[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 5 (Tuesday, January 25, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Pages S374-S375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     NOMINATION OF CONDOLEEZZA RICE

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I thank the majority leader for his very 
strong support of President Bush's nominee, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. I 
like to think of her as a Coloradan. In Colorado, we are extremely 
proud of her record.
  I rise today in strong support of President Bush's nominee for 
Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in approving this nominee so that she can assist President Bush in 
making his version of a more secure, democratic, and prosperous world 
for the benefit of the American people and the international community 
a reality.
  As many already know, Dr. Rice was born and raised in Alabama. In 
1969, her father moved their family to Colorado to take an academic 
position at the University of Denver. Dr. Rice soon enrolled in 
Denver's St. Mary's Academy, an independent Catholic school and the 
first integrated school she attended. After high school, she earned her 
bachelor's degree in political science, cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, 
from the University of Denver in 1974 and returned a few years later to 
get her Ph.D. from the Graduate School of International Studies at the 
University of Denver in 1981.
  Dr. Rice may have only spent a few years in Colorado but we in 
Colorado are certainly proud of what she has accomplished and like to 
consider her a daughter of the Centennial State.

[[Page S375]]

  Clearly, Condoleezza Rice is eminently qualified for the post of 
Secretary of State. I know many of my colleagues are aware of her years 
at Stanford University, including her service as provost. In addition, 
she served on the National Security Council during George H. W. Bush's 
administration as Director of Soviet and Eastern European Affairs, 
which witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall. She has come full circle 
since then and again served on the National Security Council but this 
time as the national security adviser to our current President and has 
done a magnificent job during very turbulent times.
  Since then, Dr. Rice has consistently provided the President with 
sound advice on national security and foreign policy. She has been 
balanced, fair, and determined to ensure that President Bush received 
the best possible advice.
  Some have questioned Dr. Rice's role as national security adviser and 
how she shaped the Bush administration's policies since the tragedy of 
September 11, 2001--specifically, our action against the Saddam Hussein 
regime. I believe she was instrumental in encouraging the President to 
utilize every diplomatic approach possible. We should not forget that 
President Bush went to the United Nations, secured a Security Council 
resolution demanding disarmament, and worked with our closest allies to 
ensure that Saddam Hussein complied with his obligations. The President 
also sought authorization from this Congress, which over three-quarters 
of this body supported. Unfortunately, Saddam Hussein would not keep 
his end of the bargain and we were left with no choice but military 
action. I am thankful during this turbulent period that Dr. Rice 
ensured the President received advice from multiple viewpoints so he 
could make the bold decisions necessary for our security.
  The Hussein regime is now out of power. The former dictator and 
killer of thousands is sitting in prison and the first democratic 
elections in Iraq are about to take place. Our Nation is more secure 
because a dangerous regime, with a history of aggression and links to 
terrorist organizations, is no longer in power.
  Today, America has demonstrated its resolve in the global war on 
terror. American troops and their coalition allies have achieved this 
historic effort thanks to their sacrifice.
  As democracy in Iraq succeeds, a message will be sent forth that 
freedom can be the future of every nation and that freedom improves the 
peace and security of the United States.
  I am certain Dr. Rice will present this powerful message abroad with 
skill and determination. Just as importantly, Dr. Rice understands that 
successfully fighting the war on terror is not solely a military task. 
Dr. Rice will seek to use our powerful diplomatic leverage to better 
protect our Nation. She will also guide our Nation's diplomatic efforts 
to solve regional and civil conflicts in the Middle East, between 
Israel and its Arab neighbors, in Sudan, Congo, and Liberia, in the 
Balkans, in Cyprus, in Haiti, in Northern Ireland, and elsewhere. Her 
leadership in the important multilateral discussions with the North 
Koreans on their pursuit for weapons of mass destruction will be 
pivotal.
  There are also other challenges which Dr. Rice must tackle with our 
social and economic development programs that the State Department 
manages. The promotion of free trade and investment worldwide, the 
fight against HIV/AIDS, and the implementation of the Millennium 
Challenge Account are but a few ways we can seek to provide our friends 
and allies around the globe with much needed stability and vitality.
  When the President announced his intention to nominate Dr. Rice to be 
Secretary of State, he spoke of relying on her counsel, benefiting from 
her experience, and appreciating her sound and steady judgment. I am 
pleased that the President has sought to replace our current Secretary 
of State, Colin Powell, with another so well equipped for the 
challenges that lie ahead.
  I would be remiss if I did not thank Secretary Powell for his service 
to our great Nation. He has given so much of himself while serving 
during his long and distinguished military career before finally 
leading the Department of State. These two Americans are two of our 
best. We are privileged that while Secretary Powell steps down to 
pursue new challenges, the United States has someone of Dr. Rice's 
credentials to continue to carry the torch of liberty abroad.
  I urge my colleagues to confirm Condoleezza Rice as our 66th 
Secretary of State.
  I yield the floor and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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