Hearing for state Department Nominees Including ambassador at large for Global Health security and diplomacy as well as u. S. Ambassadors. This is about an hour 20 minutes the Senate ForeignRelations Committee will come to order. Our hearing today is to hear from five of the President Bidens nominees in dealing with career positions and ambassadorships. Its wonderful to have you all here. We thank you all for being here. Thank you do senator ricketts for being here to lead the republican side of this hearing. Its not always easy to find members that have or willing to adjust their schedules in order to accommodate these hearings, and i think senator ricketts for always being available to this committee to carry out our important work. I want to add some opening comments and senator ricketts wont opening comments but first i want to recognize senator reed and allowed to make an introduction and thank him for being here in the committee. We sometimes have a friendly rivalry between Armed Services and Foreign Relations but sense of National Defense authorization bill will be up soon and im going to need his help, he goes first. [laughing] thank you very much, chairman cardin and senator ricketts, senator kaine. It is my pleasure to introduce kristin sarri, the president s nominee to be assistant secretary of state for oceans and International Environmental and scientific affairs. Anyone who has had the pleasure working with chris knows a couple of things. Number one, she is only partisan about one issue, university of michigan football. [laughing] number two, if you want to get something done, then you want to work with chris. Time i get of her career chris has worked for partisan divide to reach consensus on difficult issues. Shes smart, she does a hard work to be wellinformed and she does the hard work to understand the views and goals of other people. She also has the integrity to follow through on her commitments. As a Senate Staffer and as a Senior Advisor to the department of commerce and the office of management and budget and the department of interior, kris has earned a reputation as a Problem Solver and a Coalition Building. Among other things for work to promote refund the land and Water Conservation fund laid the foundation for the Great American outdoors act. Most recently, kris served as the president and ceo of the National MarineSanctuary Foundation where she transform the organization into a leading voice for conserving and restoring u. S. Waters, primarily by engaging local communities and businesses in stewardship. If confirmed as assistant secretary of state for cash our knowledge, commitment and her skills and Coalition Building to advance Global Cooperation in sight and the environment. Mr. Chairman, as you know it is vitally important to have the best talent to effectively move our nations interest forward, in my view theres no one more prepared and well qualified for this post then kristin sarri. I urge the Committee Support for her nomination and for kris, i would say go wolverines. For me i would say go army. [laughing] thank you. Once again we have a little bit of controversy, go navy and is go marilyn. But other than that you would find. Thank you, senator reed. You are sorely excuse. We appreciate your input and thank you very much for being with us. And going ashore introduced the other four nominees but before do that let me just welcome our nominees in the families, and thank you all for your willingness to serve in these public positions. These are extremely challenging times to be in any position of Foreign Service. So we thank you for your willingness to come forward. And we also thank your families because we know you cant do this without a supportive family. So strengthening global help security by a point the Lessons Learned from the covid intimate and implementing sites based approach of reducing spread of Infectious Diseases, thats very much on our agenda today. Advocating for human rights standards accountability for past atrocities and Good Governance in sri lanka as we support his economic recovery and stabilization of its financial system, very much on our minds. Building consensus to protect Marine Environment from illegal unreported and unregulated fishing deep seabed mining and trafficking of endangered species or banned toxic substances on our mind. A lot of issues who want to talk about. Protecting moldova from russias aggression as it strengthens its democracy implement anticorruption reform and negotiate secession with the european union. Very much on the agenda today. Staffing the reopening of the u. S. Embassy in seychelles with a a fulltime diplomatic presence to promote Maritime Security combat Drug Trafficking protect the environment. For each of these missions and including the mission in regards to the oceans and International Environmental science Pacific Affairs and take a interested in that, marilyn has one of the most recent, new marine sanctuaries so its wonderful to welcome you all here. The subject matter set your credit are responsible for our ones that are critically important to our country. And let me yield to store records first opening comments before introduce our nominees. Great, thanks very much, mr. Chairman. I would add my thanks to all of you for your willingness to serve our country and for your families for the sacrifices you go through. As governor numerous trade missions around the world at a really appreciate all the Foreign Service people who helped us on those in the sacrifices you made to build to represent our country. So thank you much. As a chairman said these are not easy jobs especially when we think about the time that so critical for the United States to advance our interests in the spirit of American People around the globe. Today were considering nomination for five important positions, all recorded and ten with some of the greatest challenges facing the u. S. In Foreign Policy and National Security. We have seen maybe in our history. Ms. Adam smith, critical year for moldova. His homeland over will hold both president ial election and referendum on eu aspirations. Moldova continue to face russian hybrid warfare putin stops at nothing to replace the prowestern leadership with duke of a button and paid for by the criminal. We cannot let putin paid a triplet Public Record puppeteer. Margolis future is dependent on the success of ukraine on a battlefield. So at the extent between moldova and the russian attack is the ukraine army. One of the reasons why it support we continue to support ukraine. While vexations the se africas most country terms of population, r27 your absence in which we has greater a vacuum in the prc has been more than happy to fill so its got the seychelles has geopolitical significance. It can from your face difficult task of his subject and embassy physically from scratch. Thats not can be easy. We cant waste anymore time. Appreciate your willingness to do this. This is vital we get done right and sinclairs signal to the seychelles were back here to stay. Ms. Horst, sri lanka has been a poster child for dangers of the deathtrap