N1BOS — broadcast
20260920 150000 UTC
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[00:00:03] in
[00:00:11] in We welcome the audience, we have fairly good size audience today,
[00:00:15] uh, want to remind everyone that uh, the rules of this committee are very clear,
[00:00:19] we have zero
[00:00:20] a tolerance for any
[00:00:21] of interruptions or any attempt to uh communicate with anyone here at the
[00:00:25] dias or uh with the witnesses, and as
[00:00:28] a result of that, anyone to... attempts
[00:00:30] to do so will be subject to the usual things we do here, which is
[00:00:34] removal and
[00:00:34] of arrest, so thank you all for coming and uh we enjoy having
[00:00:38] people
[00:00:39] of here to watch the business
[00:00:41] of the United States Senate
[00:00:44] Committee, so with that
[00:00:47] um I want to uh talk, I'm going to start with you, Mr.
[00:00:51] Johnson, um, support for a strong, free and
[00:00:55] united uh Bosnia remains a policy priority for the
[00:00:58] United States. If confirmed as
[00:01:02] of ambassador, it
[00:01:02] of is important that you continue
[00:01:03] to, yeah,
[00:01:07] I'm going to let them introduce before,
[00:01:10] sorry, if confirmed is ambassador,
[00:01:14] it is important that you continue to reinforce firm US support for the
[00:01:17] dayton accords will finding ways to foster dialogue across all political
[00:01:21] factions, today
[00:01:22] I hope to hear how you plan to help protect the sovereignty
[00:01:26] and territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[00:01:30] from Russian malign influence
[00:01:32] a encourage the government to strengthen its institutions and advance the rule
[00:01:36] of law. Uh, Dr. Neshwat, as Russia and China
[00:01:40] continue to grow their influence and presence in the Arctic, this
[00:01:44] administration is taking meaningful steps to prioritize the region
[00:01:48] as a critical component of U.S. national
[00:01:51] security. If confirmed as ambassador to the Arctic, I trust that with
[00:01:55] your professional background in the military and the intelligence
[00:01:59] of community, We'll continue this effort to advance our security
[00:02:03] interest, encounter our adversaries in the Arctic while
[00:02:06] deepening cooperation
[00:02:08] a with our partners and NATO allies. Mr. Young, as
[00:02:12] Serbia faces number of challenges to the rule of law, political freedoms
[00:02:15] of and countering malign foreign
[00:02:18] of influence, US engagement must focus on helping Serbia address these issues
[00:02:22] along with resolving divisions both in the
[00:02:25] of country and with its neighbors. Russia and China also have footholds in.
[00:02:30] particularly
[00:02:31] in the energy and tech sectors. If Belgrade wants
[00:02:33] of to improve relations with the United States, it won't do so by
[00:02:37] continuing to work with our adversaries. I look forward to hearing your
[00:02:41] plan
[00:02:42] of to uh convince Serbia in the right direction, if
[00:02:46] confirmed as
[00:02:47] a ambassador. of Miss Patel, the United States
[00:02:49] has had enduring relationship with Cabo Verdi, a country of 10 islands
[00:02:53] in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of West
[00:02:56] Africa for over 200 years.
[00:03:00] of operate the first US counsulat in Sub
[00:03:03] in Saheran Africa in Kabul in
[00:03:06] 1818, if confirmed, it would be up to you to
[00:03:10] continue this long tradition of diplomacy. I like forward to
[00:03:14] of hearing how you plan to engage Cabo Verdi issues of trade and
[00:03:17] investment as well as maritime security and
[00:03:20] counter narcotics work. Finally, Mr. Gillen President
[00:03:24] Trump's Landmark C5+1 summit last year
[00:03:28] launched a new era of... engagement uh with
[00:03:31] Krzikstan and
[00:03:33] a central Asia. I participated in that and I believe it
[00:03:36] was very positive engagement as we move
[00:03:40] forward and hopefully
[00:03:42] of cultivate that relationship.
