U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks at a full committee nominations hearing on September 19, 2024. The hearing featured nominees for ambassadorial positions in various countries.
The nominees included John McIntyre for Eswatini, Jeremey Neitzke for Lesotho, Abigail Dressel for Angola and Sao Tome and Principe, James Holtsnider for Samoa, Brian Stimmler for the Kyrgyz Republic, Amanda Jacobsen for Equatorial Guinea, Keith Hanigan for the Solomon Islands, Kali Jones for Benin, Stephanie Miley for Gambia, and Christophe Tocco for Mauritania.
Senator Risch stated: “Well done, Madam Chairman, and I will do likewise. First of all, thank you to all of you for being here today. There’s no doubt you have important posts we need to get filled.”
Addressing the nominees to African posts, Risch emphasized their role in engaging with U.S. strategic priorities ranging from counterterrorism to global strategic competition. He noted that most nominees have prior experience in Africa: “This experience will serve them well as they are well apprised of the strategic competition playing out on the continent between the U.S., Russia, and China.”
Regarding Asia-Pacific nominees, Risch highlighted their importance in establishing new embassies in the Pacific Islands: “What they do in the next few years will determine the success of a revitalized U.S. presence in this region.” He stressed the need to support and resource these new embassies adequately.
On Brian Stimmler’s nomination as ambassador to the Kyrgyz Republic, Risch pointed out: “If confirmed, it will be your responsibility to advance the U.S. relationship in a competitive environment with Russia and China.” He expressed concerns about recent government crackdowns against free press and political opposition in Kyrgyzstan.
Risch concluded his remarks by stating: “Without good execution of U.S. policy, these tough issues will only continue to get worse. I look forward to hearing from all of you on how you plan to tackle them.”
Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
