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 Jacob Helberg to be Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment; Andrew Puzder to be Representative to the European Union; Paul Kapur to be Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs; Benjamin Black to be Chief Executive Officer of the United States International Development Finance Corporation; and Howard Brodie to be Ambassador to Finland.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“I want to thank our nominees for being with us today, and most importantly, thank them and their families for being willing to serve in these important positions that help govern this country. We are proud to have moved 33 of President Trump’s nominees through this committee and look forward to moving your nominations through just the same. We’re moving at a blistering speed compared to previous administrations, and that is done with the cooperation— and just as importantly— the urging of the President of the United States.
“Mr. Helberg, as the Under Secretary of State for Economic Growth, you’ll work on an extensive list of issues that will be exceptionally important as we compete with our adversaries around the world, particularly China. The Chinese Communist Party threatens U.S. leadership globally through its competition to control emerging technologies, abusive trade practices, and economic coercion. Following the previous administration’s failure to promote U.S. economic interests, you will be responsible for State’s role in renewing American prosperity, including a robust strategy to promote U.S. energy and technology abroad. I look forward to hearing your plans.
“Mr. Puzder, over the last three years, Putin’s aggression has created the largest security crisis in Europe since the Second World War. President Trump is working diligently to help end this conflict, but we must keep pushing our European allies to increase their security cooperation. As ambassador to the European Union, your role will require hard conversations with America’s closest allies to urge them to meet the threats they face from Russia. You must also work with your counterpart at NATO to ensure U.S. security interests are reflected in European policy. As you understand, security investments from the EU must benefit all members of our alliances, not just Europe. I hope you’ll deliver a firm message to our European allies— America is a reliable partner, but it’s not an ATM.
“Mr. Kapur, as Assistant Secretary of State for South Asian Affairs, you have an expansive and challenging region. Many countries in South and Central Asia want to work with us. We need to build on that desire and create deeper partnerships that advance American interests. But at the same time, we will need to have frank conversations about China’s growing influence and threats to regional security, particularly in South Asia.
“The recent conflict between India and Pakistan is deeply concerning and has shown us that we must continue our counterterrorism cooperation across the region. The U.S. shares national security interests with both countries, and we need peace between them.
“Additionally, the Biden Administration’s efforts to sweep its failures in Afghanistan under the rug meant turning a blind eye to oppression and a growing threat of terrorism in the country. It will be part of your job to turn the trajectory around and keep Americans safe.
“Mr. Black, as you know, one of our best tools to counter Chinese economic aggression is harnessing American ingenuity and spreading it to countries in need through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Congress created the DFC in partnership with President Trump and it has proven to be critical in advancing U.S. economic and strategic interests.
“But since its creation, the agency has struggled to fulfill its dual mandate to catalyze development and invest in sectors that move the needle in protecting our national security interests. That’s why the Ranking Member and I are working on legislation to ensure DFC delivers both strategic and development value. We want the agency to attract talent, become more risk tolerant, and operate efficiently and effectively. If confirmed, you will be taking the helm of the DFC at a critical juncture. I look forward to working with you to improve it.
“Mr. Brodie, as ambassador to Finland, you’ll step into a role very near to NATO’s border with Russia. Finland contributes a good amount of their GDP to defense spending and has a robust defense industrial base. We appreciate these contributions to our collective defense, but like all of us, Finland could do more. After all, its strategic location means that for its own security, Finland must play a role in protecting the Baltic Sea from Russian hybrid operations, risks posed by its shadow fleet, and in securing the Arctic from Russian and Chinese expansion. Mr. Brodie, I look forward to hearing more about how you plan to work with Finland to counter Russian aggression and advance American security interests. I believe you’ll find that Finland is a willing partner. A lot of us here pressed very hard to get them into NATO, and they’re in now. They have a long relationship with Russia. You’ll find it quite interesting in dealing with them.
“These are exciting but challenging times in foreign policy. Without a doubt, the work you do will be mentioned in history books for decades. I look forward to seeing what you accomplish to make America more secure and prosperous. Thank you and your families for your willingness to serve and for being with us. Now, I’ll turn it over to our distinguished ranking member."
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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