Transcripts For CSPAN2 Key Capitol Hill Hearings 20140612 :

A video showing a mob assault a woman in Tahrir Square and a policemans struggle to save her has been circulating on the internet. How would you work with the Egyptian Government to insure the prevention and prosecution of Sexual Assault . How would you work with them to insure that this is a priority for them in this new government . The act youre referring to and others like it which have been reported as well are are extremely disturbing, and were extremely concerned about those type of incidents. Women should have the ability to go anywhere they want in the country just like a hand, and they should be full participants in egypts democratic and social processes. We need to engage the Egyptian Government, we need to make clear that these activities are unacceptable, and i recognize that egypt including president assisi, has made statements to the effect that these are unacceptable. And they need to do everything they can to insure women are safe in the afterhath of this incident. We have aftermath of this incident. We need to pursue those programs as well through our assistance consistent with the law. Let me, for the record, and im just verifying this right now, but my understanding is that the memorandum of understanding is available to leadership as well as members and appropriatelycleared professional Staff Members of several committees including the Senate Foreign Relations Committee which would mean that any member and those professional staff who have been cleared for Intelligence Briefings will have access to the memo, so all members would be able to read it. With that, senator johnson. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Again, want to thank the witnesses and your willingness to serve. Ms. Smith, when did you review the memorandum of understanding . Earlier this week, senator. On monday, or i believe it was monday. Is your security clearance higher than that of a United States senator . I am, i cant answer that question. I dont know what your security clearance is. [laughter] okay. I appreciate the fact, mr. Chairman, that now we have the opportunity to review that memorandum of understanding, but i think the point of my question is, is a nominee to be ambassador, you know, i think you should certainly be able to review that, but i think we should have been as well, but we simply were not until, apparently, late last night. I would like to make this commitment to you, mr. Senator, if i am confirmed, i will be delighted to consult with you and any members of the committee and your staffs as closely and regularly as you like. You, in your testimony, said we are confident that the security measures that have been put in place, including restrictions placed on activities of the individuals, will stably mitigate substantially mitigate any threat that the individuals will pose to our National Security. Did you by any chance see the video of celebration as these five detainees were welcomed at qatar . I didnt see the video. I saw reports about it. You should review that. It doesnt look like particularly restrictive environment to me. If im confirmed, were going to be focused on our National Security, and we will be looking at not only the directlythreatening types of things they could be doing, but things that constitute propaganda and that constitute that type because i was not able to take a look at the memorandum of understanding, i will go down, and can i will look at it. Can you tell me, were there restrictions and terms of public displays for propaganda purposes within that memorandum of understanding . In other words, has qatar already violated that based on your understanding . I think the best thing that i can say here is that there will be restrictions on some of the activities of those individuals. Id be delighted to consult with you, again, in a different setting. Okay. Ambassador beecroft, how would you assess or how would you describe the result thats occurring in iraq now after we have withdrawn all of our combat forces . Hows that going . Well, iraq is facing a very, very severe challenge from terrorist group, particular terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State of iraq and the levant, and it has suffered setbacks. If theres a Silver Lining in this, its that were seeing iraqis over the past few days start to pull together in ways they havent before, overcome sectarian divides. Weve seen the kurds in baghdad start to cooperate on the battlefield, and weve seen iraq putting together a conference for sunnis to reconcile with as many groups as possible and engage them in the fight. So its an uphill battle, its a struggle. Were doing what we can to help them in ways of providing assistance for military equipment, military weapons, ammunition, providing training and providing, sharing as much intelligence as we can with them to fight this battle. But, again, just kind of a oneword, coupleword assessment of the result. Success . On the battlefield . Its very, very difficult. It cannot be considered a success. Its going its a huge challenge. Ambassador jones, what would you describe the result after our pullout of all combat troops in iraq . [inaudible] thank you, senator. As ambassador beecroft just characterized, i think the government of iraq continues to face a Severe Threat from isil which has now penetrated iraq through the influx of foreign fight beers across the syrian fight beers across the Syrian Border as a result largely, although not exclusively, of course, of the syrian war. The isil poses not only a threat to iraq, but to iraqs neighbors. And i think the United States has a commitment to support iraq in its security, and we will continue to work true the pleasures that ambassador through the measures that ambassador beecroft just outlined to try to support the iraqi forces in this challenge that they face. Now that weve seen fallujah, mosul fall to, basically, elements of alqaeda, now that weve seen the Iraqi Security forces shed their uniforms, go door to door getting civilian clothes so they could meld into the population, do you see any Silver Linings . I think what ambassador beecroft said was i think the escalation of the threat posed by isil is having an impact in baghdad of drawing the political factions more closely together. And i think in the last 72 hours weve seen a series of meetings where the various political elements are coming together and drawing up plans and looking for ways to cooperate for the National Security. So do you expect the Iraqi Security force now to turn the tide and be able to capture back true ya and mosul . We certainly hope for that outcome, and i think its incumbent upon the United States to support that outcome. Youre obviously going to iraq, and god bless you for being willing to serve. You said there are 5300 u. S. Personnel in iraq. Are they going to be safe . Thats a very good question, senator, and thank you more your kind words. The compound, as mentioned earlier, i was the deputy chief of higgs in baghdad from 2010 of mission in baghdad from 2011 2011 2007 to twch. Weve taken extraordinary measures to insure the safety and protection of our personnel. Were going to have to make sure and be vigilant to maintain those. We cant stay behind the walls. We have to be out. And i know that ambassador beecroft is out frequently to meet with iraqi contacts in baghdad and ore parts of other parts of the country. So were going to have to do the best we can to reduce the risks and insure that we can do, both do our jobs and stay say stay safe. Can you tell me how many of the personnel are military . Are those state department . Yeah. Its a complicated question. Id love to go into the details with you in another setting. Suffice to say that we have a significant number of Diplomatic Security officers who are state department officers. We also have, of course, the Marine Security guards. And then we also have contract guards who are assigned to protect the perimeter. So its a significant number, and id be happy to get back to you with the details. Okay. I appreciate that. Again, i wish you godspeed and safety and best of luck, but i hope the security of yourself and those serving with you on the ground in iraq is your top priority. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Thank you. Mr. Smith, my questions have largely been asked and answered, so i wont pursue them. I would just instruct the nominees that there will be, the record will be open for, until for the next 48 hours. To the extent that questions are submitted to any of you, id urge you to respond to them expeditiously so that we could move your nominations before a Business Committee meeting of the relation, Foreign Relations committee. And with the gratitude for your willingness to serve, this panel is excused, and i would call upon our second panel today. James nealon, nominated to be the ambassador to honduras. [inaudible conversations] if we could have everyone who is not staying for the rest of the hearing, please, leave the room. [inaudible conversations] all right. As we have everybody exit, let me for the sake of time and votes that are going to be coming, our second panel is james nealon, nominated to be ambassador of hon curious. Honduras. Being apprehended and held, the government of honduras is struggling to guarantee the security and economic welling with of its people, and as a result, we are left to address how we will handle waves of children immigrants crossing into the United States on their own and how the honduran government will handle the underlying issues of crime and violence. Just last week president obama announced the creation of a task force to address what he called an urgent humanitarian situation stemming from unaccompanied minors crossing the border of the southern United States, many of whom are from honduras. I look forward to hearing mr. Nealons views. Also on our panel is gentry smith, nominated to be the officer of ambassador. He is a career member of the Foreign Service, class administer i counselor serving as Deputy Assistant secretary and assistant director for countermeasures at the state department, a position he has held since 2009. He has served as a Regional Security officer at the u. S. Embassy in tokyo and the u. S. em bussey in rangoon, he served as deputy officer during two separate tours of duty in cairo. We welcome both of you to the committee. Again, if you have family members, we urge you to introduce them to the committee. We appreciate their willingness to join in your service on behalf of our country. Your full statements will be included in the record, without objection. But i ask you to summarize your openings in about five minutes or so, so that we can enter into a dialogue with each of you. With that, mr. Nealon, youre recognized first. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member corker, distinguished members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, it is an honor to appear before you as the president s nominee as ambassador to honduras. I am deeply grateful to the president and to the secretary of state for their trust and confidence. After 30 years in the Foreign Service, i appreciate the privilege and the responsibility that it is to be considered for confirmation as ambassador. I deeply respect the role of the senate in insuring that the United States has a Foreign Policy that reflects our nations values. Id like to recognize my wife kristin whos here today and our four children; rory, katie, maureen and liam, all born while we were living overseas. Were a Foreign Service family, and weve been in this together from the very beginning, so this is their day as much as mine. I believe i also have a sister, a brother, a brotherinlaw and many friends here, so i thank all of them, and i see my son arrive from california. Glad to see him. Mr. Chairman, the headlines dont always tell a positive story about honduras. This is a country that faces tremendous challenges. Many of them associated with the direct and indirect effects of narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Its a challenge to establish strong democratic institutions, establish a rule of law culture, attack impunity and corruption, reduce crime, attract investment and insure a prosperous future for honduran citizens. I share with many members of congress a concern about the consequences of slow economic growth, impunity, weak institutions, corruption and extreme violence in honduras. I share the view that everything is related. Impunity and lack of accountability and transparency promote a weak rule of law culture. They discourage investment, and they encourage illegal migration to the United States. We are partners with you in seeking to influence this trajectory in a positive direction. Mr. Chairman, in such circumstances some will ask if u. S. Engagement in honduras makes a difference. I believe that it does and that it is in our interests to stay engaged. A honduras with greater accountability and transparency will establish stronger rule of law institutions and be more likely to protect human rights. A honduras with a vibrant middle class means a larger overseas market for americanmade products. A more secure and prosperous honduras means fewer migrants trying to cross our borders. A honduras with strong capacity