[00:03:44] of As of ambassador, you will play an important role in expanding
[00:03:48] cooperation and encouraging reform that facilitates US investment
[00:03:51] in Kurzakstan's infrastructure, development, energy and critical
[00:03:55] mineral sector. American involvement in these
[00:03:59] industries. is vital to counter China's influence in the
[00:04:03] region. It is also crucial that you work with the K
[00:04:06] government to counter Russian sanctions evasion,
[00:04:10] its avoidance of international financial controls and the flow
[00:04:14] of dual use goods to the uh Russian
[00:04:17] defense sector. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the
[00:04:21] US can work with the Cursic Republic to
[00:04:24] of address these issues. Thank you all for being here today and again thank you to you
[00:04:28] of and your families with that. I will yield to the distinguish ranking member
[00:04:32] senator. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and congratulations each of
[00:04:36] our nominees today. Welcome to all of your families and supporters who are here
[00:04:40] today. Um, like the chairman, I want to begin with the Western
[00:04:43] Balkans, because more than 30 years ago, the United States
[00:04:47] helped end the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina. That war
[00:04:51] included the Schreberniza genocide, where more than
[00:04:54] 8,00 Bosniac men and boys were murdered under the direction
[00:04:58] of
[00:05:00] a of Radko Maladic. The Dayton Peace agreement has kept the region from returning to that
[00:05:03] violence, but that peace cannot be taken for
[00:05:07] granted. Political leaders continue to challenge Bosnia and
[00:05:10] Herzegovina's territorial integrity.
[00:06:12] glorification of Maladic last week, the state department
[00:06:16] was silent. the department has also recently stopped
[00:06:19] callingita a genocide, which is department
[00:06:23] departure from longstanding us policy and the position of
[00:06:27] congress. the United States helped bring peace to
[00:06:31] Bosnia. We cannot afford to send mixed signals about
[00:06:34] whether we will defend it. Our ambassadors in Belgrade and
[00:06:38] Sarajevo must be prepared to speak clearly.
[00:06:42] Schrebernizza was a genocide, I've been there, I saw it,
[00:06:46] I've talked to survivors, I know how many people were
[00:06:50] murdered in Shrebernizza, and who was
[00:06:52] responsible? Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and
[00:06:56] territorial integrity must be respected, and the United
[00:07:00] States must oppose efforts to destabilize the region and
[00:07:04] undermine its democratic
[00:07:05] institutions.
[00:07:10] Now, that brings me to our nominee. Mr. Young, you've
[00:07:14] been nominated to be ambassador to Serbia, if confirmed, you will
[00:07:18] arrive a time of political transition and growing concerns about
[00:07:22] Serbia's democratic trajectory and its ties with
[00:07:25] Russia. I hope you will speak to how you will support
[00:07:29] democratic institutions there, how you will counter Russian
[00:07:32] influence, and how you will help advance Serbia's path toward
[00:07:36] Europe. Mr. Johnson, you've been nominated to be
[00:07:39] ambassador, ambassador to Bosnia. I'm
[00:07:43] pleased to see that during your marine core service you spent some time at the
[00:07:47] Portsmuth naval shipyard, that means we consider you an honorary
[00:07:51] New Hampshire citizen, but like
[00:07:55] Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina is heading into consequential
[00:07:58] elections amid deep political divisions. I hope you'll
[00:08:02] speak to how you will defend the Dayton Agreement and Bosnia's sovereignty and
[00:08:06] territorial integrity, and how you will use the mandatory
[00:08:10] sanctions authorities that. enacted in the FY
[00:08:14] 2026 National Defense Authorization Act to hold
[00:08:18] bad actors accountable.
[00:08:22] You have been nominated to be ambassador at large for the Arctic.
[00:08:26] Hopefully I'm pronouncing your name correctly. Russia
[00:08:28] is expanding its military presence in the
[00:08:30] Arctic while China is seeking a greater role
[00:08:34] there. If confirmed, I hope you will work with our artic allies to
[00:08:38] protect US security and economic interests in the
[00:08:40] region. And I'm pleased that our next two nominees
[00:08:44] are career foreign service officers. Mr. Gillen, you've been nominated
[00:08:48] to be ambassador to the Republic of
[00:08:51] Kyrgizstan. Kyrgizstan faces growing pressure
[00:08:55] from Russia and China as well as serious concerns about democratic
[00:08:58] backsliding. I hope you will speak to how you will strengthen US
[00:09:02] ties while pressing for sanctions,
[00:09:05] compliance and respect for democratic institutions. And
[00:09:09] finally, Miss Patel, you've been nominated to be ambassador. Cabo
[00:09:12] Verde, Cabo Verde also has important ties to New
[00:09:16] Hampshire, so we would consider you an official an honorary granite stator
[00:09:20] as well, our National Guards State Partnership program is with
[00:09:24] Kaboverde. We also have cooperation on
[00:09:28] aviation training and countering transnational crime
[00:09:32] with that country. So I look forward to hearing
[00:09:35] your statement as well and to the opportunity to
[00:09:39] engage with questions with all of you. Thank you.
