Transcripts For CSPAN2 U.S. Ambassador To Russia Nominee Jon Huntsman Testifies On Capitol HIll 20170920

Jon huntsman is President Trump nominee to be ambassador to russia. He has a reason served as ambassador to china and governor of utah appeared at his Senate Confirmation hearing, mr. Huntsman discussed the u. S. Relationship with russia. Senator bob corker chairs the Relations Committee. This hearing is two hours. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the Relations Committee will come to order. We have an unusual procedure today. As usual, we will do for today outstanding senators who are here to introduce others and we thank them for being here. It anon or to have you here in our committee. We let them go first so they can go on to their other business. Well then convened adjourning pending the business meeting for just a moment and hopefully pass the nominee is out and passing bills out and then we will resume with a great testimony we know well hear from our nominees. With that, and we welcome you. If i can remember the seniority order, i know senator cornyn is first in seniority. I dont know whether senator leahy or senator manchin i will let you guys arm wrestle over that while senator cornyn gets his comments. Thank you very much for being willing to come and make good comments about outstanding nominees. We thank you. Thank you, chairman corker and Ranking Member card in. Thanks for holding this hearing and im here primarily to introduce wes mitchell, but i have to comment on the great willingness of John Huntsman this time in another peaceful sort of setting and moscow. Wes mitchell has been nominated to serve as secretary of state european and Eurasian Affairs and its an honor to introduce him. He was born in lubbock, texas, six generation texan and im confident he will bring his texas cando attitude to the state department and a showing here today by elisabeth and her two children, wesley and charlotte as well as other relatives. Wes has made a name for himself as the cofounder of the center for european policy analysis, which he created with larry hirsch for the purpose of strengthening economic and military ties between the United States and europe. His nomination could not comment a more critical time. Russia as we know using both military and cybercapabilities to intimidate them pressure western nations while terrorist groups infiltrate their people. As we sit here today can here today cannot rush here today can i russia of course is conducting the Largest Military exercise in years and the baltics. Also troubling is the news that russia sophisticated aircraft weaponry to turkey in an attempt to drive a wedge in our nato alliance. Through his work at the thought, wes has advocated a strong u. S. Position include u. S. Leadership and participation in nato. Along with ambassador nick e. Hailey, wes will bring peace institutional background and leadership to a region threatened by both conventional and nonconventional forces. I recently had the chance to travel with some of her colleagues to the balkans and met with leaders who unanimously expressed growing concern over russian influence and the destabilizing effect of the refugee crisis in europe. As recent to the nato family, they look to the west for leadership, security and trade and i cant think of a better place for them to look rather than to fall into the tender marshes of Vladimir Putin and the Russian Federation. Wes has great one of the largest nato brain trust in the United States and i think it is just the kind of person would need to send to europe to reassert u. S. Leadership following years of neglect. That is why wholeheartedly support his nomination and encourage the committee to do the same. I look forward to working with him, secretary tillerson and the rest of the administration as we work to reestablish u. S. Global leadership for promotion of the Democratic Values in the region. Thank you, chairman corker and Ranking Member card and for having me here today and i commend this nominee for your support. Thank you. Thank you very much. Senator manchin it looks like. I have one month security on senator leahy. What a pleasure just to be be before you, mr. Chair and allowing me to come in a bipartisan way on behalf of a bipartisan person wanting to get things done. I want to thank senator of the week as i know theyve been great friends. Governor huntsman is a dear friend of mine, personal friend of mine. Governors have a bond unlike most others in political life. We are the same problems. We had the same concerns for her constituents and we try to share our successes we have and help each other not to repeat the same mistakes weve made. Its a really unusual bond. To really kick on his life weve enjoyed being with each other. They have six of their seven children here with them today. They have two grandchildren and many more in the way im sure as we talked. With that being said, john has a resume that is unbelievable. When you think about what john has done in the past coming deputy United States trade representative, Deputy Assistant secretary of commerce for asiapacific affairs and Deputy Assistant secretary of commerce for trade development. John is known for his two terms in the people overwhelmingly have supported john endorsed and voted for him. We have a lot in common during the difficult times of the crash happened. What i know is this, i said this before. Weve gone through mining tragedies and we have in our states are devastating. The families involved, but all of us and i watched john rice have been the compassion he had for each and every one of them, making sure it never repeated itself again. I have worked with john in a group called no labels. He and i were the first cochairs trying to bring people together in a bipartisan way, looking for solutions, not trained to customary problems and identify weaknesses of both sides. A troubled world we live in and this time we are the great superpower, the only superpower in the world. Superpower means more than having super military. It means diplomatic might as well. Ill take a person with skills to make any person ive ever seen before. Russia is a challenge to us, but one would have to work with to find a pathway forward. Only one person i know of they can go to russia, try to find a pathway, open a dialogue, find a pathway forward and signed agreements where we had disagreements with respect to each other to move forward trying to keep it less violent. I come here with great pleasure and the opportunity to see thank you for stepping up to serve again. Hes also a great friend and i appreciate it very much. All of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for this outstanding nominee we have before us. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you very much for being here. We appreciate the comments. Senator leahy. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Im not going to repeat all of the resume items mentioned by senator manchin, but i am definitely going to echo the conclusion i cannot imagine anyone is wellqualified to take this post as u. S. Ambassador to russia as my friend and former boss, governor jon huntsman. I served as his general counsel while he was the governor of the state of utah and needless to say i saw him in every imaginable circumstance as he worked through decisions. One could plausibly deal with the governor. And every circumstance, he had one objective, which was to serve the people, find the right outcome and to make sure families throughout utah, particularly the foreign middle class were left in a better position than he found them. And he succeeded. It is no coincidence this man to my right became the most popular governor in america at the time, that his Approval Ratings soared to a record 90 . I never met a member who didnt apparently approve of them. Im not sure they exist. The fact that he was able to do all that he did have a policy reformer, as a change agent for a government in utah, while still remaining as the most popular governor in america is at golf remarkable. Also what is remarkable is the fact this is someone who had served in every Republican Administration since the Reagan Administration and in addition to that he was of course asked by president obama to serve as the master to china. I think it is worth mentioning that he will have served as u. S. Ambassador both for the world most populous nation, china in the world nation with the largest footprint. That is significant. In addition to this, he served in a variety of capacities in Corporate America as an executive and the huntsman chemical corporation. He serves on the board of ford motor corp. And there is of course his most cherished an important position, that is being chairman of the board i believe it is or perhaps chief operating officer of the huntsman family. John and his lovely wife, mary kate have seven amazing children and that is no exaggeration. I encourage you to get to know each of them. It sure comes as someone who represent the interest of the United States in every moment of every circumstance regardless of where you follow the ideological spectrum. You will be pleased with the service this man will perform if hes confirmed as u. S. Ambassador to russia. Thank you. Thank you, senator leahy. Thank you offer your comments and taking the time to be here. We appreciate that very much. You all are welcome to leave. We are going to move into a very boring business meeting and it would indicate you dont have anything else to do if you stay. [laughter] the Committee Hearing is adjourned briefly and move to the business meeting. The businessmen of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will come to order. The three piece of legislation multiple nominations. H. R. 390, the iraq answer genocide emergency relief and accountability act of 2017. This bill is a priority for the House Foreign Affairs committee and we are glad to work with them in that regard. It seeks to ensure that adequate assistance reaches minority communities iraqs december genocide on isis and concern and elsewhere with appropriate support. This bill is also an opportunity to enact a committee served on senator cardins war crimes accountability act. We also thank senator shaheen for her work on the ceiling at citigroup, which we are incorporating into h. R. 39. We will consider the trafficking big times protection reauthorization act of 2017, victims protection act of 2000 was where we as a country in the world came to grips with the reality of modern slavery. This committee has conducted there is oversight of the state departments implementation of the trafficking big times protection act of 2015 tape report that the turning point came together in a united way to let the state department know that we and they must take the integrity of the report in its rankings seriously. I want to thank senator cardin for his leadership. No doubt your consistency and passion is clear and remarkable in a thank you for that. We also thank you for provisions on the child soldiers recruiting peace and reporting and strategy requirements are senator menendez and senator rubio have exercised real leadership here also in oversight efforts and contributed substantially to this bill. The reauthorization of the trafficking big times protection act allows us to reinforce oversight and statute and strengthens the integrity of the ranking system in a construct that way. We are also breaking new ground in acquiring the state the pavement regional bureaus to work collaborative collaboratively with the tip tape ambassador and embassies in countries where rankings are elevated frontier three to tier two. To prepare an action plan to get such countries on the path to tier two. The bill authorizes seven years for the initiative and we proven this committee we work with the Appropriations Committee to authorize appropriations at current levels for the duration of the bill. Is important to take every opportunity to fulfill responsibilities to authorize appropriations. Well also consider s. Rose 168 resolutions with respect for human rights and encouraging governance in ethiopia. The United States has an important relationship and we cooperate on areas of mutual interest including regional stability and food insecure regions. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to raise legitimate concerns with allies in private, which we have for many years, and what to do so more publicly when that fails. Great potential for ethiopia as well as the great rest of its partners into our own interests. This bipartisan resolution calls on our friends of ethiopia to address longstanding tensions with transparent justice and necessary political reforms. Thank you, senator cardin for bringing up this resolution. Will also vote on a number of nominees today think in a college for allowing the committee to take these steps forward today and i will read their names later. Are there any other member comments . Let me first thank you for this business meeting. The three legislative matters that we have are all very, very important. I am pleased that we are able to move forward on h. R. 390, the genocide emergency relief act introduced by congressman smith and passed the house of representatives in june that deals with circumstances in iraq. There is an agree to amendment that will include the accountability for war crimes committed during war crimes accountability act combining iraq and syria into one bill with accountability for war crimes. I was pleased to be of the war crimes act that passed this committee in june. This is a matter that already then before committing regards to syria. Iraq is the first opportunity. Accountability for war crimes is critically important. We all will say never again and youll may wait never again will be realized as if we make sure those who commit atrocities are held fully accountable. The United States must be in the leadership. This legislation will provide assistance for investigation so they can have the information necessary to hold those responsible for these atrocities accountable and helps the dems. Mr. Chairman, your kind in your comments to the reauthorization of the trafficking and about the passion i have on this issue. We all would agree on this committee there is no one who shown greater viewership on this issue than our chairman. We thank you for your commitment to end this modernday slavery, and this moral challenge to the United States. Youve been in the forefront a locally unending modernday slavery. I strongly support the reauthorization act and acknowledge. I thank you are recognizing to important point in our bills. We want the facts to judge whether it a Democratic Administration or Republican Administration, we want these exterminations to be made by the facts in the country. Secondly in regards to children i appreciate the issue in regards to child soldiers, but also labor that will require tier three rankings for countries do not meet the minimum conditions and that would prohibit u. S. Grants from reimbursement on recruitment or placement fees because that becomes that on ditch. Lastly, what you can are bringing up s. Rose 168 that i offered senator rubio to make it clear that her counterterrorism partners do not get a free pass from human rights and this resolution is very clear about that. I would ask in regard to the nominees that two of the nominees be separated for discussion and vote. That would be kt mcfarland and mr. Manchester. Would be more than glad to separate those and i appreciate senator shaheen. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you for the work you and senator have done on the act. Id also want to very much thank you and senator cardin for incorporating into this legislation work that i have been doing on a study group on the conflict in syria. Even though this year in conflict has been pushed off of the front pages of the papers in the evening news, the fact is that the environment there was increasingly complex. On saturday, we saw Syrian Democratic forces and russian hezbollah backed aside forces were Russian Forces bombed the american backed task with bases in the region. This is a conflict that continues in so far we have not had a Clear Strategy for how we address the region and our troops and partners have been forced to jump from one tactical maneuver to the next. The study required by this legislation i hope will help our troop and diplomat prepare for tendencies in syria. It does require government consultation for both the departments of state and defense in the review board with the appointed by bipartisan members of house and Senate National security committees. It will provide meaningful and actionable recommendations in the manner of previously mandated commissions, that is charged and hopefully it will come out with this strategy that can be helpful as we look at ending this years long conflict. Thank you, mr. Chairman. And senator cardin. Thank you. And the other comments be made about legislation . Is this an appropriate time to offer amendments . Ill tell you what well do. One member moving down the hallway is actually here now. Why dont thank you, so much, sir. 100 denominations and then the legislation if thats okay. So as the Ranking Member requested, what i would like to do first is that to the honorable barbara lee to be representative of the u. N. General assembly, chris smith to be admitted to the general assembly. The honorable Steve Mnuchin to the imf African Development bank, and her development bank, International Bank for reconstruction and development. European construction development, African Development and Asian Development bank. Mr. Stephen king to be ambassador to the Czech Republic and the honorable john bath to be ambassador to afghanistan. All those in favor of an en bloc vote, do we have a section on not . All those in favor say aye ko. Opposed . Would back him the eyes have it. Now we have two other members that we will vote do you want to vote vote on the two of them together . Are they to do that separately make a brief statement. Next i would like to call up mr. Chairman, with your indulgence can i say a brief word about mr. Bass . I just supported his nomination and i think its eminently qualified this is the bush record of Foreign Service aired i submitted a question for the record to mr. Bass and related to send, the kubla compact which is the benchmark for reforms by president connie and chief executive abdullah. And my question, estimate confirmed whether or not he would work to provide this committee should detail specific unclassified assessment of where the Afghan Government is falling short on the commitments and how kabul plans to address the shortcomings. The response i got was somewhat vague. I know we had a lot to respond to. I still have confidence he will serve and serve her well which is why i support his nomination. We need to stay vigilant of the committee with respect to the issue moving forward. Maybe before it comes to before you get a better response on that. Someone else . I wish to be recorded as a no vote on the nominations related to mr. Mnuchin. So ordered. Anyone else . With akamai we will move to roll call vote individually. The first nomination, the first vote will be on mr. David manchester, ambassador to the bahamas. Mr. Chairman, bayless said drugs bound for the United States and what United States and which made their ambassador must possess the skills to advance strategic current counternarcotics operation in addition of the estimated 526 million tourists visiting the bahamas and the united state required and unwavering attention to counselor services. I am concerned mr. Manchester . These requirements. Hes been described in a number of news reports as abrasive, poor manager and prone to verbal tirades. Additionally hes made a number statements during his nomination hearings including the bahamas and the United States and that the United States would want to avoid a South China Sea situation with a hamas. Statements indicate less than a thorough understanding of the basic diplomatic and National Security issues. I note that u. S. Ambassador has not been ambassador since 2011 bits are unable to confirm one during the Obama Administration. Nevertheless i cannot support mr. Manchester and if we have confidence the nomination process in hearing by meaningful, i dont believe this person deserves our support. Any other comments . With that, well have a roll call vote on his nomination. The clerk will call the roll. Roll back [roll call] [roll call] [roll call] the clerk will report. [inaudible] denominations agreed to in committee a way past the floor. The next vote will be on ms. Kt mcfarland, ambassador to singapore. The clerk will call the roll. Mr. Chairman, if i could very briefly. Ms. Mcfarland is a very engaging person who clearly has a desire for Public Service and i admire that in her. However, given the range of strategic challenges across the globe that our country faces, in spite of u. S. Ambassador seen as a unifying figure pitfall in extensive consideration commencement make friends record taken into account statements during nomination hearings, ive concluded her past record will make it very difficult for her to serve in the unifying force. For that reason, im unable to support her nomination. I prayed she is the effort before the committee to explain her record of statements. This includes setting Vladimir Putin is one who really deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in syria, saying even if its torture is probably worth doing or saying of saudi arabia, they are arabs. Theyre not going to say to your face something that will accept you. It does not appeal very judicious in the statements made in the past and the language is very important to be an ambassador. Additionally i have concerns regarding the nominees involvement is deputy to general flynn during the transition process proportionally answers to increase were not sufficiently responsive to me all my concerns. For that reason i will not support her nomination. Thank you. Any other comments . I did think she tried to answer those questions and did so adequately. I know shes been in the entertainment business in the past and sometimes people say things, but i thank you for your concerns. With that, the clerk will call the roll. [roll call] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the clerk will report. [inaudible conversations] the nominee has passed. We will move to the floor and i thank you all for participating. With that, we will move to legislation and we will move to h. R. 390. Senator cardin, would you like to speak to this or any other member . Okay. I will entertain a motion to consider the substitute amendment of the Mccain Corker murphy amendment on block voice vote. So moved. Is there second . So moved and second. The question is on the motion to substitute to approve the amendment of the mccain corporate murphy amendment on block by voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Opposed . With that, the amendment is agreed to. Are there