means fewer drugs arriving in our communities. As president obama recently said, respect for human rights is an antidote to instability. A honduras with strong human rights protections means enhanced security in our region. The United States is committed to partnering with the government of honduras to promote prosperity, governance and security. In order to do so, we need willing partners in honduras who have the political will to transform their society, the capacity the seize drugs and the commitment to arrest, prosecute and sentence criminals. They also need to guarantee the human rights of their own citizens. Mr. Chairman, honduras is at a cross roads. We have seen some early signs that the government of honduras is ready to take important steps to improve the lives of its citizens. In may, for the first time, the they extradited a notorious drug trafficker to the United States, an important strike against impunity. The new government has dedicated scarce resources to better combat trafficking in persons. They have fired corrupt police, they have indicted the entire board of directors of the Social Security institute for corruption, and they have invited the United Nations to set up a human rights office. They have also formed a task force to investigate unsolved murders in a particularly conflicted area of the country. But there is no doubt the government of honduras still has a very big job ahead. I am fully aware of the serious doubts expressed, including in the u. S. Congress, regarding the willingness and ability of the government of honduras to take needed steps to improve the human rights situation. If confirmed, i commit to work tirelessly in this area. Mr. Chairman, ive been a deputy chief of mission at three embassies in this hemisphere. Im currently the deputy civilian commander at u. S. Southern command. I spent the last 30 years in thine foreign postings working to promote democracy and human rights, enhance security partnerships and promote u. S. Exports and investment. Mr. Chairman, thank you again for the honor of appearing before this committee today. If confirmed, i pledge to work with you and your colleagues to advance the vital interests of the United States in honduras. Thank you very much, i look forward to answering your questions today and at any time in the future. Thank you, mr. Nealon. And, you know, we didnt give you the appropriate, in our introduction. You have 30 years of experience joining the service in 1984. Most recently been deputy chief of mission in canada, peru, uruguay, also been located spain, hungary, the philippines and chile, as well as the current assignment you just talked about, so a tremendous background in this respect. We appreciate your willingness to serve. Mr. Smith. Chairman menendez, Ranking Member corker and distinguished members of the committee, i am honored to appear before you today as president obamas nominee to be the next director of the office of Foreign Missions, ofm. I am profoundly grateful for the confidence the president and secretary kerry have demonstrated in nominating me for this unique and important position. My entire professional life has been dedicated to Public Service. Beginning with my first career as a Police Officer in raleigh, north carolina, to my assignments at our embassies in tokyo, rangoon and cairo, and to my current role as the Deputy Assistant secretary for countermeasures with the bureau of Diplomatic Security, i have strived to improve the conditions in which our colleagues live and work. I believe my dedication and commitment in this regard will serve me well if given the opportunity to lead the office of Foreign Missions, an organization whose primary goals are using reciprocity to insure equitable treatment of Tahrir Square<\/a> and a policemans struggle to save her has been circulating on the internet. How would you work with the Egyptian Government<\/a> to insure the prevention and prosecution of Sexual Assault<\/a> . How would you work with them to insure that this is a priority for them in this new government . The act youre referring to and others like it which have been reported as well are are extremely disturbing, and were extremely concerned about those type of incidents. Women should have the ability to go anywhere they want in the country just like a hand, and they should be full participants in egypts democratic and social processes. We need to engage the Egyptian Government<\/a>, we need to make clear that these activities are unacceptable, and i recognize that egypt including president assisi, has made statements to the effect that these are unacceptable. And they need to do everything they can to insure women are safe in the afterhath of this incident. We have aftermath of this incident. We need to pursue those programs as well through our assistance consistent with the law. Let me, for the record, and im just verifying this right now, but my understanding is that the memorandum of understanding is available to leadership as well as members and appropriatelycleared professional Staff Members<\/a> of several committees including the Senate Foreign<\/a> Relations Committee<\/a> which would mean that any member and those professional staff who have been cleared for Intelligence Briefings<\/a> will have access to the memo, so all members would be able to read it. With that, senator johnson. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Again, want to thank the witnesses and your willingness to serve. Ms. Smith, when did you review the memorandum of understanding . Earlier this week, senator. On monday, or i believe it was monday. Is your security clearance higher than that of a United States<\/a> senator . I am, i cant answer that question. I dont know what your security clearance is. [laughter] okay. I appreciate the fact, mr. Chairman, that now we have the opportunity to review that memorandum of understanding, but i think the point of my question is, is a nominee to be ambassador, you know, i think you should certainly be able to review that, but i think we should have been as well, but we simply were not until, apparently, late last night. I would like to make this commitment to you, mr. Senator, if i am confirmed, i will be delighted to consult with you and any members of the committee and your staffs as closely and regularly as you like. You, in your testimony, said we are confident that the security measures that have been put in place, including restrictions placed on activities of the individuals, will stably mitigate substantially mitigate any threat that the individuals will pose to our National Security<\/a>. Did you by any chance see the video of celebration as these five detainees were welcomed at qatar . I didnt see the video. I saw reports about it. You should review that. It doesnt look like particularly restrictive environment to me. If im confirmed, were going to be focused on our National Security<\/a>, and we will be looking at not only the directlythreatening types of things they could be doing, but things that constitute propaganda and that constitute that type because i was not able to take a look at the memorandum of understanding, i will go down, and can i will look at it. Can you tell me, were there restrictions and terms of public displays for propaganda purposes within that memorandum of understanding . In other words, has qatar already violated that based on your understanding . I think the best thing that i can say here is that there will be restrictions on some of the activities of those individuals. Id be delighted to consult with you, again, in a different setting. Okay. Ambassador beecroft, how would you assess or how would you describe the result thats occurring in iraq now after we have withdrawn all of our combat forces . Hows that going . Well, iraq is facing a very, very severe challenge from terrorist group, particular terrorist groups, particularly the Islamic State<\/a> of iraq and the levant, and it has suffered setbacks. If theres a Silver Lining<\/a> in this, its that were seeing iraqis over the past few days start to pull together in ways they havent before, overcome sectarian divides. Weve seen the kurds in baghdad start to cooperate on the battlefield, and weve seen iraq putting together a conference for sunnis to reconcile with as many groups as possible and engage them in the fight. So its an uphill battle, its a struggle. Were doing what we can to help them in ways of providing assistance for military equipment, military weapons, ammunition, providing training and providing, sharing as much intelligence as we can with them to fight this battle. But, again, just kind of a oneword, coupleword assessment of the result. Success . On the battlefield . Its very, very difficult. It cannot be considered a success. Its going its a huge challenge. Ambassador jones, what would you describe the result after our pullout of all combat troops in iraq . [inaudible] thank you, senator. As ambassador beecroft just characterized, i think the government of iraq continues to face a Severe Threat<\/a> from isil which has now penetrated iraq through the influx of foreign fight beers across the syrian fight beers across the Syrian Border<\/a> as a result largely, although not exclusively, of course, of the syrian war. The isil poses not only a threat to iraq, but to iraqs neighbors. And i think the United States<\/a> has a commitment to support iraq in its security, and we will continue to work true the pleasures that ambassador through the measures that ambassador beecroft just outlined to try to support the iraqi forces in this challenge that they face. Now that weve seen fallujah, mosul fall to, basically, elements of alqaeda, now that weve seen the Iraqi Security<\/a> forces shed their uniforms, go door to door getting civilian clothes so they could meld into the population, do you see any Silver Lining<\/a>s . I think what ambassador beecroft said was i think the escalation of the threat posed by isil is having an impact in baghdad of drawing the political factions more closely together. And i think in the last 72 hours weve seen a series of meetings where the various political elements are coming together and drawing up plans and looking for ways to cooperate for the National Security<\/a>. So do you expect the Iraqi Security<\/a> force now to turn the tide and be able to capture back true ya and mosul . We certainly hope for that outcome, and i think its incumbent upon the United States<\/a> to support that outcome. Youre obviously going to iraq, and god bless you for being willing to serve. You said there are 5300 u. S. Personnel in iraq. Are they going to be safe . Thats a very good question, senator, and thank you more your kind words. The compound, as mentioned earlier, i was the deputy chief of higgs in baghdad from 2010 of mission in baghdad from 2011 2011 2007 to twch. Weve taken extraordinary measures to insure the safety and protection of our personnel. Were going to have to make sure and be vigilant to maintain those. We cant stay behind the walls. We have to be out. And i know that ambassador beecroft is out frequently to meet with iraqi contacts in baghdad and ore parts of other parts of the country. So were going to have to do the best we can to reduce the risks and insure that we can do, both do our jobs and stay say stay safe. Can you tell me how many of the personnel are military . Are those state department . Yeah. Its a complicated question. Id love to go into the details with you in another setting. Suffice to say that we have a significant number of Diplomatic Security<\/a> officers who are state department officers. We also have, of course, the Marine Security<\/a> guards. And then we also have contract guards who are assigned to protect the perimeter. So its a significant number, and id be happy to get back to you with the details. Okay. I appreciate that. Again, i wish you godspeed and safety and best of luck, but i hope the security of yourself and those serving with you on the ground in iraq is your top priority. Thank you very much. I appreciate that. Thank you. Mr. Smith, my questions have largely been asked and answered, so i wont pursue them. I would just instruct the nominees that there will be, the record will be open for, until for the next 48 hours. To the extent that questions are submitted to any of you, id urge you to respond to them expeditiously so that we could move your nominations before a Business Committee<\/a> meeting of the relation, Foreign Relations<\/a> committee. And with the gratitude for your willingness to serve, this panel is excused, and i would call upon our second panel today. James nealon, nominated to be the ambassador to honduras. [inaudible conversations] if we could have everyone who is not staying for the rest of the hearing, please, leave the room. [inaudible conversations] all right. As we have everybody exit, let me for the sake of time and votes that are going to be coming, our second panel is james nealon, nominated to be ambassador of hon curious. Honduras. Being apprehended and held, the government of honduras is struggling to guarantee the security and economic welling with of its people, and as a result, we are left to address how we will handle waves of children immigrants crossing into the United States<\/a> on their own and how the honduran government will handle the