[00:09:44] Thank you, Senator Shaheen. We'll do a couple of
[00:09:47] introductions first and then we'll turn to each of you to give a statement,
[00:09:51] and when I do that uh, I will start
[00:09:54] with Mr. You, Mr. Young on the end, we'll just go that way so that you know
[00:09:58] where you're going to be uh in line. Uh, Senator
[00:10:02] Lee, I understand you have something for us. Thank you, Mr.
[00:10:06] Chairman, and thanks to our nominees for being here today. Uh, I'm
[00:10:10] going to be honest, this is one the hardest introductions. I will have ever given, for
[00:10:14] the simple reason that the individual I'm I'm introducing is so qualified, it's
[00:10:17] going to be hard to get through his qualifications, and have you not think that I'm severely exaggerating,
[00:10:21] it's going to sound like an exaggeration, it's not, this is a...
[00:10:25] Mike young uh is icon academia, in
[00:10:29] the law, in the area of foreign relations in so many different ways,
[00:10:33] one of my favorite, one
[00:10:34] of my many favorite things about him, addition to be family man, the father of
[00:10:38] four, a grandfather to many, uh,
[00:10:42] he's also tied to my alma motor Byu, he's a fellow BYU
[00:10:46] Cooger, and he's been nominated to be our next ambassador to Serbia, he's
[00:10:50] got extensive experience in the law, generally, including and especially in
[00:10:54] international law, "he's also got
[00:10:57] unbelievably impressive resume when it comes to academia and
[00:11:01] diplomacy, I can't think of anybody more well qualified for this than Mr.
[00:11:05] Young. He's a lifelong public servant,
[00:11:09] following his undergraduate studies at B U and law
[00:11:13] school at at Harvard Law School, he he tells
[00:11:17] me that it's accredited, I hadn't heard of it before, but he served as a
[00:11:21] law clerk to the honorable Benjamin Caplin."
[00:11:25] on the Supreme Judicial Court the State of Massachusetts, and
[00:11:28] then as a law clear to then associate justice
[00:11:32] later chief justice William H Renquist at the US Supreme
[00:11:36] Court. He later joined the Reagan
[00:11:38] administration in the state department as the deputy
[00:11:42] legal advisor. During the George W.W. Bush administration he
[00:11:46] serves the deputy under secretary for cultural and Economic Affairs and then his
[00:11:50] ambassador for trade and environmental affairs. Over the
[00:11:54] course of his 10. at the state department, he assisted on diplomatic
[00:11:58] issues ranging from German reunification and NAFTA to the World
[00:12:02] Trade Organization, really light duty stuff of
[00:12:04] course.
