WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing. Witnesses included Tammy Bruce to be deputy representative to the UN, Daryl Nirenberg to be ambassador to Romania, Melissa Argyros to be ambassador to Latvia, Christopher Yeaw to be assistant secretary of State for Arms Control, Nonproliferation, and Stability, Yehuda Kaploun to be special envoy to be Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, and Bernaredo Navarro to be ambassador to Peru.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“Ms. Argyros, if confirmed, you will come to your post as ambassador to Latvia at a critical time. Russian provocations against NATO are on the rise, both by testing our military defenses and spreading propaganda to undermine our military defenses and free societies. Fortunately, Latvia has set a strong example for our European allies in shoring up their defenses and adapting to new security challenges, and the U.S. remains an important and committed partner in helping them faces these threats on the frontline of NATO. I look forward to hearing how you will work with our friends in Latvia to advance our security cooperation and further bolster NATO.
“Ms. Bruce, by now, you’ve probably heard that I’m no fan of the United Nations. I think we both understand the UN has taken advantage of the American taxpayer for far too long. I hope we will hear from you today on how, as deputy ambassador to the UN, you will work with Ambassador Waltz to reform who’s doing a great job, to reform the organization. In particular, I hope you can help course-correct the UN from the horrible antisemitic path it is on and return the Security Council to its core mandate of maintaining international peace and security.
“Mr. Kaploun, since October 7th, we’ve seen a historic rise in antisemitic incidents in the U.S. and the globe. But like you, I believe that everyone, no matter their religious beliefs, deserves to live a life free from discrimination and fear. If confirmed as Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, this will be one of your greatest tasks. I look forward to learning more about your goals for this position and how we can support you in the fight against antisemitism.
“Mr. Navarro, in 2026, the United States and Peru will celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations. If confirmed as ambassador, you’ll be charged with furthering this strong relationship and managing the challenges.
“I am particularly concerned about the Chinese malign influence and Peru’s production of cocaine. I am glad Secretary Rubio has spoken with the president of Peru to reaffirm the need to dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations, that spearhead the production of drugs. Mr. Navarro, I look forward to hearing your plans to strengthen relations with Peru while pushing back on the issues that plague the country.
“Mr. Nirenberg, as you know, Romania plays a critical role in deterring Russia and will be essential to countering Russian aggression against NATO allies. Romania is a steadfast partner of the U.S. in Europe and time and again has played a crucial role in advancing our interests abroad. To keep Romania and our allies closely aligned with the U.S., it is important we use with positive reinforcement to incentivize their cooperation. If you’re confirmed to be ambassador, you will be responsible for maintaining this strong and beneficial bilateral relationship as broader U.S. policy toward Europe continues to evolve. I am confident your Romanian counterparts will be eager to deepen our cooperation.
“Dr. Yeaw, your nomination to assistant secretary for the Bureau of Arms Control and Nonproliferation arrives not a moment too soon. We live with an unprecedented level of nuclear threat, but our arms control architecture is outdated and can’t meet these challenges.
“Russia’s nuclear triad is nearing full modernization, it has suspended its New START obligations, and it continues to test and develop nuclear weapons. Meanwhile, China is racing to nuclear parity with us and refuses to come to the table for talks.
“With the expiration of New START in February, we must use this chance to lead on any new arms control negotiations. I look forward to hearing your plans to fully commit the U.S. to nuclear deterrence and ensure we can match our adversaries.
“Thank you again to all of you and particularly to your families, we know they share in the sacrifices you make to do these jobs and we deeply appreciate. And with that, the distinguished Ranking Member.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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