underlying issues of crime and violence. Just last week president obama announced the creation of a task force to address what he called an urgent humanitarian situation stemming from unaccompanied minors crossing the border of the southern United States<\/a>, many of whom are from honduras. I look forward to hearing mr. Nealons views. Also on our panel is gentry smith, nominated to be the officer of ambassador. He is a career member of the Foreign Service<\/a>, class administer i counselor serving as Deputy Assistant<\/a> secretary and assistant director for countermeasures at the state department, a position he has held since 2009. He has served as a Regional Security<\/a> officer at the u. S. Embassy in tokyo and the u. S. em bussey in rangoon, he served as deputy officer during two separate tours of duty in cairo. We welcome both of you to the committee. Again, if you have family members, we urge you to introduce them to the committee. We appreciate their willingness to join in your service on behalf of our country. Your full statements will be included in the record, without objection. But i ask you to summarize your openings in about five minutes or so, so that we can enter into a dialogue with each of you. With that, mr. Nealon, youre recognized first. Thank you very much, mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member<\/a> corker, distinguished members of the Senate Foreign<\/a> Relations Committee<\/a>, it is an honor to appear before you as the president s nominee as ambassador to honduras. I am deeply grateful to the president and to the secretary of state for their trust and confidence. After 30 years in the Foreign Service<\/a>, i appreciate the privilege and the responsibility that it is to be considered for confirmation as ambassador. I deeply respect the role of the senate in insuring that the United States<\/a> has a Foreign Policy<\/a> that reflects our nations values. Id like to recognize my wife kristin whos here today and our four children; rory, katie, maureen and liam, all born while we were living overseas. Were a Foreign Service<\/a> family, and weve been in this together from the very beginning, so this is their day as much as mine. I believe i also have a sister, a brother, a brotherinlaw and many friends here, so i thank all of them, and i see my son arrive from california. Glad to see him. Mr. Chairman, the headlines dont always tell a positive story about honduras. This is a country that faces tremendous challenges. Many of them associated with the direct and indirect effects of narcotics trafficking and organized crime. Its a challenge to establish strong democratic institutions, establish a rule of law culture, attack impunity and corruption, reduce crime, attract investment and insure a prosperous future for honduran citizens. I share with many members of congress a concern about the consequences of slow economic growth, impunity, weak institutions, corruption and extreme violence in honduras. I share the view that everything is related. Impunity and lack of accountability and transparency promote a weak rule of law culture. They discourage investment, and they encourage illegal migration to the United States<\/a>. We are partners with you in seeking to influence this trajectory in a positive direction. Mr. Chairman, in such circumstances some will ask if u. S. Engagement in honduras makes a difference. I believe that it does and that it is in our interests to stay engaged. A honduras with greater accountability and transparency will establish stronger rule of law institutions and be more likely to protect human rights. A honduras with a vibrant middle class means a larger overseas market for americanmade products. A more secure and prosperous honduras means fewer migrants trying to cross our borders. A honduras with strong capacity means fewer drugs arriving in our communities. As president obama recently said, respect for human rights is an antidote to instability. A honduras with strong human rights protections means enhanced security in our region. The United States<\/a> is committed to partnering with the government of honduras to promote prosperity, governance and security. In order to do so, we need willing partners in honduras who have the political will to transform their society, the capacity the seize drugs and the commitment to arrest, prosecute and sentence criminals. They also need to guarantee the human rights of their own citizens. Mr. Chairman, honduras is at a cross roads. We have seen some early signs that the government of honduras is ready to take important steps to improve the lives of its citizens. In may, for the first time, the they extradited a notorious drug trafficker to the United States<\/a>, an important strike against impunity. The new government has dedicated scarce resources to better combat trafficking in persons. They have fired corrupt police, they have indicted the entire board of directors of the Social Security<\/a> institute for corruption, and they have invited the United Nations<\/a> to set up a human rights office. They have also formed a task force to investigate unsolved murders in a particularly conflicted area of the country. But there is no doubt the government of honduras still has a very big job ahead. I am fully aware of the serious doubts expressed, including in the u. S. Congress, regarding the willingness and ability of the government of honduras to take needed steps to improve the human rights situation. If confirmed, i commit to work tirelessly in this area. Mr. Chairman, ive been a deputy chief of mission at three embassies in this hemisphere. Im currently the deputy civilian commander at u. S. Southern command. I spent the last 30 years in thine foreign postings working to promote democracy and human rights, enhance security partnerships and promote u. S. Exports and investment. Mr. Chairman, thank you again for the honor of appearing before this committee today. If confirmed, i pledge to work with you and your colleagues to advance the vital interests of the United States<\/a> in honduras. Thank you very much, i look forward to answering your questions today and at any time in the future. Thank you, mr. Nealon. And, you know, we didnt give you the appropriate, in our introduction. You have 30 years of experience joining the service in 1984. Most recently been deputy chief of mission in canada, peru, uruguay, also been located spain, hungary, the philippines and chile, as well as the current assignment you just talked about, so a tremendous background in this respect. We appreciate your willingness to serve. Mr. Smith. Chairman menendez, Ranking Member<\/a> corker and distinguished members of the committee, i am honored to appear before you today as president obamas nominee to be the next director of the office of Foreign Missions<\/a>, ofm. I am profoundly grateful for the confidence the president and secretary kerry have demonstrated in nominating me for this unique and important position. My entire professional life has been dedicated to Public Service<\/a>. Beginning with my first career as a Police Officer<\/a> in raleigh, north carolina, to my assignments at our embassies in tokyo, rangoon and cairo, and to my current role as the Deputy Assistant<\/a> secretary for countermeasures with the bureau of Diplomatic Security<\/a>, i have strived to improve the conditions in which our colleagues live and work. I believe my dedication and commitment in this regard will serve me well if given the opportunity to lead the office of Foreign Missions<\/a>, an organization whose primary goals are using reciprocity to insure equitable treatment of United States<\/a> Diplomatic Council<\/a> missions abroad and their personnel, regulating the activities of Foreign Missions<\/a> in the United States<\/a> to protect our Foreign Policy<\/a> and National Security<\/a> interests, protecting the u. S. Public from abuses and prejudices of immunities by members of the Foreign Mission<\/a> and assistance to the Foreign Mission<\/a> community in the United States<\/a> on a reciprocal basis. As you are aware, ofm was established in 1982 as a requirement you should the Foreign Missions<\/a> act under the Foreign Missions<\/a> act. In passing the act, congress made it clear that the operations of Foreign Missions<\/a> in the United States<\/a> is a proper subject for the exercise of federal jurisdiction. For more than 30 years, the act has guided the departments management, extension through the Foreign Missions<\/a> and United States<\/a> of privileges, benefits and immunities associated with the acquisition and use of Real Property<\/a>, motor vehicles, driving services, tax exemptions, custom clearances and Domestic Travel<\/a> courtesies and restrictions. In my estimation, the foreign higgss act is a landmark piece of missions act is a landmark piece of legislation which has positively conditioned the environment in which u. S. Diplomatic and consulate missions operate abroad. This committee is well aware of the departments ongoing efforts to insure our personnel abroad work in facilities that are safe, secure and functional. I can authoritatively attest that the relocation of an American Embassy<\/a> is a complex, costly and difficult task. To accomplish this job, the United States<\/a> government and many countries have, in countries, the sport of that support of that host country. And in countries where that support is lacking, the office of Foreign Mission<\/a> plays a Critical Role<\/a> in assisting in the resolution of these impasses. We sometimes face with these governments during our attempts to acquire Real Property<\/a>. And in those countries where were relocating our facilities. When a country has an interest in improving and relocating its own mission in the United States<\/a>, the office of Foreign Mission<\/a> uses its ability to regulate the acquisition and the use of Real Property<\/a> of those missions as leverage to achieve the departments own propertyrelated needs in that country. Without ofm and authorities it has under the Foreign Missions<\/a> act, we may not have been able to build a new embassy in beijing, china, or a new annex in that same location. This and more was achieved as a result of reciprocity and the Foreign Missions<\/a> act. In closing, mr. Chairman, i am honored to have the opportunity to address you and the esteemed members of the committee. If confirmed, i will do all that i can to further these important objectives of congress as set out in the Foreign Missions<\/a> act. I look forward to continuing to work with you to insure the proper treatment of our foreign personnel abroad and that Foreign Missions<\/a> here are good neighbors. Thank you for this opportunity and your consideration for my nomination. I respect any request that respectfully request that my entire statement be entered into the record. Thank you. Mr. Nealon, let me start off with, for me, the most pressing issue of the day as it relates to honduras which is in the headlines and minds of all of us who care about the issues of human rights and human dignity. And its the thousands of young people and increasingly younger people who seem forced to leave their families and head for the u. S. Border because of the inability of the honduran government and other Central American<\/a> governments to deal with crime and violence in a region that is home to the highest murder rate in the world. Im personally appalled by the staggering numbers of minors sometimes as young as 5 and 6 years old who are left, at least i guess by their perm circumstances personal circumstances, with no other choice than to try to cross the desert by themselves. And as you approach this post, i would like to get a sense from you as to what discussions you have had with the administration, with the state department. Whats our strategy to try to address both the present challenge as well as the underlying causes that present the challenge that gives us this humanitarian tragedy . Thank you very much, senator. I very much share your concerns about these children who are leaving Central America<\/a>, including honduras, and making a difference trip this an attempt dangerous trip in an attempt to cross our borders. If confirmed as ambassador to hon do you recollect of course, my piece of this would be an earth in honduras to an effort in honduras to try to get hondurans to see their own future in their own country and not to try to make this dangerous trip. We all know what the push factors are. The push factors are the threat of violence and a lack of economic opportunity. Senator, we currently have programs in honduras that are designed to address these issues. Some of them are very good programs, but we have to ask ourselves if its enough. We have programs that, such as the Great Program<\/a> which address atrisk youth and try to wean them away from the threat of joining gangs. We have programs that offer economic opportunity. We support Outreach Centers<\/a> which try and create a culture where kids stay out of gangs, where they try to get job skills so they can enter the labor force, but its extremely difficult. As you said, senator, it is one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere, and it is, perhaps, the most violent. So the challenge is staggering. Well, let me just [laughter] let me just say that heres part of our challenge, and i hope that, if confirmed, youll make this case within the administration. Last week the white house thissed the congress that it would need 2. 