[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21449]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       NOMINATION OF ADAM SZUBIN

  Mr. DONNELLY. Mr. President, in addition, I can't speak today without 
also raising my deep concerns and increasing disappointment that the 
Senate continues to senselessly delay the confirmation of Adam Szubin 
as Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Crimes. Mr. 
Szubin has an impeccable record across both Republican and Democratic 
administrations for combating terrorist financing and overseeing our 
sanctions against foreign adversaries. He is one of the best tools in 
our toolbox against the likes of Iran, ISIS, and Al Qaeda. Yet, despite 
glowing praise from both sides of the aisle, week after week, month 
after month, Mr. Szubin's confirmation remains in limbo.
  This Sunday will mark the 7-month anniversary of Mr. Szubin's 
nomination. In those 7 months, we have watched ISIS spread across Iraq, 
Syria, and beyond. We have seen Iranian funds and weapons continue to 
flow to terrorists across the Middle East. We have witnessed the tragic 
attacks in Paris, San Bernardino, and elsewhere.
  In an acting capacity, without having received the full support of 
the U.S. Senate, Mr. Szubin's status and stature is undermined when he 
travels abroad to persuade allies to cooperate with us in the fight 
against terrorism and especially in efforts to go at one of the 
terrorists' Achilles heels: their funding sources.
  Seven months is too long. Both of Mr. Szubin's recent predecessors 
were approved over a much shorter period of time. One was approved in 
just 3 weeks.
  So with the same urgency that I would ask the international community 
to act collectively--and failing that, the administration to 
unilaterally sanction Iran for its flagrant violation of Resolution 
1929--I also urge the Senate to take immediate action to confirm Mr. 
Szubin for a post vital to our national security and one for which he 
is eminently qualified.
  I yield back.
  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.
  Mr. NELSON. 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the quorum call be rescinded.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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