[00:12:06] In addition to his more hands-on work in diplomacy, Mr. Young
[00:12:09] has long served as a thinker,
[00:12:11] as a professor, as a high-level
[00:12:14] administrator. He taught at Columbia law school and George Washington
[00:12:18] University, where he also served his dean. He eventually returned to our
[00:12:22] great state, Utah, and he became the president the. university of Utah, the did
[00:12:26] outstanding work there, during his 10 year at the University of Utah he expanded
[00:12:30] the school's evergowing reputation as center for research
[00:12:34] and entrepreneurship, making it the nation's top
[00:12:37] university for companies generated from university
[00:12:41] research, that trend by the way, now continues uh decades
[00:12:45] after his service in Utah came to an end, he's
[00:12:49] also served as the president the University of Washington
[00:12:52] and at Texas A&M University. very few people
[00:12:56] have left such a deep mark on as
[00:13:00] many uh top notch universities as Mr. Young. But
[00:13:04] top of all this, he served for eight years as a member
[00:13:07] the US commission on international and religious
[00:13:11] freedom. Look, this successful career of his has been
[00:13:15] nothing short of extraordinary,
[00:13:18] and I'm not entirely convinced that he's not
[00:13:22] frozen in time or sophisticated automaton. uh from a future
[00:13:26] era because he doesn't seem to age and he never grows dull, but addition to all
[00:13:29] this, um, he's a delightful human being i, it got
[00:13:33] into his family over the years, his friend stew is dear friend of
[00:13:36] mine, uh, these apples uh, none them fell far
[00:13:40] from the tree, so anyway, like I said, it's going to sound like an exaggeration,
[00:13:44] I'm actually underdoing it, I'm confident that uh, he's going to be an extraordinary
[00:13:48] ambassador and a great advocate for the United States in Serbia a
[00:13:51] whole host of issues, so I urged my colleagues to join me and
[00:13:58] thank you supporting senator,
[00:13:59] m. we appreciate that, and you're right, that
[00:14:01] is incredible
[00:14:04] resume. uh, senator Scott, you have something for us,
[00:14:08] well, like Senator Lee, I have the opportunity to introduce an
[00:14:11] overachiever, so Dr. Julia Neswatt has a president's
[00:14:14] nominee to be ambassador at large for Arctic Affairs, so anybody that knows
[00:14:18] her husband, any good decision he made, Julia made the decision
[00:14:22] of his, all the bad ones. he miked it on all by
[00:14:26] himself. is a great floridian and dedicated patriot who
[00:14:30] has spent her career server in our country. she has an impressive
[00:14:33] background, army intelligence officer, served in combat in
[00:14:37] Iraq and Afghanistan, earned a bronze star for heroic
[00:14:41] service. after retiring honorably from the army, she has served
[00:14:44] across three presidential administrations, democrat and republican. she helped
[00:14:48] establish the office the director of national intelligence, and she has served in leadership roles at the
[00:14:52] state department focused on energy and hostage. she was the
[00:14:56] first chief resilience officer for my great of florida, there she led
[00:15:00] efforts to protect infrastructure and florida economy in the face of natural
[00:15:03] disasters. she served as a homeland security advisor to president trump during his
[00:15:07] first term and coordinated critical national security policy across the
[00:15:11] government. her work is a commissioner on the
[00:15:14] US arctic research commission makes sure the expert we need to
[00:15:17] lead as ambassador
[00:15:19] at large for arctic affairs. the arctic, as we all know, is critical to
[00:15:22] America's future security and prosperity and as region continues to reveal more
[00:15:26] natural resources and open up more shipping routes, it strategic and
[00:15:30] economic value are unquestestionable. our enemies clearly see it that
[00:15:34] way. China and Russia have made huge investments in Arctic. exploration
[00:15:38] and dominance, even working together on various projects and operations
[00:15:41] in the region, just like with seapower, space dominance, cyber security and AI
[00:15:45] development, this is another arena which we cannot afford to
[00:15:48] lose, that's why we need Julia in this job, her
[00:15:52] extensive national security experience is exactly what America needs to defend
[00:15:56] American interest in the Arctic, region where our vital national security
[00:15:59] interests are at stake and where her adversaries are already heavily
[00:16:03] invested, she is way more than qualified for the job, she will fight
[00:16:06] for American. policy in the artic and that she has vision that will great that will
[00:16:10] our great country, our interest, will put our great country, our interest and our people
[00:16:14] first. I fully endorse her fitness for this office and humbly ask that
[00:16:18] this committee support her with vote to advance her confirmation.