28 billion, billion dollars, to address the issue of unaccompanied minors crossing in the, to the United States<\/a>. Now, in 2015 the administrations request to congress was only 130 million. For its fivecountry Central American<\/a> Regional Security<\/a> initiative. Which is a decrease of 30 million over 2014. So given that we these to spend 2. 2 billion to address the consequences of the crisis here in the United States<\/a>, it would seem that 130 million is absolutely insufficient to address the root causes of the problems. This is one of the things that boggles my mind. So were going to spend 2. 28 billion, almost 2. 3 billion if we honor the president s request, to deal with young people crossing the border instead of spending that type of money to ultimately make sure they stay in their country and have the aspiration that you so aptly talked about. So i know this is above your pay grade, you dont make this decision. But since youre going to be going to this job upon confirmation, i hope youre going to make the case that 130 million for five countries, which is less than what weve done, but 2. 2 billion to solve the, respond to the problem just doesnt make any sense. This is our problem with, as someone who is the western hemisphere chair here before i payment the full Committee Chair<\/a> became the full Committee Chair<\/a>, getting the focus of the congress and this administration on the western hemisphere is challenge. Its fronter yard. It is our it is our front yard. It is our own National Interests<\/a>, and we seem to have a problem understanding that. Well spend more on a crisis than we will on meeting the challenge in the first place. So can i get you to be an advocate for this proposition . Senator, you can absolutely have me as an advocate for this proposition if confirmed. Im, obviously, not in the position to assess how much additional money we might need in honduras to address this problem, but i do know that both usaid and the state department are right now assessing those programs we do have. So i will very much look forward to seeing the results of that assessment to see if we can get a handle on how much additional money we might need. Mr. Smith, let me ask you what do you consider to be ofms highest priorities x how do you perceive and how do you perceive your role in achieving them . This is a mandate that has evolved and expanded since the creation of the office in 1982. I want to get the nominee here what your highest priorities would be and what your role would be in pursuing them. Thank you for that question, senator. As we know, the office of Foreign Missions<\/a> as it came into existence from the Foreign Missions<\/a> act of 1982 gives the secretary broad responsibilities for insuring that Foreign Missions<\/a> act in a manner thats appropriate. My highest priority will be making sure that our citizens who work abroad are treated fairly and in a reciprocal manner and also insuring that the activities of foreign entities here are in support or do not conflict with our National Interests<\/a> and also that theres no abuse of privileges and immunities by the missions and personnel that are here. Now, id like to hear from you what role does the office of the director of the Foreign Missions<\/a> play in interacting with Diplomatic Security<\/a> with respect to security in our embassies and consulates abroad . The relationship between the office of Foreign Missions<\/a> and the bureau of dip lo hattic security Diplomatic Security<\/a> has existed for a long time. From the time before the office of Foreign Missions<\/a> was officially an office within the bureau of Diplomatic Security<\/a> until point where it is now where it is a separate entity. Diplomatic security has always played a supporting role in helping the office of Foreign Missions<\/a> carry out some of its respondents. We have to protect responsibilities. We have to protect the diplomats who are here in the United States<\/a> through our Police Liaison<\/a> unit. Diplomatic security has relationships with Police Organizations<\/a> and local police throughout the country. And so we help to protect the diplomats who reside here, and we also offer protection to visiting diplomats who come here to visit the country in short periods of time through our protective details. In every location where there is an office of Foreign Missions<\/a>, theres also a field office for Diplomatic Security<\/a>. Uhhuh. One final question. Your, this office is often referred to as the office for tit for tat meaning that for one of our main goals is to insure reciprocity of treatment of our diplomats overseas. Can you talk about that reciprocity . And theres one example, for example, argentina. A february 2013 department of state Inspector General<\/a> report suggested there was an array of reciprocity inequities negatively affecting personnel at the office in argentina. In particular, inequities regarding the importation, exportation, sales and transfer procedures relative to private and governmentowned vehicles and household effects. Im under the understanding that the office sent a diplomatic note to the Argentine Embassy<\/a> in washington drawing attention to the situation, but at the time of the Inspector General<\/a>s report, no response had been received. So thats an example of one of the important roles you play so that our people can have a decent standard of living as they are representing our country abroad. Tell me a little bit about the reciprocity issue in yen, and do you know in general, and do you know about this argentina example in specific . Thank you, senator. Yes, reciprocity is one of our major tools we can use in insuring that our diplomats overseas and our missions that operate overseas are treated fairly. I have had i have heard during my briefings for preparations that there has been an issue in argentina. As a matter of fact, i know that as you stated, the issue was raised in the february 2013 report. The reason that the issue is still under discussion is the fact that there is still information that we have asked for, the office of Foreign Missions<\/a> has asked for from our mission in buenos aires, and, yes, we have been in contact with the Argentine Mission<\/a> here, but there are Additional Details<\/a> that are needed from the people that we have down on the ground somethings wrong when 16 months later were looking for information versus action. So if confirmed, will you commit to me that youll make this one of your highest priorities . I will indeed, senator, if confirmed. We very much would like that information because, youre absolutely right, were looking and willing to engage on this issue to insure that our personnel overseas are treat inside treated in the fairest manner possible. Senator corker. Ill let senator rubio go and then ask my questions. Thank you both for your service to our country. Mr. Nealon, i have two quick questions, and i appreciate the Ranking Member<\/a>s indulgence on this. The first has to do with an issue im sure youre aware of, and that was a u. S. Crew that was arrested in honduras during a live job. They had a contract to dredge the pa talk about ca river and raise valuable mahogany and cedar logs that were on the bottom of the river bed. A very valuable contract, mutually men be official to honduras, but also to this crew that was involved in this. Its Standard Operating Procedure<\/a> for crews in the Mosquito Coast<\/a> in this part of the world to have firearms to defend themselves from pirates and potentially from drug traffickers in the region. This group pulled into the port, they declared their two pistols, their two shotguns and a semiautomatic sport rifle that looks like an ak47. They declared it to the Honduran Navy<\/a> inspection post. The sailors agreed to let them continue to the port, but when they arrived, they were arrested for weapons charges, and they remain in the custody of the honduran government. I just was hoping to get your commitment that, if confirmed, hopefully by the time you get there, this will be cleared up, but if not, youll make it among your highest priorities to address this outrage thats occurred there. These men should not be in jail. Theyve done nothing wrong. They followed maritime law, and i just want your commitment publicly that we will address this issue if, in fact, this hasnt been cleared up and we hope it will be by the time you get there. Thank you very much, senator. I am very much aware of the detention of the crew of the aqua quest in honduras on may 5th. You do have my word that, if confirmed as ambassador to honduras, the safety and welfare of american citizens will be my highest priority. I too hope that this situation will be cleared up by the time i get there, if confirmed. But if i am confirmed, youll with able to hold me personally accountable for the actions of the embassy in any case involving american constituents. We appreciate that. Thank you very much. I want to talk about a broader issue thats emerging in the press because of the urgency of it, and the chairmans alluded to it. The facts are staggering. About five years ago there were 968 unaccompanied children that crossed the u. S. Southern border. This year alone, not even halfway through the year, theres been more than 13,000 unaccompanied minors that have come across the border from honduras. This is, as i said, almost twice as much as last year, the entire year. We understand that violencec ad poverty are a driver of this. Its important to understand the desperation that a parent must have to put their kids on, in the hands of these groups that are going to move them across the border. Thats how desperate people are to turn your child over. Some of these unaccompanied minors are very young children. Talking very young children. 6, 7, 8, 9 years of age, so this is a very serious humanitarian crisis that were all kind of struggling around here to figure out what to do with it in the short term. I do want to ask you, what insight do you have beyond the motivation for doing it, why is this happening . In essence, weve heard anecdotal reports i have certainly in south florida among members, some in the honduran community, that there are what are, for lack of a better term, rumors that if, in fact, the children are able to get here, theyre going to get to stay. Is that, is, in fact, those rumors circulating, and if, in fact, they are as i believe theres some element of it. I dont know how much of it is quantified to that, but what can we do working with the honduran government to make clear to parents in honduras that despite the desperation that they face and what we need to do to help the honduran people overcome that in their own country, this is not something they should be doing . They should not they are putting their children in grave danger when theyre crossing through mexico into the United States<\/a>. They become prime targets for traffickers, they become prime targets for all sorts of transnational criminal organizations. And then when they get to the United States<\/a> to be abundantly clear, the laws of the United States<\/a> do not allow them to stay here if they arrived illegally. Whatever it is theyre hearing, its not accurate. What can we do through our embassy to help make that clear so that we can prevent this mass migration . I think this is a question to ask of our posts in el salvador and guatemala as well, but youre going to honduras. What can we do to make it clear that this is not something they should do, it isnt wise, and it puts their children in grave danger . Senator, thank you very much. As i said to chairman menendez, i share your very deep concern for this situation. Im not sure that i have any wisdom to add to what i already said to the chairman, except i can say that the honduran government is running Public Service<\/a> ads in honduras to counter the kind of rumors that you described. Obviously do these rumors come from . Why are they what are the perception that they can come and stay if they arrive wheres that coming from . Senator, you unfortunately, m not in the position to answer that question for you, i simply dont know. But i can tell you that, if confirmed, this issue which i think has gotten the attention, rightly, of all of us would be at the top of the list of my prior ties to try to address, and i would look forward to working with you. I know you have deep roots this the community in florida. I would really look forward to working with you to see if we could come up with some ideas to address the situation. Thank you. Thank you, mr. Chair. Senator cain. Thank you, mr. Chairman, and thank you to the witnesses and, mr. Smith, i will apologize to you in advance. I have kind of an obsession about honduras, so im not going to grill you. I hope you dont mind. And ill start with mr. Nealon. First, congratulations, this is a country of many, many wonderful people, and i think being ambassador to the honduras at this time though a very challenging one is going to give you a superb opportunity to continue whats really been anest mall career in Foreign Service<\/a>, so i congratulate you. I lived in honduras in 1980 and 81, and i worked with jesuits there who