[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 176 (Tuesday, December 1, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S12069]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ANNE SLAUGHTER ANDREW

  Mr. BAYH. Mr. President, I thank you very much for allowing me to 
express my support for Anne Slaughter Andrew.
  The strong relationship between the United States and Costa Rica is 
one of mutual respect, shared democratic principles, and a commitment 
to protecting Costa Rica's abundant natural resources. Costa Rica is a 
worldwide leader in green energy and sustainability--it currently 
generates more than 90 percent of its electricity from sustainable 
sources and has committed to being carbon neutral by 2021.
  In recommending my fellow Hoosier, Ms. Andrew, I have the benefit of 
being able to speak from personal experience. When I was Governor of 
Indiana, I appointed her to the Indiana Natural Resources Council, an 
organization which engages in the conservation of Indiana's natural 
resources and park lands. That is one of many positions in Ms. Andrew's 
professional life that demonstrates her strong commitment to 
environmental conservation and clean energy initiatives.
  Although Costa Rica covers only 0.01 percent of the Earth's landmass, 
it is home to approximately 5 percent of the Earth's biodiversity. The 
United States is committed to protecting this biodiversity through 
conservation efforts that contribute to the stabilization of Costa 
Rica's economy.
  Ms. Andrew's leadership and involvement with The Nature Conservatory, 
TNC, in multiple capacities, including as a member of the President's 
Advisory Council, has spanned a decade and is a strong testament to her 
unwavering commitment to the preservation of Costa Rica's--and our 
planet's--natural resources.
  Her most recent endeavor as principal of New Energy Nexus has placed 
her at the cutting edge of the clean energy economy. These combined 
experiences render her uniquely qualified to represent the United 
States as it looks to strengthen partnerships with Costa Rica in the 
field of green energy initiatives. Her service also includes founding 
and directing Anson Group LLC, a biotech consulting company that she 
co-led towards sustained growth and national recognition.
  The post of Ambassador to Costa Rica carries with it the significant 
responsibility of managing the diplomatic personnel in country and 
overseeing the safety of the estimated 1 million Americans who visit 
Costa Rica each year and the thousands of Americans who live there full 
time. In her career, Ms. Andrew has demonstrated herself to be a 
skilled manager who is highly capable of undertaking this 
responsibility.
  I have confidence that Ms. Andrew, if confirmed, will uphold our 
country's strong relations with Costa Rica.

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