Keith dayton, to be u. S. Diplomat to ukraine. Several members pressed mr. Dayton on his willingness to report back to the committee of any knowledge of russian interference. If confirmed, he waited replace marie yovanovich, who was removed from her position last year. The nominees today are representative to the general assembly, the second one, to be deputy chief executive officer corporation,e Lieutenant General keith dayton be ambassador to Ukraine SpecialPolitical Affairs at the u. N. And alternative representative to the general assembly. Our nominees they have distinguished individuals. Senatorcotton and romney will be introducing mr. Wong, and we are glad to represent have former ed rice with us today. Suspend my Opening Statement and ask the Ranking Member to do the same until after introductions are made by our distinguished guests. With that, mr. Romney, member of this committee, we will start with your interaction of mr. Alex ron, so senator romney . And legal policy director of my 2012 campaign. My extensive firsthand interactions with alex had led me to the following observations. First, he is brilliant. To focus, complex thinking, analyze complex of these, organize disorder, and recognize opportunities is at the highest order. It is no surprise that he graduated summa cum laude from the university of pennsylvania and was the editor of the log review at harvard. He is lawyer and dedicated to america. To see americais strengthened, to see our values promulgated, and to see the enemies of freedom defeated. He approaches tasks without preconception of bias. Instead, he reserves an open mind and considers the data as it is, not as he might like it to be. Alex has the kind of confidence that requires no posting, that fears no slights, and that compels straightforward expression. He communicates the simply and plainly, without embellishment or self aggrandizement. I greatly value these things. They made me a better candidate, i valued alexs character. He is honest, devoted to principal, kind to others, and a true friend. Now, since he left my campaign, or rather, since my campaign disappeared, alex has gone on to distinguished himself as a diplomat, public servant, and expert in National Security affairs, particularly with respect our relationships in the indo pacific. But at the state department, since 2017, he currently serves as both the deputy special representative for north korea and as the Deputy Assistant secretary for north korea. The second in command to deputy secretary deegan, to negotiate for complete north grand denuclearization. Conceptualization of the free and indo pacific strategy, which is key to shifting focus to the indo pacific to present going address growing challenges in china. Prays the strength of the u. S. Taiwan relationship shows that here he speaks with knowledge and proficiency about the challenges posed by an ascendant china, the significance of working together with our allies to achieve common goals, and about policies that support iraq, to ensure it has a more prosperous future. He is one of the most talented Foreign Policy of his generation. I have been fortunate over the years to be the beneficiary of his intellect and insights and judgment. I asked my colleagues on the committee to report alexs nomination favorably, and i asked the senate to confirm his nomination without delay, so we can get on with the important is as of represent our country at the u. N. Thank you, mr. Chairman. H thank you, senator romney. Senator cotton . Risch, myn senator colleagues, i am pleased to introduce alex wong. Alex is one of the most capable people with whom i have ever worked in the senate, and his resume reflects that fact. He was educated at the university of pennsylvania and harvard law school, where he was the editor of the harvard log review. He was an attorney at covington and burley. Mythe senate, alex served as Foreign Policy advisor and general counsel. Originalto draft the hong kong human rights and democracy act, a bill that can now only be described as chineset since the communist party has cracked down in hong kong. That bill, passed by unanimous consent, and was signed by the president. Alex has contributed to our strategies for east and south asia. He has strengthened relationship between the United States and taiwan and has played a key role in our negotiations with north korea. That is alexs resume, but it is only one part of why i think he is the right person to represent our country at the United Nations. Alex is also one of the most cheerful and helpful people i have ever met. He always has a lot on his plate, weather here are at the state department, but he is never too busy to help a colleague in the. A family man. He and his wife candace have two beautiful children, chase and avery. They obviously cannot join us today, for obvious reasons, but i know they are very proud of him, for good reason, as he is of them. Alex is a patriot who cares deeply for our country and its principals, because he and his family are living embodiments of the American Dream. His parents, robert and grace wong, came to america more than four decades ago from hong kong. They rented a onebedroom apartment in queens and works to make a better life for the family, and their American Dream and true. True. Sun came their son is sitting before you today. I know he is a dedicated public servant, because he has proven it to me through his actions, and i know he will fight for americas interest at the United Nations, because only in america would his story be possible. I urge all of you to support his nomination, and i urge the senate to move promptly on his confirmation, so he could do the important work at the United Nations. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Sen. Risch thank you, senator cotton. We are now going to turn to former congressman royce. Congressman, we are glad to have you with us today. It is good to see you. The floor is yours. Mr. Royce well, mr. Chairman, it is good to see you, and members of the committee, it is good to be able to speak up here and a great honor to be able to introduce to you my former deputy staff director on the House Foreign Affairs committee, edward burrier. Years,work for me for 18 so he is not only someone i worked with but someone i am fortunate to call a friend. Edward first started in my office interning in the africa subcommittee, which i then chaired, and at the time, he was still in college at the university of Mary Washington in fredericksburg, and every day, he would make the long commute from fredericksburg just to volunteer. He then took a job in my personal office, where he met his future wife, a fellow junior staffer, gretchen. They now have a young sun, william, and it has been a pleasure watching them grow personally and professionally. Edward originally rose to deputy staff director of the House Foreign Affairs committee, and over the years, edward was essential in achieving so much, including efforts to prevent the proliferation of shoulderfired surface missiles to terrorists of theor legislation regime of north korea and iran, heare dangerously found a niche some which are part of gunrunning, in part because of edwards efforts. He also produced important reports, including the pathbreaking gangster regime and that is still relevant today. Ed wrote for me hundreds of blog interests, some of the most captivating and washington. In short, edward was involved in all the major foreignpolicy members numbers of the day, helping to make our country better. He has continued these efforts, now at the newly created Development Finance corporation, advance works to americas interests around the world and to lift the globe out of poverty. He understands the importance of u. S. Engagement in the developing world, which is more critical now than ever as covid19 threatens a humanitarian crisis of enormous and tragic human consequence. Not only has the experience required to be the deputy chief executive officer, he also has the intellect, he has the knowledge. Most importantly, he has the heart, and i could not think of someone more qualified to help lead this organization at this critical time in history, and i am thankful that he is willing to serve, and i thank you again, mr. Chairman. Much. Isch thank you so we appreciate you coming to the committee, and we certainly appreciate your remarks. Let me say, first of all, welcome, everyone. These are unique circumstances, and in response to the times we are living in, unique in many ways, not just one, but we will move along. We have got these five nominees. Isst is jennifer barber, who nominated to be u. S. Representative of the economic and social council of the United Nations. This position is tasked with protecting american interests and economic and social programs at the United Nations. Miss barbara currently serves at a law firm. Mr. Edwardve burrier, nominated to be deputy ceo of the international Development Finance corporation. This role assists the ceo in accomplishing the dfcs objective, partnering with the private sector to find solutions for some of the most critical challenges. One i would like to highlight is the dfcs decision to include Nuclear Projects in its portfolio. Mr. Burrier has worked at the dfc since its creation. He was a longtime staffer for the house foreign. Affairs committee. We turn now to ambassador of the ukraine, retired Lieutenant General keith dayton. He served four decades of distinguished service. He has been a director of the Marshall Center in germany, most recently served as the senior u. S. Defense advisor to ukraine. The the past year, u. S. Ukraine relationship was thrust into the national spotlight. This is unfortunate, but it is time to make clear that ukraine enjoys a bipartisan som support. That is why i was glad last week to introduce the Ukraine SecurityPartnership Act alongside Ranking Member menendez and four other members of this committee to further assist the Ukrainian Military in its battle against russianbacked separatist and military reforms. Juliext nominee is ms. Fisher. Most recently, she served as Deputy Assistant secretary to western europe and the European Union. She has also served as the deputy chief of mission. Nomination, your marks an important step in our relationship with baylor ruse. Belarus. You would be the first since 2008 welcome your thoughts in rebuilding the u. S. Belarus relationship, encouraging reforms. Finally, we have alex wong to be special Political Affairs of the United Nations. This role is involved in overseeing peacekeeping operations, international policies. Deputyth korea, secretary assistant to the United States, east asia embassy. With that, mr. Menendez . Sen. Menendez thank you. Welcome to all of the nominees. Nomineesaddress the before us, i am just compelled to note that this is unfortunately another in a series of nominations hearings that have been noticed unilaterally over the objections of the minority, and to a large extent without our input. Of the three two aarings were noticed without Ranking Member, and one without the sevenday rule, which is unfortunate. Clearly the chairman has the authority to run the committee in this manner, but it is a drastic departure. It is also disappointing that the committee is holding