are responsible for a lot of good work in that province and around the country. And i just, i kind of hate to say this, and every time i say it, you know, i kind of feel bad saying it. But when i was there, it was a military dictatorship, and it was a very brutal place, including brutal to people whom i worked with many of who were targeted during that time and after because of their advocacy on behalf of the least of these. Especially the banana camps near el progresso. But its worse now than then. Theyre less safe now than then. Its not a military dictatorship anymore. You know, we moved out of the military dictatorship era into a time of president ial elections. But my friends who are there, its not that they want to go back, but theyre less safe than they were. And a country that was, that has been a superb ally of the United States<\/a>, a country that is one of the original partners with us on an issue its like a peace corps, now is one of the few countries in the world that cant even have peace corps volunteers there because of the level of violence and danger. And thats just a tragic thing to think about. One element of the tragedy in particular that im concerned about is, as you might imagine, is the people that i worked with. There was a Radio Station<\/a> in el progresso, radio progresso, that was run by the jesuits, bombed and attacked when i was there. And a very prominent journalist who worked [inaudible] jesuitrun think tank was just murdered on the 11th of april, murdered in his home in el progresso, and the speculation has been that he was murdered because he was a journalist, because he was doing what that Radio Station<\/a> does which is call attention to human rights problems. Theres been virtually no press that im aware of in solving that case, and he is one of 34 media representatives that have been killed in honduras since 2010. The fate of people i know and maybe its unfair to focus on this but these are people doing good work, and theyre raising questions that have to be asked, and yet theyre being targeted as other journalists are as well. Maybe if you could just start off there. What can you do in your position as ambassador to demand accountability for the deaths of journalists, demand that they take it seriously and hold up the virtues that we proclaim here about the importance of a free press and the protections that theyre entitled to . Thank you very much, senator. First of all, im very aware of your obsession with honduras and your work as a lay missionary there back in the 1980s. And if confirmed, i would be delighted to well i dont weu back to introduce me to your old friends and your old haunts. You raise a number of very important issues, but i think the most important is the issue that goes to impunity. As you probably know, senator, impunity is a longstanding human rights issue in honduras. By some estimates, as many as 95 of crimes in honduras go unresolved. Not just crimes against journalists or politicians or members of other such communities, but crimes against the population in general. So this is something that we simply have to address. I will say, senator and if you come down, if im confirmed and we get a chance to Work Together<\/a> on this i believe weve seen some early signs of positive steps that this government is willing to take important steps to begin to address these issues. And with your patience, ill name a couple of them. First of all, last month honduras extradited good news. A notorious narcotrafficker. They had to change the constitution in order to do it. And we understand more extra dictions hay be coming. I think this is a very, very positive step. They have fired scores of corrupt livers. Theyve Police Officer<\/a>s. Theyve indicted the entire board of directors of the Social Security<\/a> institute, 16 people, for corruption. And the president has requested that the United Nations<\/a> open up an office of the u. N. High commissioner on human rights in honduras. And i understand that the congress, our congress, has appropriated a Million Dollars<\/a> towards that which i think is a fantastic step. So, senator, i believe we are seeing early signs of positive steps, but i completely agree with you that the issue of immunity is manager that we need to get at is something that we need to get at. I want to associate myself with comments the chairman made about the importance of investments. Trying to help the hondurans deal with the violence challenges in honduras not just because were good people and its not just because if we do it, it may slow down unaccompanied minors coming to our borders. I mean, the violence is largely driven by a drug trade that is fueled by americans demand for drugs. Hondurans arent big drug users. The drugs are not transiting through hondurans because of the hand dune mass appetite for illegal substances. Honduras has become a convenient staging ground, transit point and stopover lace for drugs that are coming place for drugs that are coming authority into the United States<\/a> or canada. And so it is, you know, it is finish its hard to look at yourself in the here record and, you know, kind of just in the mirror and point the finger what the hondurans need to do about their Justice System<\/a> when you know so much of the violence thats causing parents to set their kids free is driven by a drug trade thats largely fueled by u. S. Dollars and the demand for drugs. So we have more than just a need to do something, you know, to help a partner. We have an obligation here because the violence that folks are suffering under in honduras is something thats directly connected to domestic activities here in the United States<\/a>. And it is my hope as well that we wont just, oh, gosh, now theres unaccompanied minors, i guess we have to do something about it because theyre trying to come to our border. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world because of a drug trade that, at the end of the day, is ending up in the United States<\/a>, that ought to call us to do some things too. And the chairman said we ought to be proactive and not wait until the problem just gets to our door. If its a problem we have some responsibility for, we ought to be solving it even before it gets to our doorstep, and i associate myself, mr. Chair, with your commenters. Thank the witnesses, and i wish you my best. And i will visit you. I will. Thank you very much. Thank senator kaine, and particularly i know that he has a real passionate interest in honduras. And as such, throughout the Central America<\/a> region which is a challenge for us. I have one final question, in nealon. Mr. Nealon. You know, i was arguing earlier that we need to invest more so that we dont spend so much more, multiples more as it relates to facing the problem versus meeting the core elements of why we have situations like young people crossing the boarder. By same border. By the same token, as i advocate for increased resources to addressing the Citizen Security<\/a> issue throughout Central America<\/a> including, obviously, in honduras, we need a strong, shared approach with the governments in the region; in this case with honduras. In that sense, i want to get an understanding of your evaluation of the hernandez administrations ability and willingness. Understanding youre not on the ground, but hopefully the briefings have given you some insight. The state departments 2013 human rights report on honduras raised concerns about corruption, the weakness of the Justice System<\/a>, unlawful and arbitrary killings by security forces. President hernandez has prioritized the creation of a military police force over what should be the u. S. Priority of strengthening and reforming a civilian police force. And finally, the u. S. Has, u. S. Government has limited intelligence sharing and radar information as a result of recent legislation providing the honduran government with authorities to shoot down civilian planes believed to be involved in drug trafficking. And while we certainly, you know, can applaud any efforts to try to intradistrict drug interdict drug traffickers, shooting down creates all types of risk, especially if youve got the information wrong. So what do these developments imply for our relationship with the government of honduras as we try to meet this mutual challenge . Thank you very much, senator. First of all, you raised the issue of the military police. These are actually members of the armed forces who have Law Enforcement<\/a> authorities who have been put on the street by the honduran government to try to address the highest murder rate in the world and the other Violent Crime<\/a> thats pervasive there. We do not support putting the military in the treats in a Law Enforcement<\/a> capacity streets in a Law Enforcement<\/a> capacity. We believe that distracts from the very important work that we do support with our programs of working with the civilian police force. Because we believe that military police in the streets simply isnt a viable, permanent solution. We have to work with the civilian police. You also mentioned, senator, the recent legislation in honduras, the air sovereignty law which some people call a shootdown law. That is very problem gnattic problematic for the United States<\/a>, and that point has been made clear to the honduran government. There were some immediate con we think sos consequences of that law. For example, Southern Command<\/a> general kelly had to turn off air feeds that we provided to the hondurans because there was some risk that those air feeds could be used to shoot down civilian aircraft. And there may be other consequences to that as well moving forward. Well, i, i hope this had been part of the work that youll pursue on confirmation in terms of trying to get us to a point that we can get the honduran government to agree with us on the common methodology if were going to fund it, one that we can be supportive of. Because if not, itll be a further be challenge to trying to help them with Citizen Security<\/a>. Senator corker asked me to say that he will submit his questions for the record. He has deep respect for both of you, but he had a conflict in his schedule, so he couldnt stay any longer. So he will do that, and i will urge you not only to answer his questions, but any other members questions as expeditiously as possible so that we can, therefore, consider your nominations before a business meeting of the full committee. And with the thanks of the committee for your willingness to serve, this panels excused, and this hearing is adjourned. Thank you very much. Knox next this saturday live coverage froe Iowa State Republican Party<\/a> convention in des moines. Speakers include bobby jindal, kentucky senator rand paul and 2012 president ial candidate rick santorum. Its live at 11 a. M. Eastern on cspan. We will need to learn again how to Work Together<\/a>, how to compromise, how to make pragmatic decisions. In the upcoming midterm elections, americans will have choices to make about which path they want to go down and whether well make the investments we need in our people. I will leave that discussion to others. But for a lot of us in the private and than profit sectors, we have work to do too. Government doesnt have a monopoly on good ideas, obviously, and even if it wanted, it couldnt and shouldnt try to solve all the problems by itself. We have responsibilities to do what we can. Hillary clintons latest book called hard choices about her time as secretary of state and how her experiences there shape her view of the future. Friday, live on cspan2, watch booktv coverage of secretary clinton starting at 6 p. M. Eastern followed saturday morning with a book signing in arlington, virginia, live at 11 a. M. Eastern. Both events will reair saturday night starting at 8 30. Booktv, television for serious readers, every weekend on cspan2. One of the things people dont always recognize is that during the war of 1812, it was fought from 1812 until after 1814, early 115. And Service Really<\/a> 1815. And it was really about america republishing its independence against the british. This was sort of our second American Revolution<\/a>, and this flag is the object for which Francis Scott<\/a> key penned the words which became our national anthem. The um imagine in 1995 that the flag was made to look whole and restored, and theres a whole bottom section that was reconstructed. When the flag was moved into the new exhibition space, there was a deliberate decision by the curators not to do that again. And what we wanted was that the flag becomes a metaphor for the country. Its tattered, its torn, but it still survives, and the message is really the survival of both the country and the flag. And were not trying to make it look pretty, were trying to make it look like its endured its history, and it still can celebrate its history. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the British Naval<\/a> bombardment of fort mchenry during the war of 1812. Learn more about the flag francis scot key wrote about scott key wrote about while we tour the starspangled banner exhibit sunday night at 6 and 10 is p. M. Eastern, part of American History<\/a> tv this weekend on cspan3. Wednesday president obama delivered the commencement address at Worcester Technical High School<\/a> in massachusetts. This is half an hour. [cheers and applause] thank you thank you. [cheers and applause] thank you so much thank you please, everybody be seated. Well, good afternoon [cheers and applause] it is great to be back in massachusetts, and it is great to be here at worcester tech [cheers and applause] i want to thank reggie for that outstanding introduction. [cheers and applause] i want to thank naomi for those inspiring words. [cheers and applause] i want to thank your outstanding, fabulous principal, sheila harrity, whos done so much to make this school a success. [cheers and applause] let me just say, when youre the National High<\/a> School Principal<\/a> of the year, youre doing something right. There are a lot of principals out there. [applause] and we could not be prouder of what shes doing. I want to thank your mayor, joseph petty, your outstanding governor and great friend of mine, Deval Patrick<\/a>. [cheers and applause] wonderful congressman, jim mcgovern [cheers and applause] and most of all, i want to thank the class of 2014 [cheers and applause] thank you for allowing me to be part of your special day. And yall look great. I want to thank all the parents and all the grandparents and the family and the friends. This is your day too. You know, part of the reason im here is because ive got to practice, because malias graduating in two years. So im trying to get used to not choking up and crying and em parissing her. [laughter] embarrassing her. So this is sort of my trial runs here. I have to say i do not remember my High School Graduation<\/a> seeker. Speaker. I have no idea who it was. [laughter] im sure i was thinking about the party after graduation. [laughter] [cheers and applause] i dont remember the party either. [laughter] im just, im just telling the truth here. [laughter] you will remember the speaker at this graduation because theres a lot of secret service around, not because of anything i say thats so inspiring. [laughter] but i know this day has been a long time coming. Together you made it through freshman initiation, you survived mr. Oconnors english class, which i understand is pretty tough. [cheers and applause] everybodys got to have like a mr. Oconnor in their life. [laughter] straighten you out. And now its the big day. Although i notice that none of you are wearing your ids. [laughter] rumor has it some of you havent been wearing them for years. [laughter] today im exercising my power as president , granting an official pardon for all of you who [laughter] did not follow the rules there. I consider it my graduation gift to you. [laughter] i know a lot of folks watching at home today will see all of you in your caps and your gowns, and youll think, well, maybe this is just another class of graduates at another american high school. But im here today because there is nothing ordinary about worcester tech or the class of 2014. [cheers and applause]. And thats why i am here today. I mean i like all of you and, i am glad to be with you but the thing i really want to do is make sure that, what weve learned here at this high school, we can lift up tore the entire nation. I want the nation to learn from worcester tech. [applause] of course your journey is just beginning. Take a look around at all the smiles from the parents and the grandparents and all the family members. Everything your families have done has been so that you could pursue your dreams, so that you could fulfill your potential. Everybody here has a story of some sacrifice that has been made on your behalf. And whether youre heading to college or the military or starting your career, youre not going to be able to take them with you now. Some of your moms and dads probably wish they could hang on to you a little bit longer. Some of you may be, are ready to get rid of you. Regardless though, you are now entering into a stage where its up to you and what you can do is remember some of the lessons that youve learned here and carry them with you, wherever youre going. And i want to talk about three of those lessons. A couple of which have already been mentioned by the previous speakers. First of all i want you to remember that each of us is only here because somebody somewhere invested in our success. [applause] somebody invested in us. I know thats true for me. I was raised by a single mom with the help of my grandparents. We didnt have a lot of money growing. At times we struggled. When my mom was going to school at the same time as she was raising my sister and me, you know we had to scrape to get by but we had a family who loved me and my sister and i had teachers who cared about me, and ultimately with the help of a community and a country that supported me, i was able to get a good education. He was able to get grants and Student Loans<\/a> and opportunities opened up and all of this happened because people saw something in me that i didnt always see in myself. That is not just true for me. That is true for michelle who grew up the daughter of a bluecollar worker and a mom who stayed at home and then became a secretary. Never went to college themselves. That is true for deaf val deval. Grew up initially on the south side of chicago and somebody reached out of and behave him a hand up. It is true of this city. This town has always been home to people with big ideas. The mayor mentioned the robert goddard, the father of the modern rocket. He was born here, performed some of the earliest tests on rock chetry but worcester is also prepared its workers for the jobs that these big ideas would bring. Thats why they opened a Technical School<\/a> here more than a century ago with class of between 9iron workers and between 3wood workers and that school became worcester tech. Along the years economy changed. Innovation made it possible for businesses to do more with less. The internet meant those companies could do it anywhere. Schools like this were finding it harder to prepare with cools looking for. A guy named ted coughlin came along and [applause] known as godfather of worcester tech. He set out to make the school what he knew it could be. A place where businesses trained new workers and young people get keys to a brighter future. He put his heart and soul into it. Eventually that is what happened much. Ted helped raise money for a new building and the state and federal government chipped in as well. Businesses helped create everything from Auto Service Center<\/a> to a bank right inside of the school and topnotch teachers got on board, led by principal heraty and the assistant principals here and outstanding superintendent. Before long worcester tech was an its way to becoming one of the best schools in the city and today so many students want to come to worcester tech there is a waiting list of more than four hundred names long. [applause] the number of students scoring proficient or advanced in math has gone up 100 . In english, more than 200 . 95 of students now graduate in four years and just as impressive, many of you are leaving here with more than a diploma. Youre already certified as a nursing assistants and emts and home held aides and preparing to become i. T. Associates. And with some of the credits you earned some of you are on the way to a college diploma. As ted said, our students deserve the best so we can help them become the best, for their future and ours. The point is a lot of people made an investment in you. I cant imagine a better investment. But, as you experienced your success and as you experience setbacks, you need to remember, everything thats been put into making sure that you had opportunity. Which brings me to the second thing i hope you remember when you leave here. You will also have to give back. [applause] this community invested in you. Youve got to, youve got to make sure that you use those gives. When my secretary of education arne duncan came to worcester tech earlier this year he said he had never seen a school more open. If you live near the school you wan come in and get your car detailed for a fraction of what it would cost someplace else. So im giving a little free advertising to the detailing operation here. You can eat a meal cooked by students in the culinary arts program. [cheers and applause] one teacher called the hair salon, the citys best kept secret. [cheering] your Veterinary Clinic<\/a> cares for about 250 pets a month. So i could have brought bo and sunny here. You guys would have taken care of them. So worcester tech isnt separate from the broader community. Youre a vital part of the community. So part of what youve learned here is that we are, we at our best, we are strongest when we are working together and when were looking out for one another and we have responsibilities towards each other. And all of us have contributions to make. Youre giving back to folks who gave you so much and whatever you do next i hope you keep giving back. That may mean staying in worcester and working for one of the companies that helped train you. If it means going to college or the military, or using your skills to help more students get the same opportunities that you have had here, no mater what it is that you do, no matter what path you take, i want to make sure that you understand the incredible leadership that we now expect from you. I understand that every year at exam time you hear from a motivational speaker and one of them this year was colin powell because when youre getting ready to take a test it never hurts to get a pep talk from a general. But the best part is that you decide to do the same thing for younger kids. So this class, those of you in the National Honor<\/a> society rolled out, rolled out the red carpet for students at nearby chandler elementary. And so those younger kids left here feeling fired up, inspired by your example, looking up to you, imagining that they could do what you did. And theyre going to keep on looking up to you and there are going to be people across the country who are watching you and when they see you succeed, when they see you working hard, when they see you overcoming setbacks, that is going to inspire them as well. That brings me to my final point which is, i hope you leave here today believing that, if you expand make it, then there shouldnt be any kid out here who cant make it. Every child in america, no matter what they look like or where they grow up, what their last name is [applause] there is so much talent out there and every single child, as ted understood when he helped transform this school, every single child should have the opportunity like you have had to go as far as your talents and hard work will take you. Ive seen you do it. So we know its possible. Thats a challenging time. I think sometimes, i worry that your generation has grown up in a cynical time. In the aftermath of a great recession, in the aftermath of two wars, we live in a culture that so often focuses on conflict and controversy and looks at the glass half empty instead of half full. Youre grawing at a time when youll no longer be competing just with people across town for good jobs. You will be competing with the rest of the world. But when i meet young people like you, i am absolutely certain, we are not just going to outcompete the rest of the world. We are going to win because of you. Because we are americans. Thats what we do. We dont settle, we outwork, weout innovate and weout outhustle the competition and nobody can beat us. That is what youve shown at this school. Not just a few kids that show how their hard work will takes them i want the process of all our young people to achieve their godgiven potential. As president my job is make sure everyone in the america gets that chance and Deval Patrick<\/a> that everyone in the commonwealth gets that chance and the mayor that everyone in this town gets that chance. Every community is different. If worcester can bring teachers, business and entire communities together for the sake of our young people, then other places can too. That is why i have challenged high schools across the country to do what youre doing here. Better prepare students for the demands of a global economy. Were Getting Started<\/a> this year with a competition that pairs schools and employers and colleges to combine quality education with real world skills. As part of that initiative i launched something, called connect ed, working with the private sector to connect americas students with high speed and broadband technology, just like youve got here at worcester tech. Already companies have committed to donate 2 billion to this effort and, starting this week, schools, teachers and students will be able to go to whitehouse. Gov and access resources in time for the new school year because i want to encourage more schools to do what you are doing. You set a standard. You set a bar. More schools can do it across the country. [applause] if youre going to college i also want to make sure that when you graduate you dont have a mountain of debt. [cheers and applause] so were not only working to make college more affordable, were working to help more students pay back their loans that they take out when they go to college. It is not fair to do students to do everything right to get saddled with debt they have to pay off not just for years but in some cases decades. We can do better than that. [applause] and i, even though they had votes and couldnt