[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 31, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       NOMINATION OF JAMES C. HORMEL AS AMBASSADOR TO LUXEMBOURG

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I urge the Majority Leader to schedule a 
vote on the nomination of James Hormel as U.S. Ambassador to 
Luxembourg.
  Jim Hormel is a man of outstanding qualifications with a clear and 
deep commitment to public service, the promotion of human rights, and 
the national interests of the United States. America would be well 
served to have a leader of his high caliber representing this country 
in Luxembourg.
  On the international level, he has recently completed his term as 
Alternate Representative of the U.S. Delegation to the 51st Session of 
the United Nations General Assembly. He was confirmed by the Senate for 
that position in 1997. He was also a member of the U.S. Delegation to 
the United Nations Human Rights Commission. In 1995 he participated in 
President Clinton's Conference on the Pacific Rim.
  Jim Hormel is a talented lawyer who has shown his commitment to 
public service by establishing the James C. Hormel Public Service 
Program at the University of Chicago. This program is designed to 
encourage law students to enter careers in public service.
  Jim Hormel is also a dedicated and energetic community activist. He 
was instrumental in developing resources for organizations serving 
people affected by HIV and AIDS, and he serves on the board of 
directors of the American Foundation for AIDS Research. Recently, he 
was honored by Breast Cancer Action for his leadership of the Men's 
Campaign Against Breast Cancer. He has also been a leader for human 
rights in his capacity as a director of the Human Rights Campaign 
Foundation.
  Jim Hormel is also a renowned philanthropist, and he has supported an 
impressively diverse array of causes, including the American Indian 
College Fund, the United Negro College Fund, Jewish Family and 
Children's Services, the Catholic Youth Organization, the NAACP, the 
San Francisco Symphony, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the San 
Francisco Public Library, the San Francisco Ballet, and the Virginia 
Institute of Autism.
  It was entirely fitting that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee 
overwhelmingly approved his nomination last November. At the time, no 
Senator spoke in opposition. Only after the meeting did two Senators 
ask to be recorded against the nomination.
  I share the concern expressed by other strong supporters of this 
nomination that action on Jim Hormel's confirmation is being delayed 
because he is gay. Delay on that basis would be irresponsible and 
unacceptable. Prejudice based on sexual orientation should have no 
place in this debate, no place in the Senate, and no place in America.
  It is long past time for the Senate to vote on this nomination. Jim 
Hormel will be an excellent ambassador for the United States, and 
deserves to be confirmed as soon as possible.

                          ____________________