[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 16, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S1207]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Nomination of James C. O'Brien

  Mr. President, that is why we must confirm Jim O'Brien. He is the 
President's nominee for Coordinator for Sanctions. This is our most 
significant tool against Putin and his regime--sanctions. He is the 
President's nominee for Coordinator for Sanctions. Once confirmed, he 
will enhance the Biden administration's efforts with our allies and 
partners to impose devastating costs on Russia.
  To date, more than 30 nations have joined this cause. Countries have 
stepped up that we never would have expected. But the fight is not 
over. We have to keep up the pressure. We must keep up coordination. 
And we must ensure that we are implementing and enforcing sanctions in 
concert with dozens of countries around the globe.
  Now, I know my Republican colleagues agree that this must be a top 
priority. I have heard it on the Foreign Relations Committee: We need 
to do more sanctions. I have heard it on the Senate floor. I have heard 
it in the conversations with my colleagues: We need to do even more. I 
know they want our sanctions to be as effective as possible, so to 
them, I say: Confirm Jim O'Brien today.