[00:16:22] I'll back. Thank you very much, senator Scott, we
[00:16:26] appreciate that, and appreciate the introduction. So with
[00:16:29] that, Mr. Young, will start with you, and you
[00:16:33] have five minutes there abouts,
[00:16:37] chairman. Thank you very much, ranking member Shahin,
[00:16:40] and distinguished members of this committee, it's an honor to appear before you
[00:16:44] today as President Trump's nominee to be the ambassador to the Republic of
[00:16:48] Serbia, but let me also thank my dear friend
[00:16:52] Senator Lee for that introduction, overly kind, but I
[00:16:56] hope uh that I can earn the
[00:16:59] trust that is reflected in that introduction. I'm deeply
[00:17:03] grateful for the confidence and trust President Trump and Secretary Rubio have
[00:17:06] placed in. me is Thomas Jefferson, himself,
[00:17:10] distinguished ambassador, once noted, the greatest honor a
[00:17:14] citizen is to serve his country, but to represent her before the
[00:17:18] world is sacred trust. If confirmed, I pledge to honor that
[00:17:21] trust and work closely with this committee and with Congress, to protect
[00:17:25] and promote US interests in Serbia, to advance American
[00:17:29] priorities, and to build a bilateral relationship that
[00:17:32] contributes to safer, stronger and more prosperous United
[00:17:36] States. Service to our great nation and
[00:17:40] to the American people has been deeply ingrained in my family for generations
[00:17:43] and it's been the greatest privilege and honor of our life. Both my
[00:17:47] parents served in the military in World War II, my father was in the
[00:17:51] infantry and served in some the most difficult battles in Europe,
[00:17:55] including the battle the bulge. My mother served in the women's
[00:17:59] air service patrol, transported bombers and trained
[00:18:02] pilots. My son Stewart has sits behind me today has served
[00:18:06] in the US court. and as assistant US attorney for almost two
[00:18:10] decades and now serves as the criminal deputy attorney
[00:18:14] attorney general for the great state of Utah. my daughter Katherine
[00:18:18] Owen who also sits behind
[00:18:19] me and her husband who is here with us today, both graduates the US Air
[00:18:23] Force Academy have collectively served all over the world for over three
[00:18:27] decades as officers in the US Air Force. I to have had the
[00:18:31] privilege of serving in all three branches of our government, and I am truly
[00:18:35] humbled and honored to be considered today for this particular position
[00:18:39] of tremendous responsibility and sacred trust, and have the
[00:18:43] privilege and opportunity to serve our great nation yet
[00:18:46] again. If confirmed, I will leave the team at the US
[00:18:49] Embassy, Belgrade to deepen our defense and security cooperation
[00:18:53] to advance US interest, to expand our trade and
[00:18:57] investment relationship to increase US prosperity, to
[00:19:01] foster regional stability and to continue to build a partnership with
[00:19:04] Serbia that better promotes our interest. in this strategically
[00:19:08] critical region, if confirmed, I will have no higher
[00:19:12] priority than the safety and security of embassy bailgrade personnel
[00:19:15] and US citizens in Serbia. I will continue to
[00:19:19] strengthen our bilateral engagement and deepen our business and
[00:19:23] economic ties, moving Serbia towards energy
[00:19:27] independence and improved energy infrastructure. I will
[00:19:30] encourage Serbia embrace a political and economic future that
[00:19:34] benefits the United States, not competitors. such as Russia and
[00:19:38] China. There's great potential for US companies in Serbia and
[00:19:42] deeper economic ties with the US, that's very much in our
[00:19:46] and Serbia's interest. I will
[00:19:48] work to ensure a favorable business climate and level playing field in which
[00:19:51] American businesses can compete and on which they will
[00:19:55] win.
[00:19:56] I will prioritize deepening our security and defense cooperation with
[00:20:00] Serbia, building upon the already strong ties Serbia has formed with the
[00:20:04] Ohio national guard as part the state partnership.
[00:20:07] program over the past 20 years, that's cornerstone of
[00:20:11] our bilateral security ties with Serbia.
[00:20:15] I will ensure US industry is well positioned to meet Serbia's
[00:20:19] growing interest in meeting its defense needs with US equipment and
[00:20:23] in cooperation with US defense industry. If confirmed, I
[00:20:27] will partner with government of Serbia to counter global threats and
[00:20:31] support our mutual priorities and interests. I will encourage Serbia
[00:20:35] to promote security, stability and prosperity.