any other further amendments . Seeing none, is there a motion to approve the legislation is amended . So moved. Is there a second . The most designed to approve h. R. 390. All in favor say aye. Opposed . The eyes have it. Legislation is amended is agreed to. Thanks who moved to trafficking the dems for reauthorization of 2017. Senator cardin, would you or any other member like to speak . Verity spoke. Im fine. I would entertain a motion to consider substitute amendment and revised on block by voice vote. So moved. Is there second . The substitute amendment flake wine and black by voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Opposed . With that, the eyes cohabit. The amendment is agreed to. Any further amendments . See none come a motion to approve the legislation so moved. The question is on the motion to prove tbc eight authorization is amended at all in favor say aye the legislation is amended and agreed to. Next will move to us read 168. Senator cardin, would you or any other member like to speak to this . First i will entertain a motion to consider substitute amendment on block a voice vote. So moved. Is there a second . Question on the motion to approve on block by voice vote. All those in favor say aye. Opposed. The amendments are agreed to. Any further amendments . Neil come is there a motion to approve the legislation is amended . Is there second . The question is the notion to prove as rezulin 16 is amended. All in favor say aye. Opposed . With that, the eyes cohabit. The amendments agreed to to. This completes the committees business. I ask consent that the author is to make technical changes without objection so authorized with that in without objection the committee will stand adjourned. The business meeting will stand adjourned and we will reconvene our hearing. I want to thank everybody for their cooperation in moving through that. It is very much appreciated. I would give a brief Opening Statement im sure senator cardin voted the same. Europe and eurasia are home to some of the closest partners and also some of our greatest challenges. Formed in 1949 to defend the free people of the west from soviet threat, nato remains vital to the security of europe and United States. European union is also a critical partner in trade, politics and global humanitarian efforts. Additionally, the United States oldest and best allies, france and the United Kingdom are European Countries. Further to the of european and Eurasian Affairs to manage these relationships that the United States to reassert itself on the world stage, yet russias backpacks complicate much of the good the United States tries to do. The Russian Federation possesses not only the second most powerful military in the world, but also a seat on the United Nations Security Council for its veto protects were criminals such as bashar alassad. In the last several years, russia has invaded ukraine where he continues to illegally aggravate the war. Vladimir putin entered the syrian war in the side of the regime and has repeatedly used chemical weapons on civilians. Last year, russian efforts to influence the 2016 u. S. Election fundamentally damaged our bilateral relationship. If that werent enough, russia in violation of the inner range treaty is in violation and failing to meet its obligations under the treaty on open skies. On the other hand, many issues of common interest in figuring out a way to move between these issues successfully is a great challenge for our next ambassador. Todays nominees will need to perform some of the most important diplomatic work better country could require to preserve our interests throughout europe to guard against further russian aggression. We thank them for their willingness to serve and welcome them to the committee. Senator cardin. Let me welcome both of our witnesses. It really is a pleasure to have the two nominees before us. I cant think of two more important positions that this committee will consider than the two positions we are considering today. They are that kind of sequential. I had a chance to meet with both of our nominees and i found the discussions to be extremely helpful and very encouraging as to the amount of agreement to the importance of the assignment and the manner in which our nominees will carry out that responsibility if confirmed. Governor huntsman, a pleasure to have you back. You just cant seem to avoid the desired to serve the community and we thank you for that. Youre entitled to a little time off, but you seem not to want a lot of time off from Public Service. We thank you for your willingness and i want to thank your family because this is a family commitment. Though interesting observations as to whether russia is more challenging or less challenging than china. You have really taken on some of the most difficult challenges in our country and he started with singapore, but you taught in someplace and then decided to go on. We thank you for that. As the chairman pointed out, russia is really a challenged relationship we have. They attacked us in our democracy and 2016. They invaded ukraine is still illegally occupied crimea. They are supporting the assad regime in syria. That is why Congress Passed the sanctions act against russia to make it clear that type of behavior will not go unchallenged. We will look forward to you in implementing that legislation. Our goal is to change russias behavior, particularly as it reflects u. S. Interests. It is not to have a chummy relationship with russia without a change in behavior. Guess they want to have constructive relationships of all countries, but for us to have that bond, we need to have a country that respects our independence and respects universal values and today russia has done neither. I hope that for russias fighting for freedom in their country, that they will continue to be welcomed for Civil Society, which has been the tradition of the u. S. Representation mission and i appreciate your commitment to continue that tradition and i hope there will be regular dialogue sponsored by the United States on human rights. Boris mann saw, the slain Opposition Leader called the act the most prorussian legislation ever enacted. So we will be looking to you to help us implement the progression people legislation known as the men in ski act. We look forward to a discussion today and we thank you for your willingness to serve. To mr. Mitchell, thank you for your willingness to serve. I also acknowledge your family. I cant think of a more important reaching in the world and our Democratic Values. We are stronger when united with europe, with the sanctions applied with europe support, able to get irans attention. Before that, we werent able to do that. Same thing true with russia. Weve been in unity with russia. We now believe weve got a ticket to the next plateau. The next possibility will be to maintain the unity. We need to build resiliency and Democratic Institutions across europe airbrushes aggression is not obviously named at the United States. Principal targets in europe. We strengthen the resiliency and work with regional organizations such as beos p. E. Another had a worse ranking democrat on the commission. Many challenges in addition to russia. Youve got rags, turkey and how we deal with turkey. The migration issues. You have unity against isis. You have concerns of erosion in the democratic process and some of our European Countries were members of e. U. And nato. You have a full plate and we look forward to the discussion we thank you for your willingness to be here and take on this responsibility. Governor, we thank you so much for being here and i want to join in the senator cardin and thanking him for many years of service both interstate and on behalf of us here in our country, china and other places also. Great meeting with you yesterday and i strongly support your nomination. Im glad your family is willing to do this. We had some conversations about the wonderful spouse and why she would do this and maybe you speak to that in a moment. We do hope youll introduce them. We thank you for burdening them with you. We know its a partnership. Were anxious to hear your testimony. If you could summarize in about a minute any other materials you want to enter into the record we are glad to do so. Again, thank you for her distinguished past service in thank you for your willingness to serve our country in this way. With that, if you would begin, we would appreciate it. Thank you, chairman corker peered Ranking Member cardin, thank you for your comments as well, for your kind and encouraging words about her return to Public Service and also sitting in my time as governor of the great state of utah. In reflecting on the series, have to say never once invaded one of my surrounding states. Came very close in the state of nevada from time to time, but all was well. I want to thank all members of this committee. Its truly an honor to be here before you todays before you today as President Trump dominates the United States ambassador to the Russian Federation. I want to thank the president for his confidence in me and for the opportunity with your approval to represent the American People during what is as we all know i want to express my gratitude to secretary of state Rex Tillerson for his support as well. Most important to all of this are the people sitting behind me , senator corker thank you for pointing that out. A wonderful family. I want to start rethinking my wife, mary kaye, without whom we wouldnt be here today. And all of our children. Six out of seven are here. Dr. Mary ann, who is here with husband kevin morgan. Daughter abby who is here with jeff livingston. I never called them deadbeat sonsinlaw mind you. They are all the best in the world. Our daughter lady, who is here with eduardo fernandez. There we go. Our son john, otherwise known as lieutenant jg huntsman who is part of ea q1 29, in the squadron who is here with lovely wife, morgan. Our son will, who is also a naval officer in the eod Training Pipeline is not with us unfortunately. The training apparently is so strict he couldnt get a few hours off, so will have to consult with the Armed Services committee on outland next time. And her daughter gracie, who was served last couple months as my foreignpolicy adviser and dr. Ashok who is here as well. Their love and support is absolutely sustained me through many phases of my life in a different hat that had the pleasure of wearing both in public and private tears. Obviously, we could not undertake this new challenge with your support and the complete endorsement of our family. Ive had the privilege of serving as ambassador three times, including to china into singapore. I am fully cognizant of the profound responsibility is a chief must assume. During a Previous Service including as governor in the great state of utah and the private sector, ive always prided myself on leading dynamic teams in achieving important goals by bringing individuals together from different backgrounds and different points of view. If confirmed by look forward to working with colleagues from the state department and all other u. S. Government agencies to advance the interests of the American People. Im confident my previous experience does prepare me for the sensitive diplomatic mission, im under no illusion that serving as the u. S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation will be easy or simple. Our relationship with russia is among the most consequential and complex Foreign Policy challenges we face. As a Nuclear Superpower come a