[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 64 (Wednesday, April 9, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2484-S2485]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

  Mr. THUNE. Mr. President, President Trump has made it clear that his 
foreign policy is centered on advancing America's interests and keeping 
Americans safe. And in the first 3 months of the Trump administration, 
we have seen the President take action on these priorities.
  President Trump has gone after terrorists who target Americans. He 
secured the release of Americans held hostage abroad. And he has put 
America on a stronger footing with respect to adversaries like China 
and Iran.
  This is a welcome change in direction in our foreign policy. Over the 
last 4 years, the Biden administration too often demonstrated weakness 
on the world stage. The disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, for 
example, attempts to accommodate Iran, and I could go on. At times, it 
seemed the administration was more interested in exporting its 
progressive ideology than in advancing America's interests.
  On President Biden's watch, the world grew more unstable. So a 
foreign policy focused on American strength and security is much needed 
at a time like this.
  This week, the Senate is continuing our work to get the President's 
team in place by confirming a slate of nominees for Ambassador 
postings.
  Yesterday, we confirmed our new Ambassador to Japan. Japan is host to 
more U.S. troops than any other country, and it is one of our strongest 
allies when it comes to security in the Indo-Pacific. As China's 
military takes more aggressive actions in this part of the world, our 
relationship with Japan will only grow in importance. So I am glad we 
wasted no time in confirming an ambassador to Tokyo.
  Countering China also needs to be a focus in our own hemisphere. I am 
grateful President Trump has gone after China for its role in the 
fentanyl supply chain. The administration is also working to strengthen 
our partnerships in the Western Hemisphere and ensure the Chinese 
Communist Party does not secure a foothold in our own backyard. Having 
a Senate-confirmed ambassador to Panama, which we will later today, 
will help advance this goal and the administration's effort to ensure 
the Panama Canal, a critical artery for American trade, is not under 
undue Chinese influence.
  Later today, we will also be voting to confirm the U.S. Ambassador to 
Israel. The Trump administration has restored a much needed moral 
clarity when it comes to our ally Israel. More than 18 months after the 
October 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas terrorists, Israel is still at war. 
Hamas continues to hold hostages in Gaza, including multiple Americans. 
Israel depends on U.S. support as it fights to eliminate the terrorist 
threats on its borders.
  President Trump has made it clear the United States stands squarely 
in Israel's corner. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for our 
friends across the aisle. Democrats filibustered the ICC sanctions bill 
earlier this year after Leader Schumer refused to bring it up on the 
floor last year. A number of Democrat Senators continue to vote to 
disarm Israel in the middle of a war by blocking U.S. weapons shipments 
to Israel, as several Democrats did just last week.
  While the Democratic Party struggles to muster support for Israel, 
Republicans will continue to stand with our ally in the Middle East, 
especially in this time of war. I know that once he is confirmed, 
Ambassador Huckabee will be a strong and supportive voice for Israel 
and for America's interests from his post in Jerusalem.
  The Trump administration is working hard to advance America's 
interests and Senate Republicans are working to ensure the Trump 
administration's foreign policy team is put in place as swiftly as 
possible and we will continue to support the President and his 
administration as they work to advance America's interests and secure 
peace through strength.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. 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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