[00:20:50] Herzegovina, as we seek to uphold the peace brought by the
[00:20:53] Dayton Peace Accords. Finally, if I'm afforded the great
[00:20:57] privilege and opportunity to serve as the US ambassador to the
[00:21:01] Republic of Serbia, I will engage Serbian audiences to
[00:21:04] strengthen our partnership through public diplomacy, strategic
[00:21:08] communications and people to people ties ahead the great
[00:21:11] opportunity that Expo 2027 in Belgrade presents
[00:21:15] us. I thank the chair and the ranking member for the
[00:21:19] opportunity. and the privilege to be here today, and I look forward to your
[00:21:22] questions. Thank you, Mr. Young, Mr. Johnson,
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[00:22:49] Thank you, Mr. Chairman. chairman ris, ranking member shahen, members of
[00:22:53] committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear for you today as President
[00:22:57] Trump's nominee to be the US ambassador to Bosnia
[00:23:00] Herzegovina. I am grateful to President Trump, Secretary Rubio
[00:23:04] for the confidence in me, and I appreciate the committee's consideration of my
[00:23:08] nomination. I am deeply honored and privileged to be the president's
[00:23:11] nominee to serve as United States ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[00:23:15] Throughout my career and in the years since my retirement, I've
[00:23:19] continued to... work extensively overseas as a consultant and an
[00:23:22] advisor, engaging directly with foreign governments, senior military and
[00:23:26] civilian leadership across diverse countries and complex
[00:23:29] environments. those experiences have taught me the importance of
[00:23:33] strong relationships, candid communications, respect for our partners
[00:23:37] and clear understanding of America's interests and responsibilities
[00:23:41] abroad. I recognize the Bosnia and Herzegovina
[00:23:44] present complex and eduring challenges, but I believe my experience,
[00:23:48] leadership background and understanding the region have prepared me to address those
[00:23:52] challenges with determination and sound judgment. if
[00:23:55] confirmed, our work to protect US citizens advanced American interest
[00:23:59] in Bosnia and Herzegovina. I look forward to working with Congress
[00:24:03] and support of President Trump's American first foreign policy
[00:24:07] agenda. The United States remains committed to the sovereignty and
[00:24:11] territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina as well as the peace that
[00:24:15] was brought by the Dayton Peace Agreement. Dayton ended a
[00:24:18] devastating conflict in the heart. Europe and laid the foundations for
[00:24:22] three decades of stability and progress. Today the United States
[00:24:25] seeks a stable, secure and prosperous Bosnia and
[00:24:29] Hercegovina. This is a constructive partner the United
[00:24:33] States. If confirmed, I will work to
[00:24:37] preserve the stability and encourage the responsible leadership across all of Bosnia and
[00:24:40] Herzegovina. With elections fast approaching and political
[00:24:44] leaders focus on the responsible governance and deliver
[00:24:48] tangible results for the cit. since of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I'll engage
[00:24:52] broadly and consistently with all communities across the
[00:24:56] political spectrum to reduce tensions.
[00:24:59] Discourage escalation, maintain stability, which we will create the
[00:25:03] conditions for conduce to better future for all. 30 years
[00:25:07] after Dayton, Bosnia and Herzegovina's future should
[00:25:11] increasingly be shaped by their own leaders and institutions.
[00:25:14] If confirmed, encourage pragmatic, locally
[00:25:18] driven solutions. political and economic challenges and support
[00:25:22] efforts to strengthen the cooperation among Bosnia and Herzegovina's
[00:25:26] various communities. The United States can play an important role as a
[00:25:30] partner and facilitator, helping create conditions for a long-term
[00:25:33] peace and prosperity while empowering local leaders to take greater
[00:25:37] responsibility for their country's future. If
[00:25:40] confirmed, I will prioritize expanding economic and commercial
[00:25:44] cooperation between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
[00:25:48] Greater trade, investment. and energy cooperation can create
[00:25:52] opportunities for American businesses while supporting
[00:25:55] economic growth and prosperity in Bosnia and
[00:25:58] Herzegovina. I'll work to advance the energy security.
[00:26:02] expanding US exports and promote a business environment that
[00:26:06] welcomes American investment in critical sectors. The United
[00:26:10] States committed to promoting stability and prosperity in the
[00:26:13] region. If confirmed, I'll work with Bosnia and Herzegovina and
[00:26:17] our partners to limit the opportunities for money influence from both
[00:26:20] Russia and China. I'll work with counterparts to the great transnational
[00:26:24] criminal organizations and other malian actors that exploit
[00:26:28] political, economic, security vulnerabilities. A stable and
[00:26:32] prosper. for Bosnia and Herzegovina is in the interest of both the United States
[00:26:35] and the people the Bosnia and Herzegovina. Genman
[00:26:39] Risk, ranking member Shahen and members the committee, thank you for
[00:26:43] consideration and have confirmed, I'll work diligently to advance
[00:26:46] American interest, protect the US citizens and strengthen our partnership
[00:26:50] with Bosnia and Hercegovia. I look forward to your questions. Thank
[00:26:54] you. Thank you, Mr. Johnson, Miss Neswa,
[00:26:58] the floor is yours.
