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 Frank Weiland to be assistant secretary of State for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, Jennifer Wicks McNamara to be ambassador to Vietnam, Eric Meyer to be ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Gregory LoGerfo to be coordinator for counterterrorism.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“Thank you to all of you and to your families. The families play an important role here, we all know that, and their support is obviously important to everyone.
“Mr. Weiland, your job is an important one, the Transnational Criminal Organizations, their money laundering, and the trafficking they commit pose direct threats to our communities and undermine international stability. As assistant secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, you have a real opportunity to help our foreign partners dismantle these groups.
“I am grateful that President Trump is redoubling efforts against TCOs, including his recent actions in the Caribbean, and international cooperation will significantly improve the success of these and other measures. I hope to hear how you will ensure your bureau plays an active role in strengthening cooperation with our allies in the Western Hemisphere.
“Ms. Wicks, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Vietnam, and our economic and diplomatic relations only continue to grow, most notably with President Trump’s recent trade agreement.
“However, even as the U.S.-Vietnamese relationship grows, Vietnam has continued to strengthen its relationships with China and Russia. Vietnam’s defense and energy cooperation with Russia is particularly troubling, as it contributes to funding Putin’s war machine in Ukraine.
“I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this issue, as well as your plans to boost U.S. commercial diplomacy in Vietnam in the energy sector. Additionally, as you know, this committee has passed a large number of nominees this year, and I want to thank you for your work to make that possible.
“Mr. LoGerfo, as ambassador at large for counterterrorism, you will be charged with helping protect Americans from the terror groups that look to harm us and other innocent communities around the world. Sadly, the previous administration’s failed Afghanistan withdrawal and open borders have put Americans at risk.
“The tragic November attack, here in D.C., was a reminder that Afghanistan continues to serve as a terror haven to groups and inspire individuals who wish to harm Americans. We must do everything we can to prevent future violence.
“At a minimum, we should ensure terrorists do not get ahold of U.S. taxpayer dollars to fund their terrorism. This is why my colleagues and I have tried to pass the No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act.
“You have been nominated for a very difficult but important job. Afghanistan is not the only source of radical Islamic terrorism: Al-Qaeda and ISIS run rampant in the Sahel, Al-Shabaab and the Houthis cooperate around the Red Sea, and Syria and Iraq remain difficult on this front. I look forward to hearing your plans for bolstering America’s counterterrorism capabilities.
“Mr. Meyer, since Sri Lanka’s economic and political crises in 2022, the government has made substantial progress on reforms. If Sri Lanka continues down this path, the country will be well-positioned for U.S. private sector investment and enhanced diplomatic relations.
“Yet, like Vietnam, Sri Lanka has pursued closer ties with China as it seeks to draw foreign investment, and China’s influence over Sri Lanka’s critical infrastructure, military, and energy sectors is concerning. I understand Sri Lanka is learning its lesson and hear they may be interested in finally breaking free of China.
"I look forward to hearing your goals for this role, if confirmed, as well as where you plan to push back against China’s influence in sectors that could undermine a free and open Indo-Pacific.
“With that, thank you to each of the nominees, thank you to your families, and I’m now going to turn it over to the distinguished ranking member.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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