the fonz the prc. The port of dedicate the pronounced right . Okay, good enough. Which is, eventually forfeited to the prc under that 99 year lease. Reckless spending fueled by lonesome piercy and others create an economic crisis in sri lanka and it struggling to dig itself out of it. What happens is why the United States must provide alternatives to the prc and encourage by efforts to finance a shipping Container Terminal in the port of colombo. These Strategic Investments that were in vision with the deity sets up to push back on the prcs belt and road initiative. Ms. Sarri, oes has a broad proposal not have enough time to cover everything. You would oversee. Whenever i do want to touch up on his site the Technology Agreement agreements with the piercy. We have seen the piercy exploit Research Cooperation with the United States. To steal technology. The Biden Administration is renegotiating with the prc. What i and others have concerns thats why then it is commonsense legislation to ensure congress is able to but necessary oversight over any deal reached. Hope you would agree with me when it comes time for something that support the administration should show its workforce. This legislation passed unanimously out of the Foreign Affairs committee and mr. Chairman, i hope the committee will do the same. And then doctor nkengason just how close was a. [inaudible question] the position is to help get us ahead in this pendant. Note when covid first began to spread from the prc it was high Income Countries hit first and n her spare any country we need we need to loop with diplomatic engagement, not the government and the prc at the w. H. O. We need strong diplomat capable of negotiating access for investigators. If confirmed by hope you will, hope you can apply Lessons Learned and muchneeded diplomatic leadership so we can properly prepare for whatever the next pandemic virus occurs. Again thank you all very much for your willingness to serve. Look forward to hearing your testimony and questions. Mr. Chairman, i yield back. Thank you, senator ricketts. Theres a common theme among all five of you. You all have incredible experience on Foreign Policy and your commitment to Foreign Policy. Three of your career, the other two have extensive experience in the Foreign Policy agenda so you all have made a career out of Foreign Policy, and we thank you for that commitment. I will enter dish you in the order in which you will be speaking. Dr. John nkengason confirmed by United States senate as a u. S. Global aids coordinator on may 5, 2022. He also leads the state Department Bureau of Global Health security and diplomacy. That bureau serves as the departments coordinating body for work on strengthening Global Health security to prevent, detect and respond to Infectious Diseases including hiv aids as well as elevates, integrates Global Security as a core component of u. S. National security and Foreign Policy. Elizabeth horst is the Principal Deputy assistant secretary and Deputy Assistant secretary responsible for pakistan. She came from u. S. Embassy berlin where she was minister counselor for Public Diplomacy for mission germany. Shes a member of the senior Foreign Service. Privacy she served as director of security Transnational Affairs and Assistance Office as charge the fair and deputy chief of mission estonia. She focus on transatlantic security on natos eastern flank. Next we have troy fitrell, a career member of the senior Foreign Service, class of counselor. Most briefly held the position of director of the office of west African Affairs at the department of state producers as deputy chief of mission at the u. S. Embassy in ethiopia. As Deputy Director of the Departments Office of southern African Affairs, and Deputy Director of the office of International Security cooperation in the bureau of political military affairs. He was Senior Advisor to the United States special envoy for the great lakes of africa, coordinating u. S. Policy on the cross border security, political and Economic Issues in the great lakes region. Welcome. Kelly smith is a a deputy chif mission of u. S. Mission to the european union. She arrived in brussels in july 2021. Ms. Adams smith is a career diplomat and u. S. Senior Foreign Service with the rank of minister. Before arriving in brussels this adamssmith so that senior core data for National Security affairs in the office of Vice PresidentKamala Harris here privacy she served as charged affair and deputy chief mission of u. S. Embassy in prague. Welcome. Ms. Sarri jabari been produced by store read but we welcome you here and we thank you very much for your willingness to serve. So with that led to start with dr. Nkengason. Each of your testimony will be made part of our record. You may proceed as you wish. We are as that you could summarize your comments and a time for us to be able to ask you questions. Chapman, Ranking Member ricketts and members of the committee, i come before you today at a pivotal time as one of the greatest threats to our National Security potential for next pandemic. The covid pending and havent taught us we are more connected and affordable than we ever thought. More than 1 million americans lost their lives and the economy suffered over 14 trillion in damage. Climate crisis erupted movement of people, misinformation, disinformation our own job target u. S. Leadership matters now more than ever. Last year secretary blinken in close collaboration with congress to establish a bureau of security. This beer is organized around four core missions. One, to lead the diplomatic engagement on Global Health security. Two, to leverage and help to cornet u. S. Foreign assistance while promoting International Cooperation. Three, to elevate Global Health security as top National Security and Foreign Policy priority for our country. We have already made tremendous progress. Let me highlight three examples. First, we continue to make progress in the fight against hiv aids. Kris has enabled us to save over 25 million lives. The bureau has the most in leveraging the pepfar platform to address Health Security threats such as ebola. I look for to working with this committee in a bipartisan fashion to pass a clean life your pepfar reauthorization in 2025. Second, i recently chaired the Pandemic Response committee which was launched five new strategies later this month. And lastly, the bureau launched Foreign Ministry for Global Health security in march which will work to coordinate, cooperate, collaborate and commit effectively with likeminded countries to fight Infectious Disease threats. It is not a question of if, a new threat will emerge. It is a matter of when. The bureau stands by diplomatic efforts to support these goals. I thank you. Thank you very much for your comments. Ms. Horst. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member ricketts, a distinguished members of the committee thank you for holding this hearing. Im honored to be a today as the president s nominee for u. S. Ambassador ambassador to sri lanka. I started my gut medical are moe than 20 years ago and athlon chip in fundamental u. S. Principles including respect for human rights and economic freedoms. If confirmed i look for to working with congress to advance u. S. Interests in sri lanka. I would like to thank a few special people. Most important, my husband. He is my anchor and my joy, we built our lives around a shared love for Public Service and adventure. Five countries come four doxxing 15 years and counting. [laughing] we are joined by my sister sarah and my nieces bailey and kate, and helping in the senate did it inspires them on the own path the Public Service else want to thank my parents, my father dr. Jim horst who taught me empathy, my mother reverend doctor judith stone who taught me generosity, quality that certain isotopic and a leader. Sri lanka is a vital partner to the United States into indopacific region for over 766 years. If confirmed i focus on three main pillars of u. S. Interest. Broad economic cooperation, bolstering security interest, a deepening ties with people across the entire country. Sri lanka showed resilience and continues to make steady progress on economic growth. As the country retains its economic footing will continue to support sri lankas people. Sri lanka strategic significance in the indian ocean coast for cooperation to address security challenges and competitors. If confirmed i will reiterate our shared commitment to a stable, free and open indopacific region and a rulesbased international order. Sri lanka has a vibrant Civil Society and the look for to expanding our people to people ties including with the dynamic sri lanka american community. I. I will support members of marginalized populations, accountable, truth and reconciliation and transparency and justice. Let me close by noting a fourth pillar, the true source of diplomatic success, the people that use embassy colombo. If confirmed i will empower our Interagency Team of local staff to make a difference in our bilateral relationship and practice for parts of the benefits of the American People. I look forward to working with congress on these priorities. Thank you very much. Next well hear from mr. Fitrel mr. Fitrell. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member ricketts, members of the committee, im deeply honored to appear before you today and grateful to President Biden and secretary blinken for the companies they place in the as a nominee. Bread and my family who did it with my wife catherine a fellow Foreign Service officer, and my children matt olsen and sent lisbeth allies immersed in the Foreign Service as well including visits to the seychelles. Sam graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University tomorrow morning so this is a pretty special week for us. We recently reopened an embassy in seychelles after shoving it in 1996. If confirmed a be the first tom bossert and resident in victoria in 28 years, the role having been performed since then by the person credentialed i previously had honor to be that person. And while we have significant success in a bilateral relationship, both sides were keenly aware that the absence of residential ambassador was an opportunity cost. It can from there would be the honor of my crew to be established that position. Seychelles holds an important place, aside some of these is shipping lanes and a bilateral relationship between our nations have built on a foundation of values and mutual respect. If confirmed, my top hollywood beat the Safety Security of american citizens that make their way to the seychelles but also act in a jet of the to promote art of the National Interest. I would support the democratic process and a partnership in international fora, i would promote economic deal of including advocacy for u. S. Exports and further develop a robust security partnership. Thank you, mr. Chairman, Ranking Member ricketts, and members of the committee for the opportunity to be here. My wife and i are both former hill staffers so would also like to thank your staffs. I know how much, how hard they work for you and your constituents and how what they represent you every day. If confirmed, a look forward to working with you and representing the interests of the American People in the seychelles and hope to looking me there on a visit someday soon. I would be happy to answer any questions you have. Thank you. I know the staff of this committee appreciates that reference so theres a future after being a staff writer. The appreciate it. [laughing] ms. Adamssmith. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member ricketts, and members of the committee, it is an honor to appear before you today as president by determining to be u. S. Ambassador to the republic of moldova. I am grateful to the president and secretary blinken for putting their trust in me and if confirmed i pledge to work with this committee to advance u. S. Interests and moldova. I would like to thank my husband steve, a career Foreign Service officer, and her children sophie and been for the support and dedication to Public Service. Im also grateful to my parents, my late mother, my brother and my sister who is here today. Finally i want to recognize my inlaws. Terry joined the Foreign Service after a full career as a presbyterian minister. He passed away earlier this week but i but i know he would have been so proud if you were here today. I have dedicated last 29 years to advancing u. S. Interests in europe with a focus on central and eastern europe. Support for the western integration of countries in this region is fundamental to u. S. Security. This is especially true for moldova which faces a moment in history that is built with great opportunity and tremendous risk. If confirmed, i will be responsible stewards of u. S. Resources and will prioritize the security of u. S. Citizens in moldova. The government of moldova faces a window of opportunity to secure the countries western orientation. Russias aggression in ukraine has forced moldova to confront significant security, humanitarian and energy impact. With u. S. And european assistant moldova has managed these threats and a part on an ambitious reform agenda. Its success has made it even more of a target for russian maligned influence. If confirmed, i will mobilize our personal and resources to support moldova is effort to protect its markers enhanced its security. I will also support u. S. Efforts to strengthen the capacity of moldova institution to combat corruption and i would use the knowledge, experience and contacts gained from five tours in eu Member States to ensure our actions and assistance support moldova was succession path making it a stronger partner for the United States. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your questions. Thank you for your comments. Ms. Sarri. Thank you, chairman cardon, Ranking Member ricketts, senator kaine for welcoming me today. And senator cardin thank you so much for your leadership. It supposed to be considered as a president nominee for assistant secretary of state for oceans and International Environmental and scientific affairs. I want to thank my family and senator reed for the continued support of me and my career and members of the committee and the staff are taking time to meet with me. Many of environmental challenges we face are global and the required strong partnerships and alliances to address. If confirmed, my focus will be on working on issues where a weakness leadership can have a strong effect for the American People, our allies and partners and the planet. I would like to address three priority areas. First, pollution of all types harms human health, the environment and economic growth. One pressing global issue is plastics pollution. If confirmed i would work with federal agencies, congress, stakeholders and other countries on strong legally binding agreement to address the global plastic threat and to work to strengthen implementation of existing agreements and partners come partnerships to address elastic and other types of pollution. Second, nature provides Critical Resources that nourish us and improve our quality of life. Plus marine interest habitat species increase the risk of conflict and instability. Trend that i will prioritize working with the committee, cognizant of the federal agencies to advance policies that address nature crimes, protected by mental defenders and help protect and restore natural ecosystems. Third, space activities are essential to our way of life from enhancing Economic Opportunity to helping us find our way home. United states have liked to work to promote peaceful cooperation safe and sustainable use in the future. I our work is integral to an sheathing day use environmental, economic and natural, National Security objectives. If confirmed, i commit to maintaining strong lines of communication and cooperation between this committee of congress. Thank you for considering my nomination i look forward to answering your question. Let me thank all five of you for your adventure today and your comments. I have stand questions are asked to all nominees for position. We were appreciate to let answering it either yes or no. The first question is do you agree to appear before this committee and make officials from office of able to the committee designate staff when invited . Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Do you commit to keep this committee fully and currently informed about the activities under your purview . Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Do you commit to engaging in meaningful consultation while policies are being developed, not just providing notification after the fact . Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes do you commit to probably responding to requests for briefings and information requested by the committee and is designated staff . Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. You all are off to a really good start. [laughing] to recognize senator kaine for question. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Congratulations to all the nominees. Mr. Mr. Fitrell, d. C. Is my hn school, and i congratulate you on your sons graduation tomorrow. Just sticking with you for a second. Its interesting the history of the u. S. Not having intimacy in the seychelles. Its a cost savings move. Seychelles is a pretty important country. There classified as free and Freedom House 2023 freedom in the world index of governance conditions. Seychelles has injured significant economic successes come long have highest fuppercaseletter gdp in africa, class as a highincome country i sometimes think in the u. S. We can do focus a lot of intention on problems without rewarding success attention we might be better at magnifying success if we work with the successful in shine a spotlight on the success and use to create the desired in the region to be as successful as a country. The fact Seychelles Embassy was closed in the the 1990s jusa cost savings move, and then served from malicious this kind of bit of evidence i think fits into a pattern that we have of not paying attention to successful country consequent the Biden Administration decided this was a relationship that was worthy of u. S. Reestablishing and having managed the responsibility earlier in your career, youre the perfect person of the opportunity reopen this to understand this is also been very well received by the seychelles that u. S. Is upgrading relationship in this way. Am i correct about that . Thank you for the question senator i couldnt agree more. Yes host government is extremely please that we finally return to the seychelles. When i was credentialed there and representing the United States on my visits, i never had a meeting when it was not mentioned why dont you have an embassy here . I spent a good part of the last 15 years advocating for this and understand, that predates the return to true constitutional democracy with the change of power between the parties. But it just so something bece even more important since then. As you said to recognize success, to be part of that come to encourage it, and yeah, to find ways to reward that. We have National Interest there and its important to be there in order to exercise those interest. I generally think we do much better in trying to encourage and assist if were not lecturing others and how to be successful but if there are examples in the region of success that they can look at and draw lessons from. I am excited you will be indisposition with this upgrade responsibility. Ms. Sarri, want to come do you know in your position on an oceans question and on the f the americas subcommittee here on the Senate ForeignRelations Committee and im really worried about the illegal and reported unregulated fishing, primarily by china, i merrily in the pacific. Talk a little bit about from the state Department Perspective what you might do to prioritize dealing with that challenge. Senator, thank you very much for that question. I view fishing, it impacts ocean health. Is one of the largest causes of overfishing and so it means it is Food Security threat to a number of countries competent economic threat to our freshman and International Human rights threat because of forced labor and human rights abuses that take place. Theres a lot come first of all i really want to say thank you to congress for the Maritime Safety act. We need a whole of government approach and that starts from when the fish gets on a boat all the way to win in the body consumers plate here in the u. S. Theres a lot of work that were trying to do through the interagency process to elevate illegal or ieo fishing picky would be a priority of mine. I would look forward to work with this committee in congress to see if theres more tools could use to address that. We would love to work with you on that. One last question that it wasnt intended to ask but you mention space in your opening testimony. Obviously a concern about International Cooperation in space with more and more satellites, more and more platforms up in space. The risk of collisions that would damage the investment but also create debris that could cause all kinds of other challenges is a classic kind of problem for which there has to be some global norms and rules and solutions to get everybodys investment safe. What role of the parts of u. S. Government are involved in this, what role would your office have in trying to find the right rules of the road . Sure. Oes works with department of defense, nasa, on issues around potential debris. The peaceful use the space was about trying to do best practices in order to avoid collisions if orbital debris does take place, working with the coach if it is our debris or if it is a very debris as well. Shirley about space diplomacy effort. Thank you. I yield back, mr. Chair. Thank you. Senator ricketts. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Therefore, the university of Nebraska Medical Center has one of three biocontainment facilities in the country and only federally funded quarantine space. This is not a commitment on x you to make. To say if youre confirmed i recommend visiting. They were middle and taking some of ebola patients in africa americans who were infected with people and treating her in the United States as well as some of the first Covid Patients as well. So certainly worth your time if youre confirmed to make a visit. That asking you to make a commitment but keep in mind. Ms. Sarri, so within oes, the office of science and Technology Cooperation over caesar stas is a start but before come the uss 60 of these with countries like canada and japan. However im sure you agree with peoples republic of china is different. Im threatened, chinas been playing us as a fuel for dash at school for three decades now. They leverage their civilian and commercial resource for military and defense purposes. The evidence suggests look for opportunities to exploit partnerships organized under to advance the military objectives. In figure with the administration and patient agreed to extend for another six months to continue negotiations. I want to ask you a few simple questions and hope we can agree on. Do you believe, should be able to blog buckminster oversin sta with the prc . Senator, thank you for your questions and expressing the concerns you have with sta with fish appreciate that. Im aware there is notification in the appropriations bill and yes, i do think congress should be consulted as we look through a new realm of the sta with the prc. Great. If the administration would finalize negotiations on it with the prc to believe congress should receive detailed justification of what was agreed to and why are nasa security, and why it is in our National Security interests before the agreement comes into effect . Senator, if confirmed, i would be happy to make sure that we are fully briefing your staff and other interested staff in the sta. Great thank you very do believe a specific text to be negotiated agreement should have clear defined guardrails on what is permissible for collaboration and what are not . Would you agree we want to make clear areas of dual use concerns should be made offlimits . Senator, if confirmed, i would want to talk a little bit to the state department and their lawyers about what can go into an sta. Enough theres restrictions like that. Im used to kind of putting guardrails on how china and the u. S. Would Work Together verses specifically saying what could or could not do. So if confirmed, i would happy to get back to specific on that including types of research that could or could not take but. Great, thank you. Switch gears a little bit here. The office of ocean polar therapist basel ivey form of a permitting u. S. Post a new national ocean, and antarctic. As you know prior to russians the legalization of ukraine u. S. Collaborate with russia on Arctic Climate Research the however, soon after the invasion that collaboration stopped. Says at the putins were has continued to rage on with tens of thousands of innocent ukrainians have been killed, thousands of ukraine and shall have been abducted, millions of have become refugees and included brutal human rights abuses it should remain a policy the United States without collaborate with russia on any research and arctic into putin in the door in ukraine . Senator, i agree with that, just. Great, thank you. Rush isnt the only adversary. We have to worry about in the arctic. The prc as a selfproclaimed near arctic state. Has expanded its presence there as well. For decades russia has actively exclude the prc and other nonarctic countries from playing a role in its backyard. However, since russias illegal invasion of ukraine and putins no limit partnership with present she russias been forced to embrace an increased vrc will and arctic a class you resolve the keirsey began to send personal research station located in norways and in iceland after lincoln hiatus. Resolve russia coast guard signed arctic Cooperation Agreement with the china coast guard. We saw prc Polar Research as it did make an investment plans to start listening device of our skilled in arctic ocean. In your view how should the United States response to the prcs growing research and of activities in arctica how should you with policy on this question take into account increased cooperation between russia and the peoples republic of china . Senator, thanks that question. I appreciate it. The u. S. Is for small about the near arctic nation, im going to agree with you, i dont know of what in your arctic nation is they made that trip up. Tapley that is the case. Arctic governance will be with the arctic nations. The u. S. Is a very important arctic nation. That is the Arctic Council which is been kind of the preeminent area for looking at how we do management in the arctic with russias illegal invasion of the ukraine. U. S. And other countries pause participation. Theres effort to now to continue to do work but not engage in anything that republican sorry, the russians are taking part in. I think very significant things that the u. S. Recently did was extend its continental shelf. They give us much more territory actually any arctic which means were much more control over who can to scientific research, what can actually take place in that. I think through the Arctic Council and other work with Arctic States that dont include rush went to have a unified front about how were going to approach the research that is taking place and the threats that it poses to the other arctic nation. Great. Thanks very much. Thanks very much, mr. Chairman. Dr. Nkengason, first, thank you for mentioning the need for the fiveyear reauthorization, the pepfar program. That something that this committee is very much interested in pursuing. Disappointed we have a shortterm extension. We do believe we need five years some glad to hear you mentioned that. The position that you been nominated to, about to launch for Global Health security and diplomacy, there will be an interesting relationship that i would like to get your views on. There is a turf issue between the state department and usaid on health issues. Your responsibility to the state department directly. We have usaid thats engaged also in healthcare issues, and thered been some concern about the Mission Creep between the two divisions, the full divisn and usaid. Can you just tell me how you plan to work