permanent member of the u. N. Security council, we have no choice but to deal with russia on a range of issues touching a noble stability and security. Here we also need to recognize that today, controversy to international law, russia continues to threaten stability in europe, including by violating the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbors. Russia also restricts the human rights of its own people. There is no question, underline no question, that the russian government interfered in the u. S. Election last year in moscow continues to meddle in the democratic processes of friends and allies. Finally, russias disregarding the terms control obligations and commitments. S. Stuart to balance multiple challenges, and i appreciate the leadership and insight the committee has demonstrated on russia and if confirmed, i welcome the opportunity to collaborate with all of you in the months and years ahead. In short if confirmed, i will focus on four primary approaches. First, i will engage russian government officials from the highest tiers to the local level to advance american interests. Key among our goals are defeating isis, countering terrorism, upholding arms control and nonproliferation obligations and commitments. Finding a political solution to the conflict in syria in resolving the crisis in ukraine in a way that it expects and restores its territorial integrity. I will also not hesitate to prevent government officials that they are accountable for options. Exhibit a is the fact that interference in the u. S. Election has led directly to the current low level of trust in the relationship. The views of congress were heard loud and clear on this point within the unanimous passage of senator gregg mentioned of encountering americas adversaries through sanctions act. Second, i will work to protect the interest of the American People to include u. S. Has no scholars, tourists and other american visitors who spent time in russia and engage its good citizens. I believe people to people exchanges and private interactions are important way to show her disagreement are with the government of russia, not with these people. Third, ill seek out russian people across all walks of life to share areas, to relay American Values and deep in my longheld appreciation for russias system rich and fascinating history. I look forward to being a Civil Society leaders, including those in the religious and human rights communities. While the russian government has sought to limit u. S. Diplomacy, our diplomatic continues to engage ordinary russians and outfitters and maintain diverse outreach approach. I plan to take part in the effort as i strongly believe cultural understanding is enriched by an open and respectful exchange of ideas and thoughts. I look forward to meeting as many russian citizens of possible during my travels throughout this great country. Fourth, but certainly not last in importance, i will work to ensure the safety and security of my team, americas team, who worked tirelessly on behalf of our nation. Despite russias actions against u. S. Mission diplomatic staffing, the team both the americans and russians have continues to serve with recessional of them and unwavering commitment under difficult conditions. In particular want to pay tribute to outgoing ambassador john taft, one of the Foreign Services finest for his dedicated leadership encourage under challenging times. I will be honored to work sidebyside with the mission team to ensure the continued critical work of the u. S. Diplomatic and consular mission. I want to extend my personal appreciation for those americans and russians to serve at the u. S. Mission and have since left because our staff has been cut short the russian governments unfortunate decision. Mr. Chairman, mr. Ranking member or members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you. I welcome your comments and your questions. Thank you very much. Senator cardin. Governor huntsman, i must tell you i look at a lot of statements made by nominees and i thought your statement was as clear and as direct on the major issues and i applaud you for that and appreciate your candor with the committee and the manner in which you presented the challenges he would have if confirmed as ambassador. I staff always givest areas they want to question on to make sure theres clarity in each of those cases you provided clarity in your Opening Statement, but that wont prevent me from asking a couple questions anyway. Let me move on to the human rights issues you and i have talked about that you mention in your statement. Our concern is not with the russian people. Russian people are good people that want basic freedom. I wish he was with the russian government has denied basic rights to its own citizens in this interfered with the sovereignty of other countries. You mentioned that the meeting with leaders in the Civil Societies of the platform for that type of a discussion. How do you tend to use people to people contact between russians and americans in using our embassy in order to further the hopes. And that may just tell you that i am impressed when they meet with russian and ive met with a lot of russians were they really do look at the United States as their hope for their future giving them an avenue in order to be able to keep hope alive in russia. How do you intend to use their position as ambassador, our embassy to further object is . Thank you for that question, senator cardin. I very much appreciate the conversation we were able to have in your office. For me, the United States mission, whether the embassy or consulate in this case the russia should be seen as beacons of hope, aspirational for the russian people as they know they were for the chinese people. The term for a title of ambassador, although it might get you in a couple doors that you otherwise might not get in, should also be seen as aspirational and tied to u. S. Values. Ive worn this title before. Ive seen when you actually express those values and go to the aid of those under assault from governments, they find that theres hope in what america does and i find that to be our most powerful weapon at the end of the day. I hope to use it effectively. I hope to use a tactically. I hope to use it tastefully. But there is one certainty and i will be out and there will be a good in promoting americas values as part of who i am, part of my family and upbringing and part of the american tradition. Ill never forget visiting one case in china if you would allow me the reflection. A young woman who had been beaten because her home had been torn down by the chinese authorities. There is no petitioning of government and no appeal process. She took up the issue herself and was beaten for it and paid a price. I went to visit her one day in her home in the ambassadors car driving through the back alleyways and i walked into her little room. She had been cut off from the internet and a lot of other things that she had a tear in her eye. I know it was not because mr. Huntsman arrived, but rather because the United States had arrived. I could tell just a being with her but that meant the world, where no one else would show up, nobody else would stand by people who have that support locally. And it meant the world. It is reflections like that that i carry with me everyday of my life and im reminded of the values we stand for, whether republican or democrat. I will ensure that our embassy and missions shine that light in a way that is aspirational, positive and does represent the best of the United States. I can assure you that you have this committee who stands with you and please feel comfortable working directly with us on advancing those issues. I want to raise one more issue to let you know that we are deeply concerned about the security of our mission in russia. We know there have been efforts made to deal with the safety of our personnel in an appropriate way. There have been of course encouraging to listening devices in different places and the u. S. Mission. So we invite your assessment. You mention the safety of your personnel. We want you to know that we hope you will be very candid with congress as to need so we can Work Together to make sure those on the front line of diplomacy have protections they need. Thank you, senator. The unfortunate decision by the russian government to cut arc staff significantly will impact our ability to carry on anything representing the normal relationship. Although i have every confidence that those who remained the 455, now that weve met with the russians had demanded to be offensive. He commented me among the best and brightest in the Foreign Service and other agencies will carry out the mission. I have no doubt about that. Ive seen it happen before. For me as chief of mission, Mission Security and integrity will be top of the list. With your support and endorse that, once i arrive, the first order of business is to assess what the cutdown, cutbacks and personals has meant in terms of overall security. Because security has an impact on our ability to do the work, which has an impact on overall operating well within the Embassy Annex in them over the years when they can operate at a high level of morale, things get done in the work of the American People to accomplish. Mission safety will be top of mind for me. Always has been. I know we have some challenges particularly as it relates to the harassment of diplomat. Very good. Senator flake. Thank you, mr. Chairman. And thank you, ambassador huntsman for being here and thank you to the family as well. Weve had the privilege to know the huntsman for quite a while. Back in may teamed 92 or 19901892. We were taught on the gross piano. Right there. It is just a pleasure to be here and a pleasure to have you and i went to thank you for your willingness to serve in think the family for their willingness to sacrifice not just this time, but many times in the past for your Public Service and it is a family sacrifice certainly and that is appreciated. Let me just say or ask one question. What can congress do to help you succeed in your mission on behalf of the United States and russia . Thank you, senator flake get a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for the musical legacy her family left to my own family promotes continues to live on as her daughter marion just returned from second concerto in china. From somebody on the site you will get all the informations but having somebody that can provide a different perspective would be important. So the thought that we could Work Together and maintain an open dialogue with your staff on whether the there is progress on these issues because we need to move the relationship to a bit of a higher altitude. Right now we are at a low point and it reminds me of 1986 i remembered that year. If it doesnt serve the purposes of the region or the world while nor does it serve the people in both countries. So, working on those issues together allowing me a fair hearing when i return to the progress so that we can see if there is reason to move the relationship to a different level. I think that has to be done as a joint effort between executive and legislative branches. In terms of the congressional travel to the russian delegations to the senate and the house, is that helpful . I will just show your one experience where it was a tough assignment. I bought forward to some of your colleagues the idea of maybe we could organize a large bipartisan republican and democrat. Senator Johnny Isakson was part of that and i