WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks at a committee hearing on the nominations of Bill Bazzi to be Ambassador to Tunisia, Melinda Hildebrand to be Ambassador to Costa Rica, Riley Barnes to be Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Todd Wilcox to be Assistant Secretary of State for Diplomatic Security and Dan Negrea to be Representative of the United States of America on the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. In her remarks, Ranking Member Shaheen emphasized the vital role of U.S. diplomacy in protecting American interests abroad and countering China’s growing influence in key regions.
You can watch her opening remarks here.
“From protecting our diplomats serving in dangerous posts to standing up for human rights and civil society to countering China in North Africa and Latin America, each of the posts you have been nominated for is critical to American foreign policy,” said Ranking Member Shaheen.
Ranking Member Shaheen also raised concerns about the use of Diplomatic Security agents who are working alongside Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“Mr. Wilcox, if confirmed you will be running the State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “This bureau is charged with safeguarding all personnel who serve in American diplomatic missions—no easy feat. That mission includes counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and criminal investigations. On top of these responsibilities, the Administration has deployed Diplomatic Security agents to work alongside ICE. I’d like to hear from you whether these reassignments are affecting our ability to protect our personnel serving overseas and the missions that DS is responsible hear at home.”
Ranking Member Shaheen concluded her remarks by highlighting the need to counter China’s influence abroad.
“Finally, Mr. Bazzi and Ms. Hildebrand—you have both been nominated to serve as ambassadors in countries where China’s influence is rapidly expanding,” said Ranking Member Shaheen. “Tunisia was the only Arab Spring country to transition to a democracy, but today many young people increasingly see China as the partner of the future. Costa Rica faces similar dynamics as tariffs undermine economic ties and raise questions about whether the United States can be relied on as a dependable partner. At the same time, this Administration has cut rule of law and anti-corruption programs in Costa Rica, which have benefitted transnational organized crime groups. I hope you will both speak to your plans to counter China’s increasing influence and strengthen democratic and legal institutions.”
The Ranking Member’s remarks, as delivered, are below.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and welcome to our nominees. Thank you all for your willingness to serve this country and welcome to your family and friends who are here supporting you. From protecting our diplomats serving in dangerous posts to standing up for human rights and civil society to countering China in North Africa and Latin America, each of the posts you have been nominated for is critical to American foreign policy.
Mr. Wilcox, if confirmed you will be running the State Department Bureau of Diplomatic Security. This bureau is charged with safeguarding all personnel who serve in American diplomatic missions—no easy feat. That mission includes counterintelligence, counterterrorism, cybersecurity and criminal investigations. On top of these responsibilities, the Administration has deployed Diplomatic Security agents to work alongside ICE. I’d like to hear from you whether these reassignments are affecting our ability to protect our personnel serving overseas and the missions that DS is responsible hear at home.
Mr. Barnes—if confirmed to lead the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, you would take over an office that has long been at the vanguard of supporting independent media and civil society in places like Belarus, Georgia, Venezuela and Tibet. Unfortunately, this Administration has terminated most of these programs and is considering further rescission cuts. It’s gutted the annual Human Rights Reports intended to hold countries’ feet to the fire on democratic backsliding and violations of human rights. If confirmed, I’m interested in hearing how will you carry out your mission and what support can human rights defenders expect in these countries where they are now under attack?
Mr. Negrea [...] as the nominee to the UN Economic and Social Council, your responsibilities also include important human rights work. China has been stepping up its efforts to assert influence at the United Nations—blocking non-profit groups and silencing human rights defenders. If confirmed—how will you work to limit China’s reach while supporting voices from places like Xinjiang or Hong Kong that Beijing is trying to suppress?
Finally, Mr. Bazzi and Ms. Hildebrand—you have both been nominated to serve as ambassadors in countries where China’s influence is rapidly expanding. Tunisia was the only Arab Spring country to transition to a democracy, but today many young people increasingly see China as the partner of the future. Costa Rica faces similar dynamics as tariffs undermine economic ties and raise questions about whether the United States can be relied on as a dependable partner. At the same time, this Administration has cut rule of law and anti-corruption programs in Costa Rica, which have benefitted transnational organized crime groups. I hope you will both speak to your plans to counter China’s increasing influence and strengthen democratic and legal institutions.
I look forward to hearing from all of you. Thank you.
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