with usaid so that the turf differences does not at all impact on our ability to be effective in getting with Global Health issues . Thank you. Thank you, senator. I want to assure you that its very clear once the deal was launched that what our role will be. We will be leaving in three key areas. First of all, is to as a said earlier lead with diplomatic engagement. We are Global Security issues, related issues. Second, to alleviate as part of our Foreign Policy, and lastly, to coordinate foreign assistance so it can help advance the International Health cooperation and Global Health security. If you look at the lesson relaunched Global HealthSecurity Strategy the white house just released on page 32 of the document a clearly defined roles and responsibilities of the several agencies. Beautiful document, great strategy. In their, our functions of my state department should be doing and Global Security. Its a very clear that to the collaboration concerning engaging with usaid, cdc, hhs and nih we will be able to leverage more effectively and coordinate our function. Of course one of the areas that will help his burden sharing to have our allies step up into more than they currently are doing in this global area. The United States is by far the lead on resources here senator coons who chairs the subcommittee on appropriations that deal with foreign aid will tell you that he doesnt have enough money. So if we only have a limited dollars available, the competition between monies going into direct programs that usaid or going at your agency are going to be in discussion. How do you assure us that that discussion will be positive and that it will not deter from the working relationship between you and usaid . Absolutely. The view of Global Health security and diplomacy is a program which is pepfar, chairman, which you alluded to. And that has existed for the past 21 years with clarity of roles and responsibilities. The Global HealthSecurity Side of that new deal is mainly around policy coordination and diplomacy leading with diplomacy. Ill give you a good example. Last year in february if you recall there was an outbreak in central africa. None of our agencies were present in that country. The only presence we had were our ambassador. He played a critical of engaging with the leadership of that country so it was never us report assets to respond to that threat, which includes cdc deployment, usaid and the w. H. O. When discussions were tense when the coming of that country said we dont want any further cooperation, our mission and ambassador what youre the person in country that brokered. Thats the kind of coordination and leveraging that we hope will enable us to be more effective and are Global Health security response. Thank you. Ms. Horst, since the civil war and 2009 in sri lanka, theres still been an issue of reconciliation and accountability. There is concern about corruption in the country. There is concern and the human rights, the draconian Online Safety act is looked at as trying to stifle any dissent in the country. Human rights are going to be front and center in our expectation of our mission and sri lanka. Can you assure us that that is going to be a key priority of the mission, and that the u. S. Mission will be there to speak out on behalf of those individuals whose voices are being difficult to be heard in the country today . Senator, thank you very much for your question, and i share your concern and your commitment to human rights. And if i am confirmed i will put accountability, governance, anticorruption efforts at the forefront of what our mission will be including working with partners and Civil Society across sri lanka. Thank you. Senator barrasso. Thanks so much, mr. Chairman. Senator shaheen if you would come in, its like to go first. [inaudible] okay, thanks. Id like to talk about the World Health Organization if i could. The Biden Administration has vowed to reform the World Health Organization but it threw away its leverage early on in my opinion. I, begins advice of many rejoin the World Health Organization, gave it 200 million without insisting on a single reform. In a few weeks the administration expected to commit the United States to two International Agreements that would expand the World Health Organization authority during a global pandemic. Last my republican colleagues in calling on President Biden to reject these agreements which i believe are harmful. Yesterday, a uk announced they will refuse to sign the World Health Organizations pandemic accord saying they will only support the adoption if it is fairly in the uk National Interest and respects national sovereignty. December 13 last year during a hearing held by the select subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic, you said, oh, this administration is firmly committed to ensuring the World Health Organization intimates aa cover has a set of organizational reforms, particularly to strengthen its governments, its budgetary Financial Management processes, and to prove oversight to strengthen the organizations efficiency and effectiveness. Instead of focusing on reform the World Health Organization administration is choosing to hand over u. S. Sovereignty to them. We are the United States, not the united nations. So the question is do you commit to ensuring that u. S. Sovereignty is not infringed upon . Senator, let me respond, absolutely security of the United States will not be undermined in this negotiation process. We have been very consistent that there are two articles in the discussions that were just reiterated. It states clearly w. H. O. Has no authorities over sovereign states. Apsley not. October 24 of the same, states clearly that neither the secretary of w. H. O. Nor the director general have any authority over any sovereign state. In the areas of telling them what to do in terms of mandates use of any tools including vaccines, lockdown, et cetera, absolute very clear in article 24. We will of course any, any in terms or any perception that seeks to undermine or perceive greater undermine the sovereignty of the United States. I will just end by saying the sole purpose for us in the discussion is to protect our National Interest, to protect our National Interest. There are three things were seeking to achieve in this negotiation. One is to ensure that we have security, clover that can allow us to detect, prevent and control and respond to disease outbreaks. As in a disease outbreak anywhere in the world becomes a threat right here. 1 million americans died because of covid19. Secondly is to ensure that we have access in a time of fashion to biologic materials including specimens, data that will allow us to give vaccines and diagnostics that will protect us. Us. Lastly, the ability to distribute those resources in an equitable manner. So follow the uks announcement just yesterday about the refusal to sign, is the uk about able to block the passage of the accord . If not, how many of the member countries we need to oppose it in order for the accords to fail . Its being discussed as of this morning about several issues, especially