[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 27 (Friday, March 13, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1913-S1914]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF JAMES C. HORMEL

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to urge the majority leader 
to schedule a vote on the nomination of James C. Hormel to be U.S. 
Ambassador to Luxembourg. He has my strong support as well as the 
strong support of Senator Feinstein, who has made an eloquent statement 
on the Senate floor on his behalf.
  James Hormel is a successful businessman, a loving father, and a 
loving grandfather.
  On October 29, 1997 before the Foreign Relations Committee, I 
introduced James Hormel for the position of Ambassador to Luxembourg. 
At that hearing, I spoke of his sharp mind, distinguished career and 
extensive knowledge of diplomacy, international relations and the 
business world. Like many of my colleagues, I believe that James Hormel 
was, and still is, clearly qualified for this position.
  Almost five months later, this nomination still has not come to the 
Senate floor for a vote. The full Senate has not even had the 
opportunity to debate the merits of Mr. Hormel's nomination. This is 
because a hold has been placed on the nomination by certain Senators--
apparently because of James Hormel's sexual orientation.
  I say, ``apparently'' because the arguments some have used to oppose 
Mr. Hormel do not ring true.
  The main argument is that Mr. Hormel, through his generous history of 
giving, has donated funds to certain projects--a library collection and 
an educational video--that contain controversial content. These are not 
valid arguments.
  First, it is my understanding that many of the books in question, 
which are found in the San Francisco Public Library, are also in the 
Library of Congress. Neither Congress nor James Hormel should be 
responsible for screening the subjects of books found in their 
libraries.
  And, second, James Hormel had absolutely no input into the content of 
the educational video. If the content of this video is a valid reason 
for the Senate to place a hold on this nominee, it sets a dangerous 
precedent.
  For instance, what if the next nominee that comes before the Senate 
has given money to his or her child's high school newspaper. And, what 
if that newspaper ran a controversial article about a particular 
Senator. Would the Senate then place a hold on that nomination? I don't 
think so. The holds are in place because James Hormel is gay.
  Mr. President, I believe that the Senate should consider nominees 
based on their qualifications. If the Senate agrees with me, there 
should be no controversy over James Hormel's nomination.
  James Hormel, of San Francisco, California, graduated from Swarthmore 
College and shortly thereafter earned his Juris Doctorate at the 
University of Chicago Law School. Mr. Hormel served for several years 
as the Dean of Students and Assistant Dean at the University of Chicago 
Law School. Since 1984, he has presided as Chairman of EQUIDEX, Inc., 
an investment firm based in San Francisco.
  For the past 30 years, Mr. Hormel has been a dedicated 
philanthropist, generously working to support a wide range of worthy 
causes. For his unselfish acts of giving, he has received several 
awards and honors. In 1996, he was named Philanthropist of the Year by 
the Golden Gate Chapter of the National Society of Fundraising 
Executives. Other honors include the Golden Gate Business Association's 
Outstanding Leadership Award, the Silver Spur Award from the San 
Francisco Planning and Urban Research Association, the Public Service 
Citation from the University of Chicago Alumni Association, and many, 
many others.
  On the local level, Mr. Hormel is an active member of the San 
Francisco community working with several important civic organizations. 
His current projects include the San Francisco

[[Page S1914]]

Chamber of Commerce, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the San 
Francisco Symphony and the American Foundation for AIDS Research.
  Because of this impressive record, the Senate Foreign Relations 
Committee approved the nomination of James Hormel by voice vote. And, 
as a matter of fact, just months before, the full Senate unanimously 
confirmed James Hormel to serve as a delegate to the U.N. Human Rights 
Commission.
  Mr. President, James Hormel meets all requirements needed to be the 
ambassador to Luxembourg. If there is any doubt about Mr. Hormel's 
qualifications, we should have an open debate on the floor so these 
questions can be answered.
  In the end, I believe both this country and Luxembourg will benefit 
greatly from James Hormel as U.S. Ambassador.
  Thank you very much, Mr. President. I yield back the time to Senator 
Bennett.
  Mr. BENNETT addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah.
  Mr. BENNETT. The Senator from Montana has informed me he does not 
intend to use the time reserved for him. Not seeing the Senator from 
Pennsylvania on the floor, I now claim my 45 minutes and will proceed.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Utah.

                          ____________________