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 nominations hearing. Witnesses included Mr. Caleb Orr to be an assistant secretary of State, The Honorable Kenneth Howery to be ambassador to Denmark, The Honorable Callista Gingrich to be ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Ms. Somers Farkas to be ambassador to Malta, and Mr. Leandro Rizzuto to be ambassador to the Organization of American States.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“Let me welcome you all here today. I want to recognize issues that each of you are going to be facing.
“Mr. Rizzuto, if confirmed to be ambassador to the Organization of American States, a critical part of your job will be working to institute fair burden-sharing across OAS member organizations. As is the case with so many of the international organizations that America is part of the U.S. is taken advantage of at the OAS.
“In 2023, American taxpayers contributed a staggering 49.99% of the organization’s budget. If the member states want to maintain an organization, all member states should support the organization – it’s as simple as that. This is particularly important given the rising threats we face from Chinese malign influence in the Western Hemisphere. I look forward to hearing how you will work with the OAS to counter this influence and ensure fair contributions from all member states.
“Ms. Gingrich, as ambassador to Switzerland, you’ll be working in a country that is famously neutral, but nonetheless a close partner of the United States. However, given the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, and a rising threat from China, we need all hands-on deck to protect our shared values and common interests. Free nations must work together to preserve our way of life, and I hope that you’ll work with the Swiss to prepare for the rapidly changing security environment we face.
“Mr. Howery, there is no doubt that Denmark is an important ally as we work to confront the security challenges in Europe. President Trump has made it clear that Greenland sits in a strategic location and is critical to U.S. and our allies’ security in the North Atlantic.
“It’s also important that the U.S. work with Denmark to protect international shipping lanes from nefarious and irresponsible actors. I look forward to hearing how you will engage with all parties on these matters.
“Mr. Orr, America’s strength has always been in our private sector – our businesses large and small. Our free markets have created an environment where business thrives and innovation and risk-taking are encouraged. America’s economy indeed lifts the whole world.
“As assistant secretary for Economic and Business Affairs, you’ll be charged with spreading this message and working with other nations to foster prosperous economies in their country that then also benefit the American economy. During our time today, I look forward to hearing how you will execute on President Trump’s economic vision while at the State Department.
“Ms. Farkas, as you know, Malta is an ally and a European Union partner that is strategically located in the Mediterranean. It is important that we continue to work with Malta to continue our cooperation on regional security and countering illicit finance and money laundering.
“The U.S. has a vital role to play here, but we also need to see leaders at the European Union continue their efforts as well – especially on the question of Malta’s “Golden Passport” program. I look forward to hearing how you’ll work with your counterparts in Malta to advance these issues.
“These are big jobs, and you will be at the forefront of implementing the changes that will guide the next four years of American history.
“I’m grateful for your willingness to serve – we all are grateful for your willingness to serve – and look forward to our conversation today.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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