make i want to make a plug to a couple people. Senator Elizabeth Warren<\/a> and congressman john tierney, both from massachusetts who introduced bills that would make it easier for students to repay their Student Loans<\/a>. The same idea we used to make it easier for parents to pay off their mortgages. Today that idea was defeated by republicans in congress, which was frustrating. Especially, well, dont boo. Just remember to vote. [laughter] [applause] so i know this frustrating for parents. It is frustrating for students who are working hard and doing everything right. Too many politicians in washington that dont have the right priorities. We need to straighten them out. Maybe they forgot where they came from and who invested in them along the way. And when a bill to help you pay off your college doesnt pass, it is a disservice not only to your generation but to our history as a nation that strives to put quality education within the reach of every american. So well have to keep on putting pressure on congress. But in the meantime where Congress Wont<\/a> act i will do whatever i can on my own. So on monday i announced [applause] on monday i announced executive actions that are going to help students like you find the right options and give millions of americans who are already making their loan payments a chance to cap those repayments at 10 of their income because a quality education shouldnt be something that other kids get. It should be something that every kid gets and that has to be a priority for this country. [applause] i tell you all this not just because you stand to benefit from changes in laws but because youre going to have to be a part of helping to shape the law. Youre going to have to shape public opinion. Youre going to have to remember everybody who invested in you, you will have to remember the experience of being part of this incredible community. And then when you go out into the world, whether you are a business person or you are in the military or you are an academic or a doctor, or, whatever it is that youre doing, you will also be a citizen. Youre also going to be somebody who has a voice in how this country operates, and youve got to push so that others get the same chance you did. In making sure that every young person has the same opportunities youve had it wont be easy. Progress takes commitment. It takes hard work. We have to fight through the cynicism. It is going to take work from parents and from teachers and members of the community and from students but i know we can do it and i know it because of you. If Melinda Blanchard<\/a> can get so good ad welding a bunch of college kids asked her help building a solar paneled house for a competition in china, i know that we can get more young people excited about learning. [applause] if greg carlson can help the Robotics Team<\/a> at worcester tech win the World Championship<\/a> and still find time to mentor a Robotics Team<\/a> at the middle school where he started out, then i know we can help guaranty every child in america a quality education. If derek murphy can start his own Web Development<\/a> company and graduate with 18 college credits, i know we can help more students earn the skills that businesses are looking for. Youre already doing it youre already blazing a trail. Youre already leading. Youre already giving back. You dont need to remember what i said today. Because youre already doing it. And if it can happen in worcester, it can happen any place. And if it does, if more communities invest in young people like you, if you give back, if we all keep fighting to put opportunity within the reach of everybody who is willing to work for it, america will be stronger, your future will be brighter, there is no limit to what we can do together. Congratulations to the class of 2014, youre going to do big things. God bless you. God bless the United States<\/a> of america. [applause] thank you, president obama. Thank you president obama. Not only for being here, but for your inspiring remarks. Were so honored to have you here celebrating our students and our schools success. At this time i would like to introduce our class officers. President reginald sapon. Vice president monica valente. Secretary, keisha flynn. And secretary, leticia austin. They would like to present our guest with a certificate of appreciation. On behalf of the class of 2014, i would like to thank president obama for joining us today and for sharing his words of inspiration and encouragement. We would like to present you with this Worcester Technical High School<\/a> National Blue<\/a> Ribbon School<\/a> jacket as a remembrance of the celebration and to thank you [applause] and to thank you for making our graduation an event that we will surely never forget. [applause] [cheers and applause] yeah. Whoo [applause] superintendent, dr. Melinda boone. Mayor joseph petty we would like to present you with these gifts. A donation in your name to the Worcester County<\/a> food bank as a token of our appreciation for your support and participation in this truly memorable event. [applause] at this time, we would like to present a gift from the class of 2014 to dr. Harity we would like to thank you her and the entire Worcester Technical High School<\/a> staff for four remarkable years. [applause] thank you very much for your generous gift, the class of 2014 will always be with us. And now it is the time you have been waiting for [cheers and applause] we, we will now present the diplomas to our graduates. [applause] [shouting] destiny albino. [applause] leona alicia. [applause] nicole allen. Zachary seth allen. Brittany marie chavous. Lequtia austin madison. Omar amakl. Vincent a shown anderson. Lizette m. Arden. Marilyn aravalo. That tall i cant baez. Provans val baliant. Jeffrey balzer. Dug last eric barbin. Rose batista. Justin t. Beck. Emily bagonas. Michael joseph benson. Matt andrew bergeron. Lindsey berdier. Diondra nicole berry. Larry bethune. Gina n. Beseglia. Ryan beseglia. Melinda marie blanchard. Johani bowman pagan. Kristin boyce friday, Hillary Clinton<\/a> recounts her tenure as secretary of state from her recently published memoir hard choices. The former first lady and new york senator will be interviewed by politics prose owner lindh can muskatine from Washington University<\/a> in washington, d. C. Live 6 00 p. M. Eastern on cspan2. Cspans new book, sundays at 8 00, includes Huffington Post<\/a> correspondent david wood. There is something that drives them to this ideal of service and the, like some people i know who served in war, that the intensity of the experience, the intensity of the relationships they have with their combat buddies, are so strong and so pure and true, that they look back on those types with mourning. I always asked them, you know, do you wish this had never happened . You know and theyre like, i would do it again in a heartbeat. I think there is Something Else<\/a> that gross on there too and it is that going through a neardeath experience somehow seems to give them so much strength and courage and optimism that i think thats one reason why they would do it again. Read more of our conversation with david wood and other featured interviews from our book notes and q a programs in cspans sundays at eight. From Public Affairs<\/a> books available for a fathers day gift at your Favorite Book<\/a> seller. One of the things people dont always recognize is that during the war of 1812, it was fought from 1812 until after 1814, earl 1815 and it was really about the america reestablishing its independence against the british. This was sort of our second American Revolution<\/a> and this flag is the object for which Francis Scott<\/a> key penned the words which became our national anthem. This is the image in 1995 that the flag was made to look whole and restored and there is a whole bottom section that was reconstructed. When the flag was moved into the u. S. Exhibition space there with as deliberate decision by the car ratetores not to do that again and what we wanted that the flag is metaphor for the country. It is at that timerred torn but still survives the message is the survival of the country and the flag. Were not trying to make it look pretty. Were trying to make it look like it endured its history and can still celebrate its history. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the British Naval<\/a> bombardment of fort mchenry during the war of 1812. Learn more about the flag that Francis Scott<\/a> key wrote about while we tour the smithsonians starspangled banner exhibit. Sunday night at 6 00 and 10 00 p. M. History. Part of American History<\/a> tv this weekend on cspan3. Live now to the u. S. Capitol and the senate today. Circle confirmation votes for president ial nominees. Senators will debate and then vote on confirmation of the nominee to be u. S. Ambassador to the u. N. Educational and scientific and cultural organization. That is unesco. Followed by confirmation votes for nominees undersecretary of the defense, chair of the National Endowment<\/a> for the arts and assistant agricultural secretary. Later in the day we expect confirmation votes for two members of the Federal Reserve<\/a> board of governors and vicechair of the fed. Now live to the senate floor here on cspan2. The presiding officer the senate will come to order. Todays opening prayer will be offered by rabbi doniel ginsberg, associate dean of the yeshiva ateres, shmuel in waterbury, connecticut. The guest chaplain our father in heaven bless the United States<\/a> of america and the brave men and women of our armed forces who have left their loved ones in defense of freedom. Bless our lawmakers, men and women who love to serve and who will serve with love. Place into their hearts and into the hearts of their counselors a moral compass to guide them to the right decisions. Oh lord, protect and inspire these good, gifted and gracious people. Endow them with courage, fortitude, wisdom, and crown them with humility and compassion. May the eternal teachings always be with them to act with accountability, to relate with respect, to be diligent and devoted, to be a friend of truth. May our beloved unites states be a place where dreams are worth dreaming, a place where sacrifices are worth enduring, and where our tomorrows can be even better than our todays. Amen. The presiding officer please join me in reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States<\/a> of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The presiding officer the clerk will read a communication to the senate. The clerk washington d. C. , june 12, 2014. To the senate under the provisions of rule 1, paragraph 3, of the standing rules of the senate, i hereby appoint the honorable brian schatz, a senator from the state of hawaii , to perform the duties of the chair. Signed patrick j. Leahy, president pro tempore. Mr. Reid mr. President . The presiding officer majority leader. Mr. Reid i move to proceed to calendar number 428. The presiding officer the clerk will report. The clerk h. R. 4660, an act making appropriations for departments of commerce, justice, science and related agencies for fiscal year ending september 30, twist, and for other purposes. Mr. Reid mr. President , i would yield to my friend, the distinguished senator from connecticut. The presiding officer the senator from connecticut. Mr. Murphy thank you very much. Id like to thank majority leader reid as well as chaplain black for allowing rabbi ginsberg to open with prayer talking about acting into conscience. A word about rabbi ginsbergs leadership. He has been helping to organize one of the most robust religious communities in connecticut for the last decade. In 2000 rabbi harris conceived a yeshiva in waterbury. It began with 38 students and today has grown to service 600 students and 180 families who have settled in a neighborhood just off of the center of waterbury that 10 to 20 years ago had become pretty run down but today is thriving, rebuilt because of the community surrounding the yeshiva. Weve had a wonderful Jewish Community<\/a> in waterbury since the mid1800s but stronger today now than ever in large part because of the efforts of rabbi ginsberg. In addition to building this wonderful community, being amongst its leaders, he also has been a great counsel to myself, senator blumenthal, governor malloy, both as a moral guide but also we can rely on when it comes to the tough policy choices we have to make. Again to chaplain black and to leader reid, thank you to rabbi ginsberg, thank you for accepting our offer to lead us this morning. I yield back. Mr. Reid following my remarks and those of the republican leader, the senate will be in a period of morning business until 11 30 this morning during that time the republicans will control the first 30 minutes. At 11 30 up to four roll call votes on confirmation of several nominations, although we are confident and somewhat hopeful that only one roll call vote will be necessary. We will move forward to confirm crystal nix heinz, Michael Mccord<\/a> to be secretary of defense, actually the comptroller of the defense department. Jane chu, chairperson of the National Endowment<\/a> of the arts. And then we will move forward on todd batta to be assistant secretary of agriculture. There will be three roll call votes on three Federal