[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 57 (Monday, March 31, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2084-S2085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                     Nomination of Matthew Whitaker

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, the Senate will soon vote to confirm 
my good friend and fellow Iowan Matt Whitaker to be the U.S. Ambassador 
to NATO.
  I support his nomination and urge all my colleagues to vote for his 
confirmation. Matt is someone who is well known back in Iowa, and he 
has earned the respect of many here in Washington, too.
  He has a long record of service to our country, from his time as 
Acting Attorney General in the first Trump administration to his work 
as chief of staff at the Department of Justice.
  He has traveled around the world, meeting with leaders on important 
issues, including dealing with the fentanyl crisis and negotiating with 
Chinese officials.
  During the George W. Bush administration, Matt served our State as 
U.S. attorney for the Southern District from 2004 to 2009, where he 
worked hard to keep our communities safe.
  In Iowa, he is known not just for his work, but for his deep pride in 
his home State. He never lets you forget that he is a proud graduate of 
the University of Iowa, where he earned his undergraduate degree, MBA, 
and law degree.
  In fact, he even played football for the Hawkeyes, including going to 
the Rose Bowl, which speaks to his work ethic and commitment to 
teamwork.
  Matt carries that same commitment and drive in every role he takes 
on--whether it is on the football field, as a U.S. attorney, or in his 
leadership in national law enforcement. This dedication is exactly what 
he will bring to his work with NATO.
  I am proud to support a true friend and fellow Iowan who has always 
shown the highest standards of service to our country. I ask my 
colleagues to support Matt Whitaker's confirmation.

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  He will serve with the same passion and energy that he brings to his 
love of Iowa football, and I have no doubt that he will represent the 
United States on the world stage with the same level of commitment.