five nominations hearings on the nominationonly business hearing this work period, where we have not mocked up a bill since may. Nominations are an Important Committee function, but to be relevant, we need to be engaged in legislating on issues that matter to americans. Democrats and republicans want this to happen, and i hope it can happen in the days ahead. And finally, given the intense interest and sensitivities involving interest surrounding ukraine, i have suggested general dayton should be on a panel by himself, or at least at minimum, with just one other nominee. Squeezing him on a panel of five does not do justice on this set of issues, so, mr. Chairman, i hope you will be generous in time, especially as we have to inl with all these nominees one panel. Now, the committee has been a long stalwart champion for the relationship with ukraine. As chairman, i let efforts on two laws that would pass in the wake of russias invasion in the country in 2014. And as the chairman mentioned, just last week, we joined i,ether, chairman risch and to introduce legislation that for thecrease mfm country. The fact remains that ukraine is causally under assault in the seas, cyberspace, from an aggressive kremlin. Ukraine servicemembers have courageously fought Russian Forces that seek to disrupt the international order, and they are constantly challenged. President trump significantly damaged our standing with ukraine and undermined our own National Security by holding Security Assistance hostage to his political agenda. Challenge to our relationship, which led to impeachment proceedings. It is now more important than ever for the senate to speak with one voice in support of ukraine, especially in the provision of Security Assistance, and i am glad we are able to send that clear message with our legislation. General dayton, if you are confirmed, you will have very big shoes to fill in kiev. Jovanovich andll bill taylor, both who will not only diplomats to the United States but had the courage to speak truth to power. I hope you will also be up to that task. Rudy giuliani and a cast of unsavory ukrainian efforts characters have not let up in their efforts to reframe ukraine to help u. S. Politics. I suspect if confirmed you would not engage in these campaigns, and i would want your commitment to that end. Fisher, i am glad to have you with us today. You are the first nominee to be ambassador to belarus in a decade. Are rising toe demand democracy in unprecedented government. Awayelarus government move from russia is important, but we cannot nor the needs of the belarusian people. I look forward to hearing from you and what steps you would take if confirmed to support the aspirations of a belarusian people. Wong, welcome. At every turn, the trumpet ministry should unfortunately sought to undermine multilateral institutions. The administrations actions, in leavew, do not america great, they leave america alone. Intent totrumps withdraw from the World Health Organization ships blames and isolationism for the United States. It is astonishing that during the height of the pandemic, the principal is addition charged with the leading and coordinating Global Response will no longer receive u. S. Support. I am likewise deeply troubled by the attempt of the administration to limit gender equality and restrict the rights of women and girls. It is unacceptable that the u. S. Government representatives at the United Nations have sought to remove references to longstanding and agreedupon language on genderbased violence and Sexual Reproductive Health. We must lead the collective commitment to advance fundamental victims rights and freedoms for all, rather than undermine the rights of some, and i look forward to hearing from the nominees on these issues. Mr. Berrier, welcome. You seem well suited for the job and rounding out the leadership circle, the dfc is incredibly important. However, i have some serious concerns with some of the dfcs actions that i need a nominees commitment to address, and that includes the authorities that were granted to the dfc under the defense production act executive order signed by the president as well as how the dfc is pursuing environmental and other policy. I know you were not there to make those decisions, but i would like to hear how you would deal with that, if confirmed. With that, mr. Chairman, thank you. Sen. Risch thank you, mr. Minerd is. First, i want to be clear that Assembly Rule simply requires that i consult with the Ranking Member if i am going to hold a hearing in less than seven days, as you know. As always, we consulted through our staffs, but as happens, we were unable to reach an agreement, so i hosted the hearing. I share your concerns. I would love Nothing Better than to spend our time doing that in less time on the noms, but time is at a premium to stay. E four meetings,ad last week, two meetings. Premium, but wem will keep moving for. Youfirst nominee, each of your full statement included in the record. We will ask you to keep your remarks to about five minutes. Refer to a request for generosity in time. Those of you on this committee know the chairman is very generous. Generous with time. Peopleave a number of here. You, you areank up. Thank you. Risch, Ranking Member menendez, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. Bem humbled to considered for the role. If confirmed, would be honored to have the opportunity to serve our country and the capacity. His special thanks for leader mcconnell for his support. I would also like to express my gratitude to President Donald Trump and secretary mike pompeo for nominating me. And for ambas