9 years ago. We are not interested in
    amending the law. We are interested in enforcing the law. Can
    you get me that?
        Mr. Bremberg. I would be happy to provide a response for
    the record to a question about what the administration whatever
    your question is, Senator. What the plan is to move forward? Is
    that your question?
        Senator Cardin. Yes, to implement the law.
        Mr. Bremberg. I would be happy to provide a response for
    the record.
        Senator Cardin. Thank you.
        Mr. Bremberg. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cardin.
        Senator Rubio?
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        Thank you all for being here, for being willing to serve
    our country.
        I wanted to focus my questions primarily on the situation
    with Colombia as it regards Venezuela. I think of all the
    places we are talking about today, it is the most urgent before
    us at this moment and has the highest national urgency for our
    national interests.
        Ambassador Goldberg, it is impossible to separate the
    challenges and the work that we do with Colombia from the
    conflict in Venezuela. That would be an accurate assessment.
        Ambassador Goldberg. Yes, it is.
        Senator Rubio. And I think most people are not aware that
    the elements that threaten the state of Colombia and that are
    most responsible in many ways for the trafficking of billions
    of dollars of drugs into the United States, Europe, and around
    the world operate openly and with impunity and, in fact, with
    the support and cooperation of the Maduro regime just across
    the Colombian-Venezuelan border. Right?
        Ambassador Goldberg. Correct.
        Senator Rubio. I mean, so what we have in Colombia is not
    just our strongest counter-drug partner in the region, probably
    our strongest ally on multiple fronts in the region, we have a
    country that literally has, just on the other side of its
    border, armed groups that seek to kill their citizens and
    conduct violent attacks within their territory. We have these
    armed groups operating in camps and facilities openly with the
    protection, the assistance, and the cooperation of a
    neighboring government.
        Ambassador Goldberg. Largely correct.
        Senator Rubio. The reason why I ask that is because related
    to that, when you add that to the migrant flow, that is the
    capability of the ELN and these dissident FARC groups to
    operate openly with a safe space in a neighboring country,
    combined with the incompetence, corruption, mismanagement of
    the Maduro regime leading to the outflow of 4 million of its
    citizens, including at this point I guess over 1.5 million into
    one country alone, the combination of these two things--and I
    think you have alluded to this already both in your opening
    statement and your answer to several questions--are placing
    almost an existential challenge to all of the progress that has
    been made in Colombia and potentially to the ability of the
    state long-term.
        Ambassador Goldberg. As I mentioned, Senator, in fact, I
    consider that the problems brought by the Venezuela crisis
    exacerbate everything that Colombia is trying to do and creates
    whole new issues. So it is a huge problem for Colombia.
        I would just add that some of the dissident FARC are also
    in Colombian territory and, of course, are also involved in
    some of the drug trade and have returned to that business.
        Senator Rubio. Right, but at least when it comes to--those
    groups are dangerous as well. But at least when it comes to the
    groups that are in Colombian territory, the Colombians can get
    to them and can conduct operations against them.
        Ambassador Goldberg. Right.
        Senator Rubio. They basically cannot do anything without
    going to war.
        Ambassador Goldberg. That is right.
        Senator Rubio. So the point I think when it comes to
    Venezuela policy, perhaps one of the failures has been, because
    of how quickly it has moved, I do not think we have done a good
    enough job of explaining to the American people why it is in
    our national interest to care about it beyond the fact that we
    support democracy and the suffering of the people there. But
    why does it matter to America?
        And one of the arguments I have tried and others have as
    well is this is not just about Venezuela. This is spiraling
    into a regional crisis that directly impacts the national
    security and national interests of the United States.
        And I would ask, because you have expertise in this part of
    the world and are going to be serving our country hopefully
    from Colombia, what would our efforts against the flow of drugs
    into the United States look like if we did not have a strong
    partner in Colombia with the capability and the resources that
    they need to help us confront those challenges?
        Ambassador Goldberg. Well, as I mentioned to Senator
    Shaheen, we are now engaged in a very active effort to try to
    lower the production. It is difficult because of these areas
    that are not yet under government control. So while that
    situation continues and if it becomes greater, then there is an
    almost mathematical proposition that the drugs would be more
    difficult to eradicate and to interdict. So it would be a worse
    problem.
        Senator Rubio. I think the Colombians deserve a tremendous
    amount of credit for all they have done to receive these people
    who have come across the border, suffering people, people that
    are scared.
        But I would just want to close with this point. I do not
    think you would disagree with it, and that is the more
    resources they have had to dedicate to that and the strains it
    places on the health care system and the like, the less
    resources that are potentially available to confront this
    challenge. And that ultimately spills over to us. And so I just
    do not want us to underestimate what is going to happen to
    Colombia--I know you do not--in the years to come and the
    months to come if the situation in Venezuela continues on the
    trajectory that it is on now. The situation in Venezuela poses
    a direct threat not just to Colombia but ultimately to U.S.
    national interests in the region.
        Ambassador Goldberg. I agree.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Rubio.
        Senator Markey?
        Senator Markey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, very much. Thank
    you for this hearing.
        Mr. Bremberg, if you are confirmed, you will be working
    with the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees,
    UNHCR. Yesterday UNHCR reported that more than 70 million
    people worldwide have been forced from their homes, the highest
    number of displaced people on record. Yet, under this
    administration, as outlined in a report from Amnesty
    International that was also released yesterday, refugee
    resettlement in the United States dropped 71 percent over the
    last 2 and a half years.
        I have a copy of the Amnesty International report, Mr.
    Chairman. I would ask unanimous consent that it be included in
    the record.
        The Chairman. It will be included.

        [The information referred to above is located at the end of
    this hearing's transcript.]

        Senator Markey. Thank you.
        And the Trump administration has proposed a $2 billion cut
    to U.N. humanitarian agencies like UNHCR that has helped these
    displaced populations overseas.
        Yes or no, Mr. Bremberg. Do you believe that it is in the
    United States' national interests to help address this historic
    humanitarian crisis?
        Mr. Bremberg. Absolutely, Senator. I think I think it is
    absolutely in the American interest, not just in our security
    interest, but part of our greater humanitarian/human rights
    example. And I am proud that the United States is the largest
    funder of humanitarian efforts around the world.
        Senator Markey. But again, the Trump administration has
    proposed a $2 billion cut in U.N. humanitarian agency help. So
    you wind up with saying the right thing on the one hand and, on
    the other hand, proposing a cut that would be even more
    devastating than what we are already living through.
        Mr. Bremberg. So I think part of the issue is that we need
    to see other countries to step up and do their fair share as it
    relates to helping address these humanitarian crises around the
    world. I believe even if you suppose those cuts, I believe that
    just shows the level of our generosity. I believe the United
    States would still be the largest single donor for humanitarian
    efforts around the world. And what we really need to do--and I
    look forward to doing this, if confirmed--is work with other
    countries to increase the level of support that they are
    willing to provide to address these issues.
        Senator Markey. I appreciate that. But at the same time, we
    are at a historic high in terms of the number of refugees. So
    there in my opinion has to be concomitant increase in our
    commitment not a $2 billion cut.
        So even national security officials, whether they be
    Democrat or Republican administrations, they all agree that our
    refugee programs help our recruitment of intelligence assets
    abroad. They counter anti-Western propaganda, promote regional
    stability in foreign countries hosting large numbers of
    refugees.
        And that is why I recently introduce a bill, the GRACE Act,
    to prevent this administration from continuing its efforts to
    slash refugee admissions and dismantle our resettlement
    infrastructure. There has just been a dramatic reduction in the
    number of refugees which the United States has accepted over
    the last 2 and a half years since Donald Trump took over. And
    this new budget is just a further continuation of that.
        So UNHCR has encouraged the United States to maintain its
    historic leadership role supporting refugees. What do you
    intend to do about the United States' position if you are
    handcuffed by having to advocate for cuts in our programs while
    simultaneously saying to other countries that they should
    increase? How in the world can you maintain such a
    contradictory position and hope to be successful in eliciting a
    response from these other countries?
        Mr. Bremberg. Thank you, Senator, for the opportunity to
    address that.
        The reduction in the refugee cap is only one part of our
    larger not just humanitarian effort but also our effort to
    bring in individuals from other countries here into the United
    States. As we have seen, we face an asylum crisis largely at
    our southern border. The United States still welcomes more
    refugees and asylees than any other country in the world. I
    recognize these are two different legal distinctions. But as we
    have seen this asylum crisis grow unchecked and we are
    struggling with resources and legal authorities to address the
    asylum crisis, I think it makes sense then that unfortunately
    we are having to pull back on some of our other refugee
    activities. So I think--I am sorry.
        Senator Markey. No. I was just going to say there is a
    humanitarian crisis out there right now. It is unprecedented,
    and the United States should not be going backwards. We have to
    step up. We are the wealthiest country in the world. The
    President says we are the wealthiest country ever right now. So
    we should just, out of the generosity of our spirit, be
    reaching out to these people and not waiting for other
    countries but leading by our example and then saying to the
    other countries that they should be stepping up. It is just a
    complete disaster out there, Mr. Bremberg.
        My hope is that you could be an advocate internally, but
    that is not what I am hearing from you. I am hearing you
    reflecting that philosophy that we have to cut our own aid in
    order to ultimately see increases from other countries. And I
    just do not think that is sound thinking.
        Mr. Chairman, thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Markey.
        Senator Cruz?
        Senator Cruz. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Congratulations to each of you on your nominations.
        Mr. Goldberg, I want to ask you some questions about the
    opportunities and the challenges in Colombia. The country is
    our largest foreign aid recipient in the region. We have spent
    upwards of $10 billion since 2000. And Colombia is our only
    NATO partner in Latin America.
        Nevertheless, there are a range of challenges that pose
    direct threats to American national security from
    narcotrafficking to the cascading effects of what is happening
    in Venezuela.
        First, I want to ask you just very basically, what do you
    perceive as our national security interests and our objectives
    in Colombia?
        Ambassador Goldberg. Well, I think there are a nexus of
    interests, Senator Cruz, one of them clearly is the drug
    problem. Another is what is going on in Venezuela and the
    dangers that that represents to the United States national
    security.
        There are possibilities and opportunities to move the
    process in Colombia forward. Part of the problem, as I was
    discussing with Senator Rubio, is that the Venezuela situation
    draws resources from what might be used for doing other things
    that are important on the peace process, on drugs.
        But the opportunity is the challenge that has always
    existed in Colombia and something that we have worked
    throughout time, at least the 30 years I have been involved
    with it, trying to make sure that Colombia has the resources
    and the training and the military cooperation and the police
    cooperation to extend the state and the state presence in
    larger parts of the country so that there is more rule of law,
    there is more economic development. And those are all crucial
    factors in how Colombia can handle many of the problems that it
    faces at a much reduced level, thanks to everything that has
    happened in the last 20 years but still exist and that still
    need to be dealt with.
        Senator Cruz. One of the many challenges in Colombia is the
    FARC retains designated as a foreign terrorist organization
    under U.S. law. How does this impact our government interests
    and how we interact with the government of Colombia now that
    FARC is politically represented?
        Ambassador Goldberg. Well, the FARC, Senator, has
    representatives in the Congress, in the Senate, and the House
    that were designated by the peace agreement. So we, in dealing
    with the political situation, can have some contact. It would
    be very difficult in most interactions, especially when it
    comes to U.S. assistance, to deal with the FARC because it is
    still listed as a terrorist organization.
        Senator Cruz. Mr. Bremberg, the Geneva post is always a
    challenging and delicate post for our diplomats. It is a place
    where enormous good work can be done to advance human rights.
    But unfortunately, many of the U.N.'s human rights
    organizations have been taken over by people with atrocious
    human rights records who do not particularly care about
    protecting human rights.
        How do you intend to navigate that challenge?
        Mr. Bremberg. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        That is clearly something that the Trump administration has
    taken on head on. That is largely part of the reason why the
    administration withdrew from the Human Rights Council 1 year
    ago last summer and, if confirmed, is why I wish to make
    advancing human rights one of my priorities in Geneva.
        The United States does not need to be a member of the
    council to lead on human rights. Every country looks to the
    United States and our voice on human rights, and if confirmed,
    I commit to you speaking on human rights in Geneva, building on
    the good work the mission has already begun to do. Recently our
    mission in Geneva held a conference to highlight the gross
    human rights violations going on against Uighurs in China. It
    was quite disturbing to hear reports of the Chinese mission
    there threatening other multilateral missions, trying to
    prevent them from participating and attending. But that type of
    leadership on that and other human rights issues will be my
    priority, if I am confirmed.
        Senator Cruz. Well, I certainly encourage you in that
    regard. And let me, in particular, encourage you the power of
    highlighting dissidents is something I have tried to do in the
    Senate of naming and shining a light on courageous heroes who
    stand up to oppression. And one of the most potent tools
    against tyranny, against human rights abuses is telling the
    stories of these dissidents who risk everything. And that has
    enormous, enormous power, and it is something that tyrannies
    consistently fear.
        Mr. Bremberg. I certainly agree. I believe the power that
    dissidents coming here to Congress and meeting with elected
    members--I think that is a great platform. I also think so many
    human rights activists come through Geneva specifically, and
    the importance of having a U.S. Ambassador there that will meet
    with them, hear their concerns, and then give voice to that
    both publicly and then privately in bilateral conversations
    with other countries I think is really important. And, if
    confirmed, you have my commitment that I will do that. And I
    would just like to ask you and other members of the committee
    that if there are individuals that you have already met with or
    that you know that are in Geneva that would be important for us
    as the United States to highlight and speak to, I would really
    look forward to working with you.
        Senator Cruz. Terrific. I appreciate that.
        Thank you.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Cruz.
        Senator Kaine is going to yield I understand to Senator
    Menendez.
        Senator Menendez?
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Unfortunately I
    have to go to the floor on the Saudi arms sales shortly.
        Mr. Bremberg, I am trying to understand your logic. We have
    the highest number of refugees in the history of the world, 70
    million. You are suggesting that cutting $2 billion is a way to
    show American leadership. I do not understand that. I know you
    say you want to get other countries to pay more. Of course, we
    always want to do that. But cutting $2 billion somehow creates
    the incentive for other countries to gain more?
        And you are wrong about the United States being the
    greatest recipient of refugees and asylees. Germany alone took
    a million asylees. So that is not the case.
        Let me ask you this. Do you know a gentleman named Thomas
    Hofeller?
        Mr. Bremberg. I am sorry. Could you repeat that?
        Senator Menendez. A guy by the name Thomas Hofeller, H-o-f-
    e-l-l-e-r.
        Mr. Bremberg. I do not believe so, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. You have never had a conversation with
    him?
        Mr. Bremberg. Could you identify his background or who he
    is?
        Senator Menendez. He is the gentleman who came up with the
    idea for the Census question. It is a citizenship question on
    the Census.
        Mr. Bremberg. No, Senator. I do not know nor have I ever
    met or spoken or communicated with----
        Senator Menendez. Let me ask you this. You authored a draft
    executive order on January 23rd of 2017, 3 days after the
    President was inaugurated, which would have directed the Census
    Bureau to add a question on citizenship and immigration status.
    How did you get the idea to include the citizenship issue in
    the draft EO?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, it would not be appropriate for me
    to comment on alleged leaked draft White House documents. But I
    am happy to discuss again the policy issue, if you wish.
        Senator Menendez. Well, when you say it is not appropriate,
    there was a draft--do you deny there was a draft executive
    order that you prepared?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I do not believe it is appropriate
    for me to talk about draft deliberative documents.
        Senator Menendez. Under what type of privilege are you
    saying you cannot answer my questions?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I very much wish to answer your
    question about the policy, but I believe it is the custom,
    under both Republican and Democrat administrations, that when
    White House aides come to testify for nominations, they do
    not----
        Senator Menendez. On what type of privilege are you saying
    you cannot answer my questions?
        Mr. Bremberg. I am not exerting a privilege, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. You are not exerting a privilege. So if
    you are not exerting a privilege, how is that you fail to
    answer my questions?
        Mr. Bremberg. I would very much like to answer your
    question.
        Senator Menendez. Then please do so.
        Mr. Bremberg. Can you just repeat the policy question,
    Senator?
        Senator Menendez. Where did you get the idea to include the
    citizenship issue in the draft executive order?
        Mr. Bremberg. Can I just talk about the--I believe you
    suggested there is a draft executive order dated very early in
    the administration that you are suggesting I wrote. I cannot
    comment on this alleged draft. But can I tell you about my work
    in the transition and right into the immediate context of the
    administration about what work I did?
        Senator Menendez. No. That would take forever.
        Mr. Bremberg. I can be very brief.
        Senator Menendez. I want to know about the citizenship
    question, but you do not want to answer that.
        Let me ask you----
        Mr. Bremberg. I answered.
        Senator Menendez. You have not answered it.
        Let me ask you this. You authored a draft memo to the
    President which said that, quote, households headed by aliens
    are much more likely than households headed by native born
    citizens to use federal means tested public benefits. Do you
    agree with that statement?
        Mr. Bremberg. No, Senator, I do not.
        Senator Menendez. Okay. So what changed your mind?
        Mr. Bremberg. Nothing has ever changed my mind on that
    topic. Again, I wish I could talk about it.
        Senator Menendez. Do you deny that you authored such a
    memo?
        Mr. Bremberg. I have never written that sentence, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. You have never written that sentence. Did
    such a memo go under your name?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, when I came into the White House,
    there were many, many memos and draft executive orders that had
    been prepared for consideration for President Trump during the
    presidential transition--many memos and executive orders.
        Senator Menendez. Let me go to another issue. In my
    prehearing questions for the record, I asked whether you
    participated in any meetings related to the administration's
    decision to terminate TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti,
    and Honduras. You said you do not recall participating in any
    meetings. Yet, the fact is that we have information that the
    Domestic Policy Council, of which you are the Director, sought
    repeatedly to influence the decision-making process at the
    State Department and DHS to ensure that TPS designations for El
    Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras were terminated. Is that true?
        Mr. Bremberg. I believe you asked did I say was not
    participating. That is true.
        Senator Menendez. Is it true, first of all, that the
    Domestic Policy Council was actively engaged in trying to
    influence the results of ending TPS designations for El
    Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras?
        Mr. Bremberg. I do not believe so, Senator. I had staff
    that worked on many of these issues----
        Senator Menendez. Did you check your calendar records based
    upon my question to see if you participated in any meetings on
    TPS?
        Mr. Bremberg. I am happy to do that for the record.
        Senator Menendez. Would you please and submit it?
        Did you check your email records to see if you had any--
    expressed an opinion on terminating TPS designations?
        Mr. Bremberg. I would be happy to do that, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. Please submit that for the record.
        Should victims of sexual violence be able to terminate the
    pregnancy where legal?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I do not believe abortion is a moral
    solution to any problem.
        Senator Menendez. So the U.S. recently made an egregious
    and extraordinary threat to veto a U.N. Security Council
    resolution on gender-based violence in conflict over a
    reference to survivor's access to sexual and reproductive
    health. So if in conflict a woman gets raped and ultimately, as
    a result of that rape, ends up with a child, a pregnancy she
    did not seek and was forcibly put on her, you are telling me
    that it will be your position and the position that you will
    have to say that that woman ultimately cannot have access to a
    legal abortion?
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I am pro-life. I believe that all
    human life is sacred and that human life begins at conception.
        Senator Menendez. So when you are raped, a woman has no
    rights.
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator, I find that suggestion horrific to
    suggest that a rape victim has no rights.
        Senator Menendez. Well, I find it horrific that a woman who
    is raped cannot choose what to do with the consequences of that
    rape. And that is exactly what you are suggesting is
    acceptable.
        Let me ask you this----
        Mr. Bremberg. Senator----
        Senator Menendez. No. I have limited time and you are
    really not being very helpful in answering questions.
        Would you, if confirmed, speak out against laws that
    criminalize same sex relationships and women's personal health
    decisions in public and private settings as part of your
    representation of the U.S. at the U.N. abroad?
        Mr. Bremberg. Yes, Senator.
        I must say any suggestion that I do not have care for
    victims of rape I find horrendous. I have had family members
    that were raped, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. And I am deeply sorry.
        Mr. Bremberg. I accept your apology.
        Senator Menendez. I am not apologizing.
        Mr. Bremberg. Oh, I am sorry.
        Senator Menendez. You should apologize to the women who are
    raped that you say have to live with the rape. It is pretty
    outrageous that you at a U.N. organization are going to take
    that position on behalf of the United States. I do not think
    that is the view of the United States. Even those who share
    your view about the question of life very often have exceptions
    for victims of rape as part of it. You do not suggest that that
    exception exists. It is very difficult to understand how you
    are going to promote U.S. views that are broadly held even in
    that context.
        And lastly, Ambassador Goldberg, this position is
    incredibly important. I have heard some of your answers. Some
    of the waterfront I am concerned about has been covered very
    much.
        Mr. Zuckerman, I have two questions. One is that U.S.
    companies keep coming to me telling me how they are abused in
    Romania, how they arbitrarily and capriciously have their
    properties confiscated, how their contracts are interceded
    with. If you are confirmed, I would expect you to make that
    your highest priority.
        Mr. Zuckerman. I will, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. And secondly, I will submit for the
    record some questions I have about a lawsuit that took place. I
    want a thorough accounting of it so that I understand what took
    place. I know that you believe that it was wrongfully brought,
    but I want to have the information as well.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        The Chairman. Thank you, Senator Menendez.
        The record will remain open until the close of business on
    Friday, including for members to submit questions.
        I thank all four of you for your patience with us. Thank
    you for your willingness to serve.
        With that, the committee is adjourned.
        [Pause.]
        Senator Romney [presiding]. The hearing of the Senate
    Foreign Relations Committee will come to order.
        And before we begin, I want to mention that we have votes
    on the Senate floor that begin at 11:30, and that means that we
    will probably take a pause from time to time to go out and
    vote. We have three votes in a row. Votes are usually held
    every 15 or 20 minutes. So my apology to those of you who are
    about to testify and also those in the audience. I hope you
    understand that because of the voting schedule today, we will
    be having to take two or three pauses or recesses during these
    hearings. We will come back and finish the process.
        Today the committee is going to hold a nomination hearing
    for three very important issues in a very important part of the
    world.
        First, we are going to hear from Ambassador Richard Norland
    to be Ambassador to Libya. Ambassador Norland is the Foreign
    Policy Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He
    previously served as Ambassador to Georgia and Uzbekistan and
    as the Deputy Chief of Mission in Afghanistan and Latvia.
        Among many other diplomatic posts in his lengthy and
    distinguished career in the Foreign Service, Ambassador Norland
    was recognized for his service in 2010, receiving the
    Presidential Distinguished Service Award.
        Secondly, we will hear from Ambassador Jonathan Cohen to be
    Ambassador to Egypt. Ambassador Cohen was the Deputy Ambassador
    to the United Nations and following the resignation of
    Ambassador Haley, he became the Acting Ambassador to the U.N..
    He served in a number of roles as a career diplomat, including
    as Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and
    Eurasian Affairs, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. embassy
    in Baghdad, Iraq, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S.
    embassy in Nicosa, Cyprus, in addition to in other missions
    around the world.
        Our third nominee is Mr. John Rakolta, Jr., to be
    Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. John Rakolta, Jr. is
    the Chairman and CEO of Walbridge, a global construction firm
    based in Detroit, Michigan. Walbridge serves clients in a wide
    variety of industries from automotive, aviation, and
    manufacturing to government, power, and energy markets. He was
    also the co-chair of the Coalition for the Future of Detroit
    School Children and the Chairman of New Detroit, an
    organization focused on racial equality and the economic
    revitalization of the city.
        We are privileged to be joined by our distinguished
    colleague, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who will be
    introducing Mr. Rakolta. Therefore, I am going to postpone my
    opening statement, and I ask the ranking member to do the same
    after the nominee introduction.
        I want to thank all of the individuals for their presence
    here today, but we are going to begin by recognizing Senator
    Rubio.

                    STATEMENT OF HON. MARCO RUBIO,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM FLORIDA

        Senator Rubio. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for convening this
    hearing today on the nominees to these very important posts
    around the world.
        I want to briefly take a moment to introduce John Rakolta,
    who is nominated to be the Ambassador to the United Arab
    Emirates. As you have already outlined, he is a successful
    business executive and also a leader in the civic community.
    Since 1993, as you have already said, he is the Chief Executive
    Officer of a construction firm that has been very successful.
        The United States and the UAE have a strong bilateral
    relationship on a range of issues that are topical even at this
    very moment, and the two countries have worked together in the
    past on key security and economic issues. But there is a lot of
    work to be done.
        We must fill this position as quickly as possible, and I
    have no doubt that Mr. Rakolta will serve his country with
    great distinction and will represent the United States
    honorably and effectively in Abu Dhabi, hopefully, once he is
    confirmed.
        So thank you.
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Senator Rubio.
        Ambassador Norland, Ambassador Cohen, Mr. Rakolta, thank
    you for your past service to our country and for your
    willingness to be here today and to accept these assignments. I
    want to express my gratitude for your willingness to serve the
    United States of America.
        Each of you will be serving in nations that fit with the
    jurisdiction of the Middle East Subcommittee, but the issues
    that you face within each of your countries will vary greatly.
    Your work will be critical in maintaining and strengthening our
    alliances with key partners in the region.
        Ambassador Norland, in Libya, you will face a fractured
    state with warring parties set on gaining control over the
    territory. I look forward to hearing your views on how to best
    address the current situation in Libya, particularly your
    thoughts on pursuing a ceasefire and supporting a U.N. process.
        Ambassador Cohen, while I concur with the administration
    that we should strive to strengthen our military and trade
    relationships with Egypt, ongoing human rights abuses are
    simply unacceptable there. Egypt's government still jails
    thousands of its political dissidents, including Americans. It
    must be a high priority to secure the release of these
    individuals. I look forward to hearing how you will influence
    the Egyptian government on the issue of egregious human rights
    abuses.
        Let me preface my introduction of Mr. Rakolta by saying
    that he has been a long-term friend of my family. John has had
    a long and successful career in the private sector, as I have
    indicated earlier. I appreciate his achievements in that
    capacity. I am grateful for his friendship.
        He is also someone who has given back to his community,
    leading economic development and revitalization efforts in
    Detroit. I am confident that our country will be well served by
    his experience and leadership.
        Mr. Rakolta, as you know, the United Arab Emirates is a
    critical partner for the United States in the Middle East. The
    UAE has three U.S. bases, including a significant naval base,
    and is a key partner for counterterrorism efforts. In addition
    to security, the UAE is a significant trading partner with the
    U.S., including with my home State of Utah. I look forward to
    hearing how you will work to maintain a strong national
    security and trade relationship with our partner in the Middle
    East.
        As you acclimate in your roles, I hope that you will each
    remain open and candid with the Senate and our committees to
    any changes on the ground you witness or ways that we can
    support you in maintaining and strengthening our relationships
    with your areas of jurisdiction in the Middle East.
        Again, I appreciate you all being here today, and I look
    forward to hearing from you.
        With that, I would like to recognize the distinguished
    ranking member for his comments, Senator Murphy.

                 STATEMENT OF HON. CHRISTOPHER MURPHY,
                     U.S. SENATOR FROM CONNECTICUT

        Senator Murphy. Thank you very much, Senator Romney.
        Thank you to the nominees and to your families for being
    willing to serve in the case of our two career public servants
    not for the first time. And thank you, Mr. Rakolta, for being
    willing to step up for your country.
        Let me just add on briefly to Senator Romney's remarks.
        Mr. Norland, if you are confirmed, you are going to
    confront a country that has essentially tipped into civil war.
    8 years after the February 17th revolution that deposed
    Qaddafi, Libya has yet to find peace or stability, much less
    attain its aspirations for democracy and prosperity.
        Most recently, the renegade commander of the so-called
    Libyan National Army, Khalifa Haftar, has tried and failed to
    take Tripoli by force and at great cost, more than 650 killed
    and 3,500 wounded just since April 5th. And in the wake of
    President Trump's outreach to Haftar, there is more uncertainty
    now than ever as to where the United States stands as this
    chaotic civil war spirals out of control.
        Next door in Egypt, as Senator Romney mentioned, we are
    increasingly seeing authoritarianism and relentless repression
    in the Arab world's most populous nation. Through a widely
    discredited referendum this April, President Sisi succeed in
    amending the constitution to allow for an exception to term
    limits so that he can stay in office until at least 2030. He
    has crushed his political opposition, tightened repressive
    policies targeting the LGBT community, rounded up writers,
    journalists, artists, and activists for peaceful criticism.
        Yet, President Trump has praised Sisi for doing an
    outstanding job, and Egypt remains the second largest recipient
    of the U.S. aid in the world. With that much money at stake
    and, again, with this much confusion about where the United
    States stands with respect to this campaign of repression, we
    need strong leadership in our embassy.
        And lastly, the United Arab Emirates is one of our most
    important partners in the region in terms of counterterrorism,
    political and military cooperation, and trade and investment.
    But that relationship is also amongst our most challenging. The
    UAE leadership has asserted an increasingly risky militaristic
    foreign policy, and many of us have a list of growing concerns
    with the UAE's conduct in Yemen, its aggressive isolation of
    Qatar, its role in Sudan, and inhumane and unfair detention
    practices and trials at home.
        It is not insignificant that this will be the first
    political appointee to represent us in the UAE, a post that has
    traditionally been reserved for career diplomats, I would argue
    for good reason. But I look forward to hearing from the
    nominee.
        Thank you for agreeing to accept these very challenging
    assignments, and I look forward to your testimony.
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Senator Murphy.
        We will now turn to our first nominee, Ambassador Norland.
        Again, we express appreciation to all of you for your
    willingness to take on these critical roles. Your full
    statements will be included in the record, without objection.
    So if you could please keep your remarks to no more than 5
    minutes, we would appreciate it so that the members of the
    committee can engage you with questions.
        Ambassador Norland, you may begin.

    STATEMENT OF HON. RICHARD B. NORLAND, OF IOWA, A CAREER MEMBER
    OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO
     BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
                       STATES OF AMERICA TO LIBYA

        Ambassador Norland. Chairman Romney, Ranking Member Murphy,
    Senators, this hearing will be the subject of immediate
    attention by the people of Libya as they look for signs of hope
    that the persistent violence in Tripoli will come to an end and
    a more secure and prosperous future for all Libyans will be
    achieved.
        The interests of the American people are also at stake with
    respect to ending innocent suffering, countering terrorism,
    stabilizing oil markets, stemming the human misery and
    political de-stabilization of large-scale migration and forging
    closer economic cooperation.
        I am honored by the confidence shown in me by the President
    and the Secretary of State in nominating me to serve as the
    next U.S. Ambassador to Libya. If confirmed, I pledge to you
    that I will do my utmost to bring U.S. diplomacy to bear on
    stabilizing the situation and promoting these U.S. interests.
        The principal task at hand is bringing the latest round of
    fighting, which started in early April, to an end through an
    immediate ceasefire in Tripoli. Lasting peace and stability in
    Libya can only come through a political solution, and halting
    the current violence is a critical step to create the
    conditions for a return to political negotiations. Deescalating
    the conflict requires engagement with a broad range of Libyan
    stakeholders, including not only Tripoli and Benghazi, but also
    key constituencies like Misrata, Zawiya, and Zintan. Equally
    critical is frank U.S. engagement with outside parties that
    have influence in Libya, some with a presence on the ground, in
    an effort to ensure that foreign involvement serves to reduce
    rather than promote violence.
        I am committed to working with a wide array of Libyan and
    international partners and in support of United Nations Special
    Representative to the Secretary-General Ghassan Salame to
    reestablish an effective U.N. mediation process. This effort
    should build on the constructive talks between Prime Minister
    al-Sarraj and General Haftar that took place in Abu Dhabi in
    February.
        I would like to stress the United States does not see Libya
    as the play thing of foreign interests. Libya emerged from
    colonial rule in 1951, and a strong sense of independence and
    self-sufficiency still fuels the people of this young and
    fragile country. We respect this. The United States approach to
    Libya is pragmatic and rooted in the clear vision of a unified
    Libyan state that can stand on its own as a force for stability
    and deliver prosperity to all Libyans from Ajdabiya to Zwara
    and Awbari to Tobruk.
        I have no illusion that the is task will be easy, but if
    confirmed, I will led my team to build upon the work done by my
    immediate predecessor, Ambassador Peter Bodde, and the
    hardworking staff of the Libya External Office temporarily
    based at the U.S. Embassy Tunis and capably by interim Charge
    d'Affaires Natalie Baker. I am very conscious--very conscious--
    that, if confirmed, I would be carrying forward the work of
    Ambassador Chris Stevens, who gave his life trying to bring
    peace to the people of Libya. I will do my best to ensure that
    Chris Stevens, Glen Doherty, Sean Smith, and Tyrone Woods did
    not die in vain.
        I would like to thank my wife, Mary Hartnett, for her
    unfailing support throughout my career and our children, Daniel
    and Kate, for their service to our nation growing up as Foreign
    Service kids. They and their spouses, Jen and Phil, and our
    four grandchildren, Ellie, Cam, Mary, and Owen, bring great joy
    to our lives. Mary and Daniel are here today. Daniel came from
    San Diego. Kate is actually living in the Middle East working
    on refugee issues.
        Chairman, Ranking Member, Senators, in closing, it is
    perhaps fitting to note that I was born in North Africa in
    Rabat, my father's first Foreign Service post. His last posting
    as Ambassador to Chad was cut short when rebels based in Libya
    advanced on Chad's capital, toppled the government, and forced
    our diplomats to flee on French military transports after being
    pinned down for 3 days.
        So in my lifetime, I have seen North Africa begin its
    remarkable transformation. I have also seen it experience the
    vagaries of self-serving political leadership and the predatory
    behavior of external forces, including those employing
    terrorism in their distorted view of Islam. I have seen how
    instability in Libya can spill over into neighboring countries.
    In my own Foreign Service career, I have had the opportunity to
    serve in majority Muslim countries, to work on conflict
    resolution, and to address the challenges of great power
    competition.
        Taken together, I hope that, if confirmed, serving as
    Ambassador to Libya will enable me to bring a lifetime of
    experience to bear in a way that will advance our interests and
    promote lasting peace and friendship for the United States and
    Libya.
        Thank you. I stand ready to respond to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Norland follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Richard B. Norland

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, Senators: This hearing will be the
    subject of immediate attention by the people of Libya as they look for
    signs of hope that the persistent violence in Tripoli will come to an
    end and a more secure and prosperous future for all Libyans will be
    realized. The interests of the American people are also at stake, with
    respect to ending innocent suffering, countering terrorism, stabilizing
    oil markets, stemming the human misery and political de-stabilization
    of large-scale migration, and forging closer economic cooperation as
    Libya looks beyond decades of instability and isolation. I am honored
    by the confidence shown in me by President Trump and Secretary Pompeo
    in nominating me to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Libya. If
    confirmed, I pledge to you that I will do my utmost to bring U.S.
    diplomacy to bear on stabilizing the situation and promoting these U.S.
    interests.
        The principal task at hand is bringing the latest round of
    fighting, which started in early April, to an end through an immediate
    ceasefire in Tripoli. Lasting peace and stability in Libya can only
    come through a political solution, and halting the current violence is
    a critical step to create the conditions for a return to political
    negotiations. De-escalating the conflict requires engagement with a
    broad range of Libyan stakeholders, including not only Tripoli and
    Benghazi but also key constituencies like Misrata, Zawiya, and Zintan.
    Equally critical is frank U.S. engagement with outside parties that
    have influence in Libya, many of whom have a presence on the ground, in
    an effort to ensure that foreign involvement serves to reduce rather
    than promote violence.
        Stabilizing the situation also requires re-launching a political
    process that will result in a government that enjoys legitimacy in the
    eyes of the people of Libya. We are committed to working with a wide
    array of Libyan and international partners, under the effective
    leadership of U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General
    Ghassan Salame, to reestablish such a U.N. mediation process. This
    effort should build on the constructive talks between Prime Minister
    alSarraj and General Haftar in Abu Dhabi in February. Achieving a long
    overdue political solution will not be quick, and ongoing violence has
    hardened positions on all sides. If confirmed, I would work with the
    key parties to the conflict in an effort to advance this Libyan-led,
    U.N. facilitated process and help the Libyans move toward credible and
    secure elections.
        Any political progress will be fleeting without attention to the
    economic and security dimensions of this conflict. Increasing oil
    production is a necessary investment in Libya's own future, and if
    confirmed, I would further support Libyan efforts to develop their
    country's energy potential and promote greater transparency and
    accountability in the distribution of Libya's considerable wealth. I
    would also advocate strongly for the U.S. private sector as we seek to
    expand trade and investment for the mutual benefit of Libyans and
    Americans. Reaching the full potential of our economic relationship
    will require greater security. To this end, if confirmed, I would
    reinforce our partnerships with a range of Libyan actors to ensure
    terrorist groups find no safe haven in Libya. We are fortunate to build
    on an effective counterterrorism partnership with the government of
    National Accord and its aligned forces, which were instrumental to
    defeating ISIS in Sirte in 2016, as well as the important contributions
    of the ``Libyan National Army'' to the fight against ISIS and al-Qa'ida
    elements in Libya.
        The United States does not see Libya as the plaything of foreign
    interests. Libya emerged from colonial rule in 1951, and a strong sense
    of independence and self-sufficiency still fuels the people of this
    young and fragile country. We respect this. The U.S. approach to Libya
    is pragmatic and rooted in the clear vision of reinforcing a unified
    Libyan state that can stand on its own as a force for stability and
    deliver prosperity to all Libyans, from Ajdabiya to Zwara and Awbari to
    Tobruk. Our only goal is thus to help Libya establish a stable
    government with popular legitimacy, enabling the country to counter
    real threats from ISIS-Libya and Al-Qa'ida, to control its borders and
    the flow of desperate migrants, to enjoy economic growth for all its
    citizens, and to respect fundamental human rights.
        I have no illusion that this task will be easy, but, if confirmed,
    I will lead my team to build upon the work done by my immediate
    predecessor, Ambassador Peter Bodde, and the hardworking staff of the
    Libya External Office temporarily based at U.S. Embassy Tunis and
    capably led by interim Charge d'Affaires Natalie Baker. I am very
    conscious that, if confirmed, I would be carrying forward the work of
    Ambassador Chris Stevens, who gave his life trying to bring peace to
    the people of Libya. I would be determined to ensure that Chris
    Stevens, Sean Smith, Tyrone Woods and Glen Doherty did not die in vain.
        I would like to thank my wife, Mary Hartnett, for her unfailing
    support throughout my career, and our children, Daniel and Kate, for
    their service to our nation growing up as Foreign Service kids. They
    and their spouses Jen and Phil, and our four grandchildren, Ellie, Cam,
    Mary and Owen, bring great joy to our lives.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, Senators--in closing, it is perhaps
    fitting to note that I was born in North Africa--in Rabat, my father's
    first Foreign Service post. His last posting, as Ambassador to Chad,
    was cut short when rebels based in Libya advanced on Chad's capital,
    toppled the government, and forced our diplomats to flee on French
    military transports after being pinned down for three days. So, in my
    lifetime, I have seen North Africa begin its remarkable transformation.
    I have also seen it experience the vagaries of self-serving political
    leadership, and the predatory behavior of external forces, including
    those employing terrorism in their distorted view of Islam. I have seen
    how instability in Libya can spill over into neighboring countries. In
    my own Foreign Service career, I have had the opportunity to serve in
    majority Muslim countries, to work on conflict resolution, and to
    address the challenges of Great Power competition.
        Taken together, I hope that, if confirmed, serving as Ambassador to
    Libya will enable me to bring a lifetime of experience to bear in a way
    that will advance our interests and promote lasting peace and
    friendship for the United States and Libya. Thank you, and I stand
    ready to respond to your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Ambassador Norland.
        Ambassador Cohen?

    STATEMENT OF JONATHAN R. COHEN, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER MEMBER
    OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO
     BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
            STATES OF AMERICA TO THE ARAB REPUBLIC OF EGYPT

        Ambassador Cohen. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, members of
    the committee, it is an honor to appear before you today as the
    President's nominee to be Ambassador to Egypt. I am grateful to
    President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for their continuing
    confidence in me, and if confirmed, I look forward to working
    closely with you and your colleagues to advance U.S. interests
    in Egypt and the region.
        Serving our nation as a Foreign Service officer for the
    past 33 years has been and continues to be a great privilege. I
    want to thank my amazing family, who unfortunately could not be
    here today, for their love and support over the years. And I
    also want to thank my Foreign Service mentors, ambassadors,
    deputy chiefs of mission, and assistant secretaries with whom I
    have served. In particular, I would like to thank Ambassador
    Ryan Crocker, who encouraged me to join the Foreign Service in
    the mid-1980s and with whom I had the honor of serving in
    Baghdad in 2003; my friend, Stuart Jones who, as Ambassador to
    Iraq, when I was his Deputy Chief of Mission from 2014 to 2016,
    set an example that I hope to emulate, if confirmed; and
    Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, a national treasure who has been a
    steady source of wisdom, strategic thinking, friendship, and
    support since we first met over 25 years ago.
        As I had the honor of telling the committee the last time I
    appeared before you, I grew up in a California family that paid
    little attention to foreign affairs, and I began my journey to
    the Foreign Service in high school through involvement in Model
    United Nations and as an AFS exchange student. My journey
    continued in college, studying international relations and near
    eastern affairs. Serving for the past 6 months as the Acting
    U.S. Representative to the United Nations has been a remarkable
    experience that exceeded what I dreamed possible in my Model
    U.N. days. However, I joined the Foreign Service with the
    intention of serving our nation in the Middle East, and I am
    particularly honored to have been nominated to be the next U.S.
    Ambassador to Egypt.
        America's strategic relationship with Egypt is crucial to
    our national security interests. The U.S. is affected by
    Egypt's geostrategic influence on regional political, economic,
    and military affairs; its governance of the Suez Canal; and its
    demographic weight as the most populous Arab country. It hosts
    the headquarters of the Arab League and in February became the
    chair of the African Union for the year. Egypt continues to
    meet its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Treaty of
    Peace, which is the model for regional cooperation and
    stability. If confirmed, my primary concern will be to continue
    to shape our strategic relationship with Egypt in order to
    advance U.S. interests.
        Egypt is a key partner in countering potential threats to
    the United States and our allies. The Sinai Peninsula is the
    home to one of the most capable ISIS affiliates, and the
    Egyptian military campaign against ISIS-Sinai Province
    continues. In combating terrorism and promoting regional
    stability, President el-Sisi frequently acknowledges the
    importance of the U.S. role. If confirmed, I will seek to
    ensure our counterterrorism partnership with Egypt continues to
    reduce threats to the United States' interests.
        Egypt is the second largest recipient of U.S. security
    assistance and one of the top 10 of U.S. economic assistance.
    The Departments of State and Defense ensure that U.S. security
    assistance is well targeted to achieve bilateral security
    objectives, including encouraging Egypt to use its defense
    budget to purchase more U.S.-produced military equipment,
    supplies, and services. As Secretary Pompeo said during his
    testimony to Congress in April, we have told Egypt that CAATSA
    requires sanctions on any person who knowingly engages in a
    significant transaction with Russia's defense or intelligence
    sectors. If confirmed, I will carry that message forward. The
    United States should have greater insight into the Sinai
    Peninsula to verify that U.S.-provided weapons are being used
    appropriately. If confirmed, I will request additional travel
    for U.S. officials into the Sinai as security conditions
    permit. I will also urge Egypt to grant journalists more access
    to the Sinai.
        I know this committee shares our deep concern about Egypt's
    restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association,
    peaceful assembly, and the press; about protecting the rights
    of vulnerable populations, particularly religious minorities
    and women; about restrictions on civil society, including the
    NGO law; and about allegations of abuses by Egyptian security
    forces. I know that you are concerned about the reasons for and
    the conditions of imprisonment of U.S. citizens in Egypt. Let
    me assure you that I strongly share all these concerns. If
    confirmed, I will emphasize the vital role that protection for
    fundamental freedoms and rule of law play in the progress of
    democracies and in building prosperous economies. I will echo
    the call of Secretary Pompeo from Cairo for President el-Sisi
    to unleash the creative energy of Egypt's people, unfetter the
    economy, and promote a free and open exchange of ideas. For
    that same reason, I will also commend President el-Sisi for his
    support of religious tolerance and of the participation of
    women in politics.
        Embassy Cairo is one of our largest embassies, and it
    offers consular services to more than 68,000 U.S. citizens in
    Egypt. The embassy staff, both American and Egyptian, is
    committed to furthering U.S. priorities and strengthening our
    partnership with Egypt in sometimes difficult conditions. If
    confirmed, I look forward to joining in their efforts. My
    highest priority will always be the safety and security or all
    U.S. citizens in Egypt.
        I thank you again for the opportunity to testify before you
    today, and I look forward to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Cohen follows:]

                    Prepared Statement by Jonathan R. Cohen

        Chairman, Ranking Member, Members of the committee: It is an honor
    to appear before you today as the President's nominee to be Ambassador
    to Egypt. I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for
    their continuing confidence in me. If confirmed, I look forward to
    working closely with you and your colleagues to advance U.S. interests
    in Egypt and the region.
        Serving our nation as a Foreign Service Officer for the past 33
    years has been and continues to be a great privilege. I want to thank
    my wonderful wife, Lidija, and our amazing daughters, Alexandra and
    Gabriella, for their love and support over the years. I also want to
    thank my Foreign Service mentors, Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of
    Mission, and Assistant Secretaries with whom I have served. In
    particular, I would like to thank Ambassador Ryan Crocker, who
    encouraged me to join the Foreign Service in the mid-1980s and with
    whom I had the honor of serving in Baghdad in 2003; my friend, Stuart
    Jones, who, as Ambassador to Iraq when I was his Deputy Chief of
    Mission from 2014 to 2016, set an example that I hope to emulate if
    confirmed; and Ambassador Jim Jeffrey, a national treasure, who has
    been a steady source of wisdom, strategic thinking, friendship, and
    support since we met over 25 years ago.
        As I had the honor of telling the committee the last time I
    appeared before you, I grew up in aCalifornia family that paid little
    attention to foreign affairs, and I began my journey to the Foreign
    Service in high school, through involvement in Model United Nations and
    as an AFS exchange student. My journey continued in college, studying
    international relations and near eastern affairs. Serving for the past
    six months as the Acting U.S. Representative to the United Nations has
    been a remarkable experience that exceeded what I dreamed possible in
    my Model U.N. days. However, I joined the Foreign Service with the
    intention of serving our nation in the Middle East, and I am
    particularly honored to have been nominated to be the next U.S.
    Ambassador to Egypt.
        America's strategic relationship with Egypt is crucial to our
    national security interests. The United States is affected by Egypt's
    geostrategic influence on regional political, economic, and military
    affairs; its governance of the Suez Canal, through which nearly 10
    percent of global maritime trade transits; and its demographic weight
    as the most populous Arab country, with almost a quarter of the world's
    Arab population. It hosts the headquarters of the Arab League and, in
    February, became the chair of the African Union for the year. Egypt
    continues to meet its obligations under the 1979 Egypt-Israel Treaty of
    Peace, which is a model for regional cooperation and stability. If
    confirmed, my primary concern will be to continue to shape our
    strategic relationship with Egypt in order to advance U.S. interests.
        Egypt is a key partner in countering potential threats to the
    United States and our allies from ISIS and al-Qa'ida and faces serious
    terrorist threats in its mainland, in its western desert, along its
    lengthy borders with Libya and Sudan, and in its Sinai Peninsula.
    Terrorist groups frequently attack Egyptian military and government
    targets in the Sinai and periodically attack civilian targets there and
    in mainland Egypt. The Sinai Peninsula is the home base of one of the
    most capable ISIS affiliates, and the Egyptian military campaign
    against ISIS-Sinai Province continues. In combatting terrorism and
    promoting regional stability, President al-Sisi frequently acknowledges
    the importance of the U.S. role. If confirmed, I will seek to ensure
    our counterterrorism partnership with Egypt continues to reduce threats
    to U.S. interests.
        Egypt is the second-largest recipient of U.S. security assistance
    and one of the top-ten of U.S. economic assistance. The Departments of
    State and Defense ensure that U.S. security assistance is well targeted
    to achieve bilateral security objectives, including encouraging Egypt
    to use its defense budget to purchase more U.S.-produced military
    equipment, supplies, and services. As Secretary Pompeo said during his
    testimony to Congress in April, we have told Egypt that CAATSA requires
    sanctions on any person who knowingly engages in a significant
    transaction with Russia's defense or intelligence sectors. If
    confirmed, I will carry that message forward. The United States should
    have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify whether
    U.S.provided weapons are being used appropriately. If confirmed, I will
    request additional travel for U.S. officials into the Sinai as security
    conditions permit. I also will urge Egypt to grant journalists more
    access to the Sinai.
        Egypt publicly supports U.S. policy towards Syria; it has played a
    vital role negotiating repeated ceasefires in Gaza between Hamas and
    Israel. Egypt can be a strong force for good in the Middle East and
    Africa. We have encouraged Egypt to play a positive role in resolving
    the Gulf Rift with Qatar and to join us in developing the Middle East
    Strategic Alliance. If confirmed, I will press for greater Egyptian
    support of U.S. efforts to increase regional cooperation.
        U.S. exports to Egypt have sustained, in recent years, an estimated
    25 thousand U.S. jobs. President al-Sisi has taken bold action on
    difficult but essential economic reforms that should offer U.S.
    companies and investors greater opportunities in Egypt. If confirmed, I
    will encourage Egypt to continue implementing reforms that make doing
    business in Egypt easier, and I will encourage more U.S. companies to
    trade with and invest in Egypt as these changes create a more
    hospitable investment climate.
        The defeat of terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that
    includes preventing others from falling victim to the false allure of
    violent extremism. In my work at the U.N., I have seen Egypt lead
    efforts in this regard. I also have witnessed disagreements between the
    United States and Egypt on human rights issues and peacekeeping reform.
    Our relationship can be complicated even as we pursue many shared
    interests. However, our continuing work on counterterrorism and
    regional stability, despite our disagreements, demonstrates the
    strength of our enduring partnership. If confirmed, I will strive for
    achievement of U.S. priorities, as well as objectives the United States
    and Egypt share.
        I know this committee shares our concerns about Egypt's
    restrictions on the freedoms of expression, association, peaceful
    assembly, and the press; about protecting the rights of vulnerable
    populations, particularly religious minorities and women; about
    restrictions on civil society, including the NGO law; and about
    allegations of abuses by Egyptian security forces. I know that you are
    concerned about the reasons for and conditions of imprisonment of U.S.
    citizens in Egypt. Let me assure you that I strongly share all these
    concerns. If confirmed, I will emphasize the vital role that protection
    for fundamental freedoms and rule of law play in the progress of
    democracies and the building of prosperous economies. I will point out
    that opportunities for nonviolent political dissent are necessary and
    can help prevent insecurity and political instability by allowing
    citizens to participate more in their civic affairs and have a stronger
    voice in their future. I will echo the call Secretary Pompeo made in
    Cairo for President al-Sisi to ``unleash the creative energy of Egypt's
    people, unfetter the economy, and promote a free and open exchange of
    ideas.'' For that same reason, I also will commend President al-Sisi
    for his support of religious tolerance and the participation of women
    in politics.
        Embassy Cairo is one of our largest embassies, and it offers
    consular services to more than 68,000 U.S. citizens in Egypt. The
    embassy staff, both American and Egyptian, is committed to furthering
    U.S. priorities and strengthening our partnership with Egypt in
    sometimes-difficult conditions. If confirmed, I look forward to joining
    in their efforts. My highest priority will always be the safety and
    security of all U.S. citizens in Egypt.
        I want thank you again for the opportunity to testify before you
    today, and I look forward to taking your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Ambassador Cohen.
        Mr. Rakolta?

     STATEMENT OF JOHN RAKOLTA, JR., OF MICHIGAN, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                  AMERICA TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

        Mr. Rakolta. Chairman Romney, Ranking Member Murphy,
    members of the committee, I would like to thank President Trump
    and Secretary Pompeo for the trust and confidence that they
    have shown in me, and I am humbled by this extraordinary
    opportunity to serve my country. It will represent the
    interests and values of the United States and strengthen our
    nation's bonds with the government and the people of the United
    Arab Emirates. This relationship is critical to our national
    security interests and is a moderating and stabilizing force in
    one of the world's most volatile regions.
        I would like to thank my family, without whom I would never
    have been in a position to be considered for this job,
    particularly without the love, support, and inspiration of my
    family, especially my wonderful wife Terry for 43 years. She is
    here today with three of my four children, Eileen, Lauren, and
    Paige. I also have three of 11 grand children and many friends
    and extended family who are in the room today, and I could not
    be prouder of all of them for supporting me.
        My grandparents came to America from Romania seeking
    freedom and a chance for a better life. Our nation's values of
    hard work and gratitude, combined with love of our country,
    were instilled in my father. These served him well during World
    War II when he was held prisoner of war in Germany after his B-
    26 bomber was shot down. He ultimately moved back to Detroit,
    acquired a construction company by the name of Walbridge, and I
    am privileged to lead that company today.
        Having grown this regional firm into a multinational
    enterprise of over 2,000 employees, this experience has allowed
    me to understand the complexities of international business and
    commerce. These large and complex projects have given me
    experiences and insights which will be extremely helpful to
    U.S. business interests. If confirmed, promoting and developing
    U.S. business interests in UAE will be one of my top
    priorities. If confirmed, I will lead the embassy in
    continuation of efforts to promote and maintain fair and
    reciprocal trade with the UAE.
        The World Expo 2020 in Dubai offers great potential to
    showcase America's story, ingenuity, and technology in the
    Middle East. I look forward to advancing American values to
    millions of visitors, many of them youth, that visit our
    national pavilion.
        If confirmed, my highest priority will be ensuring the
    safety and security of Americans in the United Arab Emirates,
    including all private citizens who live and work in the UAE, as
    well as employees under the Chief of Mission's authority. I
    also believe that continuing our dialogue with the UAE on human
    rights and religious freedom represents another priority, which
    I will work continuously to advance, if confirmed.
        I understand that the UAE has been a key security partner
    for the United States and has joined us in several U.S.-led
    coalition operations, including against ISIS and al Qaeda. I
    would work closely with the embassy team, as well as with the
    members of this committee to ensure that our security
    partnership remains strong.
        If confirmed, I will fully support the U.N.-led peace
    efforts by U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths. The
    war in Yemen has taken on larger regional implications with the
    involvement of Iran and has created immense suffering among the
    Yemeni people. The administration's position on bringing an end
    to the conflict has been clear: only a negotiated settlement
    can end this protracted war and unify Yemen. If confirmed, I
    will work to continue support for U.N.-led efforts to achieve a
    lasting end of hostilities and a comprehensive peace agreement
    in Yemen.
        I will also support efforts to address the dire
    humanitarian consequences of the conflict. I understand that 80
    percent of Yemenis are in some need of humanitarian assistance.
    The international community must remain coordinated and strong
    in our response and in our efforts. All parties, especially the
    Houthi authorities, have to commit to lifting unnecessary
    impediments that slow down deliveries of aid.
        The President has been clear. Iran is responsible for the
    May 12th and the June 13th attacks on six vessels off the coast
    of UAE and in the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian regime poses a
    major threat to freedom of navigation and maritime security
    from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. If confirmed, I will work
    and support the administration's efforts to keep the Straits of
    Hormuz open where 20 percent of the global petroleum passes.
        If confirmed, I will work tirelessly with President Trump,
    my State Department colleagues, and this committee to protect
    and advance the interests of the American people. I will
    passionately and diligently represent our service men and
    women, business community, tourists, academics, the 50,000
    American citizens living in the UAE, and others wishing to
    engage with the people of the United Arab Emirates.
        Chairman Romney, Ranking Member Murphy, and members of this
    committee, thank you for the privilege and opportunity appear
    before you today, and I look forward to answering your
    questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Rakolta follows:]

                     Prepared Statement of John Rakolta Jr.

        Chairman, Ranking Member, Members of the committee, it is an honor
    to come before you today as President Trump's nominee to be the United
    States Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
        I would like to thank President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for the
    trust and confidence that they have shown in me. I am humbled by this
    extraordinary opportunity to serve my country. If confirmed to serve as
    the next U.S.Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, I will represent
    the interests and values of the United States and strengthen our
    nation's bonds with the government and people of the United Arab
    Emirates. This relationship is critical to our national security
    interests and is a moderating and stabilizing force in one of the
    world's most volatile regions.
        I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family, without
    whom I would never have been in a position to be considered for this
    job. Particularly, without the love, support and inspiration of my
    family, especially my wonderful wife of 43 years, Terry. She is here
    today with three of our four children, Eileen, Lauren and Paige. I
    could not be more proud of them.
        My grandparents came to America from what is today Romania seeking
    freedom and a chance for a better life. They raised my father to work
    hard and be grateful for the blessings our nation made possible. These
    were qualities that served him well during World War II when he was
    imprisoned in a German prison camp after the B-26 bomber he was
    navigating crashed. After the war, he returned to Detroit more
    optimistic and determined to build his family and career, ultimately
    acquiring and running Walbridge, the 100-year-old construction company
    I've had the privilege to lead for the last 39 years.
        Having grown this company into a $40 million regional company into
    a $1.6 billion international enterprise of nearly 2,000 employees, I
    have successfully managed assets and motivated teams of talented people
    to achieve great goals in highly competitive global economic
    environments. Walbridge projects have been completed throughout North
    and South America, as well as Asia and the Middle East for U.S. and
    foreign-based companies. We constructed Maritime City in Dubai, the
    largest complex for ship repair on the Indian Ocean.
        The UAE is the largest market for U.S. goods and services in the
    Middle East. My experience in the private sector has allowed me to
    understand the complexities and opportunities of international finance
    and commerce. Having overseen large and complex international projects
    has given me insights into foreign business risk, competing on a
    foreign stage, and dealing with currency volatility, all of which will
    be extremely helpful to U.S. business interests. If confirmed, I will
    use my experience in identifying and utilizing local joint ventures as
    a means and method of entering a foreign market to help American
    businesses expand into the UAE and beyond. Promoting and developing the
    expansion of U.S. business interests will be a top priority. If
    confirmed, I will lead the Embassy in the continuation of efforts to
    promote and maintain fair and reciprocal trade with the UAE. The U.S.
    has enjoyed a healthy trade surplus with the UAE for the past nine
    years, and I would like to see that continue. If confirmed, I will work
    to promote U.S. business opportunities as well as direct investment in
    U.S. industries.
        The World Expo 2020 in Dubai offers great potential to showcase
    America's story, ingenuity, and technology in the Middle East. I look
    forward to advancing American values to millions of visitors--many of
    them youth--that visit our national pavilion.
        If confirmed, my highest priority will be ensuring the safety and
    security of all Americans in the United Arab Emirates, including all
    private citizens who live and work in the UAE, as well as employees
    under Chief of Mission authority. I also believe that continuing our
    dialogue with the UAE on human rights and religious freedom represents
    another priority, which I will work continuously to advance if
    confirmed. I understand that the UAE has been a key security partner
    for the U.S., and has joined us in several U.S.-led coalition
    operations including Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Somalia, as well as the
    ongoing fight against ISIS and Al Qaeda. I would work closely with the
    Embassy team, as well as with the members of this committee, to ensure
    that our security partnership remains strong.
        If confirmed, I will fully support the U.N.-led peace efforts by
    U.N. Special Envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths. The war in Yemen, which
    began among Yemenis, then drew in neighboring countries, has taken on
    larger regional implications with the involvement of Iran, and has
    created immense suffering among the Yemeni people. The administration's
    position on bringing an end to the conflict has been clear: only a
    negotiated settlement can end this protracted war and unify Yemen. If
    confirmed, I will work to continue the administration's support for
    U.N.-led efforts to achieve a lasting cessation of hostilities and a
    comprehensive peace agreement in Yemen. I will also support efforts to
    address the dire humanitarian consequences of the conflict. I will
    continue to work with the UAE to ensure humanitarian efforts are
    prioritized, particularly in their role in the Saudi-led Coalition,
    continuing efforts such as ensuring the Red Sea ports remain open and
    operational. Other examples of such efforts include when the Saudi-led
    Coalition worked with the U.S. government to deliver the World Food
    Programme cranes in December 2017. In this regard, all parties need to
    increase access so that critical commercial and humanitarian goods
    reach all areas of Yemen. I understand that 80 percent of Yemenis are
    in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, and therefore the
    international community must remain coordinated in our response. All
    parties, especially the Houthi authorities, have to commit to lifting
    unnecessary impediments that slow down deliveries of aid.
        The President has been clear Iran is responsible for the May 12
    attacks on four commercial vessels off the coast of Fujairah, UAE and
    the June 13 attacks on two vessels in the Gulf of Oman. The Iranian
    regime poses a major threat to freedom of navigation and maritime
    security from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. If confirmed, I will
    work to support the administration's efforts to keep the Strait of
    Hormuz open, the narrow waterway in the Persian Gulf where 20 percent
    of global petroleum passes.
        If confirmed, I will work tirelessly with President Trump, my State
    Department colleagues and this committee to protect and advance the
    interests of the American people, passionately representing our service
    men and women, business community, tourists, academics, the 50,000
    American citizens living in the UAE, and others wishing to engage with
    the people of the United Arab Emirates.
        Chairman, Ranking Member, and Members of the committee, thank you
    for the privilege and opportunity to appear before you today and I look
    forward to answering your questions.

        Senator Romney. Thank you, Mr. Rakolta.
        The ranking member and I are going to both yield our time
    for purposes of voting and letting Senator Kaine offer the
    first questions.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, and I will do that as long as you
    tell the floor to keep the vote until I get there.
        Senator Romney. I will.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, and congratulations to all of
    you. These are very, very important nominations. And it is hard
    to ask all the questions that I want to in 5 minutes before
    going to vote. I think I am going to focus on Egypt, if I might
    start with you, Ambassador Cohen. It is good to see you again.
        The death of former President Morsi in a courtroom this
    week has got a lot of attention. There has been significant
    attention before his death to inadequate treatment of prisoners
    in Egyptian prisons. This is likely to be an issue of
    significance. The U.N. has called for an investigation into the
    circumstances of his death.
        Do you believe there should be such an investigation?
        Ambassador Cohen. Senator, thank you for raising the issue.
    It is, of course--prison conditions in Egypt are a broader
    issue of concern.
        Senator Kaine. Right.
        Ambassador Cohen. We have American citizens who are
    incarcerated there, and a top priority has to be insisting that
    the conditions of their incarceration are decent, humane, meet
    international standards, and that they are treated fairly under
    the law.
        In the case of President Morsi, I have seen the comments
    calling for an investigation, and I believe that if there are
    allegations of abuse anytime, investigations should be pursued.
        Senator Kaine. The danger of not having an investigation
    that would have some credibility would be that this could
    easily lead to additional political turmoil, violence. A
    predictable response of folks in the Muslim Brotherhood side
    would be to try to ratchet up protests, even violent protests
    against the government. So the idea of an investigation--it is
    always important to get accountability, but also a credible
    investigation can be something that can help maintain some
    order. Would you not agree?
        Ambassador Cohen. Yes, sir.
        Senator Kaine. Let me ask you about the imprisonment of
    journalists in Egypt. I was in Egypt and had a very candid
    dialogue about this with President el-Sisi when he was running
    for president, before he was president. And I basically
    expressed to him, look, you have got internal challenges with
    dealing with terrorism and things like that. And the U.S. will
    probably give you a great deal of deference in trying to make
    decisions about how you police internal security. But just
    friend to friend, we have a very difficult time, because of our
    culture, understanding journalists being thrown in jail for
    long periods of time. And these are not just journalists for
    Egyptian publications. Journalists have been in jail for
    international publications, wire services like Reuters, and
    otherwise.
        I have been disappointed. We had a pretty candid exchange
    about it, but I have been very disappointed with the Egyptian
    government's record of continuing to imprison journalists.
        Since this is such a key value to the United States, the
    First Amendment, as Ambassador what would you do--you cannot
    dictate internal politics in that country, but what would you
    do to uphold the important values of freedom of the press and
    encourage the Egyptian government to up their game in that
    regard?
        Ambassador Cohen. Senator, in public and private, I would
    make clear that the United States believes and I personally
    believe that having a strong democracy, having a prosperous
    country, having a stable country requires creating space for
    public opinion to express itself, including when that opinion
    is dissenting, without fear of retribution. And the case of
    journalism is at the center of that discussion. And if
    confirmed, I would be very happy to continue a conversation
    with this committee about how we can work together to advance
    that agenda with the Egyptians. But I would intend to raise it
    at the most senior levels on a regular basis.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you.
        Mr. Rakolta, I want to ask a question about your opening
    testimony regarding flow of oil through the Straits of Hormuz.
    Do you know what percentage of American energy comes through
    the straits? What percentage of American energy comes through
    the straits?
        Mr. Rakolta. I am not familiar with exactly the number, but
    I believe it is low. It is not crucial to our country. We are
    pretty much self-producing right now.
        Senator Kaine. That is correct.
        40 years ago, it would have been 70 or 80 percent, you
    know, nearly existential if there was anything challenging in
    the Straits of Hormuz to the United States economy. And now it
    is relatively low because of the good fortunate of American
    innovation in producing domestic energy.
        That said, there is an important global economic effect of
    problems in the Straits of Hormuz, obviously. But do you think
    it is the U.S.'s primary responsibility to be the guarantor of
    safe passage through the straits, or is that more appropriately
    an international responsibility the United States should play a
    part in because it is more other countries' energy resources
    that are at stake in this issue?
        Mr. Rakolta. I believe both, that the United States plays a
    very significant role due to the malign activities of Iran
    today, and we have a special relationship with our allies, both
    UAE and others, but also there is an international
    responsibility, given the fact that they consume most of the
    oil that comes through the straits.
        Senator Kaine. I think that is an important point. I just
    want to make sure that we do not take up on the world's burden
    of being the guarantor when the Straits of Hormuz are no longer
    of the same existential importance that they were to the United
    States a few decades ago. We do have a role. That is an
    important thing, but we need to call upon other countries to
    shoulder significant portions of the burden.
        Thank you for the testimony.
        And, Mr. Chair, I am going to yield it back to the lonely
    Senator Rubio as I leave and go vote.
        Senator Rubio. Yes. I hope you will tell them that I need
    to vote as well. And at some point if the folks do not get back
    in time, we may have to briefly recess till they get here
    because we have an important vote.
        I wanted just to focus on Libya. I do not think most
    Americans are aware of what a catastrophe this has turned into
    and how bizarre it is in some ways. Mr. Norland, I am sure in
    your current role as an advisor to the Joint Chiefs, you have
    watched closely a lot of the events there unfold.
        You know, briefly, we have a stalemate between the LNA and
    the GNA, the LNA controlling the vast majority of the
    territory, but the GNA posing a greater threat to their hold on
    that. And largely, it is unlike many of the other conflicts in
    parts nearby. It is not about sectarianism. It is just a raw
    power calculation.
        And then you got all these proxies. And it is kind of a
    weird standoff. On the LNA side, you have the UAE involved. You
    have the Russians, who have about $4 billion of oil contracts
    and are trying to get more. You have the French, and then you
    have Egyptian help primarily because they are concerned about
    their border and instability and so forth triggering over to
    them.
        And then on the other side, on the GNA side, you have the
    Turks who want to position themselves at least as a regional
    and play big boy as a global power. And then you have the
    Italians who are apparently involved to thwart the French and
    vice versa. So I do not fully understand that one.
        But our national interest concern there involves what
    appears to be a growing effort, still nascent, but nonetheless
    one we have to be very cognizant of, that both al Qaeda and
    ISIS are taking advantage of this sort of stalemate in fighting
    to look for an opportunity to reconstitute an area of operation
    that was eliminated. And they are doing two things now where
    they are using the conflict as a way to do it, but they are
    also I believe taking advantage of the fact that because the
    LNA is now facing off with the GNA, the counterterrorism
    pressure against them is, at this point, virtually nonexistent.
        So if you could share with us some of your insights or
    views about what we can do from the post to sort of keep an eye
    on all this.
        Ambassador Norland. Well, Senator, I think you have
    characterized the situation extremely accurately. The fact is
    that the fighting that is underway now cannot possibly produce
    a successful outcome for any side in this situation. Any
    victory would be pyrrhic.
        And the United States is absolutely committed to working
    all of the parties both inside Libya and with, as you say, a
    number of the interested outside countries, some of whom have a
    presence on the ground, to move with U.N. support and
    leadership in the direction of a negotiated settlement. The
    United States does have influence in this situation, both
    through the vision that we have, the neutral vision--we do not
    take sides in this equation--but also through economic
    sanctions and other measures we are able to apply. And if
    confirmed, it would be my role to do everything, to bring
    everything to bear that we can diplomatically and otherwise to
    try to end what, as you say, is a needless and terrible
    conflict.
        Senator Rubio. Thank you.
        And I apologize. We are going to have to recess briefly. So
    the committee will stand in brief recess until the chair
    returns.
        [Recess.]
        Senator Romney. The short recess is over.
        Ambassador Norland, given the fighting within Libya and the
    disarray that exists in that country, what do you believe
    should be our highest or higher priorities as you look to
    leading our post there?
        Ambassador Norland. Senator, I think the highest priority
    right now is to achieve a ceasefire and to get the key parties
    on the ground that are currently in conflict to move to the
    negotiating table and search for a political solution to the
    situation in Libya.
        The United Nations has been playing a very effective role
    under Ghassan Salame to try to get a process going. There was
    an initial meeting in Abu Dhabi some months ago that had
    prospects for success but has not panned out.
        And I think, if confirmed, my goal would be to apply all
    the diplomatic interests and leverage that we can both with
    parties inside Libya, in the east and in the west, as well as
    the local parties, and then with outside countries in the
    region to influence the situation in the direction of a
    political settlement.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Ambassador Cohen, Egypt has obviously been a long-term
    partner of ours and plays a critical role in the region. But
    Egypt has recently flirted with the possibility of buying
    fighter jets, as you know, from Russia. Secretary Pompeo notes
    that if that sale were to happen, the Countering America's
    Adversaries Through Sanctions Act would require sanctions on
    the Egyptians. I and 16 of my colleagues have called on
    President Sisi to reconsider the sale.
        How do you believe and how would you approach Egypt on this
    issue?
        Ambassador Cohen. Senator, I think the conversation begins
    right where you started with CAATSA and the consequences of
    going forward with it. But it very quickly goes into promoting
    American goods. I think we have better stuff. We have a better
    product. And we are right now Egypt's partner of choice across
    the board, and we need to make sure that we remain a partner of
    choice. So my engagement would be to underscore for the
    Egyptians the fact that about half of their military inventory
    is American is for a good reason because they chose the best
    they could get, and I think it is important that we continue to
    encourage them to buy our goods.
        Senator Romney. I would presume as well that our continued
    financial commitment to Egypt, particularly to their military
    effort, would obviously be influenced by a decision on their
    part to buy equipment from a geopolitically hostile power.
        Ambassador Cohen. The Egyptians have a longstanding and
    broad relationship with Russia on the commercial side,
    including military commerce. But the U.S. relationship with
    them I believe is stronger, and we will continue to strengthen
    that and grow our side of the account, work with them, and
    press them, and encourage them to reduce the Russian side.
        Senator Romney. Do you have any prospect about how we could
    encourage them to reconsider their human rights policies,
    particularly with regard to imprisoning dissidents?
        Ambassador Cohen. As I alluded to in my prepared statement,
    my belief is that we need to underscore for them over and over
    again at a high level publicly and privately that progress,
    prosperity, and stability requires them to create space for a
    variety of views, including dissenting views without fear of
    retribution. And that will continue to be my theme as I discuss
    this with the Egyptians.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Mr. Rakolta, what are your perspectives on the priorities
    for the U.S. with regard to our security relationship with the
    UAE, and how might you hope to advance those priorities?
        Mr. Rakolta. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        Our priorities with the UAE continue to revolve around our
    own national security and the security of the UAE itself. They
    are being threatened existentially by Iran, and the closer and
    the deeper that our relationship can be would be advantageous
    both to us and to them.
        Secondly, we have a significant trade relationship with the
    UAE. Today we enjoy the second largest trade surplus at over
    $15 billion. And as I said in my opening remarks, if confirmed,
    I have every intention to see us continue that advantage.
        And thirdly, the UAE is a moderating force in terms of
    human rights and religious freedom in the Gulf and in the
    broader Mid-East. And I would continue to encourage them at the
    highest level to continue to make modifications and reforms to
    join the Western world in terms of the democracies and freedoms
    that we have as U.S. citizens.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Senator Murphy?
        Senator Murphy. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Mr. Norland, thank you for your commitment to the country
    and taking on this very difficult job. You are going to face a
    very fluid situation when you arrive in Libya. And as I
    mentioned in my opening remarks, in April President Trump
    called Khalifa Haftar, as he was leading his failed offensive
    on Tripoli, and a public readout of the call made no reference
    to that offensive. Instead, the President seemed to praise
    Haftar for his ongoing counterterrorism efforts, a message that
    deeply perplexed our international partners since he has been
    actively attacking groups we worked with to dislodge ISIS.
        Can you clarify for this committee the U.S. position on
    Khalifa Haftar?
        Ambassador Norland. Yes, Senator. Thank you.
        As you can imagine, as part of my consultations, I have
    been exploring that theme. And it is clear to me that we
    consider the Libyan National Army to be a key player in any
    effort to produce a political solution to the situation in
    Libya. And it was I think, as I understand it, in that respect
    that there was a conversation between the President and Haftar.
    I understand that discussion revolved around counterterrorism,
    oil market stability, and the role of the LNA precisely in a
    political solution.
        What I found in the course of my consultations is unanimous
    consent across the U.S. government. There has to be a
    ceasefire. There has to be a movement towards a political
    settlement, that the United Nations' role in this process is
    key. And if confirmed, that is the path that I will be embarked
    on.
        Senator Murphy. I am glad you are willing to take on this
    job. You, I think, can understand how a phone call in the
    middle of an offensive that does not mention the ceasefire or
    the offensive would be interpreted by the international
    community and our partners as an endorsement of that offensive,
    not a move towards a ceasefire. But that is not your phone
    call. That is the President's. And I appreciate your
    willingness to take up this job.
        Mr. Cohen, you talk about the importance of our security
    relationship with Egypt. Let me just ask you a general
    question. Do you believe that it is appropriate to use U.S. aid
    and the threat of cutoff of U.S. aid as a means to try to push
    a human rights agenda in Egypt? The situation is getting worse
    not better. And I think the fundamental question is, are we
    willing to deliver a message to el-Sisi that there is a line
    you can cross, at which point we are no longer comfortable or
    bound to be a partner with them if they continue to ratchet up
    this campaign against political dissidents?
        Ambassador Cohen. Thank you, Senator. Let me take this in
    two parts.
        The first is that I believe in and, if confirmed, I will,
    of course, be supporting the law. And the law that the Congress
    passes that provides the financing has human rights provisions
    in it, and consequently we currently have a significant amount
    of money that has not been released because those conditions
    have not been either met or waived by the administration. So I
    think the path we have taken is completely appropriate.
        I also believe that the counterterrorism assistance that we
    provide is in our own national security interests. So we need
    to be sure as we go forward that we are protecting and
    defending American national security interests which are served
    by ensuring that the Egyptians can prosecute counterterrorism
    against ISIS in the Sinai, address the terrorism in their
    western desert, address terrorism in Egypt's heartland. It is
    not just Egypt's interests that are at stake there. It is
    America's.
        Senator Murphy. Let me just sneak in a couple questions for
    Mr. Rakolta.
        You disclosed as part of your process before the committee
    having some business interests in the UAE that may require you,
    under UAE law, to keep some of those companies open. Can you
    just talk about the projects that you have participated in,
    your company has participated in UAE and the steps that you
    have taken in coordination with this nomination?
        Mr. Rakolta. Yes, thank you for the question, Senator.
        From 2003 to 2013, my company did a significant amount of
    business in the UAE. We stopped bidding in 2011. We finished
    the final project in 2013. All of our staff and everything was
    removed from the UAE and sent elsewhere in the world.
        Secondly, there are contractual obligations and guarantee
    both contractually and by law that require us to give a
    corporate guarantee on those projects, if you will, the fact
    that if something were to go wrong, they could come back at us.
    That is the only thing. And we could have closed down our LLC
    that was working there, but as a practice for tax purposes, we
    leave those open until the final guarantees are completed.
        Senator Murphy. Have you had other business in the Middle
    East over that period of time?
        Mr. Rakolta. We did work in Doha on one project, but the
    projects were primarily in the UAE and in Doha. And the Doha
    project was, obviously, back then conducted out of the Dubai
    office. But everything has been shut down, and we have
    absolutely no intentions of going back. In fact, I will make it
    a little stronger. We will not be going back to doing business
    there.
        Senator Murphy. In the region, in the Middle East.
        Mr. Rakolta. Yes.
        Senator Murphy. And will you make that commitment once you
    leave this post as well?
        Mr. Rakolta. Yes, I would personally.
        Senator Murphy. Thank you very much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Senator Murphy.
        Mr. Rakolta, in just a moment Senator Menendez, who is the
    regular ranking member, will be joining us and wants to ask
    questions of the three. But anticipating his arrival, let me
    first ask you.
        It is a departure from some precedent to have an individual
    serve as Ambassador to UAE other than a career Foreign Service
    representative. What are your thoughts about that assignment?
    Does it represent a disadvantage not having that Foreign
    Service background to be able to serve in this regard, or do
    you believe that your experience will prepare you appropriately
    to serve in this critical spot?
        Mr. Rakolta. I think the difference between a career
    ambassador and a political appointee ambassador are quite
    different. I think each brings different qualifications to the
    job. I certainly will be at somewhat of a disadvantage on the
    career side of all of the experiences that they have, but on
    the other hand, I bring other experiences that I think will be
    very, very beneficial.
        On the side of perhaps being a bit at a disadvantage, I
    would submit to you that I will be using the embassy staff and
    the State Department to probably a greater degree, relying on
    them, at least in the initial phases, for a lot of advice and
    guidance. That is pretty much my answer.
        Senator Romney. Thank you.
        Ambassador Norland, I appreciate that in your opening
    statement, you made reference to the loss of life associated
    with those who served in Libya and want to underscore the debt
    that we owe to them and their families and appreciate your
    recognition of those individuals.
        Now having seen what happened there and recognizing your
    assignments in other ambassadorial posts around the world, how
    confident are you in the effectiveness and the sufficiency of
    our security resources in protecting the lives of our men and
    women who serve in the Foreign Service in Libya and in this
    part of the world?
        Ambassador Norland. Well, thanks for your concern, Senator,
    and your interest.
        In fact, because of the security situation in Libya in the
    recent few years, our diplomatic activities regarding Libya
    have been conducted out of our embassy in Tunis for security
    reasons. Our Chief of Mission has periodically gone into Libya
    in cooperation with the military forces from AFRICOM on short
    day trips to try to conduct some diplomatic activity on the
    ground. But that is a heavy security load to conduct missions
    like that. And at the moment, I think we are grappling with the
    question of how do we maintain an effective diplomatic presence
    with a finger on the pulse of what is going on in Libya but in
    a way that protects our people. And if confirmed, that is the
    balance I would need to strike, putting primary emphasis, of
    course, on the security of our people, but also trying to find
    a way to maximize the effectiveness of our diplomatic presence.
        Senator Romney. Thank you, Ambassador.
        I am going to yield the rest of my time to Ranking Member
    Menendez, who has just joined us. He will ask questions, if you
    are ready for that, of the panel. And, Senator Menendez, when
    you finish asking your questions, you can complete the panel.
    The rest of us have all had our questions, and we have had our
    opening statements.
        I am going to have to run and go vote. But for the benefit
    of those in my care, I will come back to express my
    appreciation to each of you if you are still here. It will not
    take me that long to vote. Thank you.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you for
    the courtesy in keeping the hearing open.

      Statement for the Record on the Nominations of Jonathan Cohen to be
    Ambassador to Egypt, Richard Norland to be Ambassador to Libya and John
             Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

        Today we consider three important nominations: Jonathan Cohen to be
    Ambassador to Egypt, Richard Norland to be Ambassador to Libya and John
    Rakolta to be Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.
        Egypt, an important security partner and regional actor, has been
    without a confirmed ambassador for more than two years now.
    Nevertheless, Mr. Cohen, a career foreign service officer, was only
    nominated fewer than three months ago.
        The UAE, another important security partner, has not had a
    confirmed ambassador in over a year. Breaking with precedent for
    ambassador positions to the UAE, Mr. Rakolta is not a career diplomat,
    and I had some significant concerns about elements of his file,
    including a number of omissions and inconsistencies in the information
    he provided to the Committee. Among other things, he failed to fully
    disclose business ties he held abroad. Mr. Rakolta has been forthcoming
    in his responses to my inquiries, specifically those regarding his
    involvement in a non-profit organization from 2009 to 2011, which was
    involved in questionable payments to a government official.
    Nonetheless, I am still concerned by some of the facts, including that
    he did not initially disclose that he served on the board of the
    organization and that he approved payments to an official who was
    involved in selecting his company as the recipient of a county
    contract.
        The United States and Egypt have a longstanding and important
    strategic partnership. From Libya to the Sinai, Egypt faces a number of
    serious and legitimate security threats that we in the U.S. are
    committed to helping Egypt overcome. However, this partnership is
    complicated by the continuous erosion of political and human rights in
    Egypt, as well as Egypt's openness to pursuing deals with strategic
    adversaries like Russia and China. I am particularly concerned about
    Egyptian efforts to purchase Russian military equipment, which would
    trigger negative consequences laid out in U.S. law. Furthermore, I am
    concerned that repression that stifles all legitimate means of dissent
    is itself a threat to Egyptian peace and prosperity, as are misguided
    military and counter-terrorism operations. While the Egyptian
    government took the promising step of announcing the repeal of its
    problematic NGO law, I am concerned about the lack of response from
    this Administration to the overall downward trend for civil society in
    Egypt. Arrests of political dissenters, civil society activists,
    attacks on press freedom, and the targeting LGBTQ people have become
    more common in recent years.
        In Libya, fighting between various factions amid the war and chaos
    is having significant negative impacts on regional security across
    North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. The ongoing
    military offensive by Khalifa Haftar and his Libyan National Army
    threatens civilians and could reignite a more violent civil war that
    destabilizes the rest of North Africa. Meanwhile, regional actors,
    including Egypt and the UAE, have converged on the country, pouring in
    significant resources to support various political actors and militias
    across the country, sometimes at cross-purposes with United States
    efforts. U.S. engagement on Libya has been hampered by the lack of a
    permanent diplomatic presence in the country since the deadly attack
    that resulted in the deaths of Ambassador Christopher Stephens, Sean
    Smith, Glenn Doherty and Tyrone Woods in Benghazi in September, 2012.
    More recently, U.S. engagement has been muddied by President Trump's
    April 15 telephone call with General Heftar, which appeared to embolden
    the General in his advance on Tripoli, in spite of the U.S.'s
    previously established support for the internationally recognized
    government of National Accord as well as the U.N.-brokered political
    process. Finally, I remain gravely concerned by the plight of the
    thousands of refugees and nearly 700,000 displaced Libyans and
    migrants.
        In the UAE, America has an important security partner but one with
    whom we've had a range of challenges and even countermanding policy
    objectives around the region. I placed a hold on a proposed sale of
    Precision-Guided Munitions in response to the UAE's participation in
    the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen that has resulted in civilian
    casualties from airstrikes and as well as disturbing reports of
    detainee abuse at UAE-run detention centers. I am also deeply troubled
    by credible reports of illicit transfers of U.S. origin weapons and
    armored vehicles to armed Yemeni groups, some of which the United
    States considers terrorist organizations. The Trump Administration is
    now trying to circumvent that hold and the entire Congressional review
    process for arms sales using an emergency declaration that fails the
    smell test. In Libya, Emirati support, including airstrikes, for
    General Haftar emboldened the General in his ill-considered assault on
    Tripoli. In Sudan, UAE support for the Transitional Military Council
    has emboldened the delay to a civilian-led transition, facilitating a
    violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.
        I believe it is imperative that we have strong, empowered
    ambassadors across the world to promote our interests and to advocate
    for Americans and American values.

        Gentlemen, congratulations on your nominations.
        I was delayed on the floor because of votes that we are
    having on rejecting Saudi arms sales. So I had to be there for
    that.
        Mr. Cohen, I appreciate your distinguished service to our
    nation, most recently at the United Nations.
        This assignment to Egypt is one of the critical ones in my
    view. I have serious concerns about the erosion of political
    and human rights in Egypt, the systematic choking off of
    avenues for legitimate dissent and the threat that poses for
    Egyptian stability. I am concerned about Americans who seem to
    be arbitrarily and capriciously imprisoned. I am concerned
    about the ability of Egyptian civil society to speak. I am
    concerned about the protection of Coptic Christians inside of
    Egypt. I am concerned about Egypt's moves through changes to
    its constitution in a way that seeks to extend indefinitely
    almost the time in which President el-Sisi can be in office.
    And I am seriously concerned about what Egypt is doing with
    General Haftar in Libya, which I think sends us in all the
    wrong direction. So this is an incredibly important assignment.
        So speak to me about what points of leverage do you see the
    United States being able to use with the Egyptian government to
    improve its human rights record. If you are confirmed, will you
    commit to publicly raising concerns regarding political and
    human rights in Egypt and meet with Egyptian civil society
    actors?
        Ambassador Cohen. Yes, Senator, I do.
        Senator Menendez. Okay. You have not perfected the State
    Department's endless answers. So I appreciate that.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. That works great.
        Will you help us address challenges facing the Coptic
    community in the context of broader human rights concerns in
    Egypt?
        Ambassador Cohen. I will, Senator, and let me say this
    about the Coptic community. We have seen some progress. There
    is a way to go, but President el-Sisi has undertaken a reform
    of public school textbooks. He has instituted a national
    committee to combat incidents of sectarian violence. He has
    granted permits to some 900 previously unlicensed Coptic
    churches and has permitted the construction of some new--14 new
    churches I believe over the last couple of years. So there is
    some progress. There is more work to be done but this will be a
    high item on my agenda.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you.
        With the recent amendments to Egypt's constitution eroding
    the independence of Egypt's judiciary, giving President el-Sisi
    the power to hand select the heads of judicial bodies and allow
    him to extend his rule, which also expand the military's
    influence over government politics and society, what avenues
    are left for free and transparent political processes? What
    implications does that kind of political repression have for
    long-term stability?
        Ambassador Cohen. Senator, my personal goal, if confirmed,
    will be to promote a prosperous and stable Egypt, and a
    prosperous and stable Egypt needs to be one where, as I have
    said several times today--excuse me for repeating myself--one
    that makes space for a range of opinions, for dissenting voices
    that can be expressed without fear of retribution, for a
    marketplace that has a more level playing field between public
    and private sectors, for one where abuses by security forces
    are met with accountability. I share many of the concerns that
    you outlined in your initial statement, and if confirmed, I
    will work tirelessly and make statements both in public and
    private along these lines.
        Senator Menendez. Thank you.
        Let me ask you finally, at least in this public session. I
    will have some questions for the record. But how will you
    engage the Egyptian government, as well as your colleagues on
    this panel in neighboring countries, if they are confirmed, to
    push for a ceasefire and a political solution in Libya?
        Ambassador Cohen. Senator, in my work at the U.N., we have
    been pushing for this for many months. And if confirmed and if
    by the time I get to post, we are not back at a political
    track, I will continue to push the Egyptian officials at a high
    level and try and rally as much support from my colleagues in
    Washington, including on this committee, to do so.
        Senator Menendez. So let me ask you one overarching
    question. So, yes, we have some interests aligned with Egypt.
    They are doing some critical work particularly in our
    collective fight against terrorism. They seem to have a good
    relationship with our ally, the State of Israel, at least in
    the Sinai. They have the opportunity for exploration in oil
    that could be a game changer with others in the region to help
    diversify particularly European energy and move it away from
    Russia.
        By the same token, I am deeply concerned that we have an
    Ambassador who will, yes, understand those interests, but at
    the same time not be hesitant to urge President el-Sisi and the
    Egyptian government to move in a different direction on civil
    society, on political freedoms, on the lack of repression, on
    not the arbitrary detention of U.S. citizens, on all of these
    things and our interests as it relates to Libya. Will you feel
    free to do that?
        Ambassador Cohen. Absolutely.
        Senator Menendez. Mr. Rakolta, we are concerned about the
    United Arab Emirates in a whole host of ways. Part of it has
    been they are part of a coalition that has created an
    unprecedented humanitarian disaster inside of Yemen. There are
    credible reports about Yemeni detainee abuse allegations. I
    have real concerns about their transfer of weapons that we have
    sold to them to entities we consider terrorist organizations.
    Are you familiar with these issues?
        Mr. Rakolta. I am. Thank you, Senator. I am familiar.
        Senator Menendez. And so talk to me about what you will do,
    if confirmed, on the detainee abuse allegations and about the
    weapons transfers.
        Mr. Rakolta. Well, let us start with torture. I am very,
    very aware and I would press for a credible, transparent, and
    open investigation to the highest levels of the Emirati
    government. I am not a hesitant person. I have very strong
    beliefs and will make both my personal voice and the voice of
    our nation heard loud and clear as far up as I can possibly
    make it.
        Would you please remind me what the second part of your
    question was?
        Senator Menendez. The weapon transfers.
        Mr. Rakolta. Yes.
        Senator Menendez. There are published reports that weapons
    that we sold to the United Arab Emirates have then been
    transferred illegally to entities and individuals who we have
    on our list of terrorists. That is not what an ally does when
    we are trying to help them with weapons sales.
        Mr. Rakolta. I agree with you. Weapons sales and the misuse
    is a very serious allegation. I would again press for very in-
    depth investigation, prompt, thorough, and I will uphold the
    law of the United States of America in the strongest possible
    way and will work with my colleagues and the Senate to bring
    this to the attention of the Emiratis and to hold them
    accountable.
        Senator Menendez. I hope this will be two of your major
    undertakings. We have allies, but those alliances are not carte
    blanches. It is not carte blanches to violate human rights. It
    is not carte blanches to take our weapons, sophisticated as
    they are, like precision-guided missiles and other weapons, and
    then transfer them to entities that may be in the Emiratis'
    interest but is not in the interest of the people of the United
    States of America.
        So I have your commitment that, if confirmed, you will
    vigorously pursue both of these issues.
        Mr. Rakolta. You have my commitment.
        Senator Menendez. There is also a question of the hiring of
    U.S. mercenaries. I am very concerned by reports that the UAE
    has hired a U.S. firm with retired military personnel to
    conduct assassinations in Yemen and has hired former National
    Security Agency employees to build a mercenary espionage
    hacking unit that has targeted dissidents and opposition
    figures, including United States citizens. Are you familiar
    with this information?
        Mr. Rakolta. I am sorry, Senator. I am not aware of those
    allegations.
        Senator Menendez. I would ask you to become familiar with
    it because we need to take steps to investigate the role of
    U.S. citizens that may be playing in this mercenary context and
    particularly in the spying of U.S. citizens.
        Lastly, are you familiar with the challenge that we are
    having in the Gulf of Qatar and the GCC rift?
        Mr. Rakolta. I am.
        Senator Menendez. What steps do you think you can have the
    UAE take to resolve this conflict? Because at this point, all
    we are doing is pushing Qatar into the hands of the Iranians.
        Mr. Rakolta. I would agree, first, that this is not in the
    U.S.'s best interest. The quad blockade is, secondly, not
    working. And thirdly, I will commit to you that I would work
    tirelessly to solve what the underlying issues may be and to
    try to bring the Emiratis and the Qataris to a closer and
    better solution for both of them.
        Senator Menendez. I have other questions for the record. I
    ask you to respond to them substantively.
        Ambassador Norland, what do you think you will be able to
    do, if confirmed, to promote the prospects of a ceasefire and
    resumption of the U.N.-led political process? And particularly,
    I share in this regard the administration's concern about
    General Haftar. I had a conversation with the Secretary of
    State the other night on this and Egypt's role in this. What do
    you think you will be able to do, if you are confirmed, in this
    regard?
        Ambassador Norland. Well, that is a really important
    question, Senator.
        Senator Menendez. I only ask important ones.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Menendez. At least I like to think so. You have to
    have humor here.
        Ambassador Norland. I can tell you that I would try to lend
    the voice of the United States firmly and clearly in support of
    a ceasefire, rededicate ourselves to that process in support of
    the U.N. Special Representative to the Secretary-General, Mr.
    Salame.
        This process involves engagement not just with the parties
    in Libya, east and west, but also with outside actors whose
    involvement needs to be shaped to pursue a positive outcome and
    to promote a reduction in violence rather than promoting it.
    And so I think we are talking about a full court press, which I
    detect across the U.S.
        government an interest in pursuing that. And I think having
    an Ambassador in the region in Tunis next door, until we can
    get on the ground in Libya, can lend added impetus to that
    process.
        Senator Menendez. I have several other questions for you,
    but there is a new vote going on on these resolutions. So I
    would ask you to substantively answer the questions I am going
    to pose to you. It would be helpful for me in terms of agreeing
    to move your process forward.
        And with that, in accordance with the chairman's request,
    the record will close at the close of business tomorrow for
    members to ask any questions. If questions are posed to you, I
    would ask you to answer them expeditiously so your nominations
    can be considered at a business meeting.
        And with that, the hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 12:30 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Andrew Bremberg by Senator Robert Menendez

                      pre-hearing questions and responses
    Sexual and Reproductive Health/Human Rights
        Question. The United States has joined the international community
    in identifying reproductive rights as human rights, including in
    connection with the 1994 International Conference on Population and
    Development, the 1995 Beijing World Conference on Women, and through
    its ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political
    Rights (ICCPR). Implicit in the right to reproductive health is the
    right of men and women to be informed and to have access to safe,
    effective, affordable and acceptable methods of family planning of
    their choice, including information and access to the full range of
    modern contraceptive services such as hormonal contraception, condoms
    and barrier methods, and long-acting reversible contraception.

       Do you believe that the United States and other countries should
            work to ensure that women, young people and LGBTI individuals
            receive accurate information about, and access to a full range
            of information and services about their sexual and reproductive
            health? If so, how? If not, why?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous funder of maternal
    and child health, including family planning programs, in the world. I
    agree that this strong record of leadership should continue, and that
    it should continue to do so within the longstanding ethical parameters
    that govern our foreign assistance today. Those parameters include the
    decades-old protections against taxpayer support for abortion, and the
    preservation of parental rights when it comes to the information and
    care provided to children, including the provision of culturally
    sensitive, age-appropriate, optimal health-focused sex education.

        Question. Should the U.S. government leverage its diplomatic and
    assistance tools to promote, protect, and defend the sexual health and
    reproductive rights of women and girls? If so, how? If not, why?

        Answer. The United States leads the world in the forceful use of
    diplomatic tools and funding measures to advance women's equality,
    protect the civil and human rights of women and girls, promote women
    and youth empowerment programs, and support women's health across their
    lifespan. The United States is the largest donor of women's health and
    family planning assistance. We support and fund women's health
    initiatives inclusive of, but not limited to, needs related to maternal
    health, voluntary family planning, and HIV and HPV prevention and
    treatment. We fund programs to prevent and address systemic sources of
    human trafficking, violence against women and girls, female genital
    mutilation, and other human rights abuses. If confirmed, I will
    continue this strong leadership.

        Question. Over the last two years, the Trump administration has re-
    imposed and expanded the Global Gag Rule, withheld funding from UNFPA,
    and deleted reporting on reproductive rights from the State
    Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices by narrowing
    discussion to coerced abortion, involuntary sterilization or coercive
    population control methods. Additionally, the State Department has
    instructed American diplomats to withdraw support for programs and
    language supporting sexual and reproductive health.

       Do you support the expansion of the Mexico City Policy? If so, how
            do you reconcile that with the repeated recognition by the U.S.
            government that human rights includes reproductive rights?

        Answer. The Mexico City Policy is a critical protection for
    taxpayers and for the women and girls that we support around the world
    against collusion with the global abortion industry in the guise of
    foreign assistance. Taxpayers expect us to use the billions of dollars
    managed by our maternal and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS,
    malaria, child nutrition and many other programs to save lives, not
    take them.

        Question. If confirmed, will you support maintaining the ban on
    UNFPA funding and the continued reduction of support to sexual and
    reproductive health programs and language?

        Answer. The administration made a determination that UNFPA's work
    with Chinese population authorities violated statutory funding
    restrictions. This is not new, and previous Administrations have made
    similar determinations. If confirmed, I will continue to examine
    closely the activities of UNFPA in the context of the funding decision,
    and will take every opportunity to remind other nations that the United
    States is and will be at the forefront of improving women's health
    across the lifespan, including continued access to family planning
    methods and preventing maternal and child deaths

        Question. According to the Washington Post, you played a lead role
    in drafting and overseeing the policy process for May 2017 Executive
    Order ``Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty,'' which encouraged
    federal agencies to expand exemptions to the Affordable Care Act's
    preventive services guarantee, allowing virtually any employer or
    insurer with religious or moral objections to deny women access to
    birth control.

       Please describe your role in developing policy across federal
            agencies in relation to those exemptions. If confirmed, will
            you use your position to further policies that deny access to
            birth control?

        Answer. As the Director of the DPC, I helped coordinate the
    development and drafting of several Executive Orders, including
    Executive Order 13798 ``Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.''
    The order required certain cabinet officials to ``consider issuing
    amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address
    conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate promulgated
    under section 300gg-13(a)(4) of title 42, United States Code.'' The
    order could not and did not contradict any statutes or controlling case
    law with respect to employee access to birth control provided or
    covered by employers. This administration has advanced policies in
    support of women's access to comprehensive family planning services in
    accordance with law. If confirmed, I will not use my position in a
    manner that departs from these policies.

        Question. Should health care providers in developing countries who
    receive U.S. funds be allowed to refuse to provide women, girls, and
    LGBTI individuals with information about modern contraception? If so,
    why?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous supporter of global
    health assistance, including family planning programs. When it comes to
    HIV/AIDS, there is no program on earth that has saved more lives than
    the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief--a program started by
    President Bush and the leaders of this committee. You can be assured
    that I stand strongly in favor of continuing the unmatched leadership
    of the United States in ensuring access for all people living with or
    at risk of HIV/AIDS to life-saving and lifeenhancing healthcare
    including women, girls, and LGBTI individuals. Some of our strongest
    and most cost-effective partners in delivering these programs are
    faith-based organizations. The United States has led the world in
    showing that partnerships with faith-motivated organizations can
    simultaneously deliver world-class compassionate care, while also
    honoring their faith traditions and protected conscience rights.

        Question. Should health care providers who receive U.S. funds be
    allowed to discriminate against LGBTI people, unmarried adolescent
    girls, or other minority groups in the delivery of services? If so,
    why?

        Answer. This administration has and will continue to support
    policies furthering the health and well being of all people, including
    minority groups, unmarried adolescent girls, and LGBTI individuals.
    Congress has passed numerous federal laws prohibiting discrimination by
    recipients of federal funds on the basis of race, color, national
    origin, disability, age, sex, religion, the exercise of conscience, and
    other protected classes. I intend to continue the Administration's
    policy on this question and abide by all applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. Should health care providers who receive U.S. funds be
    allowed to deny providing information to LGBTI people information about
    condoms, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or methods to prevent transmission
    of HIV? If so, why?

        Answer. This administration has and will continue to ensure that
    all people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS, including women, girls,
    and LGBTI individuals, have access to comprehensive information on how
    to prevent transmission of HIV. Congress has passed numerous federal
    laws prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the
    basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion,
    the exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the Administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. In your role as a senior advisor on health policy for the
    transition team at HHS and your leadership of the White House Domestic
    Policy Council, you played a lead role in championing a deregulatory
    agenda that has resulted in cutbacks on public health and consumer
    safety protections. This zeal for deregulation has not extended to the
    area of reproductive health care however, as this administration has
    introduced burdensome new regulations and policies imposing new
    barriers to accessing essential health care services like family
    planning and abortion.

       Please describe your views on access to fundamental reproductive
            health care and services including contraception and abortion.

        Answer. The United States is the leading funder of maternal and
    child health and family planning programs internationally. I support
    women's health throughout the life cycle, as is also reflected in the
    1995Beijing Conference Strategic Objective C.1. Furthermore, under that
    objective and in line with the Program of Action of the International
    Conference on Population and Development, "[i]n no case should abortion
    be promoted as a method of family planning."

        Question. Do you support the Trump Administration's regulations and
    policies that have expanded restrictions on accessing essential health
    care services like family planning and abortion, effectively creating
    new barriers, and if so, how do you reconcile that with your support
    for deregulation in other sectors?

        Answer. I am unaware of any policies that restrict access to
    essential, life-saving, life-affirming healthcare. On the contrary, the
    United States taxpayers are the most generous in the world when it
    comes to providing access to a broad range of family planning methods
    and any number of life-saving and life-enhancing services, such as STI
    testing and treatment, HPV and cervical cancer screening, treatment for
    other gynecological and urological conditions, prenatal care, attended
    labor and delivery, and newborn care for moms and babies, as well as
    medical and mental health care for survivors of sexual assault.
    Throughout my government service, I have consistently supported
    regulatory reform to ensure that the government achieves important
    public policy outcomes through the least restrictive means possible.

        Question. You have stated your first priority in Geneva will be
    advancing human rights.

       What does the term ``human rights'' mean to you?

        Answer. Human rights are those rights which are endowed by our
    Creator--usually expressed as freedoms that no government anywhere may
    abridge, which the U.S. Declaration of Independence speaks of as
    ``unalienable'' and can also be found in our Bill of Rights. One
    definitional source that many look to is the 1948 Universal Declaration
    of Human Rights, which includes rights of conscience, expression,
    religious exercise, freedom of movement, to marry, to form families
    free from government coercion, to be free from slavery and torture, to
    own property, and to due process applied equally to all.
        government respect for the universal human rights of all citizens
    fosters free and open societies in which all people can flourish.
    Advancing human rights means committing to defend the human rights and
    dignity of all people, no matter who they are. For example, as
    Secretary Pompeo has said: "standing up for human rights is hardwired
    into who we are as Americans. Promoting human rights is in the best
    interests of the United States. Societies that respect human rights and
    the rule of law are more stable, and make better allies."
        In accordance with international human rights treaties, if
    confirmed, I will vigorously advocate to protect the inalienable rights
    that all people share because of our shared human dignity.

        Question. How did you use your role as Director of Domestic Policy
    at the White House to advance human rights in the United States?

        Answer. During my time as the Director of the Domestic Policy
    Council, I worked on several issues that speak to human rights:
    advocating for the right to life of every human being, protecting
    religious liberty, reforming our Federal criminal justice system, the
    successful removal from the U.S. of former Nazi labor camp guard Jakiw
    Palij to Germany, expanding treatment for mental health, and calling
    for the eradication of new HIV infections in the U.S. I am proud to
    have helped President Trump advance the cause of unalienable human
    rights, particularly in his commitment to protecting the sanctity of
    life and human dignity around the world, including his impressive
    record on religious liberty and support for persecuted religious
    minorities.

        Question. Would you characterize access to healthcare as a human
    right?

        Answer. The United States supports the right to the enjoyment of
    the highest attainable standard of health. Likewise, the United States
    recognizes the importance and challenges of meeting basic needs for
    water and sanitation to support human health, economic development, and
    peace and security.

        Question. What about access to clean water?

        Answer. The United States is committed to addressing the global
    challenges relating to water and sanitation and has made access to safe
    drinking water and sanitation a priority in our development assistance
    efforts. While not legally binding, the United States believes that
    everyone should have a standard of living adequate for his or her
    health and well-being, one component of which is safe drinking water
    and sanitation.

    Immigration
        Question. In a meeting with SFRC staff on March 06, 2019 you stated
    that you could provide data supporting the assertion that ``the
    unlawful employment of aliens has had a devastating impact on the wages
    and jobs of American workers, especially low-skilled, teenage, and
    African-American and Hispanic workers.''

       Please provide the data supporting that assertion.

        Answer. U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2010 Report ``The Impact of
    Illegal Immigration on the Wages andEmployment Opportunities of Black
    Workers''

              ``Illegal immigration to the United States in recent decades
            has tended to depress both wages and employment rates for low-
            skilled American citizens, a disproportionate number of whom
            are black men. Expert economic opinions concerning the negative
            effects range from modest to significant. Those panelists that
            found modest effects overall nonetheless found significant
            effects in industry sectors such as meatpacking and
            construction.

        The bottom line here is that immigration is predicted to raise
    native wages in the case where immigrant and native workers are
    complements, meaning their productivity rises from working together.
    Native workers who are substitutes for immigrants, however, will
    experience negative wage effects.

        Question. Do you agree with the statement that ``households headed
    by aliens (legal and illegal) are much more likely than households
    headed by native-born citizens to use federal means-tested public
    benefits?'' If so, please provide the data supporting that assertion.

        Answer. No, I do not.

        Question. The Domestic Policy Council has reportedly proposed
    changing how several categories of visas are processed, allocated, or
    monitored, including B-1, E-2, H-1B, H-2A, J-1, and L-1. Not on that
    list are two visa categories, H-2B and EB-5, which have been used by
    the Trump Organization and Kushner Companies for seasonal workers at
    real estate properties and foreign investment in real estate
    properties, respectively.

       Did any private business interests of any individuals in the White
            House play any role in not proposing reforms or enhanced
            monitoring of H-2B and EB-5 visas, similar to the other six
            categories listed above?

        Answer. I am not aware of any private business interests of any
    individuals in the White House that played any role regarding reforms
    for any visa categories.

        Question. If not, why were these visa categories not considered for
    similar reforms or enhanced monitoring?

        Answer. As has been publicly reported, these visa categories are
    being considered for reforms.

        Question. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross testified to Congress
    in March 2018 that, in December 2017, the Department of Justice
    ``initiated the request'' for census questions about immigration and
    citizenship status in a letter to the Census Bureau. A federal judge
    found that assertion was ``potentially untrue'' and, in a June 2018
    litigation filing, Secretary Ross admitted that he considered adding a
    citizenship question to the census "soon after" his February 2017
    confirmation. According to a federal court filing, you proposed adding
    census questions to determine immigration and citizenship status in
    January 2017, before Secretary Ross's confirmation.

       Did the Domestic Policy Council play any role in advocating for or
            coordinating the addition of census questions about immigration
            and citizenship status? If so, please describe.

        Answer. Yes, I discussed my opinion on including the census
    question with other White House staff. In light of the confidentiality
    interests that attach to executive branch decision making, I am unable
    to further answer this question.

        Question. Did you have any contacts or communications with
    officials from the Department of Commerce, the Department of Justice,
    Steve Bannon, Kris Kobach, or Stephen Miller in 2017 about adding
    questions about immigration and citizenship status to the census? If
    so, please describe.

        Answer. Yes, I discussed my opinion on including the census
    question with other White House staff. In light of the confidentiality
    interests that attach to executive branch decision making, I am unable
    to answer this question.

        Question. According to a deposition of Kathy Kovarik, a senior
    official at USCIS, officials from the Domestic Policy Council attended
    regular immigration meetings that also included White House Senior
    Advisor Stephen Miller, as well as officials from the Department of
    Justice and, occasionally, the Department of State. According to
    Kovarik's testimony, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) was discussed at
    these meetings. In addition, an SFRC Democratic staff investigation
    ``determined that the White House Domestic Policy Council sought
    repeatedly to influence the decisionmaking processes at the State
    Department and DHS in order to ensure a pre-determined outcome: the
    termination of TPS designations for [El Salvador, Haiti, and
    Honduras].''

       Did you supporting terminating the TPS designation for El Salvador,
            Haiti, and Honduras? If so, why?

        Answer. I do not recall having or expressing an opinion on this
    subject.

        Question. Did you participate in meetings at the Domestic Policy
    Council related to the administration's decisions to terminate the TPS
    designations for El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras? If so, please list
    the dates and a description of the meetings.