areas related to intellectual property, technology transfer, partisan access and sharing. This has been going on discussion for about two years. So we remain hopeful that countries that are discussing will see value in our collective security, and learn the lessons of as chairman said, what Khobar Towers about common vulnerability. We just dont know exactly who will oppose it or not, but we have to show our leadership as i sit in my introduction. This is among for us to show leadership. We have been Global Health leader over the years and this is not the moment for us to relate our leadership. Mr. Chairman, one quick last question . Its too kelly adamssmith. Mal builders recent almost schools and rely on russian energy. Tuesday norway and moldova signed an agreement to tighten cooperation in their energy sector. Can you tell me the current status of the Moldova Energy grid . Thank you very much for the question, senator. It is true that moldova was 100 dependent on russia for its energy sources. After the ukrainian, the russian reinvention of ukraine, it became clear that was no longer possible. And the moldovan government with assistance from the United States and european allies has made some successes in become less dependent. The energy grid of the electricity grid of moldova is now hooked up to the european grid. Usaid is funding and electrical line between romania and moldova. And the united, moldova is now also buying for the first time nonrussian gas, which is an incredibly positive development. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Senator shaheen. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Good morning, congratulations each of you on your nominations. Ms. Adamssmith, want to begin with you because i had the opportunity to travel to moldova for the first time back in february. I was very impressed with the commitment of the moldovans we talked to about joining the eu and looking west and concern about whats happening in the war with ukraine and what rush is doing was also met with president sandu, and she shared her focus on traditional reforms and how important she thinks that is ahead of the upcoming president ial elections. So i think rightfully so that without reform judicial will be very hard for moldova to continue the reforms that they need to make. So can you talk about what more we can do, what more you would do, if confirmed, to help support moldova as their look at this particularly the judicial reforms . Senator, thanks very much for the question. Our assistance has focused on helping the moldovan government improve its rule of law and fight anticorruption, especially in terms of increasing the independence of the judicial sector. We have assisted the moldovan government in creating a system for preventing of prosecutors and judges and created a model court system. If im confirmed we will continue these efforts, but also focus on working with creating space for free and independent media and working with Civil Society. Because those are absolutely essential in holding the government to account on his anticorruption path. The other thing we heard concerns about is the amount of russian this information that is being spread disinformation just this week there was a political article that pointed out that rush is responsible for circulating deepfake videos of president sandu to try to undermine her reelection campaign. So is the more that we should be doing to help the moldovans protect themselves from this kind of disinformation . Thank you, thank yoe question. It takes many forms in moldova. There is this disinformation propaganda pictures also energy conversion, hybrid and cybertek, also conventional threats. Our assistant is focused on helping the government increase its resilience towards this disinformation. I think theyre learning a lot. They learned a lot from last years regional or local elections. And if there is more we can do, absolutely. I believe we should use all the tools in our toolkit if there is evidence of election tampering or use of propaganda or deepfakes that interfere with the right of free and fair elections. We should consider using sanctions and visa bans to send a powerful signal that this cannot happen in moldova. Thank you. I really appreciate that and hopefully the Global Engagement center can help us as we think about how we can help other countries. Ms. Horst, the peoples republic of china has considerable economic leverage over sri lanka because of its Infrastructure Investments and loans. Now, i was pleased to see a recent u. S. Investment in sri lankas port capabilities, but the its really a drop in the bucket compared to existing Chinese Capital in the country. So can you talk about what the implications are of chinas ability to leverage Infrastructure Investments and other energy, other issues in the country, and what more we should be thinking about as we are trying to provide a counterbalance to what china is doing . Senator, thank you very much for the question. And he gets to the heart of the indopacific strategy and sri lanka is a code important member, and kobe important part of that bella because of its geography but also because it is a democracy with an open economy. The investment that you name is a great example of how were using tools that the United States government has to invest and show a different of investment that is different than what the prc might offer. This is a half a billion investment in what we see as sri lankas future. It is transparent it will promote Good Governance and this is exactly the kind of alternative that we feel will just demonstrate to sri lankans that they have a choice and we think our model is better. Thank you. Im out of time but i just returned from a trip from the indopacific about a month ago. One of the things we heard in the countries we visited where china has tried to make those kinds of investments is they would rather do business with the United States because for all the reasons you just gave, but, unfortunately, we have not, always come to the table in ways that can provide the support that those countries need. So thank you. I appreciate your comments and dont know if you want to respond to that before im out of time. Senator, and that i will find ways to bring all all of the resources the United States at a friends and allies had to help continue on these efforts. Thank you very much. Thank you all. Senator van hollen. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Let me start by congratulating you on your nominations. I just want to second what senator shaheen said with respect to moldova and others. Look forward to working with you, ms. Adamssmith, if youre confirmed. I do want to pick up on the sri lanka question. I have a longterm affinity to sri lanka and i visited sri lanka last year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of u. S. Sri lankan relations. Trust her to make sure we continue to work on the economic fronting. 