Boise City Wire

U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, addressed the nomination hearing for U.S. Representative Elise Stefanik as the United Nations Ambassador. During her remarks, Senator Shaheen highlighted the significance of U.S. involvement in UN programs and peacekeeping missions. She stressed the importance of supporting women's health initiatives through the UN Population Fund (UNFPA), which provides family planning and maternal care.

Senator Shaheen stated, "Whether fighting the spread of infectious diseases or stemming the flow of fentanyl that kills Americans, combating transnational crime that cost Americans billions of dollars [or] negotiating political settlements to dangerous conflicts, the work of the United Nations directly affects Americans all across this country."

She emphasized that "when the United States take a leadership role at the UN, Americans—and people around the world—are better off."

During her questioning, Senator Shaheen received a commitment from Representative Stefanik to personally review UNFPA's efforts in providing essential services such as reproductive health care and responding to gender-based violence.

In welcoming Congresswoman Stefanik, Senator Shaheen acknowledged her credentials and experience but noted skepticism within some parts of the incoming administration regarding UN engagement. She remarked on previous votes by Stefanik to defund certain UN agencies and expressed concern about potential U.S. disengagement allowing adversaries like Russia and China to fill leadership voids within these organizations.

Senator Shaheen pointed out China's growing influence at the UN: "At his hearing last week, Secretary Rubio said China is our ‘most potent and dangerous adversary.’ And Beijing’s contribution to the UN is almost seven times what it was two decades ago."

She also underscored specific challenges facing young girls globally that are addressed by UNFPA, including forced child marriage and female genital mutilation. Highlighting its critical role in places like Darfur and Kordofan, she described UNFPA's work as irreplaceable.

Senator Shaheen concluded by expressing hope for collaboration with Stefanik if confirmed: "Because when the United States take a leadership role at the UN, Americans—and people around the world—are better off."