        Answer. I do not recall participating in any meetings.

        Question. Did you participate in meetings or phone calls between
    members of the Domestic Policy Council and then Secretary of State
    Tillerson's personal staff related to the administration's decisions to
    terminate the TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras? If
    so, please list the dates and a description of the meetings.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in meetings or phone calls between
    members of the Domestic Policy Council and the Department of State's S/
    P office related to the administration's decisions to terminate the TPS
    designations for El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras? If so, please list
    the dates and a description of the meetings.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in meetings or phone calls between
    members of the Domestic Policy Council and the State Department's
    Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs (WHA) related to the
    Administration's decisions to terminate the TPS designations for El
    Salvador, Haiti and Honduras? If so, please list the dates and a
    description of the meetings.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in meetings or phone calls between
    members of the Domestic PolicyCouncil and the State Department's Bureau
    of Populations, Refugees and Migration Affairs (PRM) related to the
    Administration's decisions to terminate the TPS designations for El
    Salvador, Haiti and Honduras? If so, please list the dates and a
    description of the meetings.

        Answer. No.

        Question. As you know, TPS statute (8 USC 1254a) requires the U.S.
    to assess whether ``foreign state that prevent aliens who are nationals
    of the state from returning to the state in safety.'' Do you believe
    that the governments of El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras have the
    capacity ensure the safety of returning TPS beneficiaries?

        Answer. The TPS statute (Immigration and Nationality Act [INA] 244,
    8 U.S.C. 1254a) commits TPS designations and extensions, and associated
    findings, to the Secretary of DHS, after consultation with appropriate
    agencies. Without prejudice to any determinations made by the Secretary
    of DHS, the governments of El Salvador, Haiti, and Honduras have the
    ability to facilitate the return of their citizens who have benefitted
    from TPS. As a part of its review, DHS decided on a delayed effective
    date of 18 months for all three countries to permit an orderly
    transition, both for those returning home and for the country receiving
    them. The phase-out period has provided time for TPS beneficiaries to
    arrange for their departure and for the governments to prepare for the
    reception and reintegration of their citizens.

        Question. Are you aware that then Secretary of State Tillerson's
    letter to then Acting DHS Secretary Duke recommending the termination
    of the TPS designations for El Salvador, Haiti and Honduras recognized
    that ending these designations could 1) have negative consequences for
    U.S. national security interests, 2) increase unauthorized migration to
    the United States from Central America, and 3) leave TPS beneficiaries
    and their U.S. citizen children vulnerable to violence, extortion and
    gang recruitment if they are returned to these countries. Do you agree
    with then Secretary Tillerson's assessment?

        Answer. I have never seen this letter, so I cannot say if I agree
    with it or not.

    U.N. Special Rapporteurs
        Question. According to publically available data, the United States
    has failed to respond to any requests for official visits from U.N.
    monitors since January 20, 2017, and as of May 7, 2018, has ceased
    responding to formal queries from U.N. Special Rapporteurs altogether.

       Please describe your assessment of the work that is conducted by
            U.N. Special Rapporteurs.

        Answer. With 44 thematic and 12 country specific mandates created
    by the Human Rights Council alone, the relative value and
    appropriateness of U.N. Special Rapporteurs and their human rights
    mandates is not uniform.
        Several of these special rapporteurs had mandates created with the
    express support and advocacy of the United States. For example, in
    March and April 2019, we hosted well-received events in Geneva to raise
    awareness of the dire human rights situations in Xinjiang, China;
    Nicaragua; and Venezuela. These are some examples where special
    rapporteurs' execution of their mandate--and where the actual
    mandates--advance the cause of human rights, bringing credit upon both
    the mandate holders and the U.N. system.
        There are other special rapporteurs whose mandates contradict
    directly U.S. values and policies. One example of a flawed mandate is
    that of the Special Rapporteur on the Negative Impact of Unilateral
    Coercive Measures on the Enjoyment of Human Rights Idriss Jazairy. Mr.
    Jazairy's mandate and work presupposes that targeted human rights
    sanctions such as those provided under the Magnitsky Act (Pub.L. 112-
    208) harm, rather than benefit the overall state of human rights. We
    strongly disagree with this position.

        Question. Do you support the U.S. government's blocking access by
    U.N. Special Rapporteurs to the United States?

        Answer. The United States has not blocked U.N. Special Rapporteurs'
    access to the United States. In February 2019, the Department met
    separately with Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial, Summary or
    Arbitrary Executions Agnes Callamard and Special Rapporteur on the
    Rights to Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association Clement Voule
    at their request. In March 2019, the Department met with the
    Independent Expert on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Victor
    Madrigal. In line with the United States principled withdrawal from the
    Human Rights Council in June 2018, the U.S. has worked to prioritize
    carefully interactions and responses to HRC-created mandates,
    preferring to communicate with and respond to those requests that most
    clearly align with U.S. priorities and internationally recognized
    rights.

    Deregulation
        Question. In 2017, Congress used the Congressional Review Act (CRA)
    to repeal fifteen regulations, including measures to protect women's
    health, retirement security, workplace safety, clean water, and anti-
    corruption safeguards.

       Did you have any role in developing the CRA strategy?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Did you have any role (including coordination, strategy,
    advocacy, etc.) in the effort to repeal the SEC rule required by
    Section 1504 of the Dodd-Frank Act (P.L. 111-203), also known as the
    Cardin-Lugar anti-corruption provision? Did you agree with the removal
    of this regulation that promoted transparency in global payments by
    oil, gas, and mining companies? If so, why?

        Answer. Yes. President Trump signed into law House Joint Resolution
    41 that repealed the Extraction Payment Disclosure Rule that the last
    administration had put in place in 2016. This eliminated a burdensome
    regulation that threatened to put domestic extraction companies and
    their employees at an unfair disadvantage. By halting this regulation,
    the President has removed a costly impediment to American extraction
    companies helping their workers succeed.

        Question. Before you began work at the White House's Domestic
    Policy Council to roll back regulations, one of your clients at Right
    Policy LLC was the Freedom Partners Chamber of Commerce, which
    advocates a deregulatory agenda.

       During your time at the White House, have you had any contact or
            communications with representatives or agents of the Freedom
            Partners Chamber of Commerce? If so, what did those contacts or
            communications consist of?

        Answer. I participated in several meetings that were open to all
    interested parties (roundtable and listening session) as part of the
    President's Prison Reform agenda. At several of these meetings, Mark
    Holden participated in his capacity as the Senior Vice President and
    General Counsel for Koch Industries. While Mr. Holden holds a position
    with Freedom Partners, he was not there to represent Freedom Partners.

                                     ______

                      post-hearing questions and responses

        Question. On May 30, 2019, a notice of intent to establish a State
    Department Commission on Unalienable Rights appeared on the Federal
    Register. From its charter, the commission's duties include providing
    ``advice and recommendations, for the secretary's approval, to guide
    U.S. diplomatic and foreign policy decisions and actions with respect
    to human rights in international settings.'' According to Secretary
    Pompeo, he is trying to quote ``make sure that we have a solid
    definition of human rights upon which to tell all our diplomats around
    the world:'' Has the State Department not had a solid definition of
    human rights in its work so far, including in its annual human rights
    reports?

        Answer. The United States has been and remains the world's guiding
    force for human rights around the world. This leadership takes many
    forms, including through constructive public advocacy, such as the
    State Department's annual human rights and religious freedom reporting.
    The new Commission on Unalienable Rights extends that leadership by
    refreshing our discourse on human rights, including where that
    discussion may have departed from our nation's founding principles of
    natural law and natural rights.

        Question. What would be a solid definition of human rights in your
    view?

        Answer. Human rights are those rights which are endowed by our
    Creator--usually expressed as freedoms that no government anywhere may
    abridge, which the U.S. Declaration of Independence speaks of as
    ``unalienable'' and can also be found in our Bill of Rights. One
    definitional source that many look to is the 1948 Universal Declaration
    of Human Rights, which includes rights of conscience, expression,
    religious exercise, freedom of movement, to marry, to form families
    free from government coercion, to be free from slavery and torture, to
    own property, and to due process applied equally to all.
        government respect for the universal human rights of all citizens
    fosters free and open societies in which all people can flourish.
    Advancing human rights means committing to defend the human rights and
    dignity of all people, no matter who they are. For example, as
    Secretary Pompeo has said: ``standing up for human rights is hardwired
    into who we are as Americans. Promoting human rights is in the best
    interests of the United States. Societies that respect human rights and
    the rule of law are more stable, and make better allies.''
        In accordance with international human rights treaties, if
    confirmed, I will vigorously advocate to protect the inalienable rights
    that all people share because of our shared human dignity.

        Question. Should women's human rights, including the right to be
    free from domestic violence and to access reproductive healthcare, be a
    part of a quote ``solid definition of human rights?''

        Answer. I believe all human beings, including women, are endowed
    with the same fundamental rights and liberties. This includes the right
    to be free from all forms of violence, including domestic violence, and
    to access voluntary reproductive healthcare, to exclude abortion.

        Question. Did you consult or discuss with anyone in the State
    Department the creation of this Commission?

        Answer. No, I was not involved in the creation of the Commission.

        Question. What is your opinion on establishing such a Commission?

        Answer. I support this initiative, and do not believe we should be
    afraid of discourse surrounding our nation's founding principles.

        Question. In your role as the Director of the Domestic Policy
    Council, were you involved in any discussions about the zero-tolerance
    policy that resulted in family separation?

        Answer. I had no role in setting the zero tolerance policy.
    Subsequently, I was involved in discussions and meetings regarding the
    reunification of children and their parents, and in the implementation
    of Executive Order 13841 that states ``the policy of this
    administration to maintain family unity, including by detaining alien
    families together where appropriate and consistent with law and
    available resources'' and specifically directed ``The Secretary of
    Homeland Security, shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to
    the availability of appropriations, maintain custody of alien families
    during the pendency of any criminal improper entry or immigration
    proceedings involving their members.''

        Question. Did you ever participate in any meetings regarding the
    administration's zero tolerance policy on immigration? If so, how many?
    What was the extent of your role?

        Answer. After the zero tolerance policy was established, I was
    involved in discussions and meetings regarding the reunification of
    children and their parents, and in the implementation of Executive
    Order 13841.

        Question. Would you recommend re-instituting the administration's
    zero tolerance policy that forcibly separated nearly 2,800 children
    from their parents and maybe thousands more that have yet to be
    identified?

        Answer. I support the President's policy as stated in Executive
    Order 13841.

        Question. Will you refuse to endorse or defend any future family
    separation policy and will you encourage other countries to similarly
    refuse to adopt these cruel policies as a means to deter families
    seeking legal asylum protection?

        Answer. I support the President's policy as stated in Executive
    Order 13841.

        Question. What message do you think the zero tolerance policy has
    sent to other nations around the world?

        Answer. There is a humanitarian crisis on our southern border. The
    U.S. needs additional cooperation from other countries and additional
    resources and changes to the law from the Congress to address it.

        Question. Do you think this policy has affected other countries'
    approaches on immigration? How so?

        Answer. The President encourages all nations to embrace their
    sovereignty and manage their national security interests accordingly.

        Question. Can you explain the how UNFPA has violated Kemp-Kasten
    because I have not been able to get a clear answer how the
    administration went about making the determination against UNFPA?

        Answer. The determination to withhold funding from UNFPA was made
    based on the fact that China's family planning policies still involve
    the use of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization practices
    and that UNFPA partners on family planning activities with the Chinese
    government agency responsible for these coercive policies. The
    Secretary has determined that UNFPA therefore ``supports or
    participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or
    involuntary sterilization.''
        If confirmed, I will continue to examine closely the activities of
    UNFPA in the context of the funding decision, and will take every
    opportunity to remind other nations that the United States is and will
    be at the forefront of improving women's health across the lifespan,
    including continued access to family planning methods and preventing
    maternal and child deaths.

        Question. The U.S. sits on UNFPA's Executive Board, which approves
    country programs. If the U.S. was really concerned about UNFPA's China
    country program, wouldn't it use its position to bring the program into
    compliance of U.S. statutory funding restrictions?

        Answer. The United States remains engaged with UNFPA leadership to
    discuss its country-based programs, and as noted by Ambassador Kelly
    Craft in her June 19 confirmation hearing, the administration will
    continue to examine UNFPA's compliance with U.S. statutory
    requirements.

        Question. During the hearing, you seemed to suggest that switching
    to a voluntary funding model towards the U.N. was in the U.S. interest.
    Separating out the violation of our treaty commitments, as you may
    know, assessed funding structures require other countries to share in
    the financial burden. All U.N. member states, no matter how big or
    small, rich or poor, are required to help shoulder the U.N.'s regular
    and peacekeeping budgets at specified levels. This, in turn, prevents
    U.S. taxpayers from being saddled with the majority of these expenses.
    Successive administrations and outside experts have recognized the
    limitations inherent in voluntary funding structures. In June 2005, the
    House passed The United Nations Reform Act of 2005 which would
    automatically withhold dues from the U.N. unless certain specific
    reforms are met, including switching to a voluntary system. The Bush
    administration issued a Statement of Administration Policy (SAP) which
    said that it has ``serious concerns'' about the legislation because it
    ``could detract from and undermine our efforts,'' and ``asks that
    Congress reconsider this legislation.'' In addition, the 2005
    Congressionally-mandated Newt Gingrich-George Mitchell report on U.N.
    reform, for example, noted that such schemes are often slow and lead to
    U.S. priorities being underfunded: Are you aware that the U.S. often
    pays more under voluntary funding arrangements?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Are you aware that Congress and previous Republican and
    Democratic administrations have counselled against because it that
    would slow down funding and undermine our interests?

        Answer. I certainly appreciate the importance of assessed funding
    as a means of ensuring that all member states are invested in U.N.
    organizations. However, I also believe that, where possible, the United
    States should look for ways to shift to a voluntary funding model. Such
    a model has numerous benefits, including targeting U.S. resources to
    specific priorities and objectives.

        Question. During your confirmation hearing, you talked about the
    importance of meeting with dissidents and highlighting their work, and
    pledged to do so if confirmed. As you may know, U.N. treaty bodies-
    which monitor international implementation of a number of human rights
    treaties that the U.S. is party to, including conventions banning
    torture and extrajudicial killings, as well as requiring countries to
    protect fundamental civil and political rights-provide a critical forum
    for dissidents and victims of human rights abuses to register
    complaints against individual countries. In FY'18, the administration
    unilaterally withheld $18.9 million from its U.N. regular budget
    payments in order to target the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner of
    Human Rights (OHCHR). Partially as a result of these withholdings,
    OHCHR was almost forced to cancel the meetings of six of these human
    rights treaty bodies, which would have, in the words of the
    International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), ``allowed violators of human
    rights to avoid scrutiny and accountability.'' In fact, the well-
    respected ICJ organized a letter that hundreds of organizations signed
    onto, which stated, ``It is with a sense of urgency that we convey our
    deep concern regarding the critical funding situation affecting the
    U.N.'s human rights mechanisms and OHCHR. Against the worrying
    background of a global pushback against the promotion and protection of
    human rights, we urge all U.N. member states to pay their assessed
    contributions without further delay:''
        Given your expressions of support for dissidents and human rights
    defenders, can you explain how it is in our interest to effectively
    silence U.N. bodies that provide a platform to challenge their
    governments?

        Answer. The U.S. voluntary contribution to OHCHR activities remains
    one of, if not the, largest voluntary contribution to OHCHR activities.
    Our aim is to focus voluntary funding on OHCHR activities that advance
    U.S. policy objectives and priorities, such as work to address
    continuing egregious human rights violations in Burma, the DRC, and
    South Sudan, and to support fundamental freedoms such as the freedoms
    of expression, association, and religion and belief, among others. We
    are no longer funding work that is not in the interest of the United
    States or our allies. While the United States earmarked funds for many
    of the areas we support, we did not earmark voluntary funding for all
    activities we support in recognition that OHCHR receives funding from
    various sources. We look forward to continued engagement on critical
    human rights issues of importance to the United States and the entire
    international community.

        Question. Why would you advocate for something that so many human
    rights organizations are vehemently opposed to and allow violators of
    human rights to avoid scrutiny and accountability?

        Answer. There is no more active proponent of human rights
    accountability than the United States. We withdrew from the U.N. Human
    Rights Council to underscore that very truth--nations with clear
    records of human rights abuses should not allowed to become members of
    such a body. I would also question whether routine meetings of treaty
    bodies is the most effective means of promoting meaningful
    accountability.

        Question. How exactly do you plan to promote the issue of human
    rights in Venezuela-and follow up on the September 2018 UNHRC
    resolution-from the outside looking in?

        Answer. The United States has and will continue to strongly
    advocate for recognition for the legitimate interim government and for
    involvement of the United Nations in both documenting the crimes
    perpetrated against the Venezuelan people by the former Maduro regime,
    and in easing the effects of the humanitarian crisis caused by the
    regime's employment of violence, oppression, and malign neglect.
        If confirmed, I will press this issue forcefully with Geneva-based
    organizations actively involved in work on the ground, both in
    Venezuela and neighboring countries, including the U.N. offices of the
    High Commissioners for Human Rights and Refugees, the World Health
    Organization, and the International Organization for Migration. U.S.
    efforts will continue in other pertinent bodies as well, including both
    in New York and in the Organization for American States.

        Question. Yesterday, Agnes Callamard, the U.N. special rapporteur
    on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, released a much
    anticipated report on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. In it, Ms.
    Callamard supports evidence suggesting premeditation for the killing at
    the highest levels of the Saudi government, noting that ``[it is]
    inconceivable that an operation of this scale could be implemented
    without the Crown Prince being aware, at a minimum, that some sort of
    mission of a criminal nature, directed at Mr. Khashoggi, was being
    launched.'' In her confirmation hearing on June 19th, President Trump's
    nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Kelly Craft, stated that she
    had ``full confidence in the special rapporteur:'' Do you share her
    view?

        Answer. I have not read the rapporteur's report, and cannot speak
    to its elements or conclusions. I can say that the United States
    remains committed to full accountability for the murder of Jamal
    Khashoggi, and the administration has indicated that it will continue
    to assess related evidence.

        Question. Ms. Callamard's report also calls on the Human Rights
    Council to establish a ``Standing Investigatory and Accountability
    Mechanism'' to investigate violence or targeted killings against
    journalists and human rights defenders: Do you support such a proposal?
    If so, how will the U.S. Mission in Geneva go about pushing for its
    adoption, given our absence from the Council?

        Answer. I support press freedom and the protection of journalists,
    and the United States is a longstanding leader in promoting both. While
    I have no immediate reaction to the idea of a standing mechanism, if
    confirmed I look forward to exploring all options to strengthen
    international accountability for violence against journalists and human
    rights defenders.

        Question. Last June, the Trump administration withdrew the U.S.
    from the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing anti-Israel bias and
    concerns over the composition of the Council's membership. While the
    UNHRC is certainly not a perfect institution, U.S. engagement with and
    membership on the Council did deliver a number of positive results over
    the years. The Council voted to dispatch a team to investigate
    atrocities committed by ISIS in Iraq; continues to scrutinize and bring
    attention to the dire human rights situation in Iran; authorized a
    groundbreaking investigation into human rights violations in North
    Korea; and has taken action on a variety of other human rights crises
    in Myanmar, Yemen, South Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi, and Eritrea, to name
    a few. At the same time, U.S. membership on the Council helped us more
    effectively push back against instances of anti-Israel bias. According
    to the American Jewish Committee's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the
    Advancement of Human Rights, there was a 30 percent decline in country-
    specific resolutions on Israel during U.S. membership versus the period
    when we were off the Council. The number of special sessions on Israel
    also dropped significantly-six during the three years before we joined
    the Council in 2009 versus one in the last four years. In March 2018,
    the State Department itself reported that the UNHRC saw ``the largest
    shift in votes towards more abstentions and no votes on Israel related
    resolutions since the creation of the [Council]:'' Do you agree that
    there is a positive correlation between U.S. engagement and policy
    outcomes that reflect our nation's interests and values?

        Answer. The United States withdrew from the U.N. Human Rights
    Council (UNHRC) because of concerns related to its focus and
    composition, We noted then that ``Countries that aggressively violate
    human rights at home should not be in a position to guard the human
    rights of others'' and that the Council's persistent, unfair bias
    against Israel detracts attention and resources away from the HRC's
    mandate to promote universal respect for the protection of human rights
    and fundamental freedoms. If meaningful reforms are undertaken by
    member states that address our longstanding concerns with the Human
    Rights Council, we would consider the possibility of re-engaging at
    that time.
        The United States has, for decades, led global efforts to promote
    human rights, including through multilateral institutions. We will
    continue to pursue a robust human rights agenda at the United Nations
    General Assembly's Third Committee as well as other U.N. bodies, as we
    did during other periods we were not a HRC member. We will also
    redouble our efforts to bring human rights issues to the attention of
    the Security Council, as we did during our 2018 presidency, when we
    held the first ever session on the linkage between human rights abuses
    and threats to international peace and security.

        Question. The UNHRC was established in 2006 to replace a previous
    U.N. human rights body which had been criticized as ineffective,
    politicized, and biased against Israel. During its first several years,
    the U.S. refused to run for a seat on the Council, fearing it would be
    no better than its predecessor. This became a self-fulfilling prophecy:
    in 2007, the Council voted to place ``the human rights situation in
    Palestine and other occupied Arab territories'' on its permanent
    agenda, in effect making Israel the only country subject to scrutiny
    under a stand-alone agenda item (also known as ``Item 7''). More than a
    decade later, the U.S. is once again side-lining itself in Geneva, with
    a familiar pattern of consequences: during the Council's most recent
    regular session, a representative of a pro-Israel NGO was prevented
    from completing a speech at the Item 7 debate after several member
    states, including Cuba, challenged his remarks on procedural grounds.
    Had the U.S. actually been in the room and able to intervene, it's
    unlikely this incident would have played out the way it did.
    Unfortunately, it seems as though history is repeating itself: just
    like in 2006, the U.S. is forfeiting its seat at the table, and as a
    result, Israel is left even more isolated and exposed to criticism than
    before. What makes this all the more frustrating is that, during the
    years when we engaged constructively with the Council (2009-2018),
    UNHRC actions targeting Israel actually declined. Clearly, the current
    policy of disengagement and isolation is less than helpful: The U.S. is
    the strongest country in the world-shouldn't we fight for our allies?

        Answer. When the United States made the decision to withdraw from
    the U.N. Human Rights Council, the Israel government called it a
    ``courageous decision against hypocrisy and lies.''

        Question. In response to the decision to withdraw from the UNHRC,
    12 civil society organizations sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging
    the Department of State to review this decision, to seek reelection to
    the UNHRC in 2019, and to continue to advance reforms in the Human
    Rights Council. These groups noted that the ``decision is
    counterproductive to American national security and foreign policy
    interests and will make it more difficult to advance human rights
    priorities around the world. In fact, a 2017 study by the Council on
    Foreign Relations found that two successive terms of U.S. membership on
    the U.N. Human Rights Council improved its performance in several ways.
    First, U.S. involvement strengthened the Council's commitment to action
    within specific countries like Burundi, Iran, Myanmar, North Korea, and
    Syria fortifying norms like freedom of association, assembly and
    religion as well as the protecting the rights of at-risk populations.
    Second, the CFR Report noted a significant decline in anti-Israel
    resolutions during U.S. membership and concluded that U.S.
    participation in the UNHRC can advance U.S. interests and lessen anti-
    Israel bias while supporting measures to avert and de-escalate human
    rights crises, thus reducing the likelihood of costly military
    interventions:'' Do you agree that being part of body that enhances our
    interests and reduces anti-Israel bias is a good outcome?

        Answer. The administration made a concerted effort to encourage
    Human Rights Council members to undertake significant reforms to
    improve its membership guidelines and end its history of anti-Israel
    bias. When those reform recommendations fell on deaf ears, the United
    States decided the time had come to withdraw.

        Question. Given the recent attack on human rights globally,
    shouldn't we pursue policies that human rights organizations deem in
    our interest?

        Answer. The United States is the global leader in promoting and
    defending human rights and liberties. Membership in a defective
    international body would not complement that effort.

        Question. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011,
    Russia has repeatedly used its Security Council veto to block efforts
    to refer war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by the Assad
    regime to the International Criminal Court. The UNHRC, by contrast, has
    been at the forefront of efforts in the U.N. system to hold parties
    accountable for international crimes in Syria. The U.N. Commission of
    Inquiry (COI) on Syria, first established by the UNHRC in 2011, has
    assiduously documented human rights violations carried out by all
    parties to the conflict-including the Syrian government and its Russian
    and Iranian allies-over the years. At the most recent regular session
    of the UNHRC earlier this year, the COI reported that it is actively
    assisting countries pursuing accountability for war crimes committed in
    Syria, including processing 15 requests for evidence it has gathered
    for prosecutorial and other investigations in five countries. The U.S.
    strongly supported the creation of the COI and the reauthorization of
    its mandate throughout its time as a member of the UNHRC:
        Now that the administration has withdrawn from the Council, what is
    it doing to support the work of this vital body?

        Answer. The United States is pleased that Council members
    overwhelmingly renewed the mandate of the COI in March 2018 for another
    year. The United States has and will continue a strong working
    relationship with another critical body: the U.N. International,
    Impartial and Independent Mechanism to Assist in the Investigation and
    Prosecution of Persons Responsible for the Most Serious Crimes under
    International Law Committed in the Syrian Arab Republic since March
    2011 (Syria IIIM). U.S. support of the Syria IIIM is both practical and
    material; the most recent announcement of U.S. funding for the
    mechanism was made on March 14, 2019, in Brussels, Belgium. This
    support exemplifies the United States' commitment and ongoing support
    for justice and accountability in Syria.

        Question. Do you think it is important to have an independent and
    impartial entity like the COI investigating and publicly reporting on
    serious violations of human rights in Syria?

        Answer. The United States supports, on a case-by-case basis, U.N.
    investigatory mechanisms designed to enhance accountability for human
    rights violations and to end impunity. In particular, the United States
    believes that the Syria IIIM is a critical component of overall efforts
    to achieve justice for those murdered, missing, and abused by the
    criminal Assad regime.

        Question. Over the last few years, the U.N. has played an important
    role in the fight against opioids and synthetics. For example, in 2017,
    the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) voted to put international
    controls on two primary ingredients that are used to produce fentanyl.
    As the State Department made clear at the time, ``This action will make
    it harder for the criminals that are illicitly producing fentanyl to
    access the necessary resources,'' while simultaneously making it easier
    for countries to monitor suspicious orders and transactions:'' The
    State Department and U.N. are working together on this issue--will you
    continue to support this work and ensure that funding levels are not
    cut which may make progress more difficult?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will be actively engaged on this important
    matter, as I was during my tenure at the Domestic Policy Council.

        Question. You praised the U.S. decision to pull out of the
    Universal Postal Union (UPU). Besides that it may lead to higher costs
    for U.S. consumers, pulling out of this will set back our efforts to
    combat the opioid crisis. By pulling out of the UPU, the White House
    would negate U.S. Postal Service ability to access the (AED) shared by
    all those within the UPU. Such a move would harm individuals and
    businesses across the country: Given the severity of the opioid crisis,
    why pursue an approach that could make the situation worse?

        Answer. The administration is hopeful that its efforts to reform
    international postal rates will result in our continuing membership in
    the Universal Postal Union. Should those efforts prove unsuccessful,
    any and all resulting postal agreements established on a bilateral
    basis would unquestionably include required access to advanced
    electronic data.

        Question. How will you work toward Universal Health Coverage that
    ensures that no one, including women and girls, is left behind?

        Answer. The United States believes that health care systems must be
    accessible by all in a country, including through access to primary
    healthcare for women, men, boys and girls, and strong health systems.
    We applaud efforts to accelerate progress toward universal health
    access, understanding efforts to expand access do not imply government-
    centric solutions or mandates, and countries will choose to pursue
    universal health coverage (UHC) in line with their national contexts
    and priorities. Pathways to achieving UHC can include strengthening the
    role of private markets and infusing competition and innovation;
    efficient financing; enhancing consumer choice; and promoting the
    appropriate role for regulations and governance. If confirmed, I will
    work with other members states, and the WHO to explore how partnerships
    with the private sector and civil society could help other countries
    achieve UHC.

        Question. For some time, the United States has been the leading
    funder of global health and, specifically, of family planning and
    reproductive health. However, this administration has repeatedly
    proposed catastrophic reductions of funding to family planning/
    reproductive health programs (zeroing out the program in the first
    budget and this year requesting an over 55% reduction compared to
    enacted levels), while also pursuing policies, including the Mexico
    City Policy/Global Gag Rule, that numerous studies have shown make
    contraception and family planning harder and most costly for women to
    access: Do you believe that the United States can continue to be a
    leader on global health if we scale back financial commitments to
    programs that have proven critical to promoting the health of women and
    girls?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous funder of maternal
    and child health, including family planning programs, in the world. I
    agree that this strong record of leadership should continue, and that
    it should continue to do so within the longstanding ethical parameters
    that govern our foreign assistance today. Those parameters include the
    decades-old protections against taxpayer support for abortion, and the
    preservation of parental rights when it comes to the information and
    care provided to children, including the provision of culturally
    sensitive, age-appropriate, optimal health-focused sex education.

        Question. The Trump administration has actively sought to expand
    protections for healthcare providers who cite moral or religious
    objections to providing certain services or serving certain
    populations: Do you believe that the personal views of a medical
    provider should affect an individual's right to access quality and
    affordable healthcare?

        Answer. As the Director of the DPC, I helped coordinate the
    development and drafting of several Executive Orders, including
    Executive Order 13798 ``Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty''.
    The order required certain cabinet officials to ``consider issuing
    amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address
    conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate promulgated
    under section 300gg-13(a)(4) of title 42, United States Code.'' The
    order could not and did not contradict any statutes or controlling case
    law with respect to employee access to birth control provided or
    covered by employers. Congress has passed numerous federal laws
    prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the basis
    of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, the
    exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. Should providers who refuse to provide critical services
    to women, or to LGBTQ persons, or any other population be allowed to
    continue to receive U.S. funding?

        Answer. This administration has and will continue to support
    policies furthering the health and wellbeing of all people, including
    women, and LGBTI individuals. Congress has passed numerous federal laws
    prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the basis
    of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, the
    exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. Does that include a full range of contraceptive methods?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous supporter of global
    health assistance, including family planning programs that provide a
    broad range of family planning methods and services. Congress has
    passed numerous federal laws prohibiting discrimination by recipients
    of federal funds on the basis of race, color, national origin,
    disability, age, sex, religion, the exercise of conscience, and other
    protected classes. I intend to continue the administration's policy on
    this question and abide by all applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. The Trump administration continues to request that
    Congress completely cut funding to International Organizations and
    Programs Account and severe cuts to the Contributions to International
    Organizations Account. While even allies of the administration continue
    to call these budget cuts dead on arrival, they do represent this
    administration's priorities. As you said in earlier conversations, the
    U.S. is the most generous country in the world but how will you be able
    to confidently work with our allies in multilateral forums when the
    administration continues to threaten the stability of these bodies with
    these massive funding cuts?

        Answer. The President's budget requests underscore his
    determination to reduce the financial burden on the American taxpayer
    by encouraging other member states to do more. For far too long, the
    United States has shouldered an outsized burden on behalf of the
    international community, and the President simply feels that it is time
    that this burden be more equitably shared.

        Question. In addition to threatening funding cuts, the United
    States has taken a hard-line against long-standing agreements on sexual
    and reproductive health at the United Nations. Specifically, U.S.
    negotiators at the U.N. have repeatedly sought the removal of agreed
    language on sexual and reproductive access for communities worldwide.
    If confirmed, how will you work to ensure that the U.S. upholds and
    advances international commitments on sexual and reproductive health
    and rights globally, rather than seeking to roll them back?

        Answer. The administration has concerns about the terms ``sexual
    and reproductive health services'' and ``sexual and reproductive
    rights''. Over the years, these references have become associated with
    support for abortion as an alleged right. The administration will do
    all it can do to protect and respect the sanctity of life around the
    globe.
        In its advocacy for women, the administration continues to hold to
    the commitments laid out in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women's
    Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as in the 1994
    International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of
    Action. The United States moreover remains the largest bilateral donor
    of women's reproductive health and family planning assistance
    worldwide.
        Moving forward at the U.N., the administration seeks to find
    consensus with a wide group of Member States on clear terminology that
    would better promote women's health without promoting abortion. We are
    committed to meeting the health care needs of women, men, girls, and
    boys, as well as the health-education needs of children and adolescents
    around the globe, and avoid issues that offend human dignity.

        Question. The U.S. recently made an egregious and extraordinary
    threat to veto a U.N. Security Council Resolution on gender-based
    violence in conflict over a reference to survivors' access to sexual
    and reproductive health care. Media reports also suggest that during
    negotiations, the U.S. sought to remove a mechanism that would have
    provided funding for survivors of sexual violence in conflict with
    services over fears it could be used by survivors for abortions, where
    legal. These negotiations at the U.N. have real world impact on women
    and girls around the world:
        Do you believe victims of sexual violence should be able to
    terminate the pregnancy, where legal?

        Answer. I have tremendous sympathy for any woman victimized by
    sexual violence and support the U.S. efforts to help victims of sexual
    violence become thriving survivors. The United States will not support
    abortion services, but that does not equate to denying women who have
    been raped access to legal medical care. The U.S. opposition to the
    resolution in question was intended to ensure that U.N. organizations
    did not interpret that language to begin assuming a right to abortion
    as a method of family planning.

        Question. The global gag rule allows international organizations
    who receive U.S. global health funding to provide abortions in the case
    of rape, incest, and life endangerment of the woman with non-U.S.
    funding: Do you support these exceptions or would you recommend and
    seek to close them?

        Answer. Yes, I support the existing Mexico City policy, which
    includes these exceptions.

        Question. In countries around the world, LGBTQ people are
    criminalized for who they love. There are also women who are in jail in
    places like El Salvador and Senegal for having miscarriages or
    abortions. These are gross human rights violations:
        If you are confirmed, will you speak out against laws that
    criminalize same-sex relationships and women's personal health
    decisions in public and private settings as part of the United States
    human rights and diplomacy agenda?

        Answer. The United States has made clear its commitment to
    protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI
    persons, and has condemned the fact that in many parts of the world,
    LGBTI individuals and their supporters continue to face violence,
    arrest, harassment and intimidation for standing up for their human
    rights, participating in peaceful marches and rallies, and expressing
    their views. As Secretary Pompeo has stated, LGBTI persons--like all
    persons--must be free to enjoy their human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and
    association, without fear of reprisal.

        Question. For the past two years the State Department's annual
    human rights report failed to highlight the full range of abuses and
    human rights violations experienced most especially by women, girls,
    LGBTQI people, and other marginalized peoples around the world. Human
    rights are indivisible and universal. Threats to the human rights of
    women and LGBTQI people cannot be stricken from the report without
    sending a broader message to abusive governments that the United States
    will not hold them to account for such violations. Scaling back
    discussion of discrimination and women's health issues, such as access
    to contraception and abortion and rates of preventable maternal deaths,
    undermines the credibility of the Human Rights Reports as a whole and
    signals to the rest of the world that the United States does not value
    the human rights of all people. It also undermines the integrity of the
    State Department as a whole and further emphasizes statements that have
    been made by yourself and others in this administration that human
    rights are ``obstacles'' to development and prosperity as opposed to
    their bedrocks:
        Do you recognize reproductive rights and the rights of LGBTQ people
    as human rights? Do you believe that States have human rights
    obligations to eliminate gender-based violence, including domestic
    violence, sexual violence and harassment, in public and private life?

        Answer. The Department has been clear and consistent in affirming
    that human rights are universal, and that no one should face violence,
    criminalization, or severe official discrimination because of who they
    are. We will continue to stand up and speak out in support of the human
    rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTI persons
    in all corners of the globe, and to press for perpetrators of human
    rights violations and abuses to be held accountable.

        Question. The Trump administration has twice expanded the global
    gag rule--implementing a version of the policy that is unprecedented in
    scope. Recent research indicates the global gag rule is disrupting
    health care services, weakening civil society, and halting national
    policy progress on health and human rights:
        Were you involved in decisions to expand the global gag rule?

        Answer. I was involved in President Trump's decision to reinstate
    the Mexico City policy through his Protecting Life in Global Health
    Assistance policy.

        Question. Have you made any efforts to understand the impact of
    these decisions in terms of access to a range of health services,
    effective partnership in the field, and the silencing of medical
    professionals and advocates?

        Answer. After implementation of the Protecting Life in Global
    Health Assistance policy, the administration conducted a review at all
    affected departments and agencies. This review found that only four
    prime partners declined to agree to the conditions of the policy out of
    733 awards.

        Question. Do you believe the policy should be expanded even
    further?

        Answer. I support the existing policy.

        Question. In your written answers for the Committee, you stated
    that, ``The administration made a determination that UNFPA's work with
    Chinese population authorities violated statutory funding
    restrictions:''
        Can you explain the how UNFPA has violated Kemp-Kasten because I
    have not been able to get a clear answer how the administration went
    about making the determination against UNFPA?

        Answer. The determination to withhold funding from UNFPA was made
    based on the fact that China's family planning policies still involve
    the use of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization practices
    and that UNFPA partners on family planning activities with the Chinese
    government agency responsible for these coercive policies. The
    Secretary has determined that UNFPA therefore ``supports or
    participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or
    involuntary sterilization.''
        If confirmed, I will continue to examine closely the activities of
    UNFPA in the context of the funding decision, and will take every
    opportunity to remind other nations that the United States is and will
    be at the forefront of improving women's health across the lifespan,
    including continued access to family planning methods and preventing
    maternal and child deaths.

        Question. The U.S. sits on UNFPA's Executive Board, which approves
    country programs. If the U.S. was really concerned about UNFPA's China
    country program, wouldn't it use its position to bring the program into
    compliance of U.S. statutory funding restrictions?

        Answer. The United States remains engaged with UNFPA leadership to
    discuss its country-based programs, and as noted by Ambassador Kelly
    Craft in her June 19 confirmation hearing, the administration will
    continue to examine UNFPA's compliance with U.S. statutory
    requirements.

        Question. Emergency contraception can prevent pregnancy up to five
    days after a rape has occurred, yet is it illegal in some countries,
    such as Honduras. A United Nations treaty body has recommended, such as
    in the case of Honduras, that such bans on emergency contraception be
    lifted. Human Rights Watch recently issues a report on the impact of
    this ban, and the ban on abortion. It cited government data that in
    2017, 820 girls ages 10 to 14 gave birth in Honduras. Many of these
    girls became pregnant from rape. Do you believe victims of rape have a
    right to access emergency contraception?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous supporter of global
    health assistance, including family planning programs. All people have
    a right to compassionate and appropriate medical care. The United
    States has led the world in showing that partnerships with faith-
    motivated organizations can simultaneously deliver world-class
    compassionate care, while also honoring their faith traditions and
    protected conscience rights.

        Question. According to the World Health Organization, approximately
    16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and 2.5 million girls under age 16
    years give birth in developing regions. A United Nations agency
    released technical guidance on comprehensive sexuality education last
    year, focused on ensuring adolescents have access to evidence-based
    information: Do you believe that youth have a right to access to
    evidence-based information about sexual and reproductive health and
    rights?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous funder of maternal
    and child health, including family planning programs, in the world. I
    agree that this strong record of leadership should continue, and that
    it should continue to do so within the longstanding ethical parameters
    that govern our foreign assistance today. Those parameters include the
    decades-old protections against taxpayer support for abortion, and the
    preservation of parental rights when it comes to the information and
    care provided to children, including the provision of culturally
    sensitive, age-appropriate, optimal health-focused sex education.

        Question. In your testimony Thursday, you stated clearly that you
    do not believe victims of rape have a right to access abortion: Do you
    believe women and girls forced to continue pregnancies should receive
    compensation from the state to raise children born from that pregnancy?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you believe that governments should provide financial
    and legal assistance to women and girls who deliver children born of
    rape to seek payment from the men responsible for the rape?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. In the context of conflict, how do you believe this would
    work in practice?

        Answer. The U.S. is the most generous funder of services for women
    and girls who have been victimized by conflict, and I strongly support
    continuation of that funding. At the same time, we must continue to
    work to prevent such conflicts from occurring.

        Question. Returning to the U.S.'s threat to veto a U.N. Security
    Council Resolution on gender-based violence in conflict over a
    reference to survivors' access to sexual and reproductive health care:
    What exact services do you believe survivors of sexual violence in
    conflict should have a right to access?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous funder of maternal
    and child health, including family planning programs, in the world. I
    agree that this strong record of leadership should continue, and that
    it should continue to do so within the longstanding ethical parameters
    that govern our foreign assistance today. Those parameters include the
    decades-old protections against taxpayer support for abortion, and the
    preservation of parental rights when it comes to the information and
    care provided to children, including the provision of culturally
    sensitive, age-appropriate, optimal health-focused sex education.

        Question. In your pre-hearing QFRs, you wrote about ``collusion
    with the global abortion industry in the guise of foreign assistance:''
    Please describe how you believe such ``collusion'' has taken place in
    the past and define what you mean by the ``global abortion industry.''

        Answer. The Mexico City Policy is a critical protection for
    taxpayers and for the women and girls that we support around the world.
    Foreign assistance overseas raises concerns about the fungibility of
    resources that could be used to indirectly support abortion services,
    particularly when given to foreign NGOs that perform and promote
    abortion as a core part of their work. Taxpayers expect us to use the
    billions of dollars managed by our maternal and child health, family
    planning, HIV/AIDS, malaria, child nutrition and many other programs to
    save lives, not take them.

        Question. In your hearing, I asked you repeatedly what your opinion
    is on including a citizenship question to the census. You initially
    stated that ``I don't think it would be appropriate for me to discuss
    the confidential interactions,'' yet you admitted that you were ``not
    asserting any privilege.'' Please provide your opinion on including a
    citizenship question to the census, and please answer the question
    fully. I am not asking about your conversations with the president, or
    for any deliberative discussions in the White House.

        Answer. My current, personal opinion is that the inclusion of the
    citizenship question will provide a more accurate and detailed
    accounting of where U.S. citizens live within the United States.

        Question. In your opinion, is there any added value? Are there any
    risks?

        Answer. Yes, there is added value. Inclusion of the question will
    provide a more accurate and detailed accounting of where U.S. citizens
    live within the United States. Yes, there is some risk the inclusion of
    an additional question makes the survey longer and could potentially
    reduce the initial response rate, which would require additional
    outreach and follow up by the Census.

        Question. As I stated in your nomination hearing, I would like more
    information about your response to questions I submitted to you in
    advance of your nomination hearing.
        Specifically, I asked, ``Did you have any contacts or
    communications with officials from the Department of Commerce, the
    Department of Justice, Steve Bannon, Kris Kobach, or Stephen Miller in
    2017 about adding questions about immigration and citizenship status to
    the census? If so, please describe.''
        You answered: ``Yes, I discussed my opinion on including the census
    question with other White House staff. In light of the confidentiality
    interests that attach to executive branch decision making, I am unable
    to answer this question.'' On what basis are you claiming such
    communications would be confidential? Please be specific.

        Answer. As I stated during my hearing, I discussed my opinion on
    including the census question with other White House staff at the time.
    I did not have any communications with Mr. Kobach about adding
    questions about immigration and citizenship status to the census. I
    also did not participate in any meeting with the Department of
    Commerce, the Department of Justice, Steven Bannon, or Stephen Miller
    about the census question. I did discuss my personal opinion on
    including the census question with Mr. Miller.

        Question. Did you ask the President or White House Counsel whether
    the President was seeking to exert any privilege over any such
    communications?

        Answer. No.

        Question. On what basis are you claiming that any communications
    with Kris Kobach, who is neither a White House nor a government
    official, would be subject to any executive branch protections? I note
    that an OLC opinion the White House has cited for such broad privilege
    claims involved communications regarding a `quintessential and
    nondelegable Presidential power,' such as the authority to nominate or
    to remove U.S. Attorneys''--here, the subject in question is a
    statutorily-designated function delegated to a federal agency, not a
    core Presidential power. Please be specific.

        Answer. I did not have any communications with Mr. Kobach about
    adding questions about immigration and citizenship status to the
    census.

        Question. Your answer indicates that the White House was engaged in
    decision-making on adding a citizenship question to the census. Is that
    the case? Please note that the fact of any decision-making is not
    subject to any claim of privilege.

        Answer. Not that I am aware of.

        Question. Did you participate in any meetings with the Department
    of Commerce regarding adding a citizenship question to the census?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in any meetings with the Department
    of Justice regarding adding a citizenship question to the census?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in any meetings with Steve Bannon
    regarding adding a citizenship question to the census?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in any meetings with Kris Kobach
    regarding adding a citizenship question to the census?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Did you participate in any meetings with Stephen Miller
    regarding adding a citizenship question to the census?

        Answer. No, however, I did discuss my opinion on including the
    census question with Mr. Miller.

        Question. In response to my question regarding a draft memo
    purportedly authored by you, you stated that ``you had never written''
    the sentence, ``households headed by aliens are much more likely than
    households headed by native-born citizens to use federal means-tested
    benefits.''You also stated that, ``when I came into the White House
    there were many, many memos and draft executive orders that had been
    prepared for consideration for President Trump during the presidential
    transition. Many memos and executive orders.'' Was the sentence cited
    above drafted before the President took office?

        Answer. In light of the confidentiality interests that attach to
    executive branch decision-making, I am unable to answer this question.
    Moreover, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on an alleged
    draft internal White House document.

        Question. Who wrote it?

        Answer. In light of the confidentiality interests that attach to
    executive branch decision-making, I am unable to answer this question.
    Moreover, it would be inappropriate for me to comment on an alleged
    draft internal White House document.

        Question. Did you work, draft, consult, or advise on any draft
    memos or executive orders during the transition? If so, which ones?

        Answer. Yes, I worked on several draft memos and executive orders
    during the transition that dealt with domestic policy issues, but did
    not include immigration.

        Question. Did you ultimate finalize or submit a memo on means-
    tested benefits?

        Answer. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on alleged
    draft internal White House documents.

        Question. Did memos go out with your name on it that you did not
    review?

        Answer. No.

        Question. At your hearing, you stated that you would check your
    calendars to confirm whether you ever participated in any meetings
    regarding TPS (Temporary Protected Status). Have you consulted your
    calendars?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Did you have any record of participating in any meetings
    regarding TPS?

        Answer. Yes, I participated in one meeting regarding TPS.

        Question. Did you review your notes and files to see if you had any
    documents related to TPS? Did you?

        Answer. Yes. I do not have any documents related to TPS.Question
    72:Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for information by
    Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. If confirmed, I do not intend to hold any positions or
    affiliations that would constitute a breach of my ethics agreement.

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the Committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will make it clear to all employees of
    Mission Geneva that they are valued members of the team, and that
    retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices are
    unacceptable.

        Question. What is your assessment of the impact of the
    administration's zero-tolerance family separation policy on the
    children that were separated from their families and do you believe
    that separation caused these children any type of emotional or mental
    distress?

        Answer. The migration of whole communities and vast numbers of
    families throughout the Northern Triangle has had a profound impact on
    children. The journey north has been widely documented as one that is
    both physically perilous and emotionally taxing. Trauma--including
    emotional and mental distress--is seen among both adults and children
    who make the dangerous journey to the U.S.

        Question. Are you aware that the administration's zero-tolerance
    family separation policy separated children under the age of one year
    from their parents?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Did you participate in any conversations related to U.S.
    policy regarding the care of migrant children that were separated from
    their families and what is your assessment about whether these children
    received sufficient care while in custody of the U.S. government?

        Answer. Yes, I participated in discussions and meetings regarding
    the reunification of children and their parents, and in the
    implementation of Executive Order 13841.

        Question. Did you participate in any conversations related to the
    reunification of migrant children and their families that were
    separated under the administration's zero-tolerance family separation
    policy?

        Answer. Yes, I participated in discussions and meetings regarding
    the reunification of children and their parents, and in the
    implementation of Executive Order 13841.

        Question. Is it your assessment that all migrant children that were
    separated from their families as a result of the administration's zero-
    tolerance family separation policy have been re-united with their
    families?

        Question. No. I believe the Department of Health and Human Services
    is still caring for one child, and is currently working with the ACLU
    to help facilitate that reunification.

        Question. Did you participate in any conversations related to the
    administration's Migrant Protection Protocols and the policy of forcing
    asylum seekers to Remain in Mexico while their asylum claims are
    adjudicated in the United States?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you assess that individuals requesting asylum in the
    U.S. that are forced to remain in Mexico during their adjudication
    process are safe in Mexico or whether they face risks to their personal
    safety?

        Answer. Because I did not participate in conversations related to
    the administration's Migrant Protection Protocols I have not made any
    assessment.

        Question. Did the Domestic Policy Council (DPC) include assessments
    about the risks to the personal safety of asylum seekers forced to
    Remain in Mexico during their adjudication process in its decision
    making process when it formulated the administration's Migrant
    Protection Protocols?

        Answer. Because I did not participate in conversations related to
    the administration's Migrant Protection Protocols I did not make any
    assessment.

        Question. Did you or anyone on the Domestic Policy Council (DPC)
    engage with the Department of State or Department of Homeland Security
    regarding the TPS designations for El Salvador, Honduras, or Haiti, or
    any other countries? If yes, please describe any such engagement.

        Answer. Yes, I participated in one interagency meeting regarding
    TPS where the Department of State and Department of Homeland Security
    participated.

        Question. Did the DPC have a position regarding the termination,
    extension or re-designation of the TPS designations for El Salvador,
    Honduras, or Haiti? If yes, please describe any such position.

        Answer. Yes. In light of the confidentiality interests that attach
    to executive branch decision-making, I am unable to further answer this
    question.

        Question. Did the DPC provide the Department of State or Department
    of Homeland Security with any assessment about whether the ongoing
    presence in the U.S. of TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador, Honduras
    and Haiti posed any challenges to U.S. national interests? If so,
    please describe any such assessment.

        Answer. I did not.

        Question. When providing any input on the TPS designations for El
    Salvador and Honduras, did the DPC consider the risks to the personal
    safety and well-being of TPS beneficiaries from El Salvador and
    Honduras if they were deported to their countries of origin, given the
    elevated levels of crime and violence present in both countries?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. When providing any input on the TPS designations for El
    Salvador and Honduras, did the DPC consider the risks to the personal
    safety and well-being of the U.S. citizen children of TPS beneficiaries
    from El Salvador and Honduras if they accompanied their parents to
    their countries of origin, given the elevated levels of crime and
    violence present in both countries?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Did the DPC conduct any assessment of what the impact of
    terminating TPS designations for El Salvador and Honduras would be on
    the personal safety and well-being of the U.S. citizen children of TPS
    beneficiaries? If so, what were those findings, and to whom did DPC
    provide them?

        Answer. I did not.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Andrew P. Bremberg by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. During my time as the Director of the Domestic Policy
    Council, I worked on several issues that speak to human rights:
    advocating for the right to life of every human being, protecting
    religious liberty, reforming our Federal criminal justice system, the
    successful removal from the U.S. of former Nazi labor camp guard Jakiw
    Palij to Germany, expanding treatment for mental health, and calling
    for the eradication of new HIV infections in the U.S. I am proud to
    have helped President Trump advance the cause of unalienable human
    rights, particularly in his commitment to protecting the sanctity of
    life and human dignity around the world, including his impressive
    record on religious liberty and support for persecuted religious
    minorities.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues at the
    Office of the United Nations? What are the most important steps you
    expect to take--if confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy at
    the Office of the U.N.? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions?

        Answer. Violations and abuses of human rights and fundamental
    freedoms are serious and require attention. At present, the most
    pressing of these include the massive and systematic violations and
    abuses occurring in China, where over one million Uighurs, ethnic
    Kazaks, Kyrgyz, and other Muslins in Xinjiang have been detained in
    camps since April 2017. We remain gravely concerned by the horrors
    perpetrated by the Assad regime in Syria, where hundreds of thousands
    of Syrian civilians have been detained, and over 120,000 reportedly
    remain missing as a result of an ongoing effort to silence calls for
    reform and change. In Venezuela, the illegitimate Maduro regime thwarts
    the democratic aspirations of millions through violence and repression,
    all the while starving its own people. In Burma, atrocities committed
    against Rohingya Muslims have recently displaced more than 730,000
    Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh alone.
        If confirmed, I will rally fellow U.N. member states to press
    jointly for changes in state practice and, as we have recently done
    with the case of Burma, to support, on a case-by-case basis,
    independent U.N. monitoring and investigation mechanisms to establish
    accountability and end impunity.
        I would also continue to press U.S. concerns regarding the
    violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the
    right to freedom of religious belief, peaceful assembly and
    association, and freedom of expression. Upholding these fundamental
    freedoms is a prerequisite for global development and stability, which,
    in turn, helps guarantee U.S. national security.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face at the Office of the
    United Nations in advancing human rights, civil society and democracy
    in general?

        Answer. As we have seen in the unfortunate case of the U.N. Human
    Rights Council, it is often too easy for malign actors to become part
    of U.N. mechanisms, only to block criticism and thwart consensus on the
    need for meaningful engagement and reform.
        It will be critical, moving forward, to take a serious look at
    reforming the functioning of U.N. mechanisms and, if confirmed, I would
    be honored to lead these efforts on behalf of the United States.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S.? If
    confirmed, what steps will you take to pro-actively support the Leahy
    Law and similar efforts, and ensure that provisions of U.S. security
    assistance and security cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. The United States has made clear its commitment to
    protecting and defending the human rights of all. We work closely with
    U.S. NGOs in this effort, as demonstrated by our advocacy at the
    biannual NGO Committee meetings at the United Nations. The U.S. is also
    a strong backer of efforts to deepen human rights in the security
    sphere, as evidenced by our support for human rights in U.N.
    peacekeeping missions.

        Question. Will you and your team actively engage with other nations
    to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted?

        Answer. The United States will remain a leader in human rights
    advocacy, including in the multilateral system through our engagement
    in the Security Council, General Assembly, and other U.N. and regional
    fora. We are a strong advocate for human rights, including support for
    political prisoners and human rights defenders, in countries such as
    Iran and China.

        Question. You have stated your first priority in Geneva will be
    advancing human rights. What does term ``human rights'' mean to you?

        Answer. Human rights are those rights which are endowed by our
    Creator--usually expressed as freedoms that no government anywhere may
    abridge, which the U.S. Declaration of Independence speaks of as
    ``unalienable'' and can also be found in our Bill of Rights. One
    definitional source that many look to is the 1948 Universal Declaration
    of Human Rights, which includes rights of conscience, expression,
    religious exercise, freedom of movement, to marry, to form families
    free from government coercion, to be free from slavery and torture, to
    own property, and to due process applied equally to all. government
    respect for the universal human rights of all citizens fosters free and
    open societies in which all people can flourish. Advancing human rights
    means committing to defend the human rights and dignity of all people,
    no matter who they are. For example, as Secretary Pompeo has said:
    ``standing up for human rights is hardwired into who we are as
    Americans. Promoting human rights is in the best interests of the
    United States. Societies that respect human rights and the rule of law
    are more stable, and make better allies.'' In accordance with
    international human rights treaties, if confirmed, I will vigorously
    advocate to protect the inalienable rights that all people share
    because of our shared human dignity.

        Question. How did you use your role as Director of Domestic Policy
    at the White House to advanced human rights in the United States?

        Answer. During my time as the Director of the Domestic Policy
    Council, I worked on several issues that speak to human rights:
    advocating for the right to life of every human being, protecting
    religious liberty, reforming our Federal criminal justice system, the
    successful removal from the U.S. of former Nazi labor camp guard Jakiw
    Palij to Germany, expanding treatment for mental health, and calling
    for the eradication of new HIV infections in the U.S. I am proud to
    have helped President Trump advance the cause of unalienable human
    rights, particularly in his commitment to protecting the sanctity of
    life and human dignity around the world, including his impressive
    record on religious liberty and support for persecuted religious
    minorities.

        Question. Would you characterize access to housing as a human
    right? Why or why not?

        Answer. As set forth in Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of
    Human Rights (UDHR), ``everyone has the right to a standard of living
    adequate for the health and well-being of himself and of his family,
    including . . . housing.'' Access to housing is therefore facilitated
    by realization of the right to an adequate standard of living, as well
    as by equality before the law.

        Question. Would you characterize access to health services,
    including reproductive health services, as a human right? Why or why
    not?

        Answer. The United States supports the right to the enjoyment of
    the highest attainable standard of health. Likewise, the United States
    recognizes the importance and challenges of meeting basic needs for
    water and sanitation to support human health, economic development, and
    peace and security.

        Question. International Human Rights NGOs play a critical role in
    highlighting abuses and pressing for accountability in many forums
    including the United Nations: Will you commit to working closely with
    human rights and humanitarian civil society organizations and to
    briefing the NGO Working Group on the Security Council?

        Answer. The United States will remain a leader in human rights
    advocacy, including in the multilateral system through our engagement
    in the Security Council, General Assembly, and other U.N. and regional
    fora. We are actively involved in the work of the Third Committee of
    the U.N. General Assembly, which covers social, humanitarian, and human
    rights issues. In that context we are advocating strongly in support of
    human rights in Iran, Crimea, Syria, the DPRK, and Burma among others.
    We will also continue our efforts to bring human rights issues to the
    attention of the Security Council, as we did during our recent
    presidency when we held the first ever session on the linkage between
    human rights abuses and threats to international peace and security.

        Question. Some Human Rights Council critics have argued that the
    United States should pursue its human rights priorities in other U.N.
    fora. For example, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations
    Nikki Haley has stated that the Security Council should play a greater
    role in addressing human rights issues; however, others maintain that
    the Council should focus on its mandate of maintaining international
    peace and security. Some Administration officials have also raised the
    possibility of discussing human rights in the General Assembly's Third
    Committee which addresses human rights as part of the Assembly's
    broader mandate: What is your view on this issue? What are the
    advantages and disadvantages of using these alternate mechanisms?

        Answer. The United States will remain a leader in human rights
    advocacy, including in the multilateral system through our engagement
    in the Security Council, General Assembly, and other U.N. and regional
    fora. We are actively involved in the work of the Third Committee of
    the U.N. General Assembly, which covers social, humanitarian, and human
    rights issues. In that context we are advocating strongly in support of
    human rights in Iran, Crimea, Syria, the DPRK, and Burma among others.
    We will also continue our efforts to bring human rights issues to the
    attention of the Security Council, as we did during our recent
    presidency when we held the first ever session on the linkage between
    human rights abuses and threats to international peace and security. If
    confirmed, I will continue U.S. advocacy for human rights at every
    appropriate opportunity.

        Question. Please provide your assessment of Human Rights Council
    reforms completed so far and what additional reforms the U.S. deems
    necessary for its future participation. Have additional reform
    benchmarks been laid out? Has a timetable been specified?

        Answer. Ongoing reform efforts at the Human Rights Council have
    centered on working practices and have refrained from tackling the hard
    issues, namely the Council's pervasive anti-Semitic bias and the
    structural deficiencies that allow the worst human rights offenders to
    simultaneous use the Council as a shield from criticism and a sword for
    unjust criticism of U.S. allies. There is no path for U.S.
    reconsideration of its withdrawal without significant progress on both
    of these fronts. This must include the elimination of the Council's
    Agenda Item 7, an agenda item that uniquely and persistently targets
    Israel for criticism above all other U.N. member states.

        Question. What challenges does the Human Rights Council face in
    achieving its reforms and why?

        Answer. The chief obstacle to meaningful Council reform is the
    self-interest of malign actors, who seek to perpetuate their protected
    status on the Council while, simultaneously, using the body as a weapon
    with which to attack Israel. Reform is further complicated by those
    countries who believe, mistakenly, that even a misguided and fully
    inadequate Council is better than none.

        Question. Is there a process outlined by which the United States
    would return to the Human Rights Council?

        Answer. The United States will only consider the possibility of
    returning to the Human Rights Council if member states deal
    successfully with the bias and structural issues that grossly undermine
    the Council's legitimacy. This must include, not only the elimination
    of the anti-Semitic Agenda Item 7, but also fundamental changes to the
    rules governing election to the Council.

        Question. Do you agree with the administration's decision to
    withhold assessed funding to the Human Rights Council and OHCHR? Why or
    why not?

        Answer. The Department withheld from the U.N. regular budget an
    amount equivalent to the U.S. proportional share of the funding that
    the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights receives from the
    U.N. regular budget. This withholding was based on policy
    considerations. There should be minimal impact on OHCHR, because the
    withholding was from the U.N. regular budget, not from the OHCHR
    budget. The Department is continuing to make voluntary contributions to
    the OHCHR budget.
        Following our withdrawal from the Human Rights Council, we have
    also reduced our funding to the U.N. to account for the share of the
    U.S. contribution that would have gone to the HRC. We do, however,
    remain supportive of specific mandates created by the Council that
    support U.S. human rights objectives.
        Our approach is to provide targeted voluntary funding towards OHCHR
    activities that advance U.S. policy objectives and priorities, such as
    focusing on work to address continuing egregious human rights
    violations and abuses around the world and to support fundamental
    freedoms such as the freedoms of expression, association, and religion
    or belief, among others.

        Question. To your knowledge, under what authority did the
    administration withhold FY2018 funding? What is the impact of the
    withholdings on the operations of these bodies?

        Answer. The Department withheld from the U.S. assessed contribution
    to the U.N. regular budget an amount equivalent to the U.S.
    proportional share of the U.N. regular budget funding that the Office
    of the High Commissioner for Human Rights receives. This withholding
    was based on policy considerations. There should be minimal impact on
    OHCHR, because the withholding was from the U.N. regular budget, not
    from the OHCHR budget. The Department is continuing to make voluntary
    contributions to the OHCHR budget.

        Question. To your knowledge, why did the United States withhold
    funding from the OHCHR? Do you agree with the decision? If so, what
    OHCHR actions do you find most concerning and why? What OHCHR actions,
    if any, do you support?

        Answer. The Department withheld from the U.N. regular budget an
    amount equivalent to the U.S. proportional share of the funding that
    the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rightsreceives from the
    U.N. regular budget. This withholding was based on policy
    considerations. There should be minimal impact on OHCHR, because the
    withholding was from the U.N. regular budget, not from the OHCHR
    budget. The Department is continuing to make voluntary contributions to
    the OHCHR budget.
        Our approach is to provide targeted voluntary funding towards OHCHR
    activities that advance U.S. policy objectives and priorities, such as
    focusing on work to address continuing egregious human rights
    violations and abuses around the world and to support fundamental
    freedoms such as the freedoms of expression, association, and religion
    or belief, among others.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in industries that could compromise your work
    at the United Nations?

        Answer. No.

        Question. In 2017, you authored a memorandum for the President
    regarding immigration policy. In the memo, your reasoning for
    implementing certain policy was to, ``fulfill several key campaign
    promises:'' If confirmed, will your mission be to represent the
    American people, or fulfill the agenda and campaign promises of
    President Trump?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will represent the interests of the
    American people by fulfilling the policies of the Trump administration.

        Question. As Representative to the U.S. Mission in Geneva, what
    will be your commitment to consulting with and engaging in dialogue
    with Congress and civil society on critical international issues?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to frequent occasions to
    engage with Members of Congress and civil society on important matters
    addressed at U.N. venues in Geneva.

        Question. How will you avoid alienating other member states that
    have traditionally been U.S. allies in the promotion of human rights,
    democracy and peace and security?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will develop strong working relationships
    across the international community in Geneva, including with close
    allies and strategic competitors. I believe that among my key roles as
    U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N. is communicating clearly U.S.
    values and objectives. Those values formed the foundation of the U.N.
    system, and remain a clarion call to the world.

        Question. U.S. foreign assistance is vital in helping to reach the
    world's most marginalized people living in some of the most challenging
    contexts with life-saving health interventions, food assistance, access
    to education, and the tools with which to become more self-reliant over
    time:

       As Representative to the U.S. Mission in Geneva, how will you
            ensure that U.S. foreign assistance is used wisely by
            international organizations to reach the most vulnerable people
            around the world?

        Answer. As a major donor to United Nations development assistance,
    the United States has a strong interest to ensure our funding is used
    to help the most vulnerable and most in need and that U.S. taxpayers'
    dollars are used effectively and efficiently to achieve these purposes.
    If confirmed, I will work with the United Nations organizations in
    Geneva to undertake reforms and improve transparency and accountability
    to ensure that our development assistance through these organizations
    will continue to reach those most in need.

        Question. The Famine Early Warning Systems Network reports,
    ``Across 46 countries, 85 million people require emergency food
    assistance in 2019, 80% more than in 2015.'' Earlier this month, the
    U.N. warned that 2 million people in Somalia alone could face
    starvation by summer's end if sufficient international humanitarian
    assistance does not arrive soon: As Representative to the U.S. Mission
    in Geneva, how will you push for a strong collective response to the
    most urgent crises impacting food security?

        Answer. The United States government is committed to addressing
    global crises in food security and is on the Executive Boards of the
    U.N. Rome-based agencies: the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
    the World Food Program (WFP), and the International Fund for
    Agricultural Development (IFAD). The United States is the largest donor
    to the FAO, providing over $190 million per year: almost 20% of the
    total budget. We are the largest donor to the WFP, providing over $2.5
    billion in 2018: more than 34% of the budget. We are also the largest
    historic donor to IFAD, and contributed $30 million in 2019. If
    confirmed, I will work closely with our Ambassador to U.N. Agencies in
    Rome Kip Tom to urge other donors to do their fair share as well to
    address humanitarian crises around the globe.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor, and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will embrace every opportunity to promote
    diversity and inclusion in the workplace. I agree with the research
    that indicates that diverse teams are richer in creativity and
    perspective, and I believe all leaders should embrace a wide range of
    input, viewpoints, and backgrounds.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in your staff are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that all supervisors at Mission
    Geneva have undertaken the required workplace management training,
    including the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity coursework. In
    addition, I will lead by example, creating an inclusive working
    environment where all backgrounds and perspectives are treated as
    valid.

        Question. Religion has played a major role in your higher
    education. You attended Franciscan University and Catholic University
    during your time as a student. Reports have also stated that these
    religious routes are what shape your policy. How will your religion
    impact your ability to represent American people of all beliefs in
    Geneva?

        Answer. I am a person of faith and an American with an abiding
    belief in freedoms of religion and expression. If confirmed, I will
    welcome people of all faiths to my team and represent proudly Americans
    of all backgrounds, religious or otherwise.

        Question. The Trump administration has compromised U.S. energy
    security interests and our leadership role on climate change in the
    eyes of the world. Do you accept climate change is real, is caused by
    humans, and that immediate Congressional action is needed to address
    it?

        Answer. Climate change is a complex global challenge. I believe the
    climate is changing, and that there is likely a human component to
    that. If confirmed, I will ensure the United States continues to be a
    world leader in providing affordable, abundant, and secure energy to
    our citizens, while protecting the environment and reducing emissions
    through job-creating innovation.

        Question. As Representative to the U.S. Mission in Geneva, how will
    you repair the United States' standing in multinational climate
    discussions now that we have left the Paris Climate Accords?

        Answer. The United States will remain a party to the UNFCCC. If
    confirmed, I will seek to maintain U.S. leadership to advance and
    protect U.S. economic and environmental interests, including by
    participating in international negotiations to ensure a level playing
    field for all countries.

        Question. Do you believe the U.S. should play a leadership role in
    addressing climate change?

        Answer. The United States is a world leader in reducing emissions.
    U.S. energy-related CO2 emissions fell by 14 percent between 2005 and
    2017, even as our economy grew by 19.4 percent--largely due to the
    development and deployment of innovative energy technologies.

        Question. The U.N. plays a large role in global climate change
    initiatives. In conjunction with its member states, the U.N. implements
    policies aimed at decreased the effects of climate change. On multiple
    occasions during your time in the Trump administration, you have
    actively sought to repeal regulations aimed at protecting the
    environment:

       Do you believe in the existence of climate change? Why or why not?

        Answer. I believe that climate change is a complex global
    challenge. I believe the climate is changing, and that there is likely
    a human component to that.

        Question. Do you believe climate change is largely a manmade issue
    that can be dealt with by changing human behavior? Why or why not?

        Answer. I believe the climate is changing, and that there's warming
    taking place. There is likely a human component to that. If confirmed,
    I support decisions that are informed by the best scientific and
    intelligence assessments as we develop and implement relevant
    international policies.

        Question. Over the last two years, the Center on Family and Human
    Rights, better known as C-Fam, has seen its influence grow and was even
    part of the official U.S. delegation to the Commission on the Status of
    Women (CSW) in 2017. As a Southern Poverty Law Center designated hate
    group, whose work focuses disproportionately on denying rights to the
    LGBTQ community and demonizing women's health and rights, will you
    ensure that C-Fam and other groups that espouse this type of hate and
    bigotry will not be given any official capacity in any future
    conference?

        Answer. The United States opposes violence and discrimination
    against all persons. The public delegates to the CSW are not U.S.
    government employees, and they are not authorized to negotiate or speak
    on behalf of the United States. The Trump Administration continues to
    respect the rights of all persons, including women and those who
    identify as LGBT. The United States will continue to support the rights
    of all people to be free of violence and oppression.

        Question. Over the last two years, the U.S. has staked out
    positions on sexual and reproductive health and rights during
    negotiations on important resolutions and outcome documents that have
    alienated our allies. The most egregious example was during the
    Security Council resolution on Sexual Violence in Conflict that the
    United States almost vetoed until two last-minute changes. The first
    was removal of the mechanism that would have allowed women who had been
    victims of sexual violence in conflict access to health care and other
    forms of redress. The second was removal of the words ``sexual and
    reproductive health and rights.'' Can you commit to this committee that
    you will work closely with our allies to ensure these important
    resolutions and outcome documents will be given the appropriate
    attention and that you will protect the rights of women and girls
    around the world?

        Answer. The United States is committed to promoting the rights and
    well-being of women. In negotiating U.N. documents, U.S. delegation
    members often include senior officials and subject matter experts who
    seek to work constructively with other Member States toward achieving
    consensus. The administration has concerns about terminology related to
    sexual and reproductive health that do not enjoy international
    consensus. The use of these phrases by U.N. agencies and U.N.
    affiliates often implies abortion. The administration will do all it
    can do to protect and respect the sanctity of life around the globe. In
    its advocacy for women, the administration continues to hold to the
    commitments laid out in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women's
    Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as in the 1994
    International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of
    Action. The United States moreover remains the largest bilateral donor
    of women's health and family planning assistance worldwide. Moving
    forward at the U.N. and elsewhere, the administration will continue to
    build consensus with a wide group of Member States on clear terminology
    that would better promote women's health without also promoting
    abortion. We are committed to focusing on the health care and health
    education needs of women, men, girls, and boys, including adolescents
    around the globe, while avoiding issues that do not enjoy international
    consensus and do not support human dignity.

        Question. Armed conflict, political instability, climate change,
    and other factors have led to an unprecedented growth in global
    humanitarian needs. U.N. agencies like the World Food Program (WFP),
    U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), U.N. Children's Fund (UNICEF), and U.N.
    Population Fund (UNFPA) are leading the global response, providing
    food, shelter, medical care, education, maternal health care, and other
    forms of life-sustaining aid to tens of millions of people around the
    world. Because the U.S. doesn't have the capacity or reach to lead
    every humanitarian response, it works closely with the U.N., which
    brings together member states, NGOs, faith-based organizations, the
    private sector, and others to address crises. The U.S. helped create
    these agencies, and has long been the largest donor to U.N.
    humanitarian appeals: Do you believe that it is important for the U.S.
    to continue to work with the U.N. to address humanitarian crises around
    the world?

        Answer. The United States is a global leader in humanitarian
    assistance, having provided more than $8 billion in humanitarian aid in
    2018. However, despite significant progress in addressing crises,
    humanitarian needs remain high and outpace funding levels. Crises
    affect more people and for longer periods of time, and the number of
    people targeted to receive assistance through U.N.-led humanitarian
    response plans increased in 2018 from 77 million in 2014 to 101
    million. 2019 is on track to be a year of record high humanitarian
    needs, and burden sharing will be more essential than ever. In 2019,
    nearly 132 million people will need humanitarian assistance, the
    majority as a result of conflict. Per the Global Humanitarian Overview
    of 2018, a record $25 billion was needed to meet humanitarian needs in
    2018; the U.N. Office of the Office for the Coordination of
    Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other U.N. agencies helped mobilize
    funding for $15 billion. The United States is a strong supporter of
    U.N. agencies such as OCHA and their work in coordinating and providing
    protection and life-saving assistance to the millions of people
    displaced by conflict, natural disasters, and other causes. As global
    humanitarian needs continue to increase, we will continue to work to
    maximize the impact of our collective humanitarian efforts, and we
    support the humanitarian reform commitments made by OCHA and other U.N.
    agencies to increase efficiency, transparency, accountability, and
    effectiveness of humanitarian assistance for improved outcomes for all
    populations in need of humanitarian assistance.

        Question. Due to the ever-increasing scale of needs in recent
    years-brought on by conflict in Yemen, Syria, Iraq, South Sudan, DR
    Congo, Myanmar, and Afghanistan, among other places-UN humanitarian
    appeals are chronically underfunded: If confirmed, will you press for
    the U.S. to continue to provide robust financial support to the work of
    these activities, and will you push other countries to do the same?

        Answer. Having provided more than $8 billion in humanitarian aid in
    2018, the United States is a global leader in humanitarian assistance.
    If confirmed, I will push to reinforce U.S. leadership while
    encouraging greater burden-sharing from other donors. Despite
    significant progress in addressing crises, humanitarian needs remain
    high and outpace funding levels. Crises affect more people and for
    longer periods of time, and the number of people targeted to receive
    assistance through U.N.-led humanitarian response plans increased in
    2018 from 77 million in 2014 to 101 million. 2019 is on track to be a
    year of record high humanitarian needs, and burden sharing will be more
    essential than ever. In 2019, nearly 132 million people will need
    humanitarian assistance, the majority as a result of conflict. Per the
    Global Humanitarian Overview of 2018, a record $25 billion was needed
    to meet humanitarian needs in 2018; the U.N. Office of the Office for
    the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and other U.N. agencies
    helped mobilize funding for $15 billion. The United States is a strong
    supporter of U.N. agencies such as OCHA and their work in coordinating
    and providing protection and life-saving assistance to the millions of
    people displaced by conflict, natural disasters, and other causes. As
    global humanitarian needs continue to increase, we will continue to
    work to maximize the impact of our collective humanitarian efforts, and
    we support the humanitarian reform commitments made U.N. agencies to
    increase efficiency, transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of
    humanitarian assistance for improved outcomes for all populations in
    need of humanitarian assistance.

        Question. A High-Level Commission on Health Employment and Economic
    Growth called by the U.N. Secretary-General in 2016 concluded that
    investments in health have a nine-fold return and accounted for about
    one quarter of economic growth between 2000 and 2011 in low- and
    middle-income countries, having an outsized impact for women, who make
    up about 70% of the health and social workforce worldwide. As a result
    of the Commission, the WHO, ILO, and OECD have undertaken joint efforts
    to address a projected shortfall of 18 million health workers by 2030,
    which threatens to derail the tremendous progress the United States has
    spearheaded in saving lives around the world and also leaves us more
    vulnerable to infectious disease threats like Ebola. How will you
    prioritize U.S. leadership in Geneva, especially with the WHO and ILO,
    to help focus investments needed in health employment to drive economic
    growth and women's economic empowerment while simultaneously tackling
    our greatest global health challenges?

        Answer. The United States welcomed the Report of the High-Level
    Commission on Health Employment and Economic Growth; we continue to
    support its important recommendations regarding measures to address the
    global shortfall of trained health workers. The Commission's work has
    helped guide action that advances employment and economic growth in low
    and middle-income countries. The World Health Organization Global
    Health Workforce Network is a key mechanism to implement the
    Commission's recommendations through a five-year action plan. The
    United States will continue to support these focused investments to
    help countries increase their health workforce and share data on
    workforce issues for decision-making.

        Question. A May 2019 report of the Safeguarding Health in Conflict
    Coalition documents at least 973 attacks on health workers, health
    facilities, health transports, and patients in 23 countries in conflict
    around the world in 2018--from the DRC to Yemen, Syria, to the
    Philippines. At least 167 health workers died and at least 710 were
    injured. This marks an increase in the number of documented attacks
    compared to 2017, when the Coalition reported 701 such attacks. In
    January 2018 the WHO took an important step to document attacks on
    health and provide information for action to protect health services by
    launching its Surveillance System for Attacks on Healthcare and
    collecting and sharing data on attacks in nine countries in conflict--
    but the impact of this system is still very limited:

       Will the United States push for expansion of WHO's Surveillance
            System for Attacks on Healthcare, including providing
            information to describe the basic facts of the incident--
            withholding location information if needed for security
            reasons--and taking steps to enable identification of the
            perpetrator where known? And what more can and should be done
            to ensure compliance of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2286
            passed in May 2016 to document and conduct investigations of
            attacks on health workers and facilities?

        Answer. The United States has repeatedly urged member states to
    renew their commitment to the implementation of U.N. Security Council
    resolution 2286, which the Security Council passed unanimously in 2016.
    The Security Council demanded that the international community mobilize
    in an effort to prevent attacks on health services in armed conflict
    and hold those responsible for such attacks accountable. Three years
    later, however, a staggering number of attacks on health facilities,
    health workers, ambulances, and patients continue to take place across
    the globe. Impunity for such violations and abuses must come to an end.
    The United States strongly supports efforts to promote access to
    humanitarian relief, including medical care, for civilians in
    situations of armed conflict. If confirmed, I will work with other
    members of the U.N. Security Council to ensure the full implementation
    of resolution 2286.

        Question. In 2017, Congress used the Congressional Review Act (CRA)
    to repeal fifteen common-sense regulations, including measures to
    protect women's health, retirement security, workplace safety, clean
    water, and anti-corruption safeguards. What was your role in developing
    the CRA strategy and your rationale for undoing regulations including
    the rule implementing the Cardin-Lugar 1504 provision on transparency
    of global payments by oil, gas and mining companies?

        Answer. I worked with other White House and Congressional staff to
    identify regulations that were finalized at the very end of the Obama
    administration, including many ``midnight regulations'' that were
    finalized after the election, that we believed were overly burdensome.

        Question. As the Representative to the U.S. Mission in Geneva, you
    will be working closely with the U.N. Human Rights commission. The U.N.
    has made it clear that the access to an abortion is a human right that
    must be protected. The U.N. has even called on the United States to
    make sure that Americans still have the right and protections for safe
    abortions: In previous works, you have made it difficult for certain
    citizens to obtain an abortion. Do you believe abortion is a human
    right? If not, will you work to change the declaration by the U.N.?

        Answer. In its advocacy for women, the administration continues to
    hold to the commitments laid out in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on
    Women's Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, as well as in the
    1994 International Conference on Population and Development's Programme
    of Action. As noted at the time, these documents do not establish a
    right to abortion. Similarly, human rights instruments to which the
    United States is party do not establish abortion as a right; neither do
    binding humanitarian instruments. In short, there is no international
    consensus on a right to abortion. Decisions on abortion are those of
    individual sovereign states.
        Moving forward at the U.N. and elsewhere, the administration will
    continue to build consensus with a wide group of Member States on clear
    terminology that would better promote women's health without also
    promoting abortion. We are committed to focusing on the health care and
    health education needs of women, men, girls, and boys, including
    adolescents around the globe, while avoiding issues that do not enjoy
    international consensus and do not support human dignity.

        Question. You have said that the United States ``supports the right
    to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health.''
    Currently, roughly half of the world's population--3.5 billion people--
    forgoes essential health services due to financial constraints or lack
    of accessible facilities. Throughout this year, the international
    community is addressing this issue through the consideration of
    Universal Health Coverage, culminating in a High Level Meeting at the
    United Nations in September. Universal Health Coverage guarantees
    access to quality health services, essential medicines, and vaccines,
    and insures people against catastrophic and routine health costs,
    ensuring they will not face financial ruin because of health care
    costs: How will you work toward Universal Health Coverage that ensures
    that no one, including women and girls, is left behind?

        Answer. The United States looks forward to the U.N. Meeting on
    Universal Health Coverage. We believe health care systems must be
    accessible by all in a country, including through access to primary
    healthcare for women, men, boys and girls, and strong health systems.
    We need to accelerate progress toward universal health access, while
    understanding efforts to expand access do not imply government-centric
    solutions or mandates, and countries will choose to pursue UHC in line
    with national contexts and priorities. Pathways to achieving UHC can
    include strengthening the role of private markets; innovation and
    efficient financing to reduce out of pocket costs; enhancing consumer
    choice; and appropriate regulations/governance.

        Question. For some time, the United States has been the leading
    funder of global health and, specifically, of family planning and
    reproductive health. However, this Administration has repeatedly
    proposed catastrophic reductions of funding to family planning/
    reproductive health programs, zeroing out the program in the first
    budget, and this year requesting an over 55 percent reduction compared
    to enacted levels. It has also pursuing policies, including the Mexico
    City Policy/Global Gag Rule, that numerous studies have shown make
    contraception and family planning more difficult and costly for women
    to access. Do you believe that the United States can continue to be a
    leader on global health if we scale back financial commitments to
    programs that have proven critical to promoting the health of women and
    girls?

        Answer. The United States is the most generous funder of maternal
    and child health, including family planning programs, in the world. I
    agree that this strong record of leadership should continue, and that
    it should continue to do so within the longstanding ethical parameters
    that govern our foreign assistance today. Those parameters include the
    decades-old protections against taxpayer support for abortion, and the
    preservation of parental rights when it comes to the information and
    care provided to children, including the provision of culturally
    sensitive, age-appropriate, optimal health-focused sex education.

        Question. The Trump administration has actively sought to expand
    protections for healthcare providers who cite moral or religious
    objections to providing certain services or serving certain
    populations:

       Do you believe that the personal views of a medical provider should
            affect an individual's right to access quality and affordable
            healthcare? Should providers who refuse to provide critical
            services to women, or to LGBTQ persons, or any other population
            be allowed to continue to receive U.S. funding? Does that
            include a full range of contraceptive methods?

        Answer. As the Director of the DPC, I helped coordinate the
    development and drafting of several Executive Orders, including
    Executive Order 13798 ``Promoting Free Speech and Religious Liberty.''
    The order required certain cabinet officials to ``consider issuing
    amended regulations, consistent with applicable law, to address
    conscience-based objections to the preventive-care mandate promulgated
    under section 300gg-13(a)(4) of title 42, United States Code.'' The
    order could not and did not contradict any statutes or controlling case
    law with respect to employee access to birth control provided or
    covered by employers. Congress has passed numerous federal laws
    prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the basis
    of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, the
    exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.
        This administration has and will continue to support policies
    furthering the health and wellbeing of all people, including women, and
    LGBTI individuals. Congress has passed numerous federal laws
    prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the basis
    of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, the
    exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.
        The United States is the most generous supporter of global health
    assistance, including family planning programs that provide a broad
    range of family planning methods and services. Congress has passed
    numerous federal laws prohibiting discrimination by recipients of
    federal funds on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability,
    age, sex, religion, the exercise of conscience, and other protected
    classes. I intend to continue the administration's policy on this
    question and abide by all applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. In addition to threatening funding cuts, the United
    States has taken a hard-line against long-standing agreements on sexual
    and reproductive health at the United Nations. Specifically, U.S.
    negotiators at the U.N. have repeatedly sought the removal of agreed
    language on sexual and reproductive access for communities worldwide:

       If confirmed, how will you work to ensure that the U.S. upholds and
            advances international commitments on sexual and reproductive
            health and rights globally, rather than seeking to roll them
            back?

        Answer. The administration has concerns about the terms ``sexual
    and reproductive health services'' and ``sexual and reproductive
    rights''. Over the years, these references have become associated with
    support for abortion as an alleged right. The administration will do
    all it can do to protect and respect the sanctity of life around the
    globe.
        In its advocacy for women, the administration continues to hold to
    the commitments laid out in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women's
    Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as in the 1994
    International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of
    Action. The United States moreover remains the largest bilateral donor
    of women's reproductive health and family planning assistance
    worldwide.
        Moving forward at the U.N., the administration seeks to find
    consensus with a wide group of Member States on clear terminology that
    would better promote women's health without promoting abortion. We are
    committed to meeting the health care needs of women, men, girls, and
    boys, as well as the health-education needs of children and adolescents
    around the globe, and avoid issues that offend human dignity.

        Question. The U.S. recently made an egregious and extraordinary
    threat to veto a U.N. Security Council Resolution on gender-based
    violence in conflict over a reference to survivors' access to sexual
    and reproductive health care. Media reports also suggest that during
    negotiations, the U.S. sought to remove a mechanism that would have
    provided funding for survivors of sexual violence in conflict with
    services over fears it could be used by survivors for abortions, where
    legal. These negotiations at the U.N. have real world impact on women
    and girls around the world:

       Do you believe victims of sexual violence should be able to
            terminate the pregnancy, where legal? The global gag rule
            allows international organizations who receive U.S. global
            health funding to provide abortions in the case of rape,
            incest, and life endangerment of the woman with non-U.S.
            funding--do you support these exceptions or would you recommend
            and seek to close them?

        Answer. I have tremendous sympathy for any woman victimized by
    sexual violence and support the U.S. efforts to help victims of sexual
    violence become thriving survivors. As I stated during the hearing, I
    do not believe that abortion is ever a moral answer to a problem. The
    U.S. opposition to the resolution in question was intended to ensure
    that U.N. organizations did not interpret that language to begin
    assuming a right to abortion as a method of family planning. In
    addition, I support the existing Mexico City policy, which includes the
    exceptions you identified in the question.

        Question. On May 30, 2019, a notice of intent to establish a State
    Department Commission on Unalienable Rights appeared on the Federal
    Register. According to a version of the draft charter reviewed by Just
    Security, the commission's duties include providing ``advice and
    recommendations, for the secretary's approval, to guide U.S. diplomatic
    and foreign policy decisions and actions with respect to human rights
    in international settings.'' According to remarks by Secretary Pompeo,
    he is trying to ``make sure that we have a solid definition of human
    rights upon which to tell all our diplomats around the world.''

       Do you believe that the State Department has failed to provide this
            solid definition of human rights in its work, including in its
            annual human rights reports? How so? Do you believe the
            multilateral human rights institutions are failing in this
            regard? Please state how. Also, do you believe that women's
            human rights, including the right to be free from domestic
            violence and to access reproductive health care, are a part of
            a ``solid definition of human rights?''

        Answer. The United States has been and remains the world's guiding
    force for human rights around the world. This leadership takes many
    forms, including through constructive public advocacy, such as the
    State Department's annual human rights and religious freedom reporting.
    The new Commission on Unalienable Rights extends that leadership by
    refreshing our discourse on human rights, including where that
    discussion may have departed from our nation's founding principles of
    natural law and natural rights.
        Human rights are those rights which are endowed by our Creator--
    usually expressed as freedoms that no government anywhere may abridge,
    which the U.S. Declaration of Independence speaks of as ``unalienable''
    and can also be found in our Bill of Rights. One definitional source
    that many look to is the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights,
    which includes rights of conscience, expression, religious exercise,
    freedom of movement, to marry, to form families free from government
    coercion, to be free from slavery and torture, to own property, and to
    due process applied equally to all.
        government respect for the universal human rights of all citizens
    fosters free and open societies in which all people can flourish.
    Advancing human rights means committing to defend the human rights and
    dignity of all people, no matter who they are. For example, as
    Secretary Pompeo has said: ``standing up for human rights is hardwired
    into who we are as Americans. Promoting human rights is in the best
    interests of the United States. Societies that respect human rights and
    the rule of law are more stable, and make better allies.''
        In accordance with international human rights treaties, if
    confirmed, I will vigorously advocate to protect the inalienable rights
    that all people share because of our shared human dignity. I believe
    all human beings, including women, are endowed with the same
    fundamental rights and liberties. This includes the right to be free
    from all forms of violence, including domestic violence, and to access
    voluntary reproductive healthcare.

        Question. In countries around the world, LGBTQ people are
    criminalized for who they love. There are also women who are in jail in
    places like El Salvador and Senegal for having miscarriages or
    abortions. These are gross human rights violations: If you are
    confirmed, will you speak out against laws that criminalize same-sex
    relationships and women's personal health decisions in public and
    private settings as part of the United States human rights and
    diplomacy agenda?

        Answer. The United States has made clear its commitment to
    protecting and defending the human rights of all, including LGBTI
    persons, and has condemned the fact that in many parts of the world,
    LGBTI individuals and their supporters continue to face violence,
    arrest, harassment and intimidation for standing up for their human
    rights, participating in peaceful marches and rallies, and expressing
    their views. As Secretary Pompeo has stated, LGBTI persons--like all
    persons--must be free to enjoy their human rights and fundamental
    freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and
    association, without fear of reprisal.

        Question. Do you recognize reproductive rights and the rights of
    LGBTQ people as human rights? Do you believe that States have human
    rights obligations to eliminate gender-based violence, including
    domestic violence, sexual violence and harassment, in public and
    private life?

        Answer. The Department has been clear and consistent in affirming
    that human rights are universal, and that no one should face violence,
    criminalization, or severe official discrimination because of who they
    are. We will continue to stand up and speak out in support of the human
    rights and fundamental freedoms of all people, including LGBTI persons
    in all corners of the globe, and to press for perpetrators of human
    rights violations and abuses to be held accountable.

        Question. The Trump administration has twice expanded the global
    gag rule--implementing a version of the policy that is unprecedented in
    scope. Recent research indicates the global gag rule is disrupting
    health care services, weakening civil society, and halting national
    policy progress on health and human rights:

       Were you involved in decisions to expand the global gag rule? Have
            you made any efforts to understand the impact of these
            decisions in terms of access to a range of health services,
            effective partnership in the field, and the silencing of
            medical professionals and advocates? Do you believe the policy
            should be expanded even further?

        Answer. I was involved in President Trump's decision to reinstate
    the Mexico City policy through his Protecting Life in Global Health
    Assistance policy. After implementation of the Protecting Life in
    Global Health Assistance policy, the administration conducted a review
    at all affected departments and agencies. This review found that only
    four prime partners declined to agree to the conditions of the policy
    out of 733 awards. I support the existing policy.

        Question. In your written answers for the committee, you stated
    that, ``The administration made a determination that UNFPA's work with
    Chinese population authorities violated statutory funding
    restrictions:''

       Can you explain the how UNFPA has violated Kemp-Kasten because I
            have not been able to get a clear answer how the administration
            went about making the determination against UNFPA? The U.S.
            sits on UNFPA's Executive Board, which approves country
            programs. If the U.S. was really concerned about UNFPA's China
            country program, wouldn't it use its position to bring the
            program into compliance of U.S. statutory funding restrictions?

        Answer. The determination to withhold funding from UNFPA was made
    based on the fact that China's family planning policies still involve
    the use of coercive abortion and involuntary sterilization practices
    and that UNFPA partners on family planning activities with the Chinese
    government agency responsible for these coercive policies. The
    Secretary has determined that UNFPA therefore ``supports or
    participates in the management of a program of coercive abortion or
    involuntary sterilization.''
        If confirmed, I will continue to examine closely the activities of
    UNFPA in the context of the funding decision, and will take every
    opportunity to remind other nations that the United States is and will
    be at the forefront of improving women's health across the lifespan,
    including continued access to family planning methods and preventing
    maternal and child deaths.

        Question. NGOs have already reported that compliance with the
    Global Gag Rule has increased their administrative costs due to adding
    complicated compliance mechanisms. How much will this broad
    interpretation increase this burden for these NGOs? How much will this
    new compliance burden affect the amount and quality of health services
    this funding is intended for?

        Answer. The United States is and will remain the leading funder of
    maternal and child health and family planning programs internationally,
    and without that support, millions of women would lose access to vital
    health programs. After implementation of the Protecting Life in Global
    Health Assistance policy, the administration conducted a review at all
    affected departments and agencies. This review found that only four
    prime partners declined to agree to the conditions of the policy out of
    733 awards.

        Question. Have you discussed these expansions with our global
    bilateral donors like DFID or SIDA? How does this impact our ability to
    work and coordinate effectively with their global health and
    development programs?

        Answer. I have not met with global bilateral donors like DFID or
    SIDA. I look forward to learning how this policy could impact our work
    with their programs.

        Question. The State Department stated they would complete a second
    review of the Mexico City Policy, also known as the global gag rule, by
    the end of 2018, yet we are still waiting on that report. Recent
    research from civil society groups indicates the global gag rule is
    disrupting health care services, weakening civil society, and halting
    national policy progress on health and human rights. For example, under
    the Mexico City Policy, Family Life Association of Swaziland has been
    forced to nearly eliminate its services to reach youth with family
    planning, treat STIs, screen for reproductive cancers, and provide
    maternal and child care:

       Especially given the further expansion of the policy, is anyone
            able to meet the needs of young people and vulnerable
            populations in these specific communities? What actions have
            been taken to address these gaps in services and how are these
            needs being filled?

        Answer. The Mexico City Policy is a critical protection for
    taxpayers and for the women and girls that we support around the world.
    Taxpayers expect us to use the billions of dollars managed by our
    maternal and child health, family planning, HIV/AIDS, malaria, child
    nutrition and many other programs to save lives, not take them. After
    implementation of the Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance
    policy, the administration conducted a review at all affected
    departments and agencies. This review found that only four prime
    partners declined to agree to the conditions of the policy out of 733
    awards. The second review is still underway.

        Question. How will the next review assess and evaluate these types
    of service disruptions and inefficiencies created by switching health
    care service partners?

        Answer. If confirmed, as Ambassador to the U.N. in Geneva, I do not
    believe that I would be involved in such a review process.

        Question. Recent research by amfAR documented that the expanded
    global gag rule has resulted in many PEPFAR implementing partners
    altering the health services and information that they provide,
    including non-abortion related services such as contraception and HIV,
    and their partnerships on the ground. These disruptions were reported
    in 31 of the 45 countries surveyed and common in areas with high HIV-
    prevalence, such as South Africa, Eswatini and Mozambique. The
    disruptions span multiple types of services, including altering HIV
    programs such as voluntary medical male circumcision. Their research
    indicates that there may be a disproportionate impact on key and
    vulnerable populations, such as adolescent girls, young women, and men
    who have sex with men, who are more reliant on outreach services and
    integrated care models that are adversely impacted by the global gag
    rule because those organizations who provided comprehensive
    reproductive health care are also often the ones to best able to serve
    and reach key and vulnerable populations:

       How are you monitoring the impact of the expanded global gag rule
            on HIV programs and how do you expect to meet the ambitious
            goals and targets set out under PEPFAR if the policy impedes
            our ability to work with effective partners and prompts
            widespread disruption of services and information?

        Answer. This administration has and will continue to ensure that
    all people living with or at risk of HIV/AIDS, including women, girls,
    and LGBTI individuals, have access to comprehensive information on how
    to prevent transmission of HIV. Congress has passed numerous federal
    laws prohibiting discrimination by recipients of federal funds on the
    basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion,
    the exercise of conscience, and other protected classes. I intend to
    continue the administration's policy on this question and abide by all
    applicable laws if confirmed.

        Question. In his September 2018 speech to the U.N. General
    Assembly, President Trump highlighted the importance of national
    sovereignty and emphasized his ``American First'' foreign policy. How
    might this impact U.S. participation in the United Nations? How can the
    United States balance sovereignty concerns and its engagement with
    multilateral institutions such as the United Nations?

        Answer. As a founding member of the United Nations, the United
    States stands firm on our overall commitment to the core values of the
    U.N. Charter--to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war,
    to reaffirm faith in human rights and the dignity and worth of the
    human person, to maintain international peace and security, and to
    promote economic advancement for all people. This commitment is rooted
    in U.S. interests, because the U.N. directly advances a number of top
    U.S. policy priorities.
        While the United States remains committed to advancing the ideals,
    President Trump has made clear that we will never surrender our
    interests to an unelected, unaccountable, global bureaucracy. The
    United States will continue to unapologetically advance its own values
    and interests in the U.N. system, and will not hesitate to withdraw
    from a U.N. body when we assess our sovereign rights are at risk. The
    United States will also continue to press for reforms to the U.N.
    system, especially to the U.N. budget and management system. As the
    single largest donor to the U.N., the United States will always have a
    strong voice in the system--and will raise its voice when decisions
    taken in this institution run counter to our value set and our national
    interests.

        Question. What, if any, are the key U.N. issues that overlap with
    U.S. national interests? In what ways do action or inaction by U.N.
    bodies affect these interests?

        Answer. The United Nations is important to U.S. national security
    interests. Engagement in the U.N. multiplies our impact and spreads the
    costs of international action. It is in the U.S. national security
    interest to partner closely with the United Nations, while working to
    reform the institution in a serious and meaningful way, particularly on
    peacekeeping, budget, management, and development issues, as well as on
    ending the disturbing anti-Israel bias that permeates much of the U.N.
    system.
        First, U.S. support for U.N. peacekeeping protects our security
    interests while sharing costs and risks with other member states. U.N.
    peacekeeping missions deploy to countries such as the Central African
    Republic and South Sudan, where U.N. troops protect civilians and
    promote regional stability.
        Second, U.S. engagement in U.N. bodies, including the Security
    Council and General Assembly, highlights our priorities and holds
    others accountable. For example, the United States has demanded
    accountability for the use of chemical weapons in Syria. The United
    States has promoted General Assembly resolutions on North Korea, Syria,
    and Iran that have been adopted with broad cross-regional support. The
    United States actively defends Israel from unbalanced criticism
    throughout the U.N. system.
        Third, the United States supports the U.N. as it leads the
    international response to humanitarian emergencies around the globe,
    including South Sudan, the Lake Chad Basin, and many other places. At a
    time when the world faces the risk of famine in no fewer than six
    countries, as well as the largest movement of forcibly displaced
    persons since the Second World War, the U.N.'s humanitarian leadership
    role has never been more important.
        Finally, the U.N. system includes a range of technical and
    specialized agencies that are central to setting international
    standards and norms innumerous fields that have a direct impact on the
    safety, security, and economic well-being of our citizens, including in
    the areas of intellectual property, civil aviation, shipping,
    telecommunications, and nuclear safety and security.

        Question. What steps, if any, might be taken to strengthen U.S.
    influence in U.N. fora, particularly in UNOG?

        Answer. Geneva, as the hub for dozens of U.N. and international
    organizations, is an important location for promoting U.S. values and
    influence throughout the U.N. system--from advocating for human rights,
    to helping recruit and place qualified Americans at posts throughout
    the multilateral agencies, to countering any nation's attempts to push
    agendas that go against U.S. interests and undermine international
    norms, standards, and institutions.
        If confirmed, I will coordinate closely with my colleagues in the
    State Department as well as with other U.S. agencies to promote U.S.
    interests in Geneva, including with the U.N. Office at Geneva.

        Question. What, if any, are the priorities the United States shares
    with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres of Portugal? How do you
    plan to work with the Secretary-General and the Director-General of
    UNOG to further U.S. interests in the United Nations?

        Answer. The United States is committed to advancing the U.N.
    Secretary-General's reform agenda throughout the U.N. system through
    U.S. representation in the U.N. General Assembly and relevant governing
    bodies, as well as direct engagement with U.N. agencies, including in
    Geneva.
        The United States continues to promote the modernization of
    management practices within the U.N. and other international
    organizations. This includes successful functioning of audit processes,
    timely public access to audit reports, robust protections for
    whistleblowers, and increased transparency and oversight by member
    states.
        If confirmed, I will closely monitor these issues, including
    raising shortcomings in these and other management categories with
    senior leadership and other member states at the Geneva organizations,
    including with the Director General of the U.N. Office at Geneva.

        Question. How, if at all, will the U.N. Secretary-General's reform
    priorities impact UNOG operations and procedures?

        Answer. The impact on UNOG will be similar to that at other U.N.
    duty stations. Changes such as increased delegations of authority
    should improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the office.

        Question. To what extent, if any, is UNOG involved in broader, U.N.
    system-wide reforms? To your knowledge, is the U.S. Mission in Geneva
    participating in these discussions?

        Answer. The U.S. Mission in Geneva and UNOG are both highly
    involved in U.N. reform discussions, especially the management reforms
    related to the U.N. secretariat. The U.S. Mission is also highly
    involved in discussions about the reforms underway in the U.N.
    Development System, such as creation of the new Resident Coordinator
    System.

        Question. What do you view as reform priorities for UNOG and the
    broader U.N. system?

        Answer. The highest reform priority is ensuring that the United
    Nations is efficient, effective and accountable. The reform efforts
    underway throughout the U.N. System are working toward those ends.

        Question. U.N. members have been unable to achieve consensus on how
    to implement certain elements of U.N. reform. These disagreements have
    emerged in the General Assembly and other U.N. fora-particularly
    between developing countries and developed countries:

       Please discuss how these disagreements have impacted progress. Can
            these differences be overcome? Why or why not?

        Answer. The differences in the General Assembly and other U.N. fora
    are often an obstacle to achieving meaningful reform. Developing
    countries have the greatest interest in seeing the U.N. become more
    efficient and effective, because they benefit directly from much of the
    work that the U.N. and U.N. agencies do. The United States and other
    developed countries share that interest. Yet the divide remains great
    over how to make changes to the status quo.

        Question. The United States has withdrawn from the U.N. Human
    Rights Council, but appears to be participating in the Council's
    Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process. What is your assessment of the
    UPR? Do you think it is an effectiveness mechanism for addressing human
    rights?

        Answer. The UPR process is an invaluable tool: each of the 193 U.N.
    member states reviewed has the opportunity to state actions taken to
    improve the human rights situations in their countries, and to provide
    an assessment of the human rights situation in other countries. We take
    this process seriously, as we view it as a powerful means to shine a
    spotlight on human rights violations and abuses, recommend concrete
    actions to prevent such violations and abuses, and to follow up on
    implementation of recommendations.

        Question. The last time the United States was reviewed by the
    Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Committee was in May 2015. Should the
    United States undergo another review? Why or why not?

        Answer. Yes. The United States is rightfully proud of its human
    rights record. It has served and will continue to serve as a model for
    other nations. Our previous reports have discussed that record,
    including areas of strength, such our record on core freedoms of
    speech, association and belief. We have also previously addressed a
    range of challenges, including issues of discrimination and topics
    related to civil liberties in the context of national security.
        The U.S. UPR report is just one element of a broad U.S. effort to
    engage broadly, substantively, and constructively on human rights
    issues.

        Question. What role can the United Nations play in maintain
    international peace and security when the perceived interests of a
    permanent member and those of other Security Council members diverge?
    How do you plan to portray the role of the Security Council in
    discussions with the President and other senior administration
    officials? What factors influence U.S. policy to seek Security Council
    action?

        Answer. While imperfect, the U.N. Security Council remains one of
    the United States' most effective tools in tackling international
    crises and confronting threats to U.S. national security. There is no
    equivalent mechanism to harness international consensus and obligate
    U.N. member states to support U.S-led efforts to resolve crises. The
    Security Council utilizes U.N. Charter Chapter VII powers to authorize
    the use of military force; establish, modify, and draw down U.N.
    peacekeeping operations; and impose U.N. sanctions that all member
    states are legally required to implement. Under President Trump, the
    United States has used the Security Council to advance U.S. priorities,
    including non-proliferation, human rights, and anti-corruption.
        The Security Council, however, has failed to confront many of the
    most pressing challenges to global peace and security in the 21st
    century, from Venezuela to Syria to Ukraine. Despite this paralysis,
    the United States will continue to bring issues of concern to us--and
    to many around the world--before the Security Council, even if other
    member states threaten to block our efforts. If confirmed, I will
    ensure that my team in Geneva works closely on these matters with
    colleagues at the U.S. Mission to the U.N. in New York and in
    Washington.

        Question. President Trump has suggested tying U.S. foreign
    assistance to recipient countries' voting records in U.N. fora such as
    the Security Council and General Assembly. What is your opinion of this
    proposal?

        Answer. Representatives of the U.S. government have a
    responsibility to ensure that taxpayer resources are advancing U.S.
    national interests. As such, I agree that the practice of voting for or
    against U.S. priorities in U.N. fora should be a consideration in
    government decision-making about the best use of taxpayer resources.

        Question. Over the years, U.S. policymakers have debated
    appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the United Nations. Do you think
    the current U.S. assessment rates for the U.N. regular budget and U.N.
    peacekeeping are fair? Should other countries pay more? Why or why not?

        Answer. Since the inception of the United Nations, multiple
    administrations have asserted that the United Nations and other
    international organizations should not be overly dependent on a single
    major contributor. We have also seen that countries that increase the
    amounts of their financial contributions take a greater interest in the
    good stewardship of resources and achievement of results by
    international organizations.

        Question. The United States is currently assessed 22 percent of the
    U.N. regular budget (which includes funding for UNOG), and 28.4 percent
    of the U.N. peacekeeping operations budget. Over the years, U.S.
    policymakers have debated appropriate levels of U.S. funding to the
    organization:

       Are you satisfied with the current process and formulas for
            determining U.S. assessments? Why or why not? If not, what
            alternative processes would you propose, if confirmed?

        Answer. Since the inception of the United Nations, multiple
    administrations have asserted that the United Nations and other
    international organizations should not be overly depending on a single
    major contributor. The current scale of assessments methodology has led
    to a situation where one country contributes significantly more than
    any other country, and the vast majority of countries contribute very,
    very small amounts.

        Question. The ``Strategic Heritage Plan (SHP)'' is a multiyear
    project to renovate and construct new buildings at the United Nations'
    Palais des Nations complex in Geneva, which is home to UNOG. The plan
    was approved by the U.N. General Assembly in 2013 due to health and
    safety concerns stemming from the overall deterioration of the existing
    buildings:

       To your knowledge, what steps is the U.S. government taking to
            ensure the Strategic Heritage Plan runs efficiently and
            effectively?

        Answer. The U.S. Missions to the United Nations in New York and
    Geneva are closely monitoring the Strategic Heritage Plan. Since the
    U.S. government will contribute 22 percent of the costs of the project,
    both missions are working to ensure that the project is accomplished
    within budget and on schedule.

        Question. In a March 2019 report to the U.N. General Assembly, U.N.
    Secretary-General (SG) Antonio Guterres expressed concern regarding the
    ``deteriorating financial health'' of the United Nations. He stated
    that the organization's financial challenges were not only the product
    of U.N. member state ``payment patterns and arrears,'' but also
    ``structural weaknesses in [UN] budget methodology.'' What is your view
    on the SG's statement?

        Answer. Secretary-General Guterres is correct that the current
    financial difficulties at the U.N. are the result of both
    irregularities in the receipt of member state contributions and also a
    lack of flexibility with respect to utilizing the financial resources
    that are within the U.N.'s control. This issue is currently being
    discussed in the Fifth Committee of the General Assembly.

        Question. Many experts agree that U.N. peacekeeping operations need
    to strengthen and modernize to develop the capacity, flexibility, and
    resources to fulfill their increasingly broad and challenging mandates.
    Common weaknesses identified by experts include troop shortages, slow
    deployments, and lack of critical equipment and other materiel:

       What steps have U.N. members taken to combat these problems, and
            were they effective? In your view, how can these efforts be
            improved, and what areas should be prioritized?

        Answer. While the U.N. has made strides to ensure peacekeeping
    missions have the capabilities they need to achieve increasingly
    complex mandates, we continue to see examples of poorly trained, poorly
    equipped, and underperforming units. There remain challenges in
    soldiering and policing skills, human rights and protection of
    civilians, logistics and sustainment operations, and availability of
    key enablers such as aviation, medical, and counter-IED resources. The
    United States' peace operations capacity building efforts--like the
    Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI) and the International Police
    Peacekeeping Operations Support (IPPOS) program--are playing a
    significant role in helping troop and police contributing countries
    realize their pledges. Our programming also works to strengthen the
    operational readiness and performance of contributors already deploying
    to missions. We are also working at the U.N. to enhance the role of
    performance-data driven decision-making in the force generation,
    deployment, and evaluation processes.