discussed it with him the other day. He still remembers that trip. They were able to articulate at the highest levels of the United States some of our concerns in ways the chinese really understood in new and profoundly important ways and about the last lasting impression on both sides i would say if we could organize this mission, we have some very important messages to set and perceive. Some of the most compounding things for the American People to understand in that position that youre in with russia, we have some issues with russia which would be an understatement to say the least. We also have to deal with russia. I think the biggest challenge that you are going to be facing is to muster them with the north korean situation. The world has to turn against a very united fashion. There is a willingness to help and a lot of people think this cant end well on the trajectory it on. Are their thoughts on that as we move into this position fax debate could we should take the time to explore where we have the overlapping interest. We take different approaches and different attitudes about denuclearize in the korean peninsula. Its on issues around proliferation so that brings us together with russia for the purposes of addressing dpr k. It was an expression of the un Security Council coming together with the most aggressive approach to north korea in history and that included russia and china. And its targeting areas of north koreas economy that i think are most lucrative for them and if the sanctions are implemented, that will be part of the work once we are on the ground. It will take a toll on things like trade in textile which is an 800 billiondollar category for north korea, the trading of the raw material of gas and oil, which is a large product or large money category and the remittances from workers in the case may be 60,000 which is another large cash flow. So, im heartened by the support on the last round of sanctions, just to september 11 a few weeks ago. Well see if that is where we can come together more and more in addressing a significant threat not just of northeast asia bunortheast asiabut indeede world. We are all hopeful that the sanctions will be in that regard and certainly about as strict of sanctions you can get. The difficulty is tha the regime that doesnt care much about the people that they govern so the question is how effective the sanctions were going to be. Unfortunately theyve shown in the past that the sanctions have been a conduct changer is a would be in other civilized nations. I think we have to think about whats the next step is going to be and there is no question about that. Im going to excuse you and your family and those that have come here to hear this. Again, we sincerely appreciate your willingness to serve. Thank you so much. With that, subject to the call of the chair. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] the committee will come back to order, and we will finish up with the honorable jon huntsman, and i understand senator shahe shaheen. Yes, thank you very much mr. Chairman. First of all, i would like to thank the governor for his willingness to continue to serve the country and i very much appreciated our conversation. I know one of the things we discussed a little bit in the challenges getting the attempt to influence the elections, occupation and annexation of crimea, some of the other challenges facing and the need to counter those efforts into the same time to look at the places where we can work with russia because we have mutual interest. Can you talk about how as ambassador you will try to balance those needs and the kinds of efforts that you think are helpful in responding to russian aggression versus the kind of efforts that he would try to employ and to engage in areas of mutual interest with. Put your microphone on. There we go. Senator it was a pleasure most recently to see you. Aggression doesnt pay and there will be a response. Weve already seen that in the case in 2014 and in the case of ukraine in the eastern provinces and previous to that in 2008 in the case of georgia with self study south of. The constant pushing is taking place in europe and we have friends and allies that we support and whose sovereignty we stand behind from a security standpoint. And i think we have to live up and respecforand respect those , which is the case. We have that same thing going on while overlapping and common interest. And i think as with any challenging relationship i would say in the case of russia it is a challenging but necessary relationship we have to be at the table together and find a common ground. We have to solve problems and move to a higher altitude. No question about it. But its to show we can succeed in what we do together and there may be some early signs of success with the attempt to disarm and quiet the Western Region just south of damascus. Its still the early days but there may be some successes from their. I think the dpr k. Is another area that we could find success. In the case of ukraine, we are nowhere and i would have to say that a lot of the main highway that leads to an improvement in the u. S. Russia relations goes right through to ukraine and that is leadin is living up andg the accord through the norm in the process that right now is actively being worked out by the special representative for a fairs. Its a critically important issue not just for ukraine and the region but for people here in the United States, so that will be an important area. Then we have issues such as space which may be the level of oxygen that keeps us together in a collaborative session. This keeps us together in the United States and russia. Another issue i think we have to come together on and maybe in ways that are positive, so i see the Balance Sheet and the need to come up with a very clear and crisp list of priorities that we can meet on and hopefully make progress and i can return to you on. Ambassador, can you talk about whether you are going to be willing to meet with opposition figures in russia and discipline through may not agree with . That has always been my practice that every other post and it will continue to be my practice. Yes, senator. Ambassador, governor, i just wanted to come back to this hearing to complement you as one of the highest quality nominees that i have seen in my seven years on before in relation committee. In the personal meeting ended your Opening Statement, i think that you represent the very best in Public Service and leadership at home and abroad. You answered a whole series of questions i have for you whether reading with obligation issues, human rights, the value of the western european allies and many others. So, to you and your beautiful family thank you for your dedication to the Public Service and let me ask two or three questions and i look forward to supporting your nomination in any event. How do you think we could counter this in western europe and as we talk about in my office, our core challenge is raising the cost for russia of the continued interference in their continued illegal actions in ukraine and other places in the world. And do you think it is critical that we maintain the sanctions until the end or destabilize the actions in ukraine and metal in the european elections or can you imagine a path we would enlighten some sanctions that others did in the action of this committee we would have a hand in any decision on that front . Thank you for those warm comments that you previously made. I think ukraine becomes a centerpiece when we look at the sanctions we had five rounds of sanctions when you count the act as well and i think a lot of the barometer on where the relationship goes will be based on ukraine and kind of success that we have living up to the mexican court. When i think about the different sanctions that are there, some are the result of meddling in our election and more human rights focused. With respect to the kind of hybrid warfare which includes the maligned activity goes well beyond the welfare that my generation was accustomed to as was yours growing up. You put a quick note on the field and practice and never have to go to the war. What we see today is very different and it includes disinformation campaigns and networks that are dedicated to the dissemination of good news of different sources we see the support of political movements on the extreme end for example. Its to recognize it does exist anthat doesexist and want to bel about it so what is the nature of this hybrid campaign and what does it take on the very survivability of the nascent democracy because i think that is the target to undercut the credibility of the political system which is the most nefarious approach but one can take to another nationstate and then we have to see what are the options in terms of the tools one might have there may be options on the Technology Side and the private sector would be worth looking at. Then the work you are doing with others including senator murphy on funding some effort efforts t would produce a counter narrative is important. Its the clarity and the forcefulness of your view about russias actions and our election in the region against our alliances in western europe its both at home and around the world and your commitment to join with us so i very much look forward to working with you. [laughter] i do appreciate your commitment to the Global Engagement center. We are very pleased that the administration after some question is now transferred 48 million to help set up the capacity for the young nations and he would be instrumental to figure out how that plays out going forward. With that being said, let me ask a little question here. I really appreciated your clear statement regarding a russian interfere in in the u. S. Election. But i want to put the swor thisf elephant out on the table here. Youre going to be working for a president whos done the opposite and is that he intentionally cast doubt on whether they interfered in this election. Its all a hoax, it is all a scam. In poland earlier this year he said it could have been russia, but it could have been other people. And the results are real. 43 of americans dont believe that russia interfered in the u. S. Election. And importantly, only about 9 believe that russia interfered. So let me ask you this because e everybody is wondering. How do you represent your belief that in all of our beliefs that they interfered in the election is engaged in a terribly intentional campaign at the very least to cloud the issue how do you manage that . Its important to note that the odni has spoken, is a powerful symbol when you get the director of the National Intelligence director of the cia ahead of the fbi who come together in unison behind their findings and they are material for some years i very rarely see them come together in such coordinated fashion of one mind and one conclusion, so i think that expresses where the facts are with respect to the involvement. But i have to say that for me as a former governor, you are tasked with the integrity of the system sometimes as a lieutenant governor, sometimes the secretary of state you have nothing more important than the integrity of your election process at the list of levels and to undercut or subver subveo associatsubvert ortwo associater to succeed about or distrust about that system is the highest level of industry that i think can be played on any local election system. I will speak to this not just as a u. S. Ambassador to russia but also somebody that had responsibility in my state. Thank