Reserve<\/a> nominations. Lael brainard to be a member of the Federal Reserve<\/a> system. Jerome powell, member of the board of governor of the Federal Reserve<\/a> system and Stanley Fischer<\/a> to be vice chair of the board of governors of the Federal Reserve<\/a> system. Would the chair announce the business of the day. The presiding officer under the previous order, the leadership time is reserved. Under the previous order, the senate will be in a period of morning business until 11 30 a. M. With senators permitted to speak therein for up to ten minutes each, with the time equally divided and controlled between the two leaders or their designees, and with the republicans controlling the first 30 minutes and the majority controlling the next 30 minutes. Mr. Reid i would ask that the, there be a quorum call initiated with the time charged equally. The presiding officer without objection. The clerk will call the roll. Quorum call quorum call mr. Mcconnell mr. President . The presiding officer the republican leader. Mr. Mcconnell i ask that further proceedings under the quorum call be dispensed with. The presiding officer without objection. Mr. Mcconnell yesterday, the Senate Passed<\/a> Bipartisan Legislation<\/a> to address the v. A. Scandal. The sandersmccain bill will increase patient choice. It will infuse some muchneeded accountability into the v. A. System, and it was important for us to show some urgency in addressing the crisis. Thats why i voted for it. Thats why im glad the majority leader decided to move forward with this effort, even if it took a vote to set aside a partisan bill in order to take up this important Bipartisan Legislation<\/a>. It will now go to conference so it can be improved further. The sooner the bill managers begin negotiations with their colleagues in the house, the sooner we can get a bill on the president s desk. Im optimistic that it will do just that. As i have said all week, the systemic failures and scandals weve seen within the administration are a national disgrace. When you see 100,000 veterans, 100,000 of them waiting for care, thats a national disgrace. When you see so many veterans waiting three months or longer just to get an appointment, thats a national disgrace. And when you see veterans dying before they even receive care that they are counting on, well, its completely unacceptable. So this problem needs to be solved, and there is more to be done. A lot of the responsibility here resides with the president himself. He still needs to nominate a capable manager who possesses the necessary skills, leadership and determination to fix the scandal. He needs to support the thousands of v. A. Workers committed to serving our veterans and to provide all those who served bravely with the timely care they deserve. And he needs to use all the tools in his toolbox to address the systemic management failures, both the tools he already has and the new ones we can provide him. Like those contained within the legislation we passed yesterday, because our veterans have waited long enough for care, they shouldnt be made to wait any longer. Now, mr. President , on another matter, obviously, much of washingtons focus this week has been on doing right by our veterans. Thats exactly what we should be doing. We owe so much to the men and women who protect us, and in that spirit, i would be remiss if i failed to acknowledge an important milestone just reached by one of americas most famous veterans. Today our nations 41st president george h. W. Bush turns 90. Its a rare milestone. Only four other president s have ever reached it herbert hoover, john adams, gerald ford and the man president bush once served under, ronald reagan. And beyond wishing him a very happy birthday, i want to acknowledge president bushs extraordinary record of service. On his 18th birthday, the future president volunteered as a World War Ii Navy<\/a> pilot, going on to receive the distinguished flying cross for bravery. From there, he would go on to excel in a dizzying number of fields as a businessman, a congressman, a diplomat, c. I. A. Director, leader of his party, Vice President<\/a> and president , commander in chief during desert storm and desert shield. Even his postpresidency has been marked by a continuing and gracious willingness to serve. Yet, for all of his professional distinction, i know president bushs favorite job never appeared on his resume. It was his role as proud husband to barbara, who also turned a year older this week and as the father of five adoring children and the proud grandfather and great grandfather. Maybe thats why every time you see him these days, he has always got a big smile on his face and a lively pair of socks on his feet. With a loving family like that, its not hard to see why. So im proud to cosponsor the resolution we passed yesterday honoring this good man and former president for such a long lifetime of service. And i know my colleagues join me in sending president bush the warmest of birthday wishes. Now, mr. President , on to one final issue concerning our nations veterans. I want to honor an exemplary citizen of my home state, the commonwealth of kentucky, who has devoted her life to service of our country. Martha j. Cassidy is a veteran of the United States<\/a> army, a member of the veterans of foreign wars and this saturday she will be named the first female veteran state commander of the kentucky v. F. W. Her ascension to this post is an accomplishment that i believe is deserving of recognition and praise here in the senate. Martha was born on september 29, 1957, in my hometown of louisville. She was raised there by her parents, joan and charles blandford. While attending western high school, martha joined the ladies auxiliary to veterans of foreign wars in 1974, thus beginning her life of devoted service to her country. The stated mission of the ladies auxiliary is to serve the veterans of this country and our communities in honor of the sacrifices and commitment of every man and wol who has served in uniform. For nine years, martha worked tirelessly to advance this mission, holding multiple chairmanships in the organization. Martha joined the u. S. Army in october of 1984 as a track vehicle repairer and gave ten years of Honorable Service<\/a> to the army, including postings in germany and south korea. She became eligible to join the v. F. W. While stationed in south korea, and she did so in 1991. Upon returning from south korea, martha was stationed at fort stewart, georgia, where she was injured during her battalions preparations for operation desert storm. She was honorably discharged in 1994. After leaving the army, martha earned her Associates Degree<\/a> in Applied Science<\/a> from alabama Southern Community<\/a> college. Although her days in the military were behind her, marthas service to america and to her fellow veterans would continue. Since 1999, martha has been heavily involved in the veterans of foreign wars. She has held numerous chairmanships and chairs on the post and district level. She served as v. F. W. Post and district commander. She has held chairmanships on the National Level<\/a> and has been on the National Womens<\/a> Veterans Committee<\/a> for the past three years. She currently serves as senior Vice Commander<\/a> of the kentucky v. F. W. , and this saturday she will be named the first female veteran state commander of the kentucky v. F. W. We owe our veterans an unimaginable debt for their service to our country. In this new post, martha will continue to serve her nation by advocating on veterans behalf. Martha works to make real the v. F. W. s vision, ensuring that veterans are respected for their service, recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of a grateful america. So today i ask that my Senate Colleagues<\/a> join me in recognizing martha j. Cassidys lifetime of service to our country and wishing her well in her new post as veteran state commander of the kentucky v. F. W. She is a true friend of kentuckys veterans to the commonwealth and to our country. Mr. President , i suggest the absence of a quorum. The presidinga senator mr. Pre . The presiding officer the senator from missouri. Mr. Blunt mr. President , i want to join our leader, the republican leader in recognizing the birthday of the 41st president of the United States<\/a>, george h. W. Bush. It is possible that nobody ever came to the presidency with a preparation that exceeded his in both diplomacy as he served as the first u. S. Emissary to china in that those decades or as he served as the head of the c. I. A. , as he served as Vice President<\/a>. Just reading a few days ago another and a new retelling of what happened as the soviet bloc fell apart, the importance of both president reagan and then president bush who brought his unique background to that time when it was so unpredictable what might happen, and frankly the results turned out to be results that were carefully managed by this president as the berlin wall fell, as these countries came together, president bushs skills were in great evidence as they were when the coalition was put together to push back what the iraqis had done in kuwait. But probably his greatest example to all of us is his example of a man of kindness and generosity. Some would say almost too forgiving a nature to have risen in politics as he did, but on his the 0th his 90th birthday, i think its a good time for americans to reflect about his service to the country. His wifes birthday was just a few days ago, and on her birthday, we also want to think about their family and what their family has meant to the country. My understanding is the president has announced that he intends to jump out of an airplane for the third decade in a row as he did on his 70th birthday and his 80th birthday and his 90th birthday. Im not sure the judgment to do that is quite as good as the judgment he showed as he managed the future of the country, but if you get to be 90, youre only 90 once, and im sure he is the only 90yearold president to have jumped out of an airplane on his birthday on three different decades. The youngest pilot in world war ii, and so we all appreciate the service of george h. W. Bush to his country from signing up to be the youngest pilot until the service that he continues to provide as a former president of the United States<\/a>. I was thinking about him and the other world war ii veterans as we see them leave us, as heads of families, as examples we can turn to, and thought of another veteran who one of my colleagues was mentioning just a few days ago, senator morans father. Raymond moran died on dday at 98 years old. Senator moran and i have been good friends for a long time. On this floor and in the senate, i am always talking about my good friend and my longtime relationship. This is a case where we really have been close friends, so close that in the couple of decades now, we have known each other, i have heard a lot about jerry morans father and his mother. Jerry was lucky enough to have both of his parents until just a couple of years ago, and his mom and dad were together until just a couple of years ago. But jerrys father as Staff Sergeant<\/a> in north africa and italy wasnt part of the dday invasion, even though his death on june 6, the 70th anniversary of dday, a significant date for all the veterans of that conflict, but the stories i heard about senator morans father were the stories that you would think that a man from plainville, kansas, would be part of quiet, unassuming, churchgoing, passing along the values that he stood for to his family and working hard and believing in some way that somehow his children could do anything they wanted to do and then having the opportunity to see his son in the congress of the United States<\/a>, representing that huge district in western kansas and then in the senate of the United States<\/a>. These are two stories, very different stories, the george h. W. Bush story and the Raymond Moran<\/a> stories are very different in the lives these two men led but very similar in the values they stood for, and the values of that generation, that generation that tom brokaw called the greatest generation, are fundamental and foundational values to what were all about as a nation. And this week, the senate stepped up, united as we seldom do these days, to talk about the veterans of that war and our other wars and the obligation we have to our veterans. I think te bill that the Senate Passed<\/a> yesterday that i cosponsored, that i vote for can be better, and i think it will be better after we have a chance to talk to our house conference. Maybe like the conference used to be. It is time we got back to the normal way of doing business. But the underlying approach, this key significant change that the bill that the Senate Passed<\/a> yesterday brings to the veterans is more options and more opportunities. And particularly our younger veterans, mr. President. I want to see more choices. They want to have more information. When senator stabenow and i","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia902209.us.archive.org\/28\/items\/CSPAN2_20140612_120000_Key_Capitol_Hill_Hearings\/CSPAN2_20140612_120000_Key_Capitol_Hill_Hearings.thumbs\/CSPAN2_20140612_120000_Key_Capitol_Hill_Hearings_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240620T12:35:10+00:00"}