        Question. Congress has been particularly interested in U.N. reforms
    related to sexual exploitation and abuse (SEA) and exploitation by U.N.
    peacekeepers. Recent legislation requires that the United States
    withhold assistance from ``any unit of the security forces of a foreign
    country'' if the Secretary of State determines such unit has engaged in
    sexual abuse while serving in a U.N. peacekeeping operation:

       What is your perspective on these efforts? Do you think they will
            be effective in combatting SEA by peacekeepers? Why or why not

        Answer. The United States takes incidents of SEA very seriously and
    is committed to supporting the U.N.'s zero tolerance policy. While the
    U.N. has taken important recent steps to strengthen accountability
    measures, there is still work to be done. The U.N. now regularly
    updates information on SEA allegations online, including progress on
    investigations, the nationality of alleged perpetrators and any
    accountability measures taken by the U.N. and sending countries. While
    the U.N. has responsibility for administrative accountability and
    conducting certain investigations, responsibility for criminal
    accountability lies with the sending country. Many investigations
    remain pending for far too long and pursuing legal action against
    perpetrators can be difficult. As such, the United States engages
    bilaterally with countries to press for credible investigations and
    accountability for individuals who have been found to commit SEA. If
    confirmed, I commit to continuing these efforts to hold the U.N. and
    troop- and police-contributing countries accountable.

        Question. Although the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine
    Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) managed to secure enough funding to
    cover its costs for 2018, are there strategies under consideration for
    the longer-term financial stability of the organization?

        Answer. I understand that for years, the United States has urged
    UNRWA to seek out new voluntary funding streams, increase financial
    burden-sharing among donors, and find ways to reduce expenditures. The
    USG reiterated this when it made its final $60 million contribution to
    UNRWA in January 2018, and stressed the need to institute such reforms
    directly to UNRWA, as well as to the regional and international
    stakeholders who make up UNRWA's largest contributors. I understand the
    USG is ready to explore with key regional partners how the United
    States can assist in transitioning UNRWA services to host governments,
    or to other international or local non-governmental organizations as
    appropriate.

        Question. What challenges does U.N. Relief and Works Agency for
    Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) face as a humanitarian
    organization working in such a highly politicized environment? What are
    the potential security concerns and risks?

        Answer. The U.N. General Assembly gave UNRWA a mandate that the
    international community has not been able or willing to sustain.
    Cyclical budget shortfalls that routinely threaten essential services
    do not help to build a brighter future for the Palestinian people. If
    confirmed, I will continue to work closely with Israel and key regional
    partners on ways to improve economic and humanitarian conditions in
    Gaza. Hamas is primarily responsible for those conditions, having put
    its own interests above those of Gaza's residents.

        Question. Under what circumstances, if any, do you think the United
    States should fund U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees
    (UNRWA)?

        Answer. I understand the USG has made it clear that the United
    States will no longer bear a disproportionate share of UNRWA's costs.
    While several donors increased their contributions in 2018, including
    UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, UNRWA's business model--which is
    tied to an expanding community of beneficiaries--is unsustainable.
    Palestinians deserve better than a service provision model that
    operates in permanent crisis mode.

        Question. In recent years, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)
    Chairman and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has sought
    to achieve international recognition for Palestinian statehood by
    changing its status in the United Nations:

        Question. Please comment on these efforts. What is your view on the
    role of the United Nations in recognizing statehood, and how, if at
    all, does it apply to the PLO's membership efforts?

        Answer. I believe that efforts by the Palestinians to join
    international entities are premature and counterproductive. The United
    States does not currently recognize a Palestinian state and does not
    believe that it is eligible to join U.N. organizations as a Member
    State. The United States opposes the treatment of the Palestinians as a
    ``state'' in multilateral meetings and Palestinian accession to, or
    membership in, treaties and organizations open only to States. I agree
    with and will uphold these policies if confirmed.

        Question. On December 19, 2018, the U.N. General Assembly voted to
    endorse the Global Compact on Migration (GCM). The U.S. was one of the
    few countries that voted against. The GCM paves the way for an ordered
    international response to migration and would serve as a template to
    ensure the rights and dignity of migrants around the world:

        Question. Do you support U.S. opposition to the GCM?

        Answer. The United States does not support the Global Compact on
    Migration (GCM) or the process that led to it, because they included
    goals and objectives inconsistent and incompatible with U.S. law,
    policy, and the interests of the American people.
        As the U.S. national statement on the GCM noted, ``While the United
    States honors the contributions of the many immigrants who helped build
    our nation, we cannot support a `Compact' or process that imposes or
    has the potential to impose international guidelines, standards,
    expectations, or commitments that might constrain our ability to make
    decisions in the best interests of our nation and citizens.'' Further,
    I understand there is lack of consensus among U.N. member states
    regarding the GCM. When it came up for endorsement at the U.N. General
    Assembly on December 19, 2018, the United States, the Czech Republic,
    Hungary, Israel, and Poland voted against it, another 12 other
    countries abstained, and 24 did not vote.

        Question. The U.N. Migration agency defines a migrant as any person
    who is moving or has moved across an international border o within a
    State away from his/her habitual place of residence, regardless of (1)
    the person's legal status; (2) whether the movement is voluntary or
    involuntary; (3) what the causes for the movement are; or (4) what the
    length of the stay is. The IOM agenda states that one of the core
    principles is to ``leave no one behind'' including migrants:

        Question. The immigration policy you proposed has done more than
    leave migrants behind. If confirmed, would you continue an agenda that
    is tough on migrants trying to enter the U.S. and globally?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would continue to support the
    administration's approach to this complex challenge, framed by the
    President's tireless commitment to the safety and security of the
    American people.

        Question. What is your view on a path to citizenship for
    undocumented people living in the United States?

        Answer. I support the President's vision for legal immigration to
    this country.

        Question. What is your view on undocumented people living in the
    United States being able to work? Should undocumented migrants in other
    countries be allowed to work?

        Answer. I support the President's vision for legal immigration to
    this country.

        Question. The Trump administration continues to request that
    Congress completely cut funding to International Organizations and
    Programs Account and severe cuts to the Contributions to International
    Organizations Account. While even allies of the administration continue
    to call these budget cuts dead on arrival, they do represent this
    administration's priorities. As you said in earlier conversations, the
    U.S. is the most generous country in the world:

        Question. How will you be able to confidently work with our allies
    in multilateral forums when the administration continues to threaten
    the stability of these bodies with these massive funding cuts?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget request to Congress,
    the administration is calling on other countries to take on more of the
    financial responsibility at international organizations. This call for
    increased burden sharing is occurring within the context of
    multilateral and bilateral working relationships where there are many
    overlapping interests beyond the distribution of financial
    responsibility.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the
    International Bureau of Education, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. The International Bureau of Education appears to be an
    affiliate of UNESCO. As such, the Department may not be able to make
    financial contributions to the Bureau as a result of the legislative
    restrictions on funding for U.N. entities that grant the Palestinians
    membership.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the
    International Labour Organization, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The
    International Labor Conference has recently agreed to a 2020-2021
    increase that includes an increase in member contributions and does not
    reflect increased burden sharing.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the
    International Trade Centre, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The
    International Trade Centre receives the vast majority of its funding
    from the U.N. regular budget and the regular budget of the World Trade
    Organization.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, which is headquartered in
    Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The Office of
    the High Commissioner for Refugees receives voluntary contributions
    from a large array of governments and non-governmental donors.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations Office on Sport for Development and Peace, which is
    headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. News reports indicate that the Office on Sport for
    Development and Peace closed in 2017.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the World
    Health Organization, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The World
    Health Organization receives voluntary contributions from a large array
    of governments and non-governmental donors.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the World
    Intellectual Property Organization, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The World
    Intellectual Property Organization depends on fees from trademark and
    patent applicants for over 95 percent of its revenue.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the World
    Meteorological Organization, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The World
    Meteorological Organization receives contributions from a variety of
    governmental and non-governmental donors.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations Research Institute For Social Development, which is
    headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The Research
    Institute For Social Development depends entirely on voluntary
    contributions from governments and non-governmental donors for its
    financing.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations Human Rights Council, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The Human
    Rights Council, which the United States is no longer part of, receives
    funding from the U.N. regular budget and from governments and non-
    governmental donors.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations Economic Commission for Europe, which is headquartered in
    Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The Economic
    Commission for Europe receives funding primarily from the U.N. regular
    budget.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the Joint
    United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, which is headquartered in Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The U.N.
    Program on HIV/AIDS receives funding from a wide array of governmental
    and non-governmental donors.

        Question. How might the administration's proposed funding cuts to
    international organizations negatively impact the work of the United
    Nations Non-governmental Liaison Service, which is headquartered in
    Geneva?

        Answer. As stated in the President's budget requests to Congress,
    the administration is calling upon other countries to assume greater
    financial responsibility at international organizations. The Department
    does not contribute funding directly to the Non-governmental Liaison
    Service.

                                     ______

        responses to follow-up questions from senator benjamin l. cardin
        Question. In response to my question about your role in developing
    the CRA strategy and your rationale for undoing regulations including
    the rule implementing the Cardin-Lugar 1504 provision, you stated that
    you, ``worked with other White House and Congressional staff to
    identify regulations that were finalized at the very end of the Obama
    administration, including many `midnight regulations' that were
    finalized after the election, that we believed were overly
    burdensome.''
       Were you aware that the 1504 regulation was mandated by a
            bipartisan Congressional provision of the Dodd-Frank Act, which
            was passed into law in 2010, and therefore not a ``midnight
            regulation'' nor sought solely by the Obama administration ? If
            not, why not? Were those factors at all considered in your
            strategy?

        Answer. Yes. I would not characterize the Extraction Payment
    Disclosure Rule as a midnight regulation.

        Question. When you identified the 1504 regulation as a target for
    your CRA strategy, were you aware that the 1504 provision, and
    subsequent rulemaking was supported by human rights and anti-corruption
    advocates as well as by investors, many major oil and mining companies,
    think tanks, and academics? If not, why not? Was that factor at all
    considered in your strategy?

        Answer. No, as this was not my area of expertise. When I worked on
    the administration's overall CRA strategy, I did not personally provide
    policy advice or analysis of every regulation that was considered.
    Other White House components would work with the SEC on this issue.

        Question. When you identified the 1504 regulation as a target for
    your CRA strategy, were you aware that disclosure sought by the 1504
    rulemaking has been happening for up to 4 years in other countries--
    including by European subsidiaries of U.S.-based international
    companies Exxon and Chevron, so American companies are complying with
    these transparency disclosure requirements elsewhere? If not, why not?
    Was that factor at all considered in your strategy?

        Answer. No, as this was not my area of expertise. When I worked on
    the administration's overall CRA strategy, I did not personally provide
    policy advice or analysis of every regulation that was considered.
    Other White House components would work with the SEC on this issue.

        Question. Note that U.S.-based companies like Kosmos Energy had
    already voluntarily disclosed for years. What is particularly
    burdensome about the SEC requiring disclosures that American companies
    are already complying with in 30 other countries?

        Answer. The Extraction Payment Disclosure Rule was estimated to
    have an initial cost of up to $700 million and put domestic extraction
    companies and their employees at an unfair disadvantage compared to
    foreign government owned companies. The regulation would have been less
    burdensome if it had been more similar to the European Union's
    disclosure rules, or built off of the Extractive Industries
    Transparency Initiative.

        Question. Were you aware that thirty other countries, including the
    28 members of the European Union, Canada and Norway are implementing
    mandatory disclosure? If so, was that factor at all considered in your
    strategy?

        Answer. No, as this was not my area of expertise. When I worked on
    the administration's overall CRA strategy, I did not personally provide
    policy advice or analysis of every regulation that was considered.
    Other White House components would work with the SEC on this issue.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Andrew P. Bremberg by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. This administration has taken a hardline against long-
    standing agreements on sexual and reproductive health at the United
    Nations. Specifically, U.S. negotiators at the U.N. have repeatedly
    sought the removal of agreed language on sexual and reproductive access
    for communities worldwide. If confirmed, will you work to ensure that
    the U.S. upholds and advances international commitments on sexual and
    reproductive health and rights globally, rather than seeking to roll
    them back? If so, what specifically will you do?

        Answer. The administration has concerns about the terms ``sexual
    and reproductive health services'' and ``sexual and reproductive
    rights''. Over the years, these references have become associated with
    support for abortion as an alleged right. The administration will do
    all it can do to protect and respect the sanctity of life around the
    globe.
        In its advocacy for women, the administration continues to hold to
    the commitments laid out in the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women's
    Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as well as in the 1994
    International Conference on Population and Development's Programme of
    Action. The United States moreover remains the largest bilateral donor
    of women's reproductive health and family planning assistance
    worldwide.
        Moving forward at the U.N., the administration seeks to find
    consensus with a wide group of Member States on clear terminology that
    would better promote women's health without promoting abortion. We are
    committed to meeting the health care needs of women, men, girls, and
    boys, as well as the health-education needs of children and adolescents
    around the globe, and avoid issues that offend human dignity.

        Question. The U.S. recently made an egregious and extraordinary
    threat to veto a U.N. Security Council Resolution on gender-based
    violence in conflict over a reference to survivors' access to sexual
    and reproductive health care. Media reports also suggest that during
    negotiations, the U.S. sought to remove a mechanism that would have
    provided funding for survivors of sexual violence in conflict with
    services over fears it could be used by survivors for abortions, where
    legal. These negotiations at the U.N. have real world impact on women
    and girls around the world.

       Do you believe victims of sexual violence should be able to
            terminate a pregnancy where legal? The global gag rule allows
            international organizations who receive U.S. global health
            funding to provide abortions in the case of rape, incest and
            life endangerment of the woman with non-U.S. funding. Do you
            support these exceptions or would you recommend and seek to
            close them?

        Answer. I have tremendous sympathy for any woman victimized by
    sexual violence and support the U.S. efforts to help victims of sexual
    violence become thriving survivors. The United States will not support
    abortion services, but that does not equate to denying women who have
    been raped access to legal medical care. The U.S. opposition to the
    resolution in question was intended to ensure that U.N. organizations
    did not interpret that language to begin assuming a right to abortion
    as a method of family planning. Additionally, I support the existing
    Mexico City policy, which includes the exceptions noted.

        Question. Over the last few years, the U.N. has played an important
    role in the fight against opioids and synthetics. For example, in 2017,
    for example, the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) voted to put
    international controls on two primary ingredients that are used to
    produce fentanyl. As the State Department made clear at the time,
    ``This action will make it harder for the criminals that are illicitly
    producing fentanyl to access the necessary resources,'' while
    simultaneously making it easier for countries to monitor suspicious
    orders and transactions.''

       The State Department and U.N. are working together on this issue--
            will you support this work and ensure that funding levels
            aren't cut which may make progress more difficult?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will be actively engaged on this important
    matter, as I was during my tenure at the Domestic Policy Council.

        Question. You praised the U.S. decision to pull out of the
    Universal Postal Union (UPU). Besides that it may lead to higher costs
    for U.S. consumers, pulling out of this will set back our efforts to
    combat the opioid crisis. By pulling out of the UPU, the White House
    would negate U.S. Postal Service ability to access the advanced
    electronic data (AED) shared by all those within the UPU. Such a move
    would harm individuals and businesses across the country. Given the
    severity of the opioid crisis, why pursue an approach that could make
    the situation worse?

        Answer. The administration is hopeful that its efforts to reform
    international postal rates will result in our continuing membership in
    the Universal Postal Union. Should those efforts prove unsuccessful,
    any and all resulting postal agreements established on a bilateral
    basis would unquestionably include required access to advanced
    electronic data.

        Question. Last June, the Trump administration withdrew the U.S.
    from the U.N. Human Rights Council (UNHRC), citing anti-Israel bias and
    concerns over the composition of the Council's membership. While the
    UNHRC is certainly not a perfect institution, U.S. engagement with and
    membership on the Council did deliver a number of positive results over
    the years. The Council voted to dispatch a team to investigate
    atrocities committed by ISIS in Iraq; continues to scrutinize and bring
    attention to the dire human rights situation in Iran; authorized a
    groundbreaking investigation into human rights violations in North
    Korea; and has taken action on a variety of other human rights crises
    in Myanmar, Yemen, South Sudan, DR Congo, Burundi, and Eritrea, to name
    a few. At the same time, U.S. membership on the Council helped us more
    effectively push back against instances of anti-Israel bias. According
    to the American Jewish Committee's Jacob Blaustein Institute for the
    Advancement of Human Rights, there was a 30 percent decline in country-
    specific resolutions on Israel during U.S. membership versus the period
    when we were off the Council. The number of special sessions on Israel
    also dropped significantly--six during the three years before we joined
    the Council in 2009 versus one in the last four years. In March 2018,
    the State Department itself reported that the UNHRC saw ``the largest
    shift in votes towards more abstentions and no votes on Israel related
    resolutions since the creation of the [Council].''

       Do you agree that there is a positive correlation between U.S.
            engagement and policy outcomes that reflect our nation's
            interests and values?

        Answer. The United States withdrew from the U.N. Human Rights
    Council (HRC) because of concerns related to its focus and composition,
    We noted then that ``Countries that aggressively violate human rights
    at home should not be in a position to guard the human rights of
    others'' and that the Council's persistent, unfair bias against Israel
    detracts attention and resources away from the HRC's mandate to promote
    universal respect for the protection of human rights and fundamental
    freedoms. If meaningful reforms are undertaken by member states that
    address our longstanding concerns with the Human Rights Council, we
    would consider the possibility of re-engaging at that time.
        The United States has, for decades, led global efforts to promote
    human rights, including through multilateral institutions. We will
    continue to pursue a robust human rights agenda at the United Nations
    General Assembly's Third Committee as well as other U.N. bodies, as we
    did during other periods we were not a HRC member. We will also
    redouble our efforts to bring human rights issues to the attention of
    the Security Council, as we did during our 2018 presidency, when we
    held the first ever session on the linkage between human rights abuses
    and threats to international peace and security.

        Question. The UNHRC was established in 2006 to replace a previous
    U.N. human rights body which had been criticized as ineffective,
    politicized, and biased against Israel. During its first several years,
    the U.S. refused to run for a seat on the Council, fearing it would be
    no better than its predecessor. This became a self-fulfilling prophecy:
    in 2007, the Council voted to place ``the human rights situation in
    Palestine and other occupied Arab territories'' on its permanent
    agenda, in effect making Israel the only country subject to scrutiny
    under a stand-alone agenda item (also known as ``Item 7''). More than a
    decade later, the U.S. is once again side-lining itself in Geneva, with
    a familiar pattern of consequences: during the Council's most recent
    regular session, a representative of a pro-Israel NGO was prevented
    from completing a speech at the Item 7 debate after several member
    states, including Cuba, challenged his remarks on procedural grounds.
    Had the U.S. actually been in the room and able to intervene, it's
    unlikely this incident would've played out the way it did.
    Unfortunately, it seems as though history is repeating itself: just
    like in 2006, the U.S. is forfeiting its seat at the table, and as a
    result, Israel is left even more isolated and exposed to criticism than
    before. What makes this all the more frustrating is that, during the
    years when we engaged constructively with the Council (2009-2018),
    UNHRC actions targeting Israel actually declined.

       The U.S. is the strongest country in the world, shouldn't we fight
            for our allies?

        Answer. When the United States made the decision to withdraw from
    the U.N. Human Rights Council, the Israel government called it a
    ``courageous decision against hypocrisy and lies.''

        Question. In response to the decision to withdraw from the Council,
    12 civil society organizations sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo urging
    the Department of State to review this decision, to seek reelection to
    the U.N. Human Rights Council in 2019, and to continue to advance
    reforms in the Human Rights Council. These groups noted that the
    ``decision is counterproductive to American national security and
    foreign policy interests and will make it more difficult to advance
    human rights priorities around the world. In fact, a 2017 study by the
    Council on Foreign Relations found that two successive terms of U.S.
    membership on the U.N. Human Rights Council improved its performance in
    several ways. First, U.S. involvement strengthened the council's
    commitment to action within specific countries like Burundi, Iran,
    Myanmar, North Korea, and Syria; fortifying norms like freedom of
    association, assembly and religion; as well as the protecting the
    rights of at-risk populations. Second, the CFR Report noted a
    significant decline in anti-Israel resolutions during U.S. membership
    and concluded, U.S. participation in the UNHRC can advance U.S.
    interests and lessen anti-Israel bias while supporting measures to
    avert and de-escalate human rights crises, thus reducing the likelihood
    of costly military interventions.''

       Do you agree that being part of body that enhances our interests
            and reduces anti-Israel bias is a good outcome? Given the
            recent attack on human rights globally, shouldn't we pursue
            policies that human rights organizations deem in our interest?

        Answer. The administration made a concerted effort to encourage
    Human Rights Council members to undertake significant reforms to
    improve its membership guidelines and end its history of anti-Israel
    bias. When those reform recommendations fell on deaf ears, the United
    States decided the time had come to withdraw.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Andrew P. Bremberg by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question. In 2017, nearly 29,000 Americans died from overdosing on
    a synthetic opioid, such as fentanyl. To date, the administration's
    policies have not been effective in stemming the flow of fentanyl into
    the United States. If confirmed, how would you use your role at the
    U.N. to advocate for meaningful diplomatic action to stop fentanyl from
    entering this country?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would use the existing U.N. drug control
    treaty framework to facilitate international cooperation to curb the
    illicit production, trafficking, and distribution of fentanyl, and to
    accelerate the rate at which dangerous synthetic drugs are placed under
    international control. I would also promote cooperation with the
    Universal Postal Union to increase the exchange of advanced electronic
    data that can detect and deter fentanyl in the international mail.
        I would urge countries to support programming within the World
    Health Organization, U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, and International
    Narcotics Control Board to build foreign capacity to stop fentanyl
    before it reaches our shores.

        Question. If confirmed, you will also be working with the World
    Health Organization to address U.S. health priorities. The WHO says
    that preventing opioid overdoses will involve increasing access to
    treatment for opioid dependence. Medicaid is the U.S.'s largest payer
    of mental health services, which include treatments for substance use
    disorder. And the Affordable Care Act included key consumer
    protections--like guaranteed coverage for individuals with pre-existing
    conditions--that makes access to opioid use disorder treatment much
    easier for the individuals who need it most. As the Director of the
    Domestic Policy Council, you signed off on policies that would
    undermine these health care lifelines and would ultimately hamper our
    domestic response to the opioid overdose crisis. How would you
    reconcile the differences between the WHO's recommendations to expand
    access to opioid treatment and your support of policies that would
    restrict access to this life-saving treatment?

        Answer. The Trump administration has led unprecedented efforts to
    ensure that everyone who needs treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD)
    receives it. We have emphasized that medication-assisted treatment
    (MAT) is the cornerstone of treatment for OUD, and now over 1.1 million
    people are receiving MAT. Since President Trump's inauguration, there
    has been a 25 percent increase in patients receiving buprenorphine, and
    monthly prescriptions for naltrexone are up 48 percent. Most
    importantly, overdose deaths have begun to decline.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Philip S. Goldberg by Senator Robert Menendez

    Colombia Peace Process
        Question. Achieving peace after decades of conflict is always a
    challenging and complicated endeavor, but during the last several
    months, implementation of Colombia's historic peace accord has been
    uneven and the subject of intense debate between political stakeholders
    in Colombia. After an initial phase of demobilization and disarmament,
    Bogot  is struggling with the more costly stages of reintegration of
    ex-fighters, soaring illicit drug production, rural underdevelopment,
    and reparations to victims. Meanwhile, some combatants are returning to
    arms and human rights defenders and social leaders are being killed at
    alarming rates:

       If confirmed, what steps will you take as Ambassador to support the
            Colombian government in its efforts to overcome these obstacles
            and help ensure full implementation of the peace accord?

        Answer. The United States strongly supports a sustainable peace in
    Colombia, one of our strongest partners in the Western Hemisphere. If
    confirmed, I will maximize the embassy's use of available resources,
    use funding as efficiently as possible to support the Colombian
    government in its pursuit of peace, and continue longstanding U.S.
    support for peace in Colombia. U.S. assistance to Colombia is vital to
    our efforts to combat narcotics trafficking and achieve lasting peace
    in Colombia. Our assistance constitutes only a fraction of Colombia's
    own investment in its peace, but between FY 2000 and FY 2017, U.S.
    assistance totaled roughly $10 billion to support Plan Colombia and its
    follow-on programs. At the same time, Colombia invested billions more,
    achieving notable progress in combating drug trafficking and terrorist
    activities and reestablishing government control over much of its
    territory.

    Colombian Coca Cultivation and Cocaine Production
        Question. Colombian coca cultivation and cocaine production are at
    historic levels. While the Duque administration is expanding Colombia's
    response, the effects are widespread. More coca yields more cocaine,
    which yields more illicit profits and, in turn, leads to greater
    violence and criminal activity. It would seem that we've thrown
    everything at the problem and it continues unabated.

       As our next Ambassador, if you are confirmed, what concrete steps
            would you take to ensure that we are working in close
            collaboration with our Colombian partners to on a comprehensive
            response that attacks every link of the production chain,
            including cultivation, interdiction, violence, and related
            money laundering and financial crimes?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would continue to ensure effective U.S.
    support for Colombia's whole-of-government counternarcotic strategy in
    order to meet the U.S.-Colombia goal to cut coca cultivation and
    cocaine production by half of 2017 levels by the end of 2023. Because
    of the U.S.-Colombia partnership, there is already progress towards
    this goal. For example, Colombia destroyed over 60 percent more coca in
    2019 than the same period in 2018. Still, the Colombian and U.S.
    governments need to do more to meet our goal.
        If confirmed, I will encourage the Colombian government to increase
    civilian eradication groups, maritime interdiction, push for the
    extradition to the United States of high-level drug traffickers, and
    strengthen support for rule of law programs that will help Colombians
    prosecute complex money laundering and financial crimes cases. If
    confirmed, I would also work to ensure the United States supports
    Colombians' efforts to expand state presence into rural areas to
    enhance development and security in high-coca growing regions.

    The Impact of Venezuela's Crisis on Colombia
        Question. Venezuela's tragic humanitarian crisis is having a
    destabilizing impact on the region and the U.N. reports that more than
    four million Venezuelans have fled their country in recent years.
    Colombia is the largest recipient of Venezuelan refugees, with more
    than one million Venezuelan migrants now residing there. This year, the
    World Bank announced concessional funding for Colombia to respond to
    the Venezuelan migrant and refugee crisis-a process that was supported
    by various countries, even though the U.S. abstained. While the
    Administration has provided approximately $250 million to respond to
    this humanitarian crisis, I'm concerned that more will be needed to
    address the crisis:

       What is your assessment of the role the United States in addressing
            the Venezuelan crisis, particularly as it refers to the more
            than one million Venezuelans that now reside in Colombia? In
            your view, what else can the United States do to support
            Colombia in addressing this issue?

        Answer. The USG has committed nearly $130 million in aid to respond
    to the influx of Venezuelans in Colombia since FY 2017, including
    approximately $37 million in development assistance and more than $91
    million in humanitarian assistance. This funding supports Colombia's
    efforts to assist Venezuelan refugees and the communities that host
    them. In addition to this support, the FY 2019 appropriation includes
    $418.3 million in bilateral assistance for Colombia. This includes
    robust support for priorities such as our joint goal to reduce coca
    cultivation and cocaine production by 50 percent by the end of 2023, as
    well as peace implementation.
        If confirmed, I would encourage Colombia to increase Colombia's
    regional collaboration with international partners to address the
    crisis.

    Responsiveness
        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. Yes.

    Administrative
        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. I do not have any outside positions and affiliations I plan
    to continue to hold during my term of appointment.

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Philip S. Goldberg by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. The promotion of human rights and democracy has been
    central to my career as a Foreign Service Officer, Chief of Mission,
    and Assistant Secretary of State for INR. In Colombia, I worked with
    former M-19 guerrillas returning to the legal, democratic political
    process: they ultimately took seats in the constitutional assembly and
    integrated into civilian life. During the lead up to democratic, non-
    racial elections in South Africa, I was a liaison with the African
    National Congress, working with USAID and other U.S. agencies to
    prepare the party's economic officials on free market and democratic
    principles, as they got ready to enter government. As a Chief of
    Mission in Kosovo, I was an advocate for promoting minority rights in
    the Serb community and assuring the transition to democratic elections
    and independence. In Bolivia, I maintained contact with the democratic
    opposition and independent journalists despite fierce resistance from
    the Morales government. In the Philippines, I helped the Aquino
    government establish a unit to investigate human rights cases involving
    attacks against journalists and reinstated assistance to NGOs to serve
    as election observers. When President Duterte came to office, I
    challenged publicly and privately the human rights abuses associated
    with his anti-drug campaign and authorized increased human rights
    training for police officials.
        Under my leadership in INR, we expanded the work of our
    Humanitarian Affairs Unit, focusing on the crisis in Syria and other
    war zones, and increased efforts on the treatment of women and minority
    groups around the world.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Colombia? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Colombia? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Colombia continues to make progress on human rights issues,
    including through its efforts to implement the historic 2016 peace
    accord with the FARC. It is hard to overstate the human rights benefits
    of ending the hemisphere's longest-running armed conflict, which cost
    the lives of more than 250,000 and displaced millions. Ending this
    conflict has permitted the Colombian government to take steps to bring
    justice to victims and their families, fight narcotrafficking and
    organized crime by extending the reach of state institutions to former
    conflict zones, reduce violence, and protect human rights in Colombia.
        The United States has a clear interest in supporting a stronger,
    stable Colombia that protects human rights. The implementation of a
    comprehensive plan to provide government services in remote areas will
    be important to sustain peace, increase counternarcotics and counter-
    transnational crime efforts, ensure citizen security, and prevent
    violence against defenders of human rights and social activists.
    Addressing human rights challenges is essential to build the just and
    lasting peace the Colombian people deserve. If confirmed, I will engage
    with the Colombian government, civil society, the private sector,
    journalists, and the international community to support and encourage
    Colombia's efforts to secure continued progress on human rights.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Colombia in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Colombia is a consolidated democracy undertaking laudable
    efforts to improve the transparency and accountability of its own
    governance and defend democracy abroad. The Colombian government has
    prioritized human rights and made advances on some important cases, but
    some challenges remain. I consider human rights and social inclusion to
    be issues central to Colombia's ability to secure a just and lasting
    peace. If confirmed, I would stress to the Colombian government the
    need to fill power vacuums in areas formerly controlled by the FARC.
    The Colombian government's challenge is to establish a comprehensive
    state presence to provide not only security services but also
    education, infrastructure, local governance, and victims' assistance to
    deny criminal groups a foothold. I would also continue to support the
    Colombian government's efforts to dismantle the illegal armed groups
    responsible for many crimes against human rights defenders, and to urge
    thorough investigations and prosecutions into these crimes.
        Colombia's marginalized populations, including Afro-Colombians,
    indigenous people, internally displaced persons, women, and children,
    continue to suffer disproportionately from forced displacement, sexual
    violence, and social exclusion. If confirmed, I will encourage the
    Colombian government to implement measures to guarantee the rights of
    those most affected by conflict and include marginalized populations in
    all phases of peace implementation.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Colombia? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. The protection of human rights has long been a core
    component of U.S.-Colombian relations and a central value of our
    foreign policy. The NGO community plays a vital role in shining a light
    on human rights issues and challenges, and has valuable contributions
    and perspectives to share. There is a vibrant community of NGOs and
    civil society organizations focused on human rights issues in Colombia.
    If confirmed, I will continue the United States' longstanding tradition
    of engaging regularly on these issues with NGOs based in the United
    States and in Colombia and Colombian civil society organizations to
    understand their concerns and seek their input and proposals.
        The Leahy Law not only advances our human rights agenda but also
    promotes the professionalization of the security forces with which we
    partner, making them better security partners. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with the Embassy Team, Colombian government, and civil
    society to ensure we direct all U.S. assistance to rights-respecting
    security forces in an efficient and effective manner in accordance with
    U.S. law. In accordance with the Leahy law, I will ensure no assistance
    or equipment is provided to Colombia security forces that commit gross
    violations of human rights. Leahy vetting plays an important role in
    furthering U.S. government programs and objectives on human rights and
    encourages security force professionalization.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Colombia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Colombia?

        Answer. It is my understanding that the United States is not aware
    of any political prisoners in Colombia, or unjust targeting of
    individuals. If confirmed, I would certainly engage the government in
    the event this becomes an issue.

        Question. Will you engage with Colombia on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with Colombia on matters
    of human rights, civil rights, and governance as part of our bilateral
    mission. Colombia is a close friend of the United States, and our
    countries have long enjoyed outstanding cooperation on a range of
    issues. As a close partner, I will work with the Colombian government
    to continue to encourage improvements on matters of human rights, civil
    rights, and governance through a variety of approaches, including
    programming, regular diplomatic engagement, and high-level dialogues
    with the Colombian government. I look forward to continuing and
    expanding upon our close collaboration on these issues in multiple
    fora.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Colombia?

        Answer. No. Nonetheless, I am committed to ensuring that my
    official actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest and I
    will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to promote, mentor and support all
    staff, including those from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented
    groups. I will be guided by U.S. law and policies, but also by my
    personal appreciation that discrimination can harm not only individual
    employees but also the workplace and the larger institution. I
    recognize that each individual employee brings unique strengths and
    weaknesses; and I will encourage each to do, and achieve, their best,
    and to help foster a work environment that both reflects and draws upon
    the rich composition of America's citizenry.
        I assure you that, if confirmed, I will consider diversity when
    seeking to fill high-level positions at the U.S. Mission in Colombia,
    as I have done in past assignments. I am committed to mentoring all
    staff members, but especially those from diverse backgrounds and under-
    represented groups.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that Embassy supervisors hear
    from me, and see from my own behavior, that encouragement of such an
    environment is expected from all Embassy leaders. I will ensure that
    Country Team members--as well as lower-level supervisors--understand
    their individual responsibilities to provide mentoring and guidance to
    all members of their teams, with specific emphasis on diversity and
    inclusiveness. I will ensure that performance, as it relates to such
    issues, is covered as appropriate, in ratings and evaluations, as these
    supervisors seek to advance their own careers and serve as examples for
    their employees and our institution.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Colombia
    specifically?

        Answer. Corruption is a worldwide problem and a growing political
    issue in many nations. Combatting corruption is linked closely to
    strengthening justice and rule of law. In Colombia, revenues from
    transnational organized crime, including drug trafficking, also
    exacerbate corruption challenges. Expanding justice services to rural
    areas, combatting narcotrafficking, and strengthening rule of law have
    been essential components of peace implementation efforts and are key
    to continued progress on combatting corruption.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Colombia
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Colombia has undertaken serious efforts to address
    corruption concerns. The breaking of the Odebrecht scandal launched
    corruption to the forefront of Colombia's political dialogue. In 2018,
    Colombian voters made clear that they strongly supported anti-
    corruption measures, with more than 11.5 million citizens voting in
    favor of proposals on accountability and transparency measures.
        Since taking office, President Duque has sought congressional
    support for his anti-corruption initiatives. The offices of the
    attorney general and inspector general have publicly identified
    anticorruption efforts as priorities for their institutions and have
    achieved some important results. At a June 2018 forum, the Inspector
    General signed a transparency and anti-corruption pact with business
    community representatives. The Attorney General's office launched the
    ``Bolsas de Cristal'' anticorruption initiative and it continues to
    investigate and prosecute cases related to the Odebrecht scandal. In
    March 2018, the Colombian Supreme Court sentenced former top
    anticorruption official Luis Gustavo Moreno Rivera to four years and 10
    months in prison on corruption charges. Reducing corruption in Colombia
    will require continuing and building on such efforts.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Colombia?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the Colombian government and
    its citizens to promote public transparency, accountability, and
    integrity. Key to advancing these priorities, in partnership with the
    Department of Justice, would include programming and efforts to
    strengthen rule of law and the capacity of our law enforcement
    partners; ensuring a level playing field for U.S. investors; and
    denying corrupt individuals access to U.S. financial systems and
    resources.

    Venezuela Crisis
        Question. Colombia's response to the Venezuelan migration crisis
    should serve as a model to other countries:

       How can we highlight Colombia's example to other countries in the
            region?

        Answer. Colombia's leadership on Venezuela is extraordinary and
    their generosity in hosting fleeing Venezuelans has been a vital
    component of the regional response to the Venezuelan crisis. The United
    States strongly supports Colombia and governments in the region. If
    confirmed, I will work with them to restore democracy to Venezuela and
    mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

        Question. How can the United States support Colombia's efforts?

        Answer. The U.S. government has committed nearly $130 million in
    aid to respond to the influx of Venezuelans in Colombia since FY 2017,
    including $37.1 million in development assistance and $91 million in
    humanitarian assistance. This funding supports Colombia's efforts to
    assist Venezuelan refugees as well as the communities that host them.
    The United States continues to encourage additional contributions from
    donors to international organizations to meet growing needs. If
    confirmed, I will work with Colombia on efforts to restore democracy to
    Venezuela and mitigate the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

        Question. Are you concerned that the Venezuela crisis could detract
    from Colombia's ability to fully implement the peace accords?

        Answer. Colombia is a vital strategic partner. The United States
    and Colombia share many priorities, including coordinating a regional
    response to the crisis in Venezuela, supporting sustainable peace in
    Colombia, and combatting narcotics trafficking and transnational crime.
    U.S. foreign assistance is crucial to support Colombia's efforts both
    to respond to the Venezuela crisis and to implement peace.
        The FY 2019 appropriation includes $418.3 million in bilateral
    assistance for Colombia, which includes robust support for priorities
    such as peace implementation and our joint goal to reduce coca
    cultivation and cocaine production by 50 percent by the end of 2023.
    Separately, to support Colombia in its response to the Venezuelan
    crisis, the U.S. government has committed nearly $130 million in aid to
    respond to the influx of Venezuelans in Colombia since FY 2017. If
    confirmed, I will work with the Colombian government to advance peace
    implementation and to work with partners to ensure a coordinated
    regional response to the Venezuelan crisis.

        Question. If so, how would you work to help Colombia balance these
    competing priorities?

        Answer. The United States strongly supports Colombia's efforts to
    secure a lasting peace. Colombia remains one of our strongest partners
    in the region, including on pressuring the former Maduro regime and
    responding to the Venezuelan crisis, and successful implementation of
    the peace accord is in the national interest of both our nations.
        If confirmed, I will work with the Colombian government to support
    our joint efforts to implement the peace accord and to restore
    democracy to Venezuela. Regarding Venezuela, if confirmed, I will work
    with partners to encourage a coordinated regional response to the
    Venezuelan crisis, as well as encourage additional contributions from
    donors to international organizations such as IOM, PAHO, and UNCHR to
    meet growing needs and effectively support efforts--particularly those
    of front-line states such as Colombia.

        Question. Colombia is increasingly serving as a strategic partner
    for the United States internationally from Central America to
    Afghanistan:

       Where do you anticipate us expanding this cooperation in coming
            years?

        Answer. Colombia is one of our strongest and most capable partners
    in the hemisphere. If confirmed, I would encourage Colombia's continued
    support for U.S. regional and global security objectives. For example,
    if confirmed, I would work with the Colombian government to advance the
    administration's strategy to enhance regional cooperation against
    transnational criminal networks and expand the promotion rule of law
    and democracy in the region. In addition, Colombia's efforts in areas
    such as U.N. peacekeeping operations, security force training in
    Central America, and sharing peace-building expertise in Afghanistan
    are complementary and advance security throughout the hemisphere and
    beyond.

        Question. I am concerned about the high number of attacks against
    human rights defenders.

       How would you engage with the Colombian government to protect those
            facing threats?

        Answer. A strong, stable Colombia that protects human rights is in
    the U.S. interest. I share your concern for the killing of human rights
    defenders, who have an essential role to play in building a durable
    peace in Colombia. I understand the Attorney General's Office has made
    important efforts to improve accountability by prioritizing
    investigations into recent cases of killings of human rights defenders.
    It is important that those responsible for these crimes be held
    accountable. I understand the U.S. government is supporting the
    Colombian government's efforts to carry out prompt and effective
    investigations of these cases, and to improve the security situation
    where these killings are taking place and disrupt the illegal activity
    that contributes to continued violence. Introducing state services and
    extending economic opportunity in conflict-affected areas is
    fundamental to ensure that citizens' rights are protected and to deny a
    foothold to illegal armed groups and criminal organizations.
        The U.S. government has long encouraged Colombia to improve its
    human rights environment through a variety of approaches, including
    foreign assistance programming, regular diplomatic engagement, and
    high-level dialogues with the Colombian government and civil society.
    If confirmed, I will continue to support Colombia's efforts to ensure
    human rights defenders and social leaders can accomplish their vital
    work towards a just and lasting peace.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Hon. Philip Goldberg by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. How would you propose expanding efforts to intercept
    ships heading out of Colombian waters, and how best can we increase
    coordination between Colombia, SOUTHCOM, the Mexican government and
    other Central American governments?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would make the Colombian Pacific coast an
    area of key focus for our joint counternarcotics efforts, since the
    majority of cocaine shipped to the United States flows through this
    corridor. The best way to tackle this challenge is by helping Colombia
    expand its multilateral approach to maritime interdiction and go after
    key drug traffickers in this region. Over the past year, the Colombian
    Navy led three impressive multi-nation maritime interdiction
    operations, which included Mexico and several Central American
    countries, and led to the seizure of nearly 100 metric tons of cocaine,
    denying narcotraffickers approximately $3.2 billion in revenue. If
    confirmed, I would support efforts to build on these successes and
    increase coordination between Colombia, SOUTHCOM, Mexico, and Central
    America to better disrupt the flow of drugs and prevent siphon off
    revenue to these criminal groups.

        Question. What additional steps would you recommend in order for
    the U.S. to provide resources and technical assistance to the
    government of Colombia to investigate and, if necessary, freeze assets
    and step up asset forfeiture procedures?

        Answer. The United States and Colombia have both provided
    significant resources to address our shared priorities. In particular,
    the Colombian government is a committed partner in cracking down on
    money laundering. President Duque's counternarcotics strategy
    prioritizes countering money laundering and financial crimes as one of
    its five pillars. If confirmed, I would work with the Colombians to
    develop mechanisms to re-invest liquidated assets into the relevant
    institutions in order to transform its asset forfeiture system into a
    self-sustaining ``virtuous circle'' that can further support
    counternarcotics efforts.

        Question. How would you assess the commitment and capability of the
    Colombian government to crack down on money laundering?

        Answer. Colombia is one of our strongest partners in the Western
    Hemisphere, and President Duque's government has demonstrated
    commitment in cracking down on money laundering. Specifically,
    President Duque's counternarcotics strategy prioritizes countering
    money laundering and financial crimes as one of its five pillars. If
    confirmed, I would ensure the U.S. government continues to work closely
    with Colombia to support this pillar with robust law enforcement and
    judicial support in order to expand Colombia's capacity to investigate
    and prosecute complex financial crimes and most effectively address
    money laundering challenges.Question 4:
        Colombia has taken in thousands of Venezuelan refugees since the
    escalation of the crisis there. In your assessment, does Colombia have
    the assistance and resources it needs to meet the needs of the refugee
    population?

        Answer. Colombia's leadership on Venezuela is extraordinary and the
    generosity of Colombians in hosting fleeing Venezuelans has been a
    vital component of the regional response to the Venezuelan crisis. To
    help Colombia respond to this influx of Venezuelans, the U.S.
    government has committed nearly $130 million in aid to Colombia since
    FY 2017, including approximately $37 million in development and
    economic assistance and more than $91 million in humanitarian
    assistance. This funding complements Colombia's own efforts to assist
    Venezuelan refugees and migrants and the communities that host them.

        Question. If confirmed, how will you work to ensure that U.S.
    policy in Colombia and across the region addresses the root causes of
    migration?

        Answer. The United States continues to engage all diplomatic and
    economic options to support Venezuela's Interim President Guaido. Only
    through a peaceful democratic transition can Venezuela resolve the root
    causes of the forced displacement of millions of migrants and refugees.
    To that end, the United States government has made clear that all
    options remain on the table while it continues to engage on all
    diplomatic and economic fronts to support Interim Venezuelan President
    Juan Guaido and the Venezuelan people's pursuit of freedom.
        If confirmed, I will work with Colombia on efforts to restore
    democracy to Venezuela and encourage Colombia to continue their strong
    engagement with regional partners to ensure a coordinated regional
    response to the Venezuelan crisis.

                                   __________

               Response to an Additional Question for the Record
         Submitted to Hon. Philip Goldberg by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question. Should you be confirmed, you will need to address human
    rights concerns that the United States has in Colombia, including
    reports of abuses by security forces and threats against human rights
    defenders, journalists, and indigenous groups.   During your time as
    ambassador to the Philippines, you saw first-hand a government that was
    committing similar forms of abuses. The Duterte government, which has
    carried out extrajudicial killings in its war on drugs, has weaponized
    the legal system to go after journalists and opposition leaders.

       Can you give us your assessment of the state of human rights in the
            Philippines, and how your experience there will affect how you
            handle human rights issues in Colombia, if you are confirmed?

        Answer. Under my tenure as Ambassador to the Philippines, the
    United States consistently engaged the Philippine government on human
    rights issues. This was particularly true during my last few months in
    the Philippines, when I and the embassy engaged publicly and privately
    on many occasions to address the new Duterte government's actions. The
    U.S.-Philippines relationship is built on a history of shared values
    for democracy and human rights. The United States supported the
    capacity of Philippine institutions, including through U.S. judicial
    sector training aimed to strengthen the rule of law, due process, and
    respect for human rights.
        If confirmed, as in the Philippines, I will continue to engage with
    the Colombian government, civil society, the private sector, and the
    international community to support Colombia's efforts to secure
    continued progress on human rights.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Douglas Manchester by Senator Robert Menendez

    Addressing Employee Complaints
        Question. In a Washington Post article describing the work
    environment at the San Diego Union-Tribune and U-T-TV, you were quoted
    as saying when you learned of ``egregious mistakes'' by staff, you took
    action.

       What were those mistakes?

        Answer. I did not manage the day-to-day operations of the company
    and its subsidiary, but when I learned of the possible mistakes, I
    directed Human Resources personnel to take appropriate action towards
    those individuals. Please see, as an addendum to this answer, the San
    Diego Union Tribune, LLC Employee Handbook, page 24. According to Human
    Resources, there were violations of our policies as stated in the
    Employee Handbook.

        Question.  What actions, specifically, did you take? Did you
    institute any disciplinary actions? Did you fire anyone?

        Answer. I advised Human Resources to take appropriate disciplinary
    action including termination. I was advised there were two
    terminations.

        Question.  Did you institute any reforms or training in response to
    the concerns that were raised at the San Diego Union-Tribune or U-T-TV?

        Answer. Yes, we instituted mandatory multi-hour sexual harassment
    training required of each employee within six months of employment and
    continued training every two years.

        Question.  Did anyone ever raise complaints or concerns with you
    personally? Did you learn of concerns or complaints through others?

        Answer. I have never had any complaints or concerns raised about me
    personally. In 55 years of business, having founded 27 companies and
    employed over 6,000 employees, I have never personally been named in
    any sexual misconduct claims.

        Question.  Do you commit that, if confirmed, you will take
    immediate steps to address any claims of harassment or discrimination
    brought to your attention, and that you will work to foster a
    professional environment for all employees, regardless of gender or
    background?

        Answer. Yes, you have my commitment that, if confirmed, I will take
    immediate steps to address any claims of harassment or discrimination
    brought to my attention, and I will work to foster a professional
    environment for all employees, regardless of gender or background.

        Question.  If confirmed, you will be chief of mission in the
    Bahamas, meaning you will be in charge of a large staff of U.S. and
    foreign service national employees, men and women from all different
    backgrounds.
        What are your plans to foster a healthy and inclusive work
    environment? Please provide concrete examples indicative of your
    thinking in this area.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work extremely hard to remind everyone
    that they are doing an incredible job for our country and to build a
    cooperative team environment that is all-inclusive to all genders,
    religions and ethnic backgrounds. I will work to foster mutual respect
    and will remind the employees that their work is appreciated by all
    those in the United States and the Sovereign nation of the Bahamas. To
    achieve this I will adopt an open door policy and encourage direct
    communication.

        Question.  Have you familiarized yourself with federal government
    rules and regulations designed to prevent sexual and other forms of
    harassment and to appropriately respond to claims of such harassment?

        Answer.Yes, I have familiarized myself with federal government
    rules and regulations designed to prevent sexual and other forms of
    harassment and to appropriately respond to claims of such harassment.

        Question.  What assurances can you provide to this committee that
    you will treat all employees, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, or
    background, fairly, equally, and with respect?

        Answer. With a proven record of 55 years in business, I have always
    believed that two heads are better than one and three are better than
    two, etc. I would encourage a team-like atmosphere that would call on
    all mission personnel to contribute to the success of the mission.
    Specifically, I would create an environment where all personnel are
    encouraged to express any concerns or criticism without fear of
    reprisal.

        Question.  Did you, in your personal capacity, hire a lobbying or
    public affairs group to support your nomination process? If so, please
    provide the name of the entity, the dates of the contract, payment
    amounts and dates.

       Did Manchester Financial Group hire a lobbying or public affairs
            group to support your nomination process? If so, please provide
            the name of the entity, the dates of the contract, and payment
            amounts and dates.

        Answer. Manchester Financial hired Banner Public Affairs in March
    2018, initially for a two-month period for an amount of $20,000. Their
    professional services have included discussions about options for
    branding and marketing hotels owned by Manchester Financial Group,
    advocacy options for regulatory issues related to the construction and
    operation of hotels, public affairs issues related to the nomination of
    the company's founder to be Ambassador to The Bahamas, rebuttal of
    inaccurate and misleading statements about the chairman emeritus that
    appeared in the media as a result of his nomination, and
    representational contact to gain information about the status of the
    nomination and seek a vote on the nomination.

        Question. In the event that the Manchester Financial Group hired a
    lobbying or public affairs group to support your nomination process:

       Did you direct the Manchester Financial Group to hire a lobbying or
            public affairs group to support your nomination? If not, who
            made that decision?

        Answer. Yes

        Question.  What benefit did the Manchester Financial Group stand to
    gain from hiring a lobbying or public affairs group on your behalf?

        Answer. Manchester Financial Group benefitted from better awareness
    of options related to its brand and marketing activities, as well as
    the accurate public perception of its operations and chairman emeritus,
    including as a result of media stemming from his nomination, which is
    essential to the operations of the company.

        Question.  Did you or Manchester Financial Group seek guidance,
    authorization, or approval from the U.S. Department of State prior to
    hiring a lobbying or public affairs group to support your nomination
    process? If not, why not? If yes, did you receive guidance,
    authorization, or approval from the U.S. Department of State? If so,
    please provide a copy and any supporting documentation.

        Answer. No, I was not and am not aware of any requirement to do so.

        Question.  Did a lobbying or public affairs group assist you with
    your answers to these questions or any other written questions for the
    record submitted to you by members of the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee related to your confirmation hearing on June 20, 2019? If so,
    please describe what assistance the entity provided you.

        Answer.Yes, the lobbying and public affairs group listed above
    reviewed questions and answers related to its services and provided
    feedback on questions stemming from media reports.

        Question.  Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer.Yes. I will work through the Department's Bureau of
    Legislative Affairs to respond to Congressional requests.

        Question.  Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer.Yes.

        Question.  If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer.I am committed to the highest standards of government
    accountability. Should I become aware of any waste, fraud, or abuse, I
    will report it to the appropriate Department authorities to include the
    Inspector General.

        Question.  Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. I do not plan to hold any positions or affiliations during
    my term of appointment and if confirmed, I commit to fully comply with
    all stipulations as outlined in my ethics agreement.

        Question.  Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer.No, I have not been an officer or director of a company that
    has filed for bankruptcy.

        Question.  If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer.Yes.

        Question. Other than the claims referred to above, has anyone ever
    made a formal or informal complaint or allegation of sexual harassment,
    discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace or any other setting?
    If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or allegation, your
    response, and any resolution, including any settlements.

        Answer. I have never had any complaints or concerns raised about me
    personally in a workplace or any other setting. In 55 years of
    business, having founded 27 companies and employed over 6,000
    employees, I have never personally been named in any sexual misconduct
    claims.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I did not manage the day-to-day operations of the company,
    but when I learned of possible accusations of sexual harassment,
    discrimination or inappropriate conduct by any employee, I directed
    Human Resources personnel to investigate the allegations and if
    necessary, take appropriate action towards those individuals, including
    termination. Please see, as an addendum to this answer, the San Diego
    Union Tribune, LLC Employee Handbook, page 24.

        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If
    confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all employees under your
    leadership understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other
    prohibited personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I do agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.
        I will follow established procedures necessary to assure that
    anyone that feels that they have been subjected to any retaliation,
    blacklisting or other prohibited personnel practices is aware of the
    Department's policies, resources, and procedures that ensure reporting
    without retaliation.

        Question. Following up on one of the answers from Manchester's
    QFRs, we would like to review copies of any contracts between
    Manchester Financial Group and Banner Public Affairs.

        Answer. Manchester Financial Group entered into an oral contractual
    agreement with Banner Public Affairs in March 2018. Banner Public
    Affairs was to advise regarding options for branding and marketing
    hotels owned by Manchester Financial Group, advocacy options for
    regulatory issues related to the construction and operation of hotels,
    public affairs issues related to the nomination of the company's
    founder to be Ambassador to The Bahamas, rebuttal of inaccurate and
    misleading statements about the chairman emeritus that appeared in the
    media as a result of his nomination, and representational contact to
    gain information about the status of the nomination and seek a vote on
    the nomination.
        I personally paid Banner Public Affairs $10,000.00 on behalf of
    Manchester Financial Group on March 27, 2018 by wire transfer.
    Manchester Financial Group also paid a total of $30,000.00 to Banner
    Public Affairs. The first check was for $10,000.00 on May 14, 2018 and
    the second check was for $20,000.00 on July 31, 2018.

      Relevant Excerpts from the San Diego Union-Tribune Employee Handbook

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Douglas Manchester by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. With a long history in the newspaper business, I am a firm
    believer that an independent media plays a critical role in exposing
    human rights violations and building strong democratic systems. If
    confirmed, I will leverage my experience to address concerns in The
    Bahamas about due process for migrants without legal status and rights
    of the Haitian community; judicial system reforms; conditions in
    prisons and detention centers; and gender-based violence. I believe
    these challenges to human rights and democracy require close U.S.
    coordination with local human rights organizations, civil society, the
    media, international organizations, and the Bahamian government, and if
    confirmed, I will look to leverage my background in the media to
    support the Bahamian government in addressing these challenges.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in the
    Bahamas? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in the Bahamas? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The Bahamas is a constitutional, parliamentary democracy
    with a long history of respect for the rule of law, human rights, and
    effective civilian control over the security forces. Nevertheless,
    several human rights issues deserve attention. If confirmed, I will
    engage with the government on ensuring due process for migrants and
    rights of the Haitian community; judicial system reforms; improving
    conditions in prisons and detention centers; and working to end gender-
    based violence.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in the Bahamas in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. The Bahamas' challenge is to use its limited resources to
    promote respect for the rule of law while respecting human rights in a
    high-crime environment. If confirmed, I will work with my embassy staff
    to ensure existing training programs for Bahamian justice-sector
    officials are as effective as possible, and I would champion U.S.
    efforts to promote human rights in the country and support the Bahamian
    government's efforts in this area to achieve lasting results.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in the Bahamas? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. I am committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society, and non-governmental organizations in the United States and
    The Bahamas. If confirmed, I would champion U.S. efforts to promote
    human rights in the country, as well as comply with all requirements
    under the Leahy Law to ensure provisions of U.S. security assistance
    and security cooperation activities reinforce human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with the
    Bahamas to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by the Bahamas?

        Answer. The State Department's 2018 Human Rights Report states
    there were no political prisoners or detainees in The Bahamas in 2018.
    If confirmed, I will work actively with the embassy team to address any
    cases of political prisoners or persons unjustly targeted by government
    entities to ensure their rights and fundamental freedoms are respected.

        Question. Will you engage with the Bahamas on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with The Bahamas on
    matters of human rights, civil rights, and governance as part of my
    bilateral mission.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules and to raise concerns that I may
    have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in the Bahamas?

        Answer. I have owned a home in The Bahamas for many years. My
    investment portfolio includes diversified mutual funds that may have
    investments in companies with a presence in The Bahamas; however, these
    funds are exempt from the conflicts of interest rules. I am committed
    to ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict
    of interest and I will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics
    obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. As the owner of multiple businesses across many sectors, I
    am a firm believer in a well-managed, diverse workforce. I have
    promoted to the highest levels of my companies employees and
    supervisors of all races, gender, ethnicity, religions, national
    origin, and sexual orientation. If confirmed, I commit to promote,
    mentor and support all staff, including those from diverse backgrounds
    and underrepresented groups. I will be guided by U.S. law and policies,
    but also by my personal appreciation that discrimination can harm not
    only individual employees but also the workplace and the larger
    institution. I recognize that each individual employee brings unique
    strengths and weaknesses; and I will encourage each to do, and achieve,
    their best, and to help foster a work environment that both reflects
    and draws upon the rich composition of America's citizenry.
        I assure you that, if confirmed, I will consider diversity when
    seeking to fill high-level positions at the U.S. Mission in The
    Bahamas. I am committed to mentoring all staff members, but especially
    those from diverse backgrounds and under-represented groups.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. I believe a diverse and inclusive environment is critical
    to ensuring every person at our Embassy has the tools necessary to do
    their work and advance the interests of the United States. If
    confirmed, I will set the example encouraging such an environment and
    letting supervisors know it is expected from all Embassy leaders. I
    will ensure that all Embassy supervisors understand their individual
    responsibilities to provide mentoring and guidance to all members of
    their teams, with specific emphasis on diversity and inclusiveness and
    that performance as it relates to such issues is covered, as
    appropriate, in ratings and evaluations, as these supervisors seek to
    advance their own careers and serve as examples for their employees and
    our institution.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in the Bahamas
    specifically?

        Answer. Corruption saps economic growth, hinders development,
    destabilizes governments, undermines democracy, and provides openings
    for dangerous groups like criminals, traffickers, and terrorists. The
    Department has made anti-corruption efforts a national security
    priority and works across the globe to prevent graft, promote
    accountability, and empower reformers. Ranking 29 out of 180 on
    Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, The Bahamas
    faces continued challenges in addressing corruption and lack of
    transparency with the aim of leveling the playing field and improving
    ease of doing business for both domestic investment as well as ensuring
    The Bahamas' reputation as a good place to do business and maintain
    access to international financial markets. Prime Minister Hubert Minnis
    has indicated that anti-corruption efforts are a priority for his
    administration. If confirmed, I commit to working to address any
    corruption and strengthen democratic governance and rule of law in The
    Bahamas.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in the
    Bahamas and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. According to Transparency International's Corruption
    Perception indices, the Bahamas ranks 29 out of 180. Prime Minister
    Hubert Minis of the Free National Movement won elections in a landslide
    in May 2017 on an anti-corruption, pro-reform platform. The Prime
    Minister has stated his intent to instill greater transparency and
    accountability in government operations, reduce the debt and grow the
    economy, and improve citizen security. If confirmed, I am committed to
    working with the Bahamian government to address any corruption and
    strengthen democratic governance and rule of law in The Bahamas.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in the Bahamas?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would prioritize issues of good governance
    and anti-corruption in U.S. relations with The Bahamas. Prime Minister
    Minnis has made fighting corruption a key focus of his administration.
    Working with my Embassy team, I would draw on the expertise and
    resources of the U.S. government to support those efforts where
    appropriate. I would also work with civil society and the private
    sector to promote transparency and good governance and ensure the U.S.
    Embassy's programs and actions support strong democratic institutions,
    rule of law, free press, and respect for government transparency and
    accountability.

        Question. I have long advocated for more strategic U.S. diplomatic
    engagement in the Caribbean. The region is geographically close to the
    United States and share so many of our values. It is unacceptable that
    so many have become susceptible to outside foreign interests and vote
    against the United States and its partners in multilateral fora. If
    confirmed, how would you help to ensure a closer U.S.-Bahamas
    partnership?

        Answer. The United States and The Bahamas enjoy a deep, broad
    relationship driven by geographic proximity as well as social,
    economic, and cultural ties that enable close cooperation and make The
    Bahamas one of our most enduring partners in the Western Hemisphere.
    This partnership includes promoting our shared values throughout the
    region on important U.S. policy priorities such as Venezuela and
    Nicaragua. If confirmed, I would consult with experts in the
    Department, in the U.S. interagency community, and this committee on
    additional ways to advance key U.S. priorities for the bilateral
    relationship. I would also engage with the U.S. private sector and the
    Bahamian diaspora to build and strengthen those bilateral ties. I would
    also consult with my Embassy team to implement the integrated country
    strategy, promote U.S. goals, and draw on my knowledge of the country
    to engage with the government and the people.

        Question. How would you engage with your fellow chiefs of mission
    in other Caribbean island nations as part of a concerted effort to
    engage the region?

        Answer. As I understand it, under the new U.S.-Caribbean Resilience
    Partnership the Department launched a few months ago, the U.S.--
    Caribbean 2020 Strategy, the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative
    (CBSI), and multiple other U.S. lines of effort, the United States is
    deepening its engagement across the Caribbean on both bilateral and
    regional issues. I would support those efforts and coordinate with my
    fellow Chiefs of Mission to help promote and implement issues jointly
    as appropriate. The new U.S.-Caribbean Resilience Partnership offers
    opportunities to collaborate closely across U.S. embassies in the
    Caribbean, as does the security-focused Caribbean Basin security
    initiative. I would also work to support The Bahamas as a leader in
    CARICOM to advance our shared foreign policy priorities and address
    challenges in the region.

        Question. The Bahamas faces high levels of insecurity that pose a
    risk to the United States by facilitating drug trafficking and a direct
    threat to the safety of millions of American visitors every year. What
    is your assessment of the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI),
    our primary program for addressing regional citizen security?

        Answer. It is my understanding that the United States has advanced
    U.S. security priorities in the Caribbean through the Caribbean Basin
    Security Initiative (CBSI) since 2010. CBSI has provided more than $600
    million in foreign assistance programming to counter the flow of
    narcotics, combat transnational criminal organizations, strengthen
    judicial systems, and engage in crime and violence prevention programs
    targeting at-risk youth and their communities. A key way to counter
    organized crime is to go after the assets of Transnational Criminal
    Organizations (TCOs). An example of a successful CBSI multinational
    interdiction effort is Operation Bahamas, Turks & Caicos (OPBAT), in
    which U.S. and local law enforcement have worked together to increase
    interdictions by 755% in FY2019, compared to that seized in all of
    FY2018. Programs and engagement under CBSI work in concert with efforts
    to increase engagement with the region. The government Accountability
    Office issued a review of CBSI in early 2019 that called for increased
    monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of CBSI programs. If confirmed, I would
    work closely with the Embassy team to ensure CBSI programs are as
    effective as possible, that M&E is coordinated among all U.S. agencies
    working in this space to achieve sustainable results, and that CBSI
    efforts are connected with increased U.S. engagement in the region.

        Question. What adjustments, if any, need to be made to CBSI's
    implementation in the Bahamas?

        Answer. It is my understanding that through CBSI in the Bahamas, we
    have strengthened our mutual national security and increased citizen
    security through programs that have effectively worked to dismantle
    transnational criminal and terrorist organizations, curb the
    trafficking and smuggling of illicit goods and people, strengthen the
    rule of law, improve citizen security, and counter vulnerability to
    terrorist threats. It is also my understanding that CBSI in the Bahamas
    has worked to professionalize the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and
    Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) so that they are better able to
    prevent, disrupt, and dismantle violent and transnational criminal
    activity, particularly via OPBAT. In particular, as I understand it,
    U.S. assistance through CBSI has grown the capacity of the RBPF Marine
    Support Services Unit (MSSU), Canine Unit (K-9), and Drug Enforcement
    Unit (DEU), and Firearms Tracing and Investigation Unit (FTIU) to stem
    the flow of trafficking through The Bahamas, enhance citizen security,
    and improve security along the United States' ``Third Border.'' CBSI
    has also funded Foreign Military Financing (FMF) projects with the RBDF
    to enhance maritime domain awareness, long range communications, and
    maintenance to improve interoperability and combined operations with
    U.S. forces in the region. While I will want to assess these efforts
    personally if confirmed, I do plan to prioritize ensuring that all U.S.
    programs in the Bahamas are effective in meeting U.S. interests.

        Question. How would you utilize your position and the Embassy's
    resources to improve citizen security?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will prioritize cooperation with The
    Bahamas on efforts to strengthen citizen security, promote social and
    economic development, and reduce illicit trafficking and other
    transnational crime because a safer Bahamas makes the United States
    more secure. If confirmed, I do plan to prioritize ensuring that all
    U.S. programs in the Bahamas are effective in meeting U.S. interests,
    including those focused on improving citizen security.

        Question. As many as 80,000 Haitians currently reside in the
    Bahamas given the poor economic and security circumstances in Haiti.
    What is the Bahamian government's ability to address these high
    migration figures?

        Answer. It is my understanding that irregular migration has long
    been among The Bahamas' highest national priorities, particularly given
    the large number of Haitians living there without legal status.
    Interdictions of nationals from other countries such as Cuba, China,
    and the Dominican Republic occur as well. An estimated 60-80,000
    Haitians live in The Bahamas, many of them without legal status. The
    Bahamas views the magnitude of Haitian migration as a crisis given its
    population of 351,000. The Bahamas has partnered with the United States
    to deal effectively with such large migrant flows, taken steps to
    regularize the status of certain Haitian migrants, and provided due
    process to those newly interdicted. The government has also reached out
    to international organizations for assistance in providing humanitarian
    services to migrants after they arrive. If confirmed, I commit to
    working with the Bahamian government and international organizations to
    address this issue.

        Question. What is your assessment of the current migration trends?
    Do you expect the numbers to continue to rise?

        Answer. It is my understanding that addressing irregular migration
    has long been among The Bahamas' highest national priorities given the
    relatively large number of migrants traveling to and through The
    Bahamas. The majority of these migrants are Haitian although
    interdictions of nationals from other countries such as Cuba, China,
    and the Dominican Republic occur as well. From December 2018 to
    February 2019, there was a surge in Haitian migration there illegally,
    and further flows from Haiti will depend on the political and economic
    situation in Haiti. An estimated 60-80,000 Haitians live in The
    Bahamas, many of them without legal status. Other countries in the
    Caribbean have seen increased Venezuelan migrant flows; however, this
    has not been the case in The Bahamas.

        Question. If confirmed, how would you work with the Bahamian
    government to address these migration flows and ensure adequate
    protections for those Haitians already in the Bahamas?

        Answer. It is my understanding that addressing irregular migration
    has long been among The Bahamas' highest national priorities given the
    relatively large number of migrants traveling to and through The
    Bahamas. The Minnis government is taking steps to regularize the status
    of certain Haitian migrants while providing both humanitarian services
    and due process to those newly interdicted. If confirmed, I commit to
    working with The Bahamas and international organizations, such as the
    International Organization for Migration and the U.N. High Commissioner
    for Refugees in this effort, as well as continue our strong cooperation
    under Operation Bahamas Turks & Caicos (OPBAT). Since October 2018, our
    joint forces interdicted 41 migrant sea vessels, resulting in the
    repatriation of over 1,700 migrants there.

        Question. Millions of Americans visit the Bahamas every year and
    the mission you would be running would be responsible for providing a
    range of consular services to the many visitors who find themselves in
    need of assistance. How has your experience helped prepare you for this
    major responsibility?

        Answer. Given my long experience in the hospitality and tourism
    business, I am well prepared to lead the U.S. Embassy team to ensure
    the safety and security of American citizens visiting The Bahamas. The
    Bahamas is one of the top overseas tourist destinations for U.S.
    citizens with over six million Americans visiting The Bahamas in 2018
    mostly by cruise ship. Estimates are similar for 2019. Nassau is one of
    the busiest cruise ship ports in the world. I understand the Embassy is
    in direct communication with the shipping agents and cruise ship
    companies about safety and security concerns of U.S. citizens on those
    ships. Embassy consular officers also work with the Bahamian government
    to provide services to incarcerated U.S. citizens. If confirmed, I
    would make the Mission's top priority the safety and security of the
    large numbers of U.S. citizens traveling through or residing in The
    Bahamas.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Douglas Manchester by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. In September 2017, President Trump designated The Bahamas
    as a major illicit drug producing and money laundering country due to
    its role as a significant transshipment point for illicit drugs bound
    for the U.S. I appreciate that there appears to be strong political
    will within the government of The Bahamas to tackle drug trafficking an
    organized crime, and U.S. law enforcement agencies have worked closely
    with their counterparts in The Bahamas to target trafficking
    organizations. If confirmed as Ambassador, how will you use the post to
    facilitate the continued coordination between U.S. and Bahamian
    agencies and officials, including the use of U.S. financial and
    technical assistance?
        Answer. Although Volume I of the 2019 Money Laundering and
    Financial Crimes Report lists The Bahamas as a major illicit drug
    producing and money laundering country, its inclusion on the Majors
    List is not necessarily a reflection of the Bahamian government's
    counternarcotics efforts or level of cooperation with the United
    States. The Bahamas remains one of our most enduring partners in the
    Western Hemisphere, especially in our efforts to counter illicit
    trafficking to the United States.
        Anti-money laundering and counter terrorist financing (AML/CFT) has
    been a priority for the Bahamian government as it works to come off the
    Financial Action Task Force's gray-list in October 2019 and generally
    meet international standards. If confirmed, I will build on the
    Embassy's strong relationships with the Bank Supervision Department of
    the Central Bank of The Bahamas, the Financial Investigations Unit, and
    the Identified Risk Framework (IRF) Steering Committee, all government
    institutions that focus on AML/CFT, as well as the Bahamas Financial
    Services Board, an independent association of local financial
    institutions, including foreign companies with Bahamian operations, to
    monitor AML/CFT, identify areas for technical assistance, and convey
    U.S. expectations and requirements.
        It is my understanding that through the Caribbean Basin Security
    Initiative (CBSI), we cooperate closely with The Bahamas to counter the
    flow of narcotics, combat transnational criminal organizations,
    strengthen judicial systems, and engage in crime and violence
    prevention programs targeting at-risk youth and their communities. An
    example of a successful CBSI multinational interdiction effort is
    Operation Bahamas, Turks & Caicos (OPBAT), in which U.S. and local law
    enforcement have worked together to increase interdictions by 755% in
    FY 2019, compared to that seized in all of FY 2018.
        If confirmed, I will prioritize these programs and coordinate
    closely with the Department of Treasury, the private sector, and other
    agencies and regulatory bodies to provide U.S. financial and technical
    assistance to Bahamian institutions that combat drug trafficking and
    money laundering in the country.

        Question. Do you have any concerns about the use of financial
    institutions in the Bahamas to launder money related to drug-
    trafficking?

        Answer. As noted in Volume II of the 2019 Money Laundering and
    Financial Crimes Report, due to its proximity to Florida, The Bahamas
    remains a transit point for trafficking in illegal drugs, firearms, and
    persons to and from the United States. Money may be laundered through
    purchase of real estate, as well as through Designated Non-Financial
    Businesses or Professions. As an international financial center, the
    country is also vulnerable to money laundering through financial
    service companies.
        In 2018, The Bahamas took significant steps toward strengthening
    identified Anti-Money Laundering (AML) deficiencies. The government
    passed an enhanced Financial Transactions Reporting Act strengthening
    rules, procedures, and risk assessment obligations for financial
    institutions and Designated Non-Financial Businesses or Professions. An
    enhanced Proceeds of Crime Act introduced unexplained wealth orders and
    non-conviction-based forfeiture, while a comprehensive Anti-Terrorism
    Act addresses terrorist financing and proliferation. However, The
    Bahamas needs to address recognized deficiencies in its AML/CFT regime
    by demonstrating risk-based supervision of non-bank financial
    institutions and ensuring timely access to adequate beneficial
    ownership information. If confirmed, I will work with relevant U.S.
    government departments and agencies, the private sector, and the
    Bahamian government to make progress in these areas and advance key
    U.S. priorities.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Adrian Zuckerman by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. American businesses have faced serious challenges in
    Romania. I appreciate that during your hearing you committed to making
    this issue your highest priority if confirmed. What specific steps will
    you take to encourage the Romanian government to create a fair
    environment for U.S. businesses if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will coordinate with the relevant agencies
    in Washington to advocate for a fair, expeditious, and transparent
    resolution of the existing or future concerns of U.S. companies, as
    appropriate. I will also work closely and diligently with the business
    community to ensure that Romania complies with its bilateral and
    multilateral trade obligations, and to minimize market access problems
    affecting U.S. firms. If confirmed, I will encourage Romania to
    implement policies and practices to improve its business and investment
    climate and foster a stronger environment for entrepreneurship and
    innovation.

        Question. In April when Romania proposed emergency decrees that
    would have made it harder to tackle corruption and undermined the
    judicial system, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest issued a joint statement
    with 11 other embassies urging Romania not to enact the decrees. I
    would expect that as Ambassador, you would take a similar action in
    such a situation. If confirmed, do you commit to doing everything in
    your power to oppose efforts, such as those decrees, that would
    undermine the rule of law in Romania?

        Answer. Recent legislative amendments and emergency ordinances
    issued by the Romanian government threaten the independence of the
    judiciary and have prompted widespread protests by members of the
    public and magistrates. The National Anticorruption Directorate is
    unable to effectively pursue prosecutions against corrupt officials. If
    confirmed, I will seek to strengthen Romania's democratic institutions
    and support Romania's progress in fighting corruption.

        Question. What specific steps will you take, if confirmed, to
    support rule of law and anti-corruption efforts in Romania? What would
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. If confirmed, supporting Romania's progress on fighting
    corruption and supporting rule of law will be among my top priorities.
    Fighting corruption and supporting judicial independence are vital to
    the region's long-term prosperity and security as well as to the
    extraordinary law enforcement and security cooperation between the
    United States and Romania. I will support Romania's efforts to fight
    corruption and strengthen its democratic institutions through my
    advocacy, as well as a whole-of-Mission approach that encompasses our
    law enforcement programs, security cooperation and other assistance,
    and Mission Bucharest's cooperation with Romania's anticorruption
    institutions. If confirmed, I will continue to pay close attention to
    developments in areas such as court reform, criminal code reform, and
    media legislation. I will also continue to coordinate closely with our
    partners in the international community to help strengthen democratic
    institutions and the rule of law.

        Question. On August 22, 2018, President Trump's personal lawyer,
    Rudy Giuliani, sent a letter to Romania's president, Klaus Iohannis,
    criticizing Romania's National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) and
    supporting amnesty for individuals who had been prosecuted and
    convicted by the DNA. Mr. Giuliani sent his letter less than two months
    after the U.S. Embassy in Romania published a joint statement declaring
    that ``Romania has shown considerable progress in combatting corruption
    and building effective rule of law.'' Do you believe it is proper for
    individuals who represent President Trump in his personal capacity to
    publicly oppose U.S. foreign policy in Romania, or any other country?

        Answer. The United States is concerned about the deterioration of
    rule of law in Romania. If confirmed, I will support Romania's efforts
    to fight corruption and strengthen its democratic institutions through
    my advocacy, as well as a whole-of-Mission approach that encompasses
    our law enforcement programs, security cooperation and other
    assistance, and Mission Bucharest's cooperation with Romania's
    anticorruption institutions. The U.S. government, as a general matter,
    does not endorse or support the views or conclusions of private
    citizens.

        Question. If confirmed as Ambassador, would you make a point in
    such a situation to publicly state that the views of individuals who
    represent President Trump in his personal capacity do not reflect the
    views of the U.S. government?

        Answer. As a general matter, the U.S. government does not endorse
    or support the views or conclusions of private citizens. If confirmed,
    it is my role to represent the American people and advance the U.S.
    government's policy in Romania.

        Question. If confirmed as Ambassador, would you direct or allow
    U.S. Embassy staff to provide support to individuals who represent
    President Trump in his personal capacity if they planned to travel to
    Romania?

        Answer. It is the role of U.S. embassies to assist private citizens
    traveling abroad in the event of an emergency or a need for routine
    assistance, but it is not the role of embassies to facilitate private
    citizens' personal travel outside of emergency situations.

        Question. Romania announced that it will auction off the frequency
    spectrum needed for 5G wireless networks in the fourth quarter of this
    year, and it will allow companies that use Huawei technology to
    participate. Romania is a member of NATO, and I am deeply concerned
    about the security implications of a company using Huawei technology
    winning this auction. If confirmed, how would you communicate the
    U.S.'s security concerns regarding Huawei to the Romanian government
    and urge them to reconsider allowing companies that use Huawei
    technology to potentially control their 5G frequency?

        Answer. The United States advocates for secure telecoms networks
    and supply chains that are free from suppliers that are subject to
    foreign government control or undue influence in order to reduce the
    risks of unauthorized access and malicious cyber activity. If
    confirmed, I will urge Romania, as a NATO ally, to consider such risks
    and exercise vigilance in ensuring the security of its own telecoms
    networks and supply chains. U.S. concerns related to the security and
    resiliency of 5G systems are applicable to any supplier or vendor that
    is subject to inappropriate influence or that has a demonstrated record
    of malign or deceptive behavior. In making decisions on suppliers or
    vendors for 5G systems, all countries, including Romania, should take
    prior behavior into account. I will make this a top priority consistent
    with the Administration's position.

        Question. I understand that in recent years that American companies
    and business people have expressed concern about the rule of law and
    due process in Romania. This, combined with ongoing corruption concerns
    in the country, only serve to diminish U.S. business investment and
    engagement with Romania. Are you familiar with these concerns?

        Answer. I am aware of concerns about respect for rule of law in
    Romania. If confirmed, I would be an advocate for anti-corruption,
    transparency, and good governance efforts that increase public
    confidence in democratic institutions and the rule of law. If I am
    confirmed as ambassador, assisting U.S. businesses in Romania will be a
    top priority for me.

        Question. What will you do to encourage the Romanian government to
    create a fair environment for U.S. businesses?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will be personally involved in advocating
    and supporting our companies to promote prosperity for the American
    people. Developing the economic dimension of the U.S.-Romania Strategic
    Partnership is a key priority. Business plays an important role in
    advancing our partnership. I also will encourage and promote Romania's
    efforts to foster a more investment-friendly and transparent business
    climate that will help Romania prosper and provide a predictable and
    legally sound environment in which U.S. companies may operate.
    Additionally, I will work to promote U.S. values related to
    entrepreneurship and innovation.

        Question. Mr. Zuckerman, in 2008, you were sued for sexual
    harassment by a legal secretary at your former firm. A number of the
    claims are very disturbing. The case was settled in 2009, and I
    understand you maintain the claims are false, but they are a matter of
    public record and I would like to you ask you a few questions related
    to that. Have you ever engaged in any inappropriate discussions or
    behavior with any women that you have worked with, such as showing
    pictures of women that are not fully clothed, or joking about someone
    carrying your child?

        Answer. I have never engaged in any inappropriate discussions or
    behavior with any women that I have worked with, such as showing
    pictures of women that are not fully clothed, or joking about someone
    carrying my child.

        Question. Do you think that type of behavior is appropriate in a
    work setting?

        Answer. I do not think that type of behavior is appropriate in a
    work setting.

        Question. Would you have any objection to Diplomatic Security or
    the FBI examining this matter prior to your committee vote?

        Answer. I do not have any objection to Diplomatic Security or the
    FBI examining this matter prior to my committee vote.

        Question. Does the settlement agreement in the sexual harassment
    lawsuit include a confidentiality provision that would prevent the
    plaintiff from speaking to the committee and/or discussing the case
    publicly? If yes, will you agree to waive that provision in writing
    prior to the committee vote?

        Answer. Yes. Yes, I agree to waive that provision in writing prior
    to the committee vote.

        Question. Has anyone, other than the plaintiff in that case, ever
    told you that you have engaged in inappropriate behavior or made them
    feel uncomfortable in the workplace?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you engaged in any other behavior in the workplace
    that may be viewed as unacceptable?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you entered into any other settlements, other than
    the 2009 settlement I mentioned, regarding any claims of sexual
    harassment, workplace discrimination, or inappropriate conduct against
    you?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes, I will work promptly through the Department's Bureau
    of Legislative Affairs to respond to Congressional requests.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes, I commit to appear before this committee upon request.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal laws,
    regulations, and rules, including with regard to waste, fraud, and
    abuse, and to raise concerns that I may have through appropriate
    channels.

        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. Except for maintaining my bar admissions to the Courts of
    the State of New York, Federal Courts for the Eastern and Southern
    District of New York, Second Circuit Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
    of the United States, I will not hold any outside positions and
    affiliations if confirmed.

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Other than the claims referred to above, has anyone ever
    made a formal or informal complaint or allegation of sexual harassment,
    discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace or any other setting?
    If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or allegation, your
    response, and any resolution, including any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I believe, as Secretary Pompeo has outlined in his policy
    on diversity and equal employment opportunity, that all employees
    should work in a professional, supportive, and teamwork-oriented
    community where everyone can contribute to the mission. The workplace
    should be an environment of civility and respect. If confirmed, I would
    hold myself and all U.S. Embassy staff accountable to uphold equal
    employment opportunity principles by promoting fairness, equity, and
    inclusion in the workplace and to help ensure a workplace free of
    discrimination and bullying. I would not tolerate retaliation and other
    prohibited personnel practices.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Adrian Zuckerman by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. In my over thirty years of legal practice, I have
    represented corporate and individual clients in a wide variety of
    transactional and civil litigation matters. The fair, transparent, and
    impartial administration of justice in all legal matters is a bedrock
    of democracy. In 2017, I chaired the Democratic Party civil court
    judicial screening committee for the 18th judicial district in New York
    City--I am proud to say that I was able to guide the twelve-member
    panel representing the diverse constituencies of New York City to
    achieve unanimity in its recommendations. To promote human rights, I
    represented various clients on a pro bono basis. Among those was a
    Jewish congregation I represented in the purchase of a building to be
    used as its synagogue and community center and a Korean religious group
    I represented against efforts of having it evicted from the space it
    used for church/religious purposes as a result of neighborhood
    residents alleging various violations of zoning and land use laws and
    regulations. I have also supported various charitable causes. I was a
    member of the board of Kids' Corp. which provided support to Newark, NJ
    underprivileged children to stay in school by providing books,
    tutoring, clothes, medical care, and summer camp programs.

        Question.  What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Romania? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Romania? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Among the challenges Romania faces, according to the State
    Department's annual Human Rights and International Religious Freedom
    Reports, are endemic official corruption, police violence against the
    Roma, and Holocaust-era restitution issues. Romania has established a
    working group made up of the local Jewish community, World Jewish
    Restitution Organization, and the government, under the leadership of
    the Secretary General of the government, to make progress on pensions
    for Holocaust survivors and the resolution of private properties,
    communal properties and conduct research into heirless property. In
    addition, trafficking in persons is also of great concern, as Romania
    was downgraded to Tier 2 Watch List in the 2019 Trafficking in Persons
    Report. If confirmed, I will support Romania's efforts to fight
    corruption, protect members of vulnerable minorities, and strengthen
    its democratic institutions and urge that Romania resolve its remaining
    restitution issues. I will also work with the government to combat and
    prevent trafficking in persons.

        Question.  If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Romania in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Romania and the United States share common values,
    including the importance of respecting human rights and supporting
    democracy. The country has a diverse and active civil society, with
    independent groups that report and advocate on the issues they care
    about around the country. If confirmed, I will continue the U.S.
    Embassy's regular engagement with these groups on some of the most
    pressing issues, and I will continue our work with Romania to ensure
    the coordination of our efforts on promoting tolerance through civil
    society empowerment and coalition building. By ensuring that we keep
    lines of communication open, we will maximize our joint impact on this
    and other challenges.

        Question.  Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Romania? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to sustaining engagement with
    a broad spectrum of civil society in Romania, including human rights
    activists and religious groups and the organizations that represent
    them. I will also make sure the Embassy follows all appropriate laws
    and regulations to ensure compliance with the Leahy law.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Romania to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Romania?

        Answer. The State Department's 2018 Human Rights Report states that
    there were no reports of political prisoners in Romania.

        Question.  Will you engage with Romania on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to sustaining engagement with
    a broad spectrum of civil society in Romania, including human rights
    activists and religious groups, and the organizations that represent
    them.

        Question.  Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question.  Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Romania?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes interests in diversified
    mutual funds which may hold an interest in companies with a presence in
    Romania, but which are exempt from the conflict of interest laws by
    regulation. My investment portfolio also includes a security interest
    in a company that has a presence in Romania. If confirmed, I have
    already undertaken that I will divest of this interest. I am committed
    to ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict
    of interest. I will divest all investments the State Department Ethics
    Office deems necessary to avoid a conflict of interest, and I will
    remain vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question.  Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. If confirmed I will implement the same principles of
    diversity, inclusivity, and respect that I have put into place during
    my over thirty years of law practice and civic engagement. I have
    worked with and enjoyed the support of people of different ethnic
    groups, different genders and different gender identities, various ages
    and various seniorities throughout my professional life. I will
    continue to emphasize teamwork, implement a set of values that applies
    to all, and seek to recruit staff that reflects a priority on diversity
    and inclusivity.

        Question.  What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work diligently to make sure that all
    people working in the embassy are treated with respect, civility and
    dignity. I believe, as Secretary Pompeo has outlined in his policy on
    diversity and equal employment opportunity, that all employees should
    work in a professional, supportive, and teamwork-oriented community
    where everyone can contribute to the mission. I will work with
    supervisors, as well as with the rest of our team, to create an
    environment that is inclusive for all. All staff regardless of
    seniority will enjoy an inclusive work environment that complies with
    our shared values and expectations.

        Question.  How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Romania
    specifically?

        Answer. Despite numerous high-profile prosecutions of officials for
    corruption, corrupt practices remain widespread in Romania. Bribery is
    common in the public sector, especially in health care. Corruption is
    widespread in public procurement. Laws were not always implemented
    effectively, and officials sometimes engaged in corrupt practices with
    impunity. Verdicts in corruption cases were often inconsistent, with
    sentences varying widely for similar offenses. Enforcement of court
    procedures lagged mostly due to procedural and administrative problems,
    especially with respect to asset forfeiture.

        Question.  What is your assessment of corruption trends in Romania
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. The United States is concerned about the deterioration of
    rule of law in Romania. Recent executive orders by the current
    administration in Romania have threatened the independence of the
    judiciary and prompted widespread protests by members of the public and
    magistrates. The National Anticorruption Directorate is unable to
    pursue effectively prosecutions against corrupt officials. If
    confirmed, I will seek to strengthen Romania's democratic institutions
    and support Romania's progress in fighting corruption.

        Question.  If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen
    good governance and anticorruption programming in Romania?

        Answer. If confirmed, supporting Romania's progress on fighting
    corruption and supporting rule of law will be among my top priorities.
    Fighting corruption and supporting judicial independence are vital to
    the region's long-term prosperity and security as well as to the
    extraordinary law enforcement and security cooperation between the
    United States and Romania. I will support Romania's efforts to fight
    corruption and strengthen its democratic institutions through my
    advocacy, as well as a whole of Mission approach that encompasses our
    law enforcement programs, security cooperation and other assistance,
    and Mission Bucharest's cooperation with Romania's anticorruption
    institutions. If confirmed, I will continue to pay close attention to
    developments in areas such as court reform, criminal code reform, and
    media legislation. I also will encourage and promote Romania's efforts
    to foster a more investment-friendly and transparent business climate
    that will help Romania prosper and provide a predictable and legally
    sound environment in which U.S. companies may operate.

        Question.  In early 2017 and again in the summer of 2018, the
    Romanian government faced large public protests against legislative
    proposals to decriminalize corruption offenses and possibly constrain
    the independence of the judiciary. How do you assess the judicial
    reforms being pursued by the current government?

        Answer. Recent executive orders by the current administration in
    Romania have threatened the independence of the judiciary and prompted
    widespread protests by members of the public and magistrates. The
    National Anticorruption Directorate is unable to pursue effectively
    prosecutions against corrupt officials. If confirmed, I will seek to
    strengthen Romania's democratic institutions and support Romania's
    progress in fighting corruption.

        Question.  What steps, if any, is the Trump Administration taking
    to support the rule of law and judicial independence in Romania?

        Answer. The U.S. government supports Romania's efforts to fight
    corruption and strengthen its democratic institutions through advocacy,
    as well as a whole of Mission approach that encompasses law enforcement
    programs, security cooperation, and other assistance, and Mission
    Bucharest works in cooperation with Romania's anticorruption
    institutions. If confirmed, I will continue to pay close attention to
    developments in areas such as court reform, criminal code reform, and
    media legislation.

        Question.  If confirmed, how would you advance ongoing efforts to
    support the rule of law and judicial independence in Romania?

        Answer. If confirmed, supporting Romania's progress on fighting
    corruption and supporting rule of law will be among my top priorities.
    Fighting corruption and supporting judicial independence are vital to
    the region's long-term prosperity and security as well as to the
    extraordinary law enforcement and security cooperation between the
    United States and Romania.

        Question.  Romania has the largest Romani minority of any country
    in the EU and Roma are the largest minority in Romania. Many American
    Roma trace their roots to Romania. If confirmed, will you maintain
    robust engagement with Romani civil society and elected officials in
    Romania?

        Answer. Embassy Bucharest has played an active role in promoting
    Roma rights and showing our support for the community, and if
    confirmed, I will ensure that the Embassy continues this work.
    Marginalization of the Roma minority remains among the most pressing
    human rights concerns in Romania. In Romania and elsewhere, the United
    States calls on governments to take steps to combat intolerance against
    the Roma and other marginalized groups and enable their full
    participation in civic and economic life, as doing so promotes
    stability and democracy.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Adrian Zuckerman by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. How has Russia been using different forms of soft power
    in Romania and the region and how have these efforts been working
    against the priorities of the United States and its allies?

        Answer. Russia uses disinformation and other malign tactics in
    Romania to exploit historical and cultural ties, which include similar
    eastern Orthodox Christian traditions. Russia also exploits official
    corruption accompanying political unrest within Romania to erode
    Romanian citizens' confidence in democratic institutions as well as the
    progress Romania has made as a member of the Transatlantic community.
        Our Embassy in Bucharest works closely with Washington and other
    embassies throughout the region to counter Russian destabilization
    efforts. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and government
    counterparts to counter disinformation and malign propaganda in
    Romania. I also will continue to highlight the shared values, history,
    and experiences that unite the American and Romanian people.

        Question. What do you think are the most vulnerable sectors of
    Romanian society to Russian influence and meddling?

        Answer. Romania's view of Russia has been shaped by history.
    Repeated Russian incursions into historically Romanian territory
    throughout the past 200 years have left many Romanians wary of Russia.
    The imposition of the communist regime upon Romania after World War II
    continues to inform Romanian perceptions about Russia's malign role in
    the region. In general, Romanians view Russia as their greatest threat.
    Romania seeks to cooperate with Russia where it can, especially given
    that the two countries share a maritime border, the Black Sea. Romania
    remains highly skeptical of Russian intentions, however, especially of
    the Russian military buildup in Crimea.
        One potential vulnerability for Romania, remains endemic
    corruption. Corruption erodes public confidence in democratic
    institutions and poses a serious challenge to the rule of law and could
    open the door for malevolent actors like enemy states, terrorists, and
    organized criminal elements to influence Romanian decision makers. If I
    am confirmed, I will make it a top priority to continue the Embassy's
    strong support for Romania's anti-corruption initiatives and encourage
    Romanian leaders to undertake reforms in a transparent manner.
        Additionally, Russia's efforts encompass a suite of ``hybrid''
    tools used to gain influence. Disinformation poses problems throughout
    the world: its origins are often hard to trace, affording a degree of
    deniability. We have seen disinformation that questions the motives
    behind the presence of U.S. and NATO troops in Romania and suggests
    that American troops somehow endanger Romania. We have also seen
    disinformation that tries to sow distrust between Romania and its
    neighbors, especially between Romania and ethnic Hungarians living in
    Transylvania.

        Question. In your written testimony, you note both the progress
    that has been made in Romania in the last 30 years as well as what
    still needs to be done. You mention fighting corruption, creating a
    business-friendly environment, investing in infrastructure, health and
    education and strengthening public administration. But last October,
    Romania held a failed referendum to essentially ban gay marriage, which
    I find very concerning. If confirmed, will you use your post to support
    civil society in Romania, including same-sex advocacy groups? Will you
    fully support LGBTI staff who work for you at the Embassy in Bucharest?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to sustaining engagement with
    a broad spectrum of civil society in Romania. I am also committed to
    using my position, if confirmed, to defend the human rights and dignity
    of all people in Romania, no matter their sexual orientation or gender
    identity. While Romanian law prohibits discrimination based on sexual
    orientation, there is still societal discrimination. If confirmed, I
    will pay close attention to developments in this sector and I am
    prepared to speak privately--and publicly if necessary--about the
    importance of human rights and dignity of all people in Romania, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity.
        Yes, I will fully support LGBTI staff. I believe, as Secretary
    Pompeo has outlined in his policy on diversity and equal employment
    opportunity, that all employees should work in a professional,
    supportive, and teamwork-oriented community where everyone can
    contribute to the mission. The workplace should be an environment of
    civility and respect. If confirmed, I would hold myself and all U.S.
    Embassy staff accountable to uphold equal employment opportunity
    principles by promoting fairness, equity, and inclusion in the
    workplace and to help ensure a workplace free of discrimination and
    bullying.

        Question. Romania joined NATO in 2004 along with six other
    countries from Eastern and Central Europe. This round of enlargement
    brought into NATO several of the smallest members of the Alliance-both
    geographically and in terms of military capability. What has NATO
    membership meant for Romania in the fifteen years since it joined the
    Alliance?

        Answer. Romania is a reliable NATO Ally that bears its fair share
    of NATO's defense burden, contributing to the strength and security of
    the Alliance. Along with the U.S.-Romania bilateral security
    partnership and membership in the European Union, NATO membership is
    one of the three pillars of Romanian foreign policy and has provided
    the country with enhanced security, opportunities for multilateral
    engagement and cooperation, and greatly strengthened its military
    modernization and procurement programs. Romania fully supports U.S. and
    NATO actions to bolster collective defense in Eastern Europe, and it is
    doing its part as well. In 2018 the Romanian Parliament budgeted 2
    percent of its estimated GDP to defense. Of this money, more than 34
    percent went to buying new military equipment, much of it from American
    companies. Romania leads NATO's tailored Forward Presence (tFP)
    initiatives to protect the southeast flank. tFP efforts include a
    Multinational Brigade, a Combined Joint Enhanced Training Center, and
    enhanced Air Policing activities in the Black Sea region. Romania's
    involvement in the Bucharest Nine, an effort by Eastern Flank countries
    to coordinate policies and priorities to be more effective members of
    NATO, reaffirms Romania's commitment to NATO. Romania has undertaken an
    ambitious multi-year, multi-billion dollar defense modernization
    program across all of its services. This modernization program reflects
    Romania's commitment to share defense burdens and enhance NATO
    capabilities.

        Question. How should NATO's experience with the 2004 enlargement
    not only inform our evaluation of North Macedonia but also other
    potential candidates in the Balkans or Eastern Europe?

        Answer. Since its founding in 1949, NATO's membership has increased
    from 12 to 29 countries through seven rounds of enlargement. The 2004
    round of enlargement included Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,
    Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, and it demonstrated that NATO's door
    is open to European democracies that can meet NATO's high standards and
    contribute to our common security. Since that time, Romania has been an
    active and engaged Ally that has contributed to the strength and
    security of the Alliance.
        The invitation to North Macedonia illustrates that NATO's Open Door
    policy remains strong and will inspire other countries to undertake the
    reforms and commitments necessary to enhance domestic and regional
    stability. North Macedonia's membership in the Alliance will solidify
    two decades of positive momentum towards regional security in the heart
    of the Balkans, advance the Balkans towards Western integration, and
    help to ensure long-term self-sustaining stability in the region.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Richard Norland by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. Libya's stability continues to deteriorate, with
    implications for regional security across the North Africa, the Middle
    East, and Southern Europe. General Haftar's advance on Tripoli against
    the internationally recognized government of National Accord has dealt
    a tremendous setback to U.N.-brokered peace talks while constant and
    ongoing violations of the U.N. arms embargo sustain the fighting. What
    are the prospects for a ceasefire and resumption of the U.N.-led
    political process? What compromises must each side make?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support efforts to achieve an
    immediate ceasefire agreement and return to U.N. political mediation as
    soon as possible. U.N. Special Representative of the Secretary-General
    Ghassan Salame remains in contact with leaders on all sides of the
    conflict as he works toward a de-escalation of the violence. However, I
    am under no illusion that a ceasefire will be easy to achieve. The
    United States should continue to use its influence to get the parties
    back to the negotiating table and to ensure international unity in
    support of the U.N.'s efforts. Until negotiations have restarted, I
    believe it is prudent to refrain from prejudging the specific
    compromises each side will need to make.

        Question. What steps can the U.S. take to enforce the U.N. arms
    embargo on Libya?

        Answer. The United States supports Security Council Resolution
    2292, which provides vital authorities for member states to limit the
    destabilizing flows of arms to and from Libya. The Security Council
    renewed these authorities most recently in June 2019. If confirmed I
    would carefully consider how these authorities could be used to hold
    individuals responsible for arms embargo violations accountable.

        Question. Until recently, the U.S. was consistent in its support
    for the internationally recognized government of National Accord as
    well as the U.N.-brokered political process. However, that record was
    muddied by President Trump's April 15 telephone call with General
    Heftar, which appeared to embolden the General in his advance on
    Tripoli. Soon after that, the U.S. reportedly vetoed a U.K.-drafted
    U.N. Security Council Resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya. What
    is the Administration's current approach to Libya?

        Answer. The United States did not veto a U.N. Security Council
    Resolution on Libya and, if confirmed, I would support U.S. engagement
    with partners on the Security Council to advance a Libyan peace
    process. Consistent with the longstanding approach of the United States
    with regard to Libya, the U.S. government engages with a range of
    Libyan leaders, including Prime Minister al-Sarraj and General Haftar,
    to press all parties to agree to a ceasefire and return to political
    mediation.

        Question. Is it still U.S. policy to back the GNA?

        Answer. There has been no change to U.S. policy with regard to
    recognition of the Libyan government of National Accord (GNA).

        Question. It appears the U.S. has not publicly called for a
    ceasefire since Secretary Pompeo's April 7 press statement. Why?

        Answer. In May 21 remarks at a U.N. Security Council briefing on
    the U.N. Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Ambassador Jonathan Cohen,
    the Acting U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated,
    ``All parties should return to U.N. political mediation, the success of
    which depends upon a ceasefire in and around Tripoli.'' Ambassador
    Cohen made a similar statement on U.S. policy at a May 8 U.N. Security
    Council meeting on Libya and the International Criminal Court. Then-
    Charge d'Affaires Ambassador Peter Bodde stated on May 23, ``I firmly
    believe that lasting peace and stability in Libya will only come
    through a political solution derived from an inclusive dialogue
    representing the perspectives and concerns of communities across Libya:
    North, South, East and West. The success of that dialogue will depend
    upon a ceasefire in and around Tripoli.'' I echoed this position in my
    own remarks to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on June 20, and
    if confirmed would make achieving a ceasefire the principal task at
    hand.

        Question. Does the U.S. support a ceasefire and resumption of U.N.-
    brokered talks in Libya

        Answer. Yes. The United States continues to make clear this
    position, in public and private.

        Question. The U.S. has not had a permanent presence in Libya since
    the assassination of Ambassador Christopher Stephens on September 11,
    2012. If confirmed, what steps will you take to increase U.S.
    diplomatic presence in Libya?

        Answer. The United States suspended Embassy operations in Tripoli
    in July 2014 due to significant fighting in the capital. If confirmed,
    my highest priority will be the safety and security of U.S. citizens,
    including U.S. government personnel. I am very mindful of my nomination
    for the position once held by Ambassador Stevens, who together with
    three colleagues gave his life in pursuit of U.S. efforts in Libya. The
    volatile security situation has thus far prevented the return of a
    permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Libya. While the Libya External
    Office has conducted a number of ``daytrips'' into Libya, this lack of
    a permanent presence is a significant obstacle to achieving our foreign
    policy objectives there. If confirmed, I will work toward the
    reestablishment of a U.S. presence in Libya when security conditions
    allow.

        Question. What conditions are necessary in order to resume a
    permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Tripoli?

        Answer. The most important factors in order to resume a permanent
    U.S. diplomatic presence in Tripoli are the security situation and the
    availability of adequate facilities. If confirmed, I will work closely
    with the Department's Bureaus of Diplomatic Security and Overseas
    Building Operations, among others, to determine appropriate steps that
    can be taken toward an eventual resumption of a permanent U.S.
    diplomatic presence in Libya.

        Question. Recognizing that diplomatic security must be a top
    priority for all our foreign service posts, what are the implications
    of not having a permanent U.S. presence?

        Answer. The Libya External Office in Tunis is advancing U.S. policy
    priorities in Libya, and its relationships with key Libyan political,
    commercial, and civil society leaders are strong. Nevertheless, the
    lack of a permanent U.S. diplomatic presence in Libya is a significant
    obstacle to the realization of U.S. foreign policy objectives in Libya.
    It is impossible to fully replicate the access to local leaders and
    citizens, influence, public diplomacy opportunities, and deep
    understanding of a country that an in-country diplomatic presence
    provides.

        Question. Regional actors have invested significant resources in
    support of various political actors and militias across the country,
    sometimes at cross-purposes with United States efforts. Given the
    current constraints on our diplomatic presence in Libya, how will you
    engage with all Libyan and regional stakeholders, specifically Egypt,
    the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar?

        Answer. Senior Department officials are engaging with a range of
    international partners to press them to support a de-escalation of the
    conflict, including a ceasefire, and the establishment of the
    conditions necessary for a return to the political process. If
    confirmed, I will continue this work through direct engagement with the
    range of international actors with interests in Libya, including
    through the P3+1 (Italy) and P3+3 (Egypt, Italy, UAE) formats, as well
    as with Turkey and Qatar among others.

        Question. Which of Haftar's external backers holds the most
    influence with him? How will you engage with those backers to push
    Haftar to agree to a ceasefire and reaffirm the U.N. process?

        Answer. General Haftar maintains relationships to varying degrees
    with a range of countries. It is not clear that any single country
    holds outsized influence over him. If confirmed, I will prioritize
    engagement with foreign backers of the Libyan parties as an essential
    part of our diplomatic strategy to press for a ceasefire and a return
    to U.N.-facilitated political mediation. It is important to emphasize
    to these countries that the ongoing conflict is endangering our shared
    interests, particularly by degrading counterterrorism cooperation,
    fostering instability in Libya's oil sector, and renewing migration
    pressures across the region.

        Question. Libya has long been a destination for migrants seeking
    work as well as a transit country for migrants, asylum seekers, and
    refugees. There are currently a few thousand refugees in Libya, but
    close to 700,000 migrants and IDPs. How would you plan to work with
    Libyan authorities to ensure that the human rights of ALL those
    forcibly replaced are protected?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with my team to continue to
    address the plight of migrants and refugees detained in Libya and
    continue to encourage Libyan authorities to coordinate closely with
    international humanitarian organizations to ensure migrant protection,
    prevent human rights abuses including human trafficking, and provide
    humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants, IDP's, and refugees.
    The current conflict in and around Tripoli has exacerbated this
    problem, highlighting the urgent need for a de-escalation of the
    violence and achievement of a ceasefire.

        Question. What plans would you have for engaging Libyan authorities
    to improve oversight of and humane treatment in refugee detention
    centers?

        Answer. I take very seriously the troubling allegations of
    mistreatment and inadequate conditions for migrants and refugees in
    detention centers in Libya. If confirmed, I will prioritize this issue
    in my engagements with Libyan authorities at the most senior levels.
    Targeted U.S. assistance also plays a critical role in addressing
    humanitarian needs, including of migrants and refugees. Our ability to
    make progress on these issues will also depend on prospects for ending
    the current fighting.

        Question. How would you diplomatically engage with European
    governments to persuade humane treatment of refugees and migrants
    rescued at sea as well as to permit humanitarian NGOs to conduct search
    and rescue operations without fear of reprisal?

        Answer. The Libya External Office meets regularly with European
    partners on foreign assistance issues, providing a useful forum to
    address these concerns at the embassy-level in Tunis. If confirmed, I
    will also work with my colleagues in the Bureau of European Affairs to
    engage European countries and the European Union to ensure humane
    treatment of migrants and refugees.

        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. None.

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I would not tolerate retaliation and, if confirmed, would
    ensure embassy employees are aware of their responsibilities and are
    held accountable, including through the rating and evaluation process.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to Hon. Richard Norland by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Advancing human rights has been an important thread
    throughout my Foreign Service career, from battling apartheid while on
    the South Africa Desk, to taking part in the struggle against Soviet
    communism while in Moscow, to promoting an end to sectarian violence in
    Northern Ireland while in Dublin, to resisting the Taliban while in
    Afghanistan, to promoting democracy and civil society in Uzbekistan and
    Georgia. I believe my involvement contributed in some measure to the
    progress American foreign policy has made in each of these cases. I
    take particular satisfaction in having helped secure the release of
    political prisoner Sanjar Umarov in Uzbekistan in 2010.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Libya?

        Answer. The ongoing fighting in Tripoli has resulted in nearly 700
    fatalities, including more than 40 civilians, and displaced over 90,000
    people. Indiscriminate attacks have been reported on civilian
    infrastructure including schools, hospitals, migrant detention centers,
    and public utilities. International NGOs state there has also been an
    increase in the number of arbitrary detention, abduction, and
    kidnapping cases as well as the targeting of health professionals in
    Libya. Migrants and refugees have experienced deteriorating conditions
    and abuses in detention centers. Impunity for human rights violations
    is commonplace.

        Question. What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Libya? What do you
    hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. A ceasefire in Tripoli and a return to U.N. political
    mediation is necessary to address the deteriorating humanitarian
    situation, support human rights, and build democratic institutions in
    Libya. If confirmed, I will make the promotion of human rights in Libya
    one of my highest priorities and work closely with Libyan leaders to
    press for prompt and transparent government investigations to hold
    perpetrators of abuses accountable. U.S. assistance also plays a
    critical role in addressing humanitarian needs, supporting national
    reconciliation and good governance, and empowering civil society and
    journalists. Since 2011, the State Department and USAID have provided
    over $383 million in non-security assistance to Libya in addition to
    over $169 million in humanitarian assistance. If confirmed, I will
    continue to ensure U.S. funds are well spent to promote political
    reconciliation and human rights in Libya.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Libya in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Ongoing conflict and instability in Libya limit the ability
    of Libyan authorities to address a deteriorating humanitarian
    situation, advance human rights, and build democratic institutions. The
    United States has called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to
    U.N.-facilitated political mediation to allow Libyans to rebuild
    infrastructure and improve governance. Only a political solution can
    bring lasting peace and stability to Libya. If confirmed, this goal
    will be one of my highest priorities.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Libya? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to continuing my predecessors'
    tradition of meeting with key human rights, civil society, and other
    non-governmental organizations that work in Libya. The U.S. Libya
    External Office (LEO) in Tunis regularly engages with Libyan civil
    society and human rights defenders to learn about alleged human rights
    abuses and hear their views on how the United States can be more
    effective in promoting our human rights agenda in Libya. U.S.
    assistance and public diplomacy programs also work closely with civil
    society actors by partnering with international and local NGOs in Libya
    to carry out activities. If confirmed, I plan to regularly engage with
    non-governmental organizations that work on Libya.
        The Department of State is committed to ensuring that security
    force units or members that commit gross violations of human rights do
    not receive U.S. training or assistance. If confirmed, I will continue
    our strong compliance with the Leahy law, including maintaining robust
    vetting procedures.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Libya
    to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Libya?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, my embassy team and I will engage with
    Libyan authorities to free any political prisoners unjustly detained by
    Libya. We will also continue to address the plight of migrants and
    refugees detained in Libya and continue to encourage Libyan authorities
    to coordinate closely with international humanitarian organizations to
    ensure migrant protection, prevent human rights abuses including human
    trafficking, and provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable migrants
    and refugees.

        Question. Will you engage with Libya on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will make promoting human and civil
    rights and good governance one of my highest priorities. The United
    States supports a political solution to the conflict in Libya that
    would allow Libya to transition to a stable, unified, and inclusive
    government capable of providing security and prosperity for its people
    and responding to citizens' needs.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Libya?

        Answer. Neither I nor any member of my immediate family has any
    financial interests in Libya.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I fully recognize the importance of promoting diversity and
    as Ambassador will prioritize efforts to ensure that all laws and
    regulations that promote diversity, protect against discrimination and
    enhance equal opportunity for all employees are observed and enforced.
    If confirmed, this will begin with introductory calls with all new
    members of the staff in which I will remind incoming officers of the
    standards to which we will all be held, and it will extend to the
    rating and evaluation process as well. Town hall meetings and mentoring
    sessions with entry level as well as supervisory staff will also be
    useful tools in this regard. I will work to ensure that violations of
    Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) principles and merit system
    principles are reported and investigated in accordance with Department
    policy.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. I will make clear to all section chiefs and agency heads
    that they have a responsibility to help foster a diverse and inclusive
    work environment, that the Deputy Chief of Mission and I will be
    reviewing their performance in this respect as well as with respect to
    upholding equal employment opportunity principles, and that the rating
    and evaluation process will reflect supervisors' performance in these
    areas.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Libya
    specifically?

        Answer. I believe corruption fundamentally undermines the
    democratic process and rule of law. With respect to Libya specifically,
    corruption, lack of transparency in distribution of Libya's oil wealth,
    and graft by political and non-state actors fuel the conflict in Libya
    and limit Libya's economic potential. Alleged infiltration by militias
    of key government economic institutions, including the Central Bank of
    Libya and Libya's sovereign wealth fund, presents a significant
    challenge for effective governance and future efforts at security
    sector reform and disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of
    armed groups (SSR/DDR).
        The United States has continually engaged Libyan authorities to
    encourage increased fiscal transparency and a dialogue on equitable
    resource distribution between regions. The Department of State,
    together with the Department of Treasury, has convened a series of
    ``Economic Dialogues'' bringing together Libyan economic actors,
    government officials, and international experts from the World Bank and
    International Monetary Fund (IMF) to discuss needed economic reforms to
    combat corruption and increase transparency. The United States has also
    supported a U.N. effort to launch an audit of the Central Bank of Libya
    and its rival in the east.
        U.S. assistance programs support efforts to improve public
    financial management at the national and municipal level, rule of law
    development, and planning for eventual SSR/DDR.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Libya and
    efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Ongoing conflict and instability in Libya has limited the
    government of Libya's ability to address issues related to corruption
    and diversion of economic resources by state and non-state actors.
    Militias' role providing security in Tripoli allows them to exert
    control over economic resources. Lack of rule of law and effective
    policing has also contributed to economic diversion outside of Tripoli.
    The National Audit Bureau in Libya investigates and documents cases of
    illegitimate use of government funds, but has limited ability to
    investigate such offenses or refer them for prosecution.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Libya?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will encourage Libyan authorities to adopt
    measures aimed at increasing fiscal transparency, fighting corruption,
    and limiting militia influence. As conditions allow, I will continue to
    convene Libyan actors in the ``Economic Dialogue'' format to address
    these issues. Under my leadership, the State Department and USAID will
    also continue to support assistance programs aimed at improving public
    financial management and rule of law development and capacity building.

        Question. Human Rights Watch's World Report 2019 outlines the
    Libyan National Army's documented record of indiscriminate attacks on
    civilians, summary executions of captured fighters, and arbitrary
    detention. According to the U.N. Office for the Coordination of
    Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) there have been a minimum of 167 civilian
    casualties, including 42 civilian deaths as of June 10.
        If confirmed, will you ensure that the United States seeks to hold
    individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Libya accountable?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed I will engage Libyan authorities to press
    for accountability for individuals responsible for human rights abuses
    in Libya. I will also carefully evaluate the applicability of the many
    tools the United States has to hold individuals responsible for human
    rights violations accountable.

        Question. If confirmed, will you ensure that the United States
    seeks to hold individuals responsible for arms embargo violations
    involving Libya accountable? If so, how?

        Answer. The United States supports U.N. Security Council Resolution
    2292, which provides vital authorities for member states to limit the
    destabilizing flows of arms to and from Libya. On June 10, the United
    States voted in favor of U.N. Security Council Resolution 2473, which
    extends authorizations for Member States to inspect vessels on the high
    seas off the Libyan coast when reasonable grounds exist to believe they
    violated the arms embargo. These measures are important tools to
    prevent a destabilizing flow of weapons to Libya. If confirmed I would
    carefully consider how these authorities could be used to hold
    individuals responsible for arms embargo violations accountable.

        Question. If confirmed, what will be your human rights priorities
    as Ambassador to Libya?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the U.S. government's efforts
    to assist all parties to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Tripoli and
    return to U.N. political mediation, which is crucial to restore
    stability and address violations of human rights in Libya. Impunity is
    a major concern in Libya and I will work closely with Libyan leaders,
    including civil society, to press for prompt and transparent government
    investigations to hold perpetrators of abuses accountable.

        Question. How will you engage with the Libyan government to advance
    those priorities?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue my predecessors' efforts to
    engage a range of Libyan authorities to address both specific cases of
    human rights violations as well as systemic problems. I will encourage
    Libyan authorities to coordinate closely with international
    humanitarian organizations and international human rights organizations
    to ensure protection of vulnerable populations and prevention of human
    rights abuses.

        Question. Should the Libyan National Army Forces of Khalifa Haftar
    cease their operations near Tripoli? Under what conditions, if any?

        Answer. Yes, military operations in and around Tripoli should cease
    in the context of U.N.-facilitated political mediation. The United
    States continues to press the parties to agree to a ceasefire, ideally
    without conditions, and return to U.N.-facilitated political mediation.

        Question. If confirmed, how will you propose to better assist
    Libyan authorities in eliminating the role of militias in security in
    the capital, Tripoli?

        Answer. The role of militias in Libya, including in Tripoli, poses
    a number of challenges for Libyan authorities. Armed groups have
    engaged in economic predation of resources that should rightfully
    benefit the Libyan people, as well as violence against and arbitrary
    detention of civilians. The lack of effective government control has
    led to impunity in many cases. If confirmed, I will support efforts to
    end the current conflict in Tripoli, which is further entrenching the
    role of militias. I plan to work closely with the U.N. Support Mission
    in Libya on future security sector reform and disarmament,
    demobilization, and reintegration (SSR/DDR) activities. The Department
    is currently implementing FY 2017 Peacekeeping Operations programming
    that aims to develop and implement a comprehensive Libyan SSR/DDR
    strategy, by providing technical advisory mechanisms and other
    strategic-level support.

        Question.  What is your view of the continuation of the U.N. arms
    embargo and asset freeze for Libya?

        Answer. On June 10, the United States voted in favor of U.N.
    Security Council Resolution 2473, which extends authorizations for
    Member States to inspect vessels on the high seas off the Libyan coast
    when reasonable grounds exist to believe they violated the arms
    embargo. These measures are important tools to prevent a destabilizing
    flow of weapons to Libya, and to protect Libyan assets for the benefit
    of the Libyan people.

        Question. If confirmed, will you propose that the President use
    U.S. executive orders to impose additional sanctions against those
    undermining Libya's transition? If so, what sanctions would you
    suggest?

        Answer. As part of a broader diplomatic strategy and in
    coordination with international partners, U.S. sanctions have been an
    important tool in preventing the misuse of Libyan resources, upholding
    human rights, and imposing consequences for those who threaten Libya's
    peace, security, and stability or undermine its transition. If
    confirmed, I will follow the proper interagency process for the
    consideration of potential sanctions and ensure any proposed sanctions
    support our broader strategic objectives of restoring stability
    andabling Libyan authorities to provide a more secure and prosperous
    future for all Libyans.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Hon. Richard Norland by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. In your view, what is the potential risk of a
    humanitarian disaster with General Haftar's recent advance on Tripoli
    and how can U.S. leadership in the international community mitigate
    that risk?

        Answer. Ongoing fighting in Tripoli between the ``Libyan National
    Army'' and government of National Accord has resulted in nearly 700
    fatalities, including more than 40 civilians, and displaced over 90,000
    people. Attacks on critical infrastructure have resulted in electricity
    and water interruptions among other services. Prolonged fighting risks
    fueling a greater humanitarian emergency that could affect as many as
    1.5 million civilians, including 500,000 children based on U.N.
    estimates. To help address the deteriorating humanitarian situation,
    the United States has called for an immediate ceasefire in Tripoli and
    a return to U.N.-mediated political negotiations. The United States has
    also provided more than $36 million in humanitarian assistance for
    Libya since fiscal year 2018, including to those affected by the
    conflict in Tripoli. If confirmed, I will work with our Libyan and
    international partners to press for a cessation of hostilities in
    Tripoli and a return to the political process.T

        Question. The Administration took an important step by unveiling
    the mandated Women, Peace and Security Strategy, but now we need to
    implement that policy in the most serious conflicts that we face. As
    Ambassador, how would you ensure that women are involved in any
    negotiation that finally brings peace and stability to Libya?

        Answer. The Women, Peace, and Security Strategy shows U.S.
    leadership in promoting women's equality and increasing women's
    leadership in political and civic life in conflict environments like
    Libya. The meaningful inclusion of women in the political and peace
    processes in Libya is critical to building a stable, inclusive
    government in Libya. If confirmed, I will advocate for women's
    participation in political negotiations, as well as for a reduction in
    barriers that prevent women from having a formal say in the shaping of
    their society. Libyan women have long been active in informal peace
    processes, and must now be included at the negotiating table to inform
    the conflict resolution and decision-making processes. U.S. assistance
    to Libya promotes inclusion of women in political reconciliation and
    governance at the national and sub-national level. U.S. public
    diplomacy programs complement these foreign assistance efforts, with a
    focus on outreach to women and programs to advance their contributions
    to civil society.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Hon. Richard Norland by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. In your view, what is the potential risk of a
    humanitarian disaster with General Haftar's recent advance on Tripoli
    and how can U.S. leadership in the international community mitigate
    that risk?

        Answer. Ongoing fighting in Tripoli between the ``Libyan National
    Army'' and government of National Accord has resulted in nearly 700
    fatalities, including more than 40 civilians, and displaced over 90,000
    people. Attacks on critical infrastructure have resulted in electricity
    and water interruptions among other services. Prolonged fighting risks
    fueling a greater humanitarian emergency that could affect as many as
    1.5 million civilians, including 500,000 children based on U.N.
    estimates. To help address the deteriorating humanitarian situation,
    the United States has called for an immediate ceasefire in Tripoli and
    a return to U.N.-mediated political negotiations. The United States has
    also provided more than $36 million in humanitarian assistance for
    Libya since fiscal year 2018, including to those affected by the
    conflict in Tripoli. If confirmed, I will work with our Libyan and
    international partners to press for a cessation of hostilities in
    Tripoli and a return to the political process.T

        Question. The Administration took an important step by unveiling
    the mandated Women, Peace and Security Strategy, but now we need to
    implement that policy in the most serious conflicts that we face. As
    Ambassador, how would you ensure that women are involved in any
    negotiation that finally brings peace and stability to Libya?

        Answer. The Women, Peace, and Security Strategy shows U.S.
    leadership in promoting women's equality and increasing women's
    leadership in political and civic life in conflict environments like
    Libya. The meaningful inclusion of women in the political and peace
    processes in Libya is critical to building a stable, inclusive
    government in Libya. If confirmed, I will advocate for women's
    participation in political negotiations, as well as for a reduction in
    barriers that prevent women from having a formal say in the shaping of
    their society. Libyan women have long been active in informal peace
    processes, and must now be included at the negotiating table to inform
    the conflict resolution and decision-making processes. U.S. assistance
    to Libya promotes inclusion of women in political reconciliation and
    governance at the national and sub-national level. U.S. public
    diplomacy programs complement these foreign assistance efforts, with a
    focus on outreach to women and programs to advance their contributions
    to civil society.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Jonathan Cohen by Senator Robert Menendez

    Sinai/Security Assistance/Human Rights
        Question. In addition to the worrying state of human rights in
    mainland Egypt, I am increasingly concerned about civilian casualties
    and other human rights abuses in the north of the Sinai Peninsula as
    Egypt continues its campaign against ISIS there.

       If confirmed, what steps will you take to increase U.S. oversight
            over the use of U.S. weapons systems in North Sinai and to
            ensure that all Egyptian military units that receive U.S.-
            origin weapons receive appropriate vetting, including Leahy
            vetting, when appropriate?

        Answer. Egypt faces a real terrorist threat in the Sinai, which
    U.S.-Egypt counterterrorism cooperation and the continuing strong
    military-to-military partnership is helping to counter. Egypt has
    increasingly acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach in
    its Sinai counterterrorism campaign and announced its intent to use
    economic and social development to counter the effects of the campaign
    on Sinai residents.
        If confirmed, I look forward to discussing these development
    efforts with the Egyptian government, and will continue to emphasize
    the need for protection of the civilian population and the importance
    of implementing a more holistic counterterrorism approach. To help the
    United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify
    whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, I also will
    continue to request appropriate travel for relevant U.S. officials into
    the Sinai as security conditions permit, and urge Egypt to grant
    journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai.

        Question. Do you believe that withholding some foreign military
    financing, as required under current appropriations law, is a useful
    point of leverage in pushing the Egyptian government to improve human
    rights and political freedom in Egypt? What other points of leverage
    are available?

        Answer. Our support to Egypt furthers U.S. national security
    interests by countering terrorism and its causes in Egypt and by
    accelerating Egyptian recovery from the effects of terrorism. If
    confirmed, I will uphold all laws pertaining to our assistance and
    continue to ensure that we work with Egypt in planning for the
    effective use of U.S. security assistance to support counterterrorism,
    border security, and other shared security interests, and I will work
    with Egypt both publicly and privately to encourage Egypt's respect for
    and protection of basic rights and freedoms. I will take up the message
    Secretary Pompeo delivered in his speech in Cairo in January,
    encouraging President al-Sisi to ``unleash the creative energy of
    Egypt's people, unfetter the economy, and promote a free and open
    exchange of ideas.'' I also will discuss with civil society and NGO
    leaders as well as members of Congress how else we can advance the
    human rights agenda, and will carefully consider relevant suggestions.

        Question. Do you believe that the end of cash flow financing for
    Egypt and the provision of foreign military financing for specific
    categories such as counter terrorism and border security have been
    helpful in addressing Egypt's current security threats? How will you
    engage with the Egyptian government to ensure that these two assistance
    policies remain and increase in effectiveness?

        Answer. To support Egypt's counterterrorism efforts, U.S.
    government assistance should remain flexible and responsive to Egypt's
    fluid security requirements. The Department has found that we can help
    Egypt plan for emerging threats, secure its borders, and counter
    terrorism and its causes without cash flow financing. If confirmed, I
    will work with Egypt to ensure U.S. security assistance is well
    targeted to achieve bilateral security objectives. I also will work
    with Egypt to ensure our counterterrorism partnership continues to
    reduce threats to U.S. interests.

        Question. As the United States provides significant military
    assistance to Egypt, I am concerned about their deepening relationship
    with Russia. I am specifically concerned about Egypt's reported
    purchase of 20 Russian Sukhoi SU-35s and the loan that Moscow has
    provided to construct the nuclear power plant at Dabaa. If confirmed,
    how will you engage with the Egyptian government to stress that these
    sorts of deals run against the spirit of that partnership and, in the
    case of the Sukhois, make it liable for sanctions under CAATSA?

        Answer. As Secretary Pompeo testified on April 9, we have been very
    clear with senior levels of the Egyptian government that CAATSA Section
    231 requires the imposition of sanctions on any person that knowingly
    engages in a significant transaction with the Russian defense or
    intelligence sectors. Egyptian officials have indicated that they
    understood. U.S.-Egypt ties remain strong, and if confirmed, I will
    continue to engage Egypt to ensure the United States remains its
    partner of choice.

        Question. How much influence does Egypt have with General Haftar?

        Answer. Egypt has a national security interest in Libyan security
    and stability. Within that context, Egypt has influence with a number
    Libyan parties and leaders including Khalifa Haftar. The Department is
    encouraging Egypt and other partners to use their influence to press
    Libyans including Haftar and Prime Minister al-Sarraj to de-escalate
    the conflict and support implementation of an immediate ceasefire and
    work for a peaceful solution.

        Question. If confirmed, how will you engage with the Egyptian
    government, to push for a ceasefire and political solution in Libya?
    What leverage do you think we have to do that?

        Answer. Egypt is a key partner in seeking regional stability and
    building a sustainable government in Libya and has said that Libya is
    its number one security concern. This shared interest provides space
    for us to work jointly to engage Libyan leaders to de-escalate the
    conflict and support implementation of an immediate ceasefire and work
    for a peaceful solution. If confirmed, I will prioritize further
    outreach with Egypt to align our approaches to Libya

        Question. What are Egypt's main interests in Sudan and what
    leverage do we have to encourage the Egyptians to support fully the
    establishment of a civilian-led transitional authority in keeping with
    the calls from the AU PSC?

        Answer. We believe that a civilian-led government in Sudan is not
    only in the best interest of the Sudanese people, but also necessary
    for the stability of the region, which is key for Egypt. The United
    States is actively and frequently engaging Egypt on the Sudan crisis
    via our Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Special Envoy to Sudan
    Ambassador Booth, and our U.S. Embassy. In our discussions, we have
    encouraged coordination of effort and the use of our collective
    leverage to press the Transitional Military Council to stop violence
    and come to agreement with the Forces for Freedom and Change on a
    civilian-led government, and we welcomed Egypt's recent statements
    condemning the June 3 violence and calling for renewed dialogue. As
    Sudan's neighbor and current chair of the African Union Assembly, Egypt
    is in a position to encourage collaborative efforts with the African
    Union and to influence other Gulf States' thinking on transition
    efforts in Sudan.

        Question. What specific steps will you take, if confirmed, to bring
    Egypt in line with U.S. diplomatic efforts related to a democratic
    transition in Sudan?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to raising the issue of Sudan
    at the highest levels with Egyptian officials and working with Special
    Envoy Ambassador Booth and other U.S. officials to help align efforts
    and coordinate international support.

        Question. What immediate steps, if confirmed, will you take to
    prevent Egypt from engaging in efforts that encourages ``forum
    shopping'' by parties to the political dialogue in Sudan?

        Answer. We have encouraged Egypt to engage with the Forces for
    Freedom and Change directly, and welcomed its recent engagement. Our
    Embassy in Cairo is supporting the travel of U.S. Envoy to Sudan
    Ambassador Booth to Cairo to engage directly and influence helpful
    behavior from Egyptian interlocutors who have insights and direct
    contacts with the various parties in Sudan.

        Question. Will you commit to raising the need for a civilian-led
    transition in Sudan at the highest levels in Egypt upon your arrival
    and accreditation as ambassador to Egypt?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to raising at the highest
    levels in Egypt the need for a civilian-led transition in Sudan and the
    need for Egypt to work with us to promote regional cooperation and
    security.

        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. None.

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree. The commitment to diversity, inclusiveness
    and EEO will be embedded in the work requirements of each supervisor
    under my charge, will be raised by me often, from introductory meetings
    to counseling sessions to routine work reviews, and will be underscored
    by my own comportment and my insistence that all employees under my
    supervision take required courses relevant to these principles. Plus, I
    will uphold and publicly underscore my insistence on a zero tolerance
    policy when it comes to retaliation, blacklisting, and other prohibited
    personnel practices.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Jonathan Cohen by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Through 33 years in the Foreign Service, I have promoted
    human rights and democracy in virtually every assignment, including by
    contributing to country human rights, trafficking in persons and
    religious freedom reports: as a refugee protection officer in Thailand;
    as the Desk Officer responsible for the OSCE's Human Dimension at the
    State Department; developing Holocaust Education, Remembrance, and
    Research to counter the growth of neo-Nazism in Sweden; helping to
    establish the first post-Saddam government in Iraq as part of the
    Coalition Provisional Authority; supporting the Committee on Missing
    Persons and preserving cultural heritage in Cyprus; hosting programs to
    support women's rights, speaking out in support of minorities and
    religious freedoms, and developing a stabilization program to get
    Internally Displaced People home to areas liberated from ISIS as DCM in
    Baghdad; leading U.S. delegations seeking the liberation from wrongful
    imprisonment of U.S. citizens and U.S. government employees in Turkey;
    pressing the Turks to end their extended State of Emergency; arguing
    for the restoration of press freedoms in Turkey and testifying before
    the Helsinki Commission on the weakening of democracy in Turkey under
    the State of Emergency. In my current position, I have used the
    Security Council to shine a light on world's most egregious human
    rights abuses and have hosted events on human rights in Burma and North
    Korea, as well as a commemoration of the Minsk Ghetto's liberation and
    a window display seen by thousands in USUN's First Avenue windows to
    commemorate Tiananmen Square.
        I believe my contributions in this field have underscored the
    commitment of the U.S. government and the American people to advancing
    human rights and democracy, improved conditions for thousands of
    Vietnamese, Cambodia and Lao refugees in Thai camps, put neo-Nazism in
    context for school children throughout Europe, placed Iraq on a path
    toward democratic governance, helped over a million Iraqi IDPs get home
    quickly and safely after ISIS had deprived them of their most basic
    human rights and caused them to flee their homes, and underscored the
    impact of human rights abuses on international peace and security and
    the merit of addressing human rights in the U.N. Security Council. If
    confirmed, I will continue to champion human rights and democracy in
    Egypt.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Egypt?
    What are the most important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to
    promote human rights and democracy in Egypt? What do you hope to
    accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The Egyptian political environment has become severely
    constrained in recent years, leaving limited outlet for peaceful
    dissent. To ensure Egypt's long-term stability and prosperity, it is
    crucial that the Egyptian people be allowed space to express their
    views without reprisal and that the security forces be held accountable
    for any abuses of power. If confirmed, I will continue to work with
    Egypt to advance our strategic partnership and address our common
    challenges, which includes encouraging Egypt's respect for and
    protection of basic rights and freedoms. I will emphasize the vital
    role that respect for fundamental freedoms and rule of law have played
    in the progress of democracies and building prosperous and stable
    nations.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Egypt in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. I share your concerns about the human rights situation in
    Egypt. If confirmed, I will deliver sensitive messages about our
    concerns, in public and private, and I trust that diplomatic engagement
    on these issues can make an impact. One of my most important
    responsibilities would be to deliver these messages, and I would look
    forward to leading the Mission in engaging with civil society and
    government counterparts consistently and at the highest possible levels
    on these issues.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Egypt? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. A critical component of stability is respect for and
    protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, accountability,
    and greater political space for civil society and dissenting views. If
    confirmed, I will welcome meetings with a diverse array of
    stakeholders, including Egyptian human rights, civil society, and other
    activists to hear their valuable perspectives.
        All security assistance, including to Egypt, is subject to the
    Leahy laws and end use monitoring requirements. Units that commit gross
    violations of human rights are ineligible for assistance. Embassy
    Cairo, and the Department as a whole, continues to vet such assistance
    and to develop and implement procedures to enhance this vetting. If
    confirmed, I will join their efforts and continue to ensure that our
    assistance meets these requirements.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Egypt
    to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Egypt?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to raise our concerns with
    the Egyptian government's restrictions on peaceful dissent in general,
    as well as specific cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Egypt.

        Question. Will you engage with Egypt on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Societies are strengthened by expressions of opinion and
    dissent, and freedom of expression plays an important role in ensuring
    more prosperous, stable countries--a key U.S. goal for Egypt. The
    United States continues to encourage Egypt to allow space for its
    citizens to express their views without reprisal and hold security
    forces accountable for any abuses of power. As the Secretary said in
    his speech in Cairo in January, ``we encourage President Al-Sisi to
    unleash the creative energy of Egypt's people, unfetter the economy,
    and promote a free and open exchange of ideas.'' If confirmed, I will
    continue to raise these issues to the Egyptian government at senior
    levels.

        Question. In many ways, Egypt is a strong U.S. partner, but their
    record on human rights, including religious freedom and freedom of
    expression, is concerning to say the least. According to an April
    report from Reuters, Egypt blocked a petition website after it reached
    60,000 signatures against an upcoming constitutional referendum. This
    is not the first time such action has been taken. If confirmed, how
    would you use our partnership with Egypt to advocate for better human
    rights protections?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to continuing to work with
    Egypt to advance our strategic partnership and to strengthen Egypt's
    stability and prosperity. Ensuring that fundamental human rights are
    respected and space is allowed for Egyptians to express their views is
    a vital part of that, and in Egypt's own interest. I look forward to
    working with you on ways to advance these fundamental freedoms in
    Egypt, including raising these issues both publicly and privately.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Egypt?

        Answer. Neither I nor any members of my immediate family have any
    financial interests in Egypt.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. In 2017-2018, I was selected and served actively as a
    mentor in a pilot program connecting underrepresented groups in the
    Foreign Service with senior officers to help them chart a course to the
    senior ranks. I have played similar mentoring roles for subordinates of
    diverse backgrounds throughout my career and will continue to do so in
    the future. I highly value the diversity of our outstanding workforce
    at USUN and am a strong supporter of EEO. I will ensure that EEO
    principles are applied enthusiastically without exception in any
    workplace I supervise.
        In 2011, I was nominated for the Arnold Raphel Award given to the
    State Department's most outstanding mentor. The nomination cited me for
    ``sustained and exemplary leadership and mentoring of Foreign Service
    employees in all phases of career development.'' I was also commended
    for mentoring by the Office of Inspector General, whose lead for the
    2010 Embassy Nicosia inspection wrote, ``I have not seen a more
    conscientious or effective mentor of First and Second Tour employees in
    the many embassies I have inspected over the last five years.''

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. The commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and Equal
    Employment Opportunity (EEO) will be embedded in the work requirements
    of each supervisor under my charge, will be raised by me often, from
    introductory meetings to counseling sessions to routine work reviews,
    and will be underscored by my own comportment and my insistence that
    all employees under my supervision take required courses relevant to
    these principles.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Egypt
    specifically?

        Answer. Political corruption constrains citizens' ability to
    participate in their government and advocate for needed change. The
    Egyptian government has spoken out publicly against corruption. If
    confirmed, I will raise these issues to the Egyptian government
    consistently and at the highest possible levels.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Egypt and
    efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Over the past few years, the Egyptian political environment
    has become increasingly constrained, impeding citizens' ability to act
    as watchdogs on their government. Egypt has, however, minimized its
    off-budget accounts, authorized government institutions to combat
    corruption, and expressed interest in moving toward more transparent,
    less corruptible government processes, which the U.S. supports,
    including through assistance.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Egypt?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will advocate at the highest levels for the
    Egyptian people to be allowed space to express their views about their
    government without reprisal and for the Egyptian government to move
    toward greater fiscal transparency--not only because these are the
    right things to do, but also because they will make Egypt more stable
    and prosperous in the long-term.

        Question. A 2016 GAO report detailed major gaps in Egypt's
    compliance with end-use verifications of the use and security of
    certain equipment transferred or sold to the Egyptian military. What
    specific can the State Department take to improve verification of U.S.
    weapons and equipment transferred to Egyptian security forces to ensure
    that weapons have not been transferred illegally to pro-government
    militias in North Sinai?

        Answer. The Department examines all-source information reporting
    for evidence of misuse of U.S. weapons and equipment. As we examine
    this all-source information reporting, if we identify potential
    incidents of concern, we attempt to investigate further to identify any
    additional information that might corroborate the allegations, and we
    respond to discourage any misuse in the future. If confirmed, I will
    continue to implement end-use monitoring procedures, and to help the
    United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify
    whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, I will
    continue to request appropriate travel for relevant U.S. officials into
    the Sinai as security conditions permit, and I will urge Egypt to grant
    journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai to increase the chances
    of observing misuse.

        Question. What additional steps would you recommend be taken to
    ensure that U.S. weapons and equipment are not being used to further
    human rights abuses in North Sinai?

        Answer. Egypt faces a real terrorist threat in the Sinai, which
    U.S.-Egypt counterterrorism cooperation and the continuing strong
    military-to-military partnership is helping to counter. To help the
    United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify
    whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, if
    confirmed, I will continue to request appropriate travel for relevant
    U.S. officials into the Sinai as security conditions permit, and I will
    urge Egypt to grant journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai to
    increase the chances of observing misuse.

        Question. If confirmed, what specific steps will you recommend that
    the administration take to improve processes of end-use verifications
    of equipment used by the Egyptian army in North Sinai? What specific
    steps will you recommend that the administration take to improve the
    vetting of Egyptian military units per Leahy law requirements?

        Answer. All security assistance, including to Egypt, is subject to
    the Leahy laws and end use monitoring requirements. Units that commit
    gross violations of human rights are ineligible for assistance. Embassy
    Cairo, and the Department as a whole, continues to vet such assistance
    and to develop and implement procedures to enhance this vetting. If
    confirmed, I will join their efforts and continue to ensure that our
    assistance meets these requirements, and to help the United States have
    greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify whether U.S.-
    provided weapons are being used appropriately, I will continue to
    request appropriate travel for relevant U.S. officials into the Sinai
    as security conditions permit, and I will urge Egypt to grant
    journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai to increase the chances
    of observing misuse.

        Question. President Trump has hosted Egyptian President al-Sisi at
    the White House multiple times since coming into office, most recently
    in April 2019, two days prior to a public referendum in Egypt on
    constitutional amendments that dramatically expanded President Sisi's
    power. Do you believe that the Trump administration has been successful
    in utilizing private tactics to encourage Egyptian officials to be
    rights-respecting? If so, please outline specifically how these tactics
    have been successful.

        Answer. The Administration continues to work with President al-Sisi
    to advance our strategic partnership and address our common challenges,
    which includes encouraging Egypt's respect for and protection of human
    rights and fundamental freedoms, accountability, and greater political
    space for civil society and dissenting views. The Administration
    engages publicly and privately with the Egyptian government on these
    issues, including regarding our serious concerns about restrictions on
    civil society and cases concerning American citizens. Egypt has
    released detained American citizens and in December 2018, an Egyptian
    court acquitted U.S. NGO employees previously convicted in the Case 173
    NGO trial. President al-Sisi has spoken out publicly about the need for
    religious equality, and Egypt has continued the steady if slow
    licensing of new churches.

        Question. Will you commit to using, if confirmed, both public and
    private tactics to advocate for human rights protections?

        Answer. I share your concerns about the human rights situation in
    Egypt. If confirmed, I will work with Egypt both publicly and privately
    to advance our strategic partnership and address our common challenges,
    which includes encouraging Egypt's respect for and protection of basic
    rights and freedoms. I will emphasize the vital role that respect for
    fundamental freedoms and rule of law have played in the progress of
    democracies and building of prosperous economies. One of my most
    important responsibilities would be to deliver that message, and I
    would look forward to leading the Mission in engaging with civil
    society and government counterparts on these issues.

        Question. Egypt is a vital ally for regional stability and, in
    fact, after a recent visit to the White House a statement was released
    noting ``Egypt's longstanding role as a lynchpin of regional
    stability.'' What is your assessment of how Egypt, under President al-
    Sisi, can be an essential ally for regional stability given the
    dramatic uptick in repression over the last few years, draconian
    restrictions on civil society, and ongoing crisis in the Sinai?

        Answer. Egypt remains an important partner and its stability is
    critical to U.S interests. To aid Egypt's and the region's stability,
    including Egypt's maintenance of a productive relationship with Israel,
    we focus on strengthening Egypt's counterterrorism effectiveness and
    border security, economic reforms that attract investment and lead to
    inclusive growth, and encouraging Egypt to play a constructive role
    regionally. Addressing challenging human rights issues is a component
    of each of these lines of effort, such as encouraging the Egyptian
    government to allow space for its people to express their views without
    reprisal and to hold security forces accountable for any abuses of
    power. If confirmed, I will take up the message Secretary Pompeo
    delivered in his speech in Cairo in January, encouraging President al-
    Sisi to ``unleash the creative energy of Egypt's people, unfetter the
    economy, and promote a free and open exchange of ideas.''

        Question. In late April, Egypt hosted African leaders on emergency
    talks on the upheavals in Sudan and Libya, at which time Sisi called
    for ``African solutions to African problems'' and urged the country's
    political actors to ``safeguard the state's institutions . . . in order
    to prevent a slide into chaos.'' What role is Egypt playing with regard
    to the unrest and transition in neighboring Sudan?

        Answer. The United States is actively and frequently engaging Egypt
    on the Sudan crisis via our Undersecretary for Political Affairs,
    Special Envoy to Sudan Ambassador Booth, and our Embassy in Cairo. In
    our discussions, we have encouraged coordination of effort and the use
    of our collective leverage to press the Transitional Military Council
    to stop violence and come to agreement with the Forces for Freedom and
    Change on a civilian-led government. As Sudan's neighbor and current
    chair of the African Union Assembly, Egypt is in a position to
    encourage collaborative efforts with the African Union and to influence
    other Gulf States' thinking on transition efforts in Sudan.

        Question. How could Egypt play a more constructive role in Sudan's
    transition?

        Answer. We believe that a civilian-led government in Sudan is not
    only in the best interest of the Sudanese people, but also necessary
    for the stability of the region, which is key for Egypt. We have
    encouraged Egypt to engage with the Forces for Freedom and Change
    directly, and welcome its recent engagement and its statements
    condemning the June 3 violence and calling for renewed dialogue. Our
    Embassy in Cairo is supporting the travel of U.S. Envoy to Sudan
    Ambassador Booth to Egypt to engage directly and influence helpful
    behavior from Egyptian interlocutors who have insights and direct
    contacts with the various parties in Sudan.

        Question. During the late April talks, President Sisi met with
    Khalifa Haftar, the commander of eastern-based Libyan forces, who is
    under international pressure to halt an advance on the capital Tripoli:

       What role is Egypt playing with regard to the Libyan National
            Army's operations in neighboring Libya?

        Answer. Egypt has a national security interest in Libyan security
    and stability. Within that context, Egypt has influence with a number
    Libyan parties and leaders including Khalifa Haftar. The Department is
    encouraging Egypt and other partners to use their influence to press
    Libyans including Haftar and Prime Minister al-Sarraj to de-escalate
    the conflict and support implementation of an immediate ceasefire and
    work for a peaceful solution.

        Question. How could Egypt play a more constructive role in bringing
    peace to Libya?

        Answer. Egypt is a key partner in seeking regional stability and
    building a sustainable government in Libya and has said that Libya is
    its number one security concern. This shared interest provides space
    for us to work jointly to engage Libyan leaders to de-escalate the
    conflict and support implementation of an immediate ceasefire and work
    for a peaceful solution. If confirmed, I will prioritize further
    outreach with Egypt to align our approaches to Libya.

        Question. As you know, the Egyptians have recently allowed a few
    U.S. government officials--including the USAID administrator--into
    Sinai. These are important but insufficient developments given the
    opacity that surrounds the situation in the Sinai:

       What steps would you take to convince the Egyptians to go a step
            further and grant regular and consistent access to humanitarian
            organizations, human rights organizations, and independent
            media to North Sinai?

        Answer. Egypt faces a real terrorist threat in the Sinai, which
    U.S.-Egypt counterterrorism cooperation and the continuing strong
    military-to-military partnership is helping to counter. Egypt has
    increasingly acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach in
    its Sinai counterterrorism campaign and announced its intent to use
    economic and social development to counter the effects of the campaign
    on Sinai residents.
        If confirmed, I look forward to discussing these development
    efforts with the Egyptian government, and will continue to emphasize
    the need for protection of the civilian population and the importance
    of implementing a more holistic counterterrorism approach. To help the
    United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify
    whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, I also will
    continue to request appropriate travel for relevant U.S. officials into
    the Sinai as security conditions permit, and urge Egypt to grant
    journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai.

        Question. Will you commit to raising this in each meeting with
    Egyptian officials, if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to raising this matter with senior
    Egyptian officials. I would look forward to discussing development
    efforts with the Egyptian government, and will continue to emphasize
    the need for protection of the civilian population and the importance
    of implementing a more holistic counterterrorism approach. To help the
    United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula to verify
    whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, I also will
    continue to request appropriate travel for relevant U.S. officials into
    the Sinai as security conditions permit, and urge Egypt to grant
    journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai.

        Question. Egypt has been a strong ally in combatting ISIS in the
    Sinai Peninsula and other terrorist groups, but there have similarly
    been reports of human rights abuse and civilian targeting by security
    forces:

       If confirmed, how would you work to ensure Egypt's security
            services better respect human rights in their counter-terror
            efforts?

        Answer. Egypt faces a real terrorist threat in the Sinai, which
    U.S.-Egypt counterterrorism cooperation and the continuing strong
    military-to-military partnership is helping to counter. Egypt has
    increasingly acknowledged the need for a more comprehensive approach in
    its Sinai counterterrorism campaign and announced its intent to use
    economic and social development to counter the effects of the campaign
    on Sinai residents. If confirmed, I look forward to discussing these
    development efforts with the Egyptian government, and will continue to
    emphasize the need for protection of the civilian population and the
    importance of implementing a more holistic counterterrorism approach.
    To help the United States have greater insight into the Sinai Peninsula
    to verify whether U.S.-provided weapons are being used appropriately, I
    also will continue to request appropriate travel for relevant U.S.
    officials into the Sinai as security conditions permit, and urge Egypt
    to grant journalists and NGOs more access to the Sinai.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted Jonathan Cohen to by Senator Edward J. Markey

        Question. Could you give me your assessment of how Egypt, under
    President al-Sisi, can be an essential ally for regional stability
    given the dramatic uptick in repression over the last few years,
    draconian restrictions on civil society, and ongoing crisis in Sinai?

        Answer. Egypt remains an important partner and its stability is
    critical to U.S interests. To aid Egypt's and the region's stability,
    we focus on strengthening Egypt's CT effectiveness and border security,
    economic reforms that attract investment and lead to inclusive growth,
    and encouraging Egypt to play a constructive role regionally.
    Addressing challenging human rights issues is a component of each of
    these lines of effort, such as encouraging the Egyptian government to
    allow space for its people to express their views without reprisal and
    to hold security forces accountable for any abuses of power. If
    confirmed, I will take up the message Secretary Pompeo delivered in his
    speech in Cairo in January, encouraging President al-Sisi to ``unleash
    the creative energy of Egypt's people, unfetter the economy, and
    promote a free and open exchange of ideas.''

        Question. If confirmed, how specifically do you intend to use your
    public position and the resources of the embassy to address Egypt's
    troubling human rights and democracy record?

        Answer. I share your concerns about the human rights situation in
    Egypt. If confirmed, I will continue to work with Egypt to advance our
    strategic partnership and address our common challenges, which includes
    encouraging Egypt's respect for and protection of basic rights and
    freedoms. I will emphasize the vital role that respect for fundamental
    freedoms and rule of law have played in the progress of democracies and
    building of prosperous economies. One of my most important
    responsibilities would be to deliver that message, and I would look
    forward to leading the Mission in engaging with civil society and
    government counterparts on these issues.

        Question. Do you believe that the Trump Administration has been
    successful in utilizing private tactics to encourage Egyptian officials
    to be rights-respecting? If so, please outline specifically how these
    tactics have been successful.

        Answer. The Administration continues to work with President al-Sisi
    to advance our strategic partnership and address our common challenges,
    which includes encouraging Egypt's respect for and protection of human
    rights and fundamental freedoms, accountability, and greater political
    space for civil society and dissenting views. The Administration
    engages publicly and privately with the Egyptian government on these
    issues, including regarding our serious concerns about restrictions on
    civil society and cases concerning American citizens. Egypt has
    released detained American citizens and in December 2018, an Egyptian
    court acquitted U.S. NGO employees previously convicted in the Case 173
    NGO trial.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to John Rakolta, Jr. by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. UAE involvement in a number of regional conflicts risks
    prolonging or intensifying them. From Yemen where they are a major
    partner in the Saudi-led coalition to Libya, where they have provided
    significant support, including airstrikes for General Khalifa Heftar to
    Sudan, where UAE support for the Transitional Military Council has
    emboldened the delay to a civilian-led transition, facilitating a
    violent crackdown on peaceful protesters.

       What steps can the UAE take to play a more productive role in each
            of these conflicts?

        Answer. I understand the UAE regularly participates in multilateral
    diplomatic fora such as the Yemen Quad (US-UK-Saudi Arabia-UAE) and
    with the P3+3 on Libya (France, Italy, UK, Egypt, the UAE, and the
    United States). The UAE government has publicly expressed continued
    support for the efforts of the U.N. Special Envoy to Yemen, and in
    April 2019 the UAE issued a joint statement on Libya with France,
    Italy, the UK, and the United States, urging all parties to immediately
    de-escalate tensions and expressing strong support for the efforts of
    U.N. Special Representative Ghassan Salame. The Administration is
    engaged with the UAE on Sudan issues, including high-level calls and a
    recent Quad meeting on Sudan in London. The UAE should continue to
    closely coordinate its humanitarian assistance to Yemen with the United
    Nations and its Humanitarian Response Plan. Constructive actions such
    as these are more likely to lead to a negotiated peace process in all
    three conflicts.

        Question. If confirmed, how will you engage with the UAE government
    to push it to take those steps?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will seek opportunities to engage regularly
    with diplomatic and military leadership to encourage them to coordinate
    closely.

        Question. Foreign diplomacy under this Administration has been
    frequently carried out by unofficial diplomats, including Jared
    Kushner, the president's son-in-law and White House senior advisor.
    Given Kushner's close relationship with senior Emirati leaders, how to
    you plan to navigate those challenges?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to developing good working
    relations with senior Emirati leaders in my capacity as the President's
    official envoy to the United Arab Emirates.

        Question. The Associated Press, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty
    International, and the U.N. Panel of Experts on Yemen have all issued
    reports detailing the torture of Yemeni detainees by Yemeni forces
    receiving support from the UAE. There are also allegations that at
    times UAE forces themselves have directly participated in the torture
    and illegal detention of Yemeni detainees in a network of secret
    prisons. Have you read these reports?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Given the findings of these reports, do you agree or
    disagree with their conclusions that the UAE has responsibility for the
    torture and disappearances of detainees in Yemen by its own forces or
    by Yemeni forces under the UAE's effective control or direction?

        Answer. The United States takes all allegations of abuse seriously.
    These reports are disturbing, however, I am not in a position to make
    such a determination at this time. If confirmed, I would consult with
    experts in the Department of State and the Administration in order to
    better understand the allegations and underlying facts. Once I have a
    more complete understanding, I will urge UAE officials to take
    appropriate actions, which could include conduct a thorough
    investigation.

        Question. If confirmed as the Ambassador to the UAE, what will your
    role be in investigating the allegations of illegal detention and
    torture?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would consult with experts in the
    Department of State and the Administration in order to better
    understand the allegations and underlying facts. Once I have a more
    complete understanding, I will urge UAE officials to conduct a thorough
    investigation.

        Question. What steps will you take to push the UAE to release any
    and all unjustly held individuals in UAE-run facilities in Yemen and to
    hold accountable those responsible for arbitrary detention and torture?

        Answer. I understand that the administration has raised concerns
    about these allegations with UAE government and military officials. If
    confirmed, I will seek to better understand the underlying facts and
    will urge UAE officials to conduct a thorough and transparent
    investigation and to hold those responsible accountable.

    Yemen Weapons Transfers
        Question. I remain concerned over reports that the UAE has
    transferred U.S. origin weapons, including small arms, anti-tank
    missiles and armored vehicles to armed Yemeni groups that include
    affiliates of al Qaeda fighters and hardline Salafi militias. Such
    transfers are in direct violation of sales agreements made between the
    U.S. and the UAE.

       To date, I do not have confidence that the Department's
            investigation is sufficiently thorough. If confirmed, what will
            your role be in ensuring there is a thorough investigation into
            these transfers and ensuring that they do not happen again?

        Answer. I understand the Department continues to investigate the
    allegations regarding transfers from the UAE to groups in Yemen. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that we continue to reiterate our end-use
    requirements to our partners, and to facilitate investigations in the
    event that we become aware of allegations of end-use violations.

        Question. Going forward, what steps should the U.S. take to prevent
    such transfers that were not taken in this instance?

        Answer. If confirmed I would seek to reiterate the end-use
    responsibilities of our partners, resolve any potential
    misunderstandings our partners may have regarding their end-use
    obligations, and promptly investigate any allegations of violations in
    the future.

        Question. I am very concerned by reports that the UAE has hired a
    U.S. firm with retired U.S. military personnel to conduct
    assassinations in Yemen and has hired former National Security Agency
    employees to build a mercenary cyberespionage/hacking unit that has
    targeted dissidents and opposition figures, including U.S. citizens.

       Please confirm that you are now familiar with these reports.

        Answer. I am now familiar with these reports and share your
    concerns. Reports of the extrajudicial killings of clerics in and
    around Aden are very troubling. The Administration condemns all
    unlawful or extrajudicial killings, including the killing of religious
    or political rivals. These acts greatly undermine the prospects for a
    Yemen political settlement that is legitimate and representative. The
    security situation in Aden continues to be tenuous. Presence of a
    variety of violent extremist organizations and the lack of U.S.
    government representation on the ground in Yemen hampers our ability to
    get more information to make relevant assessments. I also agree reports
    of NSA employee involvement in building UAE hacking units are
    disturbing. If confirmed, I will give them greater scrutiny.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to investigate the
    role that U.S. citizens have played in these efforts and to ensure that
    they are not involved in assassinations or cyber-espionage?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work within the Department of State
    and in coordination with other relevant U.S. government agencies to
    evaluate any evidence of violations of law as they become available.

        Question. The 2018 State Department Human Rights report highlighted
    human rights concerns in the UAE that included allegations of torture
    in detention as well as arbitrary arrest and detention, including
    incommunicado detention, by government agents.

       If confirmed, what steps will you take to push the UAE government
            to address these and other allegations of human rights abuses?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make clear that the United States
    takes all allegations of abuse seriously. I will urge the government of
    the United Arab Emirates to ensure freedom from arbitrary and unlawful
    detention, transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I
    will call on the government of the United Arab Emirates to treat
    prisoners and detainees humanely, and to ensure that allegations of
    abuse are investigated quickly and thoroughly and anyone found
    responsible is held accountable.

        Question. China's interest in the Persian Gulf has expanded beyond
    the region's hydrocarbon resources to encompass its One Belt One Road
    project. Chinese companies have recently signed a number of deals in
    the Persian Gulf, including a new terminal for COSCO Shipping Ports in
    Abu Dhabi's al-Khalifa Port.

       What challenges does Chinese expansion into the UAE and the rest of
            the Persian Gulf raise for U.S. interests in the UAE and the
            region as a whole?

        Answer. The UAE has an expanding trade and investment relationship
    with China.
        If confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the ways in
    which this relationship is growing, and to working with our embassy
    staff to ensure U.S. business interests, policy priorities, and
    national security concerns are clearly communicated to the UAE
    government.

        Question. What are the prospects for limiting Chinese influence in
    the UAE and how will you engage with the Emirati government to counter
    growing Chinese influence there?

        Answer. The UAE is an important trade and security partner of the
    United States. Open and fair competitiveness is the strength of U.S.
    business. If confirmed, I will work to ensure U.S. business interests
    and policy priorities are prioritized. This includes U.S. concerns
    about non-proliferation as well as U.S. commercial interests.

        Question. The UAE has sided firmly with Saudi Arabia in the GCC
    rift with Qatar, which shows no sign of ending even as tensions rise
    with Iran.

       What steps do you think the UAE can take to resolve the conflict?
            What steps do you think the UAE wants to see Qatar take?

        Answer. The President and Secretary Pompeo have been clear that the
    Gulf dispute has gone on too long. The dispute benefits our adversaries
    and harms our mutual interests. The Administration continues to
    underscore to the parties the shared political, economic, security, and
    social benefits of Gulf unity, especially in light of the threat from
    Iran.

        Question. If confirmed, what role do you think you can play in
    facilitating a resolution? How will you engage with the Emirati
    government to push them to resolve the conflict?

        Answer. I understand there have been some positive signs, but no
    moves by any of the parties that would suggest a readiness to address
    and resolve rift's core issues. GCC+2 countries have participated
    together in many events and exercises, most recently at a June meeting
    of the Middle East Strategic Alliance in Washington. While aware of the
    deep divisions that led to the rift, I am hopeful the parties will take
    additional steps to build confidence and end the dispute, and if
    confirmed I look forward to engaging with the Emirati government on
    this and other matters. Significant political, economic, security, and
    human linkages underpin Gulf relations, and an immediate end to the
    dispute will help all parties involved and rekindle the unity of the
    Gulf.

        Question. Are you familiar with the financial and business
    interests of the Trump Organization in the UAE, including former and
    current business partners?

        Answer. My knowledge of the Trump Organization's financial and
    business interests in the UAE is limited to public media reporting.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure that you do not in any
    way provide preferential treatment to the President's financial
    interests or business partners?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will adhere to all applicable ethics rules,
    legal standards of neutrality, and due diligence when performing my
    duties as the Chief of Mission.

        Question. The U.N. Special Rapporteur for extrajudicial, summary or
    arbitrary executions released her report this week. She found that
    there is ``credible evidence warranting further investigation of high-
    level Saudi officials' individual liability, including the crown
    prince's.''

       Have you read the report? If not, will you commit to reading it
            before you arrive at post?

        Answer. I have not read the report. If confirmed, I commit to
    reading it before I arrive at post.

        Question. Do you commit to assisting any U.S. government efforts to
    investigate the cause of Khashoggi's murder?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you believe that any individuals, regardless of who
    they are, should be held responsible?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to advocating within the Emirati government
    to urge Saudi Arabia to conduct trials that are free and fair, and to
    investigate the individuals responsible for Khashoggi's murder?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates agreed to
    provide $3 billion in aid to the Sudanese military junta that took
    power after ousting longtime President Omar al-Bashir. Critics suggest
    that the financial lifeline along with hosting Abdul Fattah al-Burhan,
    head of Sudan's Transitional Military Council. What is the relationship
    between UAE and leaders of the Transitional Military Council-
    specifically al-Burhan, and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, or ``Hemeti'', and
    how is that impacting UAE's actions with regards to the political
    crisis in Sudan?

        Answer. The UAE has been active in Sudan, including after the April
    11, 2019 ouster of former President Bashir and through the tenure of
    the Transitional Military Council (TMC). Sudan provides military
    personnel to the Saudi-led Coalition's operations in Yemen, which gives
    Sudan some leverage with the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

        Question. What leverage do we have to encourage the Emiratis to
    fully support the establishment of a civilian-led transitional
    authority in keeping with the calls from the African Union Peace and
    Security Council?

        Answer. The Administration has met with all stakeholders to press
    for a political outcome that is acceptable to the people of Sudan. The
    Sudanese demonstrators and political negotiators have demanded a
    civilian-led government, achieved through either a majority on a
    sovereign council or through a free and fair electoral process.
        It is my understanding that the U.S. has engaged with the UAE on
    its policy in support of a transition to a civilian-led interim
    government as soon as possible. As part of those discussions, I
    understand that the Administration has encouraged the UAE to be prudent
    in its support of the Transitional Military Council, including by way
    of judicious handling of the reported $3 billion assistance package
    reported in late April. I further understand that the Administration
    welcomed and encouraged the UAE's participation in dialogue with
    international partners such as the late June ``Friends of Sudan''
    meeting hosted by the German government.

        Question. What specific steps will you take, if confirmed, to bring
    the Emirates in line with U.S. diplomatic efforts related to a
    democratic transition in Sudan?

        Answer. If confirmed, I look forward to working closely with my
    Department colleagues to continue to engage Emirati leadership on this
    important issue, through consistent messaging and regular discussions
    with senior UAE officials, participation in multilateral engagements,
    and close coordination.

        Question. What immediate steps, if confirmed, will you take to
    prevent the Emirates from engaging in efforts that encourages ``forum
    shopping'' by parties to the political dialogue in Sudan?

        Answer. I am not in a position at this time to develop a specific
    plan of diplomatic engagement with the Emiratis on this question.

        Question. Will you commit to raising the need for a civilian-led
    transition in Sudan at the highest levels of government upon your
    arrival and accreditation as ambassador to the United Arab Emirates?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Please list any outside positions and affiliations you
    plan to continue to hold during your term of appointment.

        Answer. I hold membership in the following organizations which will
    continue during my term of appointment. I intend to ask if my
    membership can be inactive during my absences.

       Oakland Hills Country Club--Bloomfield, MI
       Bloomfield Hills Country Club--Bloomfield Hills, MI
       The Bear's Club--Jupiter, FL
       Harbor Point Golf Club--Harbor Springs, MI
       Detroit Athletic Club--Detroit, MI

        Question. Have you ever been an officer or director of a company
    that has filed for bankruptcy? If so, describe the circumstances and
    disposition.

        Answer. No.

        Question. If you leave this position before the completion of your
    full term of the next presidential election, do you commit to meeting
    with the committee to discuss the reasons for your departure?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. There have never been any concerns or allegations of
    harassment, discrimination or inappropriate conduct against any
    employee over whom I have direct supervisory authority. With respect to
    individuals over which I do not have direct supervisory authority there
    is a strict code administered by the HR department of my company. Every
    employee is required to sign this code. It emphasizes respect for
    people, values diversity and contains a strong policy against
    harassment and discrimination. It includes a ``hotline'' where
    individuals can anonymously report a concern. Every employee is
    required to review and re-affirm their commitment to the code of
    conduct every year, as part of mandatory training.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. I agree that targeting or retaliation against individuals
    due to their political beliefs, role in policy-making, or involvement
    in prior administrations is wholly inappropriate and has no place in
    the federal government or elsewhere. In my role as CEO of Walbridge, I
    have always had direct reports that do not share my political views and
    I welcome their opinions. I have championed dissenting and alternative
    viewpoints as they are the bedrock of any society and organization.
    They are essential to successfully capture the best ideas and create an
    culture of equal opportunity, innovation, respect and world class
    results. If confirmed, I will continue this philosophy and will strive
    to make sure that all individuals feel safe with their beliefs and
    understand that their differing views are welcomed and valued.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to John Rakolta, Jr. by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. I was chairman of New Detroit, Inc., an organization whose
    purpose was to close the gap in terms of income, education and health
    care between Detroit citizens and others, from 2003 to 2010. This
    organization was formed after the riots in Detroit in 1967. I ushered
    in a new era of commitment, responsibility, transparency and openness
    to difficult dialogue. I started a ``Dinner Series'' that brought 800
    corporate, government, labor, education, and not-for-profit individuals
    together for over 80 dinners to discuss race and its impact not only on
    Detroit, but on America today. It was a defining moment for our
    community, as it opened a pathway for Detroit to move forward. In doing
    so, it opened my eyes to the possibility of identifying and
    implementing far-reaching solutions never before thought possible.In
    2014, the Detroit Public School System was on the verge of bankruptcy
    and collapse. Successive administrations of Emergency Managers had
    failed to turn the system around academically; instead of focusing on
    the schoolchildren, they focused on balancing an impossible budget at
    the expense of what they should have been doing. If you can't master
    the fundamentals of education there is no hope of a bright and thriving
    future. Eighth grade proficiency level in 12th grade just won't cut it
    in today's world. There is no way out for them. I was asked to join the
    Coalition for the Future of Detroit's Schoolchildren (CFDSC) and help
    save the system and put it on a more successful pathway. I was one of
    five co-chairs and, more importantly, the public face of the effort to
    convince the Republican-controlled Legislature to save the system
    through a massive injection of new capital by the State of Michigan. I
    used my political capital, hard work and sound arguments and was proud
    to take a public position on this. Children of Detroit have a right to
    a bright future. Despite staggering odds, we prevailed and won
    legislation that was landmark in nature. The effort also led to Launch
    Michigan tackling the broader issue of K-12 education on a statewide
    basis.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in the
    U.A.E.? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in the U.A.E.? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The State Department's most recent Human Rights Report on
    the United Arab Emirates documents significant restrictions on freedom
    of expression and civil society. Human rights issues included
    allegations of torture in detention. arbitrary arrest, and detention.
    The United Nations, human rights groups, and others alleged that some
    UAE military operations as part of the Saudi-led Coalition in Yemen
    have killed civilians, damaged civilian infrastructure, and exercised
    bias in the delivery of humanitarian aid. Further, human rights groups
    alleged UAE-backed security forces in Yemen committed torture, sexual
    assault, and mistreatment against detainees. The UAE government
    rejected allegations that members of its security forces serving in
    Yemen had committed human rights abuses, and there was no publicly
    available information on whether the government carried out any
    investigations into these reported incidents.If confirmed, I will make
    clear that the United States takes all allegations of abuse seriously.
    I will urge the government of the United Arab Emirates to thoroughly
    and quickly investigate allegations of abuse, ensure fair trial
    guarantees, freedom from unlawful and extrajudicial detention,
    transparency, and rule of law. If confirmed as Ambassador, I will call
    on the government of the United Arab Emirates to treat prisoners and
    detainees in line with international obligations and
    commitments.Questions for the Record Submitted to

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in the U.A.E. in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. I am not currently in a position to speak authoritatively
    to these questions, however, I understand that the ongoing conflict in
    Yemen presents challenges for those seeking to ascertain the underlying
    facts with respect to the treatment of detainees. In addition, the
    Administration's advocacy is challenged by the absence of any UAE law
    protecting freedoms of religion and thought, expression, peaceful
    assembly, and association.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in the U.A.E.? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I intend to meet with the full range of
    Emirati society, as well as non-governmental organizations in the
    United States that work on issues related to the United Arab Emirates.
    I will make clear to Emirati leadership that the United States supports
    the important role civil society plays in every country. I will commit
    to uphold the Leahy Law, and will also commit to our Conventional Arms
    Transfer policies that require human rights to be considered as a
    factor in any arms transfer or licensing decision.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with the
    U.A.E. to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by the U.A.E.?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Will you engage with the U.A.E. on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. As the world's oldest democracy and the largest arms
    exporter, would you agree that the human rights standards the U.S. sets
    on arms transfers has global ramifications?

        Answer. I understand the United States weighs human rights in arms
    transfer decisions. This reflects our values, serves our nationals
    security interests, and sets an important model for the world. If
    confirmed, I will keep human rights issues and U.S. security in mind on
    all potential arms sales.

        Question. Should the United States continue to facilitate arms
    sales to foreign governments like the U.A.E credibly suspected of acts
    that may amount to war crimes?

        Answer. I understand the United States weighs human rights in arms
    transfer decisions, and is working with partners including the UAE to
    provide training and other support related to human rights and avoiding
    civilian harm in combat. If confirmed, I will support these efforts.

        Question. What are your views on the position put forth by
    Secretary Pompeo that, in effect, continuing to arm and otherwise
    support Saudi Arabia and the U.A.E in Yemen is the best way to support
    human rights there?

        Answer. Our military cooperation with the UAE supports U.S.
    strategic interests. We provide training and other support related to
    human rights and avoiding civilian harm in combat. If confirmed, I will
    support these efforts.

        Question. Conflicts of Interest: Do you commit to bring to the
    committee's attention (and the State Department Inspector General) any
    change in policy or U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by
    any of the President's business or financial interests, or the business
    or financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in the U.A.E.?

        Answer. Yes. In 2014 I made a passive private equity commitment to
    Abraaj Growth Markets Trust, a Delaware statutory trust feeder
    constructed to invest all of its investible assets in Abraaj Global
    Growth Markets Fund, L.P., a Cayman Island exempted limited
    partnership. To the best of my knowledge, the fund previously owned
    three investments based in the UAE, all of which have been divested.
    Abaaj Growth Markets Trust is on my OGE Ethics Agreement Divestiture
    list, meaning I will divest from this fund within 90 days if confirmed.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. It is my firm belief, based on years of successful efforts
    in my own company that all stakeholders to any effort should benefit
    from their collective efforts. Only when all stakeholders have equal
    access to opportunity and success does the ``extended enterprises
    chain'' stay competitive and sustainable for the long term. There are
    no shortcuts; I don't believe in them. When harmony is threatened,
    results are compromised. Diverse thinking makes for better decisions.
    As a society we have a lot of work to do in this realm. I feel an
    inherent responsibility to this and it is foundational to my very
    being. It starts with core values, embraced by and fully supported by
    the leadership. It must be implemented across all management and
    endorsed by all employees and other stakeholders. If confirmed, I
    pledge to lead from the top, as the Ambassador.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would begin with a written plan, personal
    involvement, and sufficient resources. I would follow my tried and
    proven methodology of PDCA--Plan (in writing), Do (assign
    implementation responsibility), Check (short time out to measure
    results), Act (make corrections and start the process again). I would
    assign a senior level embassy officer the responsibility to manage its
    implementation. My leadership team and I would provide mentoring and
    networking opportunities. I would work closely with section chiefs to
    ensure that all supervisors foster a diverse and inclusive environment.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in the U.A.E.
    specifically? What is your assessment of corruption trends in the
    U.A.E. and efforts to address and reduce it by that government? If
    confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good governance and
    anticorruption programming in the U.A.E.?

        Answer. Political corruption undermines the legitimacy of any form
    of governance, especially democratic governance, by eroding support for
    public institutions and undermines popular confidence in the rule of
    law. If confirmed, I will engage with the UAE authorities to encourage
    increased political and fiscal transparency and a dialogue on
    responsive governance. I will also work to ensure that U.S. assistance
    programs promote professionalism among the UAE's public servants and
    efforts to improve public financial management as well as rule of law
    development.

        Question. U.A.E and Saudi Arabia have come under substantial
    international criticism for contributing to a humanitarian crisis in
    Yemen. Both chambers of Congress have separately passed resolutions
    directing the Trump Administration to reduce logistical support for the
    Arab coalition fighting in Yemen. To what extent are the humanitarian
    effects and other consequences of the war in Yemen an irritant in the
    U.S.-U.A.E relationship?

        Answer. I am told the UAE has been among the largest donors to
    international efforts to provide relief to Yemenis affected by the
    ongoing conflict. We have encouraged Saudi Arabia and the UAE to
    contribute to the humanitarian response in Yemen by channeling
    contributions through the United Nations; on February 26, the U.N.
    announced that Saudi Arabia and the UAE each pledged $750 million
    toward the 2019 response. The UAE is also an important political,
    economic, and military partner of the United States on our most
    pressing regional challenges, including Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan,
    and in the global fight against ISIS and al-Qa'ida. I understand the
    Administration coordinates closely with UAE leadership on its policy in
    Yemen, as it does on other key areas of concern.

        Question. In your view, should the U.S. contemplate changing its
    level of support for the Saudi-led coalition in that war, of which the
    U.A.E is a key part?

        Answer. As I understand it, U.S. support to and engagement with the
    Coalition has played an important role in facilitating the U.N.-led
    political track to end the Yemen conflict, minimizing harm to
    civilians, addressing the dire humanitarian crisis. The Coalition
    partners have engaged the parties at key junctures to ensure their
    constructive participation in the U.N. process, and the threat of
    Coalition military pressure has ensured the Houthis--who have backed
    out of numerous prior agreements--remain at the negotiating table.
    Ongoing U.S. support to the Coalition is also vital to deterring Iran's
    ambitions on the Arabian Peninsula. If confirmed, I will work through
    my offices to ensure U.S. support to the Coalition promotes long-term
    U.S. interests of stability in Yemen and in the region as a whole.

        Question. Should the U.S. push to have the U.A.E commit additional
    funds for U.N. humanitarian operations in Yemen and to ensure low food
    prices so that Yemeni people can afford to feed their families?

        Answer. I understand that the Emiratis have been among the largest
    humanitarian donors to Yemen, but that they are still in the process of
    disbursing the funds they pledged during the February 26 U.N.
    Conference in Geneva, and that State Department officials support calls
    for the Saudis and Emiratis to disburse the remaining funds immediately
    to avoid a gap in the humanitarian response. If confirmed, I will
    continue to emphasize to my Emirati counterparts the important role
    that their humanitarian contributions play in preventing the worsening
    of the humanitarian crisis, and explore the potential for greater UAE
    engagement with the Central Bank of Yemen on capacity building to
    forestall the depreciation of the Yemeni riyal, so that Yemenis can
    afford the food they desperately need.

        Question. The 2018 State Department Country Reports on Human Rights
    list several human rights issues associated with the U.A.E. Among them
    include allegations of torture in detention, arbitrary arrest and
    detention, undue restrictions on free expression and the press, and
    substantial interference with the rights of peaceful assembly and
    freedom of expression. If confirmed, what is your plan to tackle this
    list of issues? To what extent is the country's treatment of dissenters
    and activists who a factor in U.S. policy toward the U.A.E? If
    confirmed, how would you wish to change this, if at all?

        Answer. I understand from the Human Rights Report released by the
    State Department that the UAE's constitution prohibits torture and
    arbitrary arrest and detention, but authorities reportedly often hold
    persons in custody for extended periods without charge, access to an
    attorney, or a preliminary judicial hearing--including some reportedly
    detained because of their political views or affiliations. I also
    understand citizens and noncitizens have access to the courts to seek
    damages for, or cessation of, human rights violations. If confirmed, my
    embassy team and I will engage with credible civil society groups and
    human rights advocates, as well as UAE authorities to uphold their
    constitutional obligations to respect human rights and civil
    liberties.Questions for the Record Submitted to

        Question. To date, the GCC rift has defied U.S., Kuwaiti, and other
    mediation efforts. If confirmed, what further steps would you take to
    advance the U.S. objective of ending the intra-GCC rift with Qatar?
    What are the key obstacles to resolving that dispute?

        Answer. The President and Secretary Pompeo have been clear that the
    Gulf dispute has gone on too long. The dispute benefits our adversaries
    and harms our mutual interests. The Administration continues to
    underscore to the parties the political, economic, security, and social
    benefits of Gulf unity, especially in light of the threat from Iran. I
    believe having the Ambassador at post will add strength and frequency
    to our argument. If confirmed, I would make this a top priority.

        Question. To your knowledge, what are the Administration's main
    goals for a U.S.-GCC summit that has been long delayed?

        Answer. Significant political, economic, security, and human
    linkages underpin Gulf relations, and the Administration's view is that
    greater cooperation and more dialogue between the Gulf countries is in
    U.S. interests. The U.S. is actively working to strengthen our
    partnership with the GCC states via significant engagement on regional
    security, nonproliferation, alternative energy development (including
    nuclear energy and renewables), and support for economic
    diversification.
        On the political front, I understand the Administration consults
    with our Gulf partners to coordinate efforts to manage regional
    political, diplomatic, and security challenges, including threats posed
    by Iran.

        Question. What preconditions are there, if any, for the summit? Do
    you believe there should be preconditions?

        Answer. I am not aware of any preconditions for a GCC Summit. If
    confirmed, I look forward to learning more about the underlying
    positions and policy concerns of individual GCC member countries. I
    believe dialogue is important and if confirmed, I would fully support
    the Administration's efforts to bring the GCC countries together for a
    summit.

        Question. Do you expect the meeting to be held in 2019?

        Answer. I am not yet in a position to predict when such a meeting
    might be held. The Administration hosted a successful GCC+2 (Egypt and
    Jordan) Ministerial in September 2018, and GCC members have convened
    since then in several different fora. On that basis, it seems
    reasonable to expect the GCC Summit could be held in 2019.

    Trafficking in Persons
        Question. The U.A.E is considered a ``destination country'' for
    women trafficked from Asia and the former Soviet Union. In your view,
    what does the U.A.E need to do to improve its efforts to counter
    trafficking in persons?

        Answer. In the annual Trafficking in Persons report it releases to
    the public, the Department said the UAE continued to make important
    progress toward meeting the minimum standards for the elimination of
    trafficking enshrined in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. The
    report states that in order to continue to improve on their ongoing
    efforts, the UAE needs to increase the number of investigations,
    especially by investigating potential forced labor crimes indicators,
    the trafficking of domestic workers, and officials complicit in
    trafficking crimes, and that it also needs to finish implementing
    regulations and implement the domestic worker law that expands
    protections for domestic workers, expand reforms to the sponsorship-
    based employment system, and regularly employ standard victim
    identification procedures. If confirmed, I will seek to better
    understand the ways in which sponsorship laws contribute to
    vulnerability to trafficking, particularly for domestic employees, by
    restricting the ability of employees to leave or change employers, and
    giving employers the power to cancel residence permits, deny employees
    permission to leave the country, and threaten employees with abuse of
    legal processes.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted John Rakolta, Jr. to by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. In the fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization
    Act, Congress established firm benchmarks for recipients of U.S.
    military sales on avoiding civilian casualties in Yemen.

       In your view, has the UAE in its coalition with Saudi Arabia
            undertaken appropriate measures to mitigate humanitarian strife
            and to support a diplomatic solution?

        Answer. I understand the UAE pledged to contribute $750 million in
    2019 to support United Nations efforts to provide relief to Yemenis
    affected by the ongoing conflict. I also understand the Department has
    encouraged Saudi Arabia and the UAE to fulfill these pledges
    immediately. These contributions are critical to enable the U.N. to
    continue supporting life-saving health, nutrition, and food assistance
    programs. The UAE continues to support U.N.-led efforts to bring both
    sides to the conflict together for negotiations. I understand the
    Administration coordinates closely with UAE leadership on its policy in
    Yemen, as it does on other key areas of concern.

        Question. As Ambassador, how would you ensure that the UAE adheres
    to its commitments on humanitarian concerns?

        Answer. I understand that the Emiratis are still in the process of
    disbursing the funds they pledged during the February 26 U.N.
    Conference in Geneva, and that State Department officials support calls
    for the Saudis and Emiratis to disburse the remaining funds immediately
    to avoid a gap in the humanitarian response. If confirmed, I will
    emphasize to my Emirati counterparts the important role that their
    humanitarian contributions play in preventing the worsening of the
    humanitarian crisis, and explore the potential for greater UAE
    engagement with the Central Bank of Yemen on capacity building to
    forestall the depreciation of the Yemeni riyal, so that Yemenis can
    afford the food they desperately need.

                                   __________

     Letter from Ranking Member Senator Robert Menendez to Andrew Bremberg
    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

    Amnesty International Report Submitted for the Record by Senator Markey

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

      Relevant Excerpts from the San Diego Union-Tribune Employee Handbook

    [GRAPHICS NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                            WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 3:05 p.m. in Room
    SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Lindsey Graham,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Graham [presiding], Gardner, Young,
    Shaheen, Coons, and Kaine.

               OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. LINDSEY GRAHAM,
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM SOUTH CAROLINA

        Senator Graham. Thank you. Sorry we are late. We had to
    vote.
        My opening remarks will be very quick. I have been working
    with Senator Coons and many others, and Senator Kaine has a lot
    of interest in this. From an American point of view, our
    policies in Africa, we need to up our game, and it is a
    wonderful opportunity for the United States to be a better
    partner for the continent of Africa, a lot of opportunities, a
    lot of challenges. This is where the war against radical Islam
    is going to go, as you make it harder for them to reside in the
    Mideast. And I just cannot tell you how much I enjoyed visiting
    the continent. And each of you in your own way will be our
    voice, and I just hope you will understand that from American
    point of view, the 21st century, the big prize is trying to
    have a better relationship with Africa before the Chinese take
    the place over.
        Senator Kaine?

                     STATEMENT OF HON. TIM KAINE,
                       U.S. SENATOR FROM VIRGINIA

        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And it is good to be with each of you. Congratulations on
    your nominations.
        This is my first time in the Senate where I am serving on
    the Africa Subcommittee, and I am really looking forward to
    learning from my colleagues and learning from you.
        To Ambassador Leonard, Mr. Bell, and Ms. Lapenn, you have
    all recently left leadership positions in Africa to come here.
    Your careers in representing our country all over the world are
    very long and very impressive, and I am very appreciative of
    the opportunity and the experience that each of you bring from
    your service on the continent.
        Ambassador Leonard served as our representative to the
    African Union in Addis Ababa and previously as Ambassador to
    Mali, as well as service in South Africa, Togo, Namibia,
    Cameroon.
        Mr. Bell was charge d'affaires in N'Djamena in Chad, also
    having served in Niger, Ethiopia, Madagascar, and then at
    AFRICOM.
        Ms. Lapenn, charge d'affaires in Pretoria, having also
    served in Rwanda, and this in addition to many other positions.
    And I want to acknowledge, Ms. Lapenn, you are a former Pearson
    Fellow on Capitol Hill with this committee, and I have a
    Pearson Fellow, Mimi Estes, behind me, and today is her last
    day before she goes back to the State Department. And it is a
    wonderful, and the State Department folks who are loaned as
    Pearson Fellows to the Hill--we could not get our work done
    without them.
        To Ms. Bekkering, you have been doing the job for which you
    have been nominated in an acting capacity and we thank you for
    your service both to this administration and also to the
    administration of President George W. Bush. I look forward to
    sharing your insider's perspective on USAID operation and
    funding.
        And finally, Ms. Marks, we look forward to hearing about
    your unique background and experience and your thoughts on the
    important U.S. relationship with South Africa.
        Many challenges. Senator Graham addressed a few. I have
    heard him talk in the past and share his concern about
    instability in the Sahel and how that could pose a threat to
    the relative stability, good governance, and economic revival
    in Cote d'Ivoire. The African Union is an important body
    managing significant crises, numerous crises and conflicts
    affecting its members, and we need to figure out the right way
    to strategize to work in partnership going forward.
        I think this is going to be a good hearing. I, again,
    congratulate each of you on your nomination and look forward to
    hearing your opening statements and moving to questions.
        Senator Graham. Thank you. That was a good overview.
        You do not have to get sworn in, but do not lie.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Graham. All right. Ms. Marks, go ahead.

         STATEMENT OF LANA MARKS, OF FLORIDA, TO BE AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
                AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

        Ms. Marks. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished
    members of the committee, I am honored to appear before you
    today as President Trump's nominee to be the next U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa. I am thankful to
    the President and to Secretary Pompeo for the confidence and
    trust they have placed in me through my nomination to this very
    important role.
        My family is here with today, and I would like to thank my
    husband, Dr. Neville Marks, who has stood by my side for 43
    years of marriage; my son, Martin Marks, for his tireless
    support throughout this process; and my amazing daughter,
    Tiffany Marks; my son-in-law Simon; and my grandchildren,
    Asher, Skyla, and Mia.
        I am blessed in my family. For many reasons, we represent
    the American dream, one that has been achieved through hard
    work, determination, and perseverance.
        My father was a good and fair man. He escaped the anti-
    Semitism of Lithuania in the 1930s and emigrated to South
    Africa where he worked his way through university, earned a
    degree in engineering, and then went into real estate
    development. When the apartheid laws came into effect, he
    realized that the values of his adopted country did not match
    the values he held dear.
        I married my husband when I was 22 years old, and we moved
    to Bermuda where he established himself as a psychiatrist. When
    my husband was offered a professorship in America, we decided
    to leave everything behind for our new home. We settled in
    Miami where I started a small artisanal handbag business from
    the kitchen table of our two-bedroom apartment. In the last 15
    years, I visited 110 countries as I grew that business into a
    global brand. I am honored to have served as a member of
    Harvard University's Kennedy School of government's Women's
    Leadership Board, as a distinguished speaker for Georgetown
    University's Women's Leadership Initiative, and to have
    represented the United States in Helsinki, Finland for the
    Women Business Leaders Summit.
        In 1994, I became an American citizen. By coincidence, this
    is also the year that Nelson Mandela became President of South
    Africa. In just 25 years, the country of my birth has undergone
    a miraculous transformation through its peaceful transition
    away from the brutal apartheid regime and now stands as a
    pillar of democracy. It fills me with great personal pride to
    witness the legacy of Nelson Mandela in this remarkable
    evolution of South Africa.
        South Africa has joined the ranks of the G-20 group of the
    world's most important economies, and it currently sits on the
    United Nations Security Council as an elected member. It has
    not only become an engine of economic growth for Africa and
    beyond, but also leads by example in the region, including by
    contributing over 1,000 troops to peacekeeping operations in
    the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
        If confirmed, my top priority would undoubtedly be the
    safety and security of all Americans in South Africa, a
    priority enunciated by Secretary Pompeo. I would also work to
    further cultivate the already robust relationship the United
    States enjoys with South Africa, deepening both our government
    dialogue and our important trade and investment ties. South
    Africa is our most developed trading partner in sub-Saharan
    Africa. American firms contribute about 10 percent of South
    Africa's GDP, and I will work tirelessly to expand markets in
    South Africa for American businesses.
        The ongoing battle against HIV and AIDS, which affects more
    than 7 and a half million South Africans, is one that we can
    win. Since 2004, Congress has appropriated more than $6 billion
    in funding through the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS
    Relief, or PEPFAR, just in South Africa. We should use the
    momentum of this generous funding and continued bipartisan
    support to put an end to the scourge of HIV and AIDS and to
    reach epidemic control by 2020.
        The issues of women's and youth empowerment,
    entrepreneurship, and economic opportunities are ones that I
    personally hold dear. The future of South Africa can be seen in
    the faces of its young citizens, and I will work tirelessly, if
    confirmed, to ensure that the prospects every person deserves
    should not be out of reach for any South African.
        I have witnessed both the struggles and the triumphs of the
    land that Archbishop Desmond Tutu called ``the rainbow
    nation.'' After centuries of hardship and colonialism, South
    Africa has embraced democratic ideals and serves as a beacon of
    hope for the rest of Africa. It is further heartening to see
    the recent election of President Ramaphosa. In this renewed era
    of democracy, we must reinforce that we are true partners on
    the road ahead.
        There are deep, longstanding, and genuine ties of affection
    that bind Americans and South Africans. If confirmed, I would
    be deeply honored to use my knowledge and skills to strengthen
    these ties.
        Thank you for the honor and privilege of allowing me to
    appear before the committee today. I welcome your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Marks follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of Lana J. Marks

        Mr Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the
    committee: I am honored to appear before you today as President Trump's
    nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa.
    I am thankful to the President and to Secretary Pompeo for the
    confidence and trust they have placed in me through my nomination to
    this very important role.
        My family is here with me today, and I would like to thank my
    husband, Dr. Neville Marks, who has stood by my side for 43 years of
    marriage; my son, Martin Marks, for his tireless support throughout
    this process; my amazing daughter, Tiffany Isaacs; my son-in-law,
    Simon; and my grandchildren, Asher, Skyla, and Mia.
        I am blessed in my family. For many reasons, we represent the
    American Dream, one that has been achieved through hard work,
    determination, and perseverance.
        My father was a good and fair man. He escaped the antisemitism of
    Lithuania in the 1930s, and emigrated to South Africa, where he worked
    his way through university, earned a degree in engineering, and then
    went into real estate development. When the apartheid laws came into
    effect, he realized that the values of his adopted country did not
    match the values he held dear.
        I married my husband when I was 22 years old, and we moved to
    Bermuda, where he established himself as a psychiatrist. When my
    husband was offered a professorship in America, we decided to leave
    everything behind for our new home. We settled in Miami, where I
    started a small, artisanal handbag business from the kitchen table of
    our two-bedroom apartment. In the last 15 years, I visited 110
    countries as I grew that business into a global brand. I am honored to
    have served as a member of Harvard University's Kennedy School of
    government's Women's Leadership Board, as a distinguished speaker for
    Georgetown University's Women's Leadership Initiative, and to have
    represented the United States in Helsinki for the Women Business
    Leaders Summit.
        In 1994, I became an American citizen. By coincidence, this was
    also the year that Nelson Mandela became president of South Africa. In
    just 25 years, the country of my birth has undergone a miraculous
    transformation through its peaceful transition away from the brutal
    apartheid regime, and now stands as a pillar of democracy. It fills me
    with great personal pride to witness the legacy of Nelson Mandela in
    this remarkable evolution of South Africa.
        South Africa has joined the ranks of the G-20 group of the world's
    most important economies, and it currently sits on the United Nations
    Security Council as an elected member. It has not only become an engine
    of economic growth for Africa and beyond, but also leads by example in
    the region, including by contributing over 1,000 troops to peacekeeping
    operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
        If confirmed, I will work to encourage the government of South
    Africa to continue its leadership in the region, including by promoting
    respect for human rights and good governance.
        If confirmed, my top priority would undoubtedly be the safety and
    security of all Americans in South Africa, a priority well-enunciated
    by Secretary Pompeo. I would also work to further cultivate the already
    robust relationship the United States enjoys with South Africa,
    deepening both our government dialogue and our important trade and
    investment ties. South Africa is our most developed trading partner in
    sub-Saharan Africa; deepening those ties would directly support one of
    the Administration's key objectives in the Africa Strategy. Considering
    that American firms already contribute about 10 percent of South
    Africa's GDP and employ about 200,000 South Africans in direct and
    indirect positions, I will work tirelessly to expand markets in South
    Africa for American exporters and ensure our businesses and products
    are treated fairly.
        The ongoing battle against HIV and AIDS, which affects more than
    seven and a half million South Africans, is one that we can win. Since
    2004, Congress has appropriated more than $6 billion in funding through
    the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, or PEPFAR, just in
    South Africa. We should use the momentum of this generous funding and
    continued bipartisan support to put an end to the scourge of HIV and
    AIDS once and for all. If confirmed, I will work intensively with our
    PEPFAR team and our South African partners and the government to ensure
    our funding is applied in the most efficient and effective ways
    possible to reach epidemic control by 2020.
        The issues of women's and youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and
    economic opportunities are ones that I personally hold dear. The future
    of South Africa can be seen in the faces of its young citizens, and I
    will work tirelessly, if confirmed, to ensure that the prospects every
    person deserves should not be out of reach for any South African.
        I have witnessed both the struggles and the triumphs of the land
    that Archbishop Desmond Tutu called ``the rainbow nation.'' After
    centuries of hardship and colonialism, South Africa has embraced
    democratic ideals, and serves as a beacon of hope for the rest of
    Africa. It is further heartening to see the recent election of
    President Ramaphosa. In this renewed era of democracy, we must
    reinforce our message to the South African people that we are true
    partners on the road ahead.
        There are deep, long-standing, and genuine ties of affection that
    bind Americans and South Africans. If confirmed, I would be deeply
    honored to use my knowledge and skills to strengthen these ties.
        Thank you for the honor and privilege of allowing me to appear
    before the committee today. I welcome your questions.

    STATEMENT OF JESSICA E. LAPENN, OF NEW YORK, A CAREER MEMBER OF
    THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR, TO BE
     REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE AFRICAN
    UNION, WITH THE RANK AND STATUS OF AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND
                            PLENIPOTENTIARY

        Ms. Lapenn. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Kaine,
    distinguished members of the Senate Foreign Relations
    Committee, thank you for this opportunity to appear before you
    today. I am honored to be the President's nominee for the
    position of U.S. Ambassador to the African Union and
    Representative to the United Nations Economic Commission for
    Africa. I am grateful for the trust and confidence the
    President and Secretary Pompeo have placed in me. If confirmed,
    I pledge to work with you to advance our nation's interests at
    these institutions.
        My parents, Joyce and Jim Lapenn, are with me today, as
    they have been every step of my almost 25 years in the Foreign
    Service. In country after country, they have visited me, often
    volunteering in local organizations, helping me more fully
    reflect American values of service, of generosity, and
    partnership.
        I am not joined today by my 10-year-old son Jasper, though
    he has fully shared in my Foreign Service life. He was born in
    Jerusalem and has spent almost half his life on the African
    continent. He is not here because he is reconnecting to
    American life at summer camp in New Hampshire.
        I entered the Foreign Service for both the ``foreign'' and
    the ``service.'' I was attracted by the prospects of foreign
    experiences and by the opportunities for meaningful service,
    and I have found both in equal measure. Across my posts, I have
    had the privilege to represent, to advance vital American
    security, political, and economic interests. From Jerusalem to
    Johannesburg, I have strived to do so in a way that
    communicated shared American values and in service to the
    American people. If confirmed by this body, my tenure in Addis
    would be defined and shaped by those experiences.
        The African Union is a unique and influential forum. It
    brings together 55 member states to discuss and take action on
    the continent's foremost issues and to formulate and establish
    standards by which all members can hold each other accountable.
    It is a forum where our voice needs to be heard.
        If confirmed, I would focus on three key priorities:
    expanding trade and investment; advancing peace and security;
    and supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance
    across the continent.
        Africa is, in part, defined by its youthful population.
    Economic transformation is essential to ensure that this is an
    asset, not a vulnerability. The private sector can generate the
    jobs that young Africans need and want. By helping American
    business and investment succeed in Africa, we can foster
    prosperity on the continent, as well as here at home. From the
    passage by this body the BUILD Act to the recent rollout of
    Prosper Africa, the United States has expanded its toolkit for
    economic engagement. We have done so in stark contrast to the
    more predatory and debt diplomacy of others.
        The recent establishment of the African Continental Free
    Trade Area, or AfCFTA, represents an exciting opportunity for
    African governments to reduce trade barriers and increase trade
    and investment. The AU will be at the center of its
    implementation. If confirmed, I will focus on creating
    opportunities for U.S. business and expanding U.S.-Africa trade
    and investment.
        My second priority, if confirmed, will be advancing peace
    and security. Fragility, ongoing conflicts threaten global and
    national security. The African Union has made significant
    strides to prevent, respond to, and resolve armed conflict and
    counter transnational threats. Over the past decade plus, the
    AU, sub-regional organizations, and member states have played a
    key role as first responders to regional conflicts, and we have
    been with them throughout. If confirmed, I will continue
    building and integrating the AU's counterterrorism and conflict
    prevention capabilities.
        Finally, if confirmed, I will work with the AU to encourage
    democracy and good governance practices, which are so critical
    for peace, security, and sustained economic growth. Our shared
    commitment to democratic principles, including open and
    accountable governance, credible elections, peaceful
    transitions of power and respect for human rights and the rule
    of law--these are the very foundation of the U.S.-AU
    relationship.
        The outstanding USAU team has been dedicated to partnering
    with the African Union and its member states to ensure a secure
    and prosperous future and to deepening U.S.-African ties. If
    confirmed, I look forward to leading their efforts.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Kaine, members of the
    committee, thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward
    to your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Lapenn follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of Jessica Lapenn

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the Foreign
    Relations Committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you
    today. I am honored to be the President's nominee for the position of
    the U.S. Ambassador to the African Union and Representative to the
    United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. I am grateful for the
    trust and confidence the President and Secretary Pompeo have placed in
    me. If confirmed, I pledge to work with you to advance our nation's
    interests at these institutions.
        My parents, Joyce and Jim Lapenn, are with me today--as they have
    been every step of my career for the last almost twenty-five years. In
    country after country, they have visited me and often volunteered in
    local organizations, helping me to more fully reflect American values
    of service, generosity, and partnership.
        I'm not joined today by my ten-year-old son Jasper, who has fully
    shared in my Foreign Service life. Indeed, he has lived more than half
    his life on the African continent. Unfortunately for me, Jasper isn't
    here because he's at summer camp, reconnecting to American life.
        Today is significant for me. I entered the Foreign Service for both
    the ``Foreign'' and the ``Service.'' I was attracted by the prospects
    of foreign experiences and by the opportunities for meaningful service,
    and I have found both in equal measure over nearly a quarter of a
    century in posts in the Middle East, the United Nations, Washington,
    DC, and Africa. Across my posts, I have had the privilege to represent
    and advance vital American security, economic, and political interests.
    From Jerusalem to Johannesburg, I have strived to do so in a way that
    communicated shared American values and in service to the American
    people. If confirmed by this body, my service in Addis Ababa would be
    defined and shaped by these experiences.
        The African Union (AU) is a unique and influential forum that
    brings together all 55 member states to discuss and take action on the
    continent's foremost issues, and to formulate and establish standards
    by which all members can hold each other accountable. It is a forum
    where our voice needs to be heard.
        If confirmed, I would focus on three key priorities: expanding
    trade and investment opportunities; advancing peace and security; and
    supporting democracy, human rights, and good governance across the
    continent.
        One of Africa's greatest assets is its youth. An estimated 70
    percent of sub-Saharan Africa's population is under the age of 30.
    Economic transformation is essential to ensure that Africa's youth is
    an asset, not a vulnerability.
        Only the private sector can generate the jobs that young Africans
    need and want. By helping American business and investment succeed in
    Africa, we can foster prosperity on the continent and here at home.
    From the passage by this body of the BUILD Act to the recent rollout of
    Prosper Africa, the United States has expanded its tool-kit for
    economic engagement with Africa, and we have done so in stark contrast
    to the more predatory debt diplomacy of other countries.
        The recent establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area
    (AfCFTA) represents an exciting opportunity for African governments to
    reduce trade barriers and increase trade and investment, and the AU
    will be at the center of its implementation. If confirmed, my
    leadership of the U.S. Mission to the African Union will focus on
    building bridges between the U.S. and African private sectors, reducing
    barriers to American investment, and fostering entrepreneurship to
    deepen and expand U.S.-Africa trade and investment.
        If confirmed, I will also prioritize advancing peace and security.
    Fragility and ongoing conflicts in Africa threaten global and U.S.
    national security. They stifle economic growth, enable the spread of
    radical extremism and pandemic disease, and trigger destabilizing
    migration flows. The African Union has made significant strides to
    prevent, respond to, and resolve armed conflict and to counter
    transnational threats. Over the past decade plus, the AU, sub-regional
    organizations, and AU member states have played a key role as first
    responders to regional conflicts, and we have been with them
    throughout. We have provided capacity building in peacekeeping and
    counterterrorism and supported almost all current and past AU-
    sanctioned operations. Because of U.S. support, Africans now comprise
    more than 60 percent of peacekeepers on the continent, up from 40
    percent just ten years ago. If confirmed, I intend to continue building
    and integrating the AU's counterterrorism and conflict prevention
    capabilities.
        Finally, if confirmed, I will work with the AU to encourage
    democracy and good governance practices, which are critical for peace,
    security, and sustained economic growth. Our shared commitment to
    democratic principles--including open and accountable governance;
    credible elections and peaceful transitions of power; respect for human
    rights and the rule of law; and expanding access to justice--are the
    foundation of the United States and African Union's excellent
    relationship. If confirmed, I will work to facilitate frank dialogue
    around these goals--which will necessarily entail communicating clearly
    to AU members the need for inclusive and transparent democratic
    processes that include civil society and youth participation.
        The outstanding USAU team in Addis is dedicated to partnering with
    the African Union and its member states to ensure a secure and
    prosperous future for the continent's 1.3 billion people and to
    deepening U.S.-African ties. If confirmed, I will look forward to
    leading their efforts.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of the committee, thank
    you again for the opportunity to appear before you today. I look
    forward to answering your questions.

    STATEMENT OF RICHARD K. BELL, OF PENNSYLVANIA, A CAREER MEMBER
       OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUNSELOR, TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
           STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF COTE D'IVOIRE

        Mr. Bell. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished
    members of the committee, I am honored and humbled to appear
    before you today and I am grateful to the President and
    Secretary Pompeo for the confidence they have placed in me as
    their nominee to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of
    Cote d'Ivoire. If confirmed, I will dedicate myself to
    furthering this important bilateral relationship and advancing
    America's interests in Cote d'Ivoire.
        I would like to thank my parents, Bill and Cathy Bell, who
    gave my brothers and me an enriching upbringing on three
    continents, an unwavering example of integrity, humility, and
    grace, and a love for our country that our international
    experiences only served to strengthen. My brothers, Mark and
    Paul, have been inspiring me for decades.
        I am the proud father of Annis and Will and so grateful to
    their mother Vicky, without whom I probably never would have
    joined the Foreign Service.
        I would like to say a special thanks to Ambassador Don
    Yamamoto, currently our Ambassador in Somalia. When he was
    running the Africa Bureau, he really went above and beyond
    advocating for an ambassadorship for me.
        I would also like to note the presence of Ms. Hannah
    Ingleton, the desk officer for Cote d'Ivoire, who has done such
    a fine job preparing me for this hearing.
        In my 28 years as a Foreign Service officer, I have had the
    privilege of serving on or near four continents, including
    three full tours in Africa: Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Niger
    where I was charge d'affaires for a year. Since September, I
    have been serving as the charge d'affaires in Chad.
        Cote d'Ivoire has seen immense success since 2011 after
    emerging from civil conflict and is once again an engine of
    growth in West Africa. The country went from negative growth
    and stagnation during a decade-long conflict to real GDP growth
    of 7 to 9 percent annually since 2012. Cote d'Ivoire is the
    world's largest exporter of cocoa beans and raw cashews and one
    of the best performing economies in the world. The U.S.
    government is supporting the Ivoirians in this growth. In 2017,
    a $525 million Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact was
    signed to support the country's education and transportation
    sectors. In addition, in December 2018, Secretary of Commerce
    Wilbur Ross and the foreign minister of Cote d'Ivoire signed a
    memorandum of understanding which aims to help U.S. companies
    increase investment in Cote d'Ivoire. And Cote d'Ivoire will
    host the 2019 African Growth and Opportunity Act Annual Forum
    in Abidjan next month.
        Cote d'Ivoire is the United States' largest Francophone
    Africa trading partner, and the United States imports 15
    percent of Cote d'Ivoire's cocoa. Almost every M&M and Snickers
    bar that Mars sells here in the United States contains Ivoirian
    cocoa. I am aware of concerns about child labor in the cocoa
    sector and know that the embassy is working closely with the
    Ivoirian government, NGOs, and the chocolate industry to
    address these concerns. Much of our engagement with Cote
    d'Ivoire addresses factors that can contribute to child labor.
    We are thus active in supporting women's economic empowerment,
    improving access to education, and improving health services.
    Our efforts to increase law enforcement capacity will help Cote
    d'Ivoire deal with those who use child labor and exploit
    children in forced labor.
        Cote d'Ivoire aims to become an emerging economy by 2020,
    but to meet this goal, the country must sustain its impressive
    economic growth, distribute benefits more broadly, improve
    government services, strengthen democratic institutions,
    improve security sector governance, and conduct free and
    credible elections in 2020.
        A strong democracy, political inclusiveness, and
    reconciliation will be necessary to solidify Cote d'Ivoire's
    economic success and ensure the country does not fall back into
    civil conflict. If confirmed, I will work with the government
    of Cote d'Ivoire to strengthen governance, enhance
    transparency, and become increasingly responsive to citizen
    needs. I will also support democratic institutions and advocate
    for 2020 presidential elections that are free, fair, and thus
    credibly reflect the will of the Ivoirian people.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished
    members of the committee, for this opportunity to appear before
    you. The Ivoirian people from the president and his government
    to the humblest cocoa farmers are friends of America. If
    confirmed, I will strive to keep it that way, to reinforce our
    interests in a stable, prosperous, and peaceful Cote d'Ivoire.
    I warmly welcome any questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Bell follows:]

                       Prepared Statement of Richard Bell

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the
    committee, I am humbled to have been selected to appear before you
    today and am grateful to the President and Secretary Pompeo for the
    confidence they have placed in me as their nominee to be the next U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. If confirmed, I will
    dedicate myself to furthering this important bilateral relationship,
    and advancing America's interests in Cote d'Ivoire.
        I would like to thank my parents, Bill and Cathy Bell, who gave my
    brothers and me an enriching upbringing on three continents, an
    unwavering example of integrity, humility and grace, and a love for our
    country that our international experiences only served to strengthen.
    My brothers Mark and Paul have been inspiring me for decades. I am the
    proud father of Annis and Will, and so grateful to their mother Vicky,
    without whom I probably never would have joined the Foreign Service. I
    would also like to thank Ambassador Don Yamamoto, now our ambassador to
    Somalia: when he was running the Africa Bureau of the State Department,
    he went above and beyond in advocating for an ambassadorship for me.
        In my twenty-eight years as a Foreign Service Officer, I've had the
    privilege of serving on or near four continents, including three full
    tours in Africa: Madagascar, Ethiopia, and Niger--where I was Charge
    d'Affaires for a year. Since September 2018, I've been serving as the
    Charge d'Affaires in Chad. Not coincidentally, three of those African
    postings were in Francophone countries, where I was able to put my
    French fluency to good use. I look forward to getting to know
    personally the ``jewel of West Africa,'' Cote d'Ivoire.
        Cote d'Ivoire has seen immense success since 2011, after emerging
    from civil conflict, and is once again an engine of growth in West
    Africa. The country went from negative growth and stagnation during a
    decade-long conflict, to real GDP growth of seven to nine percent
    annually since 2012. Cote d'Ivoire is the world's largest exporter of
    cocoa beans and raw cashews, and one of the best-performing economies
    in the world. The U.S. government is supporting the Ivoirians in this
    growth. In 2017, a 525 million dollar Millennium Challenge Corporation
    Compact was signed to support the country's education and
    transportation sectors. In addition, in December 2018, Secretary of
    Commerce Wilbur Ross and the Foreign Minister of Cote d'Ivoire signed a
    memorandum of understanding which aims to help U.S. companies increase
    investment in Cote d'Ivoire. Cote d'Ivoire will host the 2019 African
    Growth and Opportunity Act Annual Forum in Abidjan this August.
        Cote d'Ivoire is the United States' largest Francophone Africa
    trading partner, and the United States imports 15 percent of Cote
    d'Ivoire's cocoa. Almost every M&M and Snickers bar that Mars sells
    here in the United States contains Ivoirian cocoa. I am aware of
    concerns about child labor in the cocoa sector and know that the
    Embassy is working closely with the Ivoirian government, NGOs and the
    chocolate industry to address these concerns. Much of our engagement
    with Cote d'Ivoire addresses factors that can contribute to child
    labor. We are thus active in supporting women's economic empowerment,
    improving access to education, and improving health services. Our
    efforts to increase law-enforcement capacity will help Cote d'Ivoire
    deal with those who use child labor and exploit children in forced
    labor.
        Energy and economic growth are key areas of engagement for the
    U.S.-Ivoirian relationship. USAID supports the expansion of the Power
    Africa initiative to Cote d'Ivoire, with a focus on helping the
    Ivoirian government's program to increase connectivity to the national
    power grid, especially in rural areas. In 2019, the U.S. Trade and
    Development Agency approved three feasibility-study projects in
    biomass, hydro, and smart grid. USAID is implementing a Trade Africa
    program that includes promoting regional trade in key value chains
    under the Ivoirian national export strategy.
        If confirmed, I will support Cote d'Ivoire's economic efforts to
    achieve inclusive growth through a diversified, modern economy. I would
    encourage Cote d'Ivoire to create an environment that is even more
    conducive to private-sector-led growth and that creates employment
    opportunities for its people, including women and youth.
        Cote d'Ivoire aims to become an emerging economy by 2020, but to
    meet this goal the country must sustain its impressive economic growth,
    distribute benefits more broadly, improve government services,
    strengthen democratic institutions, improve security sector governance,
    and conduct free and credible elections in 2020.
        Our Embassy is actively promoting good governance and respect for
    human rights in Cote d'Ivoire. USAID, for example, supports an
    increasingly capable, professional, and organized civil society and
    media active across the political landscape. USAID focuses on
    strengthening the electoral process and encouraging greater voter
    participation, particularly among youth and women, urgent needs in the
    lead-up to the 2020 presidential election.
        A strong democracy, political inclusiveness, and reconciliation
    will be necessary to solidify Cote d'Ivoire's economic success and
    ensure the country does not fall back into civil conflict. If
    confirmed, I will work with the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and become increasingly
    responsive to citizen needs. I will also support democratic
    institutions and advocate for 2020 presidential elections that are
    free, fair, and thus credibly reflect the will of the Ivoirian people.
        I would also continue U.S. support for the Ivoirian people through
    our significant investments in Health. U.S. global health assistance is
    by far the largest area of U.S. development assistance in Cote
    d'Ivoire, programmed through multiple U.S. agencies, including CDC,
    USAID and DoD. The U.S. government, through the President's Emergency
    Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), supports the majority of Cote d'Ivoire's
    national HIV response, nearly $1.6 billion since 2004 in assistance
    provided by the United States to help Cote d'Ivoire achieve control and
    eventual elimination of its HIV/AIDS epidemic.
        Cote d'Ivoire is entering a critical phase in its post-conflict
    recovery process. The country will need strong support and smart
    bilateral cooperation from the United States and other international
    partners to consolidate the democratic and economic gains it has made
    since the end, in 2011, of more than a decade of conflict. With the
    right support, Cote d'Ivoire will serve as an engine for economic
    growth and a model for private-sector-led development in West Africa.
    We are expanding our security cooperation with Cote d'Ivoire--a troop-
    contributing country to the U.N. peacekeeping mission in neighboring
    Mali--to strengthen its capacity to play a crucial stabilizing role in
    a region that is increasingly at risk due to terrorism and other
    transnational threats.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members
    of the committee for this opportunity to appear before you. The
    Ivoirian people--from the president and his government to the humblest
    cocoa farmers--are friends of America. If confirmed, I will strive to
    keep it that way, to reinforce our interests in a stable, prosperous
    and peaceful Cote d'Ivoire. I warmly welcome any questions.

    STATEMENT OF HON. MARY BETH LEONARD, OF MASSACHUSETTS, A CAREER
        MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-
     COUNSELOR, TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY
      OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
                                NIGERIA

        Ambassador Leonard. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member,
    distinguished members of the committee, I am so deeply honored
    to appear before you today as the nominee to be the next U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of Nigeria.
        I would like to thank my family, who are with me through
    the miracle of live-streaming, and I would also like to thank
    some Foreign Service family who are here today, including among
    my most cherished mentors, Ambassador Johhny Young and Terry
    McCulley, who was a distinguished past Ambassador in both
    Nigeria and Cote d'Ivoire.
        I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for
    the trust and confidence they have shown in nominating me for
    this position. If confirmed, I will strive to marshal the
    experiences from over 2 decades of African postings in a 31-
    year Foreign Service career, including two tours as chief of
    mission. As U.S. Ambassador in Mali, I addressed converging
    issues of governance and security. In my current assignment as
    Ambassador to the African Union, I have regularly witnessed
    Nigeria's diplomatic heft and agility, as well as regional
    coordination to address its security challenges. If confirmed,
    I look forward to working closely with members of the committee
    and your staffs to promote and protect U.S. interests with
    Nigeria.
        Nigeria is a country of many paradoxes. Its vast oil
    revenues help fuel a huge economy. Yet corruption and failures
    of governance have blocked meaningful health services,
    educational opportunities, and prosperity for too many of its
    citizens. Serious security challenges stand in counterpoint to
    vibrant entrepreneurs and cultural achievements. The challenge
    for the U.S. relationship with this strategically important
    partner is how Nigeria can successfully validate its
    inestimable promise for peace and prosperity for its citizens
    and the broader region. President Buhari shares our priorities
    of expanding economic growth, increasing security, and
    countering corruption. If confirmed, I will be committed to
    harnessing U.S. diplomacy, foreign assistance, and the
    ingenuity and appeal of the U.S. private sector to partner with
    Nigeria toward these goals.
        Nigeria is our second largest trading partner on the
    continent with over $8 billion in two-way trading. In President
    Trump's April 2018 meeting with President Buhari at the White
    House, the first African head of state to be welcomed there, he
    emphasized the potential for expanded U.S.-Nigerian trade. That
    is why the U.S. government welcomes Nigeria's recent decision
    to sign on to the African Continental Free Trade Area. As I
    have stated often in my role as Ambassador to the AU, by
    opening African markets and lowering barriers to trade and
    investment, this agreement can pave the way for increased U.S.-
    Africa trade. If confirmed, I would look to harness U.S. tools
    ranging from the African Growth and Opportunity Act to the
    coming Development Finance Corporation's increased budget for
    insurance, loans and loan guarantees, and equity investments to
    promote our mutual prosperity.
        Nigerians in nearly all of the country's 36 states are
    plagued by insecurity, from terrorism in the northeast to
    militant attacks and maritime piracy in the south, to inter-
    communal violence, kidnapping and crime across the country.
    Vice President Pence and Nigerian Vice President Osinbajo
    discussed these security challenges as well as ways to better
    protect citizens during their June 26 White House meeting. If
    confirmed, I will keep firmly in mind our long-term goal of a
    more operationally capable and professional military and police
    services that respect human rights, protect civilians, and hold
    those responsible for abuses and violations to account, as only
    such forces can truly deliver security to the people of
    Nigeria.
        Escalating inter-communal conflict is frequently based in
    resource competition, but inflamed by conflation of ethnic and
    religious overlays. If confirmed, I will work to ensure the
    U.S. government helps Nigeria address these conflicts' root
    causes, enhance the security and justice sector response, and
    support Nigerian inter-faith efforts.
        Nigeria needs to build trust between the government and its
    people to succeed in fulfilling its great promise and to
    strengthen its democracy. A large share of our roughly $500
    million annual bilateral assistance portfolio targets Nigerian
    human capital to create a more productive and stable African
    partner. Nigeria's 2015 elections contributed to positive
    democratic trends in much of West Africa, and despite some
    flaws, the 2019 elections demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to
    improving its democracy. If confirmed, as Nigeria passes the
    20-year mark of a return to democratic rule, I will ensure the
    United States continues to be a stalwart partner of the
    Nigerian people as they work to solidify their country's place
    a democratic leader in Africa.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the committee, I
    would be honored to be confirmed to the privilege of directing
    the U.S. relationship with Nigeria. I thank you for this
    opportunity to appear before you, and I look forward to your
    questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ambassador Leonard follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Mary Beth Leonard

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the
    committee,
        I am so deeply honored to appear before you today as the nominee to
    serve as the U.S. Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I
    would like to thank my family, of both the actual and Foreign Service
    trees, who are with me in spirit and virtually through the magic of
    live streaming.
        Indeed, the list of prior U.S. ambassadors to Nigeria includes many
    of my most valued mentors and professional idols in the Foreign
    Service, and I am grateful to President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for
    the trust and confidence they have shown in nominating me for this
    position. Having completed seven tours in Africa and two domestic
    Africa-related assignments in the course of my 31-year Foreign Service
    career, if confirmed I will strive to marshal these experiences to
    follow successfully in their storied footsteps. As U.S. Ambassador in
    Mali, I addressed converging issues of governance and security; in my
    current assignment as Ambassador to the African Union, I have regularly
    witnessed Nigeria's diplomatic heft and agility, as well as regional
    coordination to address its security challenges. If confirmed, I look
    forward to working closely with members of the committee and your
    staffs to promote and protect U.S. interests with Nigeria.
        With the continent's largest population, democracy, and economy,
    Nigeria fully merits the sobriquet of ``Africa's giant,'' and our
    relationship with Nigeria is arguably the most important one in sub-
    Saharan Africa. It is no understatement to say that overarching U.S.
    policy priorities for Africa in trade, counter-terrorism, good
    governance, human rights, and responsible use of U.S. government
    resources can only be met if we meet them in Nigeria.
        As I began my preparations for the confirmation process, I was
    struck by the depth of passion evinced by those who follow Nigeria's
    many paradoxes. Its vast oil revenues help fuel a huge economy, yet
    corruption and failures of governance have blocked meaningful health
    services, educational opportunities, prosperity, and access to justice
    for too many of its citizens. Security challenges including communal
    violence and terrorism stand in counterpoint to wellsprings of vibrant
    entrepreneurs and cultural achievements in film, literature, and
    academia more broadly. The challenge for this strategically important
    partner--and the U.S. relationship with it--is how Nigeria can
    successfully validate its inestimable promise for peace and prosperity
    for its own citizens and the broader region. President Buhari, recently
    elected to a second term, shares our priorities of expanding economic
    growth, increasing security, and countering corruption. If confirmed, I
    will be committed to harnessing U.S. diplomacy, foreign assistance, and
    the ingenuity and appeal of the U.S. private sector to partner with
    Nigeria toward these goals.
        Nigeria is our second-largest trading partner in Africa with over
    $8 billion in total trade in goods in 2018; hundreds of U.S. companies
    do business in Nigeria. President Trump in his meeting with President
    Buhari at the White House in April 2018--the first African head of
    state he welcomed there--emphasized the potential for expanded U.S.-
    Nigerian trade. By adopting more market-oriented economic policies,
    improving infrastructure and the investment climate, and tackling
    corruption, the government of Nigeria can present great opportunities
    for both of our countries. That is why the U.S. government welcomes
    Nigeria's recent decision to sign on to the African Continental Free
    Trade Area. As I've stated often in my role as Ambassador to the
    African Union, by opening African markets and lowering barriers to
    trade and investment, this agreement can pave the way for increased
    U.S.-Africa trade. If confirmed, I would look to harness U.S. tools--
    from existing ones like the African Growth and Opportunity Act and our
    hard-working Foreign Commercial and Agriculture Service Officers--to
    newer ones like Prosper Africa and the Development Finance
    Cooperation's increased budget for insurance, loans and loan
    guarantees, and equity investments to promote our mutual prosperity.
        Nigerians in nearly all of the country's 36 states are plagued by
    insecurity: terrorism in the Northeast, banditry and inter-communal
    conflict in the Northwest and Middle Belt, militant attacks in the
    Niger Delta, maritime crime and piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, and
    kidnapping and criminal gangs throughout the country. Vice President
    Pence and Nigerian Vice President Osinbajo discussed these security
    challenges as well as ways to better protect civilians during their
    June 26 White House meeting. Nigeria is working with its neighbors to
    improve the stability of the Lake Chad Basin, counter Boko Haram, and
    put down the attempted rise of ISIS- West Africa. If confirmed, I will
    keep firmly in mind our long-term goal of a more operationally capable
    and professional Nigerian military and police services that respect
    human rights, protect civilians, and hold those responsible for abuses
    and violations to account, as only these kinds of security forces can
    truly deliver security to the people of Nigeria. The Nigerian
    government must continue to work to ensure that the almost eight
    million people still reliant on humanitarian assistance can safely
    return to their communities and restart their livelihoods. Separately,
    I have also been alarmed by reports of escalating farmer-herder and
    inter-communal conflict frequently based in resource competition, but
    enflamed by conflation of ethnic and religious overlays. If confirmed,
    I will work to ensure the U.S. government is using its full range of
    tools to help Nigerians address these conflicts' root causes, enhance
    security and justice sector response, and support Nigerian inter-faith
    and inter-communal efforts.
        Nigeria's ability to succeed in fulfilling its inestimable promise
    depends heavily on building trust between the government and its
    people, as well as strengthening its democracy and respect for human
    rights. A large share of our almost $520 million FY 2018 bilateral
    assistance portfolio helps Nigeria build human capital, fight poverty
    and promote health, and it creates a more productive and stable African
    partner. Youth employment and education for women and girls are also
    key elements of these efforts. Nigeria's 2015 elections contributed to
    a positive West African trend toward increasingly democratic elections
    and peaceful transfers of power.
        Despite some flaws, the 2019 elections demonstrated Nigeria's
    commitment to improving its democracy. As it passes the 20-year mark of
    a return to democratic rule, I, if confirmed, will ensure the United
    States continues to be a stalwart partner of the Nigerian people as
    they work to solidify their country's place as a democratic leader in
    Africa.
        Nigeria's regional and global impact is enormous, and its dynamic
    people are the greatest asset of a nation whose resources are equal in
    scale to its considerable challenges. Like Americans, Nigerians are
    hard-working, inventive, and entrepreneurial. Nigeria's youth are
    fueling exceptional endeavors in areas from Information Technology to
    agriculture, offering the promise of the opportunities the country will
    need to meet the challenge of its youthful demographics. If confirmed
    to the privilege of directing the U.S. relationship with Africa's
    giant, I look forward to channeling our own nation's dynamism with the
    full range of our diplomatic, assistance, and commercial tools to
    support Nigeria toward the prosperity and security on which our and the
    continent's shared futures depend.
        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the committee, I thank you
    for this opportunity to appear before you, and I look forward to your
    questions.

