[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S627-S628]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CONFIRMATION OF MADELEINE ALBRIGHT TO BE SECRETARY OF STATE

  Mr. ROBB. Mr. President, I am pleased to support the distinguished 
choice of Madeleine Albright to be Secretary of State. Ambassador 
Albright has served the country with distinction over a 20-year period. 
She brings the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to one of 
the most demanding jobs in Government, and I am confident that she will 
help President Clinton continue our leadership of the community of 
nations.
  During her confirmation hearing, Ambassador Albright conveyed to me a 
strong sense of how the United States must act and lead in addressing 
problems around the world where our interests and values are at stake. 
She demonstrated a keen understanding of how diplomacy and force work 
together to advance our foreign policy goals.
  Ambassador Albright stated to the committee that ``force, and the 
credible possibility of its use, are essential to defend our vital 
interests and to keep America safe. But force alone can be a blunt 
instrument, and there are many problems it cannot solve. To be 
effective, force and diplomacy must complement and reinforce each 
other.''
  I believe we need to tangibly demonstrate our commitment to peace and 
stability, in both manpower and structure, as we forge a new security 
order in Europe and serve as a balancing wheel in Asia. American 
leadership abroad will depend on the President and his national 
security team having the spine to lead our allies against inimical 
forces, including rogue nations, terrorist elements, and the spread of 
weapons of mass destruction.
  In that regard, President Clinton has chosen well in Madeleine 
Albright. She has a direct, no nonsense style that suits these times 
well, and will invigorate our foreign policy agenda. I look forward to 
joining hands with her as

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the administration continues its efforts to promote freedom, peace, and 
security abroad.

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