you for that answer i dont want to normalize the moment i think it will be very difficult by the fact that you will put pressure to stop interfering in our elections trying to cloud this question and use as his personal Communications Device to call this a hope is and i dont want us to normalize what happened today when the diplomats are telling one line at the president is telling a different one on his twitter feed and i appreciate tha the capacity and willingness to do the jobs that are uniquely hard in an unprecedented way. We will get a commitment to followup ofollow up on somethid about in the office. Senator shaheen and i and some others talked about the balkans where the war started a place that remains very unstable and in the last six months since the president took office and said gold but we were sort of exiting the diplomatic playing field, russia has gone into buying up all sorts of media sources and they started paying off new and interesting people. I just wanted to have you reiterate your commitment against all these things youre going to be paying into to keep an eye out for us to increase the russian interference. At the very stable place that could be made much more unstable if we dont check that interference. You have my commitment, senator. It is an example of what we described earlier specifically when you point to serbia and kos about. I think this is an example of what happened in that vacuum. I will watch it and it will certainly be part of my discussion. Thank you, senator cain. Governor, welcome. You are superbly qualified for this position. Its a very tough job and im glad the president asked you to do it. I was involved in the sum of the circumstances senator murphy was asking about and i will switch and toland tell you an interestg irony while i was a candidate in the election thats been much discussed for these reasons my son was deployed in the initiative in the entire Marine Battalion between the black and the baltic to try to help reassure our allies that the United States was still there for them and would protect. I want to ask about that because i will be following up with the next nominee in your capacity as ambassador should you be confirmed you will also have the opportunity to dialogue with other european nation that russia, and i think an important part of your job is going to be working with the russian government to make sure that we advance and protect the nations on their border that are currently under serious assault in many demands. I wonder if you can just address that aspect how you might approach the different aspect of your job. My approach will be to work with friends and allies in europe, specifically the g5 where they are dedicated to the issues that are prominently on the security agenda. We all know the full double states are right on the periphery and the need for help and support both nato and the United States. I think we are better and stronger when we are coordinating with those who are focused in on the ground and maybe have a slightly different perspective. And i learned this while serving in china working with the g5 in other contexts including north korea and the South China Sea. And i fully expect to consult on a regular basis with my colleagues to make sure that we are plugged into the work of the supreme allied commander in europe along with the nato command as well. I very much want to make a visit to both of those areas to make sure we are all of one mind as it relates to understanding the last Training Exercise that is playing out in belarus even as we sit here that it will go on through september 30. Im not sure theyve invoked the documents required as far as transparency is concerned but it may be that they should have. Nobody quite knows the number of troops involved or how this is likely to play out. Thats not good. That doesnt serve the interest in europe. So i think we ar are together on the issues and i would look forward to working with our friends and allies on these issues. You will also have a unique perspective having to be ambassador to china. China. Both critical nations and where we have many points of disagreement, but there are areas where we need to Work Together, for example we had a briefing recently though it was classified, this portion wasnt. Wasnt. Its about north korea and the Administration Officials said over and over again we are pursuing diplomacy if we can. If it is a 10 chance or 5 or 3 chance, we need to pursue diplomacy and the diplomatic resolution of the situation in north korea and i assume you share that view and the view that person and you diplomatic relations would likely involve having russia and china involved in those discussions. Which is worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These are big deals so far as it really comes down to either sanctions going to be implemented and thats where we have had difficulties in the past. Will china do what they have signed up to do and will russia do what they signed up to do . Thats where you roll up your sleeves and get to work. Might as one more question mr. Chair or do i need to wait for a second round . I will be very brief. We will have questions for the record. I will be very brief. Having acknowledged china and russia would be critical if there was an ability to find a nuclear deal of some type with north korea you would agree would you not that their belief about whether or not the u. S. Would follow a deal if we reached it that could be important to them in determining how much they wanted to work with us to press north korea. Obviously there are trust issues all around and they constantly have to be work done and the trust deficit the deployment of thaad most recently among other things is causing consternation with both china and russia but we have worked together successfully in the sixparty contact so i have seen examples of where three of us can in fact take on an issue share information work from a common sheet and a common playbook and try to get things done. Thank you. Governor and ambassador thank you so much for taking this big responsibility on and thank you to your family who was also willing to undertake a sacrifice is. Mr. Chairman i want to thank the governor also and if theres one thing senator kaine said enforcement of sanctions in north korea is very important. Enforcement of the sanctions against russia is very important so we are going to need your help in forcing the sanctions in regards the sale of turkey that the sanctions may be in fact being violated so we are going to need your intentions if we are going to be effective in the action against russia. For members of the committee we will keep the record open until the close of business on thursday that includes members of many questions for the record so again thank you so much. You and your family, thank you. Mr. Mitchell would you care to join us . [inaudible conversations] thank you all. [inaudible conversations] mr. Mitchell thank you so much for joining us. I am here in the position that you have been nominated for is certainly an important position and i apologize for our time today. We are going to bit be in the bit of a short stream so instead of at it making an open statement i dont want to preach on about europe and how important it is to us. Im going to pass on that and get to your perspective. I commented earlier so mr. Mitchell the floor is yours. Thank you senator reisch and let me say how much i appreciated earlier senator cornyn from my home state of texas giving me a warm introduction and im honored to have your backing. Chairman parker rank member cardin and members of the committee its a real privilege to appear before you as a nominee for assistant secretary of state for european and Eurasian Affairs. President trump ends secretary secretary for the confidence they placed me to undertake this important role. Im proud to have here with me today a support battalion of my family members. My wife elizabeth, her children wesley and charlotte are terrorizing folks in the hallway so i apologize if anyone who experienced that today. My mom beth mitchell, my aunt and father in motherinlaw. As senator cornyn said im a sixth generation texan prevent first person my family more than 150 years to pursue a career north of the red river. Like my wife who is a 13 year veteran of the department of defense that came to washington to serve my country. 12 years ago i cofounded the center for european policy analysis of think tank that is now widely recognized or the quality of his research and analysis on control of fear. As president seau im overseeing the truly transatlantic organization with offices in washington the warsaw and personnel in several European Countries. This role at the close and effective relationships with Senior Leaders across the state and had the honor of working with previous secretaries and seen the skills, dedication and patriotism of the men and women of the bureau for european and Eurasian Affairs and ive worked closely with many of you and your staff on this committee on some of the most important pieces of legislation affecting americas relationship with europe and russia. What animates my work is a belief that americas alliances are the backbone of our strength and influence of the great power years ago americans helped to create a new western order grounded in Atlanta Corporation rate they did so because they understood that america has this enduring strategic interest in removing what an earlier generation of policymakers called the firetrap of geopolitics through this region was the birthplace of the three global wars the 20 century too hot and one cold to the alliance was built after 1945 and expanded after 1989 laid the foundation for unprecedented freedoms stability and prosperity much much of the world. As president thompson were so theres nothing like this nation we must have the courage and desire to preserve it. If confirmed i will view as my central path the preservation and strengthening of the western alliance to ensure my Young Children are able to enjoy the benefits and abundance we have known in our lifetime. If confirmed my First Priority will be to give substance to the administrations affirmation of american commitment to article v of nato our allies especially frontline between the baltic and black seas. To be credible or acquires a strong posture and a willingness by all allies including the largest and wealthiest european states to bear their full share. In the fight against isis must be an urgent priority. We need allies to assist robustly in defeating isis sharing information on terrorist threats and address the sources of migration of extremism and north africa. Must work closely with europe on syria i ran and north korea and rally u. S. Strategy in afghanistan worked to keep turkey long the lynchpin of natos plank firmly anchored in the community. In both east and south we must be sober minded about russia. In the interest of the american russian people lower tensions between the Largest Nuclear powers. The same time the russian government us understand a return to normal relations would be impossible as long as it attacks his neighbors abuses his people and undermines confidence in american institutions and those of our allies if confirmed i will destabilize activities in ukraine and and the support of regions in syria and i ran to americas greatest winner alliance is strong or kidd is reliant prado strengthened the trillion dollar Transatlantic Community and build on the administrations efforts to help europe