        STATEMENT OF MICHELLE A. BEKKERING, OF THE DISTRICT OF
    COLUMBIA, TO BE AN ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES
    AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC POLICY, ECONOMIC
                   GROWTH, EDUCATION, AND ENVIRONMENT

        Ms. Bekkering. Senator Graham, Ranking Member Kaine,
    distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to appear
    before you today as the President's nominee for Assistant
    Administrator for Economic Growth, Education and Environment at
    the U.S. Agency for International Development.
        I would like to start by thanking President Trump and
    Administrator Mark Green for their support and confidence in my
    ability to serve in this role.
        I would also like to thank E3's Acting Assistant
    Administrator Carrie Thompson and the entire E3 management team
    for their outstanding leadership.
        I am pleased to be joined here today by my friends and
    colleagues who took the time to come and cheer me on. I want to
    especially note Eddy Acevedo, Casey Redmon, Curtrice Dorsey,
    Elizabeth Montgomery, and Ranta Russell, who have shepherded me
    throughout this nomination process.
        I also want to recognize my parents, family, and friends
    back home in Iowa who are here with me in spirit and watching
    this via video stream.
        And most importantly, I would like to thank my husband Mark
    and our 4-year-old daughter Hadley who are here with me today.
    This moment was made possible because of your love,
    encouragement and support, and for that I thank you.
        My career path has uniquely prepared me for this position.
    I have had the pleasure of serving at USAID for the past 2
    years, and I share Administrator Green's mission and vision for
    international development and the values this agency holds
    dear. Prior to joining USAID, I spent 12 years at the
    International Republican Institute, or IRI, which is an
    international democracy development organization dedicated to
    promoting democracy and freedom across the world. I carried out
    assignments in both Washington, as well as in the field, which
    provided me with a greater appreciation and understanding of
    how to work with our partners to foster locally led development
    and achieve sustainable impact in our shared development goals.
        If confirmed, I will also bring my previous U.S. government
    experience to this position. I spent several years working in
    the House of Representatives, and during the Bush
    administration, I worked in the European and Eurasian Affairs
    Directorate of the National Security Council. If confirmed, I
    look forward to working closely with Congress to advance our
    shared priorities in a bipartisan manner.
        This professional experience will serve me well if I am
    confirmed as Assistant Administrator for E3. The E3 Bureau is a
    complex portfolio of offices that cut across all aspects of our
    development work to tackle the key challenges that inhibit a
    country's ability to meet its development goals. We do this by
    providing technical leadership, research, and field support to
    our regional missions across the world.
        If confirmed, I will focus on the following priority areas.
        Economic growth and trade. We will continue to help our
    partner countries catalyze and sustain growth while building
    their capacity to mobilize and manage domestic resources in an
    effective, transparent, and accountable manner that benefits
    all citizens. We will continue to work with our partner
    governments to ensure that their trade and regulatory regimes
    are efficient and transparent in order to level the playing
    field and promote the access of U.S. business interests to
    markets overseas. We will continue to support energy programs
    that help our partner countries transition to a more secure,
    reliable, affordable, and sustainable sector. Finally, we are
    committed to working hand in hand with the private sector to
    design and deliver our development and humanitarian programs in
    all areas.
        Education. We will continue working towards the goals
    outlined in the U.S. government Strategy on International Basic
    Education, as mandated by the READ Act of 2017. The goal of the
    strategy and our new education policy is to achieve a world in
    which educational institutions enable all individuals to
    acquire the education and skills necessary to be productive
    members of society, with a particular focus on the marginalized
    and vulnerable populations.
        Environment and natural resources. We will continue to
    invest in the conservation of our natural resources while
    simultaneously tackling environmental crimes, including
    wildlife trafficking, illegal fishing, and illegal logging. We
    will also continue our quest to reduce ocean plastics pollution
    by working with our local partners to stop waste from entering
    the oceans while improving recycling and the proper collection
    of waste. Finally, we recognize that changes in climate pose
    new challenges for development, and we will continue to assist
    our partner countries' capacity to anticipate and withstand
    weather extremes which can reduce the need for costly
    humanitarian response.
        And finally and maybe most importantly, we recognize that
    promoting the equality and empowerment of women and girls is
    not simply a part of development, but the core of all of our
    development work. To that end, we will continue our commitment
    to supporting women and girls by integrating gender equality
    and women's empowerment across every sector of our work.
        As you are aware, through the USAID transformation, the E3
    Bureau will change structurally, but the new successor bureau,
    the Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, will
    continue E3's focus on technical leadership. If confirmed, I
    look forward to implementing Administrator Green's vision for a
    transformed USAID.
        Senator Graham, Ranking Member Kaine, distinguished members
    of the committee, as you can see, the leadership of the E3
    bureau is critical to our development goals at USAID. It is,
    therefore, my honor to be here today as the administration's
    nominee for the position of Assistant Administrator of E3. If
    confirmed, I will work tirelessly on behalf of the American
    people to carry out USAID's mission to promote and demonstrate
    our democratic values abroad, while advancing a free,
    prosperous, and peaceful world.
        Thank you and I look forward to answering your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Bekkering follows:]

                  Prepared Statement of Michelle A. Bekkering

        Senator Graham, Senator Kaine, and distinguished members of the
    committee, I am honored to appear before you today as the President's
    nominee for Assistant Administrator for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment (E3) at the United States Agency for International
    Development (USAID). I thank President Trump and Administrator Green
    for their support and confidence in my ability to serve in this role.
        I would like to start by thanking Acting Assistant Administrator
    Carrie Thompson and the entire E3 management team for their outstanding
    leadership. E3 consists of more than 200 of the most experienced and
    passionate development officials with whom I have had the pleasure of
    working, and I look forward to re-joining this incredible team if
    confirmed.
        I am pleased to be joined here today by my friends and colleagues
    who took the time to come and cheer me on. I also want to recognize my
    parents, family and friends back home in Iowa who are here with me in
    spirit and watching this via videostream. And most importantly, I would
    like to thank my husband, Mark, and our four-year-old daughter, Hadley,
    who are here with me today. This moment was made possible because of
    your love, encouragement and support, and for that I thank you.
        I have had the pleasure of serving at USAID for the past two years,
    and I share Administrator Green's mission and vision for international
    development, and the values this Agency holds dear: excellence,
    integrity, respect, empowerment, inclusion, human dignity, and a
    commitment to learning.
        My career path has uniquely prepared me for this position. I spent
    twelve years at the International Republican Institute (IRI), an
    international democracy-development organization dedicated to promoting
    freedom and democracy worldwide. During my career at IRI, I managed a
    variety of programs, including cross-sectoral global ones, with a focus
    on citizen-responsive, democratic governance; civil-society and
    parliamentary strengthening; leadership development; and people-to-
    people exchanges. I carried out assignments in both Washington, as well
    as in the field, which provided me with valuable experience across the
    entire cycle of program design, implementation and management. In my
    role as Residential Country Director for Indonesia, I developed a
    greater appreciation and understanding of how to work with our partners
    to foster locally-led development and achieve sustainable impact in our
    shared development goals.
        Importantly, I also was charged with increasing the political
    inclusion of women and youth; causes about which I am passionate. I
    have had the great privilege of working with women all around the world
    who are striving to make a positive difference in their communities and
    countries, often in the face of great adversity. Their endurance,
    passion, and commitment inspire me to this day. If confirmed, I look
    forward to continuing to champion USAID's programming to promote gender
    equality and female empowerment.
        If confirmed, I will also bring my previous U.S. government
    experience to this position. I spent several years working in the House
    of Representatives, and during the Bush Administration, I worked in the
    European and Eurasian Affairs Directorate of the National Security
    Council. Having served in both the legislative and executive branches
    of the U.S. government, I have a deep understanding of the relationship
    between the branches of our government, as well as profound respect for
    the responsibilities endowed upon each. If confirmed, I look forward to
    working closely with Congress to advance our shared priorities in a
    bipartisan manner.
        This professional experience will serve me well if I am confirmed
    as Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education
    and Environment (E3). The E3 Bureau is a complex portfolio of offices
    that cut across all aspects of development and aim to tackle the key
    challenges that inhibit a country's ability to meet its development
    goals by providing technical leadership, research, and field support to
    our geographical bureaus and regional missions across the world. In
    many ways, the breadth and depth of the technical leadership embedded
    in E3 is the engine that drives USAID forward in advancing the Journey
    to Self-Reliance and ending the need for foreign assistance.
        I would like to briefly highlight a few of the issues I will
    prioritize if confirmed as Assistant Administrator for E3.

        Economic Growth and Trade: Broad-based economic growth is critical
    for creating high-quality livelihoods, fostering stability, and helping
    countries become increasingly self-reliant. As an economy grows, so
    does a country's ability to provide for the needs of its people--such
    as basic education, clean drinking water, and high quality health care.
    We need to continue to help our partner countries catalyze and sustain
    growth, while building their capacity to mobilize and manage domestic
    resources in an effective, transparent, and accountable manner that
    benefits all citizens.
        As our partner countries' economies grow, so does their demand for
    U.S. exports, which multiplies opportunities for U.S. firms and creates
    more jobs for American workers. We will continue to work with our
    partner governments and the private sector to promote business-
    friendly markets, including fair and efficient regulatory and trade
    regimes that encourage competition, safeguard private property, and
    allow commercial enterprises to grow. These actions support U.S.
    business interests by leveling the playing field and promoting market
    access overseas.
        Finally, we recognize the role of the private sector in meeting our
    vast array of development goals. Today, over 90 percent of resource
    flows to emerging and developing economies comes from the private
    sector. The private sector also creates nine out of every ten jobs in
    the developing world. These facts prove what our Administrator Mark
    Green has often said, that ``Private enterprise is the single most-
    powerful force for lifting lives, strengthening communities, and
    accelerating self-reliance.'' Through USAID's new Private-Sector
    Engagement Policy, we are institutionalizing private-sector engagement
    as a core tenet of our operating model. We are committed to working
    hand-in-hand with the private sector to design and deliver our
    development and humanitarian programs in all areas. This policy signals
    an intentional shift towards enterprise-driven development as a more
    sustainable way to assist countries on their Journey to Self-Reliance.

        Education: Education is a foundational driver of development, and
    transformational for individuals and societies, because it creates
    pathways to better health outcomes, economic opportunities, and
    peaceful, democratic societies. In 2018, E3 led the development of the
    U.S. government Strategy on International Basic Education mandated by
    the READ Act of 2017. The goal of the Strategy is to achieve a world in
    which educational institutions in partner countries enable all
    individuals to acquire the education and skills needed to be productive
    members of society, with particular focus on improving learning
    outcomes and expanding access to education for all, particularly the
    most marginalized and vulnerable populations. It also served as the
    foundation for USAID's new Education Policy, which sets priorities and
    direction for our investment in this sphere. I want to thank this
    committee for its support of USAID's education programming and look
    forward to continuing USAID's strong partnership with Congress on
    education.

        Environment and Natural Resources: Prosperity and peace depend on
    healthy ecosystems, and the conservation of biodiversity is critical to
    achieving equitable and sustainable development. We will continue to
    invest in this sector as fundamental to achieving our objectives in
    public health, food security and economic growth, while simultaneously
    tackling environmental crimes, including wildlife trafficking, illegal
    fishing, and illegal logging. We will also continue our quest to reduce
    ocean plastics pollution by working with our local partners to stop
    plastics and other mismanaged waste from entering the ocean while
    improving recycling and the proper collection and disposal of solid
    waste. We also recognize the importance of a water-secure world, in
    which people and nations have the water they need to be healthy,
    prosperous, and resilient. We will continue to lead the Agency's
    implementation of the Water for the World Act of 2014, by assisting
    governments, civil society, and the private sector in our partner
    countries to plan, finance, and deliver safe water and sanitation
    services for the neediest, while sustainably managing water resources.
    Finally, we also recognize that changes in climate pose new challenges
    for development, and we will continue to assist our partner countries'
    capacity to anticipate and withstand weather extremes, which can reduce
    the need for costly humanitarian response.

        Energy and Infrastructure: Resilient infrastructure, including a
    sustainable energy sector, is the critical foundation for inclusive,
    sustainable growth and essential to a country's self-reliance. We will
    continue to help utilities in partner countries procure and produce
    sufficient power at affordable prices and institute the internal
    reforms necessary to improve their delivery of service, while
    supporting financially self-sustaining operations. We will also
    continue to support the establishment of strong legal and regulatory
    frameworks necessary to strengthen international energy systems and
    create economic opportunity for U.S. entities.

        Gender Equality and Female Empowerment: Finally, at USAID, we
    recognize that promoting the equality and empowerment of women and
    girls is not simply a part of development, but the core of our
    development work. As the President's 2017 National Security Strategy
    notes, ``Societies that empower women to participate fully in civic and
    economic life are more prosperous and peaceful.'' To that end, we will
    continue our commitment to supporting women and girls by integrating
    gender equality and female empowerment across every sector of USAID's
    work.

        As you aware, through the USAID Transformation, USAID is re-
    orienting our structure and processes around the Administrator's vision
    for ending the need for foreign assistance. The E3 Bureau will change
    structurally, but the new successor bureau--the Bureau for Development,
    Democracy, and Innovation--will continue E3's focus on technical
    leadership, research, and field support across these sectors. If
    confirmed, I look forward to implementing Administrator Green's vision
    for a transformed USAID.
        Senator Graham, Senator Kaine, and distinguished members of the
    committee, as you can see, the leadership of the E3 Bureau is critical
    to achieving our development goals at USAID. It is therefore my honor
    to be here today as the Administration's nominee for the position of
    Assistant Administrator for Economic Growth, Education and Environment.
    If confirmed, I will work tirelessly on behalf of the American people
    to carry out USAID's mission to promote and demonstrate our democratic
    values abroad, while advancing a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.
    I look forward to your questions.

        Senator Graham. Well, thank you all. Congratulations to you
    and your family members. This is a big day in your life, and I
    think you have earned this honor. A very impressive group of
    people.
        So you have a job to do in Africa. Here is my question. If
    we reduce the developmental aid budget by 22 to 24 percent, Ms.
    Bekkering, does that help your job or does it hurt it?
        Ms. Bekkering. Well, thank you, Senator Graham, for your
    continued support of USAID funding, and I know as Administrator
    Green has told you before, there is probably never going to be
    enough resources to meet all the development challenges we are
    facing.
        Senator Graham. Is it a good time to cut funding?
        Ms. Bekkering. We will continue to program efficiently and
    effectively the dollars you are so generously providing to us.
        Senator Graham. I just think it is nuts to do that.
        So, Ms. Leonard, 90 percent of the revenue for Nigeria is
    the oil economy. Right?
        Ambassador Leonard. Yes.
        Senator Graham. It is their country to run, but part of
    what she wants to do is try to diversify economies. Do you
    think it would be a good place to start is Nigeria?
        Ambassador Leonard. Absolutely, and I think the government
    of Nigeria is overwhelmingly dependent, as you mentioned, on
    oil revenues. But there is also--and the U.S. mission also
    supports efforts to diversify the economy, including through
    agriculture, which is the occupation of many Nigerians.
        I think an interesting new wrinkle in this is, as I
    mentioned in my remarks, Nigeria's adherence to the African
    Continental Free Trade Area. Nigeria has often taken a rather
    protectionist view----
        Senator Graham. Can you do me a favor and report back to
    the committee in 6 months your efforts to help Nigeria
    diversify their economy?
        Ambassador Leonard. If I am confirmed, I would be delighted
    to get back to you in 6 months.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Graham. Good answer. Assuming you get the job. If
    not, do it anyway.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Graham. Mr. Bell, I just got back from Cote
    d'Ivoire with Senator Coons on a trip. A beautiful place. One
    of the things that we are talking about is there is a coastal
    road being envisioned in West Africa that could actually
    connect up to some of the countries of the Sahel. Are you
    familiar with this project?
        Mr. Bell. Thank you, Senator.
        I am aware of interest in a road across the coastal part of
    West Africa and of the MCC compact----
        Senator Graham. So here is what I want you to do. I want
    you to make this like a big priority because I want us to do
    this, not the Chinese. I think it will transform that part of
    western Africa, and there really is no port for the Sahel
    unless it is Cote d'Ivoire. So I think this committee is very
    interested in that project.
        Ms. Lapenn, what is the Trump administration's policy
    toward Africa?
        Ms. Lapenn. Thank you, Senator. The priorities that I laid
    out are fully consistent with the administration's agenda. It
    is a focus on opening up politically, on, as you just talked
    about, diversifying economy, and supporting market reforms, and
    also ensuring security.
        Senator Graham. Do you think it is smart to cut the
    developmental budget by 22 percent?
        Ms. Lapenn. So for me in the field, my role is to use the
    money that you give us, taxpayer money, as well as I possibly
    can, and I will do that, if confirmed.
        Senator Graham. So the African Union is marching down the
    road of trying to create a more professional peacekeeping
    force. They are talking about trying to collect $400 million
    among the member nations of the African Union. I am very
    excited about this. They want sort of a regular funding from
    assessed contributions to the U.N. I do not know if that is a
    good idea or not. Do you think this is a great step in the
    right direction?
        Ms. Lapenn. Thanks, Senator. I do. I think the instinct to
    self-finance and have regular, predictable, sustainable
    financing is exactly right. It is one that we can be supportive
    of. And then how we get there, as you say, we will need to work
    out.
        Senator Graham. From a national security perspective,
    Africa is a place to keep our eye on. Do you agree with that?
        Ms. Lapenn. Yes, I do, sir.
        Senator Graham. There is a lot of opportunity for
    terrorists to go there, and I want to get ahead of--get there
    before they do.
        South Africa. Ms. Marks, you are the only non-career person
    here. How did you get the nomination and why should I vote for
    you?
        Ms. Marks. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        The day after the election, I called the President to
    congratulate him and was told I would make an ideal candidate
    for an ambassador and would I be interested. And I said I was
    deeply honored, and yes, of course, I would be interested.
        I have started a business from scratch throughout the
    United States and globally. I have set up all the supply chains
    for everything. I have done all the negotiations throughout the
    United States and globally. And I feel this would hold me in
    good stead in increasing business between the United States and
    South Africa, if confirmed.
        I have also had a knowledge of South Africa, born and
    raised in South Africa. I speak three of the four most widely
    spoken of the 11 official languages. I have a knowledge of
    South Africa, and I feel this would hold me in good stead. I
    have also served on various boards internationally. I have
    interfaced socially and with media and communications, and all
    of these together, if confirmed, I would utilize to the best of
    my ability in that position. Thank you, Senator.
        Senator Graham. Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        And again, congratulations to the nominees.
        Ms. Marks, I want to follow up with you on South Africa.
        President Trump waded into a controversy about a year ago
    when he tweeted that he had instructed Secretary Pompeo to,
    quote, closely study the South Africa land and farm seizures
    and expropriations and the large-scale killing of farmers. That
    quote was widely condemned. The Anti-Defamation League said
    that it was deeply troubling and that it was a white
    supremacist talking point.
        You mentioned positively the administration of President
    Ramaphosa. The land reform, as I understand it, is an effort to
    deal with the situation. Whereas, because of a 1913 Native
    Lands Act, Africans were prohibited from owning land. And so
    today in 2019, 80 percent of the population of the nation is
    black South Africans and they own 4 percent of the land.
        Domestic politics are for the country, not the Ambassador
    to figure out. But from your understanding of South Africa, do
    you generally support the efforts to find some equity in land
    that President Ramaphosa's proposes and what might the U.S. do
    to be helpful in that regard so that if it is done, it is done
    the right way?
        Ms. Marks. Senator Kaine, you have raised two issues. One
    with the land. It is a historically fraught issue, a
    complicated issue in which there are legitimate grievances by
    the majority. And on the other hand, you have to consider
    security, economy, productivity not only for South Africans but
    American companies doing business there. That is on the one
    hand. It is being dealt with in a transparent manner, which the
    administration approves of, and I think it is important that we
    engage them with this going forward to the best of our ability.
    If confirmed, I will put all my efforts in that regard with our
    policy.
        And then second of all, no farms have been confiscated at
    this time. But second of all, with murders and all of that, it
    is shocking--the murders in South Africa. It is unacceptable.
    Farm murders and other murders. And the new President Ramaphosa
    has said that it is a very, very consideration of his to get
    this under control.
        We have the program, the facility Illia in Botswana and we
    have other facilities. I would encourage the police force there
    to get involved in this in a much more meaningful way. And if
    confirmed, I will engage and I would very much appreciate,
    Senator Kaine, if I could engage with you going forward on this
    issue.
        Senator Kaine. Excellent.
        I do not know the answer to those questions. Is it your
    understanding that murders of farmers are dramatically higher
    than they were decades ago, dramatically lower, about the same?
        Ms. Marks. Senator, any murders of farmers is shocking. Any
    murders in general are shocking.
        Senator Kaine. Absolutely.
        Ms. Marks. The ratio goes up. It goes down. It is less than
    1 percent of the total murders of the country, but they are all
    unacceptable.
        Senator Kaine. But I am talking about trends. Is this a
    trend that you understand is getting worse, getting better, or
    about the same?
        Ms. Marks. The trend has gone down. However, it is not
    acceptable.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you.
        Let me ask, if I could, Ambassador Leonard a question about
    Nigeria. In 2015, the leaders of Boko Haram pledged that they
    were a unit of ISIS. Talk a little bit about the Boko Haram-
    ISIS connection. Is that just a claimed affiliation or is there
    something more to it than that? Boko Haram, obviously, is such
    a problem in Nigeria and surrounding nations as well.
        Ambassador Leonard. Thank you, Senator, for the question.
        In terms of the security threats in the north of Nigeria,
    the two organizations of concern are, of course, Boko Haram and
    ISIS West Africa. And I think that the latter is perhaps the
    one with the more pernicious connections or potential
    connections. And if confirmed, I would continue to work very
    hard to help the government of Nigeria to address those
    security threats, making sure that they do so in ways that
    respect human rights of citizens, that protect civilians, that
    hold people who committed abuses to account.
        Senator Kaine. Can I just interrupt you there and ask you
    about that? I think that is a very good point because some
    allege that human rights abuses by the Nigerian Security Forces
    can be a driver of extremism. So what might the U.S. do in
    partnership with Nigeria to make sure that the appropriate
    focus on security includes respect for human rights?
        Ambassador Leonard. Absolutely. Yes, it can become a
    driver, which is a reason why it needs to be fixed.
        The way that the mission has approached this to date is to
    keep our security assistance to date in a very defensive
    posture in the sense of defensive as in providing intelligence,
    air surveillance, anti-mining, and making sure that all of our
    security assistance contains a component of human rights
    compliance and training. You know, there is the obvious
    incentive for the government of Nigeria, who needs to make this
    problem smaller not bigger, to make sure that their security
    forces adhere to that and, by the way, that we structure our
    rather narrowly focused security assistance. We can help bring
    that along.
        Senator Kaine. Great. Thank you.
        Senator Graham. Senator Coons?
        Senator Coons. Thank you, Chairman Graham. Thank you,
    Ranking Member Kaine. Thank you to all of you for your
    willingness to serve our nation and for those of you who have
    dedicated decades of your lives to careers in foreign service
    across the continent.
        As some of you know, I have traveled to 30 countries on the
    continent. I have visited several of you in posts overseas. I
    look forward to visiting several of you in posts overseas, and
    time spent in South Africa and in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania as a
    young man really shaped my life and gave me deep insights into
    the promise, the potential, and the challenges that face
    Africa.
        I am particularly concerned with working in a bipartisan
    and sustained way for us to promote the most positive aspects
    of the U.S.-Africa relationship both in public health, in
    prosperity, and security and in the promotion of democracy and
    human rights.
         I am going to work from the right to the left, if I might,
    and try and stay within my time, but I may go a minute or 2
    over, Mr. Chairman, if you will forgive me.
        Ms. Bekkering, in USAID, one of the, I think, more
    significant bills of this Congress will be the work that
    Chairman Graham is leading, which I am supporting, on a
    bipartisan, bicameral bill called the Global Fragility Act.
    This would require a coordinated strategy between our
    Department of Defense, State Department, and USAID, and it
    would invest in stabilizing the most fragile countries that are
    most at risk of the destabilizing forces of terrorism,
    extremism, poverty, desertification, and poor governance.
        Can I count on your support for this effort? Can you tell
    me how you would see this effort playing out and what, if any,
    questions or concerns you have about an effort that would seek
    to better coordinate the currently siloed efforts of DOD,
    State, and AID in this area?
        Ms. Bekkering. Well, first of all, thank you for your
    support on this issue and Senator Graham as well.
        You know, it is a matter of fact that a majority of the
    countries right now where USAID has programming are conflict-
    affected. And so this is really not only restricting our
    development--or the success of our development goals, but in
    many cases, it is reversing it. So for us, it is necessary that
    we work with the interagency and civil society because there
    are roles for all of us to play here, increasingly since that
    nexus between development assistance, conflict and humanitarian
    assistance is becoming blurred.
        For us, yes, we would support the bill. I think we would
    say that we just would want to continue to have the flexibility
    needed to adjust since the situations on the ground do change
    so rapidly.
        Senator Coons. And how can we ensure that the new
    Development Finance Corporation that is the outcome of the
    BUILD Act actually gets stood up by October 1st and is as
    effective as it can possibly be? You will play a significant
    role because this is $60 billion worth of new potential private
    sector investment in doing development and infrastructure
    right.
        Ms. Bekkering. And again, we want to thank Congress, the
    Senate. This is another great example of bipartisan support for
    a bill.
        So we are on track to stand up the new DFC by October 1st.
    There is still more work to be done. Since the passage of the
    bill, we have worked very closely with our colleagues in OPIC
    on the operational aspects of setting up the new DFC, as well
    as working in the interagency through a policy process which is
    being led by the NSC and OMB.
        Our chief concern is that the DFC remain what it is in
    name, which is a development corporation. And so we are working
    very hard to ensure linkages to make sure that development
    remains the first goal.
        It also dovetails really nicely: as you know, in December,
    we launched our new private sector engagement strategy at
    USAID. So these two things tied together are very significant
    for us as an agency as we carry out our work. It frankly
    recognizes that 90 percent of the resource flows around the
    world are now not from the public sector. And so we need to be
    better at working with the private sector in co-designing and
    co-financing our initiatives, and better asking them up front
    what their interests are and better understanding of where we
    as a government come in and what specific role we have to play.
        Senator Coons. Thank you.
        Ms. Marks, if I might, you are nominated for literally one
    of the best jobs in the world, which is U.S. Ambassador to
    South Africa. And I hope you appreciate, as I believe you do
    from your testimony, the long and deep and significant ties
    between the United States and South Africa and the ways in
    which we can and should grow together as we seek to address
    both the legacy of apartheid and the potential of a country
    with a remarkable constitution, a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic,
    multi-faith nation endowed with tremendous human resources and
    natural resources.
        During the reauthorization of AGOA, I worked closely with
    my friend and colleague, Senator Isakson, to eliminate
    longstanding barriers to the export of U.S. poultry to the
    South African market. Today poultry producers in my home State
    of Delaware, as well as many other States, are now benefiting
    from a quota of U.S. poultry into South Africa that are
    excluded from an antidumping tariff. And South Africa is now
    one of the top 10 export markets for U.S. poultry.
        But there are some recent tensions, understandable
    discomfort or unhappiness on the part of South Africans with
    the steel and aluminum tariffs that were applied by the
    administration, as well as pressure from domestic partners in
    South Africa producers.
        How will you work to sustain this critical market
    opportunity? I heard your passion for keeping markets open. How
    will you focus on this one in particular? And what would be
    your broader priorities for the U.S.-South Africa relationship
    economically?
        Ms. Marks. Senator Coons, thank you for this very important
    question.
        I followed your trip recently when you went to the South
    African constitution, by the way.
        Senator Coons. The Constitutional Court.
        Ms. Marks. The Constitutional Court, yes.
        Senator Coons. A wonderful visit.
        Ms. Marks. Yes.
        I have been following the poultry exports and your
    interests and Senator Isakson's, and if confirmed, I will
    ensure South Africa continues to fulfill this very important
    quota. And if there are any problems or any rumblings, I will
    immediately address those, if confirmed. And I would very much
    if I could engage with you going forward and Senator Isakson on
    this matter and possibly even come and visit in Delaware to
    have an even greater understanding of this, if confirmed.
        In terms of the greater trade, I think we have to, if
    confirmed, look across Africa at all the different tools that
    we have within the mission, within South Africa, with the
    United States, and with South Africa and once--if I am
    confirmed--on the ground look at all of these tools and see
    where we can dramatically increase trade in all the different
    areas whether it is manufacturing, whether it is energy,
    whether it is services, whether it is a communication
    technology, all these areas that we in the United States are
    interested in in increasing our trade with South Africa. If
    confirmed, I would look at that very carefully.
        Senator Coons. Thank you. I think there are huge
    opportunities for us to strengthen South Africa's economy, its
    potential both for historically disadvantaged populations and
    for those who have long experience in agriculture and in other
    sectors. And I think it is a tremendous export opportunity for
    the entire American economy. So I look forward to working with
    you on this.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Graham. Senator Shaheen?
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And thank you all very much for being here today and for
    your willingness to consider taking on these tremendous
    responsibilities at this challenging time.
        Ms. Lapenn, you have considerable experience in Africa, and
    I am sure that you know the importance of the United States'
    role in mediating and being engaged in conflict negotiations.
    As you are probably aware, in 2017, the President signed into
    law the Women, Peace, and Security Act. And the administration
    has now unveiled its strategy for implementing that law. And we
    know from data the importance of having women at the table when
    we are negotiating an end to conflict.
        So as Ambassador, how would you work with the leadership of
    the African Union to ensure that women are involved in any
    conflict mediation, and where do you think those efforts could
    be most effective today as we look at the challenges on the
    African continent?
        Ms. Lapenn. Thanks so much, Senator.
        I am familiar with the legislation and the strategy and
    some of the history on UNSCR 1325.
        I think the story in Addis right now has been a pretty good
    one. There has been work being done by the AU, including with
    U.S. support particularly around the Continental Results
    Framework, basically holding the regional economic communities
    and member states accountable for their commitments under WPS.
    The AU has also created a special envoy.
        So I think there is interest, there is openings, and if
    confirmed, it is an area that I would certainly be focused on
    and looking towards the 2020 anniversary as well as hopefully a
    forcing function to continue the good work the team has already
    been doing.
        Senator Shaheen. Are the particular conflict areas
    countries where you think it is particularly important to
    ensure that the strategy is implemented?
        Ms. Lapenn. I think there is interest in encouraging the AU
    to engage more in Cameroon. There was discussion about the
    fragility risks, and we are watching that closely. And so I
    would seek to engage the AU at the commission and members of
    the PSC on that issue.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you. I think that is going to be
    particularly important as we look at the challenges ahead in
    Africa.
        My next question is going to be for Ambassador Leonard
    because one thing that I had been very concerned about is the
    impact of the current administration's expanded global gag
    rule. The information that we have on Nigeria is that as the
    result of this expanded global gag rule, one of the
    organizations has lost millions of dollars for programs to
    deliver counseling and long-acting reversible contraceptives.
    They are forced to end a project that engaged close to 2,000
    government health care providers to be able to provide
    competent, voluntary, balanced counseling, and that program has
    ended and the women who were participating have lost access to
    those services.
        So if confirmed, will you work with USAID, with the
    Nigerian government, and civil society to try and lessen the
    harmful impacts of this policy? And can you tell me how you
    envision possibly doing that?
        Ambassador Leonard. Thank you for that question, Senator.
        I will tell you I was not aware of a specific organization
    losing funding as you have described, although I am obviously
    familiar with----
        Senator Shaheen. We are happy to share with you our
    information on that.
        Ambassador Leonard. Thank you.
        The lion's share of U.S. government bilateral assistance in
    Nigeria is in the area of health. And clearly, I agree with you
    entirely that women's health and its various ramifications are
    an enormously important part of that. So I would be very happy
    to work hard to be able to address the needs of women in such
    circumstances. Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        I should ask each of you who are going to be serving as
    Ambassadors in Africa, if you are confirmed, if you will take a
    look at these policies as well because the information we have
    received--and this is something that I have had an opportunity
    to ask Administrator Green about in terms of USAID's
    information. But our information is that it is having a
    tremendous impact on access to health care in a variety of
    areas not just reproductive health, but because of the impact
    of this new expanded gag rule, it is having impacts in other
    areas as well.
        So, Ms. Marks, would you take a look at what the impact of
    that policy is?
        And I guess I would ask, Mr. Chairman, if since they are
    going to be reporting back to you in 6 months, maybe they could
    report back to the entire committee on this issue so that we
    would all have that information.
        Ms. Marks. Senator Shaheen, if confirmed, I do undertake to
    look into this and report back within 6 months. And thank you
    for that question.
        Senator Shaheen. And Mr. Bell?
        Mr. Bell. Yes, Senator, absolutely. Thank you.
        Senator Shaheen. And Ms. Leonard, I would assume that based
    on your previous response, you would agree with that. Thank you
    very much.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Graham. Thank you.
        I think we have a few more questions. Senator Gardner is on
    the way.
        Ms. Bekkering, I really appreciate what you an Ivanka Trump
    have been doing, trying to look at laws in Africa but really
    throughout the world, but particularly in Africa because this
    is what the hearing is about, about laws that deny women the
    ability to inherit property, to do certain kind of jobs. You
    know, it is a big impediment to economic growth of that country
    and certainly a big impediment to women having a stronger
    voice.
        Where do you see that going if you get this job?
        Ms. Bekkering. Well, thank you for your support of the
    Women's Economic Empowerment Initiative, which I know is shared
    by Senator Shaheen and the other members.
        So the initiative you are referring to, the Women's Global
    Development and Prosperity Initiative is something we are very
    excited about. It was launched in February. It is a whole-of-
    government approach to women's economic empowerment.
        We have lofty goals. We aim to economically enable 50
    million women in the developing world by 2025. And we feel good
    about our prospects of doing this. This is in line with the
    work at USAID that we have long focused on, which is
    recognizing that investing in women and girls, frankly, has a
    multiplier effect, and it does have a return on our investment
    no matter in what sector we are looking at.
        So we are going to focus on three things.
        The first is workforce development. We need to make sure
    women have the skills and the opportunities necessary to enter
    the formal labor market.
        Number two, we need to recognize there is a huge credit gap
    for women entrepreneurs. Estimates vary, but it is around $300
    billion. So we need to connect them to support, to finance, to
    networks.
        And third, in an area that I am really passionate about
    with my background in democracy, rights and governance is, as
    you said, the regulatory, and legal environments that are
    restricting women. We also recognize that there is a huge role
    to play here working with our partners in civil society as we
    are working on cultural and social issues as well that may
    prevent women from realizing their goals.
        Senator Graham. Ms. Lapenn, if confirmed, which I am sure
    you will be, you will be the Ambassador to the African Union.
    What I want to know from you is if you can kind of give us some
    idea of how prevalent these laws are and take it up with the
    member nations of the African Union. It is not our job to run
    other people's countries, but if I have a limited amount of
    dollars to invest in, I do not want to invest in an environment
    where half the population really cannot succeed. So we can let
    them know that this subcommittee and the appropriators, which
    most of us are on the Appropriations Committee, will be looking
    long and hard at laws and practices that stifle business
    opportunities and economic opportunity in general for women. So
    if you could deliver that message, I would appreciate it.
        And with that, I am done.
        Senator Kaine?
        Senator Kaine. Just quickly, Ms. Bekkering, you are
    involved in a current restructuring effort, as I understand,
    that the Economic Growth, Education, and Environment Bureau
    that you are nominated to lead is being consolidated in with
    some other entities to create a new Bureau for Democracy,
    Development and Innovation. Could you just report to the
    committee on the status of that restructuring effort?
        Ms. Bekkering. Yes, that is correct, Senator.
        So right now all congressional holds have been lifted and
    so we are working on what we are calling a standup package at
    USAID to put the new bureau into place. As you can imagine,
    there are a lot of aspects we are looking at, such as staffing,
    budgets, operational policies, et cetera. We are currently in
    the process of that, and I would be happy to follow back up
    with you and your staff in writing as we continue to progress
    with our benchmarks.
        Senator Kaine. I think that is something that the entire
    committee would be interested in. We would appreciate that.
        Mr. Bell, in your opening comments, you talked about some
    real positive economic and other advances in Cote d'Ivoire.
    Regional issues will intrude and there is instability in the
    region. Talk to us about Cote d'Ivoire's strategy for dealing
    with instability in the Sahel and Mali and how are they
    prepared and what can we do to help them?
        Mr. Bell. Thank you very much, Senator.
        Until last August, I was the foreign policy advisor at
    AFRICOM, and so I have some familiarity with this issue.
        Just next month, Cote d'Ivoire is going to something like
    triple its contribution to the U.N. peacekeeping mission in
    Mali, from a company to a battalion. And tragically, MINUSMA
    has become the deadliest U.N. peacekeeping mission in the
    world. So that is a significant contribution.
        I firmly believe that the more the U.S. military is able to
    work with these African partner militaries, the better it is
    for the entire country because of the professionalism that our
    people bring to that. In every training we do, we always
    emphasize the importance of protecting the civilian population,
    respecting human rights. These are insurgencies, and rule
    number one of counter-insurgency is it has to be you and the
    population against the enemy.
        So I hope that addresses your question, sir.
        Senator Kaine. I think some of the best investments that we
    make in my other committee, the Armed Services Committee, is
    the work that we do in tandem with partners around the world,
    that we are still such a partner of choice for nations in
    Africa and elsewhere on training, including human rights
    training. It is something as a portion of the Pentagon's budget
    is just a fraction of a fingernail, but it actually produces
    real value. And your experience in AFRICOM I think will be very
    valuable in that.
        Ms. Lapenn, in the African Union, my understanding is that
    the current chair or incoming chair is President el-Sisi of
    Egypt, and there are a number of issues that the African Union
    are dealing with on Egypt's borders, Libya and Sudan. And in
    some of those issues, Egypt's position and the U.S. position is
    not quite aligned.
        Could you share with us what you would predict or project
    about President el-Sisi's leadership, chairmanship of the
    African Union?
        Ms. Lapenn. Thanks, Senator.
        Yes, he is the current chair of the African Union.
        If confirmed, my approach would be, I would say, similar at
    the AU effectively to a bilateral mission, trying to move our
    agenda where and how we can through relationships, through
    getting a sense of who is who, who are our partners, where can
    we move the needle. So, if confirmed, I would look seriously at
    those particular policy issues and see how we can move African
    Union members along with us, as well as others at the
    commission.
        Senator Kaine. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chair.
        Senator Graham. Senator Coons?
        Senator Coons. Thank you, Chairman Graham.
        Let me ask just a follow-up question for each, if I might.
        Ms. Lapenn, thank you again for your excellent to my visit
    to South Africa and your service as charge in Pretoria. And I
    am encouraged that you are going on to what I think is, as I
    think Ambassador Leonard will tell you, a wonderful and a
    challenging post. I would be interested in hearing from both
    Ambassador Leonard, as you depart the AU, and you as you head
    there. I think, as Chairman Graham mentioned, that the AU and
    the U.N. should deepen our collaboration. I think our
    engagement in supporting and funding and assisting AU-led
    peacekeeping efforts is a great way to facilitate African-led
    solutions to African security challenges.
        How would you plan to use your role, if confirmed as our
    Ambassador to the African Union, to support peacekeeping
    operations? And to you and to Ambassador Leonard, do you think
    the United States should provide increased financial support
    for the AU peace support operations through the U.N. budget,
    and do you think we have made enough progress in providing
    accountability around a number of very troubling incidents of
    misbehavior by peacekeepers, criminal and abusive and
    inappropriate behavior by peacekeepers, of a variety of
    nations, both Western, African, and otherwise?
        Ms. Lapenn, if I might, first.
        Ms. Lapenn. Thank you, Senator.
        On the peacekeeping support, I think we are doing a lot of
    good work particularly around training, around the capacity
    building that a number have spoke to already, and particularly
    with a focus on human rights, which is a U.S. value. It is
    something that we bring. I think we have done a lot of good
    work on that, and the results are positive.
        We are seeing three things, I would say, in the
    peacekeeping space from the African Union. We are seeing the
    AMISOM mission in Somalia, political support for non-AU, non-UN
    missions in the Sahel, and then also an identification of
    standards, of norms, of institutions that are required. And we
    are a crucial partner in all those efforts.
        On your question about accountability, I think we need to
    hold firm. We need to be very, very strong on this issue. And
    that is additionally a reflection of our values, but it is also
    what peacekeepers need to do to keep populations safe. And so
    that I think will also have to be considered as our
    conversations around the funding, conversations that
    necessarily will come back here requiring congressional
    consent.
        Senator Coons. Thank you.
        Ambassador Leonard, if you would.
        Ambassador Leonard. Thank you for that question. It is
    providing me the opportunity to feel, I do not know,
    valedictory or something.
        [Laughter.]
        Ambassador Leonard. But I think that part of the story line
    of my time in the last 3 years at the AU was their successful
    efforts to build a much closer working relationship with the
    U.N. I think the Secretary-General and the chairperson at the
    commission worked very well together, and that is a very
    positive trend for thinking about the way that the world
    addresses the challenges that face us.
        The issue of accountability is huge. During the various
    sort of U.N. operation renewals that have come up, we have
    worked very hard, for example, like in a unibid, to have a lot
    of granularity in the discussion about what it is that we mean
    by the performance indicators to find things that are
    achievable.
        I think that the AU, in terms of the current conversation
    going on about how we might change or what other approaches
    might be taken to providing money for AU-led peace support
    operations, has been working hard to come up with the answers
    to the question, how have they further institutionalized those
    performance standards. I think there is an interesting debate
    to be had about what is the most productive way in which to
    fund. Is it through our bilateral efforts or is there a case to
    be made through the U.N.?
        And in any of those circumstances, and particularly for the
    U.N. there is also the question of financial accountability of
    how those funds are used. That is a question that is posed by
    us and other U.N. members. It is also the question being posed
    by AU member states as they are being asked to contribute more.
    So I think it is a conversation that is going in a positive
    direction, and it is sort of a watch this space to see how it
    ends, but probably in the near term.
        Senator Coons. Well, thank you, Ambassador. You have
    represented us well in Addis, and I think the AU is a
    particularly important mission and relationship. And if
    confirmed, you go to Abuja, which is in some ways an equally,
    if not more, challenging and important post, a very complex
    nation, Nigeria, with huge potential.
        If confirmed, how will you ensure that Nigeria continues on
    the path towards democracy and use the tools that you will have
    available to you to ensure that we confront together what I
    think is the serious security challenge of ISIS West Africa and
    promote transparency and human rights compliance by the
    Nigerian Security Forces?
        Ambassador Leonard. Thank you for those very seminal
    questions.
        I think on the question of promoting democracy, I think the
    best thing that we have going for us in our relationship with
    Nigeria on the issue of democracy is the overwhelming support
    of Nigerians towards that. You know, in sort of Afro-barometer
    polling, there is a great attachment to the idea of elections
    matter, results should be respected. This is something that
    Nigerian citizens want.
        Before I went to Mali, I was the Director for West African
    Affairs, and I think the 2000 elections were the first time
    that, although not anywhere near as good as the 2015--it was
    the first time that things like parallel vote counts--this is
    when Ambassador McCulley was there--were being used and having
    measures to sort of track how that was going. I think people
    were all very satisfied with what happened in 2015.
        And in 2019, the issues of delay and some logistics
    problems and some intimidation factors disappointed a lot of
    people. I sometimes wonder if that disappointment is--you know,
    it is not as if nothing better happened between 2015 and 2019.
    There were a lot of process issues that were improved,
    automaticity in registering new voters. And I sometimes wonder
    if the disappointment was absolute or just that one had gotten
    used to seeing a much increased trajectory across the
    elections, and maybe we did not quite go there.
        But as people in this room know, elections every 4 years
    happen very quickly. So there is an awful lot of work to be
    done to help that as we look towards 2023.
        And the other part of your question was on peace and
    security, yes. And as I mentioned before previously, I think
    there is an incentivizing factor in the idea of focusing quite
    narrowly now on the capabilities that we can provide that
    encourage the Nigerian military and security services towards a
    better approach to their duties and making sure that we are not
    giving any assistance that can aid and abet some of the more
    pernicious behaviors as a way to move it forward in a positive
    direction. And so I think that, obviously, one does need to
    continue to engage with them because the security challenges
    such as ISIS West Africa are significant, not going to go away,
    and cannot be ignored. But I think that we have come on a good
    construct for moving forward with them both in terms of
    addressing that challenge and in terms of reforming the way
    they do business.
        Senator Coons. Thank you.
        I think the Global Fragility Act approach that Chairman
    Graham and I are working on will help significantly with
    stabilizing northern Cote d'Ivoire, northern Nigeria, and some
    of the regional issues.
        Mr. Bell, I will talk to you afterwards, if I can, about
    the cocoa industry and child labor. I know I am well over my
    time and am delaying my colleagues. But I am quite concerned
    about the ways in which the industry has missed a number of key
    deadlines, and I think there continue to be concerns about how
    we work together to assure that children are not mistreated in
    labor in the cocoa industry. We had a wonderful meeting with
    the First Lady of Cote d'Ivoire about this issue, and I am
    optimistic it is possible, but we need engagement.
        And I think South Africa is a country of enormous
    potential. I am encouraged, Ms. Marks, to hear you recognize it
    correctly as a model that many other countries can learn from
    of reconciliation after periods of great tension and
    difficulty. And I look forward to meeting with you before we
    get to a vote.
        Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Graham. Senator Shaheen?
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Ms. Bekkering, a year or so ago, along with another of
    other women Senators, I had a chance to meet with two young
    women who had been kidnapped by Boko Haram. They were both from
    Nigeria. And they had tragic stories to tell about seeing
    family members murdered in front of them, being raped, being
    taken away, being kidnapped and held in captivity for several
    years.
        And I asked them at the end of their story what they would
    like us to tell the people of this country and the government
    about what we should do to respond to that kind of situation
    and to help young women in their situation. And they were both
    very clear. They said education is the most important thing you
    can do to help us.
        So I know that that is part of your portfolio in your new
    position, if you are confirmed. So can you talk about how
    important education is for girls and young women in empowering
    them and ensuring economic opportunities for them?
        Ms. Bekkering. Well, thank you, Senator Shaheen, for
    meeting with and being a voice for those young women.
        This is an area of critical importance. 132 million girls
    around the world are out of school. When we look at areas of
    conflict and crisis, they are 90 percent more likely to be out
    of school than boys. So it is a pervasive issue for us. We know
    education is foundational to all of our development goals.
        And so when we are looking at these staggering statistics,
    the first thing we are doing is asking ourselves what are the
    barriers that are keeping girls from going to school? We need
    to first assess what those barriers are, and those barriers are
    many, as I am sure you know, as is the whole field of women's
    empowerment. We are looking at, first of all, can girls go to
    school safely? Is there gender-based violence? Do they have
    adequate water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH) facilities that
    allow them to go to school? And then thirdly and very
    importantly, we are looking at the cultural aspects, which
    might say, ``a girl is not as important as a boy to go to
    school or our family does not have the money to send both of
    them.'' So in all of our programming, we do these analyses to
    look at what are the various factors that are keeping girls
    from being able to go to school and then working with our
    partners to design the correct interventions to address those
    barriers.
        If confirmed, this is an area I confirm to you right now
    that I will give utmost importance, and I look forward to
    working with you and your staff very closely on this issue.
        Senator Shaheen. So one of the things that I was surprised
    at is looking at the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap
    report and seeing that Pakistan has come in second to last on
    that report, that USAID's own journey to self-reliance country
    road map shows Pakistan lagging behind the world on gender
    equality.
        Can you speak to why it may be worse in Pakistan than some
    other countries and what specifically we can do there to
    support more education and closing that gap between girls and
    boys?
        Ms. Bekkering. So the Global Gender Gap Report is something
    that we also look at, and it looks at four areas, as you know.
    It is political participation and representation. It is health.
    It is education, and it is economic participation.
        So for Pakistan, I will be honest. I am not quite familiar
    with why they rank so low. Is it on education specifically or
    is it an average of the four pillars?
        Senator Shaheen. I do not know the answer to that. I cannot
    tell that from what I have in my briefing here. Roughly 50
    percent of women and girls over the age of 10 have never
    attended school, and 96 percent drop out by grade 12.
        Ms. Bekkering. So let us talk about education, and that
    makes sense. One of the areas that we have been increasingly
    concerned about especially in Pakistan and other areas where we
    have seen prolonged conflict is, first of all, simply that
    there was such a huge destruction of schools. And in Pakistan,
    as you know, especially in the regions, there were not girls-
    only schools, and in a lot of areas, there were not schools
    that were safe or of easy access to girls. This was one of our
    big problems.
        So we have invested significant funding in Pakistan. While
    I am not the lead on those issues, since our mission takes the
    lead on those issues, I do know that we have offered them
    support on how to, one, re-enroll girls in schools, especially
    in areas where they may have, for a time, been prohibited from
    going to schools. We are also looking, of course, at the
    economic opportunities since there is such a linkage there. But
    I would be happy to talk to my colleagues in the Regional
    Mission and Geographic Bureau and come back to you with some
    more specifics.
        Senator Shaheen. I think that would be helpful. Do we think
    that the growth of madrasas and having so many children in
    madrasas to go to school as opposed to in other schools is part
    of what is contributing to this since girls would not be
    included there?
        Ms. Bekkering. That could very well be a factor. I am not
    sure of the particulars, and I would rather be well informed
    with my answers. So let me commit to looking into that and
    coming back to you.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Graham. Thank you all very much. You accorded
    yourselves well. Congratulations to you and your family.
        We will keep the record open for questions until July the
    18th.
        The hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 4:40 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Lana Marks by Senator Robert Menendez

    U.S.-South Africa Relations
        Question. U.S.-South Africa bilateral relations are generally
    friendly, but there are periodic differences over foreign policy
    issues. In multilateral forums, South Africa often backs developing
    country and emerging country positions that are sometimes at odds with
    stated U.S. interests. What do you view as the Trump Administration's
    main bilateral priorities vis-a-vis South Africa? How would you seek to
    advance them if confirmed?

        Answer. A top priority in South Africa is to strengthen and deepen
    our important trade and investment ties. Trade between our two
    countries grows every year, and the United States remains South
    Africa's third largest bilateral trading partner. We are major
    investors in South Africa, where over 600 American companies account
    for an estimated 10 percent of South Africa's gross domestic product.
    In Cape Town, for example, U.S. investments over the last 15 years are
    currently valued at U.S. $2.3 billion and have created nearly 8,000
    jobs. For their part, South African investors, such as the energy and
    chemical company Sasol, have mounted major projects in the United
    States. Another South African firm, Nando's Peri-Peri Chicken, has
    brought South African cuisine to American consumers. This economic
    relationship creates opportunities for American companies, and jobs for
    American workers. If confirmed, I would seek to make the United States
    the number one trading partner for South Africa and the partner of
    choice for the growth of its vibrant economy.
        Another top priority is the decades-long U.S. investment in the
    health of South Africans, specifically in fighting the HIV epidemic
    that continues to affect over seven million South Africans. If
    confirmed, I would uphold our vital effort in partnership with the
    South African government to achieve epidemic control by the end of
    2020.
        In addition, the Trump Administration seeks to cultivate the long-
    standing, deep, and genuine ties of affection that bind the American
    and South African people. If confirmed, I would promote cultural ties
    through youth-oriented programs like the Young African Leaders
    Initiative, and through programs that share American music, sports, and
    dance with local audiences. I would deepen our educational ties with
    South Africa, which proudly stands as the number one contributor of
    sub-Saharan African exchange students in our U.S. universities. I would
    strengthen university partnerships, scholarships, and exchange programs
    to ensure strong collaborative relationships between South African
    researchers and their American counterparts. I would give special
    attention to integrated projects, like the IBM Research Lab in
    Johannesburg, that focus on innovation and opportunity for South
    Africa's youth.

        Question. What is the status of and what has been accomplished
    under the bilateral Strategic Dialogue? Around what issues can the
    U.S.-South African relationship be strengthened? What issues will you
    recommend be part of the Dialogue if confirmed?

        Answer. The United States and South Africa held ministerial-level
    Strategic Dialogue (SD) meetings in 2010, 2012, and 2015. As a sub-
    component of the SD, we have also held three Under Secretary-level
    Working Group on African and Global Issues (WGAGI) meetings, in 2012,
    2013, and 2019. The Annual Bilateral Forum (ABF), another component of
    the SD process, involves South Africa-based staff from the U.S. Mission
    and South African government officials and has taken place in Pretoria
    every year since 2010. SD meetings have involved a wide range of
    interlocutors from a variety of U.S. and South African government
    agencies, and discussions have ranged from trade, investment,
    agriculture, and health, to transportation, law enforcement, and cyber
    security. Special sessions have focused on multilateral relations,
    human rights, and African peace and security.
        If confirmed, I would seek to continue our important bilateral
    Strategic Dialogue and focus on key priority issues including trade and
    investment, multilateral affairs, peace and security, and information
    technology.

        Question. What outcomes have resulted from the trilateral program,
    under which the United States supported South African aid to other
    African countries to address shared U.S.-South African concerns? Should
    this program be continued? If so, what should be the areas of focus?
    What will your role be if confirmed as Ambassador?

        Answer. The Trilateral Assistance Program has supported South
    Africa as a leader in regional and continental contexts in a manner
    that is consistent with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives. For
    example, In FY 2017, USAID supported South Africa to expand solar
    resource mapping in Botswana and Namibia to help move the entire region
    toward exploitation of renewable sources of energy for the future.
    USAID also collaborated with South African universities and the South
    African Department of Science and Technology to partner with numerous
    African universities to expand knowledge on soil chemistry and
    microbiology for improved agricultural production. If confirmed, I
    would welcome a dialogue about programming in this area.

        Question. President Donald J. Trump threatened to withhold U.S. aid
    from countries that voted in favor of a non-binding resolution
    rejecting the Administration's rejection of Jerusalem as the capital of
    Israel, or otherwise vote against U.S. positions in the United Nations.
    South Africa is currently on the United Nations Security Council.
    Should the U.S. cut off aid to South Africa if it votes against U.S.
    positions in the Security Council? If so, should that extend to
    assistance provided under the Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief?

        Answer. I have taken note of South Africa's voting record at the
    United Nations. In 2018, 110 resolutions required a vote in the U.N.
    General Assembly, and voting coincidence between the United States and
    South Africa on those votes was 21 percent. It is important for South
    Africans to consider whether their government's voting record
    accurately reflects their values and commitment to human rights. If
    confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, I would build
    upon efforts already underway to improve multilateral cooperation with
    South Africa and seek to work closely with the South African government
    during its current tenure on the U.N. Security Council.

        Question. Last August, President Trump tweeted, ``I have asked
    Secretary of State @SecPompeo to closely study the South Africa land
    and farm seizures and expropriations and the large scale killing of
    farmers. South African government is now seizing land from white
    farmers.'' @TuckerCarlson @FoxNews. What was the reaction to this tweet
    in South Africa, to the best of your knowledge? To your knowledge, did
    Secretary Pompeo examine the issue? If so, what were the findings?

        Answer. The President asked the Secretary to look closely at the
    current state of action in South Africa related to land reform. In a
    statement, the South African foreign ministry indicated it was
    ``disappointed'' with the President's message.
        Yes, the State Department has continued to follow these issues
    closely. Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan visited South Africa in
    March, followed by a visit by Assistant Secretary for African Affairs
    Tibor Nagy in June. Both senior officials met with a wide range of
    stakeholders to discuss the issue of land reform in order to increase
    our understanding of this sensitive and important issue. I am aware
    that the U.S. Mission to South Africa also engages on a regular basis
    with South Africans on all sides of the debate in order to inform our
    position. There is no doubt that debates on land reform in post-
    apartheid South Africa are difficult and longstanding. South Africa is
    working through this difficult process, and we are encouraged that it
    is happening in an open manner, including through public hearings.

        Question. ANC-led efforts to address the country's many challenges
    have had a mixed record of success, and citizen expectations for rapid,
    positive socio-economic transformation have broadly exceeded what the
    state has been able to provide. Despite large state investments in
    housing, services, and infrastructure, the quality of public goods and
    services has often been poor, often spurring protests. In recent years,
    university students protesting education fees also mounted large
    protests. Recurrent allegations of corruption and cronyism at various
    levels of government have also fueled public discontent. Opposition
    parties have successfully exploited growing voter discontent with the
    ANC, and won significant victories in local elections in 2016,
    suggesting challenges for the ANC ahead of 2019 elections.
        How do you interpret the meaning and extent of ``state capture''
    under former president Zuma? In what ways, if at all, does Zuma remain
    politically influential? In what ways, if any, do you expect that
    influence to affect policies developed by the President Cyril
    Ramaphosa's Administration?

        Answer. I understand "state capture" to refer to systemic political
    corruption, in which private interests shape the rules of the game and
    influence decision-making processes to their own advantage. From 2010
    to 2018, South Africa suffered from state capture under the
    administration of former President Jacob Zuma, resulting in a series of
    high-profile scandals, diminished economic opportunity, and a loss of
    confidence in government institutions. In February 2018, President
    Cyril Ramaphosa replaced Zuma and began taking steps to counter
    corruption, such as by appointing a widely respected (independent)
    National Director of Public Prosecutions and a new commissioner of the
    South African Revenue Service. In addition, several high-level judicial
    commissions of inquiry are underway. However, Zuma remains politically
    influential among some factions of the ruling African National
    Congress, as well as among some in his home province of KwaZulu-Natal.
    His continued political influence could stymie or prevent the full
    implementation of anti-corruption policies.

        Question. What are the Ramaphosa Administration's main governance
    reform priorities? What role if any, should the United States play in
    assisting with reforms?

        Answer. President Ramaphosa has pledged to undertake good
    governance, anti-corruption, and market-friendly reforms in order to
    rebuild trust in institutions and set the economy on a path toward
    growth. President Ramaphosa's efforts signal a promise to put in place
    sustainable anti-corruption structures, for the benefit of South
    Africa's voting public as well as investors who point to anti-
    corruption measures as key to economic growth.
        If confirmed, I will build on the efforts already underway across
    the U.S. Mission in South Africa to report and engage on good
    governance and anti-corruption efforts. I will ensure top-level support
    for the Mission's good governance working group, an interagency
    mechanism that leverages expertise across agencies and sections. I will
    support ongoing programs that address corruption and governance, and I
    will advocate for additional resources in these areas.

        Question. What is the status of efforts to amend the constitution
    to allow for expropriation of private land without compensation? What
    impact might such a change have on racial relations and private sector
    investment, including potential investment from the United States?

        Answer. At this time efforts to amend the constitution have paused.
    The previous Parliament created the Ad Hoc Committee to Amend Section
    25 of the Constitution and tasked it with drafting language for the
    proposed constitutional amendment. The new Parliament has yet to issue
    a mandate to reconvene the Ad Hoc Committee to continue the prior
    committee's work. We expect to see some movement when Parliament
    returns for its second term on August 20.
        A multiplicity of land reform initiatives have been ongoing since
    the end of apartheid, and most South Africans support such efforts.
    However, the prospect of land expropriation without compensation
    specifically is contentious because it creates economic uncertainty
    around the country's protection of property rights. The South African
    government is aware of the formidable challenge of finding solutions to
    redress a century of wrongs to black South Africans without
    compromising property rights, and has moved forward through
    consultations with broad and diverse stakeholders. While a legal
    framework for land reform continues to be worked out through a
    legislative process, President Ramaphosa and other members of his
    administration have publicly discussed expropriation in the context of
    targeted circumstances, such as on abandoned buildings or underutilized
    land. President Ramaphosa has repeatedly stated his commitment to
    ensuring that land reform efforts do not undermine future investment,
    agricultural production, or food security.

        Question. How would you approach USG work to counter the violent
    crime challenges in South Africa, and support the country's criminal
    justice capacity?

        Answer. South Africa faces daunting, complex challenges of violent
    crime and an overburdened criminal justice system. If confirmed, I
    would support the U.S. government's multi-pronged engagement on these
    issues. For example, I would seek to increase South African
    participation in U.S. training programs, such as through judicial
    sector participation in U.S. public affairs exchange programs and
    security force participation in the International Law Enforcement
    Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone, Botswana. Moreover, I would search for
    strategic windows of opportunity to further support South Africa's
    National Prosecuting Authority, independent judiciary, and civil
    society organizations, each of which plays a critical role in promoting
    accountability and supporting victims of violent crime.

        Question. What efforts is the U.S. government making to assist with
    anti-corruption and transparency efforts in South Africa? Are our
    actions commensurate with the challenge facing South Africa in these
    areas?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will build on the efforts already underway
    across the U.S. Mission in South Africa to report and engage on good
    governance and anti-corruption efforts. I will ensure top-level support
    for the Mission's good governance working group, an interagency
    mechanism that leverages expertise across agencies and sections. I will
    support ongoing programs that address corruption and governance, and I
    will advocate for additional resources in these areas.

        Question. In mid-2018, the State Department reported that South
    Africa's government does not meet minimum U.S. standards for the
    elimination of trafficking in persons (TIP), a longstanding problem in
    the country. The Department reports that the government is making
    significant efforts to address TIP activity, but has insufficiently
    funded anti-trafficking efforts for a second year in a row. It was thus
    downgraded to U.S. Tier 2 Watch List country under a system set out in
    the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as amended.
        How would you describe the scope of trafficking in persons (TIP) in
    South Africa?

        Answer. As reported in the 2019 Trafficking in Persons Report for
    South Africa, human traffickers exploit domestic and foreign victims in
    South Africa, and traffickers exploit victims from South Africa abroad.
    Traffickers recruit victims from poor countries and poor and/or rural
    areas within South Africa to urban centers, such as Johannesburg, Cape
    Town, Durban, and Bloemfontein, where traffickers force victims into
    sex trafficking, domestic servitude, criminal activities, and
    agriculture. Syndicates-often dominated by Nigerians-facilitate
    trafficking in the commercial sex industry. Traffickers increasingly
    force women from Lesotho into sex trafficking in South Africa. To a
    lesser extent, syndicates recruit South African women to Europe and
    Asia, where traffickers force some into prostitution, domestic
    servitude, or drug smuggling.

        Question. What specific actions will you recommend we undertake to
    support South Africa in improving its efforts to stop trafficking in
    persons if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will recommend a set of specific goals and
    objectives to further the government of South Africa's anti-trafficking
    efforts. Key lines of effort will include investigating and prosecuting
    officials suspected of complicity in trafficking crimes; increasing
    efforts and capacity to investigate, prosecute, and convict traffickers
    involved in organized crime syndicates that facilitate trafficking;
    and, improving implementation of a variety of South African TIP-related
    legislation. If necessary, I will advocate for U.S. government funding
    to help advance these goals.

        Question. What support have we provided to train officials to
    investigate and prosecute those facilitating child sex trafficking or
    adult forced prostitution?

        Answer. The State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat
    Trafficking in Persons currently has two projects, totaling U.S.
    $1,575,000 that support the training of officials to investigate and
    prosecute traffickers.
        In 2019, the State Department's Office to Monitor and Combat
    Trafficking in Persons awarded U.S. $825,000 to the United Nations
    Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for an anti-TIP program focused on
    southern Africa, including South Africa. The program will train
    criminal justice personnel, including judges, magistrates, prosecutors,
    and law enforcement at the national and regional level to increase the
    number of systematized, victim-centered human trafficking
    investigations and prosecutions.
        UNODC was also awarded U.S. $750,000, in 2016, to build the
    capacity of the INTERPOL Regional Bureau for Southern Africa to support
    the Southern Africa Development Community member states in victim-
    centered investigations and prosecutions of trafficking in persons
    cases. This project seeks to develop skills and support intelligence
    driven bilateral and regional operations to combat TIP.

        Question. What additional activities should we be undertaking to
    assist South Africa in these areas?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will ensure that the U.S. Mission in South
    Africa provides policy and, if possible, program support to further the
    goals of the South African Department of Justice's National Policy
    Framework on Trafficking in Persons. We will commit to routine
    engagement with our South African counterparts to stress the importance
    of these actions and in support of a robust partnership between our
    governments for progress in addressing this crime.

        Question. What U.S. assistance activities will be cut off should
    South Africa be sanctioned under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act
    for being on Tier Three?

        Answer. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) restrictions
    apply to the obligation of non-trade, non-humanitarian U.S. assistance
    to the governments of Tier 3 countries. Trade-related and humanitarian
    assistance are excepted from the restrictions, as are specific types of
    security assistance related to counter narcotics, anti-terrorism, and
    nonproliferation. The applicability of the restrictions, or a waiver
    from the restrictions, is subject to a Presidential determination each
    year.

        Question. What specific actions will you take to help address the
    scourge of trafficking if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support the efforts of the State
    Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons to
    address the scourge of trafficking. This will include setting goals and
    objectives to further the government of South Africa's anti-trafficking
    efforts and, if necessary, advocating for U.S. government funding to
    help advance these goals.
        While the South African economy is large and complex, annual real
    Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth (i.e., growth as output as measured
    in constant Rand) has been far lower in recent years than it was in the
    mid-2000s, when growth in the 5% range was typical. Growth averaged
    1.3% from 2014 through 2017 and is forecast at 0.8% in 2018. GDP as
    measured in dollars-a key factor in current account transactions,
    notably trade-also trended downward between 2011 and 2016 due to a weak
    Rand. Domestic factors include high public deficits and debt, an
    inadequately educated workforce, and rigid labor markets. In addition,
    in 2014 and 2015 electricity generation deficits led to rolling power
    blackouts, and such power shortages have recently resumed. The country
    has also faced significant droughts, including one that caused severe
    water shortages in Cape Town, a major global tourist destination.

        Question. Why has South Africa's economy grown so slowly?

        Answer. Although South Africa is the United States' most developed
    trade and investment partner on the continent, it continues to struggle
    with low economic growth and profound fiscal challenges. Forecasts for
    economic growth generally are in the 1.3%-1.5% range for 2019 and 1.5%-
    1.7% range for 2020, and for the budget deficit to be between 4.5%-4.9%
    in 2019. In the first quarter of 2019, the unemployment rate in the
    country rose to 27.6% (up half a percentage point from the previous
    quarter) and to 55.2% for youth (aged 15-24), who represent 17 percent
    of the population. The reasons for South Africa's economic challenges
    are many and complex, but international ratings agencies have often
    cited concern that the government's budget is increasingly
    unsustainable, driven in part by large contingent liabilities to the
    country's many large state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In addition, South
    Africa's education system struggles to produce the number of high
    school graduates needed for employment by key sectors of the economy.
    The country's former engines of growth and tax revenue--manufacturing
    and mining--still account for 70% of total exports, but have declined
    in recent years. Over the last 30 years, manufacturing has fallen from
    30% of GDP to 12% today, mining has fallen from 13% of GDP to 7.5%, and
    services have grown from 51% to 65%.

        Question. What are President Ramaphosa's economic reform and growth
    priorities? What are the most promising areas for greater bilateral
    trade, both regarding U.S. export opportunities and South Africa
    exports to the United States, including under AGOA?

        Answer. President Ramaphosa has indicated his plans to implement
    structural economic reforms such as reducing the public sector wage
    bill and restructuring state-owned enterprises (SOEs). These reforms
    could help put the economy on a sustainable path of growth, but are
    controversial.
        As the largest export market for U.S. goods in sub-Saharan Africa,
    South Africa has the greatest potential for growth of U.S. exports and
    investment in our key sectors of economic strength, including
    information and communication technologies (ICT), advanced
    manufacturing, energy, and services.
        South Africa is the greatest non-oil beneficiary and the most
    diversified exporter under the African Growth and Opportunity Act
    (AGOA). South African exports under AGOA totaled U.S. $1.5 billion in
    2018. South Africa is the world's fourth biggest citrus exporter to the
    United States.

        Question. What are the implications of the Trump Administration's
    tariff increases on U.S.-South Africa trade relations? How would
    potential new tariffs on U.S. imports of South African autos affect
    South Africa's economy?

        Answer. The President's action under Section 232 is to protect U.S.
    national security given massive and persistent global excess capacity
    for, and resulting excessive imports of, steel and aluminum. Countries
    have discussed with us possible alternative means to address our
    concern. The President is considering the national security aspects of
    these alternatives on a case-by-case basis.
        On May 17, the President issued a proclamation that concurs with
    the findings and conclusion of the Secretary of Commerce that the
    quantities and circumstances of imports of automobiles and certain
    automobile parts have weakened our internal economy and threaten to
    impair the national security. Pursuant to Section 232 the President has
    determined to pursue negotiation of agreements to address the
    threatened impairment to national security.
        The President has directed the United States Trade Representative
    to lead the negotiation process and to update him within 180 days of
    the status of those negotiations. If no agreements are reached by that
    time, the President could decide then whether further action under
    section 232 is appropriate.

        Question. Mark Green launched Prosper Africa in Maputo, Mozambique
    in June. Please explain how Prosper Africa is supposed to operate, and
    how you as Ambassador will take advantage of the initiative in South
    Africa if confirmed.

        Answer. Prosper Africa will mobilize resources from across the U.S.
    government to unlock the United States' unmatched competitive
    advantages to vastly accelerate two-way investment and trade with
    Africa states.
        Prosper Africa draws on a broad range of tools, including the new
    Development Finance Corporation, both to help African governments
    improve the business environment in their countries and to support U.S.
    companies interested in investing in Africa.
        By expanding investment and trade with partner countries in Africa
    and establishing a more level playing field for American businesses,
    Prosper Africa aims to create jobs and strengthen African countries'
    progress towards self-reliance.
        If confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, I will
    aggressively use Prosper Africa and other mechanisms to expand markets
    in South Africa for American exporters and ensure our businesses and
    products are treated fairly.

        Question. Will you commit, if confirmed, to ensuring that you fully
    brief Members of Congress and/or their staff when you are in Washington
    for visits or consultations during your tenure as Ambassador to South
    Africa?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I would be pleased to appropriately
    brief Members of Congress and/or their staff during my tenure as
    Ambassador to South Africa when I am in Washington.

        Question. What do you consider the status of South Africa's state
    of gender equality? What actions and programs will you promote to
    support the improvement of the status of women and girls if confirmed?

        Answer. South Africa's constitution contains strong protections for
    human rights, including for gender equality. Women's rights are also
    protected and upheld in South Africa by the Minister of Women in the
    Presidency, the Commission for Gender Equality, the Commission for
    Employment Equity, and a number of other government bodies, numerous
    non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and labor unions. The U.S.
    government, through the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
    (PEPFAR), also invests in protecting adolescent girls and young women
    in South Africa through its DREAMS (Determined, Resilient, Empowered,
    AIDS-free, Mentored, and Safe) public-private partnership to address
    many of the factors that make girls and young women particularly
    vulnerable to HIV, including gender-based violence and exclusion from
    economic opportunities.
        However, South Africa continues to struggle with gender-based
    violence against women: between 25 and 40 percent of South African
    women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence at the hands of
    an intimate partner, according to the South African government's
    Demographic and Health Survey.

        Question. How will you ensure that existing and longstanding U.S.
    policy commitments to ending gender-based violence, advancing the
    rights of adolescent girls, and promoting women's leadership and
    participation will be respected and advanced in South Africa?

        Answer. While sexual violence is a global issue, the rate of sexual
    violence in South Africa is among the highest in the world. If
    confirmed, I would seek to leverage all U.S. government programs,
    including development programs, exchange programs, security assistance,
    and our sizeable HIV/AIDS assistance to deepen the impact of U.S.
    support to help South Africa address many of the factors that impede
    women's advancement in South Africa. This includes addressing factors
    that make girls and young women particularly vulnerable to HIV,
    including gender-based violence and exclusion from economic
    opportunities, as well as promoting more broadly efforts to prevent
    gender-based violence against women and assist those women who seek
    counseling, medical, legal, or financial assistance. Additionally, I
    would use public statements, speeches, and the press to add my voice--
    and that of the United States of America--to this cause.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. My professional experience is based entirely in the private
    sector, where I started an artisanal handbag business in Miami, Florida
    and grew it into a global brand. My work involved global travel, cross-
    cultural negotiation, and hard-nosed advocacy for my own rights and
    intellectual property.
        In business negotiations across the span of my career, I have
    always advanced the values of honesty, fairness, and a firm belief in
    the power of free markets. In certain countries where I did business,
    these values had not fully taken hold, and it is no coincidence that
    these countries tended to fall short on human rights and democracy.
    Although I was operating in the capacity of a business leader, not an
    activist or government official, I would like to think that my
    adherence to these values-honesty, fairness, and free markets-served to
    move the hearts and minds of my interlocutors in a direction more
    favorable to human rights and democracy.
        In addition, in my career I have negotiated with foreign public and
    private sector leaders who were unaccustomed to the sight of women in
    power. I dealt with these individuals personally, and in doing so, I
    believe I influenced their views on the role of women in society. In
    this way I contributed to the promotion of global women's rights, a key
    component of human rights and democracy.
        I have shared lessons learned through these experiences through my
    participation in Harvard University's Kennedy School of government's
    Women's Leadership Board, as a distinguished speaker for Georgetown
    University's Women's Leadership Initiative, and by representing the
    United States in Helsinki for the Women Business Leaders Summit.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in South Africa? These challenges might
    include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. Although South Africa is a vibrant democracy with a free
    press and strong democratic institutions, it continues to face
    challenges including corruption, gender-based violence against women,
    attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI)
    persons, and trafficking in persons (TIP).

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in South Africa? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa,
    I would make the promotion of human rights and good governance a key
    objective in order to strengthen South Africa's democracy. Corruption
    scandals related to the administration of former President Jacob Zuma
    are the subject of ongoing judicial proceedings, and the current
    administration of President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken important steps
    to fight corruption. If confirmed, I would support President
    Ramaphosa's efforts through Mission programs and support from
    Washington-based agencies. I would continue the U.S. Mission's ongoing
    efforts to report on human rights abuses, gender-based and anti-LGBTI
    violence, and trafficking in persons (TIP), through reporting cables as
    well as public reports like the annual Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices and Trafficking in Persons Report.
        South Africa continues to address these complex, multi-pronged
    challenges with the support of partners like the United States. My
    greatest challenge in this regard, if confirmed, would be to match
    existing U.S. resources, which are necessarily finite, with this wide
    range of urgent reform priorities.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa,
    I would direct Mission staff to use Public Diplomacy, Self-Help, Africa
    Regional Democracy Fund, and other sources of funding to support
    democracy and governance. We would seek to apply these resources to
    people and projects throughout South Africa, drawing voices from across
    the country to form our opinions and shape our policies.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in South Africa? What steps will you take to pro-actively
    address efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via
    legal or regulatory measures?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with human rights, civil society,
    and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the United States
    and in South Africa. I will ensure the U.S. Mission monitors any
    attempt to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would meet with democratically oriented
    political opposition figures and parties. I would publicly encourage
    and support South Africa's vibrant democracy and genuine political
    competition, and I would advocate for access and inclusivity for women,
    minorities and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with South
    Africa on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in South Africa?

        Answer. South Africa enjoys a robust and independent press in a
    sophisticated media landscape. That said, if confirmed I would ensure
    that the U.S. Mission is vigilant to spot and address any government
    efforts designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures. I would engage regularly with South
    Africa's independent media.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed I would seek to counter disinformation
    and propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in
    South Africa.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    South Africa on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. South Africa has long benefited from strong and independent
    trade unions. If confirmed, I would actively engage with South Africa's
    labor groups.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in South Africa, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do
    the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face
    in South Africa? What specifically will you commit to do to help the
    LGBTQ people in South Africa achieve equal rights?

        Answer. South Africa continues to suffer attacks on lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. If confirmed as
    Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, I would continue the U.S.
    Mission's ongoing programming and reporting efforts to address human
    rights abuses, including gender-based and anti-LGBTI violence, through
    reporting cables as well as public reports like the annual Country
    Report on Human Rights Practices and Trafficking in Persons Report. I
    would also commit to continue to support addressing their HIV services
    through the PEPFAR program,
        One of the greatest obstacles to advancing women's empowerment and
    gender equity is a lack of quality healthcare, including access to
    reproductive health services. The U.S. government has historically led
    global efforts to combat preventable maternal deaths through
    investments in maternal and child health, nutrition, family planning,
    and other critical health interventions. However, the Administration's
    actions in the area of global health, such as expanding the Global Gag
    Rule, have severely undermined these efforts.

        Question. Has the expanded Global Gag rule affected program
    implementation in South Africa? If so, how specifically?

        Answer. The United States remains deeply committed to the people of
    South Africa, including through our PEPFAR program, which represents
    the vast majority of U.S. assistance to South Africa. Since 2004, in
    partnership with South Africa, the United States has invested more than
    U.S. $6 billion to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. South
    Africa, with the support of the United States, has the largest HIV
    treatment program in the world.

        Question. What specifically will you do support South African women
    and girls in gaining full access to the full range of health services
    they require?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the State
    Department's Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator, USAID, CDC, Peace
    Corps, and others to ensure that the PEPFAR program continues its
    successful efforts to help all South Africans--including women and
    girls--live longer, healthier, and more productive lives by working
    together with the South African government to prevent and treat HIV and
    AIDS. A key part of this support is the PEPFAR-led Determined,
    Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS) public-
    private partnership that addresses many of the factors that make girls
    and young women particularly vulnerable to HIV, including gender-based
    violence and exclusion from economic opportunities.

        Question. How do you characterize the current state and trajectory
    of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa? What do you see as the
    primary barrier(s) to achieving epidemic control in South Africa?

        Answer. South Africa has the largest HIV epidemic in the world with
    an estimated 7.5 million people living with HIV (PLHIV). In 2016, South
    Africa had 270,000 new HIV infections and 110,000 AIDS-related deaths.
    Currently, with U.S. government support, there are more than 4.4
    million on life-saving antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 3.1 million
    PLHIV not on ART in South Africa. In FY 2018, the PEPFAR team worked
    together with the government of South Africa to identify 939,704 PLHIV
    and started 752,934 new patients on treatment, resulting in 4,484,288
    PLHIV currently on treatment across all 52 districts.
        While we celebrate these successes, we also note that progress has
    been insufficient to reach epidemic control and there are critical
    barriers to ensuring success. The program is struggling to ensure every
    person who starts on HIV treatment remains on it. If confirmed, I would
    make it a top priority to coordinate efforts of U.S. and South African
    stakeholders to achieve epidemic control by the end of 2020.
        Violent crime is a significant problem across South Africa, as are
    criminal justice system capacity challenges. There are periodic reports
    of vigilante and mob violence, and police sometimes use heavy-handed,
    abusive tactics. Broader challenges to social cohesion are manifest in
    periodic xenophobic attacks on African immigrants and their businesses,
    criminal attacks on white farmers, and the de facto racial segregation
    of many residential areas.

        Question. Is there a role for the United States in helping South
    Africa address violent crimes and improve security?

        Answer. South Africa faces daunting, complex challenges of violent
    crime and an overburdened criminal justice system. If confirmed, I
    would seek to increase South African participation in U.S. training
    programs, such as through judicial sector participation in U.S. public
    affairs exchange programs and security force participation in the
    International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in Gaborone, Botswana.
    Moreover, I would search for strategic windows of opportunity to
    further support South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority,
    independent judiciary, and civil society organizations, each of which
    plays a critical role in promoting accountability and supporting
    victims of violent crime.

        Question. What programs will you prioritize aimed at increasing the
    capacity of an independent and effective judicial system?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would strongly support ongoing U.S. Mission
    efforts to increase the capacity of South Africa's independent and
    effective judicial system. The Mission has undertaken extensive
    engagement with various elements of the South African court system in
    recent years with a goal of building judicial capacity. For example,
    the U.S. Mission to South Africa provided a U.S. $15,000 grant to the
    U.S. National Center for State Courts to provide training workshops to
    South African justices, and has facilitated numerous exchange visits
    and justice system collaborations.

        Question. How would you describe the state of xenophobia in South
    Africa? If confirmed, as an appointee of President Trump, what actions
    could you credibly take to speak against xenophobia in light of
    President Trump's recent tweets telling four members of the House of
    Representatives-all U.S. citizens--``who originally came from countries
    whose governments are a complete and total catastrophe'' to ``go back
    and help fix the totally broken and crime infested places from which
    they came,'' which appear to rest on the presumption that people of
    color must not be U.S. citizens?

        Answer. Xenophobic violence remains a problem in South Africa.
    According to the State Department's 2018 Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices for South Africa, an open-source system for information
    collection on xenophobia-related incidents reported that 27 persons
    were killed, 77 persons were assaulted, 588 shops were looted, and
    1,143 persons were displaced due to xenophobic incidents during the 18
    months between February and August 2017. Xenophobic violence in South
    Africa is largely directed against refugees from Somalia, Ethiopia, or
    the Democratic Republic of the Congo. In many cases the victims are
    owners or managers of small, informal grocery stores in poor
    residential areas.
        If confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, I would
    continue the U.S. Mission's efforts to direct programs and reporting to
    address this ongoing problem.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes, I believe that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will remain vigilant in this regard and
    will instruct agency and section leadership across the U.S. Mission,
    including the Deputy Chief of Mission and the Human Resources Officer,
    to ensure that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting)?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority?

        Answer. No, I have not. I take any potential issue of sexual
    harassment, discrimination, and inappropriate conduct with the utmost
    seriousness. While I have addressed concerns about workplace policies
    related to compensation, I am not aware of any concerns regarding
    harassment, discrimination, or inappropriate conduct. In the event I do
    become aware of such concerns, I commit to addressing them quickly and
    appropriately.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Lana Marks by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?
        Answer. My professional experience is based entirely in the private
    sector, where I started an artisanal handbag business in Miami, Florida
    and grew it into a global brand. My work involved global travel, cross-
    cultural negotiation, and hard-nosed advocacy for my own rights and
    intellectual property.
        In business negotiations across the span of my career, I have
    always advanced the values of honesty, fairness, and a firm belief in
    the power of free markets. In certain countries where I did business,
    these values had not fully taken hold, and it is no coincidence that
    these countries tended to fall short on human rights and democracy.
    Although I was operating in the capacity of a business leader, not an
    activist or government official, I would like to think that my
    adherence to these values-honesty, fairness, and free markets-served to
    move the hearts and minds of my interlocutors in a direction more
    favorable to human rights and democracy.
        In addition, in my career I have negotiated with foreign public and
    private sector leaders who were unaccustomed to the sight of women in
    power. I dealt with these individuals personally, and in doing so I
    believe I influenced their views on the role of women in society. In
    this way I contributed to the promotion of global women's rights, a key
    component of human rights and democracy.
        I have shared lessons learned through these experiences through my
    participation in Harvard University's Kennedy School of government's
    Women's Leadership Board, as a distinguished speaker for Georgetown
    University's Women's Leadership Initiative, and by representing the
    United States in Helsinki for the Women Business Leaders Summit.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in South
    Africa? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in South Africa? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?
        Answer. Although South Africa is a vibrant democracy with a free
    press and strong democratic institutions, it continues to face
    challenges including corruption, gender-based violence against women,
    attacks on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI)
    persons, and trafficking in persons (TIP).
        If confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa, I would
    make the promotion of human rights and good governance a key objective
    in order to strengthen South Africa's democracy. Corruption scandals
    related to the administration of former President Jacob Zuma are the
    subject of ongoing judicial proceedings, and the current administration
    of President Cyril Ramaphosa has taken important steps to fight
    corruption. If confirmed, I would support President Ramaphosa's efforts
    through Mission programs and support from Washington-based agencies. I
    would continue the U.S. Mission's ongoing efforts to report on human
    rights abuses, gender-based and anti-LGBTI violence, and TIP, through
    reporting cables as well as public reports like the annual Country
    Report on Human Rights Practices and Trafficking in Persons Report.
        Specifically, I would seek to focus attention on the issue of
    gender-based violence against women--between 25 and 40 percent of South
    African women have experienced sexual or physical violence at the hands
    of an intimate partner. While sexual violence is a global issue, the
    rate of sexual violence in South Africa is among the highest in the
    world. I would seek to leverage all U.S. government programs, including
    development programs, exchange programs, security assistance, and our
    sizeable HIV/AIDS assistance to deepen our impact to help prevent
    gender-based violence against women and assist those women who seek
    counseling, medical, legal, or financial assistance. Additionally, I
    would use public statements, speeches, and the press to add my voice--
    and that of the United States of America--to this cause.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in South Africa in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?
        Answer. South Africa's constitution is celebrated for its strong
    protections of human rights, and South African courts and institutions
    generally perform well. However, resource constraints prevent South
    African courts and institutions from fully living up to the
    constitution's ideals. As noted in the 2018 Country Report on Human
    Rights Practices for South Africa, the judiciary remains understaffed
    and underfunded, resulting in up to two-thirds of criminal cases never
    resulting in verdicts. In cases of gender-based violence against women,
    low conviction rates result from poor police training, insufficient
    forensic lab capacity, lack of trauma counseling for victims and
    witnesses, and overburdened courts.
        South Africa continues to address these complex, multi-pronged
    challenges with the support of partners like the United States. My
    greatest challenge in this regard, if confirmed, would be to match
    existing U.S. resources, which are necessarily finite, with this wide
    range of urgent reform priorities.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in South Africa? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would meet with human rights, civil
    society, and other non-governmental organizations in the United States
    and in South Africa. I would uphold the Leahy Law and similar efforts
    by ensuring that the U.S. Embassy maintains robust vetting practices,
    and I would ensure that U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with South
    Africa to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by South Africa?
        Answer. I am unaware of any such cases at the moment, but if
    confirmed I would actively address any such cases should they arise.

        Question. Will you engage with South Africa on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?
        Answer. Yes. If I am confirmed as Ambassador to the Republic of
    South Africa, I would ensure that human rights, civil rights, and
    governance remain a central aspect of the U.S. Mission's engagement
    with South Africa.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?
        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?
        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in South Africa?
        Answer. I am one of two trustees of a family trust, which holds
    commercial and mixed-use real estate in South Africa. I am currently in
    the process of transferring my trusteeship to a non-family member. If
    confirmed, I will comply with all stipulations as outlined in my ethics
    agreement and resign from this position.
        Other than the above, neither I nor my immediate family members
    have any financial interests in South Africa.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?
        Answer. I strongly believe that diversity makes business teams
    better. If confirmed, I would strongly encourage mentoring for staff
    members from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups, and I
    would ensure that agency and section leaders throughout the U.S.
    Mission engage in leadership practices that support diversity.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?
        Answer. A diverse and inclusive workforce is stronger, more
    effective, and more representative of the wide diversity of the United
    States. If confirmed, I would use the robust performance management
    tools at my disposal to hold agency and section heads across the U.S.
    Mission accountable to ensure they foster an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive. I would lead by example, modeling inclusive
    teambuilding and offering an open-door policy to any staff who would
    wish to share a concern with me. Finally, I would ensure that all staff
    are aware of their rights and responsibilities as federal employees.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in South
    Africa specifically?
        Answer. Political corruption has exerted a negative effect on
    democratic governance and the rule of law in South Africa. Following
    nearly a decade of corrupt practices under the administration of former
    President Jacob Zuma, and the scandals that followed, many South
    African voters lost faith in the democratic rights that were so hard-
    won a generation ago. The fewest number of South Africans since the
    country's first democratic elections in 1994 voted in the country's
    most recent national election (66 percent of all registered voters),
    which analysts have attributed to a ``perfect storm'' of multiple
    corruption scandals, rampant unemployment, especially among youth, a
    stagnant economy, and recurrent power failures following mismanagement
    at the national energy utility. Political corruption also contributes
    to the enrichment of the few at the expense of the many, exacerbating
    economic inequality that is already the world's most severe, according
    to the World Bank.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in South
    Africa and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?
        Answer. From 2010 to 2018, South Africa saw a rise in corrupt
    practices under the administration of former President Jacob Zuma,
    resulting in scandals and a loss of confidence in government
    institutions. Since February 2018, when President Cyril Ramaphosa
    replaced Zuma and began taking steps to roll back corruption, the trend
    has been significantly more positive. A number of high-level judicial
    commissions, most notably a commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice
    Raymond Zondo, are examining the extent of Zuma's corruption. President
    Ramaphosa's anti-corruption efforts hold out promise for the benefit of
    South Africa's voting public as well as investors who point to
    successful anti-corruption measures as critical to sustainable economic
    growth.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in South Africa?
        Answer. If confirmed, I would build on the efforts already underway
    across the U.S. Mission in South Africa to report and engage on good
    governance and anti-corruption efforts. I would ensure top-level
    support for the Mission's good governance working group, an interagency
    mechanism that leverages expertise across agencies and sections. I
    would support ongoing programs that address corruption and governance,
    use public statements, speeches and the press to call attention to
    these issues, and advocate for additional resources in these areas.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Lana Marks by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. Thank you for your commitment to look into the impact of
    the President's Protecting Life in Global Health Assistance (PLGHA)
    policy in South Africa. As you may know, South Africa has the largest
    HIV epidemic in the world, with 19% of the global number of people
    living with HIV, 15% of new infections and 11% of AIDS-related deaths.
    Several detailed and credible studies have demonstrated that the impact
    of the PLGHA extends beyond family planning services to other global
    health concerns, including HIV/AIDS. In interviews conducted by the
    International Women's Health Coalition, many NGOs described the clear
    and devastating impact of this policy. The Executive Director of one
    organization in South Africa said that ``When the U.S. pulls out
    [organizations close] down services, it is not just the abortion
    services. It is the information to women, it is HIV services, it is
    pregnancy services, teenage pregnancy and related stuff. So what has
    happened is that women's lives have become much more vulnerable, they
    don't have access the way they did--and it is always the most poor
    marginalized who suffer the most.''

       In addition to examining the impact of the PLGHA on health systems,
            will you commit to looking specifically at the impact of the
            policy on the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief
            (PEPFAR) and malaria and Tuberculosis programs?

        Answer. The United States remains deeply committed to the people of
    South Africa, including through our PEPFAR program, which represents
    the vast majority of U.S. assistance to South Africa. Since 2004, in
    partnership with South Africa, the United States has invested more than
    U.S. $6 billion to control the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa. South
    Africa, with the support of the United States, has the largest HIV
    treatment program in the world.
        If confirmed, I will work tirelessly to ensure that health
    programs, including those supported by PEPFAR and those focused on
    malaria and tuberculosis, are maximally effective to save lives,
    achieve epidemic control, and improve health outcomes in South Africa.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Jessica E. Lapenn by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question.  What are the most notable successes and shortcomings in
    the African Union's efforts to resolve conflicts in Africa? What types
    of U.S. support could most effectively enhance such efforts?

        Answer. The African Union (AU) provides an excellent forum for our
    African partners to proactively work through diplomatic and security
    challenges before they arise and to provide credible, African-led,
    multilateral responses to resolve ongoing conflicts and other security
    challenges. The AU has had its greatest successes in missions in which
    there is significant internal political support and, when necessary,
    international partner resourcing. Through the AU Mission in Somalia
    (AMISOM), the AU has provided the Somali government and people with an
    opportunity to begin to achieve political goals and take its first
    steps as a functioning state. The AU's greatest shortcomings are the
    lack of human, technical, and financial capacity to fully support all
    AU Commission-mandated activities. Continuing to assist the AU's
    ability to carry out its missions through the provision of U.S.
    advisory, technical, and limited operational assistance in coordination
    with like-minded partners is the most effective way to support the
    self-sufficiency of the AU.

        Question.  How effectively has U.S. support for AMISOM been
    coordinated with that of other donors? What are the key lessons learned
    from current or past AU peace operations?

        Answer. U.S. support to AMISOM is coordinated at multiple levels to
    ensure efficient and effective use of U.S. resources and avoid
    duplication of effort. We have regular capital-level discussions on
    AMISOM with the European Union (EU), which funds AMISOM troop salaries,
    and AU counterparts. There is also extensive on-the-ground coordination
    in Mogadishu via the Comprehensive Approach to Security process, which
    brings together all the major security donors to AMISOM, including the
    EU, United States, United Kingdom and the U.N. to enable timely and
    comprehensive coordination of assistance. It is important for
    international partners, such as the United States and EU, to work at
    both the political and working levels to ensure there is sufficient
    political support; avoid duplicative support efforts; and recognize the
    comparative advantages of each donor.

        Question.  What role, if any, do you see for the United States in
    supporting the AU's stymied mediation effort in Burundi, or in
    bolstering regional peace efforts in South Sudan? What are the
    impediments to the establishment of the hybrid court for South Sudan,
    and how could the AU address them? What concrete actions will you take,
    if confirmed, to

        Answer. The United States fully supports regional mediation
    efforts, including those by the AU, and regularly urges the government
    of Burundi to engage productively.
        The United States will continue to press the AU, the
    Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), regional states, and
    the government of South Sudan to support implementation of the South
    Sudan peace agreement signed on September 12, 2018. We are also
    coordinating closely with our Troika partners (United Kingdom and
    Norway), the EU, and the U.N. We are committed to ensuring robust
    enforcement of the U.N. arms embargo, and to encouraging South Sudan's
    neighbors to play a positive role.
        The United States supports accountability and is working with the
    AU to encourage the government of South Sudan to establish the Hybrid
    Court as articulated in the September 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the
    Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. The United
    States is pressing the AU to step up efforts to operationalize the
    Hybrid Court, including hiring key personnel.
        If confirmed, I will continue to advocate the AU do more to
    implement establishment of the Court.

        Question.  Please discuss the role of the AU Commission with regard
    to ensuring the success of AMISOM, the MNJTF, and the G5 Sahel joint
    force initiative. What actions, if any, could USAU pursue-as a
    complement to the substantial U.S. military assistance provided to
    these three forces-to support that end?

        Answer. The AU Commission provides both direct (e.g. Somalia) and
    indirect (e.g. MNTF and G5 Sahel) oversight of missions mandated by the
    AU Peace and Security Council (PSC). The AU Commission supports AMISOM,
    the MNJTF, and the G5 Sahel Joint Force by mobilizing African and
    international partners' political backing and resources to provide
    material and technical support for these forces. In addition, it
    provides assistance and administrative support to the sub-regional
    organizations in support of their missions. If confirmed, I will work
    with the AU and like-minded international partners to ensure the
    missions work on comprehensive approaches toward addressing AU
    responses to insecurity.

        Question.  In December 2018, Ethiopia proposed a U.N. Security
    Council resolution proposing to use U.N. assessed contributions to fund
    AU peace support operations, and South Africa, which replaced Ethiopia
    on the Council in January, may offer a similar resolution while it
    holds the Council presidency in October. What concerns does the U.S.
    have about such a proposal and what is the current status of
    negotiations? If confirmed, what actions will you recommend the U.S.
    take to address the issues of reliable steady funding from
    international partners for African Union peace keeping missions?

        Answer. The Administration values the African Union's (AU)
    essential contribution to maintaining peace and security on the African
    continent and supports its goal to have predictable and sustainable
    funding for AU-led peace support operations (PSOs). Any proposed U.N.
    Security Council resolution to use U.N. assessed contributions to
    support AU PSOs must have sufficient safeguards to ensure it does not
    cross U.S. red lines, including UNSC primacy, oversight, and
    accountability.
        In large part because the resolution, as introduced in December,
    did not address U.S. concerns, and subsequent intensive discussions
    failed to address those concerns, the Security Council did not take
    action on this resolution. While the issue has not formally been taken
    up by the Security Council, it is likely one of the AU countries may
    introduce a similar resolution in October during the South African
    presidency in the U.N. Security Council. At this time, the South
    Africans have not introduced a draft for negotiation.
        If confirmed, I will work with AU Member States to ensure U.S.
    concerns and priorities are addressed when considering proposals to use
    U.N. funding to support AU-led PSOs.

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As the Office Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian
    Affairs in the Bureau of International Organizations, I led our team to
    champion and support numerous human rights resolutions, including on
    LGBTI human rights and country specific situations. As the Chief of
    Staff for the Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security,
    Democracy, and Human Rights, I supported the Under Secretary to direct
    the bureaus which fell under her purview. In that role, I focused on
    cross-cutting issues with strong human rights equities, including work
    on the Atrocity Prevention Board, ensuring our efforts to counter
    violent extremism included non-security tools and approaches; and
    highlighted corruption concerns as a source of legitimate grievances
    and a risk to stability and security.
        I have also advocated for these issues in my last several overseas
    leadership positions. As DCM in Rwanda, I led the Embassy's first ever
    work on the human rights of LGBTI individuals, navigated challenges to
    democratic consolidation, and supported civil society. I also managed
    the surrender at the U.S. Embassy of Bosco Ntaganda, who was
    subsequently convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. As
    Charge d'Affaires in South Africa, I have supported efforts to
    strengthen South Africa's democratic institutions. I have led the
    Mission to use the full range of diplomatic tools, including exchange
    programs, public statements, private encouragement, and foreign
    assistance-funded programs.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    consistent diplomatic support by the African Union for democracy or
    democratic development on the continent?

        Answer. Democratic deficiencies contribute to transnational threats
    across the region; therefore we must help communities foster
    legitimate, inclusive political systems that respect human rights and
    the rule of law, reduce fragility, mitigate risks of violent conflict
    and instability, and create enabling environments for economic growth.
    The African continent has made important gains in democracy and
    institution building over the last few decades, but those gains are
    fragile and require support.
        Repressive laws, often in the name of security, restrict freedom of
    expression and peaceful assembly and undercut efforts to support
    nascent civil society. These laws can provide legal cover for
    harassment of opposition politicians, journalists, and civil society.
    As a result, they curb internal dissent, stem legitimate criticism, and
    limit the development of viable political competition.
        Although elections are widely accepted as the norm in the region,
    an increasing frequency of electoral events have contributed to
    democratic backsliding instead of consolidation. In many countries,
    corruption is endemic, and state institutions remain weak. In addition
    to corruption, fiscal indiscipline and unaccountable public financial
    management systems in Africa undermine economic growth and democratic
    governance. Strong, accountable, and democratic institutions, sustained
    by a deep commitment to the rule of law, are most successful at
    generating greater prosperity and stability, and mitigating conflict
    and ensuring security.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support more
    robust African Union diplomatic support for greater respect for
    democracy and democratic principles by member states? What do you hope
    to accomplish through these actions? What are the potential impediments
    to addressing the specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with the African Union (AU), as
    well as member states, to support democratic institutions, respect for
    human rights, accountability, access to justice, and good governance.
    This includes supporting and improving the effectiveness of the
    Department of Political Affairs, Office of Legal Counsel, and the
    Democracy and Electoral Assistance Unit (DEAU), all of which play a
    critical role to promote democratic values within the AU and the
    region.
        In particular, I commit to working with the DEAU to improve its
    elections observation expertise, and press it, as well as like-minded
    member states, to be critical of flawed elections and political
    processes. I will utilize the U.S.-AU High Level Dialogue, and the
    Democracy and Governance technical working group, to advance support
    for free and fair elections, rule of law, transitional justice,
    protection of marginalized populations, and anti-corruption efforts. I
    will also work with the AU's Peace and Security Council to ensure
    civilian protection and respect for human rights are the cornerstones
    of its approach to peace and security in Africa.
        There will be challenges. Capacity remains weak and resources
    scarce within AU institutions. The leadership of some member states do
    not share American values of democracy and respect for human rights,
    and thus, achieving consensus within the AU for these issues could be
    difficult. If confirmed, I commit to identifying influential decision-
    makers who embrace U.S. values who can help advocate for why these
    values are in the best interest of Africa and Africans.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations while
    ambassador to the African Union?

        Answer. If confirmed as Ambassador to the AU, I commit to working
    with a broad spectrum of actors from civil society, human rights
    organizations, and other non-governmental organizations. A robust and
    diverse civil society able to do its work unhindered is imperative for
    a peaceful and prosperous Africa. I will strive to empower all
    Africans, with particular emphasis on women and youth, to
    constructively shape and participate in their social, political, and
    economic environments.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    African Union on consistent advocacy for freedom of the press in member
    states?

        Answer. Yes, I commit to advocate actively and consistently for
    freedom of expression, including for members of the press in member
    states. As disinformation and manipulation work best in a monopolized
    information space, I will work with allies and partners to encourage
    and promote professional, balanced, and fact-based reporting while
    respecting the independence of the media, and expose and counter
    hostile disinformation campaigns.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    encourage appropriate the African Union organs to defend the human
    rights and dignity of all people in member states, no matter their
    sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the lesbian,
    gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in the African
    Union? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people in
    the African Union?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to protecting the human rights and
    fundamental freedoms of all persons, particularly members of
    historically marginalized or persecuted populations. The safety and
    security of all marginalized groups, including LGBTI persons, is of the
    utmost importance; therefore, I will ensure our approach within the AU,
    first and foremost, does no harm. I will work with the AU to develop
    strategies that prioritize regular discussions with local LGBTI
    communities and civil society partners. I will also raise the human
    rights of LGBTI persons and related issues in the context of broader
    human rights and democracy concerns wherever possible. And finally, I
    will support and encourage the development of African voices in support
    of the human rights of LGBTI persons.

        Question.  Will you commit, if confirmed, to ensuring that you
    fully brief Members of Congress and/or their staff each time you are in
    Washington for visits or consultations during your tenure as Ambassador
    to African Union?

        Answer. I will always seek the opportunity to appropriately brief
    Members of Congress and their staffs while in Washington for official
    consultations.

        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes. I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. I will set the tone from the top to model professional
    supervision studiously consistent with all Federal government
    requirements. I will articulate clearly my expectations of supervisors
    and of appropriate, professional workplace behaviors. In previous
    positions, I have communicated my expectations explicitly in different
    formats, including at Country Team meetings with senior staff, at all
    staff Mission Town Halls and through formal Management Notices and
    written communications. I will also work directly with supervisors,
    especially any first time supervisors, to ensure that they are
    communicating effectively and appropriately, encouraging feedback from
    their direct reports, and are sufficiently self-aware in their
    interactions with staff. I will promptly and decisively address any
    concerns raised around such practices.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting)? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. Not to my knowledge.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness. Throughout my career, I have immediately
    addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with the Department of
    State's policies and practices in dealing with such conduct. While the
    actions taken and the outcomes have differed based on the specifics of
    each situation, I have always acted swiftly and decisively, seeking
    guidance from the Department as appropriate, and also made every effort
    to ensure the wellbeing of the claimant.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Jessica E. Lapenn by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. As the Office Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian
    Affairs in the Bureau of International Organizations, I led our team to
    champion and support numerous human rights resolutions, including on
    LGBTI human rights and country specific situations within the U.N.
    system. As the Chief of Staff for the Under Secretary of State for
    Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, I supported the Under
    Secretary to direct the bureaus which fell under her purview. In that
    role, I focused on cross-cutting issues with strong human rights
    equities, including work on the Atrocity Prevention Board, ensuring our
    efforts to counter violent extremism included non-security tools and
    approaches; and highlighted corruption concerns as a source of
    legitimate grievances and a risk to stability and security.I have also
    advocated for these issues in my last several overseas leadership
    positions. As DCM in Rwanda, I led the Embassy's first ever work on the
    human rights of LGBTI individuals, navigated challenges to democratic
    consolidation, and supported civil society. I also managed the
    surrender at the U.S. Embassy of Bosco Ntaganda, who was subsequently
    convicted of war crimes and crimes against humanity. As Charge
    d'Affaires in South Africa, I have supported efforts to strengthen
    South Africa's democratic institutions. I have led the Mission to use
    the full range of diplomatic tools, including exchange programs, public
    statements, private encouragement, and foreign assistance-funded
    programs.

        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups?