1 00 programs we got is appreciated the budgeting look forward to june conversation around 500 kino sender raise the issue in a number of conversations toward Transitional Justice the report about conversation as well. As you well know, toward energy from the United States and developing the batteries but one of the sources are these modules so maybe its an opportunity but also environmental risks. So how do you think about that especially that the United States is not part of this convention next. Thank you so much for the question. The u. S. Not in part of this, is an International Authority that is responsible the u. S. Is working to make sure it does go forward with strong protection for the environment but because we can only be an observer, but i have as much input and it is moving quickly Forward Development and i can tell you whenever we exert something under law is not a member of the prc does not to fall apart. Confirmed her, i would work very hard to miss. Cap long it was a mistake. I Hope Congress will give. Its wonderful to see you again. Last time we were in person may offend south africa so thank you for your leadership there. It can be built in terms of creating health infrastructure. You talk about how we might leverage this into other areas of health acts connected to see you again. Thank you for supporting my next. Look forward to working with you the next five years. Extremely successful in same 35 million lives. Built a large platform currently outbreaks. This bearing education that is they focus on the special and the percent compared to 2000 given the context they continue to use that. To get back to look at the formulation killings of infection of those import resources that and we can effectively get on. Thank you for your willingness to serve. It is good to see you. I thought you you just want to understand how you envision working to implement tasks recommended is across Agency Coordination and im wondering how you prioritize your tasks. I appreciate your leadership. Our agency group incredibly important. They think its an environmental issue but it is not physically security issue and Environmental Security issue so everybody has measurable outcomes and action even with department of state we need to work closely eaps where are involved at this a lot of effort fairly applicable not level. The we didnt care about ecological impacts here. No caps matters trust is important to our friends and allies pacific in particular we had a great meeting number of ambassadors always comes up wondering if there are ways to provide assistance because you gave a smart answer. The problem is if i meet with the ambassador from the g4 micronesia mafia not sure how quickly happen. So a lot of three and four letter agencies so is up on the way . Not write a program has been very effective in by local Law Enforcement rights with started can enforce these areas. Working closely with usaid Technical Assistance and i would be happy to work with you and your staff and Pacific Island as we have Good Governance i think one thing we need to do, i dont think americans want illegal fishing. We need to pick up with other partners and how we stopped helicopters of origin will take place in the part about government approach. I am satisfied right now monitoring technological developments. I do think there could be a moment and wishing move we have to be underway, a lot of this is monitoring the people knowing we have eyes on them because there are rare situations where this would pick kinetic so they have eyes and cousin throughout Drone Technology and Satellite Technology the bureaucracy is implementing a plan, i just want you to be receptive and how you integrate that into authority all the way. Are copy of your office confirmed. What happens, anything we can do to stop it is something we should explore the vessels are outrageous areas, youre right the right of the human rights violation the periods of time and longterm the technology is there. We can track medications and we need international enforcement. I just want to underscore that has to be big top priority and looking forward to suggestion how we can put a spotlight on this some more americans understand was going on. Ultimately we have a lot of pressure on this. I also want to mention plastics and the International Treaty plays a major slope back. Theres a lot of interest in policy and this might give us a new opportunity dealing with lactic issues but there are two issues that are highpriority. I want to ask addition, protect him from russias aggression that ultimately has to be resolved in route weakness which the u. S. Cap health just want your commitment is transitioning the. Question this committee as i can steps to take the reforms and become a member after a rigorous process. I firmly believe in this process it will unable to country to reach what it wants and the United States and allies working together to make sure the country is able to take a long the way. Is a Strong Community that can help with this might want to try and it could help along this path. Thank you for the comment. Absolutely true, whether thousand people, great resource for the government. If im confirmed, i intend to work with allies and partners at rescue to actually in those countries advice and support clean which Human Capacity to enact these forms and can be an important source of strength for that i want your commitment as to the progress youre making with dealing with the ability to express government with the recent law cost is basic freedoms. You have my commitment to look for your committee in congress to make sure we are Holding Everyone accountable for the standards we want them to adhere to. Thank you very much. I want to follow on conversations we had. The indian ocean is Critical Research muscles have creeping surveys of the four of the indian version and ocean surveys are carried out by Brussels Energy resources. Military purposes including how to maneuver. The vessels able from the survey and Research Activity is 2020 have links to the pla and the military ports and tracking devices. Research vessels and from what do you believe the presence of prc and poses a threat to National Security interest in the United States and allies in the reason . Thank you very much and i share your concern about what Research Vessel would be doing which is why cooperation on domain awareness is a key art of Security Systems and allows the capability and technology to help us identify him confirmed, we will continue to build our own abilities. Torture and moratorium in place as well . We are working closely to make sure there is fair access to ports for all ships. You dont want it on the moratorium act . We want to make sure we are working with we it is in the best interest. I finally wrap up saying steve king, think but high praise and we can highest recommendation. That is so nice to hear, thank you so much. The record of the committee will remain open until close of business tomorrow for members who have questions for the record. Any questions, direct, we appreciate your trying to respond to that so we can complete our work. With our thanks, are hearing will be adjourned. Audible conversations. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations]