[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 162 (Tuesday, October 3, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S4909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Nomination of James C. O'Brien

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I come to the floor today in support of 
James O'Brien to be Assistant Secretary of State for European and 
Eurasia Affairs.
  As Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, as democratic 
backsliding continues to threaten Central Europe, as we continue to 
grapple with energy and food security, we must have a fully staffed and 
empowered diplomatic corps. Vacancies leave a vacuum, and they send the 
wrong message.
  Ukraine is by far one of my highest priorities. It is very clear to 
me that making sure Russia does not succeed in Ukraine is in the United 
States' national security interest. Ukraine is not only fighting for 
itself; if Ukraine loses, Moldova and Georgia are next. Ukraine is on 
the frontline of our fight to defend democracy and our shared values.
  Iran is watching. North Korea is watching. China is watching. When 
they see the resolve of the United States and our coalition of 
partners, it stops them from thinking about taking military action 
elsewhere. That is why we need to continue to show leadership when 
supporting Ukraine against Russia's aggression.
  As the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will do 
everything I can to show the international community that we stand with 
Ukraine today and tomorrow. That means ensuring Ukraine gets more air 
defense and long-range missiles. That means working with our European 
partners who continue to house and support Ukrainian refugees, 
supporting humanitarian assistance for those suffering, including 
children who have been abducted into Russia and families who have been 
torn apart. That means finding a path for the administration's 
supplemental request. And, yes, that means getting our nominees to 
their posts in the European Affairs Bureau.
  Without our nominees confirmed and in their positions, who will 
advocate on behalf of American values in Ukraine and beyond? Who will 
advance America's national security interests? Who will work to lead 
our efforts from Washington to shore up our transatlantic alliance in 
pursuit of stability and peace?
  President Putin is helping far-right political parties, individuals, 
and groups across Europe and beyond who support his agenda. He is 
attacking the human rights of Ukrainian citizens. He is laying waste to 
Ukrainian cities. I believe he is trying to commit genocide in Ukraine, 
and I support an international tribunal into Russian war crimes like 
the one we saw in Nuremberg after World War II.
  Given these challenges, we need someone leading the diplomatic effort 
on behalf of the American people to confront Russia's aggression. That 
is why we must confirm James O'Brien today.
  Ambassador O'Brien had an impressive hearing at the Senate Foreign 
Relations Committee. He presented a compelling vision for how he would 
lead the Bureau of European and Eurasia Affairs. He laid out the 
importance of America's leadership on integrating Ukraine, as well as 
the South Caucasus and the Western Balkans, into the transatlantic 
economic and political structures. He was reported favorably by the 
Foreign Relations Committee by a bipartisan voice vote.
  Ambassador O'Brien brings a wealth of experience to this position, 
having most recently worked as the head of the Office of Sanctions 
Coordination, targeting, among others, the Russian oligarchs who thrive 
on corruption--Russian oligarchs whose corrupt networks are continuing 
to fuel the war in Ukraine, which in turn impacts global energy and 
food prices for just about every single person in the world.
  Beyond his most recent post, Ambassador O'Brien's professional resume 
reads like building blocks for this position. Having served as the 
Principal Deputy Director of Policy Planning and the Presidential Envoy 
for the Balkans, he will be up to speed if the conflict again erupts in 
Kosovo. He won't be afraid to call out bad actors in Bosnia and work 
with those advocating for peace, transparency, and prosperity. He 
helped establish the Office for Hostage Affairs and worked for the safe 
return of 100 American citizens. He dealt with scientific and 
environmental agreements and Russia and Ukraine's post-Soviet 
transitions. He has been part of initiatives to investigate and 
prosecute persons responsible for war crimes. He has received numerous 
awards of distinction from the State Department.

  This is a seasoned professional who is ready to take on this high-
profile challenge. Once he is confirmed, he will be able to hit the 
ground running. That sends a signal that the United States cares about 
what happens in Europe, and right now, we need to show our resolve.
  Ukrainians are doing their part. Even as they fight a war to defend 
their country, they are making good progress on anti-corruption. We 
need to be there for them and make clear that our support is long term 
and bipartisan.
  We need to stand with Ukraine to make sure it gets everything it 
needs to defend itself and succeed in this Russian war. Ukrainian 
success on the battlefield is what will bring Russia to the negotiating 
table--nothing else. That is why it is time for the United States and 
the international community to step up. We cannot take a pass on good 
versus evil.
  I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on cloture for this 
nominee, yes to advancing our diplomatic efforts to confront Putin's 
war in Ukraine, yes to promoting American values, and yes to advancing 
America's national security interests.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  I ask unanimous consent that the vote scheduled for 5:30 begin now.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.