        Answer. As Charge d'Affaires in South Africa, I have ensured the
    tone of an inclusive work place is set from the top. I have strived to
    develop and inculcate a corporate culture that emphasizes respect for
    others, transparency, teamwork, and collaboration through an ongoing,
    active effort. I spend a lot of time and energy encouraging and
    rewarding inclusion and collaboration. At USAU, I commit to promoting a
    culture of inclusion and leading by example. If confirmed, I will
    ensure that all staff feel they have a voice and know that diversity is
    indeed a core strength of our organization. I will work to get to know
    staff--who they are, where they are from, and what motivates them. I
    will address any EEO or related concerns brought to my attention
    rapidly and ensure that all staff are familiar with the processes
    available to them as Federal employees. I will communicate my
    expectations of work clearly, so people confidently understand what is
    expected of them. I will also emphasize my own availability to any
    staff member who wishes to bring a concern directly to me. I have done
    that with great effect in previous positions, enabling me to address
    concerns directly and decisively.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors in the Foreign Service are fostering an environment that is
    diverse and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will set the tone from the top and model
    supervision rooted in my own values as well as those of the Federal
    government around diversity and inclusion. I will use the systems and
    tools available within government, including the Federal Women's
    Program. I will underscore my expectations of workplace and supervisory
    behaviors. In previous positions, I have communicated my expectations
    explicitly in different formats, including at Country Team meetings
    with senior staff, at all staff Mission Town Halls, and through formal
    Management Notices and written communications. I will also work
    directly with supervisors, especially first time supervisors, to ensure
    that they are communicating effectively and appropriately, encourage
    feedback from their direct reports, and are sufficiently self-aware in
    their interactions with staff.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of the State Department) any change in policy or
    U.S. actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the business or
    financial interests of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified mutual funds
    that may hold interests in companies with a presence abroad. The
    diversified mutual funds are exempt from the conflict of interest laws.
    I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not give rise
    to a conflict of interest, and I will remain vigilant with regard to my
    ethics obligations.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
              Submitted to Richard Bell by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. Political competition in advance of Cote d'Ivoire's
    presidential election in 2020 could be destabilizing, especially if
    former President Laurent Gbagbo seeks re-election.

       Please share status of Cote d'Ivoire's preparations. What
            assistance is the U.S. providing to support credible elections,
            including conflict mitigation?

        Answer. Let me stress that Cote d'Ivoire is an important partner
    with a pro-American president and government. We supported the
    international community's efforts to ensure the will of the Ivoirian
    people was respected during the 2010 post-electoral crisis, and I
    believe we must remain invested in the country's continued recovery and
    the consolidation of its democratic gains.
        The biggest challenges to democracy in Cote d'Ivoire will come in
    relation to the high-stakes presidential election in 2020. The 2018
    local elections raised concerns due to well-documented irregularities,
    vote tampering, violence, and intimidation of voters by those
    affiliated with political parties. Given Cote d'Ivoire's recent history
    of violence, elections not perceived as free and fair risk plunging the
    country into further violence.
        If confirmed, I would first urge the government to ensure that
    governance reforms remain front and center on their agenda, as Cote
    d'Ivoire prepares for the presidential election in 2020. We are
    assisting this effort, including through a four-year USAID Political
    Transition and Inclusion (PTI) program being implemented by the
    National Democratic Institute, as well as a range of other assistance
    tools.
        Second, I would also push for the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    make good on promises of national reconciliation.
        Third, I would push for reform of the electoral commission--
    something linked to reconciliation--and which would pave the way for a
    new generation to lead the country, ultimately improving the lives of
    the Ivoirian people.
        In the context of this, I would ensure we wisely use U.S.
    government funds, through MCC, USAID, PEPFAR, and other assistance
    mechanisms provided to the country. We have provided approximately $140
    million to Cote d'Ivoire in FY 2018 to promote good governance,
    economic growth, security reforms, and improved health systems.

        Question. How should the United States respond if former President
    Gbagbo were to repatriate and seek re-election-and/or if Ouattara were
    to run again?

        Answer. Laurent Gbagbo is on conditional release in Belgium pending
    the prosecutor's possible appeal of the acquittal. There are a number
    of hurdles that Laurent Gbagbo would need to overcome before an
    eventual return to Cote d'Ivoire, one of which is that there is
    currently an arrest warrant for him in Cote d'Ivoire.
        In August 2018, in his National Day speech, President Ouattara
    himself called for the transition of the country's leadership to a new
    generation, and we commended that statement. President Ouattara himself
    pledged early in his presidency to hold power for only two terms, a
    position we support. We believe that regular, democratic transitions of
    power yield more accountability, stronger institutions, and less
    corruption.
        The United States does not support any particular candidate for the
    2020 Presidential election. We support a democratic process that is
    genuinely free, fair, and transparent, and a result that is viewed as
    legitimate by Ivoirian voters. Given Cote d'Ivoire's recent history of
    violence, elections not perceived as free and fair risk plunging the
    country into further violence.
        Cote d'Ivoire faces international terrorism threats, as indicated
    by a 2016 attack near Abidjan by a regional Al Qaeda affiliate that
    killed 19. Broader domestic challenges arise from longstanding communal
    tensions over land and state resources. This is notably in the unstable
    western forest cocoa belt, where indigenous and migrant farming
    communities have often clashed, and where limited attacks by small
    rogue pro-Gbagbo armed elements have occurred.

        Question. How would you assess the threat from violent Islamist
    extremism in Cote d'Ivoire? If confirmed, what steps do you plan to
    take to help the government address such threats?

        Answer. Cote d'Ivoire remains relatively calm despite an increase
    in incidents of inter-communal violence stemming from years of crisis
    and conflict from which the country continues to recover. There is a
    risk that some politicians are seeking to exploit ethnic tensions as
    the country prepares for its 2020 presidential election. The threat of
    violent extremism from the Sahel is also approaching Cote d'Ivoire's
    northern border with an increase in attacks in Mali and Burkina Faso.
    The U.S. government, through USAID's Political Transition and Inclusion
    (PTI) program, is addressing governance and post-conflict grievances,
    including vulnerabilities to violent extremism in northern, western,
    central, and southern Cote d'Ivoire. PTI includes programming focused
    on increasing moderate voices in social media and community radio,
    providing economic opportunities to vulnerable youth and women, and
    encouraging intercommunal dialogue in marginalized areas. In addition,
    in April 2019 Cote d'Ivoire was approved to participate in the Global
    Peace Operation Initiative (GPOI). This will allow the country's new
    peacekeeping battalion scheduled for deployment in Mali to receive
    modest training, construction, and equipping support for future
    peacekeeping contingents. The government of Cote d'Ivoire has requested
    more security sector reform (SSR) support from the United States and we
    are examining how to strengthen and expand security cooperation.

        Question. To what extent, if at all, do elements of the military
    continue to engage in human rights abuses, extra-legal taxation, or
    roadside extortion? To what extent is the military subservient to
    civilian authority?

        Answer. Corruption remains a problem, with allegations that former
    rebel leaders who supported President Ouattara during the conflict
    period and now serve as military commanders extract rents from economic
    activities in some regions of the country. In January and May 2017,
    former rebels integrated into the military staged mutinies, blocking
    access to major cities and halting economic activity until the
    government caved to demands for overdue bonuses. These mutinies exposed
    the threat posed by soldiers and other former fighters, who sacrificed
    their youth to fight for the current government but have not seen their
    livelihoods improve since the crisis ended. Weapons are readily
    available and circulate freely throughout the country. There are
    numerous incidents of highway banditry and other attacks in the
    countryside. During the holiday season, there is typically an increase
    in violent and opportunistic crimes.

        Question. In light of the multiple mutinies by state security force
    elements in recent years, please discuss the current status of security
    sector reform (SSR). What are Cote d'Ivoire's main unmet SSR needs? Is
    the government taking credible steps to address SSR? If confirmed, what
    steps will you take to encourage meaningful reforms?

        Answer. Hailed as a post-conflict success story following a decade-
    long civil crisis that ended in 2011, Cote d'Ivoire's impressive gains
    remain at risk due to an incomplete security sector reform (SSR)
    process and inadequacies in the demobilization, disarmament, and
    reintegration (DDR) process. Mutinies by former rebels integrated into
    the armed forces and protests by demobilized former fighters in 2017
    exposed the threat posed by former rebel fighters and other security
    personnel, who, like many of the country's youth, women and working
    class, have not seen their livelihoods improve since the crisis ended.
    To consolidate the country's post-conflict recovery, the U.S.
    government and other key security partners, particularly France and the
    European Union, must continue to provide support to Cote d'Ivoire's
    ongoing SSR efforts. The State Department is supporting the broader SSR
    mission through funding from the Bureau of International Narcotics and
    Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) for community policing projects. INL is
    examining how to expand these efforts, which may require the addition
    of staff in Abidjan for program management and oversight.

        Question. Please assess the relative effectiveness of Ivoirian
    efforts to ensure accountability for human rights abuses and crimes
    against the state arising from the 2010-2011 crisis.

        Answer. Reconciliation from the 2010-2011 post-electoral crisis is
    an ongoing issue as none of those who ultimately prevailed in the
    conflict has been held accountable for any crimes allegedly committed.

        Question. How many of those convicted of such crimes remain
    imprisoned following the government's August 2018 amnesty of roughly
    800 such persons?

        Answer. In August 2018, President Ouattara announced an immediate
    amnesty for 800 prisoners held for their participation in the 2010-11
    post-electoral crisis, including several ex-cabinet members, military
    officers, and Simone Gbagbo, the wife of former president Laurent
    Gbagbo. In December, President Ouattara granted a presidential pardon
    to more than 2,500 criminals imprisoned for misdemeanors. It is unclear
    exactly how many political prisoners are in Cote d'Ivoire, but the 800
    who received amnesty exclude those convicted of a ``blood crime.'' The
    names of the 800 who received amnesty have also not been released. If
    confirmed, I will stress the need for justice for the victims of the
    post-electoral violence, and accountability for those responsible for
    serious crimes on all sides of the post-election conflict in Cote
    d'Ivoire.

        Question. What contributions has the United States made to
    strengthen the justice system? How would you assess the impact of the
    Dialogue, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission (DTRC) and other
    reconciliation efforts?

        Answer. U.S. and international assistance has provided crucial
    support to the region's recovery. In 2016, through USAID's Office of
    Transition Initiatives, or OTI, the U.S. government completed a 5-year
    program focused on reconciliation and social cohesion. In partnership
    with opinion leaders, traditional and religious networks, youth and
    women's groups, and local officials, OTI has worked primarily at the
    grassroots level to issue grants in various technical sectors, with the
    goal of consolidating political stability and promoting peace and
    reconciliation.
        With the end of this program, engagement has not stopped, however,
    and the embassy continued to support and fund citizen round-tables,
    organized by the National Democratic Institute to encourage political
    party leaders' engagement on national reconciliation. Moving beyond
    recovery to rebuild confidence, stability, and economic opportunities
    in the region will require a commitment by the government to reconcile
    the political differences and social cleavages that persist from the
    country's tumultuous past, as well as a greater sense of engagement by
    communities. How to define and prove Ivoirian nationality will play a
    prominent role in this effort, as will better access to official
    documentation and other state services.
        If confirmed, I will encourage the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    make this a priority and encourage grassroots-led and government-led
    reconciliation efforts.
        Upon assuming the presidency in 2011, President Alassane Ouattara
    established the Dialogue, Truth, and Reconciliation Commission (CDVR).
    Widely judged to have failed to fulfill its mandate to reconcile the
    country's conflict-ridden past, CDVR was succeeded in 2015 by a new
    body, the National Commission for the Reconciliation and Compensation
    of Victims (CONARIV), which was mandated to identify and compensate
    victims of the 1999-2011 conflict. In its final report before it closed
    in 2016, CONARIV reported, to Ouattara's acclaim, that just 36 percent
    of the more than 800,000 applications for compensation were valid, with
    the rest dismissed for fraud, duplication, lack of supporting evidence,
    or other reasons. With the end of CONARIV, the government passed the
    task of reconciliation to Minister of Solidarity Mariatou Kone, who,
    while committed to reconciliation and supporting victims, does not have
    genuine high-level political or financial support for her efforts.
        The 2018 State Department Trafficking in Persons Report classifies
    The government of Cote d'Ivoire as Tier 2, not fully meeting the
    minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking but is making
    significant efforts to do so.

        Question. What will you do if confirmed to continue increasing
    support for the government of Cote d'Ivoire to investigate, prosecute,
    and convict traffickers following due process; including complicit
    officials, and apply significant prison terms as prescribed by law to
    those convicted?

        Answer. The government acknowledges the problem of human
    trafficking and has demonstrated political will to combat it, with
    several high-profile events featured in the government-run press. The
    Ivoirian government also adopted the Anti-Trafficking Law in 2016. The
    government partnered with First Lady Ouattara's NGO to build and
    operate a new shelter for child labor and child trafficking victims in
    Soubre. In addition, the Prime Minister convened the inter-ministerial
    Anti-Trafficking Committee in February 2019. If confirmed, I will work
    with the office of the First Lady, the Prime Minister, and other
    appropriate government institutions to explore capacity-building
    measures with industry and other partners. I will encourage ministries
    to take a more active role in the lead-up to the 2020 elections when
    Dominique Ouattara's tenure as first lady is set to expire.

        Question. What actions can you take to help ensure law enforcement
    respects the security of NGOs providing services to victims and enforce
    trafficking victims' right to receive care free from violence and
    intimidation?

        Answer. Our Embassy is intimately involved in promoting an end to
    trafficking. Five gendarmes and two military firefighters reportedly
    unlawfully abducted at gunpoint a 14-year-old rape and trafficking
    victim from an NGO shelter for trafficking victims. At the urging of
    Post, offices in Washington, and the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime,
    the First Lady's Office intervened and the girl was located and
    determined to be safe. The gendarmes' leadership is investigating how
    the five gendarmes came to be involved, and the NGO filed an official
    complaint against the gendarmes with the Military Tribunal. The results
    of the judicial proceedings will demonstrate the extent of the Ivoirian
    government's ability to hold law enforcement officers who break the law
    accountable. This is the type of intervention and advocacy I would
    promote if confirmed.

        Question. Authorities estimate there are more than 2,000 Ivoirian,
    Burkinabe, Malian, Nigerien, and Senegalese talibes (students in
    Quranic schools) in northern and central Cote d'Ivoire, and corrupt
    teachers force many of them to beg. NGOs and officials report drug
    traffickers use children-some of whom may be forced-to sell and traffic
    drugs in restaurants and nightclubs. How do you propose we effect our
    programs in Cote d'Ivoire to protect vulnerable children?

        Answer. Child exploitation among talibe children, many of whom are
    brought to Cote d'Ivoire from Mali and Burkina Faso and are forced to
    beg in the streets, remains a major issue. Much of our engagement with
    Cote d'Ivoire addresses factors that can contribute to child
    trafficking labor. We are thus active in supporting women's economic
    empowerment, improving access to education, and improving health
    services. Our efforts to increase law enforcement capacity will help
    Cote d'Ivoire deal with those who use and traffic in child labor.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Over my career, I have committed myself to forthright
    reporting on conditions in my countries of assignment. I have held
    fraught dialogue with host governments regarding steps to address
    difficult issues including Trafficking in Persons. At our Embassy in
    Chad, I initiated a public reminder of key principles that are integral
    to a free and fair electoral process. I have been an accredited
    international observer in multiple elections in several countries,
    including Haiti, Madagascar, and Iraq. I have held dialogue with a
    range of political parties, notably in Iraq, regarding characteristics
    of a responsible party system. This appeared to facilitate losing
    parties' acceptance of legitimate election outcomes and commitment to
    peaceful politics. In at least one country (Chad), the government took
    positive steps, shortly after my interventions, to establish a drafting
    committee for a countering trafficking in persons plan, and they
    proposed legislation for greater accountability regarding restrictions
    on the right of peaceful assembly.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Cote d'Ivoire? These challenges might
    include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. The biggest challenges to democracy in Cote d'Ivoire will
    come in relation to the high-stakes presidential election in 2020. The
    2018 local elections raised concerns due to well-documented
    irregularities, vote tampering, violence and intimidation of voters by
    those affiliated with political parties. Given Cote d'Ivoire's recent
    history of violence, elections not perceived as free and fair risk
    plunging the country into further violence.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Cote d'Ivoire? What do you hope to accomplish through
    these actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the
    specific obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would first urge the government to ensure
    that governance reforms remain front and center of their agenda, as
    Cote d'Ivoire prepares for the presidential election in 2020. We are
    assisting this effort, including through a four-year USAID Political
    Transition and Inclusion (PTI) program being implemented by the
    National Democratic Institute, as well as a range of other assistance
    tools.
        Second, I would also push for the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    make good on promises of national reconciliation.
        Third, I would push for reform of the electoral commission--
    something linked to reconciliation--and which would pave the way for a
    new generation to lead the country, ultimately improving the lives of
    the Ivoirian people.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. In the context of this, I would ensure we wisely use U.S.
    government funds, through MCC, USAID, PEPFAR, and other assistance
    mechanisms provided to the country. We have provided approximately $140
    million to Cote d'Ivoire in FY 2018 to promote good governance,
    economic growth, security reforms, and improved health systems.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Cote d'Ivoire? What steps will you take to pro-actively
    address efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via
    legal or regulatory measures?

        Answer. Meeting with human rights, civil society and other non-
    governmental organizations in the U.S. and with local human rights NGOs
    in Cote d'Ivoire will be a priority of mine if confirmed as U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. This is a great privilege
    of those of us who serve overseas and is a key component to
    understanding the political and human rights situation in country.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to meeting with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties and would consider it
    a great privilege.
        A strong democracy, political inclusiveness, and reconciliation
    will be necessary to solidify Cote d'Ivoire's economic success and
    ensure the country does not fall back into civil conflict. If
    confirmed, I will work with the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and become increasingly
    responsive to citizen needs. I will also support democratic
    institutions and advocate for 2020 presidential elections that are free
    and fair, thus credibly reflect the will of the Ivoirian people.
        Our Embassy is actively promoting good governance and respect for
    human rights in Cote d'Ivoire. USAID, for example, supports an
    increasingly capable, professional, and organized civil society and
    media active across the political landscape. USAID focuses on
    strengthening the electoral process and encouraging greater voter
    participation, particularly among youth and women, urgent needs in the
    lead-up to the 2020 presidential election.
        If confirmed, I will encourage all citizens and political parties
    to participate in the electoral process and--just as importantly--to do
    so peacefully from now throughout the 2020 presidential elections.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Cote
    d'Ivoire on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. The independent media is active and expresses a wide
    variety of views. Newspapers aligned politically with the opposition
    are known to occasionally publish inflammatory editorials against the
    government or even fabricate stories to defame political opponents.
    There are numerous independent radio stations. The law prohibits
    transmission of political commentary by community radio stations, but
    the regulatory authority allows community radio stations to run
    political programs if they employ professional journalists.
        If confirmed, I will actively engaged with Cote d'Ivoire on freedom
    of expression and advocate against any government efforts to control or
    undermine press freedom. I commit to meeting regularly with the
    independent local press in Cote d'Ivoire.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, the Embassy team and I will actively
    engage with civil society and government to counter disinformation and
    malign propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with Cote
    d'Ivoire on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. The law, including related regulations and statutory
    instruments, provides for the right of workers, except members of
    police and military services, to form or join unions of their choice,
    provides for the right to conduct legal strikes and bargain
    collectively, and prohibits antiunion discrimination by employers or
    others against union members or organizers. The law prohibits firing
    workers for union activities and provides for the reinstatement of
    dismissed workers within eight days of receiving a wrongful dismissal
    claim. The law allows unions in the formal sector to conduct their
    activities without interference. Worker organizations were independent
    of the government and political parties. Nevertheless, according to the
    International Trade Union Confederation, the law does not have any
    objective criteria to establish recognition of representative trade
    unions, which could allow public and private employers to refuse to
    negotiate with unions on the grounds they were not representative.
    Foreigners are required to obtain residency status, which takes three
    years, before they may hold union office. If confirmed, I will continue
    to advocate for the right of workers to organize, including independent
    trade unions.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Cote d'Ivoire, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do
    the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face
    in Cote d'Ivoire? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. Violence targeting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
    intersex persons remains a challenge in the country. If confirmed, I
    will call on the government of Cote d'Ivoire to respect the principle
    of non-discrimination, and investigate allegations of violence and
    serious levels of discrimination targeting LGBTQ persons.

        Question. Will you commit, if confirmed, to ensuring that you fully
    brief Members of Congress and/or their staff each time you are in
    Washington for visits or consultations during your tenure as Ambassador
    to Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I would work with my Department of State
    colleagues to ensure Congress is appropriately briefed on issues
    related to Cote d'Ivoire, including my own briefings to members and
    staff when appropriate.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would clearly state at my very first
    Country Team meeting with section heads and my first Town Hall with all
    Mission staff that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated, and I would continue to
    reinforce this message through word and deed throughout my tenure as
    Chief of Mission.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting)? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No, to my knowledge I have never had anyone make a formal
    or informal complaint or allegation of sexual harassment,
    discrimination, or inappropriate conduct against me.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take all allegations of sexual harassment,
    discrimination, and in appropriate conduct seriously and am committed
    to addressing any such allegations promptly and appropriately. For
    example, when I learned of an employee possibly being verbally abusive
    to a subordinate, I immediately consulted the Department of State on
    proper process to address these concerns and counseled involved staff
    appropriately.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Richard Bell by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Over my career, I have committed myself to forthright
    reporting on conditions in my countries of assignment. I have held
    dialogue with host governments regarding steps to address difficult
    issues including Trafficking in Persons. At our Embassy in Chad, I
    initiated a public reminder of key principles that are integral to a
    free and fair electoral process. I have been an accredited
    international observer in multiple elections in several countries,
    including Haiti, Madagascar, and Iraq. I have held dialogue with a
    range of political parties, notably in Iraq, regarding characteristics
    of a responsible party system. This appeared to facilitate losing
    parties' acceptance of legitimate election outcomes and commitment to
    nonviolence in politics. In at least one country (Chad), the government
    took positive steps, shortly after my interventions, to establish a
    drafting committee for a trafficking in persons plan, and they proposed
    legislation for greater accountability regarding restrictions on
    freedom of peaceful assembly.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Cote
    d'Ivoire? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Cote d'Ivoire? What
    do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Statelessness is believed to be an extensive problem; the
    government's estimate of some 700,000 stateless persons in the country
    is likely a drastic understatement of the scale of the problem. Among
    stateless persons are long-term migrants, their descendants, and
    approximately 300,000 abandoned children who are ineligible for
    Ivoirian citizenship under current laws, as citizenship is based on
    Ivoirian parentage, rather than birth in the country. The country's
    borders are porous and migrants from its troubled neighbors are able to
    enter easily.
        Other issues include reports of abuses and violations of human
    rights by security forces; arbitrary detention; harsh prison
    conditions; abuse of detainees; political prisoners; irregularities in
    electoral processes; widespread corruption in government; gender based
    violence, including female genital mutilation and cutting, early and
    forced marriage, domestic violence, and sexual violence against women
    and girls, with few crimes being reported to police; and the worst
    forms of child labor.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Cote d'Ivoire in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. The biggest challenges to democracy in Cote d'Ivoire will
    come in relation to the high-stakes presidential election in 2020. The
    2018 local elections raised concerns due to well-documented
    irregularities, vote tampering, violence and intimidation of voters by
    those affiliated with political parties. Given Cote d'Ivoire's recent
    history of violence, elections not perceived as free and fair risk
    plunging the country into further violence.
        If confirmed, I would first urge the government to ensure that
    governance reforms remain front and center of their agenda, as Cote
    d'Ivoire prepares for the presidential election in 2020. We are
    assisting this effort, including through a four-year USAID Political
    Transition and Inclusion (PTI) program being implemented by the
    National Democratic Institute, as well as a range of other assistance
    tools.
        Second, I would also push for the government of Cote d'Ivoire to
    make good on promises of national reconciliation.
        Third, I would push for reform of the electoral commission--
    something linked to reconciliation--and which would pave the way for a
    new generation to lead the country, ultimately improving the lives of
    the Ivoirian people.
        In the context of this, I would ensure we wisely use U.S.
    government funds, through MCC, USAID, PEPFAR, and other assistance
    mechanisms provided to the country. We have provided around $140
    million to Cote d'Ivoire in FY 2018 to promote good governance,
    economic growth, security reforms, and improved health systems.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Cote d'Ivoire? If confirmed, what steps will
    you take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Meeting with human rights, civil society and other non-
    governmental organizations in the U.S. and with local human rights NGOs
    in Cote d'Ivoire will be a priority of mine if confirmed as U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire. This is a great privilege
    of those of us who serve overseas and is a key component to
    understanding the political and human rights situation in country.
        The United States maintains a good relationship with the Ivoirian
    military, which has been a willing partner in key areas such as
    peacekeeping. Our assistance to the Ivoirian armed forces is designed
    to develop the professionalism of its ranks. All participants are
    vetted in accordance with the Department's Leahy vetting policy to
    ensure that there is no credible information that any participants
    committed gross violations of human rights. This also reinforces our
    message that human rights violations by security forces will not be
    tolerated. If confirmed, I will actively support our Embassy in
    gathering information to contribute to important reports such as the
    Human Rights Report and Trafficking in Persons report to highlight
    areas of weakness and opportunities for further cooperation between the
    United States and Cote d'Ivoire.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Cote
    d'Ivoire to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will actively engage with Cote d'Ivoire to
    address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise unjustly
    targeted by Cote d'Ivoire.

        Question. Will you engage with Cote d'Ivoire on matters of human
    rights, civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. As Cote d'Ivoire prepares for elections in 2020, we
    underscore the importance of increasing protections for journalists,
    opposition leaders, and civil society, to ensure their human rights are
    protected and that they are able to exercise their fundamental freedoms
    without threat of reprisal. Such improvements are essential to
    promoting genuinely free and fair elections.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified exchange-
    traded funds and diversified mutual funds, which may hold interests in
    companies with a presence in Cote d'Ivoire, but which are exempt from
    the conflict of interest laws. My investment portfolio also includes
    financial interests in companies that maintain a presence in Cote
    d'Ivoire. I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not
    give rise to a conflict of interest, will divest my interests in those
    companies as outlined in ethics agreement, and will remain vigilant
    with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I wholeheartedly embrace diversity as enriching, will do my
    utmost to promote equitable treatment for all staff, and will
    proactively facilitate frank communication to identify and address
    issues as they arise.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. My first in-house priority is to persuade staff to speak
    truth to power, especially when I am the power. Among the most
    fundamental guidance I will give all supervisors is the importance of
    their cultivation of a similar spirit of open, respectful, responsive
    two-way communication and commitment to equitable treatment for all.. I
    will meet regularly face-to-face with more junior staff to hear
    directly from them, while respecting chain of command relationships.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Cote
    d'Ivoire specifically?

        Answer. Good governance is the foundation for economic growth and
    free societies. While Cote d'Ivoire has made major strides in economic
    growth, corruption is a challenge that everyone, including the
    government, could do more to address.

       Corruption reduces the amount of funding available to create jobs,
            build schools, and provide social services.
       Corruption harms citizens' faith in government, leading to
            disenchantment and creating instability.
       Corruption deters foreign investment, thus robbing Ivoirians of
            jobs and products that would otherwise be available.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Cote
    d'Ivoire and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Cote d'Ivoire remains the fastest growing economy in
    Francophone Africa and one of the fastest in the world, with seven to
    nine percent growth since 2012. Unfortunately, women, youth, and the
    working class have been largely left out of Cote d'Ivoire's economic
    recovery, and 46 percent of the population lives below the poverty
    line.This growth rate demonstrates that there are tremendous
    opportunities here for investors, both domestic and foreign.
        That said, the continued growth of the economy will depend heavily
    on three things: First, it will depend on a peaceful 2020 presidential
    election and transition of power.
        Second, future economic growth depends on creating opportunities
    for people at all levels of society across the country--particularly
    youth, because almost 60 percent of the population is under 25 years
    old--as well as women and rural Ivoirians. The recent updates to Cote
    d'Ivoire's family code are a very positive step, but Cote d'Ivoire's
    gender inequality is striking for a country that has made such
    impressive economic and political strides, and women face myriad
    challenges, abuse, and cultural stereotypes that impede their full
    economic participation.
        And third, it will depend on the government's commitment to good
    governance. By fighting corruption, and improving the transparency and
    predictability of the business environment, both domestic and foreign
    businesses will be able to be more profitable, hire more employees and
    spur economic growth.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Cote d'Ivoire?

        Answer. Corruption must be addressed to attract additional U.S.
    investment to Cote d'Ivoire. The MCC program has been a key way we have
    encouraged Cote d'Ivoire to improve its business climate and address
    corruption. If confirmed, I would also leverage at every opportunity
    the need for the government of Cote d'Ivoire to make the country more
    favorable to U.S. investment.
        I would also tackle corruption by engaging with civil society and
    promoting our exchange programs. Last year, an alumnus of one the State
    Department's Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) fellowships
    launched a newspaper that has emerged as perhaps the most important
    voice against corruption in Cote d'Ivoire. The paper revealed
    corruption scandals and resulted in prosecutions of dozens of customs
    officials. In October, he ran for and was elected mayor of his hometown
    where he once received death threats for an investigation into cashew
    industry corruption. In addition to high-level engagement, I, if
    confirmed, would promote these influential exchange programs, which
    build the capacity of future African leaders to act and govern
    honestly.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Mary Beth Leonard by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What steps will you take to support conditions conducive
    to transparent, and credible elections in the future if confirmed?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue working with Nigeria's
    leaders, institutions, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian
    people to ensure genuinely free and fair elections without violence. In
    my understanding, as the result of tireless work by countless
    Nigerians, bolstered by U.S. support, Nigerian election administration
    and institutions are stronger than ever. Nigerian civil society
    organizations support more robust election monitoring efforts and
    political engagement, political parties are being encouraged to engage
    citizens on issue-based platforms, and Nigerian civil society
    organizations are better able to educate voters, increase participation
    in the democratic process, and reduce violence. If confirmed, I will
    aim to use U.S. government influences and assistance to further this
    progress.

        Question.  What if any progress have you seen in Buhari's efforts
    to reform the petroleum sector? What additional steps should be taken
    to reform the sector and what role should the U.S. play to help
    facilitate such reforms if any?

        Answer. In my understanding, reform of Nigeria's petroleum sector
    has been a high-profile topic over the past year. In 2018, the Nigerian
    House of Representatives and Senate passed the Petroleum Industry
    Governance Bill which many had hoped would be a critical first step in
    reforming the petroleum sector, improving transparency in a notoriously
    opaque sector. Although President Buhari did not assent to the bill, if
    confirmed, I look forward to encouraging action from President Buhari
    and the National Assembly on legislation that will increase
    transparency in this critical sector and improve Nigeria's
    competitiveness. If confirmed, I will continue to urge Nigeria's
    leadership to make progress towards a more transparent, fair, and
    competitive marketplace for U.S., Nigerian, and international
    investors.

        Question.  How would you assess Buhari's anti-corruption efforts?
    What steps will you take, if confirmed, to assist in that sector?

        Answer. President Buhari, recently elected to a second term,
    continues to emphasize tackling corruption as a priority. Nevertheless,
    corruption remains a serious impediment to Nigeria's prosperity, from
    health, to education, to its justice sector. In my understanding,
    President Buhari has taken positive steps to combat corruption,
    including through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),
    which has increased its rate of convictions since Buhari took office.
    The EFCC is also prosecuting high level officials once thought to be
    above the law, but I recognize that some Nigerians believe the choice
    and timing of cases reflect political motives. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with the Nigerian government and its people to combat
    corruption in all of its forms, directly through capacity building and
    ensuring that private sector firms are aware of the Foreign Corrupt
    Practices Act and its requirements.

        Question. Has the Buhari Administration taken credible steps to
    investigate and prosecute those suspected of involvement in the illegal
    trade? What more could the Nigerian government do to address
    transnational crime networks operating there? How should the United
    States be involved in these efforts if at all?

        Answer. In my understanding, President Buhari has taken steps to
    crack down on those suspected of illegal trade, including through an
    increased rate of convictions. These are positive steps, but corruption
    remains pervasive in Nigeria. The federal, state, and local governments
    need to hold those who violate the law accountable. If confirmed, I
    will continue U.S. efforts to improve the transparency and
    accountability in particular of Nigerian customs and tax systems.

        Question.  Have the Buhari Administration's efforts to address the
    rising violence between pastoralist and settled communities in central
    and northern Nigeria been successful? What steps, if any, should the
    U.S. take to help Nigerian's mitigate, reduce and end such
    intercommunal violence?

        Answer. In my understanding, Nigerian Vice President Osinbajo has
    said publicly that there are two aspects to the violence: (1) conflict
    over land, which his government is working to address through economic
    and resource policies and programs, including a National Livestock
    Transformation Plan, and (2) a criminal element of banditry,
    kidnapping, and cattle rustling, which his government is working to
    address through law enforcement measures. The Nigerian government
    surged military forces, police, and investigative teams to conflict-
    affected areas, and arrested those it believes are perpetrating
    violence. If confirmed, I will ensure the U.S. government continues to
    help Nigerians prevent and mitigate conflict through our diplomacy,
    public messaging, peacebuilding, dialogue efforts, and development
    programs, including by connecting U.S. agriculture and livestock
    experts to Nigerian policy makers and supporting strong Nigerian inter-
    faith networks.

        Question.  What are the major obstacles to the Nigerian military's
    effectiveness in countering Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa Province in
    northeastern Nigeria?

        Answer. In my understanding, Nigeria's military is under staffed,
    under trained, and under equipped; it is also overstretched. With
    limited police capacity, the military is conducting operations in the
    vast majority of Nigeria's 36 states and thus not fully able to focus
    on countering terrorist groups in the Northeast. Further, the soldiers
    in the Northeast are deployed for years at a time and generally not
    rotated out, creating a largely unmet need for post-traumatic stress
    disorder care and restorative leave. At the same time, ISIS-West Africa
    is attacking military bases, seizing (or destroying) materiel, armored
    vehicles, weapons, and ammunition, placing further stress on Nigeria's
    already strained military readiness and capabilities. A perceived lack
    of professionalism, poor civil-military relations, and inconsistent
    accountability for allegations of human rights violations and abuses
    contribute to a lack of civilian trust in the security forces and can
    even fuel their enemy's recruitment.

        Question.  To what extent has the Nigerian government reasserted
    stability and security in areas ``liberated'' from Boko Haram? What are
    the obstacles to doing so?

        Answer. In my understanding, the status of areas formerly held by
    Boko Haram remains in flux and difficult to decipher. While Boko Haram
    controls less territory than it did at its height in 2014-2015, both it
    and ISIS are still able to move across borders to conduct attacks. In
    fact, ISIS is attacking with greater sophistication than in years' past
    and Boko Haram's efforts are waning in comparison. Nevertheless, the
    situation remains fluid.
        The Nigerian military and police are not fully able to protect the
    population across the Northeast. The obstacles to securing
    ``liberated'' territory are rooted in the large area of the territory
    in question, the limited number and capacity of the Nigerian police,
    and the fact that Nigeria's military is under staffed, under trained,
    and under equipped, while still being overstretched. Further, poor
    civil-military relations and inconsistent accountability for
    allegations of human rights violations and abuses contribute to a lack
    of civilian trust in the security forces and can even fuel recruitment
    for their enemies.

        Question.  What is Nigeria doing to improve accountability for
    security sector abuses? What concrete steps has the government of
    Nigeria taken to hold accountable those accused of the 2015 Zaria
    massacre in keeping with the recommendations in the Kaduna State
    Commission of Judicial Inquiry? Has the report of the Nigerian Air
    Force's inquiry into the January 2017 accidental bombing in Rann, Borno
    State of a camp of internally displaced persons been made public? If
    not, why not? What steps has the government of Nigeria taken to hold
    accountable security forces responsible for disproportionate use of
    force against members of the Shia Islamic Movement of Nigeria--
    including firing live ammunition into a processional-in October of
    2018?

        Answer. I understand that the Nigerian government established an
    independent, civilian-led Presidential Investigative Panel in 2017 with
    a broad mandate to investigate allegations of human rights abuses by
    the military, but its findings have not yet been made public. I have
    not heard of any of the security force officials accused of wrongdoing
    by the Kaduna state Judicial Commission of Inquiry being found
    responsible and held accountable for the Zaria attacks.
        In regards to the tragic accident at Rann, the Nigerian Air Force
    established a six-person panel to investigate the January 2017 bombing.
    The Defense HQ also set up a Board of Inquiry in early 2017; their
    results were released publicly in July 2017 and acknowledged the
    unfortunate airstrike, contributing factors that resulted in the
    mistaken targeting, and noted operational changes to reduce the risk of
    such accidents.
        Regarding the ongoing tension between Nigerian government security
    forces and the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, I understand that the
    embassy continues to raise U.S. government concerns with the Nigerian
    government at the highest levels privately as well as publicly. The
    State Department has called for thorough and transparent investigations
    into these incidents, which resulted in abuse and deaths. Those
    responsible for injuries and killings should be held accountable. I do
    not have any information on whether an investigation has been launched,
    but if confirmed, I will look into this important matter.
        If confirmed, I will continue the U.S. government's prioritization
    of human rights and accountability for those found responsible for
    human rights violations and abuses throughout our engagements with the
    Nigerian government.

        Question.  Has the Nigerian military's respect for human rights
    improved under President Buhari? What steps will you take if confirmed
    to encourage concrete steps be taken to hold human rights abusers
    accountable in a credible transparent manner?

        Answer. I have heard that under President Buhari, the Nigerian
    government has taken some positive steps to improve respect for human
    rights and has become much more willing to engage with the U.S.
    government on the topic and to undertake human rights-related training.
    The Nigerian Army set up a full-time, staffed hotline to receive and
    investigate specific civilian complaints of misconduct by military
    personnel and, where appropriate, recommend court martial proceedings.
    The Nigerian Army and Air Force have also used social media to promote
    respect for human rights among their forces and with the public.
        Nonetheless, allegations of human rights abuses and violations
    continue, and more remains to be done. If confirmed, I would work with
    my colleagues at Mission Nigeria, in Washington, and partners in
    Nigeria to advance our military professionalization efforts, with
    respect for human rights and the protection of Nigerian civilians at
    its core.

        Question.  What concrete steps do you plan to take to help ensure
    that USG security assistance, particularly assistance channeled to
    Nigeria's armed forces, helps with efforts to prevent and mitigate
    potential human rights abuses?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would continue to build on the training we
    provide to Nigeria's armed forces, which emphasizes
    professionalization, improving respect for human rights, and mitigating
    harm to civilians. I understand that the recently sold A-29 aircraft
    package includes human rights and law of armed conflict training as a
    backbone of that partnership and, if confirmed, I would work to
    incorporate and implement the inclusion of that model in future
    efforts.

        Question.  What will you do to help ensure that the Nigerian
    military has ceased unlawful use of children, including in
    collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and
    investigate any reports of military personnel's use of children; work
    with CJTF and the U.N. to implement fully the child soldier action plan
    to remove all children from CJTF's ranks and, if it is not, cut
    provision of financial and in-kind support to CJTF?

        Answer. My understanding is that, for the first reporting period
    since 2014, there have not been any verified cases of the Civilian
    Joint Task Force (CJTF) or the Nigerian military using child soldiers.
    As a result, Nigeria was not listed in the 2019 Child Soldiers
    Prevention Act List.
        The 2019 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report notes that the CJTF
    continues to implement a 2017 action plan it has with UNICEF to end its
    recruitment or use of child soldiers. According to UNICEF, 1,727
    children and young people have been released as a part of that effort.
    If confirmed, I would work with the relevant Nigerian government
    entities to implement the Prioritized Recommendations included in the
    most recent TIP report.
        Meanwhile, Boko Haram and ISIS continued to forcibly recruit,
    abduct, and use child soldiers as young as 12-years-old as cooks,
    spies, messengers, bodyguards, armed combatants, and increasingly as
    suicide bombers in attacks in Nigeria and neighboring countries. If
    confirmed, I will continue to work with Nigerian military and civilian
    officials to enhance their efforts to combat these despicable groups.

        Question.  What assistance stands to be suspended should Nigeria be
    designated Tier Three under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act next
    year?

        Answer. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act restrictions apply
    to the obligation of non-trade, non-humanitarian U.S. assistance to the
    governments of Tier 3 countries. Trade-related and humanitarian
    assistance are excepted from the restrictions, as are specific types of
    security assistance related to counter narcotics, anti-terrorism, and
    nonproliferation. The applicability of the restrictions, or a waiver
    from the restrictions, is subject to a Presidential determination each
    year.

        Question.  What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have had the privilege of addressing human rights
    concerns throughout my Foreign Service career, from my very first tour
    following the trial of a Cameroonian opposition figure. As Ambassador
    to the African Union, I worked to promote a United Nations Security
    Council (UNSC) arms embargo against South Sudan and to press for the
    establishment of a Hybrid Court on South Sudan (HCSS). As Ambassador to
    Mali, I received the Diplomacy for Human Rights prize in 2013. My
    actions there included speaking out early and forcefully for a rapid
    return to elected governance after the 2012 coup; forestalling
    potential human rights violations and abuses by engaging leaders from
    groups with records of violations in previous political eras to make
    clear both U.S. disapproval and dispel any notion that inter-communal
    violence was consistent with any concept of Malian patriotism; seeking
    accountability for crimes and excesses by the military junta; and
    calling out mistreatment of journalists.

        Question.  What issues are the most pressing challenges to
    democracy or democratic development in Nigeria? These challenges might
    include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. In the 2018 Human Rights Report, the State Department
    highlighted examples of electoral interference and malpractice,
    including widespread vote buying and selling and ballot hijacking by
    party agents despite the presence of Independent National Electoral
    Commission (INEC) and security agents. Independent observers reported
    thugs and members of security services engaged in intimidation of
    voters and harassment of party monitors, journalists, and domestic
    observers. Civil society organizations reported no legal restrictions
    on their ability to comment or observe parts of the electoral process,
    but reported that aspects of the electoral process remained opaque,
    allegedly because of deliberate attempts to undermine or circumvent the
    integrity of the process by stakeholders or because of INEC's financial
    or logistical constraints. While no laws limit participation of women
    in the political process, the number of women candidates was
    disproportionally low. INEC points to the scale of national elections,
    with more than 82 million registered voters and over 119,000 polling
    units, as a major logistical and technical challenge.

        Question.  What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Nigeria? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed I will continue to advance the U.S.
    government's elections-related diplomacy and programs that seek to
    improve Nigeria's ability to carry out a genuinely free and fair
    electoral process, prevent and mitigate electoral violence, and support
    civic and political engagement. If confirmed I will engage all
    stakeholders, including the Nigerian government and electoral
    officials, political parties, candidates, civil society, as well as
    Nigerian business, religious and community leaders, to work towards our
    shared goal of supporting a robust democracy in Nigeria. The logistic
    challenge of organizing elections in Africa's most populous country
    with more than 82 million registered voters and over 119,000 polling
    units is one impediment to these goals, the areas of insecurity and
    displaced people are another challenge. If confirmed, my team and I
    will look into how best to help the Nigerians tackle these challenges.

        Question.  How will you utilize U.S. government assistance
    resources at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small
    Grants program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding,
    to support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. While the Democracy Commission Small Grants program is only
    for countries in Europe, if confirmed, I will ensure that all U.S.
    government democracy and governance assistance for Nigeria is used
    effectively and efficiently. I will ensure that State Department and
    USAID democracy and governance funding is prioritized in the ways that
    it can best be harnessed to advance U.S. government interests and
    strategic goals in Nigeria, including improving good governance;
    increasing civilian security; strengthening democratic institutions and
    increasing rule of law, respect for human rights, and transparency and
    accountability in government; and reducing endemic corruption in
    Nigeria. I will ensure that our resources support Nigerian electoral
    reforms to ensure genuinely free and fair elections in 2023 without
    violence.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Nigeria? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with Nigerian human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Nigeria. As appropriate, I will raise concerns with the
    Nigerian government over attempts to unduly restrict NGOs and civil
    society. I will encourage Nigerians to ensure their country remains a
    democratic leader on the continent, by working with both government and
    civil society to improve democratic processes, promote good governance,
    and ensure respect for human rights.

        Question.  If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties. Nigeria enjoys a
    vibrant, multi-party democracy and 2019 is the 20th anniversary of its
    return to democratic rule.
        If confirmed, I will advocate in favor of improvements to Nigeria's
    young democracy such as more democratic selection processes within
    political parties; the institution of electoral reform legislation; as
    well as greater access to and equal opportunity for women, minorities,
    and youth within political parties. If confirmed, I will continue
    Mission Nigeria's efforts to promote opportunities for women and youth.
    Last year, in my understanding, a coalition of youth civil society
    advocates led a successful nation-wide campaign to amend the Nigerian
    constitution to lower the age at which Nigerians are eligible to hold
    elected office. If confirmed, I will encourage Nigeria to continue to
    implement reforms to open access for youth, women, and minorities as it
    deepens its role as a democratic leader on the continent.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Nigeria on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Nigeria?

        Answer. Yes. Nigeria has a robust and vibrant press sector and
    tradition of public discourse and debate. Mission Nigeria has a strong
    relationship with the Nigerian press and the United States has funded
    many types of training for journalists. If confirmed, I will continue
    to encourage freedom of the press, work to address any government
    efforts designed to control or undermine freedom of expression, and my
    team and I will engage frequently with independent, local press in
    Nigeria.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    civil society and government counterparts on countering disinformation
    and propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, my team and I will actively engage with
    civil society and government counterparts on countering disinformation
    and malign propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state
    actors. Mission Nigeria supports training on accurate and independent
    reporting for the Nigerian press. Mission Nigeria also harnesses public
    diplomacy and countering violent extremism programs and funding to
    counter propaganda from Boko Haram and ISIS, and I would aim to
    continue this programming if confirmed.

        Question.  Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Nigeria on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, my Embassy team and I will actively
    engage with the government of Nigeria, employers, and civil society to
    promote internationally recognized worker rights, including freedom of
    association. Moreover, ensuring U.S. trade partners respect
    internationally recognized worker rights and adhere to high labor
    standards promotes a level playing field for U.S. workers and helps
    create stronger trading partners for the United States.

        Question.  Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Nigeria, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Nigeria? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people
    in Nigeria?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I would work with existing civil society
    and governmental organizations to promote the basic humanity of all
    citizens and residents of Nigeria, regardless of sexual orientation or
    gender identity.
        The 2014 Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA), a Nigerian law
    prohibiting marriages and civil unions among persons of the same sex,
    criminalizes the free association of any persons through so-called gay
    organizations. Citizens suspected of same-sex activities are frequently
    harassed, intimidated, and arrested. The 2014 SSMPA effectively renders
    illegal all forms of activity supporting or promoting lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights. According to the
    SSMPA, anyone convicted of entering into a same-sex marriage or civil
    union may be sentenced to up to 14 years' imprisonment.
        Following passage of the SSMPA, LGBTI persons reported increased
    harassment and threats against them based on their perceived sexual
    orientation or gender identity. News reports and LGBTI advocates
    reported numerous arrests, but detainees were in all cases released
    without formal charges after paying a bond.
        If confirmed, I will convey the importance on defending the human
    rights and dignity of all people. I will also support Mission Nigeria's
    continued efforts to train and fund opportunities for LGBTI civil
    society organizations.

        Question.  Will you commit, if confirmed, to ensuring that you
    fully brief Members of Congress and/or their staff each time you are in
    Washington for visits or consultations during your tenure as Ambassador
    to Nigeria?

        Answer. If confirmed, I am committed to ensuring that the State
    Department is in close contact with Congress about topics related to
    Nigeria. If confirmed, I commit to work with my colleagues in the State
    Department to ensure that the Department appropriately briefs Members
    of Congress and their staff on a regular basis, including briefs, as
    appropriate, when I am in Washington on official business.

        Question.  Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation
    against career employees based on their perceived political beliefs,
    prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is
    wholly inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to prevent any attempts to target
    or retaliate against career employees on the basis of their perceived
    political beliefs, prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous
    administration. I take allegations of such practices seriously and will
    ensure they are referred to the Department's Inspector General.

        Question.  If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would clearly state at my very first
    Country Team meeting with Mission Nigeria leadership and my first Town
    Hall with all Mission staff that U.S. government and State Department
    personnel policies must be respected and adhered to, and I would
    continue to reinforce this message through word and deed throughout my
    tenure as Chief of Mission.

        Question.  Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting)? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and throughout my career, I have immediately
    addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with the Department of
    State's policies in dealing with such conduct.
        In 2006, an employee filed an EEO complainant alleging that an
    ambassador and I used insensitive language. We denied this. The EEOC
    found no discrimination or harassment in that case. In 2009, an
    employee who was denied tenure filed an EEO complaint, which I
    understand was subsequently closed with no finding of discrimination.
    In 2014, I was asked for information as a witness on an EEO matter. I
    had no further involvement and I understand the case was settled in
    November 2015.

        Question.  Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of
    sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious,
    etc.), or inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you
    had supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and
    actions taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination
    (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), and inappropriate conduct with
    the utmost seriousness and throughout my career, I have immediately
    addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with the Department of
    State's policies in dealing with such conduct.
        With regard to discrimination, I have counseled a number of
    employees on EEO issues. In these instances, I followed Department
    protocols fully.

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Mary Beth Leonard by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. I have had the privilege of addressing human rights
    concerns throughout my Foreign Service career, from my very first tour
    following the trial of a Cameroonian opposition figure. As Ambassador
    to the African Union, I worked to promote a United Nations Security
    Council (UNSC) arms embargo against South Sudan and to press for the
    establishment of a Hybrid Court on South Sudan (HCSS). As Ambassador to
    Mali, I received the Diplomacy for Human Rights prize in 2013. My
    actions there included speaking out early and forcefully for a rapid
    return to elected governance after the 2012 coup; forestalling
    potential human rights violations and abuses by engaging leaders from
    groups with records of violations to make clear both U.S. disapproval
    and dispel any notion that inter-communal violence was consistent with
    any concept of Malian patriotism; seeking accountability for crimes and
    excesses by the military junta; and calling out mistreatment of
    journalists.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Nigeria? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Nigeria? What do
    you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. The 2018 Human Rights Report identified several human
    rights concerns, including abuses and violations by both government and
    nonstate actors, prolonged arbitrary detention, harsh and life
    threatening prison conditions, interference with the rights of peaceful
    assembly and freedom of association, in particular for lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex persons, refoulement of refugees,
    and corruption. If confirmed, I will continue to raise U.S. government
    concerns at the highest levels of the Nigerian government and publicly
    call for justice and accountability. If confirmed, I will support State
    Department efforts that enable the development of effective and
    professional law enforcement actors who prevent, detect, and
    investigate crime while respecting and protecting human rights.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Nigeria in
    advancing human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. In my understanding, while Nigeria has taken steps to
    investigate allegations of human rights abuses and violations by
    security forces, including establishing an independent, civilian-led
    Presidential Investigative Panel, the U.S. government frequently does
    not see the results of those investigations. As stated in the 2018
    Human Rights Report, impunity for human rights violations and abuses
    remains widespread at all levels of government. If confirmed, I will
    prioritize raising our concerns at the highest levels of government and
    target our programs in areas where the Nigerians have demonstrated
    political will to build capacity while respecting and protecting human
    rights.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Nigeria? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. As I did in both Mali and at the African Union, if
    confirmed, I will engage with both U.S. and Nigerian human rights,
    civil society, and other non-governmental organizations. These
    organizations and the work that they do are essential to strengthening
    human rights adherence and meeting U.S. objectives in Africa. I will
    continue to ensure that the U.S. government does not provide assistance
    to security force units or individuals where there is credible
    information that they committed gross violations of human rights in
    accordance with the Leahy Law. If confirmed, I will continue our
    engagement with civil society partners to ensure that our limited
    security assistance is in accordance with the law.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Nigeria to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Nigeria?

        Answer. If confirmed, yes, my team will engage with Nigeria to
    address cases of key persons unjustly targeted. As Ambassador to Mali,
    I became the first to denounce the March 6, 2013 arrest of local editor
    Boukary Daou, who was tortured after his newspaper printed a letter
    criticizing coup leader Sanogo. Within hours of his disappearance, I
    spearheaded efforts to coordinate a diplomatic community effort to
    press the Malian government to respect human rights, including freedom
    of expression, and press freedom, and called out in public events for
    his release. Mr. Daou credits this activism with helping secure his
    freedom, and linked the end of his physical mistreatment in detention
    to his jailors' acknowledgment of my public expressions of interest and
    concern.

        Question. Will you engage with Nigeria on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Human rights, civil rights, and governance are key
    priorities of the U.S. government policy with respect to Nigeria. If
    confirmed, I will continue to engage on those priorities.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Nigeria?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I deeply appreciate how critically important it is for
    leaders to promote, mentor, and support all staff members, irrespective
    of their gender, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or religious
    beliefs. If confirmed, I would work with the Mission's Deputy Chief of
    Mission to ensure post has a robust mentoring program in place for all
    entry-level officers, and I would regularly discuss mentoring with the
    Mission's supervisory team. To promote an environment of transparency
    and equality, I would also institute an open-door policy and encourage
    all Mission staff to come directly to me for guidance and support as
    desired and to make me aware of any issues as needed.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, during my very first Country Team meeting, I
    would stress the importance that I place on fostering an inclusive and
    diverse environment and that this is an important criteria upon which I
    will evaluate supervisors as part of the annual employee review
    process. I would also stress these values in my introductory Town Hall
    meeting with all Mission staff and continue to do so throughout my
    tenure at Embassy Abuja.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Nigeria
    specifically?

        Answer. Political corruption negatively affects democratic
    governance and rule of law throughout the world, but in Nigeria,
    Africa's most populous country-with an estimated 87 million people
    living in extreme poverty--political corruption is literally taking
    food out of the mouths of the neediest. If confirmed, I will continue
    to support programs that combat political corruption, including through
    the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs and
    USAID, including USAID's efforts to increase transparency and
    participation in Nigeria's election processes. I understand that
    Nigerian organizations are doing great work in this sector, including
    the Youth Initiative for Advocacy, Growth, and Advancement (YIAGA),
    which deployed more than 3,000 observers to every local government area
    and conducted parallel vote tabulations (PVT) during the Presidential
    and National Assembly elections earlier this year.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Nigeria
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. Corruption is not an easy problem; if it was, we would no
    longer be dealing with it across the world. While corruption remains an
    endemic problem in Nigeria, the government is making progress in
    addressing it through creating a Treasury Single Account, enacting
    government payroll reform, increasing prosecutions by the Economic and
    Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and drafting legislation to
    increase transparency in the petroleum sector. If confirmed, I will
    continue to encourage all members of our country team to engage their
    interlocutors to reduce corruption in every sector where we work
    closely with the Nigerian government, from health, to civilian
    security, to the military.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Nigeria?

        Answer. Good governance and anticorruption programming are a
    cornerstone of the priorities for Mission Nigeria. If confirmed, I will
    work closely with my Nigerian interlocutors from the President to the
    National Assembly to civil society and the private sector to encourage
    progress in combatting corruption throughout Nigeria. I will support
    our USAID, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement
    Affairs (INL), and Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor (DRL) programs
    that focus on increasing the capacity of Nigerians to develop effective
    and professional government institutions, especially in the justice and
    law enforcement spheres that are responsive to citizens needs and to
    strengthen anticorruption efforts throughout the country.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Mary Beth Leonard by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. From your extensive experience within the State
    Department, including in your current post to the African Union, what
    is the extent to which the Department examines the impact of youth
    bulges and gender inequality on U.S. foreign policy and security
    objectives on the continent? What metrics are used to determine where
    the problem is most acute and would benefit the most from U.S. aid?
    Does this inform programmatic spending in the Sahel and across Sub-
    Saharan Africa?

        Answer. Addressing youth bulges and gender inequality are an
    important part of all U.S. foreign policy, development, and security
    objectives throughout the globe, but particularly in Africa. The
    Department works to ensure that efforts to promote gender equality and
    advance the status of women and girls are incorporated across the full
    range of foreign assistance and public diplomacy programming. We use
    publically available and reputable metrics, including from
    international partner organizations such as the U.N. the World Bank,
    and the IMF, to determine where problems are most acute and to
    determine which areas would benefit most from U.S. aid. This informs
    our programmatic spending throughout the Sahel as well as across Sub-
    Saharan Africa. If confirmed, I will encourage Mission Nigeria to
    design and evaluate policy and programs with Nigeria's demographic
    dynamics in mind. I would also emphasize female education as a proven
    method to address these important issues.

        Question. If confirmed, how would you engage with the Bureau of
    African Affairs, the Department of Defense, regional organizations and
    civil society to ensure that this is a priority issue that has wide
    collaboration in addressing?

        Answer. If confirmed, I would seek to integrate a whole of
    government approach to make youth and gender a priority. I will tap
    into the knowledge and studies of regional organizations and civil
    society as well. As U.S. Ambassador to the African Union (AU), I helped
    develop innovative ways to address these pressing issues, designing
    adjunct youth components with U.S. government and third party entities.
    I supported events on youth and gender preceding our Trade and
    Investment Forum and an energy conference. We included a full day event
    prior to these conferences on brainstorming youth/women's input
    involving our Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and African Union
    youth volunteers. Their participation and input were mainstreamed into
    the formal program. If confirmed, I will spearhead similarly
    comprehensive and impactful approaches.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Michelle A. Bekkering by Senator Robert Menendez

    Economic Statecraft
        Question. I am increasingly concerned that the United States is
    losing ground on engaging in economic statecraft for the twenty-first
    century, including promoting U.S. jobs, business and economic
    interests, engaging in development financing for infrastructure and
    other needs, including climate change-related resiliency, and setting
    standards for emergent technologies and the digital economy.

       Can you expand upon how you view your role and your institutions
            role, if you are confirmed, in helping to renew and replenish
            U.S. economic statecraft instruments? Where do you see the
            biggest challenges? Biggest opportunities?

        Answer. We strongly believe the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) is at the forefront of the U.S. government's
    efforts to improve and expand our economic statecraft around the world.
    Addressing the need for development finance for infrastructure, for
    example, was one of the principal motivations behind the creation of
    the new United States International Development Finance Corporation
    (``DFC'') which resulted from bipartisan passage of the Better
    Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act last
    year. The new DFC will combine USAID's Office of Development Credit,
    which is currently within the Bureau of Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment (E3), with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation
    (OPIC). The E3 Bureau, and its planned successor under USAID's
    Transformation, the Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation,
    will be the primary organizational interface between USAID and the DFC.
    If confirmed, I will ensure USAID will forge and retain strong
    institutional linkages with the new DFC, to ensure continued U.S
    government leadership in development and economic statecraft.
        Under its One Belt, One Road Initiative, the People's Republic of
    China has been augmenting its investments in transport and trade
    infrastructure--railways, roads, bridges, and airports--and investing
    heavily in digital infrastructure. These investments are unprecedented
    in scale, and the Chinese are making them in countries that are
    traditional USAID partners. However, the potential for the U.S. private
    sector to address these challenges is significant.
        If confirmed, I will ensure a robust focus on creating business-
    friendly environments that facilitate access to new markets for U.S.
    companies. We will advance our partnership with private-sector
    companies under the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation to identify
    opportunities to address delays and unnecessary red tape at borders,
    and design and deploy targeted reforms that deliver commercially
    quantifiable results. In addition, we recognize that the digital
    revolution is opening opportunities for small businesses to engage in
    cross-border trade, grow into multinational sellers, and craft their
    own global supply-chains. If confirmed, I will explore opportunities to
    improve the enabling environments in our partner countries to expand
    platform-enabled trade. I will also ensure USAID's continued robust
    engagement with the interagency Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity
    Partnership initiative, which aims to increase U.S. investments in the
    telecom and cyber security sectors in developing countries, including
    the Indo-Pacific region.
        If confirmed, I will prioritize work with the interagency to
    promote and unleash the potential of the U.S. private sector by
    fostering access to new markets and promoting its leadership in
    critical and emergent industries.

    Climate Change
        Question. I am encouraged by the positive overtures you made
    towards USAID's work to address climate change and your acknowledgement
    of how climate change is increasing risks and challenges to economic
    growth around the world. Given the skepticism and cynicism the
    President expresses towards the need take seriously the threat
    challenge presents to the world, and his hostility towards U.S. action
    on climate change I fear that despite your well-reasoned personal
    beliefs on the matter, you may be challenged to act appropriately.

       How will the efforts being led by Senior Advisor on the National
            Security Council, Dr. William Happer, to ``reevaluate'' to
            utility of climate science in national security planning impact
            USAID's development missions?

        Answer. I personally believe that climate impacts human health, the
    environment, and climate-dependent livelihoods. If confirmed, I will
    continue to support USAID programs that help developing countries
    manage and adapt to risks from the environment; protect, manage and
    restore forests and other landscapes; and develop and deploy energy
    systems that are clean, reliable, and resilient.
        My knowledge of the efforts to which you refer comes mostly from
    press reports. Generally speaking, as a development agency, USAID is a
    consumer, rather than a producer, of science and scientific data. USAID
    draws on validated scientific information from a variety of U.S.
    government and other sources to inform our development work. If
    confirmed, I will work to ensure that E3 maintains its technical
    leadership on environmental and related development challenges.

        Question. How important is high-quality, unbiased data collection
    and analysis to informing USAID's policies and programs?

        Answer. It is essential. USAID has a long-standing commitment to
    evidence-based development assistance, and to using the best available
    scientific and technical information to inform our work. If confirmed,
    I will continue to support this commitment.

        Question. What purpose do you believe is being served by the
    following policies and actions affecting the quality and integrity of
    U.S. data?:

       the ``red team vs. blue team'' climate science review proposed by
            former EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt;
       limiting the scope of computer-generated climate change impact
            models used by U.S. government agencies making climate related
            policy decision to only project through 2040 (rather than
            through the end of the century as is accepted by the broader
            scientific community);
       eliminating the publication of ``worst case scenarios'' from
            reports on climate change effects;
       or the work within the White House, led by Dr. William Happer, to
            review the role climate science serves in U.S. national
            security planning; and
       Are you concerned with the effect these actions could have the
            quality and integrity of U.S. (produced) climate change data?

        Answer. To the best of my knowledge, the U.S. Agency for
    International Development (USAID) has not been tracking these efforts
    closely, nor have they affected our day-to-day work. Generally
    speaking, as a development agency, USAID is a consumer, rather than a
    producer, of science and scientific data. USAID continues to base its
    development programs on the best available scientific and technical
    information, and I do not expect this to change. Within the Executive
    Branch of the U.S. government, scientific agencies such as the National
    Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration within the U.S. Department
    of Commerce, the U.S. Geological Survey within the U.S. Department of
    the Interior, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    (NASA) generally play lead roles in developing and publishing climate-
    related data. USAID works in countries where the data and analysis
    required for long-term investments in sustainable development are often
    lacking, and we value deeply the investments of U.S. science agencies
    and universities to improve the quality of data and analysis around the
    world. SERVIR, our joint venture with NASA that provides state-of-the-
    art, satellite-based Earth monitoring data, geospatial information and
    tools to help improve environmental decision-making among developing
    nations, is an example of this.

        Question. What will you do to protect the integrity, impartiality,
    and quality of the scientific data on climate change that USAID
    utilizes in making policy and program decisions and provides to its
    implementing partners in program beneficiaries?

        Answer. Generally speaking, the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) is a consumer, rather than a producer, of science
    and scientific data. USAID relies on climate science to support early-
    warning systems, disaster assistance, the promotion of drought-
    resistant crops, and other strategies to help countries cope with
    drought, extreme weather, or other climate-related conditions. If
    confirmed, I will support USAID's technical teams in continuing their
    technical leadership based on the highest-quality scientific data and
    information.

    Northern Triangle
        Question. In March, the Administration froze all foreign assistance
    to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.

       Do you believe freezing or ending foreign assistance to the
            Northern Triangle is an effective or appropriate action to
            prevent or lessen the number of migrants we see at the U.S.
            southern border from these countries?

        Answer. As Administrator Green stated when he testified before the
    Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 8, 2019, we are frustrated by
    the situation at the Southern border. We have been working with the
    U.S. Department of State to implement the Administration's policy
    related to the Northern Triangle.
        The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is confident
    that we are part of the answer to address the situation, but our
    assistance is most effective when we see buy-in from host-country
    governments. USAID is working hard to develop new metrics specifically
    tied to migration so that our programs in Central America can be more
    targeted and effective.

        Question. Does the freeze advance El Salvador, Guatemala, and
    Honduras on the journey to self-reliance?

        Answer. As you know, globally, the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) is reorienting its strategies, partnership models,
    and programmatic practices to achieve greater development outcomes. Our
    vision is to end the need for foreign assistance; we call this ``the
    Journey to Self-Reliance.'' As partners on this Journey, we are
    empowering host-country governments and our partners to achieve
    locally-sustained results, helping countries mobilize public and
    private revenues, strengthening local capacities, and accelerating
    enterprise-driven development. This approach fosters stable, resilient,
    and prosperous countries that are more self-reliant, and prioritizes
    enduring partnerships. It is an approach that is good for our partner
    countries worldwide, U.S. national security, and the American taxpayer.
        As part of their Journeys to Self-Reliance, we need more commitment
    from the governments of the Northern Triangle to curb outmigration,
    corruption, impunity, and violence. Our programs are most effective
    when coordinated closely with, and supported by, the governments of
    these countries, as well as with civil society and the private sector.

        Question. Do you believe that the governments of these countries
    are sending migrants to the U.S. as the President has asserted?

        Answer. I have not seen any evidence to suggest the governments of
    the Northern Triangle countries are sending migrants to the United
    States, and I commit to working with my colleagues in the Bureau for
    Latin America and the Caribbean at the Agency who are the lead in this
    matter.

        Question. What do you believe are the root causes of migration from
    these countries?

        Answer. I believe extreme poverty, corruption, violence, the lack
    of economic opportunity, food-insecurity, and the threat of gang
    violence are drivers of migration from Central America. Effective
    development assistance should address economic prosperity and the
    security of citizens in local communities and include migration-related
    data as a key metric of progress.

        Question. How are USAID's development programs in the Northern
    Triangle working to address the root causes of migration from the
    Northern Triangle?

        Answer. Senator, I would defer you to our Bureau for Latin America
    and the Caribbean for specific information regarding targeted programs
    in the Northern Triangle. However, generally, programming in Central
    America funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
    advances the U.S. Strategy for Central America (Strategy), which
    addresses the economic, security, and governance drivers of illegal
    migration. With funding appropriated by Congress, USAID has supported
    efforts by the Northern Triangle governments to reduce poverty and
    improve their own security conditions.

        Question. Do you believe these programs are effective?

        Answer. My colleagues in the Bureau for Latin America and the
    Caribbean can better speak to the efficacy of our specific programs
    but, in general, I believe programs funded by the U.S. Agency for
    International Development (USAID) in the Northern Triangle are in our
    national interest. USAID's programs address some of the drivers we
    believe contribute to illegal migration by creating opportunities in
    Northern Triangle countries for their citizens, and also work to
    address challenges like transnational crime, corruption, and the lack
    of safe spaces for families.

        Question. How is the freeze in foreign assistance to these
    countries affecting USAID's programs in these countries and what will
    you do, if confirmed, in your capacity as AA for E3 to keep E3s
    programs effective and operational as the freeze is realized?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has
    been working with our implementing partners to understand the entire
    picture of the programmatic implications of this decision. We expect
    this will vary by program and each implementing partner. If confirmed,
    I will work with the USAID Bureau for Latin. America and the Caribbean
    (LAC) on how to proceed programmatically as we implement this policy
    decision.

        Question. Will you travel to the missions in these region to meet
    USAIDs personnel who's jobs are effected by the freeze, and meet with
    USAID's implementing partners in these countries, and visit projects
    that are at risk in order to see both the importance of these programs
    and the risks that arise from abruptly ending these programs?

        Answer. Yes.

    Overall Commitment to Gender Equality and Integration
        Question. Sustainable international development rests on the
    recognition and promotion of human rights, including the equal rights
    of women and girls. As you are aware from your previous role as the
    Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, USAID's
    concerted investment in empowering women and girls and integrating
    gender equality throughout USAID's work is critical to lasting change
    and development.

       If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator for the E3
            Bureau, what will you specifically do to ensure that gender
            equality is elevated, prioritized, and integrated into the
            wide-reaching work USAID does globally?

        Answer. Equality between women and men and female empowerment is a
    priority for the Administration and the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID). The President's National Security Strategy clearly
    identifies women's empowerment as one of its five priority actions,
    noting its commitment to `` . . . support efforts to advance women's
    equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and
    youth empowerment programs.'' Gender equality and female empowerment
    are also core to the Agency's development goals, and serve as a tenet
    of the Agency's approach to the Journey to Self-Reliance.
        The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act of
    2018 bolsters USAID's efforts to elevate, prioritize and integrate
    gender equality across USAID programs by codifying the requirement of
    the Agency Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy that a gender
    analysis must shape all of our strategies and programs.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment to gender equality and female empowerment. I will ensure we
    adhere to the principles and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all
    relevant Agency policies and strategies, and the recently-launched
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID
    leadership, I will ensure to communicate clearly our expectations
    regarding the integration of gender equality and female empowerment
    into all policies and programs within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment and across the Agency, and that we fully meet
    them.

        Question. How will you ensure that existing and longstanding U.S.
    policy commitments to ending gender-based violence, advancing the
    rights of adolescent girls, and promoting women's leadership and
    participation will be respected and advanced as Assistant
    Administrator?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is
    committed to promoting gender equality and female empowerment. Existing
    law, such as the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment
    (WEEE) Act, and USAID's policies, such as the Gender Equality and
    Female Empowerment Policy, direct our work; the objectives and
    promising interventions tied to each are reflected in and will serve to
    enhance, the goals and structure of the Agency's Transformation. The
    U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
    Globally continues to guide USAID's work on GBV, including child,
    early, and forced marriage (CEFM), and the U.S. Global Strategy to
    Empower Adolescent Girls shapes USAID's ``whole-of-girl'' approach,
    which encompasses the interconnected events across a girl's life from
    birth to adulthood and across sectors.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment in this sphere. I will ensure we adhere to the principles
    and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all relevant Agency policies
    and strategies, and the recently-launched Women's Global Development
    and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID leadership, I will ensure
    to communicate clearly our expectations regarding the integration of
    gender equality and female empowerment into all policies and programs
    within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and
    across the Agency, and that we fully meet them.

        Question. How will you ensure that the Senior Coordinator for
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the Office of Gender and
    Development, which would be under your purview if confirmed as
    Assistant Administrator of the E3 Bureau, successfully integrate gender
    equality principles throughout USAID's work even outside of E3,
    particularly as it relates to core USAID issues such as food and
    nutrition security, agricultural development and livelihoods, water and
    sanitation access, humanitarian response, and global health?

        Answer. As noted, the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and
    Women's Empowerment and the Office of Gender Equality and Women's
    Empowerment (GenDev) are housed within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment (E3). If confirmed, I will fully support the
    Senior Coordinator's role and GenDev's mandate for the benefit of the
    entire Agency, including the design and oversight of training courses
    on gender integration, gender-based violence (GBV), and women's
    economic empowerment; the development and delivery of technical
    assistance, programming, and communications resources across Bureaus
    and the field; and guiding and coordinating work on key cross-cutting
    issues such as women's economic empowerment and GBV.
        E3 provides technical assistance, research and field support across
    the Agency. This provides the Bureau the opportunity to elevate,
    prioritize and integrate equality between women and men in the Agency's
    entire portfolio through close collaboration and information-exchange.
        For example, we collaborate with the Water Office, the Bureau for
    Global Health, and the Regional Bureaus to ensure the integration of
    gender considerations across all the Agency's activities in water,
    sanitation, and hygiene. The two governing documents for the activities
    of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in water and
    sanitation, the U.S. government Global Water Strategy and the Senator
    Paul Simon Water for the World Act, reinforce the importance of gender
    equality and women's empowerment.
        The same close partnership for gender integration exists with the
    Bureau for Food Security (BFS). One of the key guidance documents for
    the U.S. government Global Food Security Strategy is the Technical
    Guidance on Advancing Gender Equality and Female Empowerment. GenDev
    coordinates with BFS on technical gender issues, such as supporting the
    implementation of a framework for monitoring and evaluation to measure
    women's empowerment. We also recognize the integral role that health
    plays in empowering women, and work closely with the Bureau for Global
    Health to advance our shared goals. If confirmed, I commit to ensure
    the continued integration of gender throughout USAID's work by
    collaborating with my counterparts in BFS, and the Bureaus for
    Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance and Global Health.
        Finally, USAID benefits from an organizational structure that
    includes more than 70 Gender Advisors at USAID Missions around the
    world. If confirmed, under my leadership, we will continue to support
    our Gender Advisors located in each Bureau within Washington, as well
    as in our field Missions, as they carry out USAID's policies and
    programs in the field of gender equality and female empowerment.

    Commitment to Comprehensive Approaches to Gender Equality and Women's
            Empowerment
        Question. GBV and Reproductive Rights: This administration has
    clearly made a commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment as
    its signature initiative for women's rights and prosperity. While this
    initiative is highly focused on issues related to women's
    entrepreneurship, workforce development, and establishing an enabling
    environment, we see very little (if any) emphasis on some of the key
    areas in which women are being held back from economic independence--
    namely, access to reproductive rights and services and the right to
    live free from violence.

       If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator of the E3
            Bureau, what will you commit to doing to ensure a comprehensive
            view of women's empowerment that includes access to
            reproductive rights and freedom from gender-based violence?

        Answer. I recognize that achieving equality between women and men
    and women's empowerment depends on inputs and outcomes across several
    spheres, and at the individual, community and national levels. The
    robust programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID) in multiple regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis
    and conflict, democracy and governance, education, economic growth,
    environment, and health, provide ample opportunities to ensure the
    Agency's investments address every facet of gender equality and women's
    empowerment.
        USAID is committed to increasing access to high-quality health care
    for women, their children and their families. Investments in women's
    health yield a return of up to 20 times in the form of societal and
    economic benefits. When women have access to basic health care for both
    themselves and their families, and are empowered to make healthy,
    positive choices, the well-being of the entire community improves.
        Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) is also a
    priority for USAID, integrated across development programming and
    humanitarian assistance. We know that conflict and natural disasters
    often exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women
    and girls, and GBV can escalate in these scenarios. As such, at the
    onset of an emergency, USAID prioritizes specialized GBV interventions
    to address the immediate impact of the situation on women and girls'
    health, psychosocial well-being and safety.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that the leadership of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3) in advancing gender
    equality and women's empowerment includes recognition and support for
    efforts in this area across sectors, and will make certain that USAID
    programming continues to address the prevention of, and response to,
    GBV, coordinated effectively by E3.

        Question. Women's Health: One of the greatest obstacles to
    advancing women's empowerment and gender equity is a lack of quality
    healthcare, including access to reproductive health services. The U.S.
    government had led global efforts to combat preventable maternal deaths
    through investments in maternal and child health, nutrition, family
    planning, and other critical health interventions, however, the United
    States' global health policies since 2017, such as the Global Gag Rule,
    have severely undermined these efforts.

       If you are confirmed as Assistant Administrator for the E3 Bureau,
            what specifically will you do support your counterpart in the
            Global Health Bureau to ensure USAID's commitment to these
            efforts?

        Answer. Equality between men and women and women's empowerment
    depends on inputs and outcomes across several spheres, and at the
    individual, community and national levels. The robust programming of
    the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in multiple
    regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis and conflict,
    democracy and governance, education, economic growth, environment, and
    health, provide ample opportunities to ensure our work gives attention
    to addressing the many facets of gender equality and women's
    empowerment. We know that multi-sectoral efforts to address these
    issues reap a multitude of development outcomes--in health, education,
    gender equality, women's empowerment, and economic and social
    development. If confirmed, I will continue these efforts.
        As the world's largest bilateral donor to global health programs,
    the United States remains committed to helping women and their children
    thrive. When women have access to basic health care for both themselves
    and their families, and are empowered to make healthy, positive
    choices, the well-being of the entire community improves. While
    voluntary family planning and reproductive-health programming is under
    the purview of the USAID Bureau for Global Health, if confirmed, I
    commit to continuing collaboration by the Bureau for Education,
    Economic Growth and Environment with our Global Health counterparts on
    our programming.

        Question. Property Rights: Rights organizations have documented how
    women in communities displaced by large scale commercial agriculture
    suffer distinctive and disproportionate harmful impacts due to their
    social roles and status, and had the least opportunity to negotiate and
    assert their rights. Women face enormous struggles to sustain their
    families after losing safe water for drinking and household use, access
    to fertile land for cultivating food crops, and hunting or foraging
    grounds. In many countries, divorced women and widows face many
    challenges in asserting equal property rights. Widows may be evicted
    from their homes and land, and their property is stolen by in-laws when
    their husbands die or by their former spouses if they seek a divorce.

       As Assistant Administrator, how will you ensure U.S. policy and
            programs will support and promote women's land and property
            rights? And, how will you ensure that programs support by USAID
            will not work to undermine women's land and property rights?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) views
    good governance of land and natural resources as a critical foundation
    for successful U.S. foreign assistance in all technical areas and
    regions. USAID's Office of Land and Urban (LU) within the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment leads the Agency's efforts
    on ensuring land rights with the mandate to improve the governance of
    land and resources and strengthen property rights for all members of
    society, especially women. Strengthening women's land rights continues
    to be an integral component of all LU land activities. Furthermore, the
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative recognizes
    the necessity of improving the enabling environment, including securing
    land and property rights for women. Other U.S. government and USAID
    policies and programs that include an explicit focus on land rights for
    all, including women, are the U.S. government's Global Food-Security
    Strategy, and USAID's new Environmental and Natural-Resources
    Management (ENRM) Framework. Through these existing policies,
    frameworks and practices, I will, if confirmed, be able to ensure the
    U.S. government's policy and programs will support and promote women's
    land and property rights.
        Equipped with the above policies and a clear focus on intentionally
    strengthening women's land rights, USAID will be able to ensure our
    programs will not undermine women's land and property rights.
    Furthermore, if confirmed, I will continue to support the deployment of
    existing best practices to strengthen women's land rights purposefully.
    For instance, when working with communities to map and document their
    land, USAID always insists that women be at least equally represented
    on the mapping teams, which encourages women landholders to participate
    in the process. Also, good practice dictates that, in all USAID
    programs, two or more spaces for landholder names are included on land
    documentation, at a minimum, so titles can name both husband and wife.
    These are just two examples of the ways in which USAID programs
    purposefully focus on women's land rights.
        If confirmed, I will support USAID's continued exploration and
    expansion of new best practices to continue this critical work.

    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
        Question. Siljander: As you may be aware from recent State
    Department announcements, a policy known as the Siljander amendment
    prohibits the use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against
    abortion. Repeatedly at the U.N. representatives of the State
    Department, USAID, and U.S. Mission to the U.N. including your Senior
    Advisor Bethany Kozma, have made statements that ``we do not support
    abortion,'' spreading false information that comprehensive sex
    education programs ``promote abortion as a solution to teen
    pregnancy,'' and ``the U.S. is a pro-life country'' despite that fact
    that for over 40 years the right to abortion has been established in
    the this country under Roe v. Wade.

       Can you explain to me how these statements directly made by
            employees of the U.S. State Department are not considered to be
            lobbying against abortion, and thus a direct violation of the
            Siljander amendment?

        Answer. Consistent with longstanding practice, the United States
    routinely describes its foreign-policy position on issues before
    multilateral bodies.

        Question. What will you do to hold your employees accountable for
    complying with the Siljander prohibition on lobbying against abortion?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) takes
    compliance with the Siljander Amendment very seriously, and I will
    ensure that staff are familiar with its provisions. We would address
    any specific response to a compliance issue on a case-by-case basis.

        Question. Removing sexual and reproductive health from U.N.
    agreements: I am deeply concerned by the reports that the U.S.
    consistently advocated for removing references from sexual and
    reproductive health care from international agreements, including in
    critical spaces like the annual Commission on the Status of Women. I
    understand this administration has argued they have other priorities
    for these meetings, like economic empowerment and entrepreneurship.

        Answer. The United States routinely describes its foreign-policy
    position on issues before multilateral bodies, including on issues
    related to sexual and reproductive health.

        Question. How can women develop and lead their own businesses and
    participate in the economy if they are not able to have autonomous
    control of their own bodies, supported by comprehensive access to
    sexual and reproductive health care?

        Answer. I recognize that equality between men and women and women's
    empowerment depends on inputs and outcomes across several spheres, and
    at the individual, community, and national levels. The robust
    programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in
    multiple regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis and
    conflict, democracy and governance, education, economic growth,
    environment, and health, provide ample opportunities to address every
    facet of gender equality and women's empowerment in our work.
        USAID is committed to increasing access to high-quality health care
    for women, their children and their families. Investments in women's
    health yield a return of up to 20 times in the form of societal and
    economic benefits. When women have access to basic health care for both
    themselves and their families, and are empowered to make healthy,
    positive choices, the well-being of the entire community improves.
    While voluntary family planning and reproductive-health programming is
    under the purview of the USAID Bureau for Global Health, I commit to
    continuing collaboration by the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education
    and Environment with our Global Health counterparts in our programming.

    Adolescent Girls/Child Marriage
        Question. The E3 Bureau (Bureau for Economic Growth, Education, and
    Environment) provides research and technical leadership on economic
    growth and empowerment, gender equality and women's empowerment,
    education, and more. In addition to the large portfolio, the Bureau
    represents the Agency to Congress, donors, multilaterals, and other
    outside partners. Child marriage is any formal marriage or informal
    union where one or both parties are under the age of 18. Each year, 12
    million girls are married before they turn 18. Child marriage traps
    girls in cycles of poverty and increases the likelihood that they will
    be pregnant earlier and more often, and that they will experience
    intimate partner violence. It also has enormous economic impacts, and
    inaction on the issue will cost the global economy trillions of
    dollars. A country like Ethiopia could reduce their reliance on
    overseas development assistance by a sixth if they were to end child
    marriage, which is money that could potentially be reinvested into the
    country and increase development outcomes in a number of key areas.

       As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will you ensure
            that the needs of adolescent girls are being met in the areas
            of economic growth, education and environment in a holistic
            way? Specifically, how do you anticipate implementing the U.S.
            Global Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls and to otherwise
            ensure that U.S. foreign assistance is part of a holistic
            solution to ensuring that girls get the education and training
            they need to succeed now and if they are ever to become
            economically empowered women later?

       As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will you ensure
            that the USAID Child Marriage Resource Guide is implemented,
            and that the impact projects and programs may have on child
            marriage rates is better documented and understood?

        Answer. Empowering adolescent girls is fundamental to achieving our
    development goals and unlocking the full potential of societies. The
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency
    for the implementation of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls across sectors, including health, education, water,
    and sanitation. USAID uses a ``whole-of-girl'' approach to see the
    overlapping areas of vulnerability in an adolescent girl's life. The
    Agency defines the whole-of-girl approach as enhancing girls' access to
    high-quality education in safe environments; providing economic
    opportunities and incentives for girls and their families; empowering
    girls with information, skills, services, and support; and mobilizing
    and educating communities.
        If confirmed, I will ensure USAID's programs address the
    differentiated needs of girls in specific stages of adolescence, by
    recognizing that the challenges young adolescents encounter are
    distinct from those experienced by older adolescents who are
    approaching adulthood, and will work to support and enhance current
    activities, such as efforts to increase access to early-childhood
    education, and using geographic information system technology to map
    areas where adolescent girls are at high risk of female genital
    mutilation and cutting.
        USAID recognizes the harmful impact associated with child, early or
    forced marriage (CEFM) and annually attributes at least $11 million to
    address this practice. To tackle this issue, USAID has looked to
    support programming to prevent and respond to CEFM through a multi-
    pronged approach as outlined in the Agency's Child, Early, and Forced
    Marriage Resource Guide. Not only does USAID fund stand-alone CEFM
    activities, it works to integrate them in four main areas: education
    and economic opportunities, health care, regulatory reform, and public-
    awareness campaigns. If confirmed, I will ensure that USAID's efforts
    in CEFM, coordinated by the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment, continue to adhere to best practices in this area, and
    that we compile and share lessons from these programs.

        Question. In your previous role as Senior Deputy Assistant
    Administrator, it was unclear whether USAID was working to prevent
    child marriage and address the needs of already married girls,
    including the provision of youth-friendly reproductive health services
    for already married adolescents and sexuality education as a key part
    of learning in areas where child marriage is highly prevalent. How will
    you address these gaps in your elevated role as the Assistant
    Administrator of E3 for USAID?

        Answer. As part of our work, the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) funds a number of health-related interventions for
    young girls to deal with the consequences of child marriage. For
    example, USAID's partners provide care to young girls who endure
    pregnancy and delivery before their bodies are fully matured, as they
    are more likely to develop obstetric fistula (OF) than older women. OF
    is an issue most pervasive in countries and communities with high rates
    of child marriage. Additionally, poverty and malnutrition in children
    contribute to the condition of stunting (one's body does not fully
    mature), which exacerbates OF in those patients.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that CEFM programming, coordinated out
    of the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment, continue
    to provide support for married adolescents in addition to advancing
    prevention efforts. Additionally, if confirmed, I will ensure that
    USAID continues to implement the Agency's Child Marriage Resource
    Guide.

        Question. It has been well-documented that climate change and the
    humanitarian impacts of natural disasters has implications for child
    marriage. In times of conflict and crisis, child marriage increases as
    parents often see it as the only way to keep their daughters safe-
    economically and physically. And yet we know that child marriage is not
    protective and actually increases the likelihood that a girl will never
    escape a cycle of poverty, and that she is more likely than her peers
    that wait until adulthood to marry to experience intimate partner
    violence. As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will you
    connect the dots between economic growth, environment and education to
    ensure that this generation of girls has alternatives to child
    marriage, including access to quality education tied to real workforce
    opportunities if and when she is ready to enter the workforce, and a
    healthy climate where risks of disasters do not derail her education or
    ability to participate in safe and formal sector work when she is
    legally able to do so?

        Answer. Empowering adolescent girls is fundamental to achieving our
    development goals and unlocking the full potential of societies. The
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency
    for the implementation of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls across sectors, including health, education, water,
    and sanitation. USAID uses a ``whole-of-girl'' approach to see the
    overlapping areas of vulnerability in an adolescent girl's life. The
    Agency's programs address the differentiated needs of girls in specific
    stages of adolescence, by recognizing that the challenges young
    adolescents encounter are distinct from those experienced by older
    adolescents who are approaching adulthood.
        These include the risk of child, early, and forced marriage (CEFM).
    USAID's efforts to curtail this harmful cultural practice include
    testing the effectiveness of various community-based approaches to
    prevent child marriage through community education, educational
    support, health care, and economic incentives. In Ethiopia, for
    example, USAID is addressing the high prevalence of child marriage
    through a number of programs that address its root causes, including
    education, empowerment of women and girls, and health care. In one such
    program, USAID trained 875 members of the judiciary and law-enforcement
    communities on child marriage. As a result, courts annulled 748 early
    child marriages in the Amhara region, where this illegal activity is
    widely practiced.
        If confirmed as Assistant Administrator for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment, I will ensure that USAID continues its
    whole-of-girl approach, a platform to ensure our programs for younger
    and adolescent girls--and their communities--in education, environment,
    and economic growth contribute in tandem to create the conditions to
    ensure girls have access to quality education tied to real workforce
    opportunities, if and when they are ready to enter the workforce, and
    that they are able to participate in safe and formal work when legally
    able to do so.

    DDI
        Question. As part of the re-organization of USAID, the E3 Bureau
    will now become part of the larger DDI (Development, Democracy and
    Innovation) Bureau. DDI will combine a number of important areas of
    work like democracy promotion, economic growth, gender equality, youth
    and several others.

       When E3 transforms into DDI, will you be the Assistant
            Administrator for DDI?

        Answer. Yes.

        Question. Under what authorities will your confirmation to head E3
    transfer to DDI?

        Answer. There are two different legal authorities that identify 12
    Presidentially appointed, Senate-confirmed (PAS) positions at the U.S.
    Agency for International Development (USAID). First, Section 624 of the
    Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (Section 2384 of Title 22 of the United
    States Code [USC]) states that ``the President may appoint, by and with
    the advice and consent of the Senate, twelve officers in the agency . .
    . '' The statute does not give any of these positions a name or title.
    Instead, the 1998 Foreign Affairs Restructuring and Reform Act that
    established USAID as a statutory entity only gives one PAS position a
    title: ``the Administrator.''
        Second, Sections 5313-5351 of Title 5 of the USC lists 12 USAID PAS
    positions by Executive Schedule Level, identified in the following
    ways:

              Administrator, Agency for International Development (Section
            5313 of Title 5 of the USC);
              Deputy Administrator, Agency for International Development
            (Section 5314 of Title 5 of the USC);
              Assistant Administrators, Agency for International
            Development (six) (Section 5315 of Title 5 of the USC); and
              Regional Assistant Administrators, Agency for International
            Development (four) (Section 5315 of Title 5 of the USC)

        Please note that neither of these statutes identifies a position
    called ``Assistant Administrator for the Bureau of Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment (E3)''
        In the past, the President has submitted nominees as either
    ``Assistant Administrator for E3 Bureau'' or as ``Assistant
    Administrator (E3).'' USAID has interpreted the former nomination as
    being to a specific organizational entity (i.e., E3), while the latter
    allowed mutability in the organizational elements the nominee would
    lead.
        In this case, the President nominated me after USAID submitted the
    Congressional Notification (CN) that specifically explained the
    transformation of E3 into the Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation (DDI), but before Congress cleared the CN. Under that
    circumstance, the President could not nominate me for a Bureau that did
    not yet exist (DDI), so the nomination was made to allow USAID the
    flexibility to change her responsibility if the Congress concurred in
    the creation of the DDI Bureau. USAID has informed Congress
    consistently, on numerous occasions, that the President's intent was
    for me to serve in the position of the Assistant Administrator for DDI
    if Congress cleared the CN.

        Question. How do you see programmatic priorities like climate
    change adaptation, energy, and education programs changing under DDI?

        Answer. The Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation (DDI)
    will continue to prioritize these and other areas of work. DDI will be
    the home of the Agency Environment Coordinator and Senior Coordinator
    for United States International Basic Education, as well as the
    functions previously performed by the Higher Education and Climate
    Change Coordinators. DDI will have a Center for Environment, Energy,
    and Infrastructure and a Center for Education that will allow continued
    technical leadership in these domains while fostering the kind of
    cross-cutting work that is especially needed today. While our team that
    works on climate adaptation is moving to the new Bureau for Resilience
    and Food Security, DDI will continue to play a coordinating role on
    this issue internally and with the State Department and other parts of
    the Federal government. Under DDI, I also welcome the opportunity to
    lead the increased integration of priorities like innovation, private-
    sector engagement, and women's empowerment across the entire breadth of
    the Agency's programming.

        Question. How would you suggest that USAID use the additional
    resources of the DDI Bureau to amplify the reach of gender equality
    across the Agency's programming and ensure it is not downgraded within
    the larger Bureau?
        The current work of the U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID) in gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE) will grow and
    thrive in the new Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation
    (DDI). DDI will provide Agency-wide support and services, his including
    leadership and coordination of expertise found throughout the
    organization, assistance to field Missions and other Operating Units at
    all phases of the Program Cycle, and global engagement to advance GEWE.
    The operations of the Office of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
    within the current Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment will also serve as a model for other DDI Hubs also tasked
    with integrating core issues and values throughout USAID's sectoral
    programming. USAID stands ready and willing to implement all current
    and future gender-related policies and strategies. DDI will manage
    funds and programs, including funds for Missions that incentivize the
    inclusion of GEWE in programming as well as to improve the knowledge,
    practices, and skills of staff in GEWE.

        Question. What will you do to expand basic human rights for LGBT
    people?

        Answer. If confirmed as Assistant Administrator, I will oversee the
    work of the Coordinator for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and
    Intersex (LGBTI) programming and the LGBTI team in the Inclusive
    Development Hub in the new Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation. By placing the LGBTI Coordinator in DDI, we are making an
    intentional effort to integrate and institutionalize inclusive
    development as a critical lens to apply across the breadth of the
    Agency's programs. I will ensure that the team leads the Agency's
    analyses and programming to help protect LGBTI people from violence,
    discrimination, stigma, and criminalization.

        Question. As a possible official of the Trump administration, will
    you condemn and oppose policies and practices that are derogatory and
    discriminatory on the basis of race, religion, nationality, gender,
    sexual orientation, or gender identity?

        Answer. Yes, I will condemn and oppose policies and practices that
    are derogatory and discriminatory on the basis of race, religion,
    nationality, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

        Question. What will you do to ensure that statements by the Trump
    campaign and transition teams that are racist, xenophobic,
    misogynistic, or otherwise denigrate human rights and support abuses,
    will not become government policy?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will support all existing laws, case law,
    and policies that support the dignity, respect, and equality of
    treatment for all peoples.

        Question. Will you uphold the rights of all persons to equality and
    freedom from discrimination, and call on Americans to refrain from
    discrimination of any sort?

        Answer. Yes. I am committed to our Agency's values of integrity,
    respect, empowerment, and inclusion. Under my leadership, we will
    continue to recognize that our strength comes from diversity. We will
    value all of our employees equally, and all employees in the current
    Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and its successor
    Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation will be expected to
    demonstrate professionalism and respect in their communications and
    behavior. I will foster an environment that empowers every team member
    to meet his or her full potential. I will also work to advance equal
    opportunity and address inequality within our Agency, and in our work
    in the field.

    Political Targeting
        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government?

        Answer. Yes. I have a reputation within the U.S. Agency for
    International Development of deep respect for all my colleagues. I will
    carry forward this history of collegiality, professionalism, and
    respect into my new role if confirmed.

        Question. If confirmed, what will you do to ensure that all
    employees under your leadership understand that any retaliation,
    blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices will not be
    tolerated?

        Answer. Leadership starts from the top. If I am confirmed, my staff
    within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and
    its successor Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation will
    know that I expect us to uphold the Agency's values of integrity,
    respect, empowerment and inclusion, and that I will not tolerate such
    behavior as retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel
    practices. If confirmed, I will hold all staff, but especially those in
    leadership and supervisory positions, accountable for protecting these
    values in fulfilling their responsibilities. I will also lead by
    example, and hold myself to the highest standards of accountability.

    Harassment
        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting)?

       If so, please describe the nature of the complaint or allegation,
            your response, and any resolution, including any settlements.

        Answer. No, not to my knowledge.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority?
       If so, please describe the outcome and actions taken.

        Answer. I have not addressed any concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom I have had
    supervisory authority. While I have served at the U.S. Agency for
    International Development (USAID), there was an allegation of
    inappropriate behavior between two employees who worked in the Bureau
    for Economic Growth, Education and Environment, but the employees'
    immediate supervisor and the Agency Office of Civil Rights and
    Diversity handled it. While I did closely monitor the allegation and
    investigation, the ultimate resolution did not require me to intervene
    and address the matter.

    Let Girls Learn
        Question. There is a lack of clarity as to the Administration's
    stance on Let Girls Learn.

       Will you commit to making girls education a priority among USAID's
            youth and child education missions?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
    recognizes that education is a force-multiplier for all our development
    work. However, 132 million girls are out of school around the globe,
    and in conflict-affected countries, adolescent girls are at particular
    risk. Moreover, gender and social norms, along with inadequate or
    inaccessible infrastructure--including poor water, sanitation, and
    hygiene facilities--often prevent girls from continuing their
    education. USAID's programs work to overcome these restraints.
        The U.S. government International Basic Education Strategy,
    launched in September 2018, sets a comprehensive approach to
    international basic education for ten U.S. government Agencies and
    Departments, including USAID. The Strategy sets one of its two
    objectives as ``Expand access to quality basic education for all,
    particularly marginalized and vulnerable populations.'' Girls' access
    to quality education is at the core of this goal. Similarly, USAID's
    new Education Policy, launched in November 2018, established promoting
    equity and inclusion as one of its main principles, and specifically
    notes the unique barriers girls face in accessing and continuing
    education.
        If confirmed, I will continue to make girls' education a priority
    of USAID's portfolio.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to Michelle A. Bekkering by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights
        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. My career has been founded in promoting human rights and
    democracy, and, if confirmed, I will continue to make the defense and
    promotion of democracy, human rights, and governance a priority.
        Prior to joining USAID, I spent twelve years at the International
    Republican Institute (IRI), an international democracy-development
    organization dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide. We
    worked to strengthen citizen voices and help make their leaders more
    accountable and responsive.
        I served as an election observer multiple times in Afghanistan,
    Jordan, Tunisia, and Ukraine to monitor whether the elections took
    place in a transparent and open manner and that the results truly
    represented citizen votes.
        During my time at IRI, I also led programs charged with increasing
    the political inclusion of women; a cause about which I am passionate.
    I served as director of the Women's Democracy Network (WDN), an office
    that focuses on the empowerment of women to participate in political
    processes and equips them with the skills needed to assume greater
    leadership roles in government, political parties, and civil society.
    Our work recognized the need for women to be present at decision-making
    tables to ensure the issues that face them were not only heard, but
    addressed. We accomplished our goals through mentoring, capacity-
    building, and most important, by fostering a global network of women
    leaders who could encourage and support each other through their shared
    problems and triumphs. Under my leadership, WDN expanded its reach
    exponentially in every region of the world. I also elevated the profile
    of the gender-equality and women's empowerment portfolio across the
    organization so that it became a priority across the breadth of IRI
    programs. Through our work in Bangladesh, we supported women's micro-
    finance, and put procedures in place to protect women in the markets
    from harassment and extortion. In Cameroon, we worked with women
    activists who successfully worked with tribal leaders to change
    customary laws to recognize women's independence and equality. In Peru,
    we supported the members of the Women's Peruvian Parliamentary Caucus
    to work with teachers and community advocates to identify gender-based
    violence, offer treatment to victims, and increase the capacity of law-
    enforcement officials and the judiciary to apprehend and prosecute
    perpetrators of these crimes. These are but a few of many examples of
    how I worked to advance the empowerment and equality of women.
        I also gained valuable field experience as IRI's Resident Country
    Director in Indonesia. I oversaw efforts to support the development of
    the country's political sphere, and my portfolio included a focus on
    public-opinion polling to encourage political parties to focus on
    constituent concerns and aid them in developing issue-based platforms.
        If confirmed, I look forward to continuing the important
    investments by the U.S. Agency for International Development promote
    democracy, human rights, and citizen-responsive governance.

    Diversity
        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups at
    USAID?

        Answer. I am committed to our Agency's values of integrity,
    respect, empowerment, and inclusion. Under my leadership, we will
    continue to recognize that strength that comes from diversity. We will
    value all of our employees equally, and all employees of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment will be expected to
    demonstrate professionalism and respect in their communications and
    behavior. I will foster an environment that empowers every team member
    to meet his or her full potential. I will also advance equal
    opportunity and address inequality within our Agency and in our work in
    the field.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at USAID are fostering an environment that is diverse and
    inclusive?

        Answer. I commit to ensuring that all supervisors under my purview
    complete the mandatory U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID) University Supervisory Certification Course, a two-week class
    designed to target both management and leadership competencies to equip
    our supervisors with the skills and tools needed to perform in their
    role as supervisors of an inclusive diverse and multicultural
    workforce.
        Additionally, the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment and the future Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation will engage closely with USAID's Office of Civil Rights and
    Diversity to prioritize our focus on diversity and inclusion, through
    explicit attention to best practices and opportunities to execute on
    these issues across all levels of the organization. We will create
    opportunities for training on inclusiveness, diversity, and leadership
    at all levels.

    Commitment to Gender Equality and Integration
        Question. Sustainable international development rests on the
    recognition and promotion of human rights, including the equal rights
    of women and girls. As you are aware from your previous role as the
    Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, USAID's
    concerted investment in empowering women and girls and integrating
    gender equality throughout USAID's work is critical to lasting change
    and development.

       If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator for the E3
            Bureau, what will you specifically do to ensure that gender
            equality is elevated, prioritized, and integrated into the
            wide-reaching work USAID does globally?

        Answer. Equality between women and men and female empowerment is a
    priority for the Administration and the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID). The President's National Security Strategy clearly
    identifies women's empowerment as one of its five priority actions,
    noting its commitment to ``... support efforts to advance women's
    equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and
    youth empowerment programs.'' Gender equality and female empowerment
    are also core to the Agency's development goals, and serve as tenets of
    the Agency's approach to the Journey to Self-Reliance.
        The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act of
    2018 bolsters USAID's efforts to elevate, prioritize, and integrate
    gender equality across USAID programs by codifying the requirement of
    the Agency Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy that a gender
    analysis must shape all of our strategies and programs.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment to gender equality and female empowerment. I will ensure we
    adhere to the principles and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all
    relevant Agency policies and strategies, and the recently-launched
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID
    leadership, I will ensure to communicate clearly our expectations
    regarding the integration of gender equality and female empowerment
    into all policies and programs within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment and across the Agency, and that we fully meet
    them.

        Question. How will you ensure that existing and longstanding U.S.
    policy commitments to ending gender-based violence, advancing the
    rights of adolescent girls, and promoting women's leadership and
    participation will be respected and advanced as Assistant
    Administrator?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is
    committed to promoting gender equality and female empowerment. Existing
    law, such as the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act,
    and USAID's policies, such as the Gender Equality and Female
    Empowerment Policy, direct our work; the objectives and promising
    interventions tied to each are reflected in and will serve to enhance,
    the goals and structure of the Agency's Transformation. The U.S.
    Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Globally
    continues to guide USAID's work on GBV, including child, early, and
    forced marriage (CEFM), and the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls shapes USAID's ``whole-of-girl'' approach, which
    encompasses the interconnected events across a girl's life from birth
    to adulthood and across sectors.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment in this sphere. I will ensure we adhere to the principles
    and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all relevant Agency policies
    and strategies, and the recently-launched Women's Global Development
    and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID leadership, I will ensure
    to communicate clearly our expectations regarding the integration of
    gender equality and female empowerment into all policies and programs
    within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and
    across the Agency, and that we fully meet them.

        Question. How will you ensure that the Senior Coordinator for
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the Office of Gender and
    Development, which would be under your purview if confirmed as
    Assistant Administrator of the E3 Bureau, successfully integrate gender
    equality principles throughout USAID's work even outside of E3,
    particularly as it relates to core USAID issues such as food and
    nutrition security, agricultural development and livelihoods, water and
    sanitation access, humanitarian response, and global health?

        Answer. As noted, the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and
    Women's Empowerment (E3) and the Office of Gender Equality and Women's
    Empowerment (GenDev) are housed within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment. If confirmed, I will support fully the
    Senior Coordinator's role and GenDev's mandate for the benefit of the
    entire Agency, including the design and oversight of training courses
    on gender integration, gender-based violence (GBV), and women's
    economic empowerment; the development and delivery of technical
    assistance, programming, and communications resources across Bureaus
    and the field; and guiding and coordinating work on key cross-cutting
    issues such as women's economic empowerment and GBV.
        E3 provides technical assistance, research, and field support
    across the Agency. This provides the Bureau the opportunity to elevate,
    prioritize and integrate gender equality in the Agency's entire
    portfolio through close collaboration and information-exchange.
        For example, we collaborate with the Water Office, the Bureau for
    Global Health, and the Regional Bureaus to ensure the integration of
    gender considerations across all the Agency's activities in water,
    sanitation, and hygiene. The two governing documents for the activities
    of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in water and
    sanitation, the U.S. government Global Water Strategy and the Senator
    Paul Simon Water for the World Act, reinforce the importance of gender
    equality and women's empowerment.
        The same close partnership for gender-integration exists with the
    Bureau for Food Security (BFS). One of the key guidance documents for
    the U.S. government Global Food-Security Strategy is the Technical
    Guidance on Advancing Gender Equality and Female Empowerment. GenDev
    coordinates with BFS on technical gender issues, such as supporting the
    implementation of a framework for monitoring and evaluation to measure
    women's empowerment. We also recognize the integral role that health
    plays in empowering women and work closely with the Bureau for Global
    Health to advance our shared goals. If confirmed, I commit to ensure
    the continued integration of gender throughout USAID's work by
    collaborating with my counterparts in BFS and the Bureaus for
    Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance and Global Health.
        Finally, USAID benefits from an organizational structure that
    includes more than 70 Gender Advisors at USAID Missions around the
    world. If confirmed, under my leadership, we will continue to support
    our Gender Advisors located in each Bureau within Washington, as well
    as in the field Missions, as they carry out USAID's policies and
    programs in the field of gender equality and female empowerment.

    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
        Question. As the previous USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender
    Equality and Women's Empowerment, you know well that U.S. government
    investments in gender equality and women's and girls' empowerment are
    critical to achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives, strengthening our
    national security, and increasing economic opportunities. Recently
    USAID has authorized an update of its Gender Equality and Female
    Empowerment (GE/FE) Policy, which has been a critical foundation for
    progress on the promotion of gender equality throughout development and
    humanitarian assistance efforts over the last seven years.

       How will you use your new role to continue strengthening USAID's
            advancement of gender equality globally, and specifically how
            will you ensure that the review and update process of the GE/FE
            Policy includes meaningful, substantive consultations with
            civil society organizations with proven expertise in global
            gender equality issues?

        Answer. The efforts of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) to advance equality between men and women and
    female empowerment are significantly bolstered when the Senior
    Leadership of the Agency affirms the importance of these goals and our
    expectations for their inclusion in our programming. If confirmed, I
    will ensure the policies and programs of the Bureau for Economic
    Growth, Education and Environment meet the highest standards regarding
    gender equality and gender integration. Furthermore, if confirmed, I
    will collaborate with other Bureau Leadership to maintain the Agency at
    the forefront of work in gender equality and women's empowerment
    globally.
        USAID'S Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy has been
    instrumental to the Agency's leadership in this area, and to the
    integration of this work in our programming across sectors and regions.
    Current efforts to update the policy serve as an opportunity to
    reaffirm and build on USAID's structure and experience, incorporate the
    most recent information on best practices and innovation, and reflect
    the priorities of the Administration and Administrator Green. USAID's
    long-standing and productive partnerships with civil society have been
    vital to the success of our work in gender equality and female
    empowerment. USAID's current Senior Gender Coordinator and Office of
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment have prioritized including
    substantive consultation with civil society as part of the update; if
    confirmed, I will ensure this continues to be the case.

    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
        Question. If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator of
    the E3 Bureau, what will you commit to doing to ensure a comprehensive
    view of women's empowerment that includes access to reproductive rights
    and freedom from gender-based violence?

        Answer. I recognize that achieving gender equality and women's
    empowerment depends on inputs and outcomes across several spheres, and
    at the individual, community and national levels. The robust
    programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in
    multiple regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis and
    conflict, democracy and governance, education, economic growth,
    environment, and health, provide ample opportunities to ensure the
    Agency's investments address every facet of gender equality and women's
    empowerment.
        USAID is committed to increasing access to high-quality health care
    for women, their children and their families. Investments in women's
    health yield a return of up to 20 times in the form of societal and
    economic benefits. When women have access to basic health care for both
    themselves and their families, and are empowered to make healthy,
    positive choices, the well-being of the entire community improves.
        Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) is also a
    priority for USAID, integrated across development programming and
    humanitarian assistance. We know that conflict and natural disasters
    often exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women
    and girls, and GBV can escalate in these scenarios. As such, at the
    onset of an emergency, USAID prioritizes specialized GBV interventions
    to address the immediate impact of the situation on women and girls'
    health, psychosocial well-being, and safety.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that the leadership of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3) in advancing gender
    equality and women's empowerment includes recognition and support for
    efforts in this area across sectors and will make certain that USAID
    programming continues to address the prevention of, and response to,
    GBV, coordinated effectively by E3.