enhance Energy Security through diversification of Energy Sources and highlight the viability of american lng as an option in these efforts. In these areas so you must get the clear. The glue that holds us together is greater than the treaty or set of institutional roles. As the glue of a common civilization, the west grounded in Freedom Democracy and rule of law and united by the bond of culture and shared sacrifice. American leadership requires more clarity. We are strongest when our values and those of our allies are aligned to behold arrivals accountable for human rights at home. If confirmed always the relationships i have forged in europe and the talented staff of the days state department and capitol hill tube banned u. S. Interest values and and help relay secretary tillersons vision of making every state department dollar count to the mecca taxpayer. Im humbled to be considered for this position and thank you for the opportunity to be here. I welcome your questions and comments. Thank you very much mr. Mitchell. Senator cardin. Mr. Mitchell welcome and as i told you i appreciate your willingness to serve our country. The Obama Administration takes pride that they were able to get europe to have consistent sanctions against i ran that the United States initially brought forward and they have a right because that was leverage on i ran to get them to negotiate. No question about it. I want to take you back a little bit when Congress Passed the sanctions against i ran. The administration was not as as we were taking up the sanction legislation because it took away some of the flexibility that any administration likes to have. They recognize he gave them additional strength in dealing with our European Partners to get tough sanctions against i ran but ultimately lead to negotiations. My point is with russia we are in a very similar situation. This congress has spoken with a very strong voice. These are tough sanctions and it gives the president a much stronger hand but he has got to play the hand. You are going to be the key person in the Administration Working with our European Partners to get consistency in the sanctions imposed by the United States and europe against russia so they know that the impact on their economy will be much stronger if they dont change course in their behavior against europe and the United States. Do we have your commitment that you are going to carry out not only the law but carry it out with enthusiasm these tools that are available consistent with United States imposing additional sanctions against russia. Thank you for that question senator and i enjoy the time we had together and i want to thank you for your leadership particularly on human rights issues. The countering american rivals as you say this was a 982 vote replica of the will of the American People. Think the secretary has been clear and President Trump cited for saw russia as a country that tests are well under mitre conference and challenges our interests. If im confirmed you have my commitment to executing and implementing the terms of this legislation as it was intended obviously in close gordon age with the secretary. At thank you for the answer but i want you to go further than that. I want you to work with european allies so they have consistent sanctions. One of the things we frequently hear about is that if you dont get consistency and sanctions you could drive a truck through the economic penalties so we need europe which is closer with russia on Economic Activity to follow u. S. Leadership. Thats right need your help. This country needs your commitment. Let me say i agree fundamentally that our sanctions are most effective only if unity unity with your pants and i think itd restate years we have seen both republican and Democratic Administration a recognition that the utility of her sanctions increases in direct proportion to the scale of her to romantic engagement with european allies. The tools that congress has made available are very important tools for raising costs visavis the russian government and i think a clear message has been sent through that legislation. I take your point and i particularly want to emphasize the role that u. S. Diplomacy will play with our allies and addressing concerns that have been raised specifically about section 232 involving european energy, infrastructure and also section 231 on defense contracts. Think these are immediate sources of concern over u. S. Diplomacy will need to be very focused on working closely with our european allies to help them understand the nature of the legislation and is the legislation explicitly states to be effective we want this to be coordinate with our allies and if confirmed that will be my approach. Of course we made concessions with european concerns and european or in our Office Asking for modifications to be put in the bill to take care of their concerns. They may very well be saying Something Different to different audience but it was clearly an effort made for that to happen. In reviewing the legislation we found various where europe in some cases had stronger sanctions than the United States ill still tell you that you are going to hear accounts of we cant do this we can do this and after we all do it they take credit for saying we finally got unity and we may be making a difference. Takes leadership. It takes leadership to make this work. The state stakes could never be higher in what russia is doing today. You are going to be the key person because you are going to be the conduit to all of the different emphases in europe and you will have ambassadors who wont be bothered with that on their plate and yet i dont know of a higher priority where rush is doing against their interests getting an effective way for sanctions to work. My last point would be expected to work closely with its committee on this issue. This is not a partisan issue as you know. We need your commitment that you will work with us and keep us informed as to the progress we are making with europe and the sanctions against russia in the last point i would add to that you mentioned the Helsinki Commission. I bet that senator wicker the Regional Commission that is directly involved in the portfolio would ask that you corporate with the Helsinki Commission. We have representation that you would work with the Helsinki Commission on these issues so id ask him both of those cases that he would work with our committee and work with the Helsinki Commission. I think take that to heart and let me say i have spent time with some of my predecessors that impose understanding how they approach congress and you can expect to see if im confirmed my full engagement. Thank you. Senator shaheen. Thank you mr. Chairman in mr. Mitchell congratulations on your nomination and i want to thank you for your willingness to consider service with this post. I appreciate the time you spent with me talking about the challenges facing our International Diplomatic efforts and the state department itself. You will have a large public to paul missy shop and the office is charged with implementing russian policies as you testified to including our efforts to counter russian disinformation. How do you expect the european yearold to work with the newly constituted Global Engagement to address the disinformation that is coming from russia . Thank you senator for that question and i appreciate have the opportunity to spend time with the recently put it want to thank you for the leadership you have shown on some of the work we have done and for your work on the subcommittee specifically on the state department. I think we have to start by recognizing the russian government takes a whole of government approach. Over it and covert activities maligned interest of lung european allies and here in the United States. I would like to say we were a pioneer in calling to the types of methods and strategies for addressing them in the scale of the detriment to the west. We also help engage with some of the offices here as the legislation on gdp process is being crafted. Provided briefings from our analysts and fellows here and in the region and we have worked closely with nato stratcom to understand the approach is its taking not obviously the hyperfusion cell that the european nation is setting up. I would simply say that for us to be effective with disinformation, we have to have a whole of government approach and i think what legislation provides that senators portman and murphy put forward as the basis for that for synchronizing your efforts and if im confirmed i will work very closely to ensure the pier wrote of european and Eurasian Affairs works closely with the gdp as it turns his focus towards russia. Do you think we have a whole of government approach at this point . I think we have an awareness that we have had in the past. I think we have learned a lot in the last couple of years including from our european allies who pioneered areas that we can explore for combating this pretty think we are moving towards a whole of government approach but i think theres no shortage of that tooling capacity that prompts coordination and my understanding of the mandate given to the gdp and its resources that it provides a resource. Do you think its currently doing that . My understanding of the gdp in his current role until his mandate was put forward the resources were put forward his doing very good work including on areas other than russia. I think the new direction and the new resources will increase the capacity to do that more effectively. We had a hearing last week in the Helsinki Commission on this very issue on disinformation and focuses mostly in russia but also the challenge that sends to america the fact that we have a lot of people who really dont question the accuracy of media reports, who get news from social media which may not provide a filter for how accurate that news is. And we talked about the issue of who is in charge and the consensus of people who testified there is we dont currently have someone in charge heading up these efforts. Not only do we not have a whole of government approach we dont have someone charged with doing this and we dont have someone currently named to do that. I guess i would ask do you agree with that and who should take that role . I had a chance to serve on in the Armed Services committee. Members of our military, this is something that they should have a hand in. Russia has said that the negative in their military that is responsible for information and cyber information so what i was told is thats not the role of the military. As you know after the were we disbanded u. S. Information agency in so much of the apparatus that is designed to counter disinformation so from your perspective what is the role of the state department . Who should lead this effort and how do we get to that whole of government approach . I think its a very important question. I think we have allies that the nato level and the nationstate level who are grappling with similar questions in part because society to value an open media discussion we have to balance security and privacy. I dont think we are unique or alone in realizing the magnitude of these problems and seeking to understand how to use our tools. Even before the direction the bureau of european and Eurasian Affairs has been active providing resources for Media Training and countries of central and Eastern Europe working to increase cyber defenses and interference in the election. I would say moving forward whats important is that now that its been made