[00:27:01] Chairman Rish. ranking member, shahin and distinguished members the
[00:27:05] committee, thank you for the opportunity to be to appear before you
[00:27:09] today as President Trump's nominee to be the US Arctic
[00:27:12] ambassador at large. I'm grateful to President Trump and
[00:27:16] Secretary Rubio for their confidence in me and I appreciate the committee's
[00:27:20] consideration of my nomination. I'm joined today by
[00:27:24] my husband Mike, sister Dina, Stepdaughter Anderson, dear friend
[00:27:28] Michelle, former hostage Jiju Wang and his who was freeed
[00:27:31] from Around. after being held prisoner for 3 years and his
[00:27:35] wife. I'm also joined by fellow veterans who I served with in
[00:27:39] Iraq and Afghanistan, lieutenant colonel retired lagia
[00:27:42] Zarudo as well as Goldstar spouse who lost her husband in
[00:27:46] Afghanistan, Jane
[00:27:47] Horton.
[00:27:52] I am the daughter of first generation Jordanian Christian
[00:27:55] immigrants. Thank you, sorry, I'm getting a little emotional
[00:27:58] here. Ben and Neshut.
[00:28:02] They worked. and raised five children in rural Florida on faith,
[00:28:06] education and service. My widowed mother, nurse, held our
[00:28:10] family together. She taught us that America does not owe anyone
[00:28:13] easy path, but rewards grit, dedication, and a willingness to
[00:28:17] serve. That lesson took me from a small Florida
[00:28:21] town in the United States Army. After September 11th, I served
[00:28:25] as a military intelligence officer, deployed in support of Operation
[00:28:29] Enduring Freedom and Iraqi freedom. I served across three
[00:28:33] administrations, beginning with helping to establish the office the director of national
[00:28:37] intelligence. At the state department, I served as deputy assistant secretary
[00:28:41] of state for energy resources and later as deputy and acting special
[00:28:44] presidential envoy for hostage affairs. I later became
[00:28:48] Florida's first chief resilience officer. I was then appointed the 10th Homeland
[00:28:52] Security Advisor to the President, where I was responsible for the Arctic,
[00:28:56] coordinating our national strategy for the region, working closely with the US
[00:29:00] coast guard and Navy to build our. fleet and
[00:29:03] chairing national security council meetings on closing our ice breaker
[00:29:07] gap. later served as a commissioner on the US arctic research
[00:29:11] commission. so the arctic has entered new
[00:29:15] strategic error, what was once seen as remote is now where homeland
[00:29:18] defense, alliance security, economic opportunity and
[00:29:22] strategic competition converge.
[00:29:26] secretary rubio has said it plainly, the United States is an
[00:29:29] Arctic nation. we will remain focused on the arctic
[00:29:33] and arctic security must be regular part
[00:29:36] of our engagements, including in
[00:29:38] NATO. Our interests extend far beyond
[00:29:42] Alaska. The region is central to the defense the
[00:29:45] homeland, the security the North Atlantic, trusted
[00:29:49] supply chains, energy, minerals and the alliances that have
[00:29:53] long advanced American interests.
[00:29:55] It is also the frontier for American innovation. The high north
[00:29:59] is not only ice and shipping lanes,
[00:30:02] it is space awareness and missile warning from northern latitudes, it is
[00:30:06] under sea cables, communications and the data that moves across
[00:30:10] them.
[00:30:10] it is whether the next generation of energy, computing, artificial
[00:30:14] intelligence is powered and connected by trusted American
[00:30:18] and allied systems, or by infrastructure built under the influence of
[00:30:22] our competitors. cold climates and energy
[00:30:26] potential can support advanced computing and data centers. polar
[00:30:29] orbits and arctic ground stations already matter for. space
[00:30:32] operations, if the United States does not lead in these areas,
[00:30:36] others will treat them as openings. rapidly changing
[00:30:40] arctic and longer periods of open water are changing the operating
[00:30:44] environment faster than our institutions have adapted. longer periods
[00:30:48] of open water may create opportunities for maritime activity and
[00:30:52] american energy exports. they also stress the
[00:30:55] roads, ports, airfields, fuel systems and networks that
[00:30:59] enable military.