    Siljander Amendment
        Question. As you may be aware from recent State Department
    announcements, a policy known as the Siljander amendment prohibits the
    use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against abortion.
    Repeatedly at the U.N. representatives of the State Department, USAID,
    and U.S. Mission to the U.N. including your Senior Advisor Bethany
    Kozma, have made statements that ``we do not support abortion,''
    spreading false information that comprehensive sex education programs
    ``promote abortion as a solution to teen pregnancy,'' and ``the U.S. is
    a pro-life country'' despite that fact that for over 40 years the right
    to abortion has been established in the this country under Roe v. Wade.

       In your opinion, how are these statements, directly made by
            employees of the U.S. State Department, not considered to be
            lobbying against abortion, and thus a direct violation of the
            Siljander amendment?

        Answer. Consistent with longstanding practice, the United States
    routinely describes its foreign-policy position on issues before
    multilateral bodies, including on issues related to abortion.

        Question. What will you do to hold your employees accountable to
    complying with the Siljander prohibition on lobbying against abortion?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) takes
    compliance with the Siljander Amendment very seriously. I will ensure
    that staff are familiar with guidance and resources on the Siljander
    Amendment. We would address any specific response to a compliance issue
    on a case-by-case basis.

    Adolescent Girls/Child Marriage
        Question. As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will
    you ensure that the needs of adolescent girls are being met in the
    areas of economic growth, education and environment in a holistic way?

       How do you anticipate implementing the U.S. Global Strategy to
            Empower Adolescent Girls and to otherwise ensure that U.S.
            foreign assistance is part of a holistic solution to ensuring
            that girls get the education and training they need to succeed
            now and if they are ever to become economically empowered women
            later?

       As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will you ensure
            that the USAID Child Marriage Resource Guide is implemented,
            and that the impact projects and programs may have on child
            marriage rates is better documented and understood?

        Answer. Empowering adolescent girls is fundamental to achieving our
    development goals and unlocking the full potential of societies. The
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency
    for the implementation of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls across sectors, including health, education, water,
    and sanitation. USAID applies a ``whole-of-girl'' approach to see the
    overlapping areas of vulnerability in an adolescent girl's life. We
    define the whole-of-girl approach as enhancing girls' access to quality
    education in safe environments; providing economic opportunities and
    incentives for girls and their families; empowering girls with
    information, skills, services, and support; and mobilizing and
    educating communities.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that USAID's programs address the
    differentiated needs of girls in specific stages of adolescence, by
    recognizing that the challenges young adolescents encounter are
    distinct from those experienced by older adolescents who are
    approaching adulthood, and will work to support and enhance our current
    activities, such as efforts to increase access to early-childhood
    education, and using geographic information system technology to map
    areas where adolescent girls are at high risk of female genital
    mutilation and cutting.
        USAID recognizes the harmful impact associated with Child, Early or
    Forced Marriage (CEFM), and annually attributes at least $11 million to
    address this practice. To tackle this issue, USAID has looked to fund
    programming to prevent and respond to CEFM through a multi-pronged
    approach as outlined in the Agency's Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
    Resource Guide. Not only does USAID finance stand-alone CEFM
    activities, it works to integrate CEFM activities in four main areas:
    education and economic opportunities, health care, regulatory reform,
    and public-awareness campaigns. If confirmed, I will ensure that
    USAID's efforts in CEFM, coordinated by the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment, continue to adhere to best practices in this
    area, and that we compile and share lessons from these programs.

    USAID Reorganization
        Question. As part of the re-organization of USAID, the E3 Bureau
    will now become part of the larger DDI (Development, Democracy and
    Innovation) Bureau. DDI will combine a number of important areas of
    work like democracy promotion, economic growth, gender equality, youth
    and several others.

       How would you suggest that USAID use the additional resources of
            the DDI Bureau to amplify the reach of gender equality across
            the Agency's programming and ensure it is not downgraded within
            the larger Bureau?

        Answer. The current work of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) in gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE)
    will grow and thrive in the new Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation (DDI). DDI will provide Agency-wide support and services,
    including leadership and coordination of expertise found throughout the
    organization, assistance to field Missions and other Operating Units at
    all phases of the Program Cycle, and global engagement to advance GEWE.
    The operations of the Office of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
    within the current Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment will also serve as a model for other DDI Hubs also tasked
    with integrating core issues and values throughout USAID's sectoral
    programming. USAID stands ready and willing to implement all current
    and future gender-related policies and strategies. DDI will manage
    funds and programs, including funds for Missions that incentivize the
    inclusion of GEWE in programming, as well as to improve the knowledge,
    practices, and skills of staff in GEWE.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of USAID) any change in policy or U.S. actions
    that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's business
    or financial interests, or the business or financial interests of any
    senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. No.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to Michelle A. Bekkering by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

    Human Rights
        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to promote human rights and democracy? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. My career has been founded in promoting human rights and
    democracy, and, if confirmed, I will continue to make the defense and
    promotion of democracy, human rights, and governance a priority.
        Prior to joining USAID, I spent twelve years at the International
    Republican Institute (IRI), an international democracy-development
    organization dedicated to promoting freedom and democracy worldwide. We
    worked to strengthen citizen voices and help make their leaders more
    accountable and responsive.
        I served as an election observer multiple times in Afghanistan,
    Jordan, Tunisia, and Ukraine to monitor whether the elections took
    place in a transparent and open manner and that the results truly
    represented citizen votes.During my time at IRI, I also led programs
    charged with increasing the political inclusion of women; a cause about
    which I am passionate. I served as director of the Women's Democracy
    Network (WDN), an office that focuses on the empowerment of women to
    participate in political processes and equips them with the skills
    needed to assume greater leadership roles in government, political
    parties, and civil society. Our work recognized the need for women to
    be present at decision-making tables to ensure the issues that face
    them were not only heard, but addressed. We accomplished our goals
    through mentoring, capacity-building, and most important, by fostering
    a global network of women leaders who could encourage and support each
    other through their shared problems and triumphs. Under my leadership,
    WDN expanded its reach exponentially in every region of the world. I
    also elevated the profile of the gender-equality and women's
    empowerment portfolio across the organization so that it became a
    priority across the breadth of IRI programs. Through our work in
    Bangladesh, we supported women's micro-finance, and put procedures in
    place to protect women in the markets from harassment and extortion. In
    Cameroon, we worked with women activists who successfully worked with
    tribal leaders to change customary laws to recognize women's
    independence and equality. In Peru, we supported the members of the
    Women's Peruvian Parliamentary Caucus to work with teachers and
    community advocates to identify gender-based violence, offer treatment
    to victims, and increase the capacity of law-enforcement officials and
    the judiciary to apprehend and prosecute perpetrators of these crimes.
    These are but a few of many examples of how I worked to advance the
    empowerment and equality of women.
        I also gained valuable field experience as IRI's Resident Country
    Director in Indonesia. I oversaw efforts to support the development of
    the country's political sphere, and my portfolio included a focus on
    public-opinion polling to encourage political parties to focus on
    constituent concerns and aid them in developing issue-based platforms.
        If confirmed, I look forward to continuing the important
    investments by the U.S. Agency for International Development promote
    democracy, human rights, and citizen-responsive governance.

    Diversity
        Question. What will you do to promote, mentor and support your
    staff that come from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups at
    USAID?

        Answer. I am committed to our Agency's values of integrity,
    respect, empowerment, and inclusion. Under my leadership, we will
    continue to recognize that strength that comes from diversity. We will
    value all of our employees equally, and all employees of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment will be expected to
    demonstrate professionalism and respect in their communications and
    behavior. I will foster an environment that empowers every team member
    to meet his or her full potential. I will also advance equal
    opportunity and address inequality within our Agency and in our work in
    the field.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at USAID are fostering an environment that is diverse and
    inclusive?

        Answer. I commit to ensuring that all supervisors under my purview
    complete the mandatory U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID) University Supervisory Certification Course, a two-week class
    designed to target both management and leadership competencies to equip
    our supervisors with the skills and tools needed to perform in their
    role as supervisors of an inclusive diverse and multicultural
    workforce.
        Additionally, the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment and the future Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation will engage closely with USAID's Office of Civil Rights and
    Diversity to prioritize our focus on diversity and inclusion, through
    explicit attention to best practices and opportunities to execute on
    these issues across all levels of the organization. We will create
    opportunities for training on inclusiveness, diversity, and leadership
    at all levels.

    Commitment to Gender Equality and Integration
        Question. Sustainable international development rests on the
    recognition and promotion of human rights, including the equal rights
    of women and girls. As you are aware from your previous role as the
    Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment, USAID's
    concerted investment in empowering women and girls and integrating
    gender equality throughout USAID's work is critical to lasting change
    and development.

       If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator for the E3
            Bureau, what will you specifically do to ensure that gender
            equality is elevated, prioritized, and integrated into the
            wide-reaching work USAID does globally?

        Answer. Equality between women and men and female empowerment is a
    priority for the Administration and the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID). The President's National Security Strategy clearly
    identifies women's empowerment as one of its five priority actions,
    noting its commitment to ``... support efforts to advance women's
    equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and
    youth empowerment programs.'' Gender equality and female empowerment
    are also core to the Agency's development goals, and serve as tenets of
    the Agency's approach to the Journey to Self-Reliance.
        The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act of
    2018 bolsters USAID's efforts to elevate, prioritize, and integrate
    gender equality across USAID programs by codifying the requirement of
    the Agency Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy that a gender
    analysis must shape all of our strategies and programs.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment to gender equality and female empowerment. I will ensure we
    adhere to the principles and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all
    relevant Agency policies and strategies, and the recently-launched
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID
    leadership, I will ensure to communicate clearly our expectations
    regarding the integration of gender equality and female empowerment
    into all policies and programs within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment and across the Agency, and that we fully meet
    them.

        Question. How will you ensure that existing and longstanding U.S.
    policy commitments to ending gender-based violence, advancing the
    rights of adolescent girls, and promoting women's leadership and
    participation will be respected and advanced as Assistant
    Administrator?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is
    committed to promoting gender equality and female empowerment. Existing
    law, such as the Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment Act,
    and USAID's policies, such as the Gender Equality and Female
    Empowerment Policy, direct our work; the objectives and promising
    interventions tied to each are reflected in and will serve to enhance,
    the goals and structure of the Agency's Transformation. The U.S.
    Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Globally
    continues to guide USAID's work on GBV, including child, early, and
    forced marriage (CEFM), and the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls shapes USAID's ``whole-of-girl'' approach, which
    encompasses the interconnected events across a girl's life from birth
    to adulthood and across sectors.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment in this sphere. I will ensure we adhere to the principles
    and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all relevant Agency policies
    and strategies, and the recently-launched Women's Global Development
    and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID leadership, I will ensure
    to communicate clearly our expectations regarding the integration of
    gender equality and female empowerment into all policies and programs
    within the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and Environment and
    across the Agency, and that we fully meet them.

        Question. How will you ensure that the Senior Coordinator for
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the Office of Gender and
    Development, which would be under your purview if confirmed as
    Assistant Administrator of the E3 Bureau, successfully integrate gender
    equality principles throughout USAID's work even outside of E3,
    particularly as it relates to core USAID issues such as food and
    nutrition security, agricultural development and livelihoods, water and
    sanitation access, humanitarian response, and global health?

        Answer. As noted, the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and
    Women's Empowerment (E3) and the Office of Gender Equality and Women's
    Empowerment (GenDev) are housed within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment. If confirmed, I will support fully the
    Senior Coordinator's role and GenDev's mandate for the benefit of the
    entire Agency, including the design and oversight of training courses
    on gender integration, gender-based violence (GBV), and women's
    economic empowerment; the development and delivery of technical
    assistance, programming, and communications resources across Bureaus
    and the field; and guiding and coordinating work on key cross-cutting
    issues such as women's economic empowerment and GBV.
        E3 provides technical assistance, research, and field support
    across the Agency. This provides the Bureau the opportunity to elevate,
    prioritize and integrate gender equality in the Agency's entire
    portfolio through close collaboration and information-exchange.
        For example, we collaborate with the Water Office, the Bureau for
    Global Health, and the Regional Bureaus to ensure the integration of
    gender considerations across all the Agency's activities in water,
    sanitation, and hygiene. The two governing documents for the activities
    of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in water and
    sanitation, the U.S. government Global Water Strategy and the Senator
    Paul Simon Water for the World Act, reinforce the importance of gender
    equality and women's empowerment.
        The same close partnership for gender-integration exists with the
    Bureau for Food Security (BFS). One of the key guidance documents for
    the U.S. government Global Food-Security Strategy is the Technical
    Guidance on Advancing Gender Equality and Female Empowerment. GenDev
    coordinates with BFS on technical gender issues, such as supporting the
    implementation of a framework for monitoring and evaluation to measure
    women's empowerment. We also recognize the integral role that health
    plays in empowering women and work closely with the Bureau for Global
    Health to advance our shared goals. If confirmed, I commit to ensure
    the continued integration of gender throughout USAID's work by
    collaborating with my counterparts in BFS and the Bureaus for
    Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance and Global Health.
        Finally, USAID benefits from an organizational structure that
    includes more than 70 Gender Advisors at USAID Missions around the
    world. If confirmed, under my leadership, we will continue to support
    our Gender Advisors located in each Bureau within Washington, as well
    as in the field Missions, as they carry out USAID's policies and
    programs in the field of gender equality and female empowerment.

    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
        Question. As the previous USAID Senior Coordinator for Gender
    Equality and Women's Empowerment, you know well that U.S. government
    investments in gender equality and women's and girls' empowerment are
    critical to achieving U.S. foreign policy objectives, strengthening our
    national security, and increasing economic opportunities. Recently
    USAID has authorized an update of its Gender Equality and Female
    Empowerment (GE/FE) Policy, which has been a critical foundation for
    progress on the promotion of gender equality throughout development and
    humanitarian assistance efforts over the last seven years.

       How will you use your new role to continue strengthening USAID's
            advancement of gender equality globally, and specifically how
            will you ensure that the review and update process of the GE/FE
            Policy includes meaningful, substantive consultations with
            civil society organizations with proven expertise in global
            gender equality issues?

        Answer. The efforts of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) to advance equality between men and women and
    female empowerment are significantly bolstered when the Senior
    Leadership of the Agency affirms the importance of these goals and our
    expectations for their inclusion in our programming. If confirmed, I
    will ensure the policies and programs of the Bureau for Economic
    Growth, Education and Environment meet the highest standards regarding
    gender equality and gender integration. Furthermore, if confirmed, I
    will collaborate with other Bureau Leadership to maintain the Agency at
    the forefront of work in gender equality and women's empowerment
    globally.
        USAID'S Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy has been
    instrumental to the Agency's leadership in this area, and to the
    integration of this work in our programming across sectors and regions.
    Current efforts to update the policy serve as an opportunity to
    reaffirm and build on USAID's structure and experience, incorporate the
    most recent information on best practices and innovation, and reflect
    the priorities of the Administration and Administrator Green. USAID's
    long-standing and productive partnerships with civil society have been
    vital to the success of our work in gender equality and female
    empowerment. USAID's current Senior Gender Coordinator and Office of
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment have prioritized including
    substantive consultation with civil society as part of the update; if
    confirmed, I will ensure this continues to be the case.

    Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights
        Question. If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator of
    the E3 Bureau, what will you commit to doing to ensure a comprehensive
    view of women's empowerment that includes access to reproductive rights
    and freedom from gender-based violence?

        Answer. I recognize that achieving gender equality and women's
    empowerment depends on inputs and outcomes across several spheres, and
    at the individual, community and national levels. The robust
    programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in
    multiple regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis and
    conflict, democracy and governance, education, economic growth,
    environment, and health, provide ample opportunities to ensure the
    Agency's investments address every facet of gender equality and women's
    empowerment.
        USAID is committed to increasing access to high-quality health care
    for women, their children and their families. Investments in women's
    health yield a return of up to 20 times in the form of societal and
    economic benefits. When women have access to basic health care for both
    themselves and their families, and are empowered to make healthy,
    positive choices, the well-being of the entire community improves.
        Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) is also a
    priority for USAID, integrated across development programming and
    humanitarian assistance. We know that conflict and natural disasters
    often exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women
    and girls, and GBV can escalate in these scenarios. As such, at the
    onset of an emergency, USAID prioritizes specialized GBV interventions
    to address the immediate impact of the situation on women and girls'
    health, psychosocial well-being, and safety.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that the leadership of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3) in advancing gender
    equality and women's empowerment includes recognition and support for
    efforts in this area across sectors and will make certain that USAID
    programming continues to address the prevention of, and response to,
    GBV, coordinated effectively by E3.

    Siljander Amendment
        Question. As you may be aware from recent State Department
    announcements, a policy known as the Siljander amendment prohibits the
    use of foreign assistance funds to lobby for or against abortion.
    Repeatedly at the U.N. representatives of the State Department, USAID,
    and U.S. Mission to the U.N. including your Senior Advisor Bethany
    Kozma, have made statements that ``we do not support abortion,''
    spreading false information that comprehensive sex education programs
    ``promote abortion as a solution to teen pregnancy,'' and ``the U.S. is
    a pro-life country'' despite that fact that for over 40 years the right
    to abortion has been established in the this country under Roe v. Wade.

       In your opinion, how are these statements, directly made by
            employees of the U.S. State Department, not considered to be
            lobbying against abortion, and thus a direct violation of the
            Siljander amendment?

        Answer. Consistent with longstanding practice, the United States
    routinely describes its foreign-policy position on issues before
    multilateral bodies, including on issues related to abortion.

        Question. What will you do to hold your employees accountable to
    complying with the Siljander prohibition on lobbying against abortion?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) takes
    compliance with the Siljander Amendment very seriously. I will ensure
    that staff are familiar with guidance and resources on the Siljander
    Amendment. We would address any specific response to a compliance issue
    on a case-by-case basis.

    Adolescent Girls/Child Marriage
        Question. As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will
    you ensure that the needs of adolescent girls are being met in the
    areas of economic growth, education and environment in a holistic way?

       How do you anticipate implementing the U.S. Global Strategy to
            Empower Adolescent Girls and to otherwise ensure that U.S.
            foreign assistance is part of a holistic solution to ensuring
            that girls get the education and training they need to succeed
            now and if they are ever to become economically empowered women
            later?

       As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will you ensure
            that the USAID Child Marriage Resource Guide is implemented,
            and that the impact projects and programs may have on child
            marriage rates is better documented and understood?

        Answer. Empowering adolescent girls is fundamental to achieving our
    development goals and unlocking the full potential of societies. The
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency
    for the implementation of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls across sectors, including health, education, water,
    and sanitation. USAID applies a ``whole-of-girl'' approach to see the
    overlapping areas of vulnerability in an adolescent girl's life. We
    define the whole-of-girl approach as enhancing girls' access to quality
    education in safe environments; providing economic opportunities and
    incentives for girls and their families; empowering girls with
    information, skills, services, and support; and mobilizing and
    educating communities.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that USAID's programs address the
    differentiated needs of girls in specific stages of adolescence, by
    recognizing that the challenges young adolescents encounter are
    distinct from those experienced by older adolescents who are
    approaching adulthood, and will work to support and enhance our current
    activities, such as efforts to increase access to early-childhood
    education, and using geographic information system technology to map
    areas where adolescent girls are at high risk of female genital
    mutilation and cutting.
        USAID recognizes the harmful impact associated with Child, Early or
    Forced Marriage (CEFM), and annually attributes at least $11 million to
    address this practice. To tackle this issue, USAID has looked to fund
    programming to prevent and respond to CEFM through a multi-pronged
    approach as outlined in the Agency's Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
    Resource Guide. Not only does USAID finance stand-alone CEFM
    activities, it works to integrate CEFM activities in four main areas:
    education and economic opportunities, health care, regulatory reform,
    and public-awareness campaigns. If confirmed, I will ensure that
    USAID's efforts in CEFM, coordinated by the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment, continue to adhere to best practices in this
    area, and that we compile and share lessons from these programs.

    USAID Reorganization
        Question. As part of the re-organization of USAID, the E3 Bureau
    will now become part of the larger DDI (Development, Democracy and
    Innovation) Bureau. DDI will combine a number of important areas of
    work like democracy promotion, economic growth, gender equality, youth
    and several others.

       How would you suggest that USAID use the additional resources of
            the DDI Bureau to amplify the reach of gender equality across
            the Agency's programming and ensure it is not downgraded within
            the larger Bureau?

        Answer. The current work of the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID) in gender equality and women's empowerment (GEWE)
    will grow and thrive in the new Bureau for Democracy, Development, and
    Innovation (DDI). DDI will provide Agency-wide support and services,
    including leadership and coordination of expertise found throughout the
    organization, assistance to field Missions and other Operating Units at
    all phases of the Program Cycle, and global engagement to advance GEWE.
    The operations of the Office of Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment
    within the current Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment will also serve as a model for other DDI Hubs also tasked
    with integrating core issues and values throughout USAID's sectoral
    programming. USAID stands ready and willing to implement all current
    and future gender-related policies and strategies. DDI will manage
    funds and programs, including funds for Missions that incentivize the
    inclusion of GEWE in programming, as well as to improve the knowledge,
    practices, and skills of staff in GEWE.

    Conflicts of Interest
        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the Inspector General of USAID) any change in policy or U.S. actions
    that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's business
    or financial interests, or the business or financial interests of any
    senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in any country abroad?

        Answer. No.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Michelle A. Bekkering by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. Sustainable international development rests on the
    recognition and promotion of human rights, including the equal rights
    of women and girls. As I'm sure you are aware from your previous role
    as the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment,
    USAID's investment in empowering women and girls and integrating gender
    equality is critical to lasting change and development. If you are
    confirmed as the Assistant Administrator for the E3 Bureau, what will
    you specifically do to ensure that gender equality is elevated,
    prioritized and integrated into the wide-reaching work USAID does
    globally?

        Answer. Equality between women and men and female empowerment are
    priorities for the Administration and the U.S. Agency for International
    Development (USAID). The President's National Security Strategy clearly
    identifies women's empowerment as one of its five priority actions,
    noting its commitment to `` . . . support efforts to advance women's
    equality, protect the rights of women and girls, and promote women and
    youth empowerment programs.'' Gender equality and female empowerment
    are also core to the Agency's development goals, and serve as tenets of
    the Agency's approach to the Journey to Self-Reliance.
        The Women's Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act of
    2018 bolsters USAID's efforts to elevate, prioritize and integrate
    gender equality across USAID programs by codifying the requirement of
    the Agency Gender Equality and Female Empowerment Policy that a gender
    analysis must shape all of our strategies and programs.
        If confirmed, I will continue to uphold and strengthen USAID's
    commitment to gender equality and female empowerment. I will ensure we
    adhere to the principles and parameters set forth in the WEEE Act, all
    relevant Agency policies and strategies, and the recently-launched
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity initiative. As part of USAID
    leadership, I will ensure to communicate clearly our expectations
    regarding the integration of gender equality and female empowerment
    into all policies and programs within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment and its successor Bureau for Democracy,
    Development, and Innovation and across the Agency, and that we fully
    meet them.

        Question. As you know, if confirmed, the Senior Coordinator for
    Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment and the Office of Gender and
    Development would fall under your purview. Given your experience in the
    role of Senior Coordinator, what needs to be done to further integrate
    gender equality principles throughout USAID's work? If confirmed, how
    will you support the Senior Coordinator and gender perspective
    integration within your bureau but also outside of E3, particularly as
    it relates to food and nutrition security, water and sanitation access,
    humanitarian response and global health?

        Answer. As noted, the Senior Coordinator for Gender Equality and
    Women's Empowerment (E3) and the Office of Gender Equality and Women's
    Empowerment (GenDev) are housed within the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment. If confirmed, I will support fully the
    Senior Coordinator's role and GenDev's mandate for the benefit of the
    entire Agency, including the design and oversight of training courses
    on gender integration, gender-based violence (GBV), and women's
    economic empowerment; the development and delivery of technical
    assistance, programming, and communications resources across Bureaus
    and the field; and guiding and coordinating work on key cross-cutting
    issues such as women's economic empowerment and GBV.
        E3 provides technical assistance, research and field support across
    the Agency. This provides the Bureau the opportunity to elevate,
    prioritize and integrate equality between women and men in the Agency's
    entire portfolio through close collaboration and information exchange.
        For example, we collaborate with the Water Office, the Bureau for
    Global Health, and the Regional Bureaus to ensure the integration of
    gender considerations across all the Agency's activities in water,
    sanitation and hygiene. The two governing documents for the activities
    of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) in water and
    sanitation, the U.S. government Global Water Strategy and the Senator
    Paul Simon Water for the World Act, reinforce the importance of gender
    equality and women's empowerment.
        The same close partnership for gender integration exists with the
    Bureau for Food Security (BFS). One of the key guidance documents for
    the U.S. government Global Food Security Strategy is the Technical
    Guidance on Advancing Gender Equality and Female Empowerment. GenDev
    coordinates with BFS on technical gender issues, such as supporting the
    implementation of a framework for monitoring and evaluation to measure
    women's empowerment. We also recognize the integral role that health
    plays in empowering women and work closely with the Bureau for Global
    Health to advance our shared goals. If confirmed, I commit to ensure
    the continued integration of gender throughout USAID's work by
    collaborating with my counterparts in the BFS and the Bureaus for
    Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance and Global Health.
        Finally, USAID benefits from an organizational structure that
    includes more than 70 Gender Advisors at USAID Missions around the
    world. If confirmed, under my leadership, we will continue to support
    our Gender Advisors located in each Bureau within Washington, as well
    as in the field Missions, as they carry out USAID's policies and
    programs in the field of gender equality and female empowerment.

        Question. Gender-based violence is one of the most pervasive human
    rights violations in the world. Gender-based violence and gender
    inequality are enduring impediments to development, security, economic
    advancements and democratic governance. In addition to administering
    crucial programs that work to prevent GBV and increase access to vital
    services for GBV survivors, USAID is a critical player in implementing
    the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-Based Violence. This
    is a longstanding and important policy intended to prioritize the
    response to GBV in foreign assistance and foreign policy.

       As Assistant Administrator, how would you build on the work of your
            predecessors to prioritize gender analysis into U.S. foreign
            policy, which includes attention to gender-based violence?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will build on the work of my predecessors
    and will continue to prioritize gender analysis. The Women's
    Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment (WEEE) Act of 2018 codified
    the integration of gender analysis across the programming of the U.S.
    Agency for International Development (USAID), a requirement I intend to
    reinforce in my tenure at USAID as Assistant Administrator, if
    confirmed. Specifically, I will ensure that Agency continues to
    integrate gender analysis into programming at every stage of the
    Program Cycle, which will strengthen our efforts to promote equality
    between women and men and women's empowerment.
        Gender-based violence (GBV) is an important part of our current
    programmatic efforts. If confirmed, I will continue to support the
    Agency's investments designed to prevent and respond to GBV.

        Question. How will you ensure gender-focused metrics such as
    constraints on women's mobility, levels of violence against women,
    rates of child marriage and girls' access to quality education, are
    integrated into programs and assessments?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
    requires that a gender analysis inform all of our strategies and
    projects. These analyses include assessing national and sub-national
    data on the key barriers to equality between women and men and women's
    empowerment, such as women's mobility, rates of child marriage and
    violence against women, and girls' access to quality education. The
    Agency's programmatic activities and interventions are expected to
    address the issues identified in these analyses, and to monitor their
    progress as part of a monitoring plan.
        As part of our standard internal management system, USAID's
    Missions, Bureaus and Independent Offices are required to disaggregate
    all individual-level indicators by sex to assess whether we are
    reaching men and women with programs and services across all sectors.
    Missions and Bureaus also report on the Standard Foreign Assistance (F)
    indicator related to GBV, namely, ``Number of people reached by a U.S.
    government-funded intervention providing GBV services (e.g.) health,
    legal, psycho-social counseling, shelters, hotlines, other.'' This
    includes activities related to the prevention of child, early, and
    forced marriage and programs for married adolescents. USAID programs
    also report on a number of F, as well as custom, performance indicators
    that measure access to high-quality primary, secondary, and tertiary
    education by male and female students. USAID also funds program and
    impact evaluations on specific gender programs to build the evidence
    base for our work. For example, the Office of Gender Equality and
    Women's Empowerment in the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment is conducting an evaluation on the effects of ``whole-of-
    girl'' programmatic interventions in Tanzania and Malawi aimed at
    increasing school enrollment, retention, safety and well-being for
    adolescent girls. If confirmed, I will work to ensure we fulfill the
    legal requirement to conduct gender analyses by collaborating with
    colleagues in E3 and its successor Bureau for Democracy, Development,
    and Innovation; the Bureau for Policy, Planning; and Learning, and
    other Bureaus. I will also emphasize that USAID's efforts at monitoring
    and evaluation and our metrics continue to address the most-pressing
    issues related to gender equality and women's empowerment.

        Question. If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator, what
    will you do in order to ensure a comprehensive view of women's
    empowerment that includes access to reproductive rights and freedom
    from gender-based violence?

        Answer. I recognize that achieving equality between women and men
    and women's empowerment depends on inputs and outcomes across several
    spheres, and at the individual, community and national levels. The
    robust programming of the U.S. Agency for International Development
    (USAID) in multiple regions and sectors, including agriculture, crisis
    and conflict, democracy and governance, education, economic growth,
    environment, and health, provide ample opportunities to ensure the
    Agency's investments address every facet of gender equality and women's
    empowerment.
        USAID is committed to increasing access to high-quality health care
    for women, their children and their families. Investments in women's
    health yield a return of up to 20 times in the form of societal and
    economic benefits. When women have access to basic health care for both
    themselves and their families, and are empowered to make healthy,
    positive choices, the well-being of the entire community improves.
        Preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV) is also a
    priority for USAID, integrated across development programming and
    humanitarian assistance. We know that conflict and natural disasters
    often exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women
    and girls, and GBV can escalate in these scenarios. As such, at the
    onset of an emergency, USAID prioritizes specialized GBV interventions
    to address the immediate impact of the situation on women and girls'
    health, psychosocial well-being, and safety.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that the leadership of the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment (E3) and its successor
    Bureau for Democracy, Development, and Innovation (DDI) in advancing
    gender equality and women's empowerment includes recognition and
    support for efforts in this area across sectors, and will make certain
    that USAID's programming continues to address the prevention of, and
    response to, GBV, coordinated effectively by E3 and DDI.

        Question. The State and Foreign Operations Appropriations bill
    annually allocates $150 million to GBV prevention efforts. In your
    former capacity as Senior Coordinator, where did you see that
    assistance have the greatest impact? Where do we need to devote more
    resources? How will you support the continued development and
    implementation of the U.S. Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gender-
    Based Violence Globally?

        Answer. Gender-based violence (GBV) requires serious attention and
    integration throughout foreign assistance because it harms millions of
    individuals every year, undermines development progress, and threatens
    the resilience and recovery of countries affected by crisis and
    conflict. We also know that conflict and natural disasters often
    exacerbate the vulnerability of individuals, particularly women and
    girls, and GBV can escalate in these scenarios. As such, the U.S.
    Agency for International Development (USAID) prioritizes specialized
    GBV interventions to address the immediate impact of the situation on
    women and girls' health, psychosocial well-being, and safety at the
    onset of an emergency.
        If confirmed, I will remain strongly committed to supporting
    USAID's GBV efforts through my leadership role in the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment; its successor Bureau for
    Democracy, Development, and Innovation; and the entire Agency. I will
    continue to support the integration of efforts to prevent and respond
    to GBV efforts into cross-cutting and stand-alone programming. We will
    also continue to focus on changing the social norms that perpetuate
    violence, while also fostering environments within communities that
    ensure girls and women are valued as key members of society, to
    eliminate some of the drivers of GBV. USAID will also continue robust
    efforts to prevent and respond to a range of types of GBV, including
    child, early, and forced marriage, female genital cutting and
    mutilation, sexual violence, school-related gender-based violence, and
    violence against children.

        Question. This administration has made a strong and commendable
    commitment to advancing women's economic empowerment. A key factor in
    supporting the achievement of women's economic empowerment is ensuring
    that the barriers that prevent them from access are addressed as well.
    If you are confirmed as the Assistant Administrator of the E3 Bureau,
    what will you do to ensure a comprehensive view of women's empowerment
    also includes access, a full education, reproductive rights and freedom
    from gender-based violence?

        Answer. Women's empowerment requires more than just economic
    empowerment. It is critical that women and girls have access to
    education, protection from gender-based violence, are healthy, and have
    access to, control over and benefit from all resources. If confirmed, I
    will make sure the Bureau for Economic Growth, Education and
    Environment (E3) and its successor Bureau for Democracy, Development,
    and Innovation (DDI) will continue to prioritize women's empowerment
    across these intersecting spheres. While voluntary family planning and
    reproductive-health programming is under the purview of the Bureau for
    Global Health, I commit to continuing collaboration by E3 and DDI with
    our Global Health counterparts in this field.
        We also recognize that investing in women's economic empowerment
    has a multiplier effect on positive development outcomes, including
    health, not just for themselves, but for their families. To that end,
    we will continue our robust efforts to implement the Women's Global
    Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative, launched in February
    2019. The first pillar of W-GDP recognizes the role that education and
    vocational training in science, technology, engineering, and
    mathematics have on women's ability to prosper in the workforce. In
    addition, the third pillar recognizes the necessity of removing the
    legal, regulatory, and cultural barriers, including gender-based
    violence, that constrain women from being able to participate fully and
    freely in the economy. W-GDP applies across the wide portfolio of the
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and thus requires
    close coordination within and across Bureaus and Operating Units to
    design and implement programming. USAID's already extensive work on
    women's health issues and education, for example, can thus work in
    tandem with USAID's portfolio of investments in economic growth to
    advance women's empowerment broadly.

        Question. Rights organizations have documented how women in
    communities displaced by large scale commercial agriculture suffer
    distinctive and disproportionate harmful impacts due to their social
    roles and status, and had the least opportunity to negotiate and assert
    their rights. Women face enormous struggles to sustain their families
    after losing safe water for drinking and household use, access to
    fertile land for cultivating food crops, and hunting or foraging
    grounds. In many countries, divorced women and widows face many
    challenges in asserting equal property rights. Widows may be evicted
    from their homes and land, and their property is stolen by in-laws when
    their husbands die or by their former spouses if they seek a divorce.
    As Assistant Administrator, how will you ensure U.S. policy and
    programs will support and promote women's land and property rights?
    And, how will you ensure that programs support by USAID will not work
    to undermine women's land and property rights?

        Answer. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) views
    good governance of land and natural resources as a critical foundation
    for successful U.S. foreign assistance in all technical areas and
    regions. USAID's Office of Land and Urban (LU) within the Bureau for
    Economic Growth, Education and Environment leads the Agency's efforts
    on ensuring land rights with the mandate to improve the governance of
    land and resources and strengthen property rights for all members of
    society, especially women. Strengthening women's land rights continues
    to be an integral component of all LU's activities. Furthermore, the
    Women's Global Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative recognizes
    the necessity of improving the enabling environment, including securing
    land and property rights for women. Other U.S. government and USAID
    policies and programs that include an explicit focus on land rights for
    all, including women, are the U.S. government's Global Food-Security
    Strategy, and USAID's new Environmental and Natural Resources
    Management (ENRM) Framework. Through these existing policies,
    frameworks and practices, I will, if confirmed, be able to ensure the
    U.S. government's policy and programs will support and promote women's
    land and property rights.
        If confirmed, I will make sure our programs will continue to
    support and promote women's land and property rights. Furthermore, if
    confirmed, I will continue to support the deployment of existing best
    practices to strengthen women's land rights purposefully. For instance,
    when working with communities to map and document their land, USAID
    always insists that women be at least equally represented on the
    mapping teams, which encourages women landholders to participate in the
    process. Also, good practice dictates that, in all USAID programs, two
    or more spaces for landholder names should be included on land
    documentation, at a minimum, so titles can name both husband and wife.
    These are just two examples of the ways in which USAID programs
    purposefully focus on women's land rights.
        If confirmed, I will support USAID's continued exploration and
    expansion of new best practices to continue this critical work.

        Question. As the Assistant Administrator of E3 for USAID, how will
    you ensure that the needs of adolescent girls are being met in the
    areas of economic growth, education and environment in a holistic way?
    Specifically, how do you anticipate implementing the U.S. Global
    Strategy to Empower Adolescent Girls and to otherwise ensure that U.S.
    foreign assistance is part of a holistic solution to ensuring that
    girls get the education and training they need to succeed now and if
    they are ever to become economically empowered women later? How will
    you ensure that the USAID Child Marriage Resource Guide is implemented,
    and that the impact projects and programs may have on child marriage
    rates is better documented and understood?

        Answer. Empowering adolescent girls is fundamental to achieving our
    development goals and unlocking the full potential of societies. The
    U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the lead agency
    for the implementation of the U.S. Global Strategy to Empower
    Adolescent Girls across sectors, including health, education, water,
    and sanitation. USAID applies a ``whole-of-girl'' approach to see the
    overlapping areas of vulnerability in an adolescent girl's life. We
    define the whole-of-girl approach as enhancing girls' access to quality
    education in safe environments; providing economic opportunities and
    incentives for girls and their families; empowering girls with
    information, skills, services, and support; and mobilizing and
    educating communities.
        If confirmed, I will ensure that USAID's programs address the
    differentiated needs of girls in specific stages of adolescence, by
    recognizing that the challenges young adolescents encounter are
    distinct from those experienced by older adolescents who are
    approaching adulthood, and will work to support and enhance our current
    activities, such as efforts to increase access to early-childhood
    education, and using geographic information system technology to map
    areas where adolescent girls are at high risk of female genital
    mutilation and cutting.
        USAID recognizes the harmful impact associated with child, early or
    forced marriage (CEFM), and annually attributes at least $11 million to
    address this practice. To tackle this issue, USAID has looked to fund
    programming to prevent and respond to CEFM through a multi-pronged
    approach as outlined in the Agency's Child, Early, and Forced Marriage
    Resource Guide. Not only does USAID finance stand-alone CEFM
    activities, it works to integrate CEFM activities in four main areas:
    education and economic opportunities, health care, regulatory reform,
    and public-awareness campaigns. If confirmed, I will ensure that
    USAID's efforts in CEFM, coordinated by the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment and later its successor Bureau for Democracy,
    Development, and Innovation, continue to adhere to best practices in
    this area, and that we compile and share lessons from these programs.

        Question. Do you believe that climate change is a real and present
    threat to our health, environment, economy and way of life? If
    confirmed, will you support, empower and protect the Global Climate
    Change Office? What more can the U.S. do to support developing
    countries as they fight the effects of climate change?

        Answer. Yes, I personally believe that climate impacts human
    health, the environment, and climate-dependent livelihoods. If
    confirmed, I will continue to support USAID's programs that help
    developing countries manage and adapt to climate risks from the
    environment; protect, manage and restore forests and other landscapes;
    and develop and deploy energy systems that are clean, reliable and
    resilient.
        If confirmed, I will also challenge the Bureau for Economic Growth,
    Education and Environment (E3) and its successor Bureau for Democracy,
    Development, and Innovation (DDI) to work with USAID's Missions and
    other Operating Units to address a wide range of issues that concern
    the environment and the management of natural resources in an
    integrated fashion. This will require collaboration with governments,
    civil society and the private sector actors at the national, regional,
    and municipal levels. In this respect, the leadership of the Agency's
    Private-Sector Engagement Strategy by E3 and DDI can help to leverage
    additional domestic resources in developing countries in addressing
    this challenge. These measures can help to ensure sustained success at
    the scale required for transformational impact.

                                  __________

                                  NOMINATIONS

                                  ----------

                             TUESDAY, JULY 30, 2019

                                           U.S. Senate,
                                Committee on Foreign Relations,
                                                        Washington, DC.
        The committee met, pursuant to notice, at 2:30 p.m., in
    Room SD-419, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Hon. Ron Johnson,
    presiding.
        Present: Senators Johnson [presiding], Gardner, Young, and
    Shaheen.

                 OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. RON JOHNSON,
                      U.S. SENATOR FROM WISCONSIN

        Senator Johnson.  Good afternoon. This hearing of the
    Senate Foreign Relations Committee will come to order.
        We are meeting to hear the statements and ask questions of
    four nominees for the ambassadorships of--ambassadorships to
    Latvia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
    Islands--and I will not pronounce this right--Van---somebody
    help me----
        Ms. McKee. Vanuatu.
        Senator Johnson [continuing]. Vanuatu, okay. Close enough.
    My excuse is, it is not in the European Subcommittee's
    jurisdiction.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson.  But, I really want to welcome our
    nominees. I want to thank you for your prior to service. You
    are all long-term, professional, career Foreign Service. I like
    to see that in ambassadorships. I do want to encourage you to
    introduce your families in your opening statements. We realize,
    you know, really, what big responsibilities these are, how this
    is--you know, your careers have taken your away from your
    families, in many respects. And so, we realize this truly is
    a--an act of family service to this Nation, as well, and we
    truly do appreciate it.
        I will ask that my written opening statement be entered
    into the record.
        [The prepared statement of Senator Johnson follows:]

                    Opening Statement of Senator Ron Johnson

        Good afternoon and welcome.
        The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is meeting today to consider
    the nomination of ambassadorships to Latvia, Serbia, Bulgaria, and
    Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Our nominees today,
    if confirmed, will represent U.S. interests in six important
    relationships.
        Latvia is a stalwart NATO ally of the United States. In 2018,
    Latvia reached the two percent of gross domestic product defense
    spending threshold pledged at the 2014 NATO Wales Summit. Latvian
    soldiers have deployed alongside U.S. forces in both Afghanistan and
    Iraq where they continue to serve with distinction. As the U.S. and
    NATO look to blunt further Russian aggression towards its neighbors,
    Latvia has become a critical part of the West's deterrent posture. It
    has provided host-nation support to rotating Operation Atlantic Resolve
    units and a NATO enhanced forward presence multinational battle group.
    Riga has also taken an active leadership role in advancing the NATO
    Cooperative Cyber Defense Center of Excellence in Estonia, the NATO
    Strategic Communications Center of Excellence in Latvia, and the NATO
    Energy Security Center of Excellence in Lithuania. Latvia's record of
    political and economic reform since the fall of the Soviet Union stands
    as a model for other countries struggling to cast off the bitter legacy
    of communist rule.
        Bulgaria is a committed NATO ally in a region of increasing
    strategic importance to the United States. Over the past three decades,
    Bulgarian armed forces have played important roles in NATO, EU, and
    coalitions operations in Afghanistan, Libya, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Iraq,
    and Bulgarian soldiers continue to serve in Afghanistan as part of
    NATO's Resolute Support mission. In 2006, the U.S. and Bulgaria signed
    the U.S.-Bulgarian Defense Cooperation Agreement, giving the U.S.
    military access to and shared use of select Bulgarian military
    facilities. With Russia's occupation of Crimea and concerns over U.S.-
    Turkish relations, Bulgaria will continue to grow in geo-strategic
    importance as a Black Sea littoral state.
        Serbia is a key country in Southeast Europe. Serbia's leaders have
    stated that their country's prosperity will best be achieved by
    embracing Western political and economic reforms and joining the
    European Union, which is their goal. This would have a tremendous
    stabilizing effect on Southeast Europe, but Belgrade and Pristina must
    first reach an agreement to settle their disputes and normalize
    relations between their countries. The U.S. needs to take a more active
    role in the region and support the leaders of these countries returning
    to dialogue to reach an accord that can bring peace and greater
    stability to the region.
        U.S. relations with Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and
    Vanuatu have taken on renewed significance in light of China's growing
    assertiveness in the Western Pacific. Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu have
    signed on to significant Belt Road Initiative infrastructure projects
    and the Solomon Islands is currently considering switching its
    diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China so it can do the same.
    China's use of covert, corrupt, and coercive means to interfere in the
    affairs of countries in the region is troubling. The U.S. needs to
    redouble its diplomatic and development efforts in the region both to
    inform countries about the dangers of Chinese infrastructure
    development aid and to stress the benefits of close relations with the
    U.S. and our allies in the region.

        Senator Johnson.  And I will turn it over to Senator
    Shaheen, because we do have votes that are going to definitely
    affect this hearing.
        Senator Shaheen.

                   STATEMENT OF HON. JEANNE SHAHEEN,
                    U.S. SENATOR FROM NEW HAMPSHIRE

        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        And, congratulations to each of our nominees. I look
    forward to your statements.
        I will also submit my opening statement for the record.
        Thank you.
        [The prepared statement of Senator Shaheen follows:]

                  Opening Statement of Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you to the nominees before us
    today and to their families. We appreciate your service to the United
    States through long, successful careers in the Foreign Service and
    USAID. Your resumes speak to your dedication and sacrifice.
        Mr. Carwile, Ms. McKee, Mr. Godfrey and Ms. Mustafa, in the diverse
    countries you have been nominated to serve in, you will have to
    advocate for U.S. foreign policy priorities in the face of significant
    challenges, not only Russian and Chinese influence, but domestic
    challenges as well.
        Mr. Godfrey, the accession of Montenegro and, soon, North Macedonia
    into NATO has been the greatest success story for Europe and the
    Western Balkans in recent years. Our work, however, is far from
    complete.
        Serbia lies at the heart of the difficult issues the United States
    will have to negotiate to make further progress: to normalize relations
    between Serbia and Kosovo, to ensure strong European Union support for
    the Western Balkans and to address Russian influence.
        If confirmed, I hope that you will press Serbia on the deeply
    concerning backsliding of independent media, opposition voices and
    civil society. These trends are inconsistent with Serbia's long and
    vibrant history, and the U.S. should ensure that we do not turn a blind
    eye to authoritarian tendencies in Serbia.
        Mr. Carwile, our perspective on Europe has changed dramatically
    since 2014 and there are few places where that is more significant than
    in Latvia, where our close ally is on the front line with Russia in all
    respects. From its experience, Latvia can surely teach us how to
    address Russian interference in the United States.
        Ms. Mustafa, like Latvia, Bulgaria has a long and complicated
    relationship with Russia that also involves considerable energy
    independence. I am interested to hear how the United States can help
    make its allies strong and independent so that they become more
    resistant to malign foreign influence.
        And finally, Ms. McKee, your experience in development will be
    valuable, if confirmed, as the ambassador to Papua New Guinea, the
    Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
        I look forward to hearing how development in these countries and
    countering Chinese influence is very much in the interest of the United
    States. And since today is the National Day of independence in Vanuatu,
    it is particularly appropriate that we have you here today!
        Again, welcome and congratulations to all of the nominees today. I
    look forward to your testimony and answers to our questions.

        Senator Johnson.  Well, we will just hop right into it.
        Our first nominee is Mr. John Leslie Carwile. Mr. Carwile
    is the President's nominee to be Ambassador to Latvia. Mr.
    Carwile--by the way, am I pronouncing that right?
        Mr. Carwile. Yes, sir.
        Senator Johnson.  Mr. Carwile is a career member of the
    State Department's Senior Foreign Service, and currently serves
    as Deputy Director of the Office of Career Development and
    Assignments. Previously, he served as Deputy Chief of Mission
    at the U.S. Embassies in Brunei and Nepal, Minister-Counselor
    for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Italy, and
    Counselor for Economic Affairs at the U.S. Embassies in Iraq
    and Canada.
        Mr. Carwile.

    STATEMENT OF JOHN LESLIE CARWILE, OF MARYLAND, A CAREER MEMBER
      OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-COUNSELOR,
     NOMINEE TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF
         THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF LATVIA

        Mr. Carwile. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished
    members of the committee, I am honored and privileged to be
    addressing the committee as the President's nominee to be the
    United States Ambassador to the Republic of Latvia. I deeply
    appreciate the trust and confidence that President Trump and
    Secretary Pompeo are placing in me with this nomination.
        If confirmed, I promise to focus my time and attention on
    advancing the interests of the United States in the Republic of
    Latvia. My number-one priority will be the security and welfare
    of U.S. citizens and that of the extraordinary Embassy team in
    Latvia. I will place the utmost importance on strengthening the
    robust partnership between our two great countries and
    friendship between our people. And I pledge to work closely
    with this committee, your staffs, and other Members of
    Congress, to achieve these goals.
        I would like to thank my friends, family, and colleagues
    for their support during my career. I also want to acknowledge
    our two daughters: Katherine, who is here today, and Madeline,
    who is in Boston. I am so proud of them as good people and for
    their accomplishments. I especially want to thank my wife and
    partner, Karin Hauschild, an outstanding representative of the
    United States during nine overseas tours, for her wisdom and
    constant support, and to whom I owe so much.
        After 32 years in the Foreign Service, I bring experiences
    and skills that have prepared me well, if confirmed, to serve
    as the U.S. Ambassador to Latvia. I have successfully led large
    teams, both in Washington and overseas, including heading the
    State Department's economic effort in Baghdad and serving as
    Economic Minister-Counselor at Embassy Rome. I have twice been
    Deputy Chief of Mission, first in Brunei and later in Nepal,
    when the 2015 earthquake struck and we sheltered over 500
    Americans and worked with the U.S. military to provide disaster
    assistance throughout much of the country.
        Mr. Chairman, the United States and Latvia have been close
    friends for nearly a century. This was shown most clearly in
    the 1940 Sumner Welles Declaration, which stated the United
    States' refusal to recognize the forced annexation of Latvia,
    Estonia, and Lithuania by the Soviet Union. From 1940 until the
    full restoration of Latvian independence, a half a century
    later, the flag of the Republic of Latvia continued to fly in
    Washington. The Welles Declaration made clear our steadfast
    commitment to Latvia's freedom, sovereignty, and territorial
    integrity. If confirmed, I pledge to strengthen this commitment
    and further show that the United States will always remain a
    friend to, and ally of, Latvia.
        Today, Latvia has proven itself one of our strongest
    allies. It contributes to security missions across the globe,
    including in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is among a select group
    of NATO allies that meets its commitment to spend at least two
    percent of GDP on defense and at least 20 percent of defense
    expenditures on major equipment. Latvia is among our most
    knowledgeable and active partners in combating Russian malign
    influence. Latvia advocates for Ukraine and other states
    threatened by Russia's aggressive activities.
        President Trump celebrated 100 years of Latvian, Estonian,
    and Lithuanian independence at the White House on April 3,
    2018. As the President affirmed that day in a joint declaration
    with the Presidents of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, the
    United States appreciates the tremendous progress achieved by
    Latvia and the other Baltic states in political stability,
    economic growth, and security cooperation, and their
    contributions to European and international security and
    advancement of shared democratic values.
        Mr. Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, I intend to
    strengthen the U.S.-Latvian relationship while advocating for
    and advancing U.S. interests in Latvia and throughout Europe. I
    will strengthen our robust security cooperation. I will work to
    increase our bilateral trade and investment. I will expand upon
    our strong cooperation in advancing democracy, rule of law, and
    developments in eastern partnership states and across Central
    Asia.
        Strengthening our relationship also means addressing
    difficult and complicated issues with Latvia. If confirmed, I
    will press the Latvian government to develop, enact, and
    implement reforms addressing critical corruption and money-
    laundering threats that persist in the country. And I will
    support efforts to address Holocaust-era legacies such as
    Jewish communal property restitution.
        I recognize and fully appreciate the honor bestowed upon me
    by this nomination. If confirmed, I will do my utmost to reward
    the trust that you, your fellow congresspersons, the President,
    Secretary Pompeo, and the American people are placing in me. I
    will focus wholeheartedly in--on advancing the interests of the
    United States in Latvia while strengthening our bilateral
    partnership.
        Thank you for your time, Mr. Chairman, and for inviting me
    to appear before you today. I look forward to answering your
    questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Carwile follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of John Leslie Carwile

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the
    committee: I am honored and privileged to be addressing the committee
    as the President's nominee to be the United States Ambassador to the
    Republic of Latvia.
        I deeply appreciate the trust and confidence President Trump and
    Secretary Pompeo are placing in me with this nomination. If confirmed,
    I promise to focus my time and attention on advancing the interests of
    the United States in the Republic of Latvia. My number one priority
    will be the security and welfare of U.S. citizens and that of the
    extraordinary Embassy team in Latvia. I will place the utmost
    importance on strengthening the already robust partnership between our
    two great countries and friendship between our people. And I pledge to
    work closely with this committee, your staffs, and other Members of
    Congress to achieve these goals.
        I would like to thank my family, friends, and colleagues for their
    support during my career. I also want to acknowledge our two daughters,
    Katherine (who is here today) and Madeline (who is in Boston). I am so
    proud of them as good people and for their accomplishments. I
    especially want to thank my wife, Karin Hauschild, who has been an
    outstanding representative of the United States during nine overseas
    tours.
        After 32 years in the Foreign Service, I bring experience and
    skills that have prepared me well, if confirmed, to serve as the U.S.
    ambassador to Latvia. I have successfully led large teams both in
    Washington and overseas, including heading the State Department's
    economic effort in Baghdad and serving as the Economic Minister-
    Counselor at Embassy Rome. I have twice been Deputy Chief of Mission,
    first in Brunei and later in Nepal when the 2015 earthquakes struck as
    we sheltered over 500 Americans and worked with the U.S. military to
    provide disaster assistance throughout much of the country.
        Mr. Chairman, the United States and Latvia have been close friends
    for nearly a century. This was exemplified most clearly in the 1940
    Sumner Welles Declaration, which forcefully stated the United States'
    refusal to recognize the forced annexation of Latvia, Estonia, and
    Lithuania by the Soviet Union. From 1940 until the full restoration of
    Latvian independence half a century later, the flag of the Republic of
    Latvia continued to fly in Washington. The Welles Declaration made
    clear America's steadfast commitment to Latvia's freedom, sovereignty,
    and territorial integrity. If confirmed, I pledge to strengthen this
    commitment and further exhibit that the United States will always
    remain a friend to--and Ally of--Latvia.
        Today, Latvia has proven itself one our strongest Allies. It
    contributes to security missions across the globe, including in
    Afghanistan and Iraq. It is among a select group of NATO Allies that
    meets its commitment to spend at least two percent of GDP on defense
    and at least 20 percent of defense expenditures on major equipment.
    Latvia is amongst our most knowledgeable and active partners in
    combating Russian malign influence not just in Europe, but across the
    world. It advocates for Ukraine and other states threatened by Russia's
    aggressive activities.
        The ties binding the United States and Latvia are unbreakable. We
    lead together in NATO with our commitment to collective defense and our
    defense spending investments. Our economic ties are vibrant. We
    cooperate throughout Europe and Central Asia in the promotion of
    democracy, good governance, market economies, and the rule of law. And
    we collaborate daily to ensure our transatlantic community remains
    strong and resilient.
        President Trump celebrated 100 years of Latvian, Estonian, and
    Lithuanian independence at the White House on April 3, 2018. As the
    President affirmed that day in a joint declaration with the Presidents
    of Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania, the United States is appreciative of
    the ``tremendous progress achieved by Latvia [and the other Baltic
    states] in political stability, economic growth, and security
    cooperation and [their] contributions.to European and international
    security and advancement of [shared] democratic values.'' If confirmed,
    I hope to continue assisting Latvia in advancing across political,
    economic, and security fields.
        Mr. Chairman, if confirmed by the Senate, I intend to strengthen
    the U.S.-Latvian relationship while advocating for and advancing U.S.
    interests in Latvia and throughout Europe. I will strengthen our robust
    security cooperation. I will work to increase our bilateral trade and
    investment. I will expand upon our already strong cooperation in
    advancing democracy, rule of law, and development in Eastern
    Partnership states and across Central Asia.
        Strengthening our relationship also means addressing difficult and
    complicated issues with Latvia. If confirmed, I will press the Latvian
    government to develop, enact, and implement reforms addressing critical
    corruption and money laundering threats that persist in the country.
    And I will support efforts to address Holocaust-era legacies, such as
    Jewish communal property restitution.
        Just over 100 years ago, Latvia declared independence. Throughout
    those years, the United States remained amongst Latvia's strongest
    partners. I am honored to have the opportunity, if confirmed, to
    preserve and enrich that partnership.
        I recognize and fully appreciate the honor bestowed upon me by this
    nomination. If confirmed, I will do my utmost to reward the trust you,
    your fellow Congresspersons, the President, Secretary Pompeo, and the
    American people are placing in me. I will focus wholeheartedly on
    advancing the interests of the United States in Latvia while
    strengthening our bilateral partnership.
        Thank you for your time and inviting me to appear before you today.
    I look forward to answering your questions.

        Senator Johnson.  Thank you, Mr. Carwile.
        We will just keep going right down the table there.
        Our next nominee is Ms. Erin Elizabeth McKee. Ms. McKee is
    the President's nominee to be the Ambassador of Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu--close, not even--not
    really close. Ms. McKee is a career member of the Foreign
    Service--Senior Foreign Service, and currently serves as
    USAID's Mission Director in Indonesia. Previously, she was
    Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator and Chief Human Capital
    Officer in USAID's Office of Human Capital and Talent
    Management, and Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for the
    Bureau of Policy, Planning, and Learning. Ms. McKee has also
    served at USAID missions in Kazakhstan, Iraq, Peru, Bolivia,
    Israel, and Russia.
        Ms. McKee.

      STATEMENT OF ERIN ELIZABETH McKEE, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER
        MEMBER OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER-
         COUNSELOR, NOMINEE TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND
        PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE
          INDEPENDENT STATE OF PAPUA NEW GUINEA, AND TO SERVE
    CONCURRENTLY AND WITHOUT ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION AS AMBASSADOR
       EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF
    AMERICA TO THE SOLOMON ISLANDS AND AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND
    PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC
                               OF VANUATU

        Ms. McKee. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished
    members of the committee, it is a great honor to appear before
    you today as the President's nominee to be Ambassador to the--
    of the United States to Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, and
    Vanuatu.
        I am grateful to the members of the committee for the
    opportunity to speak to you today about my qualifications and
    goals. If confirmed, I pledge to work with you to advance our
    Nation's interests in these three Pacific Island nations.
        With the Chairman's permission, I would like to quickly
    introduce my family. My father, Stu Kinder; my husband, Sean
    McKee; and my daughter Caitlin are here with me today. Their
    unconditional love and support have been my rock throughout my
    public service career. From Moscow to Lima, from Baghdad to
    Jakarta, they have stood by my side and shared in the sacrifice
    and adventure of nearly 25 years in the Foreign Service. I am
    so pleased that they could join me today. I could not have made
    this journey without them. And for that, I am truly grateful.
        Since 1995, I have had the privilege of serving and
    representing the United States in eight overseas assignments,
    as well as here in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Agency for
    International Development. It has been my honor to serve the
    American people and advance our country's interests, promote
    our values and principles, and offer host-country nations a
    model for hope, security, and prosperity across a variety of
    diverse contexts. I am currently serving as the USAID Mission
    Director to Indonesia and ASEAN, which I resumed after filling
    the role of Deputy Chief of Mission at Embassy Jakarta last
    year.
        Throughout my tenure in the Foreign Service, I have proven
    my ability to work with host countries to advance our shared
    goals and principles. In multiple posts, I have developed
    mission and host-country strategies, securing broad interagency
    support. I successfully led our interagency and mission
    partners to strategically plan and, more importantly,
    successfully execute our development and security assistance
    budgets. If confirmed, my technical background and development
    expertise have prepared me well to guide my country team as we
    work on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands,
    and Vanuatu to tackle economic inequality, poor governance, and
    underdeveloped capacity while furthering American partnerships.
        If confirmed, I am committed to advancing our vision of a
    free and open Indo-Pacific, which we share with other
    democracies in the Pacific region, including Australia, New
    Zealand, Taiwan, and Japan.
        The Solomon Islands is one of six Pacific Island nations
    that has diplomatic relations with Taiwan. I will stress the
    importance of maintaining cross-Strait relations and work with
    regional partners to support increased economic engagement
    initiatives.
        Free, fair, and transparent economies are open,
    accountable, and rules-based, and governments must also be.
    Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are young
    democracies. Our shared history provides us with opportunities
    we can further build upon to help these nations attract high-
    quality private investment and secure their sovereignty.
        However, we must also be realistic and operate with the
    understanding that competing models of assistance do not share
    our democratic values. China's relationships with Papua New
    Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu have deepened dramatically
    over the last 2 years. The United States should increase its
    visibility and sustain its commitments to become a stronger
    partner of choice for these three countries, as we did with our
    commitment to support the Papua New Guinea Electrification
    Program, which aims to increase household electrification from
    15 percent today to 70 percent by 2030.
        If confirmed, I will work to offer a shared partnership and
    use the tools provided by this committee to help the people of
    these countries expand and grow and realize their full
    potential. The long and distinguished history of the Peace
    Corps in the region, the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, and
    the BUILD Act further expand this toolkit. Together, these
    equip us to further deliver sustained engagement and action
    behind our declarations of support to these countries.
        If confirmed, I will also do more to support the private
    sector and increase investment in the region. I will use these
    tools to expand our cooperation, promote fair and inclusive
    growth, and increase opportunities for U.S. investment,
    strengthen our presence, and amplify our message, backed by
    concrete deliverables, that the United States cares about the
    Pacific and is there to stay.
        If confirmed, I will make taking care of my team and
    fostering a high-performing, healthy, and secure workplace a
    priority, with zero tolerance for misconduct, including sexual
    harassment. I will prioritize the safety and security of all
    American citizens living in or visiting these island nations.
        Thank you for this invitation to appear before you. I
    welcome the opportunity to answer your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. McKee follows:]

                   Prepared Statement of Erin Elizabeth McKee

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the
    committee, it is a great honor to appear before you today as the
    President's nominee to be Ambassador of the United States to Papua New
    Guinea, Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. I am grateful to the members of
    the committee for the opportunity to speak with you today about my
    qualifications and goals. If confirmed, I pledge to work with you to
    advance our nation's interests in these three Pacific Island nations.
        With the Chairman's permission, I would like to quickly introduce
    my family. My father, Stu Kinder, my husband, Sean McKee, and my
    daughter Caitlin, are here with me today. Their unconditional love and
    support have been my rock throughout my public service career--from
    Moscow to Lima--from Baghdad to Jakarta, they have stood by my side and
    shared in the sacrifice and adventures of nearly 25 years in the
    Foreign Service. I am so pleased that they could join me today. I could
    have not made this journey without them, and for that I am truly
    grateful.
        Since 1995, I have had the privilege of serving and representing
    the United States in eight overseas assignments, as well as here in
    Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Agency for International Development.
    It has been my honor to serve the American people and advance our
    country's interests, promote our values and principles, and offer host-
    country nations a model for hope, security, and prosperity across a
    variety of diverse contexts. I am currently serving as the USAID
    Mission Director to Indonesia and ASEAN, which I resumed after filling
    the role of Acting Deputy Chief of Mission of Embassy Jakarta last
    year.
        Throughout my tenure in the Foreign Service, I have proven my
    ability to work with host countries to advance our shared goals and
    principles. In multiple posts, I have developed mission and host-
    country strategies, securing broad interagency support. I successfully
    led our interagency and mission partners to strategically plan and--
    more importantly--successfully execute our development and security
    assistance budgets. If confirmed, my technical background and
    development expertise have prepared me well to guide my Country Team as
    they work on issues affecting Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands,
    and Vanuatu, and to tackle economic inequality, poor governance, and
    underdeveloped capacity, while furthering American partnerships.
        Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are important to
    U.S. national security and to peace and security in the Pacific. To
    enhance these countries' stability as U.S. partners and help them
    realize their full potential, we should continue to support their
    efforts to improve transparency and good governance, to combat
    trafficking in persons, to adapt to the impacts of climate change, to
    responsibly manage their rich natural resources, to protect and promote
    human rights and fundamental freedoms, to improve public health, and to
    promote gender equality.
        If confirmed, I would work with the host countries, the
    interagency, and our many other partners to bolster environmental
    security, health systems, economic growth, and women's empowerment,
    among other critical areas. I am committed to advancing our vision of a
    free and open Indo-Pacific region, which we share with other
    democracies in the Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand,
    Taiwan, and Japan.
        The Solomon Islands is one of six Pacific Island nations that has
    diplomatic relations with Taiwan. I will stress the importance of
    maintaining cross-Strait relations and work with regional partners to
    support economic engagement initiatives.
        Free, fair, and transparent economies are open, accountable, and
    rules-based, and governments must also be. Papua New Guinea, the
    Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are young democracies. Our shared history
    provides us with opportunities we can further build upon to strengthen
    democratic systems, include civil society partners, combat corruption,
    protect and promote human rights and fundamental freedoms, and fortify
    institutions to help these nations attract high-quality private
    investment and secure their sovereignty.
        However, we must also be realistic and operate with the
    understanding that competing models of assistance do not share our
    democratic values. China's relationships with Papua New Guinea, the
    Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu deepened dramatically over the past two
    years. The United States should increase its visibility and sustain its
    commitments to become a stronger partner of choice for these three
    countries, as we did with our commitment to support the PNG
    Electrification Partnership (PEP), which aims to increase household
    electrification from the current level of 15% to 70% by 2030.
        The United States offers a shared partnership and a wide range of
    tools to develop opportunities for the people of these countries, which
    are expanding thanks to this committee. The long and distinguished
    history of the Peace Corps in the region, the Asia Reassurance
    Initiative Act (ARIA), and the Build Act further expand our tool kit.
    Together, these tools provide us the ability to deliver sustained
    engagement and action behind our declarations of support to these
    countries. We must also do more to support and promote private sector
    investment in the region. If confirmed, I will use these tools to
    expand our cooperation, promote fair and inclusive growth and increased
    opportunities for U.S. investment, strengthen our presence and amplify
    the message--backed by concrete deliverables--that the United States
    cares about the Pacific and is there to stay.
        In every position that I have served, I ensured that the highest
    standards for accountability and integrity were set-and met. If
    confirmed, I will make taking care of my team and fostering a high-
    performing, healthy, and secure workplace a priority, with zero
    tolerance for misconduct, including sexual harassment. I will also
    prioritize the safety and security of all American citizens living in
    or visiting these island nations. I will work closely with our partners
    to promote peace and security, advance economic prosperity, and promote
    respect for fundamental freedoms and human rights, building an enduring
    presence and lasting partnership with our host-countries in the
    process.
        Thank you for this invitation to appear before you, I welcome the
    opportunity to answer your questions.

        Senator Johnson.  Thank you, Ms. McKee.
        ``Vanuatu,'' it is really not that hard, is it? Just got to
    listen to it a couple of times.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson.  Totally blew it, Cory, before you got
    here.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson.  Our next nominee is Mr. Anthony F.
    Godfrey. Mr. Godfrey is the President's nominee to be the
    Ambassador to Serbia. Mr. Godfrey is a 12-year U.S. Navy
    veteran and a career member of the Senior Foreign Service. He
    currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy
    in Moscow. Previously, Mr. Godfrey served as Director of the
    Office of Iraq Affairs in the Bureau of Near East Affairs and
    as Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs in the U.S. Embassy
    in Baghdad. He speaks Russian, Turkish, and Serbo-Croatian.
        Mr. Godfrey.

     STATEMENT OF ANTHONY F. GODFREY, OF VIRGINIA, A CAREER MEMBER
      OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF MINISTER COUNSELOR,
     NOMINEE TO BE AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF
         THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA

        Mr. Godfrey. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen,
    distinguished members of the committee, it is a great honor to
    appear before you today as the President's nominee for U.S.
    Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia. I deeply appreciate the
    trust and confidence President Trump and Secretary Pompeo have
    placed in me to represent the American people. And I hope to
    earn your trust, as well. If confirmed, I pledge to work
    closely with you to advance our Nation's interests in Serbia.
        This hearing is an important event for my family, and I am
    very proud that my wife, Anne, and two of our three children,
    our sons, Peter and Jamie, are with me today. They have served
    overseas with me through postings in Croatia, Armenia, Turkey,
    and Russia. And, although they were not with me in Iraq or in
    Chechnya, their support was essential for my success. My
    sister, Dr. Katy Godfrey, and my niece, Rosemary, are also
    present in the room today. And not present, but hopefully
    watching by live stream, is our daughter, Eilis, who lives in
    California.
        In nearly 40 years of service, both as a member of the
    Foreign Service and in the U.S. Navy, I have dedicated my
    professional life to improving America's security, prosperity,
    and position in the world. We have sought out challenging
    assignments, where America's active diplomacy can make a
    difference in advancing our goals. In domestic assignments, I
    am proud of the work I did to develop the International
    Coalition to Defeat ISIS. My work at the National Security
    Council helped advance our missile defense capability.
        Mr. Chairman, as you know, I have just left Moscow. And,
    after serving first as the head of the policy team and then,
    for two years as Ambassador Huntsman's Deputy Chief of Mission,
    I am fully aware of Russia's aggressive behavior, malign
    influence, and disinformation campaigns throughout much of
    Europe. Our team has been an important part of U.S. efforts to
    confront these challenges. I believe the sum of these
    experiences has prepared me well to serve as Chief of Mission
    in Serbia.
        Serbia is a political and economic leader and plays a key
    role in influencing regional stability and cooperation. It is
    in the strategic interest of the United States that Serbia
    develops as a modern democratic, prosperous European nation at
    peace with its neighbors, demonstrating full respect for the
    rule of law and rights of all its citizens. We fully support
    Serbia's stated goal of European integration and EU membership.
    Serbia now stands at a critical inflection point, and political
    leaders in Belgrade must undertake serious reforms to advance
    Serbia on its EU path.
        Most importantly, Serbia must normalize its relationship
    with Kosovo in order to advance both countries' European
    integration. The United States continues to support the EU-
    facilitated dialogue aimed at comprehensive normalization of
    relations. We remain ready to help the parties in any way as
    they pursue a locally owned agreement that is durable,
    implementable, and increases regional stability. If confirmed,
    I am committed to promoting normalization of relations between
    Pristina and Belgrade as a top U.S. priority in the region.
    Together with my colleagues in Pristina and Washington, our
    European partners, and this committee, I will work to encourage
    the parties to return to the table in good faith.
        An important element of the United States work in Serbia is
    promoting and defending our shared democratic values. Violence
    and threats of violence against journalists in Serbia are
    increasing self-censorship and hindering journalists' ability
    to faithfully inform the public. If confirmed, I will lead my
    team in helping our Serbian partners to strengthen their
    democratic institutions, protect the rights of members of
    minority communities, combat corruption, and improve media
    freedom. Serbians must take the lead in these efforts, but the
    United States can be an important partner, and, if confirmed, I
    will ensure that we are.
        Serbia has enormous potential, with an educated and
    talented workforce, a location at an important trading
    crossroads for Europe, and a long culture of hospitality.
    Strengthening the rule of law will enable Serbia to further
    attract investment and curb the debilitating emigration of its
    youngest and brightest. While Serbia has made great strides in
    reforming its economy, it needs to do more, particularly to
    combat the corrosive consequences of corruption, to make it a
    more attractive environment for business.
        Serbia is also an important partner in international
    stability, and contributes hundreds of military personnel to
    U.N. and EU peacekeeping operations. Serbia's contribution of
    peacekeeping troops and medical professionals is among the
    highest per capita in all of Europe.
        If confirmed, I will continue to seek resolution to a
    persistent irritant in our bilateral relationship. To date,
    there have been no prosecutions for the murder of three
    Americans--Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi--executed while in
    Serbian police custody in 1999. I am committed to pressing the
    Serbian government to complete a thorough investigation, ensure
    that all who were involved in these crimes are brought to
    justice, regardless of rank or position.
        The United States and Serbia have a long and, in some ways,
    a complicated history. We were allied during two World Wars. In
    1918, President Wilson raised the Serbian flag over the White
    House. But, the 1990s were a difficult time, and we must work
    together to find a way to come to terms with that legacy.
    Nevertheless, the broader arc of our ties has been positive and
    mutually beneficial.
        It is an ambitious agenda, but, if confirmed, I would be
    supported by an incredibly talented team of Americans and
    locally employed staff at Embassy Belgrade and interagency
    partners in Washington. With the support of the legislative
    branch, I am committed to doing my utmost to promote our shared
    goal, a democratic Serbia providing growth and security for its
    citizens, at peace with all of its neighbors, and firmly set on
    a path of European integration.
        Thank you once again for granting me the opportunity to
    be--appear before this committee today. And I look forward to
    your questions.
        [The prepared statement of Mr. Godfrey follows:]

                    Prepared Statement of Anthony F. Godfrey

        Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished members of
    the committee, it is a great honor to appear before you today as the
    President's nominee for U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia. I
    deeply appreciate the trust and confidence President Trump and
    Secretary Pompeo have placed in me to represent the American people,
    and I hope to earn your trust as well. If confirmed, I pledge to work
    closely with you to advance our nation's interests in Serbia.
        This hearing is an important event for my family, and I'm very
    proud that my wife Anne and two of my three children, our sons Peter
    and Jamie, are present with me today; they've served overseas with me
    through postings in Croatia, Armenia, Turkey, and Russia; although they
    weren't with me in Iraq or in Chechnya, their support was essential for
    my success. My sister, Dr. Katy Godfrey, and my niece Rosemary are
    present in the room today. Not present, but surely watching by
    livestream, is my Dad, Bill Godfrey, who at 90 years young just finally
    retired from 52 years of teaching at the State University of New York
    at Stony Brook.
        In nearly forty years of service, both as a member of the Foreign
    Service and in the U.S. Navy, I have dedicated my professional life to
    improving America's security, prosperity, and position in the world. We
    have sought out challenging assignments, where America's active
    diplomacy can make a difference in advancing our goals. In domestic
    assignments I am proud of the work I did to develop the international
    coalition to defeat ISIS; my work at the National Security Council
    helped advance our missile defense capability. Mr. Chairman, as you
    know, I've just left Moscow, and after serving first as the head of the
    policy team, and then for two years as Ambassador Huntsman's Deputy
    Chief of Mission, I am fully aware of Russia's aggressive behavior,
    malign influence, and disinformation campaigns throughout much of
    Europe; our team has been an important part of U.S. efforts to confront
    those challenges. I believe the sum of these experiences has prepared
    me well to serve as Chief of Mission in Serbia.
                              european integration
        Serbia is a political and economic leader and plays a key role in
    influencing regional stability and cooperation. It is in the strategic
    interest of the United States that Serbia develops as a modern,
    democratic, prosperous European nation at peace with its neighbors,
    demonstrating full respect for the rule of law and rights of all its
    citizens. We fully support Serbia's stated goal of European integration
    and EU membership. Serbia now stands at a critical inflection point,
    and political leaders in Belgrade must undertake serious reforms to
    advance Serbia on its EU path.
                               regional relations
        Most importantly, Serbia must normalize its relationship with
    Kosovo, in order to advance both countries' European integration. The
    United States continues to support the EU-facilitated Dialogue, aimed
    at comprehensive normalization of relations. We remain ready to help
    the parties in any way, as they pursue a locally-owned agreement that
    is durable, implementable, and increases regional stability. If
    confirmed, I am committed to promoting normalization of relations
    between Belgrade and Pristina as a top U.S. priority in the region.
    Together with my colleagues in Pristina and Washington, our European
    partners, and this committee, I will work to encourage the parties to
    return to the table in good faith.
        Serbia's relations with its other neighbors require attention too.
    If confirmed, I will work with Serbia to resolve legacy issues with
    Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Croatia--to provide all
    citizens of the Western Balkans a more stable, secure, and prosperous
    future.
                           democracy and rule of law
        An important element of the United States' work in Serbia is
    promoting and defending our shared democratic values. Violence and
    threats of violence against journalists in Serbia are increasing self-
    censorship and hindering journalists' ability to faithfully inform the
    public. If confirmed, I will lead my team in helping our Serbian
    partners to strengthen their democratic institutions, protect the
    rights of members of minority communities, combat corruption, and
    improve media freedom. Serbians must take the lead in these efforts,
    but the United States can be an important partner, and if confirmed, I
    will ensure that we are.
                              economic development
        Serbia has enormous potential, with an educated and talented
    workforce, a location at an important trading crossroads for Europe,
    and a long culture of hospitality. Strengthening the rule of law will
    enable Serbia to further attract investment and curb the debilitating
    emigration of its youngest and brightest. While Serbia has made great
    strides in reforming its economy, it needs to streamline the process of
    doing business, reduce bureaucratic impediments, and combat the
    corrosive consequences of corruption to make it a more attractive
    environment for businesses. If confirmed, I will be committed to
    supporting American companies as they explore opportunities in Serbia
    and look to build on the significant U.S. investment in Serbia, which
    has created over 20,000 jobs since 2000.
                      peacekeeping and military relations
        Serbia is an important partner in international stability and
    contributes hundreds of military personnel to U.N. and EU peacekeeping
    operations in the Central African Republic, Somalia, Cyprus, and
    Lebanon. Serbia's contribution of peacekeeping troops and medical
    professionals is among the highest per capita in all of Europe. The
    Ohio National Guard's engagement with Serbia, through the State
    Partnership Program, is among the most successful in Europe.
                               bilateral concerns
        If confirmed, I will continue to seek resolution to a persistent
    irritant in our bilateral relationship. To date there have been no
    prosecutions for the murder of three Americans--Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet
    Bytyqi, executed while in Serbian police custody in 1999. I am
    committed to pressing the Serbian government to complete a thorough
    investigation and ensure that all who were involved in these crimes are
    brought to justice, regardless of rank or position.
                                    closing
        The United States and Serbia have a long and in some ways a
    complicated history. We were allied during two world wars. In 1918,
    President Wilson raised the Serbian flag over the White House. During
    World War II, Serbian families saved the lives of 500 American and
    Allied pilots and crew members. Our assistance--in the form of food,
    military equipment, and technical programs--helped Yugoslavia maintain
    its independence from the Soviet bloc. The 1990s were a difficult time,
    and we must work together to find a way to come to terms with that
    legacy. Nevertheless, the broader arc of our ties has been positive and
    mutually beneficial.
        This is an ambitious agenda, but if confirmed, I would be supported
    by an incredibly talented team of Americans and locally employed staff
    at Embassy Belgrade, and interagency partners in Washington. With the
    support of the Legislative Branch, I am committed to doing my utmost to
    promote our shared goal--a democratic Serbia providing growth and
    security for its citizens, at peace with all of its neighbors, and
    firmly set on a path of European integration.
        Thank you once again for granting me the opportunity to appear
    before this committee today. I look forward to your questions.

        Senator Johnson.  Thank you, Mr. Godfrey.
        Our fourth nominee is Ms. Herro Mustafa. Ms. Mustafa is the
    President's nominee to be the Ambassador to Bulgaria. Ms.
    Mustafa is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service and
    currently serves as Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy
    in Lisbon. Previously, she served as Political Minister-
    Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, Advisor in the
    Office of the Vice President, as a Director at the National
    Security Council. Ms. Mustafa speaks nine languages--only
    nine----
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson.  ----including Arabic, Russia--Russian,
    Hindi, and Farsi, and is the recipient of the Matilda W.
    Sinclaire Award for Excellence in Foreign Language.
        Ms. Mustafa. In English, please.
        [Laughter.]

     STATEMENT OF HERRO MUSTAFA, OF CALIFORNIA, A CAREER MEMBER OF
     THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE, CLASS OF COUNSELOR, NOMINEE TO BE
      AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED
             STATES OF AMERICA TO THE REPUBLIC OF BULGARIA

        Ms. Mustafa. Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Shaheen, and
    distinguished members of the committee, I am honored to appear
    before you as the President's nominee to serve as Ambassador to
    the Republic of Bulgaria. I am thankful to the President and
    Secretary Pompeo for the confidence they have placed in me to
    undertake this role. And, if confirmed, I pledge to work
    closely with the Congress to advance our Nation's interests in
    Bulgaria.
        Family is extremely important to me, and I am blessed to
    have so much love and support. I am proud to be the first
    American of Kurdish descent to be nominated as Ambassador. In
    the audience is my father, an incredible man who gave so much
    of his life so that we could live in freedom and have access to
    opportunity. Also in the audience is my mother, a courageous,
    strong woman, the bedrock of our family. My parents' one
    request of me and my siblings as we were growing up in Minot,
    North Dakota, was to always do good. They taught us to set our
    goals high in every aspect of life, whether career or personal,
    to achieve those goals and then aim even higher. That approach
    and optimism are what have shaped me into the person that I am
    today and, if confirmed, will guide my vision for achieving
    success for America in Bulgaria. My loving husband, Ravneesh
    Garg, is with our 4-year-old daughter, Ariana, watching via
    live stream with all my in-laws in India. Also in the audience
    are my incredibly hard-working brother, Hawro, my sister-in-
    law, Willow, my beautiful niece, Zara, and my 2-year-old
    daughter, Ashna. She is with my mother.
        I have dedicated over two decades to serving the United
    States in the Department of State. Much of my work has promoted
    rule of law, democratization, energy security, and anti-
    corruption efforts. Before joining the Foreign Service, I
    worked as an election supervisor with the OSCE in Bosnia, and
    my first Foreign Service assignment was in Greece. I have
    worked throughout my career with my European colleagues on
    issues of mutual interest, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran.
    My last assignment was in Portugal, where I was the Deputy
    Chief of Mission and served as Charge d-Affaires.
        I am honored now to have the opportunity, if confirmed, to
    serve in Bulgaria, a country renowned for its hospitable
    people, incredibly beautiful mountains, and rich cultural
    heritage. If confirmed, my top priority will be ensuring the
    safety and security of U.S. citizens. I will also take
    seriously my role as Chief of Mission to manage our most
    precious resource, our people at the Embassy, including our
    local staff, who are an important part of our mission.
        In addition, I will focus the work of the Embassy on the
    following priorities that I like to categorize as the three
    C's: Connectivity, Collaboration, and Corruption.
        First, on connectivity. If confirmed, I will work to deepen
    the bonds between Bulgaria and the West on all fronts, to
    include economic, military, commercial, cultural, and people-
    people ties. This extends to civil society, including women and
    youth.
        Bulgaria is a strong NATO ally, and I am pleased to share
    that the government of Bulgaria today, under the leadership of
    Prime Minister Borissov, has just finalized the process to
    ratify a deal to procure eight F-16 fighter aircraft from the
    United States. This marks a significant step forward towards
    modernizing Bulgaria's armed forces to NATO standards, and we
    appreciate the pivotal role that the Congress has played in
    supporting this deal.
        I am also committed to expanding our economic relationship.
    Increased transparency, predictability, and stability in the
    investment climate are key to increased economic ties. And, if
    confirmed, I will work to level the playing field for U.S.
    businesses in Bulgaria.
        Second, on collaboration, I would like to work with all my
    colleagues across the region to promote regional collaboration.
    Bulgaria has been a positive player in the region and a leader
    in advancing Western-Balkan integration. They have also been
    supportive of the recent Prespa Agreement between Greece and
    the Republic of North Macedonia.
        Energy security is also a critical part of national
    security. Bulgaria imports most of its energy from Russia,
    including nearly all of its nuclear fuel and natural gas. If
    confirmed, I will work to support Bulgaria's efforts to
    diversify its energy supply to include the Greece-Bulgaria
    interconnector.
        Third, on corruption, if confirmed, I will work with
    Bulgaria on fighting corruption and advancing rule of law,
    which is key to Bulgaria's continued growth.
        Thank you again for this opportunity. I look forward to
    your questions and, if confirmed, to working with you to build
    the relations between our two nations.
        [The prepared statement of Ms. Mustafa follows:]

                      Prepared Statement of Herro Mustafa

        Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished members
    of the committee, I am honored and humbled to appear before you as the
    President's nominee to serve as Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria.
    I am thankful to President Trump and Secretary Pompeo for the
    confidence they have placed in me to undertake this role. If confirmed,
    I pledge to work closely with the Congress to advance our nation's
    interests in Bulgaria.
        Family is extremely important to me and I'm blessed to have the
    love and support of so many members of my family, some with me here
    today and others watching via livestream in various parts of the world.
    I am proud to be the first American of Kurdish descent to be nominated
    as Ambassador. In the audience is my father, who is an incredible man
    who gave so much of his life so that we could live in freedom and have
    access to opportunity. My strong, courageous mother, who is the bedrock
    of our family, is also here today. My parents' one request of me and my
    siblings as we grew up in Minot, North Dakota was to always do good.
    They taught us to set our goals high, in every aspect of life, whether
    career or personal, to achieve those goals, and then aim even higher.
    That approach and optimism are what have shaped me into the person I am
    today and, if confirmed, will guide my vision for achieving success for
    America in Bulgaria.
        Also in the audience are my incredibly hard-working brother, Helo,
    and sister-in-law, Willow, along with my niece Zara, and my almost two-
    year-old daughter Ashna. My two other brothers, Hawro and Barzan, are
    watching from California and Virginia. My loving husband, Ravneesh
    Garg, is with our almost four-year-old daughter Ariana watching with my
    in-laws and expanded family in India. Families of Foreign Service
    Officers sacrifice much, and being apart is sometimes a consequence of
    our service. I thank my entire family for the love and support and
    wisdom they show each and every day.
        I have dedicated over two decades to serving the United States in
    the Department of State. During that time, much of my work has promoted
    rule of law, democratization, energy security, and anti-corruption
    efforts. Before joining the Foreign Service, I worked as an Elections
    Supervisor in Bosnia and my first Foreign Service assignment was in
    Athens, Greece. My experience with Europe has continued throughout my
    career, as I have worked with my European colleagues on issues of
    mutual interest, such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Iran. My last
    assignment was in Western Europe, in Lisbon, Portugal, where I was the
    Deputy Chief of Mission and served for long periods as Charge
    d'Affaires. I am honored now to have the opportunity, if confirmed, to
    serve in Bulgaria, a country renowned for its incredibly beautiful
    mountains, hospitable people, and rich cultural heritage in a strategic
    part of the world.
        If confirmed, my top priority will be ensuring the safety and
    security of U.S. citizens, including travelers and residents in
    Bulgaria, and my Embassy team. In addition, I will focus the work of
    the Embassy on the following priorities that I like to categorize as
    Connectivity, Collaboration, and Corruption, (the three Cs):

        On Connectivity: If confirmed I will work to strengthen and deepen
    the bonds between Bulgaria and the West, particularly the United
    States, on all fronts to include economic, military, commercial,
    cultural, and people-to-people ties. This connectivity should extend to
    civil society, including women and youth.
        Bulgaria is a strong NATO Ally. Fifteen years ago this year,
    Bulgaria joined the Alliance, sealing its security bonds with the West
    and affirming its commitment to a strong and free Europe. Bulgaria has
    accompanied the United States in operations--and taken casualties--in
    both Iraq and Afghanistan. Bulgaria has also participated in coalition
    operations in Libya, Kosovo, and Bosnia. Bulgaria is actively taking
    steps to increase defense spending and modernize its military, to make
    Bulgaria an even stronger and more capable NATO Ally. If confirmed, I
    will work to sustain and expand our security relationship and encourage
    Bulgaria to play a greater role, especially in transitional Forward
    Presence on NATO's Southeast flank.
        I am also committed to expanding our economic relationship. Overall
    bilateral trade between Bulgaria and the United States jumped from $963
    million in 2014 to $1.36 billion in 2018. Increased transparency,
    predictability, and stability in the investment climate are key to
    increased economic ties. One way Bulgaria can enhance its appeal to
    U.S. businesses is by increasing transparency and ensuring good
    corporate governance. Greater transparency would benefit not only U.S.
    firms, but also Bulgaria as a whole. I want to see U.S. businesses
    thrive, and if confirmed I will work to ensure a level playing fieldfor
    U.S. business in Bulgaria.

        On Collaboration: If confirmed, I would like to work with my
    counterparts across the region to promote regional collaboration.
    Bulgaria has been a positive player in the region and a leader in
    advancing Western Balkan integration. They have also been supportive of
    the recent Prespa Agreement between the Hellenic Republic of Greece and
    the Republic of North Macedonia. It is exactly this type of vision and
    collaboration that is needed to strengthen the sovereignty of each of
    these nations and to bring peace and stability to the region.
        Energy security is also a critical part of national security.
    Bulgaria imports most of its energy from Russia, including nearly all
    of its nuclear fuel and natural gas, which raises a range of economic,
    energy security, and NATO Alliance concerns. If confirmed, I will
    support Bulgaria's efforts to diversify its energy supply and foster
    increased energy collaboration across the region, in particular the
    Greece-Bulgaria interconnector.

        On Corruption: If confirmed, I will also work with Bulgaria on
    fighting corruption and advancing rule of law, which is key to
    Bulgaria's continued growth. Rule of law reform is a long-term,
    multifaceted, and challenging process. Bulgaria has demonstrated a
    commitment to reform and taken some steps to build a more open,
    inclusive, and prosperous society. More needs to be done, however. If
    confirmed, I am committed to working closely with Bulgaria together to
    find ways to promote civil society, media freedom, an independent
    judiciary, and the rule of law.

        If confirmed, I will take seriously my role as Chief of Mission to
    manage and safeguard our precious resources--our people, including our
    local staff who are an important part in fulfilling our mission, our
    embassy, and the strong reputation of the United States abroad. If
    confirmed, I look forward to building the relations between our two
    nations and defending and promoting the interests of the United States
    in the Republic of Bulgaria.

        Senator Johnson.  Well, thank you, Ms. Mustafa.
        I think it is pretty obvious, just by your opening
    statements and looking at your list of qualifications, that the
    President really has nominated four exceptional individuals,
    very well qualified for these posts, that will represent
    America well in your postings.
        We have had a vote called, so--I think we have some time
    for some questions, but I did not want you to be insulted by
    the fact that we do not have more Senators here. That is what
    is happening. We have got stacked votes, and so everybody is,
    you know, flocking to the floor now to vote on time. Right?
        Normally, we do like a little bit better language skills,
    but we will--you know, we will take that in consideration.
        [Laughter.]
        Senator Johnson.  I am happy yield to you, if you have got
    some questions, then vote, because I will--then I will close
    out the hearing with my questions.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        I want to begin with you, Mr. Carwile, because I had a
    chance to visit Latvia a couple of years ago, and one of the
    things that I did while I was there was to visit a building
    that they have turned into a museum of the terror that occurred
    when the Soviet Union reoccupied Latvia at the end of World War
    II. And they were very clear on the challenges that they
    continue to have with Russian influence in Latvia, and the
    population that still identifies with Russia. So, I wonder if
    you could talk about the kinds of threats that Latvia faces for
    Russia, and what you can do, as Ambassador, to work with them
    to help Latvia address those concerns.
        Mr. Carwile. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        You are absolutely right. As a front-line state, and given
    its history, which is very well known in last century, Latvia
    is very much aware of what was then the Soviet Union's threat
    to them, and now the Russian threat. And Russia would like
    nothing better than to break not only the strong relationship
    that we have with them, but also with NATO and the other
    Western democracies. So, we work closely with Latvia now, on a
    bilateral and also a regional or through NATO basis. The--one
    of the important things is to increase media literacy in the
    country. I do not know if you had the opportunity to visit the
    STRATCOM Center of Excellence and also the Baltic Media Center
    of Excellence. Those are two efforts that we are intimately
    involved in. We--there are also a number of Embassy programs
    that are run to try to bring truth, as it were, to the areas,
    mostly in the east, that are largely ethnic Russians to sort of
    counter that malign Russian influence. It is no secret that the
    Russians have very high-quality TV programming that is beamed
    into there. So, it is a difficult sort of message/counter-
    message that needs to be done, but that is done. And, if I were
    confirmed, it would be done by more active engagement, which
    former Ambassador Pettit was very good at. But, those are the
    sorts of programs, whether it is in schools, whether it is with
    individual servicemen and women who come. And there is a lot of
    on-the-ground programs that are in process.
        Senator Shaheen. Well, thank you. I did have a chance to
    visit the media effort that has been underway, and I thought it
    was a good example for us, in the United States, as we think
    about, How do we counter the Russian threat of disinformation
    in the U.S.?
        And continuing on the concern about Russian influence in
    the Balkans, as opposed to the Baltics, where I think there are
    also reasons to be concerned, Mr. Godfrey, there is a report in
    the media today about the Serbian leader, Vucic, who is
    thanking the Russians for their delivery of 10 armored patrol
    vehicles, part of a promised supply of 30 tanks and 30
    reconnaissance vehicles. And that is on top of 10 armored
    vehicles that have come to Serbia. And I think there are two
    reasons to be concerned about this. One is because of the
    obvious effort of Russia, the continued influence what happens
    in Serbia, but also the concerns that it raises among the other
    nations in the Balkans about--that harken back to the wars of
    the '90s and Serbia's role during that period. So, I wonder if
    you can talk about what you could do, as Ambassador, to help
    keep Serbia moving along the trajectory that they have been on
    to join the EU and to look West, as opposed to looking back to
    Russia?
        Mr. Godfrey. Thank you, Senator, for that question.
        And I am very sorry I did not get a chance to welcome you
    in Russia when I was there. That was not up to me, though.
        Senator Shaheen. Yes, I was disappointed. Senator Johnson
    and I were both disappointed that I was not allowed in.
        Mr. Godfrey. That is--that was a disappointment.
        But, you are exactly right, Senator, our goals for the
    Western Balkans and Russia's do not align. The United States
    aligns with Serbia's own goals for supporting Serbia's Western
    integration. And Russia opposes Western integration and sows
    friction and distrust. And it is a real challenge. So, our goal
    is to model for the Serbians, to encourage, with Serbians and
    with the European Union, their further work towards Western
    integration. And, as I said in my statement, that includes
    normalization of its ties with Kosovo.
        Senator Shaheen. Can you go into a little more detail about
    the efforts in Kosovo? I can remember when the first
    negotiations were looking like they were going to reach a
    positive outcome, hearing that Russia worked very hard to keep
    that from happening, and yet Serbia and Kosovo both moved
    forward despite that. So, can you talk about what the potential
    is to reduce tensions and to actually find a permanent
    resolution to the situation between Serbia and Kosovo?
        Mr. Godfrey. Yes, of course.
        We are working hard on this with our European partners, and
    it is, of course, America's goal that Serbia continues along
    this path. And we are working, both in Pristina and in Belgrade
    and in Washington and with our colleagues in Brussels and--
    thank you--with this committee, to find ways to model, for both
    the Serbians and the Kosovars, ways to resume these
    negotiations, to step back from these really counterproductive
    steps that both sides have taken. Both sides need this. And it
    will take both sides to move it forward. And it is our job,
    together with the Europeans, to make this happen.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you. I really appreciate that. I
    think that Serbia's role in the Western Balkans is very
    important. They represent a very important country as we think
    about the future. And I think it is important to encourage them
    to resolve differences and to help them continue to look West,
    as opposed to East. And I think the United States role in doing
    that is going to be very important.
        Ms. Mustafa, first of all, congratulations on being the
    first Kurdish-American appointed to an ambassadorship.
        Ms. Mustafa. Thank you very much.
        Senator Shaheen. We especially appreciate the relationship
    that the U.S. has had with the Kurds.
        As you look at the challenges that faces--face Bulgaria,
    obviously one of those is the potential for Russia interference
    in Bulgaria, as well. The efforts of Bulgaria to address
    corruption and some of their other challenges offer fertile
    ground for Russia to try and exploit some of the corruption,
    economic insecurity, political volatility that exists there.
    So, can you talk about how, as Ambassador, you can work with
    the Bulgarians to address that?
        Ms. Mustafa. Yes, definitely, thank you. It is a very
    important question.
        Rule of law is a long-term, multifaceted, and challenging
    process, and I know that Bulgaria has passed constitutional
    amendments, and that there is an anti-corruption commission.
    But, more needs to be done. In 2017, the State Department
    established a Resident Legal Advisor's Office in Embassy Sofia,
    and I think strengthening that office is extremely important.
    The State Department also sends participants to the
    International Law Enforcement Academy. Thank you for your
    support on that. That has been truly tremendous and very----
        Senator Shaheen. It is very impressive.
        Ms. Mustafa [continuing]. Yes. Yes.
        And so, as Ambassador, if confirmed, I will continue these
    efforts, as well as efforts to engage civil society and to
    speak publicly about the importance of reform. I think that is
    very important to do from the top.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        And if I can ask one more question, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Johnson.  Absolutely.
        Senator Shaheen. Finally, Ms. McKee, obviously you talked
    about the importance of Southeast Asia and our role there. As
    we look at other potential adversaries of the United States,
    China's influence in Asia is growing, and it is important for
    us to provide, I think, a counterweight to that. Can you talk
    about the ways in which you see working on that, if you are
    confirmed?
        Ms. McKee. Thank you very much, Senator, for the question.
    It is an important one.
        Countering China, I prefer to characterize it as providing
    alternatives and options. And one of the ways----
        Senator Shaheen. I like that characterization.
        Ms. McKee  [continuing]. Thank you. One of the ways, I
    think, that is important, and that I mentioned in my statement,
    is to increase our presence and demonstrate and follow through
    with our commitment with concrete deliverables so that
    alternative models of financing, infrastructure investment,
    attractive playing field for the private sector, and other
    alternatives to state-led options that China provides, is what
    I would aim for. I would deepen our work to demonstrate that
    commitment, advance human rights and other things that I
    believe we share, in terms of values and principles, with these
    Pacific Island nations. And, through this amplified presence
    and demonstrated commitment, I believe the United States would
    serve as the partner of choice for these countries.
        Senator Shaheen. Thank you.
        Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Johnson.  Thank you, Senator Shaheen.
        The vote has been called, so if you want to head on down.
        Let me follow up with you, Ms. McKee. What investments or
    what activity has China been engaged in in that region?
        Ms. McKee. Thank you for the question, sir.
        I cannot give you specifics for the three countries. I am
    not there on the ground yet. However, I do know that they--that
    there are some debt financing and infrastructure deals on the
    table for those countries, for the three Pacific Island
    nations. What----
        Senator Johnson.  So, they have not been concluded yet?
        Ms. McKee [continuing]. Some of them have not been
    concluded yet. We hear a lot of deals being discussed coming
    out of the Belt and Road forum. But, for them to materialize, I
    think it would be very important for us to make sure that those
    countries, if they are going to enter into negotiations, have
    sound economic advice and adhere to the importance of
    transparency and clarity as they come to the negotiation table.
        Senator Johnson.  I do get the sense that, as other nations
    are looking at the results of some of these other, you know,
    no-strings-attached investments--and it is not ``no strings,''
    there is chains attached to them--they are becoming a little
    bit more wary. So, I like, also, your typification of providing
    an alternative and, I would argue, the best alternative.
        Mr. Godfrey, I think you are aware that I have been engaged
    pretty in-depth with Serbia and Kosovo. Three trips there. I
    have met repeatedly, in other forums back here in the U.S.,
    with both President Vucic and Thaci and the Foreign and Prime
    Minister. It is disappointing that we have not made progress
    there. There have been, as you say, actions taken on both sides
    which have not been helpful.
        In my most recent meetings with both sides--you talked
    about the EU-led negotiations--there was a real plea for
    greater U.S. involvement. Is that something that you are aware
    that the State Department, this administration, is willing to
    engage in, become--provide more of a leadership role in trying
    to hammer out an agreement, as opposed to what we have been
    stating--it think it is been valid, too--giving them the space,
    let the parties come to an agreement?
        Mr. Godfrey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for
    your leadership on this issue. It has been very important. And
    I hope it will continue to be.
        We are disappointed that there has not been more progress.
    And your leadership has been part--has been an important part
    of the United States stepping up more. And I suggest that
    Acting Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs
    Reeker's recent meeting with the Foreign Minister, when he was
    here in Washington to attend the Ministerial for International
    Religious Freedom, was a good step in that direction, as well.
        It is an EU process. They own it. It is Western
    integration, with a goal of EU membership. There are ways that
    we can make it more attractive. And, if confirmed, I will
    continue to pursue them. We have important assistance programs
    that are about choice, making clear that the Serbians
    understand where their goals and their own pursuits lie. And
    very often that is in opposition or at least not together with
    where the Russians want them to head. But, as I said earlier,
    sir, it has got to be something to--for it to be a durable
    solution, the parties have to own it, and they have to work it
    out.
        Senator Johnson.  I agree. You know, there is a window of
    opportunity. I do not know how long that window stays open.
    But, you know, windows can close, as well. So, I am assuming
    this is the top priority. I think you stated that in your
    testimony. So, I would like to do everything I can to work with
    you, the State Department, this administration to try and take
    advantage of this moment in time.
        Mr. Godfrey. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
        Senator Johnson.  Ms. Mustafa, just quick general-interest
    question. Did your parents emigrate here into the U.S.?
        Ms. Mustafa. So, we came as refugees.
        Senator Johnson.  Okay. From where? From Iraq?
        Ms. Mustafa. From Erbil, in Iraq.
        Senator Johnson.  Okay.
        Ms. Mustafa. Yes. And we landed in Minot, North Dakota. So,
    that is where we grew up.
        Senator Johnson.  An interesting place to land.
        Ms. Mustafa. Yes, exactly.
        Senator Johnson.  Well, I am glad you did. And again, you
    have taken, really, advantage of the situation, and I really
    commend you for that.
        Ms. Mustafa. Thank you.
        Senator Johnson.  Russian interference is pervasive
    throughout Eastern Europe. As Ambassador, really, what is your
    primary counter to that in working with the Bulgarians?
        Ms. Mustafa. This, I go back to the three C's:
    Connectivity, Collaboration, and as well as Corruption. But, on
    connectivity, we have to be visible. The Russians are very
    visible in these areas. And, for us, we have to be visible not
    only as Ambassadors, but also as the U.S. government. And this
    is where, again, working with you, if confirmed, and other
    Members of Congress, being present in Bulgaria, I think, is
    very important to demonstrate our support, to strengthen the
    links with the West on all of those various fronts.
        Senator Johnson.  China has been surprisingly active in
    Eastern, Southeastern European countries. What is the level of
    activity in Bulgaria?
        Ms. Mustafa. The Bulgarians have politically good ties with
    the Chinese, and they are interested in greater economic ties.
    And so, this, for me, will obviously be a focus. They do not
    yet have the level of commercial investment, as they do in
    other parts, but this is an area to watch very closely.
        Senator Johnson.  Well, as Ms. McKee suggests, show them a
    better alternative.
        Ms. Mustafa. Yes.
        Senator Johnson.  And again, now, Serbia--I mean,
    Bulgaria--both--the economic future of those countries lies
    with the West, with the EU, with America. Russia offers
    nothing, other than gas and destabilization and false
    propaganda. So, I wish you well there.
        Mr. Carwile, I am certainly concerned about Russian
    aggression into Georgia, Crimea, Eastern Ukraine. I think we
    all worry about some move, if we do not show the strength/
    resolve, into one of the Baltic states. You know, we have the
    air patrols there. We have more of a forward presence. Anything
    else you think we should do? I am assuming you support all
    those efforts?
        Mr. Carwile. Thank you for the question, Senator.
        Yes, of course. I think the United States is very
    supportive of the--you mentioned the advanced forward-presence
    posts that are led by the Canadians there, and we supply
    regional support from Warsaw, from Poland, on that. So, we
    already have a robust, sort of, presence there, with rotation
    of a lot of NATO forces. We also have some American servicemen
    and -women that there on a semi-permanent basis for rotary air
    support. And there is also a long-time, since 1991,
    relationship with the Michigan National Guard. So, these are
    the sorts of things that--for the American military presence
    there, but also, more broadly, in NATO.
        Senator Johnson.  Okay. Well, thank you, Mr. Carwile.
        I do have to go vote. Take the fact that other Senators did
    not show up as a vote of confidence. I mean, I am--I mean that
    with all sincerity. Take a look at all of your backgrounds. You
    are very well suited, very well qualified, you will represent
    America well.
        Again, I congratulate you for your nomination, wish you
    well. Again, thank you and your families. It is obvious in the
    testimony there have been a lot of sacrifices during your
    careers. We truly do appreciate that. So, we wish you well.
        The hearing record will remain open for statements or
    questions until the close of business on Thursday, August 1st.
        This hearing is adjourned.

        [Whereupon, at 3:15 p.m., the hearing was adjourned.]

                                  ----------

                  Additional Material Submitted for the Record

                                  ----------

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to John Leslie Carwile by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. Latvia has long been a gateway for dirty Russian money to
    enter Europe. How has Latvia strengthened its anti-money laundering
    laws and more importantly, its enforcement of those laws, since the
    sanctioning and collapse of ABLV? What are the biggest money laundering
    risks in Latvia today?

        Answer. As a regional financial center with a large number of
    commercial banks and a sizeable non-resident deposit base, Latvia
    remains vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Latvia
    has indeed been home to several significant money laundering scandals
    over the past several years. U.S. concerns about money laundering in
    Latvia and its impact on U.S.-Latvian priorities were illustrated
    clearly in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Pettit's December 9,
    2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled ``Let's Talk About Corruption,''
    which included not only specific concerns about corruption and money
    laundering in Latvia, but provided specific recommendations on how to
    address shortfalls in Latvia's judicial, law enforcement, banking, and
    political sectors.
        The current Latvian government--led by Prime Minister Krisjanis
    Karins--has clearly prioritized addressing money laundering. His
    cabinet has introduced and secured passage of legislation that
    downsizes Latvia's non-resident banking sector, strengthens anti-money
    laundering authorities and capabilities, and reforms supervisory and
    regulatory authorities. These are all important and strong positive
    steps and to the extent possible, if confirmed, I will provide support
    for these efforts.

        Question. What are the most recent efforts by Treasury to engage
    Latvia on money laundering issues? Please provide a full list of the
    anti-money laundering recommendations Treasury has given Latvia and
    Treasury's assessment of Latvia's progress on those recommendations.
    Please do not simply refer us to Treasury in your response.

        Answer. In cooperation with U.S. Embassy Riga, the U.S. Departments
    of State and Treasury have engaged extensively over the past several
    years to encourage the government of Latvia to reform and enhance its
    legislative authorities, regulatory controls, judiciary, and
    transparency in order to combat this critical vulnerability. The U.S.
    Embassy and U.S. departments and agencies have also facilitated
    assistance, training, and seminars to improve Latvian government and
    regulator capabilities and knowledge on anticorruption and anti-money
    laundering. The Department of Treasury has regularly engaged Latvian
    leadership on money laundering issues, including a July 10 meeting
    between Secretary of Treasury Steven Mnuchin and Latvian Prime Minister
    Krisjanis Karins. Department of Treasury Assistant Secretary Marshall
    Billingslea has also traveled to Riga on several occasions to discuss
    money laundering with Latvian officials, including as recently as May
    2019.
        If confirmed, I will continue to support this close partnership and
    engage government officials, private sector contacts, and civil society
    representatives on this critical international security issue. I will
    prioritize engaging Department of Treasury leadership as soon as
    possible to coordinate on money laundering issues, including on
    Department of Treasury recommendations to the Latvian government.

        Question. Money laundering, particularly by sanctioned entities,
    remains a major threat to our security and combatting it must be a
    priority in foreign policy. How have Latvia's anti-money laundering
    efforts factored into discussions of U.S. programming in Latvia?

        Answer. As exhibited in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy
    Pettit's December 9, 2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled ``Let's Talk
    About Corruption,'' the United States understands the full scope of the
    threat posed by money laundering. Beyond domestic impact, ``money
    laundering makes Latvia vulnerable to malign external actors who aim to
    undermine Latvia's independence and democratic principles by pursuing
    an agenda that threatens national resilience, undermines confidence in
    Latvia's government and regulators, and weakens economic and security
    ties.'' The government of Latvia is making impressive strides advancing
    important anticorruption reforms and legislation, including related to
    Latvia's banking sector. Nonetheless, money laundering remains a major
    vulnerability in Latvia, meaning continued implementation and further
    structural changes are required to sustain progress.
        As noted, the U.S. Embassy and U.S. departments and agencies have
    facilitated assistance, training, and seminars to improve Latvian
    government and regulator capabilities and knowledge on anticorruption
    and anti-money laundering. If confirmed, I will continue to prioritize
    anticorruption and money laundering-focused programs as an essential
    part of U.S. assistance, public diplomacy efforts, and other
    programming to Latvia.