clear the center will have this as and mandate that as the resources come into play and leadership comes into play i think ordination within the department obviously because of the vast reservoir of expertise on the situation on the ground which is indispensable to do its job well. Beyond that not eating privy to wear the administration wants to take the specific issues i would want to speculate further but i will say i strongly support the new direction and would be committed if im confirmed to ensuring working closely with the bureau. Thank you mr. Mitchell for your willingness to serve. I think your family as well for your willingness to support mr. Mitchell in the service. Let me ask you two questions if i might. First i havent had a chance to review all of President Trumps remarks at the United Nations but i understand he continues to express opposition to the iran deal jcpoa, something that took a great deal of work and coordination to pull together both our european allies and our partners and adversaries and others such as russia and china and provide constraints for Irans Nuclear ambition. Concerned that if President Trump fails to certify iranian compliance with the nuclear deal absent any credible evidence of iranian cheating within the four corners of the deal that will deeply strain our relations with our European Partners and if we do so they will then refuse to agree by the sanctions provided in the jcpoa and it will be harder for us to craft a meaningful sanctions regime to force north korea to back off of their nuclear ambition. Thank you for that question. Its an absolutely crucial issue. Demonstrations currently you review of not only jcpoa that are broader approach to iran. I havent seen the latest comments that were made in new york but i do know secretary tillerson has been clear that what we want to take account of is the broader array of iranian activity including the Ballistic Missile program is supported terrorists in the region i think that picture gives us a better sense of where the iranians are at and just in terms of the jcpoa my understanding is to be review is underway and while that review is underway we are emphasizing the strict implementation of jcpoa. Obviously whatever direction things take with iran unity with our european allies will be crucial to good to know there are possible points on the future of jcpoa. I cant speculate on the direction of the administrations review but i can assure you if im confirmed it will be a very high priority to ensure that we have a high degree of coordination with our european allies and the European Union and ensuring the effectiveness of the jp cla and the broader iranian strategy. He said in your Opening Statement is firmly anchored in the Transatlantic Community. I will be a challenging task. How would you recommend we proceed and retaining some relationship with turkey given all the tensions that have led to a significant degradation in our relationship. Its an important question. Thank you for that. I will start by saying that turkey is an absolutely indivisible nato allies of the United States. Dont think theres a country in the region or in nato that could provide for u. S. National security of turkey is providing not over supporting our efforts to defeat isis but are broader strategic equation including syria iraq afghanistan iran the relationship with russia. At the strategic level i think its absolutely critical that we sustain engagement with the turkish government. At the same time the department has raised very severe concerns about the state of rule of law, human rights and religious minority issues inside of turkey and arab than developments that are very concerning. I think we have a balance and contain to work with the turks as a Strategic Partner in the region but i dont think we should be shy about raising our concerns in these areas and i think if im confirmed in court nation with the secretary my approach would be to emphasize the common interests we have in expanding our Strategic Engagement but an appropriate manner to continue to raise those concerns come to look for ways to work closely with expanding our peopletopeople contact but i think theres a lot more that can be done in those areas. Thank you mr. Mitchell. I believe we are safest and strongest when we lead with our values. Our values dont always make our allies happy and they often dont share them but an analysis of analysis of ranchers test includes our values particularly human rights in an open society so thank you for the answer and i look forward to working with you. Senator murphy. Thank you very much mr. Chairman. Its good to see you mr. Mitchell. Thank you for stepping up and being willing to serve. I support her nomination when it comes to for the United States senate and working closely with you and the Ranking Member on the subcommittee on europe. As i did with secretary, excuse me governor huntsman i want to just acknowledge some underlying realities with you for a moment and get your take on them. This administration has opened up a pretty open war with the idea board diplomacy, Budget Proposal a 40 reduction for funding the state department. The hiring freeze seems to apply to only one agency today which the state department. There has been a banner was to slow down on lateral transfers to the agency. Youre going to be asked for your counsel by the secretary and perhaps by the president as to whether once again to reup a request for a 40 reduction in funding, whether can to continue the hiring freeze and slow down promotions. Can you share with us what your advice will be when asked whether to continue these policies that many of us see as leading to an evisceration of diplomacy abroad . Thank you for that question senator murphy and i want to express my gratitude for the meeting that we had and the years of cooperation we have had with your office in her leadership of so many issues that are close to our hearts at cepa. The secretary has been cleared once to see a better alignment. American priorities and resources at the state department. My understanding of the redesign is a recently completed second phase. This was an employee of lead process. Secretary tillerson has experience in the private sector largescale redesign of organization and my understanding in the targeted areas in this process are areas where the secretary would like greater efficiency. Ive not been privy to those. I do know the secretary has said as it relates to the bureau of europe and Eurasian Affairs he would like see a priority in our work on those parts of europe that have been under pressure or duress or maligned influence from the Russian Federation of those parts of europe we are working the most closely with i think those priorities are correct. I dont know what direction or final form the Budget Discussion will take. If i am confirmed i will make good use of the resources at my disposal. I certainly graywith the priority the secretary has outlined and i think in some of these areas is not a moment we want to decelerate. I have a lot of respect for talented people at the bureau and if confirmed that like to get my feet on the ground have a listening tour and talk to people in the bureau and understand their priorities and concerns. A hand until ive done that i wouldnt be willing to speculate. You know have respect for you with all due respect to does not employee driven redesign. It is a top down driven redesign and i would be challenged to find a single employee who thinks any of these policies are in the best interest of the state department. You will be able once youre in this position to be able to make sure the people that work under you have something to say about this because that is not what is happening right now. One last question on trade policy. We spent a lot of time on this committee over the past four years talking about a trade agreement a bilateral trade agreement with the European Union. Its essentially on hold as we all knew but the danger is its going to be substituted by replacement Bilateral Agreements in particular one the president has floated with england and the United Kingdom. You know that would help europe. That would be a big win for those who want to europe to fall apart. The ideas the u. S. Will not do a deal with the eu and instead will pursue deals with the country that would draw from the eu. What is our current position . Are you going to be asked to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with Great Britain . Should they withdraw or are you going to be asked to negotiate a bilateral trade agreement with European Union . This is a very important issue and ive been on the record in the past strongly in support of robust transatlantic trade agenda. The relationship we have with United Kingdom is a very old and special relationship. This is a relationship that is strategic terms is economically our largest Single Source of Foreign Direct Investment a conduit for a major swath of our trade with europe and i think our priority is to ensure an amicable divorce. Arab goal is to see that we in the process of wrecks it with a strong strategic and economic relationship with eu and the uk. President trump sees a vibrant bilateral trade agreement with United Kingdom. My understanding is we are in informal talks with the u. S. And uk trade investment working group. I think we have to strike a balance here between allowing the u. S. , im sorry allowing the eu and uk to flush out their own deal not the least because of whatever arrangements we come to is that readers will be contingent on that deal but also sending a signal to american businesses and british as her allies that there is a process underway for establishing groundwork or principles for a deal that would be done between the United States and the uk. The lead on this is obviously ustr predefined confirmed i look forward to working closely with the folks at ustr and other relevant agencies to ensure we end this process with the strong trade relationship. I want to go on the record one more time saying i think that would be an enormous strategic mistake. The responsibility will lie at the feet of the demonstrations if it pursues a bilateral trade agreement with Great Britain at the expense of a trade agreement with the European Union and i would hope that you would counsel against it. Thank you mr. Chairman. Thank you senator. Mr. Mitchell thank you for your willingness to serve and i thank you for your family. With that we will close the hearing. I would say for the record the record will be open until thursday until close of business on thursday and that will conclude questions. Without again thank you mr. Mitchell and the meeting is adjourned. Thank you. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] that is different that question of are we professional and this very question of why have i never thought this is a form of propaganda and why not a question where this misconduct was coming from and what was the job that was doing for individual americans . I think one thing that i realized in fact is the very language that we use when we talk about Foreign Countries has been determined for so long time ago because we tended to look at muslim countries especially and countries in the east as were they catching up with us or were they behind as . That prevents you from being able to see the country on its own terms. This year virginia voters choose a new governor and the candidates in the race democrat Ralph Huntsman and republican ed hillary clinton. This hourlong debate was