        Question. I understand that the State Department is considering
    adding Latvia to the European Recapitalization Incentive Program
    (ERIP). What is the status of discussions with Latvia regarding ERIP,
    particularly regarding its bidding laws that could preclude it from
    purchasing American equipment? If confirmed, how will you specifically
    incorporate anti-money laundering measures into conversations with
    Latvia regarding ERIP?

        Answer. Discussions are ongoing between the Department of State and
    U.S. European Command regarding a round two of the European
    Recapitalization Incentive Program (ERIP). No funding decisions have
    been made thus far, but Latvia is under consideration as a participant,
    along with other European partners in the region. All such discussions
    take into consideration relevant and applicable foreign country laws
    and regulations. Addressing money laundering is among the U.S.
    government's highest bilateral policy priorities with Latvia. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that money laundering issues continue to be
    taken into account in major policy discussions and decisions related to
    Latvia.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. From 2002-2006, I worked with the Northern Ireland Policing
    Board and engaged with political parties and community groups to
    demonstrate the United States' deep support for community-based
    policing in Northern Ireland--a critical component of the Good Friday
    Agreement and necessary to sustain support for the continuing peace
    process. The Board recognized my efforts when I departed Belfast in
    2006. I also regularly engaged with non-governmental community groups
    in areas affected by paramilitary activities to demonstrate the United
    States' strong commitment to help communities come to terms with the
    legacies of the past and to live free from intimidation and violence.
    As the Deputy Chief of Mission in Kathmandu, Nepal from 2013-2016, I
    oversaw Embassy efforts to support and protect Tibetan refugees
    resident in the country, as well as to reduce trafficking in persons,
    especially vulnerable women and children, and to encourage the
    government of Nepal to prosecute traffickers and protect and
    rehabilitate survivors.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Latvia? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. Latvia is a strong partner on advancing shared values and
    principles on human rights issues. However, according to the U.S.
    Department of State's 2018 Human Rights Report (the latest available),
    Latvia still faces democracy and human rights challenges, such as
    large-scale corruption and widespread intolerance and serious
    discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and
    intersex (LGBTI) persons. U.S. concerns regarding corruption in Latvia
    were exhibited perhaps most clearly in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia
    Nancy Pettit's December 9, 2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled `Let's
    Talk About Corruption,' which included not only specific concerns about
    corruption and money laundering in Latvia, but provided specific
    recommendations on how to address shortfalls in Latvia's judicial, law
    enforcement, banking, and political sectors.
        If confirmed, I will engage Latvian government and parliament
    officials, regulatory bodies, and nongovernmental and civil society
    organizations to promote human rights issues, encourage accountability
    on corruption and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms for
    Latvia's LGBTI community, as well as other marginalized populations. I
    will also prioritize engagement with Latvian government, parliament,
    judicial, regulatory, and civil society officials on to promote efforts
    and programs that reduce corruption.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Latvia? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. Latvia is a vibrant democracy with resilient institutions,
    established respect for rule of law, and a free press. The government
    has effective mechanisms to investigate and punish abuse and
    corruption. Latvian law provides criminal penalties for corruption.
    Nonetheless, corruption remains an endemic problem, which has led to a
    widespread belief that that high-level officials are seen as enjoying
    impunity from corruption. If confirmed, I will prioritize engagement
    with Latvian officials on promoting democracy, good governance, and
    anticorruption reforms, measures, and programs.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will leverage the full range of U.S.
    assistance programs to promote good governance, democracy, and human
    rights in Latvia. Latvia is already included in regional Department of
    State assistance programming that--among other objectives--strengthens
    civil society and promotes rule of law. We also collaborate with
    Latvian institutions through the Emerging Donor Challenge Fund to
    advance democracy and rule of law in Ukraine and Central Asian
    countries.
        Corruption remains one of the largest threats to good governance
    and democracy in Latvia. The Department of State's Bureau of
    International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) includes
    Latvia in a regional anti-corruption program designed to strengthen its
    capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute corruption and advance
    related institutional reforms. The program aims to improve the
    investigation of corruption and financial crimes, the functioning of
    anticorruption institutions, judicial accountability mechanisms, and
    asset forfeiture and recovery processes. If confirmed, I will work to
    continue these beneficial assistance programs and provide strong
    support for niche technical assistance to Latvia to more effectively
    tackle corruption and prevent the country's financial institutions from
    serving as platforms for the financing of transnational organized crime
    and terrorism.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to engaging with
    democratically-oriented members of the opposition?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I pledge to engage a range of Latvian
    political parties and politicians to strengthen bilateral ties and
    promote U.S. interests and objectives in Latvia.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Latvia? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to meet with civil society
    members and representatives of human rights and other non-governmental
    organizations in the United States and in Latvia. I will engage Latvian
    government and parliament officials and regulatory bodies to address
    concerns regarding any undue restrictions or penalties imposed upon
    non-government organizations and civil society groups.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I commit to engage a range of Latvian
    political parties and politicians to strengthen bilateral ties and
    promote U.S. interests and objectives in Latvia. I will continue U.S.
    Embassy Riga efforts to promote democracy and good governance
    initiatives, including free and fair political systems. I will advocate
    among Latvian government officials, political parties, and civil
    society groups for access and inclusivity for women, members of
    minorities, and youth, including by advancing and implementing the
    objectives articulated in the June 2019 U.S. Strategy on Women, Peace,
    and Security.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Latvia on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Latvia?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with Latvian government
    officials, media groups, and civil society to ensure continued respect
    for press freedoms. I will also continue U.S. Embassy Riga's
    established practice of meeting with independent Latvian press groups
    and bodies.
        Latvia is a vibrant democracy with resilient institutions and a
    free press. If confirmed, I pledge to enhance U.S. and Latvian
    partnership to strengthen independent media, including working with
    civil society and non-governmental organizations such as the Baltic
    Center for Media Excellence.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. Yes. The United States and Latvia recognize that the
    Kremlin attempts to undermine transatlantic unity, sow discord, and
    weaken democratic institutions and governments, including through
    employing malign influence campaigns to pursue these goals. The United
    States and Latvia work together closely to identify and expose Russian
    disinformation and other malign influence tactics not only in Latvia,
    but also throughout the world. The United States and Latvia concur that
    a well-informed citizenry is key to the strength of democratic
    institutions, and work together on efforts to strengthen civil society,
    combat corruption, and promote media literacy. One of the best defenses
    against disinformation is a free, pluralistic, and transparent news
    media environment, which is why the United States and Latvia work in
    partnership to strengthen independent media.
        If confirmed, I will also continue to support cooperation with and
    assistance to Latvia and the other Baltic states--among our most
    knowledgeable and capable Allies on this threat--to combat Russian
    malign influence across all sectors. I will expand U.S. Embassy
    cooperation with organizations in Latvia that address malign influence
    threats--such as the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence
    and the Baltic Center for Media Excellence. I will also promote
    exchange programs so that U.S., Latvian, and other experts can better
    share knowledge, lessons learned, and innovative ideas on how to
    address these threats.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Latvia on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Freedom of association and the right to collective
    bargaining are key elements of labor rights. If confirmed, I will
    actively engage on these issues and encourage adherence to these
    practices among independent trade unions.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Latvia, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Latvia? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people in
    Latvia?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will commit to defending the human
    rights and dignity of all people in Latvia, no matter their sexual
    orientation or gender identity. According to the U.S. Department of
    State's 2018 Human Rights Report (the latest available), lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons continue to face
    widespread intolerance and discrimination in Latvia. U.S. Embassy Riga
    has prioritized protecting the human rights and fundamental freedoms of
    LGBTI persons. If confirmed, I pledge to uphold and expand these
    efforts. I will engage Latvian government and parliament officials,
    regulatory bodies, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations
    to uphold basic freedoms, human rights and dignity of all individuals
    in Latvia, including members of Latvia's LGBTI community.

        Question. If a foreign person or government approaches you or a
    staffer at the embassy with derogatory information on a U.S. political
    figure, what is your understanding of official State Department policy
    on how to handle it? In the wake of President Trump's comments
    welcoming such information, it is important that the State Department
    have clear guidance for all of its personnel on how to deal with such
    scenarios. Has a cable with clear guidance on how to handle this
    situation been sent to all U.S. embassies?

        Answer. Pursuant to Foreign Affairs Manual Chapter 12, Section
    262--`Security Awareness and Contact Reporting'--U.S. Department of
    State policy mandates that all employees and contractors report any
    contact that prompts concern that he or she may be the target of actual
    or attempted exploitation by a foreign entity. At the embassy, any such
    contact must be reported as soon as possible to the embassy's Regional
    Security Officer. Cleared U.S. employees are required to take annual
    training ``EX 250 Annual Counter Intelligence Awareness,'' which
    reviews these reporting requirements pursuant to the Foreign Affairs
    Manual Chapter 12, Section 262. The Department has sent cables to all
    diplomatic and consular posts with clear guidance about this training
    and reporting requirement, in addition to Department Notices
    distributed domestically.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes. I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration is wholly
    inappropriate. If confirmed, I will maintain a policy of no tolerance
    for retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited personnel practices
    at U.S. Embassy Riga. I will hold U.S. Embassy Riga employees
    accountable to the highest standards in accordance with applicable law,
    rules, and regulations on anti-discrimination and prohibited personnel
    practices, including the Notification and Federal Employee
    Antidiscrimination and Retaliation Act of 2002, as amended.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination,
    and inappropriate conduct with the utmost seriousness and throughout my
    career, I have immediately addressed any issues raised to me in
    accordance with the Department of State's policies. To my knowledge, I
    have never been named as a responsible management official in a formal
    or informal complaint of harassment or discrimination.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, and
    inappropriate conduct with the utmost seriousness and throughout my
    career, I have immediately addressed any issues raised to me in
    accordance with the Department of State's policies, including
    encouraging any employee who feels they have been harassed or
    discriminated against to report such behavior to any supervisor under
    my management or the Department's Office of Civil Rights.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to John Leslie Carwile by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. From 2002-2006, I worked with the Northern Ireland Policing
    Board and engaged with political parties and community groups to
    demonstrate the United States' deep support for community-based
    policing in Northern Ireland--a critical component of the Good Friday
    Agreement and necessary to sustain support for the continuing peace
    process. The Board recognized my efforts when I departed Belfast in
    2006. I also regularly engaged with non-governmental community groups
    in areas affected by paramilitary activities to demonstrate the United
    States' strong commitment to help communities come to terms with the
    legacies of the past and to live free from intimidation and violence.
    As the Deputy Chief of Mission in Kathmandu, Nepal from 2013-2016, I
    oversaw Embassy efforts to support and protect Tibetan refugees
    resident in the country, as well as to reduce trafficking in persons,
    especially vulnerable women and children, and to encourage the
    government of Nepal to prosecute traffickers and protect and
    rehabilitate survivors.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Latvia?
    What are the most important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to
    promote human rights and democracy in Latvia? What do you hope to
    accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Latvia is a strong partner on advancing shared values and
    principles on human rights. However, according to the U.S. Department
    of State's 2018 Human Rights Report (the latest available), Latvia
    still faces human rights challenges, such as large-scale corruption and
    widespread intolerance and serious discrimination against lesbian, gay,
    bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons. If confirmed, I
    will engage Latvian government and parliament officials, regulatory
    bodies, and nongovernmental and civil society organizations to promote
    human rights, encourage accountability on corruption, and protect human
    rights and fundamental freedoms for Latvia's LGBTI community, as well
    as other marginalized populations.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Latvia in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage Latvian government officials,
    regulatory bodies, parliamentarians, and nongovernmental and civil
    society organizations to promote human rights, encourage accountability
    on corruption, and uphold basic freedoms, human rights, and dignity of
    all people in Latvia, including Latvia's LGBTI community. A particular
    challenge highlighted in the U.S. Department of State 2018 Human Rights
    Report are widespread allegations of corruption in Latvia's judicial
    system. If confirmed, I pledge to enhance engagement with Latvia's
    Ministry of Justice and across other ministries and law enforcement and
    regulatory agencies to advance critical anticorruption reforms in
    Latvia's judiciary. More generally, U.S. Embassy Riga has prioritized
    promoting anticorruption reforms and protecting the human rights and
    fundamental freedoms of LGBTI persons, and if confirmed, I pledge to
    support and expand these efforts.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Latvia? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    non-governmental organizations across the United States and in Latvia
    on a wide array of human rights. I will also ensure vetting procedures
    for U.S. assistance to Latvian security forces are implemented
    consistent with U.S. law.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Latvia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Latvia?

        Answer. Latvia is a strong partner sharing our values and
    principles on human rights. There are no reported cases of political
    prisoners or people unjustly targeted by Latvia. If such reports become
    known in the future, I will engage Latvian government officials,
    regulatory bodies, parliamentarians, and nongovernmental and civil
    society organizations to address them.

        Question. Will you engage with Latvia on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage Latvian officials on
    promoting democracy, respect for rule of law, human rights, the
    important role of civil society, and good governance practices,
    measures, and programs.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that
    arise through appropriate and applicable channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that
    arise through appropriate and applicable channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Latvia?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes funds, which may hold
    interests in companies with a presence in Latvia, but which are exempt
    from the conflict of interest laws. My investment portfolio also
    includes financial interests in individual companies that may maintain
    a presence in Latvia. I am committed to ensuring that my official
    actions will not give rise to a conflict of interest, will divest my
    interests in any companies the State Department Ethics Office deems
    necessary to avoid a conflict of interest on my part, and will remain
    vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I fully support a diverse workforce. Diversity advances and
    illustrates American values and improves work environments by
    facilitating new perspectives, and visions. Increasing diversity
    fosters an inclusive workplace and promotes exchange of new ideas and
    innovating thinking. I advocate for workplaces that reflect the rich
    diversity of the United States. If confirmed, I will promote a
    workplace that encourages tolerance, respect, collaboration, and
    inclusion.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. Diversity and inclusion must be a focus area for Embassy
    planning and leadership. If confirmed, I will foster a positive work
    environment by instituting diversity and inclusion as priority
    objectives in Embassy strategy and planning documents. I will also
    promote diversity and inclusion as focal points in my first meetings
    with Embassy leadership. If confirmed, I will underscore that our
    policies and outcomes are improved by drawing on inclusive, diverse
    teams with a breadth of experiences and perspectives. I will also
    communicate strongly the Department's EEO policies in my mission and
    ensure they are followed.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Latvia
    specifically?

        Answer. Latvia is a vibrant democracy with resilient institutions,
    established respect for rule of law, and a free press. The government
    has effective mechanisms to investigate and punish abuse and
    corruption. Latvian law provides criminal penalties for corruption.
    Nonetheless, corruption remains an endemic problem, which has led to a
    widespread perception that high-level officials are seen as enjoying
    impunity from corruption. U.S. concerns regarding corruption in Latvia
    were exhibited perhaps most clearly in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia
    Nancy Pettit's December 9, 2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled ``Let's
    Talk About Corruption,'' which included not only our specific concerns
    about corruption and money laundering in Latvia, but provided specific
    recommendations on how to address shortfalls in Latvia's judicial, law
    enforcement, banking, and political sectors. If confirmed, I will
    prioritize engagement with Latvian officials on promoting
    anticorruption reforms, measures, and programs.
        The Department's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law
    Enforcement Affairs (INL) includes Latvia in a regional anti-corruption
    program designed to build resilience to Russian malign influence among
    justice sector partners by strengthening their capacity to identify,
    investigate, and prosecute corruption and advance related institutional
    reforms. Including work through the Department of Justice's Office for
    Prosecutorial Development and Training (OPDAT), the program aims to
    improve the investigation of corruption and financial crimes, the
    functioning of anticorruption institutions, judicial accountability
    mechanisms, and asset forfeiture and recovery processes. If confirmed,
    I will continue to promote the inclusion of Latvia in this important
    program.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Latvia
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. The government of Latvia is making impressive strides
    advancing important anticorruption reforms and legislation, including
    related to Latvia's banking sector. Nonetheless, corruption remains an
    endemic problem, meaning continued implementation and further
    structural changes are required to sustain progress. U.S. concerns were
    exhibited clearly in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Pettit's
    December 9, 2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled `Let's Talk About
    Corruption,' which included not only our specific concerns about
    corruption and money laundering in Latvia, but provided specific
    recommendations on how to address shortfalls in Latvia's judicial, law
    enforcement, banking, and political sectors.
        The current Latvian government--led by Prime Minister Krisjanis
    Karins--has clearly prioritized addressing money laundering, an
    important step. His cabinet has introduced and secured passage of
    legislation that downsizes Latvia's non-resident banking sector,
    strengthens anti-money laundering authorities and capabilities, and
    reforms supervisory and regulatory authorities. These are all important
    and strong positive steps. Nonetheless, significant work remains to be
    done. If confirmed, I will continue to engage Latvian government,
    parliament, judicial, regulatory, and civil society officials on this
    important issue to ensure the country reduces corruption.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Latvia?

        Answer. In cooperation with U.S. Embassy Riga, the U.S. Departments
    of State and Treasury have engaged extensively over the past several
    years to encourage the government of Latvia to reform and enhance its
    legislative authorities, regulatory controls, judiciary, and
    transparency in order to combat corruption and money laundering
    threats. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. departments and agencies have also
    facilitated assistance, training, and seminars to improve Latvian
    government and regulator capabilities and knowledge on anticorruption
    and anti-money laundering.
        If confirmed, I will continue these programs and U.S. Embassy
    Riga's engagement with officials in the Latvian government, parliament,
    regulatory bodies, and civil society to support good governance and
    anticorruption practices and principles. Through exchanges such as the
    International Visitor Leadership Program and other public diplomacy
    programs, I will also deepen and expand our engagement with Latvia on
    ways to promote transparency and respect for rule of law. I will
    provide my strong support for technical assistance to Latvia to more
    effectively tackle corruption and prevent the country's financial
    institutions from serving as platforms for the financing of
    transnational organized crime and terrorism.

        Question. How do you assess the development of Latvia's security
    capabilities in the context of the long-term security challenges it
    faces in the region? Does Latvia have what it needs to defend against
    Russian disinformation and propaganda?

        Answer. Latvia is a stalwart Ally and close friend of the United
    States. We cooperate closely on regional and global security issues.
    The Latvian government has made clear that it views NATO Article 5 as
    the bedrock of its security. Latvia is one of a handful of Allies that
    meets its NATO Wales Defense spending pledge. Since 2018, it has spent
    two percent of its GDP on defense; over twenty percent of its spending
    is focused on major new equipment, research, and development.
        The United States and Latvia recognize that the Kremlin attempts to
    undermine transatlantic unity, sow discord, and weaken democratic
    institutions and governments, including through employing malign
    influence campaigns to pursue these goals. We work together closely to
    identify and expose Russian disinformation and other malign influence
    tactics not only in Latvia, but also throughout the world. The United
    States supports regional efforts to counter Russian propaganda and
    disinformation with objective, fact-based media, including Russian
    language content. The United States and Latvia concur that a well-
    informed citizenry is key to the strength of democratic institutions,
    and work together on efforts to strengthen civil society, combat
    corruption, and promote media literacy.
        If confirmed, I will continue to support cooperation with and
    assistance to Latvia and the Baltic states--among our most
    knowledgeable and capable Allies on this threat--to combat Russian
    malign influence.

        Question. As Ambassador, will you support the development of NATO
    activities in Latvia and encourage stronger partnerships to secure its
    territorial integrity?

        Answer. Yes. Approximately 1,400 multinational forces are deployed
    to Latvia under the Canada-led NATO enhanced Forward Presence (eFP)
    battle group, which strengthens NATO deterrence and defense in Latvia.
    Other countries contributing to the battle group including Albania,
    Czech Republic, Italy, Montenegro, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, and
    Spain. The United States, which leads the eFP battle group in Poland,
    is a strong supporter of NATO's deterrence and defense efforts on the
    Alliance's eastern flank. The United States further supports regional
    security by conducting military training and exercises on a periodic
    basis in Latvia and the other Baltic states.
        The United States also supports the work of the NATO-accredited
    Strategic Communications Center of Excellence, which has produced
    notable analysis on disinformation and hybrid warfare. U.S. outreach
    programs highlight the positive role NATO and the United States play in
    Latvia. In the Soldiers in Arms program, a Latvian-American staff
    member from the Embassy, who is also a member of the Latvian National
    Guard, travels to schools around Latvia with a U.S. or other NATO
    service member to dispel negative myths about NATO and educate students
    about what NATO does and how Latvia benefits.
        If confirmed, I pledge to maintain and expand U.S. support to these
    relationships, institutions, and programs.

        Question. Given Latvia's already heavy dependence on Russian gas,
    do you see the Russian-led Nord Stream 2 pipeline as problematic for
    Latvia and the greater Baltic Sea area's energy security?

        Answer. Latvia shares our view that Nord Stream 2 would undermine
    Europe's energy security, including by providing Russia with another
    tool for the political coercion of European countries, especially
    Ukraine. Latvia has been outspoken in its opposition to the project.
        If confirmed, I look forward to continuing our cooperation with
    Latvian officials in opposition to this project.

        Question. How would you propose to work with the Latvians to
    encourage their energy independence?

        Answer. Although Latvia still depends upon Russia for much of its
    natural gas, Latvia has taken steps to increase its energy security,
    including by developing its energy infrastructure as well as
    diversifying its energy supplies. The government continues to work
    towards completion of unbundling its gas sector to comply with the EU's
    Third Energy Package. Latvia is also taking steps to improve pipeline
    access to receive non-Russian gas from other sources.
        The United States supports these efforts and works with the
    government of Latvia, the EU Commission, and other stakeholders to
    encourage progress on Baltic energy security and diversification. If
    confirmed, I will continue the Embassy's strong efforts to raise the
    profile of this important issue and promote a regional approach to
    bolstering energy security.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to John Leslie Carwile by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. To what extent does Latvia's energy dependence pose a
    threat to its or the EU's security? In your view, what are the most
    effective ways to address energy diversification for Latvia and the
    region?
        Answer. Although Latvia still depends upon Russia for much of its
    natural gas, Latvia has taken steps to increase its energy security,
    including by developing its energy infrastructure as well as
    diversifying its energy supplies. The government continues to work
    towards completion of unbundling its gas sector to comply with the EU's
    Third Energy Package. Latvia is also taking steps to improve pipeline
    access to receive non-Russian gas from other sources.
        The United States supports these efforts and works with the
    government of Latvia, the EU Commission, and other stakeholders to
    encourage progress on Baltic energy security and diversification. If
    confirmed, I will continue the Embassy's strong efforts to raise the
    profile of this important issue and promote a regional approach to
    bolstering energy security.

        Question. As discussed in your hearing, few countries have Latvia's
    depth of experience dealing with Russian influence, disinformation and
    more aggressive measures. As Ambassador, how would you approach
    leveraging the Latvian experience to benefit U.S. efforts to address
    Russian interference in our own elections and media environment?
        Answer. The United States and Latvia recognize that the Kremlin
    attempts to undermine transatlantic unity, sow discord, and weaken
    democratic institutions and governments, including through employing
    malign influence campaigns to pursue these goals. The United States and
    Latvia work together closely to identify and expose Russian
    disinformation and other malign influence tactics not only in Latvia,
    but also throughout the world. The United States and Latvia concur that
    a well-informed citizenry is key to the strength of democratic
    institutions, and work together on efforts to strengthen civil society,
    combat corruption, and promote media literacy. One of the best defenses
    against disinformation is a free, pluralistic, and transparent news
    media environment, which is why the United States and Latvia work
    together to strengthen independent media.
        If confirmed, I will continue to support cooperation with and
    assistance to Latvia and the Baltic states--among our most
    knowledgeable and capable Allies on this threat--to combat Russian
    malign influence across all sectors. I will expand U.S. Embassy
    cooperation with organizations in Latvia that address malign influence
    threats--such as the NATO Strategic Communications Center of Excellence
    and the Baltic Center for Media Excellence. I will also promote
    exchange programs so that U.S., Latvian, and other experts are able to
    better share knowledge, lessons learned, and innovative ideas on how to
    address these threats.

        Question. In February 2018, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned
    ABLV Bank, then the third-largest bank in Latvia, accusing it of
    institutionalized money laundering, bribery and facilitating
    transactions violating sanctions against North Korea. How would you
    assess Latvian government oversight of its banking sector with respect
    to transparency and foreign account holders, especially in Russia and
    the former Soviet Union? In your view, how does banking sector and
    anti-money laundering reform impact U.S. priorities in Latvia? What
    assistance is the U.S. Embassy in Riga already providing and what more
    should be done?
        Answer. As a regional financial center with a large number of
    commercial banks and a sizeable non-resident deposit base, Latvia
    remains vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing. Latvia
    has indeed been home to several significant money laundering scandals
    over the past several years. U.S. concerns about money laundering in
    Latvia and its impact on U.S.-Latvian priorities were illustrated
    clearly in former U.S. Ambassador to Latvia Nancy Pettit's December 9,
    2018 Op-Ed in Latvian media entitled ``Let's Talk About Corruption,''
    which included not only specific concerns about corruption and money
    laundering in Latvia, but provided specific recommendations on how to
    address shortfalls in Latvia's judicial, law enforcement, banking, and
    political sectors.
        The current Latvian government--led by Prime Minister Krisjanis
    Karins--has clearly prioritized addressing money laundering. His
    cabinet has introduced and secured passage of legislation that
    downsizes Latvia's non-resident banking sector, strengthens anti-money
    laundering authorities and capabilities, and reforms supervisory and
    regulatory authorities. These are all important and strong positive
    steps. Nonetheless, significant gaps remain. In cooperation with U.S.
    Embassy Riga, the U.S. Departments of State and Treasury have engaged
    extensively over the past several years to encourage the government of
    Latvia to reform and enhance its legislative authorities, regulatory
    controls, judiciary, and transparency in order to combat this critical
    vulnerability. The U.S. Embassy and U.S. departments and agencies have
    also facilitated assistance, training, and seminars to improve Latvian
    government and regulator capabilities and knowledge on anticorruption
    and anti-money laundering. For instance, the Department of State's
    Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL)
    includes Latvia in a regional anti-corruption program designed to
    strengthen its capacity to identify, investigate, and prosecute
    corruption and advance related institutional reforms. If confirmed, I
    will continue to support this close partnership and engage government
    officials, private sector contacts, and civil society representatives
    on this critical international security issue.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
          Submitted to Erin Elizabeth McKee by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. The promotion of human rights and democracy has been
    central throughout my career. Since 1995, I have had the privilege of
    serving and representing the United States in eight overseas
    assignments, as well as here in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Agency
    for International Development. It has been my honor to serve the
    American people and advance our country's interests, promote our values
    and principles, and offer host-country nations a model for hope,
    security, and prosperity across a variety of diverse contexts. I am
    currently serving as the USAID Mission Director to Indonesia and ASEAN,
    which I resumed after filling the role of Acting Deputy Chief of
    Mission of Embassy Jakarta last year.Throughout my tenure in the
    Foreign Service, I have successfully led our interagency and mission
    partners to strategically plan and--more importantly--successfully
    execute our development and security assistance budgets. With multiple
    host-country partners, I have deepened cooperation on human rights and
    democracy issues, and on countering violent extremism, trafficking in
    persons, anti-corruption, maritime security and law enforcement, and
    people-to-people exchanges. In many places where I have served, rule of
    law has been key to promoting human rights and democracy as well as to
    increasing sustainable economic growth, trade and investment. If
    confirmed, I will use my technical background and development expertise
    to guide my Country Team as they work on issues affecting Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, and to tackle economic
    inequality, poor governance, and underdeveloped capacity, while
    furthering American partnerships.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Papua New Guinea? These challenges might
    include obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and
    institutions, rule of law, authentic political competition, civil
    society, human rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as
    possible.

        Answer. Human rights concerns in Papua New Guinea include security
    force abuses; violence and discrimination against women and girls; and
    vigilante killings and abuses. Other problems include reports of poor
    prison conditions; lengthy pre-trial detention; infringement of privacy
    rights, particularly in highland areas; government corruption; abuse
    and sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons;
    discrimination against persons with disabilities; intertribal violence;
    and ineffective enforcement of labor laws. Despite minor reforms to the
    justice system, the government frequently fails to hold accountable
    officials who commit abuses, whether in the security services or
    elsewhere in the government. Impunity is pervasive.
        In the Solomon Islands, inter-ethnic violence among persons from
    different islands has been reduced greatly from previous years, but not
    yet eliminated. Gender-based violence and discrimination are prevalent.
    Other problems include lengthy pre-trial detention and government
    corruption.
        Discrimination and violence against women remain the most prominent
    human rights issues in Vanuatu. Other problems include excessive use of
    force by police, poor prison conditions, arbitrary or unlawful arrests,
    an extremely slow judicial process, and government corruption.
    Authorities failed at times to maintain effective control over the
    security forces.
        As part of the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative, and in
    partnership with like-minded governments, the United States is
    prioritizing fiscal transparency and anti-corruption, democracy
    assistance, youth and emerging leader development, media and internet
    freedom, and fundamental freedoms and human rights.
        If confirmed, I will continue to engage government counterparts
    regularly on human rights, democracy, and governance issues. I will
    promote efforts to counter corruption, empower citizens and civil
    society, strengthen institutional capacity, and strengthen respect for
    the rule of law.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. Our vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific seeks to ensure
    the freedom of the seas and skies, promote market economics, support
    good governance, and insulate sovereign nations from external pressure.
    The mission objectives of Embassy Port Moresby are already aligned with
    this strategy: empowering women in political and economic life,
    strengthening democratic institutions, and promoting inclusive and
    transparent economic growth. If confirmed, these are the key tenets I
    will seek to advance in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and
    Vanuatu through U.S. government assistance.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Papua New Guinea?

        Answer. Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are all
    multiparty parliamentary democracies. The United States values the
    voice and opinions of civil society and has a long history of engaging
    leaders both inside and outside the government. Civil society
    organizations have a critical role to play in supporting efforts to
    ensure a healthy democracy. If confirmed, I look forward to meeting
    with civil society members to hear about their goals and objectives and
    to learn how we might work together in areas of common concern and
    share best practices. Just as certain groups are underrepresented in
    the U.S. political system, in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands,
    and Vanuatu women, indigenous peoples and minority groups are generally
    underrepresented in political bodies relative to their proportion of
    the population. If confirmed, I would seek opportunities to share our
    own experiences in encouraging greater inclusivity, possibly through
    U.S. government-sponsored programs.

        Question. If confirmed, will you advocate for access and
    inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political parties?

        Answer. Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu are all
    multiparty parliamentary democracies. With no female representation in
    the Papua New Guinea Parliament, encouraging women's political
    participation is a priority. In advance of the 2017 Parliamentary
    elections, Embassy Port Moresby incorporated messaging on the
    importance of women's political participation into all of its public
    activities. If confirmed, I intend to develop cordial relationships
    with members of all political parties in order to better understand
    their positions on issues of importance to us and to them, and to
    explain U.S. positions and their merits. I view this advocacy role as a
    key element of my position as Ambassador.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Papua New Guinea on the right of labor groups to organize, including
    for independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, my Embassy team and I will actively
    engage with the governments of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands,
    and Vanuatu, as well as employers and civil society, to promote
    internationally recognized worker rights, including freedom of
    association. Independent trade unions are one of the fundamental
    building blocks for any democratic society and are important partners
    for the State Department in many countries. Moreover, ensuring U.S.
    trade partners respect internationally recognized worker rights and
    adhere to high labor standards promotes a level playing field for U.S.
    workers and helps create stronger trading partners for the United
    States.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Papua New Guinea,
    no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges
    do the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people
    face in Papua New Guinea? What specifically will you commit to do to
    help LGBTQ people in Papua New Guinea?

        Answer. In Papua New Guinea, consensual same-sex sexual relations
    and acts of ``gross indecency between males are illegal. The maximum
    penalty for same-sex sexual relations is 14 years' imprisonment; for
    acts of gross indecency between male persons (a misdemeanor), it is
    three years. There were no reports of prosecutions directed at lesbian,
    gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex persons under these provisions
    during the year. There were reports of societal violence and
    discrimination against such persons, and they were vulnerable to
    societal stigmatization, which may have led to underreporting.
        In the Solomon Islands, ``sodomy'' is illegal, as are ``indecent
    practices between persons of the same sex.'' The maximum penalty for
    the former is 14 years' imprisonment and for the latter five years.
    There were no reports of arrests or prosecutions directed at lesbian,
    gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex persons under these provisions
    during the year, and authorities generally did not enforce these laws.
    There are no specific antidiscrimination laws based on sexual
    orientation and gender identity. There were no reports of violence or
    discrimination against persons based on sexual orientation or gender
    identity, although stigma may hinder some from reporting.
        In Vanuatu, there are no laws criminalizing sexual orientation or
    same-sex sexual conduct, but there were reports of discrimination and
    violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex
    (LGBTI) persons. LGBTI groups operated freely, but there are no
    antidiscrimination laws to protect them. One positive sign for freedom
    of association is that in May 2017, the country's first LGBTI advocacy
    group officially registered as an NGO.
        If confirmed, my team and I will work supportively with all three
    governments, non-governmental organizations and other members of civil
    society to protect LGBTI persons from violence, criminalization, and
    other human rights abuses.

        Question. Do you commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee?

        Answer. Yes, I commit to respond promptly to all requests for
    information by Members of this committee.

        Question. Do you commit to appear before this committee upon
    request?

        Answer. Yes, I commit to appear before this committee upon request.

        Question. If you become aware of any suspected waste, fraud, or
    abuse in the Department, do you commit to report it to the Inspector
    General?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels, including required reporting to the Office of the
    Inspector General.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. No, I am not aware of any formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against me, in a workplace
    or any other setting. If confirmed, I will make taking care of my team
    and fostering a high-performing, healthy, and secure workplace a
    priority, with zero tolerance for misconduct, including sexual
    harassment.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will make taking care of my team and
    fostering a high-performing, healthy, and secure workplace a priority,
    with zero tolerance for misconduct, including sexual harassment.
    Specific allegations of sexual harassment, discrimination, and
    inappropriate conduct are confidential, and in such circumstances I
    have immediately addressed any issues raised to me in accordance with
    the Department of State's policies, including encouraging any employee
    who feels they have been harassed or discriminated against to report
    such behavior to any supervisor under my management or the Department's
    Office of Civil Rights.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. Yes, I agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government. As a career
    member of the Senior Foreign Service and a 24-year veteran of the
    federal government, I am keenly aware and respectful of employee
    rights, including regarding protected activities. In addition to
    ensuring compliance with mandatory training on prohibited personnel
    practices and discrimination, if confirmed, I will prioritize taking
    care of my team and fostering healthy and secure workplace a priority,
    with zero tolerance for discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or
    other misconduct.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
        Submitted to Erin Elizabeth McKee by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. The promotion of human rights and democracy has been
    central throughout my career. Since 1995, I have had the privilege of
    serving and representing the United States in eight overseas
    assignments, as well as here in Washington, D.C., with the U.S. Agency
    for International Development. It has been my honor to serve the
    American people and advance our country's interests, promote our values
    and principles, and offer host-country nations a model for hope,
    security, and prosperity across a variety of diverse contexts. I am
    currently serving as the USAID Mission Director to Indonesia and ASEAN,
    which I resumed after filling the role of Acting Deputy Chief of
    Mission of Embassy Jakarta last year.
        Throughout my tenure in the Foreign Service, I have successfully
    led our interagency and mission partners to strategically plan and--
    more importantly--successfully execute our development and security
    assistance budgets. With multiple host-country partners, I have
    deepened cooperation on fundamental human rights and democracy issues,
    including countering violent extremism, trafficking in persons, anti-
    corruption, maritime security and law enforcement, and people-to-people
    exchanges. In many places where I have served, reform and rule of law
    have been key to promoting human rights and democracy as well as to
    increasing sustainable economic growth, trade and investment. If
    confirmed, I will use my technical background and development expertise
    to guide my Country Team as they work on issues affecting Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, and to tackle economic
    inequality, poor governance, and underdeveloped capacity, while
    furthering American partnerships.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Papua
    New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu? What are the most
    important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to promote human
    rights and democracy in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and
    Vanuatu? What do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. Human rights concerns in Papua New Guinea include security
    force abuses; violence and discrimination against women and girls; and
    vigilante killings and abuses. Other problems include reports of poor
    prison conditions; lengthy pre-trial detention; infringement of privacy
    rights, particularly in highland areas; government corruption; abuse
    and sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons;
    discrimination against persons with disabilities; intertribal violence;
    and ineffective enforcement of labor laws. Despite minor reforms to the
    justice system, the government frequently fails to hold accountable
    officials who commit abuses, whether in the security services or
    elsewhere in the government. Impunity is pervasive.
        In the Solomon Islands, inter-ethnic violence among persons from
    different islands has been reduced greatly from previous years, but not
    yet eliminated. Gender-based violence and discrimination are prevalent.
    Other problems include lengthy pre-trial detention and government
    corruption.
        Discrimination and violence against women remain the most prominent
    human rights issues in Vanuatu. Other problems include excessive use of
    force by police, poor prison conditions, arbitrary arrests without
    warrants, an extremely slow judicial process, and government
    corruption. Authorities have failed at times to maintain effective
    control over the security forces.
        As part of the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative, and in
    partnership with like-minded governments, the United States is
    prioritizing fiscal transparency and anti-corruption, democracy
    assistance, youth and emerging leader development, media and internet
    freedom, and fundamental freedoms and human rights.
        If confirmed, I will continue to engage government counterparts
    regularly on human rights, democracy, and governance issues. I will
    promote efforts to counter corruption, empower citizens and civil
    society, strengthen institutional capacity, and strengthen respect for
    the rule of law.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Papua New Guinea,
    the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu in advancing human rights, civil
    society and democracy in general?

        Answer. Corruption at all levels and in all organs of government is
    a serious problem due to weak public institutions and governance, lack
    of transparency, politicization of the bureaucracy, and misuse of
    public resources by officials. Many government agencies lack adequate
    resources to fulfill their mandate, including the police,
    anticorruption agencies, and human rights bodies. These limitations,
    and others, will continue to be a barrier to progress on human rights
    in the region.
        Papua New Guinea is both a source and destination country for men,
    women, and children subjected to sex trafficking, domestic servitude,
    and other forms of forced labor in logging and mining camps and on
    board fishing vessels. Papua New Guinea has been ranked Tier 3 in the
    past two Trafficking in Persons Reports--meaning that the government of
    Papua New Guinea is not making significant efforts to meet the minimum
    standards for the elimination of trafficking in the Trafficking Victims
    Protection Act. If confirmed, I will work to maintain pressure on the
    government of Papua New Guinea to address serious concerns about
    trafficking in persons.
        Enhancing economic opportunities for women is a key priority of the
    United States, as reflected in the White House-led Women's Global
    Development and Prosperity (W-GDP) Initiative. The plight of women in
    Papua New Guinea is among the worst in the world. Women continue to
    face severe inequalities in all aspects of social, cultural, economic,
    and political life, and far too many women are subject to gender-based
    violence. If confirmed, I will strongly support equality for women and
    girls and promote its incorporation into all of the Embassy's work.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and
    Vanuatu? If confirmed, what steps will you take to pro-actively support
    the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and ensure that provisions of U.S.
    security assistance and security cooperation activities reinforce human
    rights?

        Answer. Yes. I am committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society, and other non-governmental organizations in Papua New Guinea,
    the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Obtaining the views of civil society
    is essential in understanding the country conditions, including in
    support of democratic institutions and respect for human rights, and
    plays a key role in informing and advancing U.S. foreign policy.
    Supporting a rules-based and transparent order that advances democratic
    governance and empowers civil society is a key goal of the
    Administration and is enshrined in our vision for a free and open Indo-
    Pacific. If confirmed, I will continue the embassy's strong engagement
    with civil society.
        Advancing security force accountability and respect for human
    rights is a central tenet of United States diplomacy, the Indo-Pacific
    Transparency Initiative, and our laws governing security assistance. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that the Leahy Law continues to be robustly
    implemented in the region and that no U.S. security assistance is
    provided to any security force unit where there is credible information
    that the unit committed a gross violation of human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with Papua
    New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu to address cases of key
    political prisoners or persons otherwise unjustly targeted by Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu?

        Answer. There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees
    in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu in 2018. If
    confirmed, I will continue to promote the right of everyone to exercise
    their human rights and fundamental freedoms in the region without fear
    of reprisal by the government.

        Question. Will you engage with Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
    Islands, and Vanuatu on matters of human rights, civil rights and
    governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will work with Papua New Guinea, the
    Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu authorities to engage on matters of human
    rights, fundamental freedoms, and governance. I will also seek to
    exchange best practices between our governments. Good governance is a
    core pillar of the U.S. vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. As
    part of the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative, the United States,
    with allies and partners, will promote just, transparent, and
    responsive governance through anti-corruption efforts while encouraging
    strong civil society and honest business practices. We will also
    continue to work with regional institutions, including the Pacific
    Islands Forum and APEC, to advance these shared goals and principles.
        We are committed to working with all Indo-Pacific nations to create
    the conditions needed to instill greater attention to the importance of
    democracy, transparency, and good governance throughout the region.
    Good governance is a core pillar of the American experience and the
    U.S. vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States is
    committed to working with Indo-Pacific nations, including Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu, to create the conditions
    needed to unlock greater private investment, combat corruption, and
    secure nations' autonomy from malign foreign influence. We will
    continue to promote transparency, openness, rule of law, and the
    protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, or
    Vanuatu?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes mutual funds that may have
    or acquire investments in companies in Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
    Islands, or Vanuatu; however, these funds are exempt from the conflict
    of interest rules and have been reviewed by the State Department Ethics
    Office. I am committed to ensuring that my official actions will not
    give rise to a conflict of interest. I will divest my interests in any
    investments the State Department Ethics Office deems necessary in the
    future to avoid a conflict of interest, and will remain vigilant with
    regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. As Secretary Pompeo has said, we aim to recognize the
    diversity of our employees' rich experiences, talent, knowledge, and
    personal characteristics. Fostering a culture of inclusion is about
    creating a workplace environment in which everyone is treated with
    dignity and respect, where each individual is valued and empowered to
    thrive. If confirmed, I will draw on the Department's resources for
    employees, including those related to work life wellness, resilience,
    and employee affinity groups. As the Secretary noted when he introduced
    the Department's Professional Ethos Statement on April 26, respect,
    responsibility, and accountability are the foundation of everything we
    do because our greatest resource is our people.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. If confirmed, I intend to create a content and productive
    mission by focusing on the safety, security, and personal fulfillment
    of my staff, by remaining actively engaged, by extending opportunities
    in and out of the mission, and by listening to their needs.
        As Secretary Pompeo has said, all employees should feel they work
    in a professional, supportive, and teamwork-oriented community where
    everyone can contribute to the mission, regardless of position, rank,
    grade, or employment status. Ours is a workplace of civility and
    respect. In every position that I have served, I ensured that the
    highest standards for accountability and integrity were set-and met. If
    confirmed, I will make taking care of my team and fostering a high-
    performing, healthy, and secure workplace a priority, with zero
    tolerance for misconduct, including sexual harassment.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu specifically?

        Answer. A key tenet of the Indo-Pacific Strategy is to support good
    governance, including anti-corruption measures. In November 2018, Vice
    President Pence announced the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative in
    Papua New Guinea. It dedicates $400 million over two years to empower
    the Indo-Pacific region's citizens, help combat corruption, and
    strengthen nations' sovereignty in order to achieve the goals of sound,
    just, and responsive governance.
        We are doing so, in partnership with like-minded governments, by
    prioritizing fiscal transparency and anti-corruption, democracy
    assistance, youth and emerging leader development, media and internet
    freedom, and fundamental freedoms and human rights.
        In September 2018, USAID initiated a three-year project to advance
    citizen-responsive democratic governance in Pacific Island countries,
    empower traditionally marginalized stakeholders, promote transparency
    and accountability in elections and government, and, where appropriate,
    promote regional cooperation to share best practices across the region.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Papua New
    Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu and efforts to address and
    reduce it by those governments?

        Answer. Embassy Port Moresby regularly engages PNG government
    officials on the importance of sound, just, and responsive governance
    characterized by transparent and rules-based systems, inclusion in
    decision-making by civil society partners and marginalized communities,
    and strong institutions. The embassy has been a strong force behind PNG
    joining the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), which
    aims to decrease corruption by making revenues and expenditures in the
    extractive sector public information. We also support the participation
    of the Solomon Islands in the EITI.
        We work with the Solomon Islands through regional institutions that
    promote good governance, respect for international law, and
    collaboration with international partners. One such organization, the
    Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), maintains its
    headquarters in Honiara, the capital of the Solomon Islands, and
    presents an opportunity for the Solomon Islands government to
    demonstrate good governance and capable institutional capacity. The
    United States' overarching goal is a strong partnership with Vanuatu
    based on mutual respect, shared values, and shared concerns on global
    issues, including good governance, and transparent and democratic
    institutions.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Papua New Guinea, the
    Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu?

        Answer. In November 2018, Vice President Pence announced the Indo-
    Pacific Transparency Initiative in Papua New Guinea. It dedicates $400
    million over two years to empower the Indo-Pacific region's citizens,
    help combat corruption, and strengthen nations' sovereignty in order to
    achieve the goals of sound, just, and responsive governance.
        We are doing so, in partnership with like-minded governments, by
    prioritizing fiscal transparency and anti-corruption, democracy
    assistance, youth and emerging leader development, media and internet
    freedom, and fundamental freedoms and human rights.
        In September 2018, USAID initiated a three-year project to advance
    citizen-responsive democratic governance in Pacific island countries,
    empower traditionally marginalized stakeholders, promote transparency
    and accountability in elections and government, and, where appropriate,
    promote regional cooperation to share best practices across the region.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Anthony F. Godfrey by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. What is the current U.S. position on Serbia-Kosovo
    negotiations? What is the U.S. position on land swaps specifically as
    part of a future agreement?

        Answer. The United States continues to strongly support the
    European Union-facilitated Dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The goal
    of this process is a comprehensive normalization agreement that paves
    the way for both countries' further Euro-Atlantic integration. Ideally,
    the agreement will focus on mutual recognition. The United States is
    ready to help the parties in any way as they engage in negotiations.
    Both Belgrade and Pristina must demonstrate flexibility and a spirit of
    compromise in order to secure a deal, which would advance stability,
    security, and prosperity in the Western Balkan region.
        The United States will seriously consider an agreement that is
    locally owned, durable, implementable, and contributes to regional
    stability. The United States is not advocating for any particular
    solution. However, the status quo is unsustainable, inherently
    unstable, and enables external malign influence to prevent the
    countries of the region from pursuing their stated desire of further
    integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions.

        Question. How would you assess (1) the prospects of land swaps
    happening and (2) the impact of land swaps, both within the two
    countries and regionally?

        Answer. While the United States has continuously supported the EU-
    facilitated Dialogue, and stands ready to support the parties in any
    way that would be helpful, the United States has not been at the
    negotiating table and has seen no formal, specific proposals regarding
    border adjustments between the countries.
        The United States is not advocating for any specific solution to
    normalize relations between Kosovo and Serbia, beyond our support for a
    comprehensive agreement, ideally centered on mutual recognition. We
    expect that a comprehensive agreement would be multidimensional,
    involving political, economic, and security aspects. To be successful,
    a deal must be acceptable to the people of both countries and
    implementable on the ground.
        Sovereign countries can decide to adjust their borders by mutual
    consent. We recognize that border adjustments in any region or context
    involve complex political, economic, social, and security issues.
    Changing borders in the Western Balkans poses serious potential
    concerns. However, the status quo is inherently unstable, and poses
    numerous risks to stability. Kosovo and Serbia may decide that agreed
    border adjustments are a part of a comprehensive normalization
    agreement. If they do, the United States will look seriously at any
    proposal and make clear any concerns that we may have.

        Question. What is the level and nature of Ambassador Richard
    Grennell's involvement in the Serbia-Kosovo negotiations? Please list
    the meetings that he has had with leadership from Serbia and Kosovo
    over the past year. In your response, please do not refer us to the
    U.S. Embassy in Berlin.

        Answer. The United States supports the EU-facilitated Dialogue
    between Kosovo and Serbia, but is not a party to the negotiations.
    Ambassador Grenell and his team met with Kosovo President Thaci in
    December 2018, at Thaci's request, when he was in Berlin to see German
    officials. Grenell, the Deputy Chief of Mission, and Embassy Berlin
    political officers also met with the President of Kosovo, the Prime
    Minister of Kosovo, and the Foreign Minister of Kosovo, at their
    request, at the U.S. Embassy when they were in Berlin in April 2019,
    for a Balkans Summit meeting hosted by German Chancellor Merkel and
    French President Macron.
        In all of these meetings, Ambassador Grenell and U.S. Embassy staff
    reiterated President Trump's message of support for a comprehensive
    normalization agreement between Kosovo and Serbia, and encouraged the
    Kosovo officials to drop the sanctions they had placed on Serbia, as
    per official U.S. policy. Ambassador Grenell also encouraged the Kosovo
    officials to understand that dropping the sanctions could revive
    constructive Dialogue negotiations between the parties.

        Question. Has President Trump personally engaged in the Serbia-
    Kosovo negotiations since his December 2018 letters to President Vucic
    and President Thaci? If yes, please describe the nature of that
    engagement. In your response, please do not refer us to the White
    House.

        Answer. Beyond his December 2018 letters, President Trump also made
    clear in statements to both Kosovo and Serbia, on the occasion of their
    respective National Days, that the United States supports a
    comprehensive normalization agreement centered on mutual recognition.
    President Trump and the Administration continue to support a
    comprehensive agreement between Serbia and Kosovo and will remain
    actively engaged with the parties and our European partners. If
    confirmed, I plan to work closely with the White House and government
    agencies to support such an agreement.

        Question. I am deeply disturbed by the recent delivery of armored
    reconnaissance vehicles from Russia to Serbia. How many vehicles did
    Serbia receive in this shipment? By what route were the vehicles
    transported to Serbia? How much did Serbia pay for the vehicles, and
    how much money did the Russian government contribute towards the
    purchase?

        Answer. The government of Serbia acknowledged that on July 19,
    2019, it received 10 BRDM-2MS wheeled armored vehicles from Russia--an
    upgraded variant of a vehicle long in Serbia's inventory. Press reports
    indicate that these items were delivered by air via Hungarian airspace.
    The Serbian government has not released any information about costs or
    payments for transports and upgrades, but the vehicles were reportedly
    donated as part of a larger deal with Russia for MiG-29s and T-72 main
    battle tanks, announced in 2016.
        I am not able to pre-judge whether or not this or any specific
    transaction would result in sanctions under Section 231 of the
    Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) prior
    to the Secretary of State's determination. However, as the Department
    has said publicly, the Secretary of State will consider the totality of
    the facts and circumstances surrounding the transaction and weigh
    various factors on a case-by-case basis in determining whether a
    transaction is ``significant'' for purposes of CAATSA.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I will continue to emphasize to the
    government of Serbia the heightened risk of sanctions associated with
    procuring Russian equipment and the vulnerabilities created by its
    dependence on Russia.

        Question. Please provide a list of military equipment Russia has
    delivered to Serbia since January 2017, as well as a list of Serbia's
    signed contracts for future deliveries of military equipment and
    expected dates of delivery. Answer can be provided in classified format
    if necessary.

        Answer. Press reports indicate that Russia has agreed to supply
    Serbia with additional military equipment, but reports differ on the
    numbers and types. Equipment recently reported in the press includes 20
    additional BRDM-2MS armored wheeled vehicles, 30 used T-72 main battle
    tanks, and Pantsir-S1 air defense systems.
        In July 2019, Serbia acknowledged receiving a donation from Russia
    of 10 BRDM-2MS wheeled armored vehicles, an upgraded variant of a
    vehicle already in Serbia's inventory. The same month, Serbia's
    Ministry of Defense reported that Serbia had received a total of 45,000
    euros worth of unspecified military assistance from Russia. Serbian
    Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin has also indicated that Serbia
    expects to take delivery of three purchased Mi-17 transport and four
    Mi-35 attack helicopters from Russia by the end of 2019 or the
    beginning of 2020. Russia donated six used, non-flight worthy MiG-29
    fighter aircraft to Serbia in October 2017. The Serbian Air Force
    formally took delivery of the refurbished aircraft in two separate
    tranches in August and October 2018. While Serbia has long maintained
    these aircraft in its inventory, it is paying Russia approximately $205
    million for the refurbishment and upgrade of the six donated airframes.
        If confirmed as Ambassador, I will continue to emphasize to the
    government of Serbia the heightened risk of sanctions associated with
    procuring Russian equipment and the vulnerabilities created by its
    dependence on Russia.

        Question. Please provide an accounting of the number of military
    exercises the U.S. has conducted with Serbia since January 2017 and an
    accounting of the number of military exercises Russia has conducted
    with Serbia since January 2017.

        Answer. Serbia regularly participates in major bilateral and
    multilateral exercises organized both by U.S. European Command and the
    Ohio National Guard, Serbia's National Guard State Partner. Since
    January 2017, Serbia has participated in 17 exercises, ten of which
    were led by USEUCOM and seven by the Ohio National Guard.
    Significantly, during this period Serbia hosted NATO's largest Euro-
    Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Center (EADRCC) exercise to
    date, involving approximately 2,000 participants from thirty NATO
    Allied and partner nations.
        Since 2017, Serbia has participated in ten exercises with Russia:
    most significantly 2017's ZAPAD-2017, and three times each in three
    separate annual exercises: Brotherhood of Aviators of Russia and Serbia
    (BARS), Slavic Brotherhood, and the Russian International Tank
    Biathlon.

        Question. I remain concerned about the true nature of the
    ``Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center'' in Nis and Russia's attempts to
    get diplomatic status for the Center and its employees, which would
    preclude inspection of the Center's activities. Please provide an
    assessment of Russian intelligence personnel presence at the `Russian-
    Serbian Humanitarian Center.' Answer can be provided in classified
    format if necessary.

        Answer. Russia maintains a joint Humanitarian Center in the
    southern Serbian city of Nis and has repeatedly pressed to have the
    facility granted diplomatic status. Many fear that this could give
    Moscow a foothold for further subversive activities in the region. The
    United States and our European Allies have expressed our concerns
    regarding Moscow's request to the Serbian government on a number of
    occasions. Thus far the Serbian government has not granted the facility
    diplomatic status. If confirmed, I will continue to engage with
    Serbia's leaders to express our serious concerns about the ways in
    which the facility might be misused.

        Question. How many American Corners are in Serbia, and in which
    cities do they exist? Please describe in detail your plans to expand
    the American Corners' work to discuss U.S. policies and promote
    connections between the U.S. and the people of Serbia.

        Answer. Since 2003, Mission Serbia has established eight American
    Corners: in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac, Subotica, Novi Pazar,
    Vranje and Bujanovac. Visited by roughly 9,000 Serbians each month,
    these American Corners are an essential outreach and engagement tool.
    They offer the Serbian public a welcoming place to learn and practice
    English; exchange ideas; discuss and debate issues important to both
    our countries; and explore American history, culture, and society. They
    contribute to greater awareness of U.S. policies, and strengthen the
    critical thinking and media literacy skills of program participants,
    particularly among Serbia's youth population.
        If confirmed, I will continue the work the team at Embassy Belgrade
    has begun to more closely tie American Corner programming into our
    Integrated Country Strategy goals. This includes promoting economic
    vitality, rule of law, and stable democratic institutions. I will
    continue to focus on youth engagement to promote robust political
    participation, media literacy, small business development, and civil
    society expansion.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. Promoting respect for human rights is a priority for the
    Trump Administration and it would be a central focus of my work in
    Serbia, if I am confirmed. From my first assignment as Human Rights
    Officer in Belarus, through assignments in Chechnya, Croatia, Armenia,
    Turkey, Iraq, and Russia, I have made human rights work a high
    priority.
        In Belarus, my work to highlight the abuses of the government won
    consistent praise from human rights advocates. In Croatia, our team
    helped authorities carry out free and fair elections, paving the way
    for NATO and EU membership. In Armenia, my team's work to improve
    protections for victims of trafficking produced concrete results. In
    Iraq, my consistent work with the fledgling Central Elections
    Commission helped pave the way for parliamentary elections, which won
    praise from international observers. In Moscow, despite an adversarial
    environment, my teams brought international attention to a
    deteriorating human rights environment, and in particular to the
    erosion of respect for the right of all individuals to practice the
    religion or belief of their choice.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Serbia? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. As the 2018 Serbia Human Rights Report noted, government
    corruption, violence against journalists, undue government interference
    with the press, and violence against LGBTI individuals are among the
    most serious human rights concerns in Serbia. Additionally, police
    brutality and intimidation, harsh prison conditions, domestic and
    social violence, and discrimination against persons belonging to
    religious and ethnic minorities remain serious challenges in Serbia.
    Finally, Serbia must make progress in resolving historical war crimes
    cases.
        If confirmed, I will press the government of Serbia to address
    these problems at all levels. Robust engagement with civil society
    organizations can provide important perspectives on the reforms needed
    to address these challenges in Serbia. If confirmed, I will work with
    my team to encourage Serbia's government to engage with civil society
    and to accelerate the passage and full implementation of proposed
    reforms, through democratic processes, in line with Serbia's EU
    accession process. I will continue to use U.S. assistance programs in
    Serbia to support democratic institutions, address human rights issues,
    and promote justice and accountability, including through support to
    civil society organizations working on issues such as anti-corruption,
    government transparency, media freedom, safety of journalists, and
    access to the justice system, as well as a range of protection and
    advocacy issues for members of minority communities.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Serbia? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. One of the major obstacles to addressing human rights
    challenges in Serbia is the deteriorating media environment. A free and
    independent media is critical for any democratic society. Despite a
    constitution that guarantees freedom of expression, including for
    members of the press, media freedom in Serbia continues to be
    undermined by threats and attacks on journalists, lawsuits and criminal
    charges against journalists or the threat thereof, lack of transparency
    in media ownership, the opaque process for awarding government media
    grants, and editorial pressure from politicians and politically
    connected media owners. These factors contribute to significant self-
    censorship by journalists and media outlets. The Serbian public
    deserves information from independent sources in order to empower and
    support civil society voices seeking to hold Serbia's leaders to
    account. If confirmed, I will speak out about these issues whenever we
    see problems and continue to press for true media freedom and media
    plurality in Serbia.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. With the generous support of the U.S. Congress and the
    American taxpayer, Embassy Belgrade has used Assistance to Eastern
    Europe and Central Asia (AEECA) funding to support democracy and
    governance in Serbia, including through USAID programs and, on a
    smaller scale, through Democracy Commission small grants. For example,
    USAID is undertaking a new program in Serbia, which aims to improve
    political processes by working with the government, political parties,
    and civil society to strengthen key democratic institutions. If
    confirmed, I will continue to look for ways we can help Serbia work
    toward a fully democratic, open, and transparent political environment.
        Corruption poses a particularly serious threat to Serbia's
    democracy and governance, and many of our assistance program focus on
    anti-corruption as a key element of our mission goals. For example,
    U.S. assistance supports Serbia's recently formed specialized anti-
    corruption and economic crimes prosecutorial and police departments.
    Over the past year, Serbia has made some progress in prosecuting
    corruption cases involving police and municipal officials, but much
    work remains, particularly in tackling high-level corruption and money
    laundering.
        If confirmed, I will lead Mission Serbia in continuing to emphasize
    the need for law enforcement, prosecutorial, and judicial institutions
    to work proactively, independently, transparently, and efficiently. I
    will endeavor to ensure that Serbia's anti-corruption efforts go
    further than the enforcement actions we have seen today, which have too
    often focused on low-level officials. Serbia needs to develop the
    capability, desire, and resolve to investigate and prosecute high-level
    cases of corruption in order to show would-be violators that they will
    be held accountable and restore the confidence of all Serbians.
    Journalists and civic activists have a crucial role to play in
    promoting government accountability, and we need to ensure their voices
    are heard. If confirmed, I will continue to address corruption also by
    supporting the development of Serbia's civil society and a robust
    independent media sector.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to engaging with
    democratically-oriented members of the opposition?

        Answer. Serbia's constitution provides for the democratic rights of
    peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. As such, everyone in
    Serbia should be able to voice their concerns with the government
    without fear, including through peaceful protest. A robust opposition
    is crucial for democracy and I will encourage the ruling party to hold
    a constructive dialogue with the opposition and find a compromise to
    end the ongoing boycott of parliament. If confirmed, I will commit to
    engaging with a wide range of Serbian officials and civil society
    actors, to include members of the full spectrum of Serbia's opposition
    parties.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Serbia? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Embassy's practice of
    meeting with human rights organizations and other civil society groups,
    from all communities, on a regular basis and empowering their voices in
    policy debates. Additionally, I will work with the Embassy team to
    continue support for human rights NGOs and activists through the
    Democracy Commission and other programs.
        If confirmed, I will encourage the government to pursue a
    transparent legislative process and consult with civil society on new
    legislation, as required by Serbian law. Serbian civil society has an
    impressive history of catalyzing societal change, and it is in our
    interest to ensure the government sees civil society not as a threat,
    but as a partner to help advance Serbia's development in the 21st
    century. The development of both a robust civil society and an
    independent media in Serbia are essential drivers for EU accession-
    related reforms in Serbia, as well as a healthy society that is
    responsive to citizens' needs.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage interlocutors across the
    political spectrum to encourage constructive dialogue between the
    government and opposition. The aim will be to address serious concerns
    that citizens have raised, including facilitating democratic debate and
    improving the electoral system.
        Many of the calls for reforms have merit, including calls to ensure
    free and fair elections, and to strengthen press freedoms. There are
    both administrative measures and legislative processes through which
    these concerns should be addressed. If confirmed, I will continue to
    support efforts to increase the capacities of political parties and
    civil society to promote broader representation within government. U.S.
    assistance programs in Serbia to address human rights include grants to
    civil society organizations that work on a range of protection and
    advocacy issues for members of minority communities.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Serbia on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly with
    independent, local press in Serbia?

        Answer. One of the major obstacles to addressing human rights
    challenges in Serbia is the deteriorating media environment. A free and
    independent media is critical for any democratic society. Despite a
    constitution that guarantees media freedom in Serbia, this right
    continues to be undermined by threats and attacks on journalists;
    lawsuits and criminal charges against journalists or the threat
    thereof; lack of transparency in media ownership; the opaque process
    for awarding government media grants; and editorial pressure from
    politicians and politically connected media owners. These factors
    contribute to significant self-censorship by journalists and media
    outlets. The Serbian public deserves independent sources of information
    in order to empower and support civil society voices seeking to hold
    Serbia's leaders to account.
        If confirmed, I will speak out about these issues whenever we see
    problems and continue to press for true media freedom and media
    plurality in Serbia. I will continue the Embassy's robust engagement
    with both individual journalists and Serbia's leading media
    associations. The Embassy will also continue to be a voice in publicly
    condemning acts of political suppression and threats of violence
    against the media, which journalists in Serbia acknowledge is
    critically important.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. The United States is committed to helping Serbia advance
    the reforms needed to continue its Euro-Atlantic integration while
    countering Russian efforts to derail this integration. In particular,
    U.S. foreign assistance helps Serbia improve media freedom, anti-
    corruption and government transparency, access to the justice system,
    as well as a range of advocacy issues.
        Moscow is looking to expand its malign influence throughout the
    Western Balkans, including in Serbia. Our assistance also helps to
    counter vulnerabilities that make Serbia susceptible to Russian malign
    influence by strengthening judicial institutions; combatting organized
    crime; reducing avenues for corruption, including in the economic
    sector; and supporting exchange programs to bolster civic participation
    and civil society.
        We regularly emphasize to Serbian leaders the need for democratic
    reforms, especially in strengthening the rule of law and media freedom.
    We also point out the importance of policy choices reflecting western
    values. This will help Serbia move forward in the EU accession process,
    as well as to build resilience against malign influence campaigns
    carried out by actors such as Russia.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Serbia on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue actively engaging Serbia on
    strengthening labor rights in Serbia. Part of the nearly $1 billion in
    U.S. assistance to Serbia since 2001 has supported the government's
    efforts to develop stronger economic institutions, including fair labor
    laws, effective inspections, a more effective judiciary, a reduction in
    the grey economy, and introduction of electronic construction permits,
    which was a factor in Serbia's breakthrough into the top 50 countries
    on the World Bank's ``Doing Business'' list.
        As the 2018 Serbia Human Rights Report noted, independent trade
    unions are able to organize and address management in state-owned
    companies on behalf of their members. There were, however, some
    allegations of anti-union dismissals and discrimination. We will
    continue engaging NGOs working to increase labor rights awareness, such
    as for groups facing employment discrimination.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Serbia, no matter
    their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do the
    lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face in
    Serbia? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ people in
    Serbia?

        Answer. Violence targeting LGBTI individuals is among the most
    serious human rights concerns in Serbia. As the 2018 Serbia Human
    Rights Report noted, there were 500,000 LGBTI persons in the country,
    according to civil society organizations. Credible NGOs noted a lack of
    significant progress in establishing dialogue, educating the public on
    LGBTI issues, and addressing hate crimes and bias-motivated violence.
    In addition, LGBTI persons in Serbia face widespread discrimination in
    housing, the workplace, and in public life. If confirmed, I would
    engage the government at all levels on behalf of LGBTI individuals in
    Serbia. I would ensure that independent oversight bodies designed to
    protect human rights, such as the Commissioner for the Protection of
    Equality, are empowered to aggressively pursue their mandates. I would
    also remind the government that a lack of progress on protecting the
    rights of LGBTI persons imperils Serbia's EU accession and will make it
    increasingly difficult for Serbia to attract foreign direct investment.
    If confirmed, I will commit to upholding the rights of LGBTI
    individuals in our broader embassy assistance and outreach programs.

        Question. If a foreign person or government approaches you or a
    staffer at the embassy with derogatory information on a U.S. political
    figure, what is your understanding of official State Department policy
    on how to handle it? In the wake of President Trump's comments
    welcoming such information, it is important that the State Department
    have clear guidance for all of its personnel on how to deal with such
    scenarios. Has a cable with clear guidance on how to handle this
    situation been sent to all U.S. embassies?

        Answer. Pursuant to Foreign Affairs Manual Chapter 12, Section
    262--`Security Awareness and Contact Reporting'--U.S. Department of
    State policy mandates that all employees and contractors report any
    contact that prompts concern that he or she may be the target of actual
    or attempted exploitation by a foreign entity. At the embassy, any such
    contact must be reported as soon as possible to the embassy's Regional
    Security Officer. Cleared U.S. employees are required to take annual
    training ``EX 250 Annual Counter Intelligence Awareness,'' which
    reviews these reporting requirements pursuant to the Foreign Affairs
    Manual section Chapter 12, Section 262. The Department has sent cables
    to all diplomatic and consular posts with clear guidance about this
    training and reporting requirement, in addition to Department notices
    distributed domestically.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to prevent any attempts to target
    or retaliate against career employees on the basis of their perceived
    political beliefs, prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous
    administration. I take allegations of such practices seriously and will
    ensure they are referred to the Department's Inspector General.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, and
    inappropriate conduct with the utmost seriousness. Throughout my
    career, I have immediately addressed any issues raised to me in
    accordance with the Department of State's policies. During my tenure as
    Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs at U.S. Embassy Moscow, an
    employee raised complaints about management decisions made by Embassy
    leadership, including me, to the Department's Inspector General and the
    Office of Special Counsel. I cooperated fully in responding to requests
    for information in this matter and there was no finding that I engaged
    in any wrongdoing. My understanding is that the matter is now closed. I
    take workplace conduct issues very seriously and will continue to hold
    staff to the highest standard.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take the issues of sexual harassment, discrimination, and
    inappropriate conduct with the utmost seriousness and throughout my
    career, I have immediately addressed any issues raised to me in
    accordance with the Department of State's policies, including
    encouraging any employee who feels they have been harassed or
    discriminated against to report such behavior to any supervisor under
    my management or the Department's Office of Civil Rights.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
         Submitted to Anthony F. Godfrey by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. Promoting respect for human rights is a priority for the
    Trump Administration and, if confirmed, it would be a central focus of
    my work in Serbia. From my first assignment as Human Rights Officer in
    Belarus, through assignments in Chechnya, Croatia, Armenia, Turkey,
    Iraq, and Russia, I have made human rights work a high priority.
        In Belarus, my work to highlight the abuses of the government won
    consistent praise from human rights advocates. In Croatia, our team
    helped authorities carry out free and fair elections, paving the way
    for NATO and EU membership. In Armenia, my team's work to improve
    protections for victims of trafficking produced concrete results. In
    Iraq, my consistent work with the fledgling Central Elections
    Commission helped pave the way for parliamentary elections which won
    praise from international observers. In Moscow, despite an adversarial
    environment, my teams brought international attention to a
    deteriorating human rights environment, and in particular to the
    erosion of respect for the right of all individuals to practice the
    religion or belief of their choice.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in Serbia?
    What are the most important steps you expect to take--if confirmed--to
    promote human rights and democracy in Serbia? What do you hope to
    accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. As the 2018 Serbia Human Rights Report noted, government
    corruption, violence against journalists, undue government interference
    with the press, and crimes--including violence--targeting LGBTI
    individuals are among the most serious human rights concerns in Serbia.
    Additionally, police brutality and intimidation, harsh prison
    conditions, domestic and social violence, and discrimination against
    persons belonging to religious and ethnic minorities remain serious
    challenges in Serbia. Serbia must also accelerate progress in resolving
    historical war crimes cases.
        If confirmed, I will press the government of Serbia to address
    these problems at all levels. Robust engagement with civil society
    organizations can provide important perspectives on the reforms needed
    to address these challenges in Serbia. If confirmed, my team and I will
    encourage Serbia's government to engage in dialogue with civil society
    and to accelerate the adoption and full implementation of proposed
    reforms, through democratic means, in line with Serbia's EU accession
    process. I will continue to use U.S. assistance programs in Serbia to
    support democratic institutions, address human rights issues, and
    promote justice and accountability, including through support to civil
    society organizations working on issues such as anti-corruption,
    government transparency, media freedom, safety of journalists, and
    access to the justice system, as well as a range of protection and
    advocacy issues for members of minority communities.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response? What challenges will you face in Serbia in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. One of the major challenges to addressing human rights
    challenges in Serbia is the deteriorating media environment. A free and
    independent media is critical for any democratic society. Despite a
    constitution that guarantees freedom of expression, including for
    members of the press, media freedom in Serbia continues to be
    undermined by threats and attacks on journalists, lawsuits and criminal
    charges against journalists or the threat thereof, lack of transparency
    in media ownership, the opaque process for awarding government media
    grants, and editorial pressure from politicians and politically
    connected media owners. These factors contribute to significant self-
    censorship by journalists and media outlets. The Serbian public
    deserves information from independent sources in order to empower and
    support civil society voices seeking to hold Serbia's leaders to
    account. If confirmed, I will speak out about these issues whenever we
    see problems and continue to press for true media freedom and media
    plurality in Serbia.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Kosovo? If confirmed, what steps will you
    take to pro-actively support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and
    ensure that provisions of U.S. security assistance and security
    cooperation activities reinforce human rights?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue the Embassy's practice of
    meeting with human rights organizations and other civil society
    groups--from all communities--on a regular basis and empowering their
    voices in policy debates. The development of a robust civil society in
    Serbia and a robust, independent media is an essential driver for the
    EU accession-related reform efforts in Serbia, as well as a healthy
    society that is responsive to citizens' needs. The Embassy's
    implementation of the Leahy Law and other vetting programs is robust,
    drawing on diverse information to ensure that security assistance and
    cooperation are consistent with U.S. law and in line with U.S. advocacy
    on human rights issues.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Serbia to address cases of key political prisoners or persons otherwise
    unjustly targeted by Serbia?

        Answer. As noted in the 2018 Human Rights Report, there are no
    reports of political prisoners or detainees in Serbia. If confirmed, I
    will ensure the Embassy team engages with Serbian officials to address
    such issues, if they arise.

        Question. Will you engage with Serbia on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will continue to encourage Serbia to
    improve human rights, civil rights, and governance through both
    political advocacy and programming. Accelerating these efforts is
    essential to Serbia's progress in its European Union accession process,
    as well as improving the quality of life for Serbians. If confirmed, I
    will work to ensure Serbia energetically, sincerely, and
    comprehensively pursues the reforms to which it has committed under its
    EU accession plan.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. I commit to comply with all relevant federal ethics laws,
    regulations, and rules, and to raise concerns that I may have through
    appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Serbia?

        Answer. My investment portfolio includes diversified mutual funds,
    which may hold interests in companies with a presence in Serbia, but
    which are exempt from the conflict of interest laws. I am committed to
    ensuring that my official actions will not give rise to a conflict of
    interest and will remain vigilant with regard to my ethics obligations.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. I am committed to leading a workforce that reflects the
    diverse people and values that we represent in the United States, as I
    have done throughout my career. Diversity is and will remain a top
    Department priority. As the face of America overseas, the people in our
    embassy should represent our country's richness and diversity-it
    demonstrates our commitment to inclusion as well as acceptance and
    respect for all people.
        If confirmed, as Ambassador in Belgrade, I will invest in a
    skilled, diverse workforce ready to lead. This includes recruiting a
    diverse workforce. If confirmed I will encourage the Embassy Human
    Resources team and post's hiring supervisors to recruit equitably from
    a diverse, qualified group of potential applicants.
        Mentoring is paramount in changing and encouraging behaviors. If
    confirmed I will strive to serve as a role model demonstrating the
    Department's expectations regarding diversity and inclusion, and I will
    expect the same from all of post's supervisors.
        The Department has invested in important diversity and leadership
    training programs in support of the ethos of the State Department. If
    confirmed, I will ensure that all post employees receive this training
    and exemplify this ethos.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. Inclusion and diversity cannot exist unless the entire team
    is committed. If confirmed, I will work to ensure structures and
    strategies--including but not limited to training--equip leaders with
    the knowledge and ability to manage diversity, be accountable, measure
    results, and engender a culture of inclusion. I will work to ensure
    that all employees at Embassy Belgrade model the State Department's
    ethos in word and deed. Embassy events will include open forums for
    discussion on various aspects of inclusion, such as engaging
    underrepresented groups and various religious institutions, as
    appropriate.

        Question. How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Serbia
    specifically?

        Answer. Despite some progress, corruption remains the most
    significant rule of law issue in Serbia, hampering its democratic and
    economic development, spurring emigration, and impeding access to
    justice. Not only does corruption limit the willingness of investors to
    commit funding to the country, it also weakens public confidence in
    Serbia's judicial institutions and democracy.
        Corruption--and related threats, such as money laundering--make
    Serbia vulnerable to malign external actors who aim to undermine
    Serbia's independence and democratic institutions.
        If Serbia does not make progress in its efforts to combat
    corruption, it risks undermining forward movement across the range of
    rule-of-law reforms and in its EU accession process.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Serbia
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. There are widespread perceptions in Serbia that the law is
    not implemented consistently or systematically and high-level officials
    engage in corrupt practices with impunity. While some progress has been
    made in the government's fight against corruption, including the
    establishment of specialized anti-corruption and economic crimes
    prosecutorial units, as well as corresponding judicial and police units
    that focus on corruption and financial crimes, evidence of senior-level
    government corruption persists. We are assisting the government of
    Serbia in improving its legal framework for fighting corruption and in
    preventing corruption through transparency at all levels of government,
    but government anti-corruption entities such as the Anti-Corruption
    Agency lack personnel and are not adequately integrated into judicial
    entities. If confirmed, I will lead my team in addressing the
    government's shortcomings to more effectively combat corruption,
    including through targeted technical assistance.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Serbia?

        Answer. U.S. assistance supports Serbia's recently formed
    specialized anti-corruption and economic crimes prosecutorial and
    police departments. Over the past year Serbia has made some progress in
    prosecuting corruption cases involving police and municipal officials,
    however much work remains, particularly in tackling high-level
    corruption and money laundering.
        If confirmed, I will lead Mission Serbia in continuing to emphasize
    the need for law enforcement and prosecutorial and judicial
    institutions to work proactively, independently, transparently, and
    efficiently. Journalists and civic activists have a crucial role to
    play in promoting government accountability, and if confirmed, I will
    continue to address corruption by supporting the development of
    Serbia's civil society and a robust independent media sector.

        Question. Twenty years ago, the three Bytyqi brothers--all American
    citizens--were murdered while in the custody of Serbian Interior
    Ministry officials. Earlier Serbian promises, including by President
    Aleksandar Vucic, have not been fulfilled and, indeed, have been
    replaced by increasingly belligerent responses to a reasonable request
    for justice:

       If confirmed as ambassador, will you use every opportunity to raise
            this case with Serbian officials at the most senior level, and
            to express publicly our demand for justice irrespective of any
            other issue in our bilateral relationship?

        Answer. The United States remains seriously concerned about the
    lack of progress made by Serbian officials in this case. If confirmed,
    I will not waver in seeking justice and accountability for the murder
    of Ylli, Agron, and Mehmet Bytyqi. I am committed to pressing the
    Serbian government to complete a thorough investigation and ensure that
    all who were involved in these crimes are brought to justice,
    regardless of rank or position.
        If confirmed, I will also continue to emphasize the longstanding
    U.S. position that Serbia must credibly investigate and prosecute
    remaining cases related to the conflicts in the Balkans and cooperate
    with neighboring countries and the United Nations to ensure justice for
    the victims.

        Question. A ruling Serbian Progressive Party member of the Serbian
    parliament recently tweeted the following: ``I want to congratulate the
    Serbian people on the day of the liberation of Srebrenica. Thanks to
    General Ratko Mladic on the brilliantly conducted military operation.''
    The United States and the international community consider that
    ``liberation'' to have been a genocide, the massacre of about 8,000 men
    and boys in July 1995. Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin also
    recently said that ``the Serbian people survived genocide rather than
    committed it,'' effectively denying that the Srebrenica genocide took
    place:

       What will you do as ambassador to counter official Serbian efforts
            to revise the history of the 1990s, especially given the U.S.
            role in the Balkans at that time?

        Answer. The Department of State remains deeply concerned by any
    denial of crimes committed during the Balkan conflicts of the 1990s or
    any refusal to accept historical facts established by international
    courts. Serbia is a political and economic leader in the Western
    Balkans. As such, Serbia has the responsibility to foster regional
    stability, reconciliation, and cooperation. Historical revisionism and
    veneration of convicted war criminals, such as Ratko Mladic, foster a
    climate of division and hatred, diminish the suffering of victims, are
    detrimental to Serbia's relationships with its neighbors, and undermine
    regional reconciliation. If confirmed, I will champion historical truth
    and push political and civil society leaders in Serbia to acknowledge
    the genocide in Srebrenica, to condemn instances of historical
    revisionism, and to play a responsible role in advancing security,
    stability, and prosperity for the Western Balkans.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
           Submitted to Anthony F. Godfrey by Senator Jeanne Shaheen

        Question. As part of its Belt and Road initiative, China has been
    investing billions of dollars in Serbia. Russia also continues to hold
    considerable influence over Serbia. In your view, how can U.S. and EU
    leaders ensure that Serbia, if it were to become a member of the
    European Union or eventually NATO, would not be susceptible to Russian
    and Chinese manipulation? As Ambassador, how would you mitigate that
    risk?

        Answer. The Administration strongly supports Serbia's European path
    and its stated goal of European Union membership. Serbia is a member in
    NATO's Partnership for Peace and has a good, cooperative relationship
    with NATO. However, Serbia has been unambiguous that it does not aspire
    to join NATO as an Ally.
        Qualifying for EU membership would mean that Serbia has made great
    strides in reconciling its relationship with Kosovo; strengthening the
    rule of law and media freedoms; and improving transparency,
    accountability, and good governance. If confirmed, I will emphasize to
    Serbian leaders the need to undertake these reforms both to advance
    Serbia's own goal of EU accession, as well as to build resilience and
    close down avenues to malign influence.

        Question. According to the Belgrade Center for Human Rights and
    other groups, including the State Department, Human Rights in Serbia
    and Rule of Law is Serbia is not advancing. In fact, as you discussed
    with my staff, we see daily evidence of the suppression of political
    opposition and free media by President Vucic. Do you believe the
    current government shares our values? As Ambassador, how would you
    prioritize advancing the rule of law and protecting human rights in
    balance with other goals?

        Answer. Serbia stands at a critical inflection point. Its leaders
    in Belgrade must undertake serious reforms to advance Serbia on its
    chosen EU path. Essential to the United States' work in Serbia is
    promoting and defending our shared democratic values, to which Serbia
    has committed as part of its strategic goal of EU accession. This
    requires real work to ensure those values are promoted and protected.
    If confirmed, I will lead my team and apply foreign assistance
    resources in helping our Serbian partners to strengthen their
    democratic institutions, protect the rights of members of minority
    communities, combat corruption, and improve media freedom. We will
    continue to help build the capacities of law enforcement and
    prosecutorial and judicial institutions to work proactively,
    independently, transparently, and efficiently. The Embassy will also
    continue to speak out clearly against any acts of political suppression
    or threats of violence against the media. These messages are critically
    important, and, if confirmed, I will continue to press for true media
    freedom and media plurality in Serbia.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
             Submitted to Herro Mustafa by Senator Robert Menendez

        Question. I remain deeply concerned about Russia's Turkstream
    pipeline project, which will undermine Ukraine's role as a gas transit
    country and increase European and Bulgarian dependence on Russian
    energy. What is U.S. policy with respect to Turkstream? Following
    Russia's recent announcement that the second leg of Turkstream will go
    through Bulgaria, what is your assessment of the construction and
    completion timeline for the second leg of the project?

        Answer. The United States would not support any new gas pipeline in
    the European Union (EU) that does not increase diversification of
    sources, routes and supplies. A second line of Turkstream does nothing
    to advance the EU's commitment to diversify the region's energy
    supplies and would help to cement Europe's significant dependence on
    Russian gas. Such a project would also provide Gazprom with the
    technical capacity to bypass Ukraine for gas transit to Europe. This
    could significantly harm Ukraine's economy while putting the country at
    greater risk of Russian aggression.
        Construction of the offshore portion of Turkstream was completed
    last winter and the onshore portion, within Turkey, could be completed
    by the end of 2019. Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, and Austria are all at
    various stages of coordination and construction to develop associated
    infrastructure to import and transit gas from the second line of
    Turkstream. If confirmed, I will strongly advocate against projects
    that increase European reliance on Russian energy. I will advocate
    instead for projects that can bring competition, transparency, and
    greater security to Bulgaria and European energy markets--projects like
    the Southern Gas Corridor, the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB),
    and the Interconnector Bulgaria-Serbia (IBS).

        Question. I am glad that Bulgaria's parliament overrode President
    Radev's veto of the F-16 purchase and that the F-16 procurement has now
    been approved. However, I am concerned that Russia may have attempted
    to interfere with this purchase. What evidence do you have of Russian
    attempts to interfere with the Bulgarian government's approval of the
    F-16 purchase, including but not limited to bribery or pressure tactics
    with MPs or the President's office? Answer can be provided in
    classified format if necessary.

        Answer. Bulgaria's historic decision to purchase U.S.-made F-16s
    ran counter to Russian interests, as it will reduce Bulgarian
    dependence on Russian military equipment and deepen Bulgaria's defense
    ties to the United States. In doing so, Bulgaria reaffirmed its
    decision to join the Western, Transatlantic community in 1989. Russia
    has meddled in the internal affairs of states across Europe, and while
    I have no specific information regarding Russian meddling with respect
    to the F-16 purchase decision, if confirmed, I will prioritize working
    with Bulgarian counterparts to identify and address Russian malign
    influence.

        Question. Who does the State Department assess is responsible for
    the late June cyberattack on Bulgaria's National Revenue Agency? How
    would State assess whether the cyberattack was related to the F-16
    approval process? Answer can be provided in classified format if
    necessary.

        Answer. The investigation by local authorities into this
    cyberattack is ongoing. The investigation is leading to a local private
    company, TAD Group, and authorities have arrested three individuals
    from this company who are being charged with cyber terrorism.

        Question. Please list all ongoing and planned FMF programs with
    Bulgaria. What is Bulgaria's status with regard to the European
    Recapitalization Incentive Program (ERIP)? If confirmed, how will you
    incorporate anti-corruption measures into conversations with Bulgaria
    regarding FMF and ERIP?

        Answer. Foreign Military Financing (FMF) fills a critical role in
    Bulgaria's defense modernization plans. Between Fiscal Years 2016-2019,
    the Department will provide over $100 million in Foreign Military
    Financing (FMF) to build national territorial defense and maritime
    security capabilities to deter Russian aggression, support
    modernization programs, and divest from Russian legacy equipment.
    Bulgaria will receive FMF bilaterally in FY 2019, and through regional
    programs such as the European Recapitalization Incentive Program
    (ERIP), Countering Russian Influence Fund (CRIF), and through the Black
    Sea Maritime Domain Awareness Program that will include Ukraine,
    Georgia, and Romania.Specific programs (some pending Congressional
    notification) include development of Land Forces' intelligence-sharing
    and secure communications for multinational operations and training in
    support of U.S. and NATO-led deployment missions; maritime security
    programs such as counter mine measures, underwater vehicles, and
    regional detection, information sharing and response capabilities; F-16
    procurement and divestiture of Russian aircraft; and cyber-defense
    training and assessment. FY 2019 programs are still under development
    pending final allocation levels.Bulgaria is a part of ERIP and will
    receive up to $60 million of FY 2018-OCO FMF to support the divestiture
    of largely inoperable Russian MiG-29s. Bulgaria appropriated $1.2
    billion toward the procurement of F-16s and this FY2018-00 FMF helps
    conclude this vital sale of U.S. fighter aircraft.

        Question. I am concerned about Bulgaria's investor citizenship
    program, which creates security, money laundering, and tax evasion
    problems in Bulgaria and across the EU. A January 2019 EU Commission
    report flagged the program's lack of transparency and its weak
    governance and enforcement mechanisms. What are the most recent efforts
    by the Treasury Department to engage Bulgaria on its investor
    citizenship program? Please provide a full list of the recommendations
    Treasury has given Bulgaria to strengthen transparency and governance
    around that program and Treasury's assessment of Bulgaria's progress on
    those recommendations. Please do not simply refer us to Treasury in
    your response.

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work with Bulgaria on fighting
    corruption and advancing the rule of law, which is key to Bulgaria's
    continued growth. If confirmed, I pledge to work with the Treasury
    Department and other relevant departments and agencies to address this
    and the full range of issues needed to fight corruption, promote the
    rule of law, and foster transparency and good governance.

        Question. I was pleased to see that you highlighted strengthening
    and deepening the bonds between Bulgaria and the U.S. as a priority if
    confirmed. How many American Corners are there in Bulgaria, and which
    cities are they in? Please describe in detail your plans to expand the
    American Corners' work to discuss U.S. policies and promote connections
    between the U.S. and the people of Bulgaria.

        Answer. There are three American Corners in Bulgaria which are
    located at public libraries in the country's three largest cities:
    Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. We also have a long-established partnership
    with the University of Veliko Tarnovo, which hosts a space that
    performs many of the same functions as an official American Corner.
        If confirmed, I will work with my Public Affairs Section at Post to
    visit all the American Corners in Bulgaria and to continue our cultural
    and educational programming, within our allocated budgets. Programs
    designed to increase English language proficiency and teach tech skills
    will help Bulgarian youth to improve their employment prospects and
    make it easier for potential U.S. investors to find qualified
    employees. Providing educational advice at our Corners promotes U.S.
    study abroad programs and academic opportunities for qualified
    Bulgarian students. Media literacy programs help Bulgarian audiences to
    identify and refute misinformation. Our Corners will also continue to
    promote American history and culture and strengthen people-to-people
    ties between our two nations, making full use of the variety of
    Americans in-country, including Embassy personnel, Fulbright English
    teachers, official visitors and the U.S. military. American Corners
    will also assist in providing alternatives to negative narratives about
    the United States inspired by Russia, China, and other malign actors.

        Question. What are the most important actions you have taken in
    your career to date to support democracy and human rights? What has
    been the impact of your actions?

        Answer. My most meaningful achievement to promote democracy
    involved my efforts to establish the first fully representative
    provincial council in Mosul, Iraq, to include ethnic and religious
    minorities as well as women. The impact was a political body that gave
    many segments of society a voice in governance and a vehicle for more
    vibrant political debate. I am also proud of the work our mission did
    in India, where I was Political Minister Counselor, to counter violence
    against women and girls. The Department of State honored one of our
    nominees with the International Women of Courage award. I was also
    Human Rights Officer in Greece, responsible for drafting all the
    Congressionally-mandated reports so I am very familiar to the
    requirements and am a strong supporter of human rights. I have always
    met with minority groups throughout my career and have hosted
    representational events for these groups, including LGBTI individuals.
    Where appropriate, I use social media to promote human rights and
    democracy.

        Question. What issues are the most pressing challenges to democracy
    or democratic development in Bulgaria? These challenges might include
    obstacles to participatory and accountable governance and institutions,
    rule of law, authentic political competition, civil society, human
    rights, and press freedom. Please be as specific as possible.

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria highlighted several ongoing human rights issues of concern,
    including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability in the
    judicial system; mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers;
    corruption in all branches of government; violence against ethnic
    minorities; physical mistreatment of detainees and convicts by
    officials; and harsh conditions in prisons and detention facilities. If
    confirmed, I will engage with Bulgarian authorities and civil society
    and encourage cooperation to address ongoing corruption concerns,
    promote tolerance and nondiscrimination, and protect media freedoms.

        Question. What steps will you take--if confirmed--to support
    democracy in Bulgaria? What do you hope to accomplish through these
    actions? What are the potential impediments to addressing the specific
    obstacles you have identified?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage with Bulgarian authorities and
    civil society and encourage cooperation to address ongoing corruption
    concerns, promote tolerance and nondiscrimination, and protect media
    freedoms. I will also emphasize that corruption enables malign actors
    to undermine Bulgaria's economic prosperity and political stability.
        Fighting corruption and advancing the rule of law are key to
    Bulgaria's continued growth. But rule of law reform is a long-term,
    multifaceted and challenging process. While Bulgaria has demonstrated a
    commitment to reform and taken some steps to build a more open,
    inclusive, and prosperous society, more remains to be done.

        Question. How will you utilize U.S. government assistance resources
    at your disposal, including the Democracy Commission Small Grants
    program and other sources of State Department and USAID funding, to
    support democracy and governance, and what will you prioritize in
    processes to administer such assistance?

        Answer. In light of Bulgaria's EU membership, the United States no
    longer provides bilateral development assistance to Bulgaria. In 2017,
    the State Department established a Resident Legal Advisor's (RLA)
    office in Embassy Sofia to focus on anti-corruption in Bulgaria and the
    region. The RLA advises and trains Bulgarian officials on best
    practices in preventing and prosecuting high-level corruption. Bulgaria
    also sends participants to the State Department's International Law
    Enforcement Academy in Budapest where they receive training on topics
    related to strengthening the rule of law, and the Embassy has supported
    progress by engaging civil society and speaking publicly about the
    importance of reforms. If confirmed, I will work with my team at our
    Embassy in Sofia to continue engaging with Bulgarian officials at all
    levels of government to support good governance and anti-corruption
    programming.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to engaging with
    democratically-oriented members of the opposition?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with a broad array of
    democratically-oriented political figures and parties and will advocate
    for their broad access to and inclusion in political processes.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with civil society
    members, human rights and other non-governmental organizations in the
    U.S. and with local human rights NGOs, and other members of civil
    society in Bulgaria? What steps will you take to pro-actively address
    efforts to restrict or penalize NGOs and civil society via legal or
    regulatory measures?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society in Bulgaria,
    including with human rights and religious groups and other non-
    governmental organizations, and oppose any efforts to restrict NGOs or
    civil society through legal or regulatory measures.

        Question. If confirmed, do you commit to meet with democratically
    oriented political opposition figures and parties? What steps will you
    take to encourage genuine political competition? Will you advocate for
    access and inclusivity for women, minorities and youth within political
    parties?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will meet with a broad array of
    democratically-oriented political figures. Most observers found that
    the May 2019 European Parliament elections were generally free and
    democratic. Still, there were reports of problems and allegations of
    vote-buying that merit scrutiny and should be addressed. I will
    advocate for access and inclusivity for women, minorities, including
    religious minorities, and youth within political parties.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Bulgaria on freedom of the press and address any government efforts
    designed to control or undermine press freedom through legal,
    regulatory, or other measures? Will you commit to meeting regularly
    with independent, local press in Bulgaria?

        Answer. If confirmed, my embassy team and I will actively engage
    with Bulgaria on freedom of the press and will meet regularly with
    independent, local press. The United States supports media freedom
    everywhere, as a free press is essential to the functioning of a
    democracy. If confirmed, I will engage the Bulgarian government on any
    measures designed to control or undermine press freedom.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with civil
    society and government counterparts on countering disinformation and
    propaganda disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the
    country?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will actively engage with civil society and
    the Bulgarian government to counter disinformation and propaganda
    disseminated by foreign state or non-state actors in the country.

        Question. Will you and your embassy teams actively engage with
    Bulgaria on the right of labor groups to organize, including for
    independent trade unions?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will actively support labor rights in
    Bulgaria and engage with the Bulgarian government on this issue.

        Question. Will you commit to using your position, if confirmed, to
    defend the human rights and dignity of all people in Bulgaria, no
    matter their sexual orientation or gender identity? What challenges do
    the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people face
    in Bulgaria? What specifically will you commit to do to help LGBTQ
    people in Bulgaria?

        Answer. Yes, if confirmed, I will work to support human rights for
    all, including by strengthening efforts to address the discrimination
    LGBTI persons face. I will also continue our Embassy's long-standing
    public support for the human rights and fundamental freedoms of LGBTI
    persons. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria noted a number of concerns, including anti-LGBTI hate speech,
    threats, and assault.

        Question. If a foreign person or government approaches you or a
    staffer at the embassy with derogatory information on a U.S. political
    figure, what is your understanding of official State Department policy
    on how to handle it? In the wake of President Trump's comments
    welcoming such information, it is important that the State Department
    have clear guidance for all of its personnel on how to deal with such
    scenarios. Has a cable with clear guidance on how to handle this
    situation been sent to all U.S. embassies?

        Answer. If approached with derogatory information, it is important
    to make certain that this information immediately reaches the
    appropriate law enforcement officials and my Front Office in
    Washington, DC. Pursuant to 12 Foreign Affairs Manual section 262--
    ``Security Awareness and Contact Reporting''--U.S. Department of State
    policy mandates that all employees and contractors report any contact
    that prompts concern that he or she may be the target of actual or
    attempted exploitation by a foreign entity. At the embassy, any such
    contact must be reported as soon as possible to the embassy's Regional
    Security Officer. Cleared U.S. employees are required to take annual
    training ``EX 250 Annual Counter Intelligence Awareness,'' which
    reviews these reporting requirements pursuant to 12 Foreign Affairs
    Manual section 262. The Department has sent cables to all diplomatic
    and consular posts with clear guidance about this training and
    reporting requirement.

        Question. Do you agree that any targeting of or retaliation against
    career employees based on their perceived political beliefs, prior work
    on policy, or affiliation with a previous administration, is wholly
    inappropriate and has no place in the federal government? If confirmed,
    what will you do to ensure that all employees under your leadership
    understand that any retaliation, blacklisting, or other prohibited
    personnel practices will not be tolerated?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work to prevent any attempts to target
    or retaliate against career employees on the basis of their perceived
    political beliefs, prior work on policy, or affiliation with a previous
    administration. I take allegations of such practices seriously and will
    ensure they are referred to the Department's Inspector General.

        Question. Has anyone ever made a formal or informal complaint or
    allegation of sexual harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic,
    religious, etc.), or inappropriate conduct against you, in a workplace
    or any other setting? If so, please describe the nature of the
    complaint or allegation, your response, and any resolution, including
    any settlements.

        Answer. I take all forms of harassment and discrimination in the
    workplace very seriously and ensure that those who work for me also
    understand the seriousness of such complaints and allegations. If I
    become aware of any such concerns, I address the concerns promptly and
    in accordance with Department policy and regulation. I also ensure that
    all staff complete the mandatory EEO and harassment training. I have
    never been named in a formal or informal complaint of harassment or
    discrimination.

        Question. Have you ever addressed concerns or allegations of sexual
    harassment, discrimination (e.g., racial, ethnic, religious, etc.), or
    inappropriate conduct made against any employee over whom you had
    supervisory authority? If so, please describe the outcome and actions
    taken.

        Answer. I take any allegation of discrimination and sexual
    harassment in the workplace very seriously and ensure that those
    working for me understand how to address such concerns promptly and
    appropriately. If I become aware of possible misconduct, I immediately
    coordinate with the Office of Civil Rights at the State Department (S/
    OCR) and with the EEO Counselors at post on appropriate next steps.
    Additionally, I take the Department's mandatory reporting requirement
    seriously. In accordance with Department regulations, if I hear,
    witness, or should have reasonably suspected that discrimination or
    sexual harassment has occurred, I would report the matter directly to
    S/OCR.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
               Submitted to Herro Mustafa by Senator Marco Rubio

        Question. Do you concur that Hezbollah-backed terrorists conducted
    the Burgas attack?

        Answer. The State Department concurs that Hizballah conducted the
    Burgas attack. If confirmed, I will call on the Bulgarian government to
    complete the trial of the Hizballah members charged in absentia,
    consistent with its domestic law.

        Question. Intelligence services from the U.S., Bulgaria, Australia,
    Canada, and other nations provided information to the Bulgarian
    government implicating Hezbollah. Therefore, why do you believe that
    the Bulgarian government has not yet named Hezbollah in the indictment?
    Does this concern you?

        Answer. Any wavering in the Bulgarian government's resolve to link
    the attack to Hizballah concerns me. If confirmed, I will call on the
    Bulgarian government to complete the trial.

        Question. Will you convey the U.S. government's deep concerns to
    Bulgaria's government that it appears that Bulgaria is attempting to
    conceal Hezbollah's role in the attack? Will you provide regular
    updates to Congress on your conversations with Bulgaria's government on
    this topic?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will convey these concerns and provide
    regular updates to Congress on this topic.

                                   __________

                Responses to Additional Questions for the Record
            Submitted to Herro Mustafa by Senator Benjamin L. Cardin

        Question. What are your most meaningful achievements to date in
    your career to promote human rights and democracy? What has been the
    impact of your actions?

        Answer. My most meaningful achievement to promote democracy
    involved my efforts to establish the first fully representative
    provincial council in Mosul, Iraq, to include ethnic and religious
    minorities as well as women. The impact was a political body that gave
    many segments of society a voice in governance and a vehicle for more
    vibrant political debate. In India, where I was Political Minister
    Counselor, we countered violence against women and girls. The
    Department of State honored one of our nominees with the International
    Women of Courage Award. I was also Human Rights Officer in Greece,
    responsible for drafting all Congressionally-mandated reports so I am
    very familiar with the requirements and am a strong supporter of human
    rights. I have always met with minority groups throughout my career and
    have hosted representational events for these groups, including LGBTI
    individuals. Where appropriate, I use social media to advocate for
    human rights and democracy.

        Question. What are the most pressing human rights issues in
    Bulgaria? What are the most important steps you expect to take--if
    confirmed--to promote human rights and democracy in Bulgaria?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria highlighted several ongoing human rights issues of concern,
    including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability in the
    judicial system; mistreatment of migrants and asylum seekers;
    corruption in all branches of government; violence against ethnic
    minorities; physical mistreatment of detainees and convicts by
    officials; and harsh conditions in prisons and detention facilities.
    The 2018 U.S. Report on International Religious Freedom for Bulgaria
    also noted concerns by religious minorities of increases in hate speech
    and anti-Semitism. If confirmed, I will engage with Bulgarian
    authorities and civil society and encourage cooperation to address
    ongoing corruption concerns, promote tolerance and nondiscrimination,
    and protect media freedoms.

        Question. What do you hope to accomplish through these actions?

        Answer. If confirmed, I hope that these actions will help
    strengthen democratic institutions and the rule of law in Bulgaria,
    while also increasing tolerance and participation for marginalized and
    minority communities in political, economic, and social life. In
    addition, by promoting the protection of media freedoms, for example,
    we can encourage a more vibrant media environment and open, vigorous,
    pluralistic, and respectful discussion of issues.

        Question. If confirmed, what are the potential obstacles to
    addressing the specific human rights issues you have identified in your
    previous response?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will work closely with the Bulgarian
    government on rule of law issues and to protect human rights and
    fundamental freedoms for all. Rule of law reform is a long-term,
    multifaceted and challenging process. While Bulgaria has taken steps to
    build an open, inclusive, and prosperous society, more remains to be
    done. We are concerned about indications in Bulgaria that media outlets
    are closing or being purchased by conglomerates, reducing the diversity
    of available views to the public.

        Question. What challenges will you face in Bulgaria in advancing
    human rights, civil society and democracy in general?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria highlighted several ongoing concerns regarding human rights,
    civil society, and democracy. In addition to the challenges referenced
    in the previous response, I expect challenges on the issues of Roma
    integration, LGBTI inclusivity, and combatting human trafficking.

        Question. Are you committed to meeting with human rights, civil
    society and other non-governmental organizations in the U.S. and with
    local human rights NGOs in Bulgaria?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage with civil society and
    non-governmental organizations both in the United States and in
    Bulgaria on a range of human rights and other issues of mutual
    interest.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to pro-actively
    support the Leahy Law and similar efforts, and ensure that provisions
    of U.S. security assistance and security cooperation activities
    reinforce human rights?

        Answer. I appreciate the importance of the Leahy Law and worked on
    Leahy vetting extensively when I was the Political Minister Counselor
    at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, India. If confirmed, I will ensure
    all the required vetting is carried out for any security assistance and
    security cooperation activities in order to reinforce human rights.

        Question. Will you and your embassy team actively engage with
    Bulgaria to address cases of key political prisoners or persons
    otherwise unjustly targeted by Bulgaria?

        Answer. According to the 2018 Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices, there were no reports of political prisoners or detainees in
    Bulgaria. However, if confirmed, I pledge to actively engage with
    Bulgarian officials, regulatory bodies, nongovernmental and civil
    society organizations to address any such cases should they arise.

        Question. Will you engage with Bulgaria on matters of human rights,
    civil rights and governance as part of your bilateral mission?

        Answer. Yes. If confirmed, I will engage Bulgaria on matters of
    human rights, civil rights and governance as part of my bilateral
    mission.

        Question. Do you commit to bring to the committee's attention (and
    the State Department Inspector General) any change in policy or U.S.
    actions that you suspect may be influenced by any of the President's
    business or financial interests, or the business or financial interests
    of any senior White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I
    may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you commit to inform the committee if you have any
    reason to suspect that a foreign government, head of state, or foreign-
    controlled entity is taking any action in order to benefit any of the
    President's business or financial interests, or the interests of senior
    White House staff?

        Answer. If confirmed, I commit to comply with all relevant federal
    ethics laws, regulations, and rules, and to raise any concerns that I
    may have through appropriate channels.

        Question. Do you or do any members of your immediate family have
    any financial interests in Bulgaria?

        Answer. No.

        Question. Research from private industry demonstrates that, when
    managed well, diversity makes business teams better both in terms of
    creativity and in terms of productivity. What will you do to promote,
    mentor and support your staff that come from diverse backgrounds and
    underrepresented groups in the Foreign Service?

        Answer. Diversity is one of my top leadership principles, and if
    confirmed, I will continue to promote diversity of views and personnel
    in the workplace. I will meet regularly one-on-one for professional
    development sessions with my team and also ensure they have
    opportunities for professional growth.

        Question. What steps will you take to ensure each of the
    supervisors at the Embassy are fostering an environment that is diverse
    and inclusive?

        Answer. Diversity is one of my top leadership principles and if
    confirmed, I will highlight diversity in my first mission Town Hall to
    set the tone up front. I will also ask that all supervisors ensure they
    account for diversity in the hiring and assignments process. If
    confirmed, I will also stress to them that inclusivity is critical to
    our collective success.

        Question.  How do you believe political corruption impacts
    democratic governance and the rule of law generally, and in Bulgaria
    specifically?

        Answer. Around the world, corruption saps economic growth, hinders
    development, destabilizes governments, undermines democracy and
    provides openings for dangerous criminals and malign actors. The
    Department of State has made anticorruption a national security
    priority. According to the 2018 Country Report on Human Rights
    Practices, the Bulgarian Industrial Association identified corruption
    as the main factor for low levels of foreign direct investment and
    Transparency International Bulgaria also stated there had been no
    significant progress in the country's anticorruption efforts. If
    confirmed, I will engage the Bulgarian government, at all levels, on
    anticorruption and to strengthen rule of law in support of Bulgaria's
    economic prosperity and political stability.

        Question. What is your assessment of corruption trends in Bulgaria
    and efforts to address and reduce it by that government?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria noted corruption remained a concern. According to the report,
    the government did not implement anticorruption laws effectively, and
    officials in all branches of government reportedly engage in corrupt
    practices with impunity. Corrupt practices included bribery, conflict
    of interest, elaborate embezzlement schemes, procurement violations,
    and influence trading. The recent enactment of a law to combat
    corruption--the law also established an Anti-Corruption Commission--is
    a move in the right direction, but effective implementation of the law
    will continue to be important. The European Commission commended the
    legislation while also noting that Bulgarian authorities would need to
    show concrete results. If confirmed, I will seek to continue our work
    in support of anticorruption efforts to enhance Bulgaria's economic
    prosperity and political stability.

        Question. If confirmed, what steps will you take to strengthen good
    governance and anticorruption programming in Bulgaria?

        Answer. In 2017, the State Department established a Resident Legal
    Advisor's (RLA) office in Embassy Sofia to focus on anticorruption in
    Bulgaria and the region. The RLA advises and trains Bulgarian officials
    on best practices in preventing and prosecuting high-level corruption.
    Bulgaria also sends participants to the State Department's
    International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest where they receive
    training on topics related to strengthening the rule of law, and the
    Embassy has supported progress by engaging civil society and speaking
    publicly about the importance of reforms. If confirmed, I will work
    with my team at the Embassy in Sofia to continue this type of
    engagement with Bulgarian officials at all levels of government to
    support good governance and anticorruption programming. I will also
    engage with civil society and the press on corruption issues and
    consider establishing concrete benchmarks for progress.

        Question. I am very troubled that a NATO country has, as its
    Minister of Defense, someone who has proposed targeting Roma for
    reduction in birth rate, and another cabinet official who has been
    convicted of hate speech against Roma. How will you engage with a
    government that includes representatives of an extremist party?

        Answer. If confirmed, I will call on Bulgarian government officials
    to take steps to combat intolerance against Roma and to enable their
    full participation in civic and economic life. I affirm my commitment
    to work for dignity and equality for Roma people in Bulgaria.

        Question. When you travel outside of Sofia, will you make a point
    of meeting with Roma in the communities where they live?

        Answer.Marginalization of the Roma minority remains among the most
    pressing human rights concerns in Bulgaria, where municipalities
    continue the practice of disproportionately targeting illegally-built
    Roma housing for demolition. If confirmed, I will make a point of
    meeting with Roma in the communities where they live and I will
    encourage Bulgaria to take steps to combat intolerance against the Roma
    and other marginalized groups.

        Question. Bulgarian law prohibits campaigning in minority
    languages. This violates OSCE norms relating to ethnic minorities, free
    speech, and free elections. Will you encourage Bulgarian officials to
    re-examine this law?

        Answer. The 2018 U.S. Country Report on Human Rights Practices in
    Bulgaria noted that the law prohibits campaigning in languages other
    than Bulgarian, and the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human
    Rights reported that the law limited the ability of ethnic minority
    groups to understand election rules and to participate effectively in
    the election process. If confirmed, I pledge to support political
    inclusion for minorities, as well as free speech and free elections,
    and I would encourage Bulgarian officials to re-examine the law.

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