The Foreign Relations committee to order. Our hearing today is to hear from five of President Bidens nominees dealing with career positions and ambassadorships. Its wonderful to have you here. We thank you all for being here. Thank you to the senator for being here to lead of the republican side of the hearing. Its not always easy to find members that are willing to adjust their schedules to accommodate the hearings ander i think the senator for always being available to the committee to carry out our important work. Im going to have some opening comments and i want to recognize senator reid and allow him to make an introduction and thank t him for being here in the committee. Sometimes have a friendly rivalry but since i will soon may need his help thank you very much, chairman and senator. Its my pleasure to introduce kristine, assistant secretary of state for oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs. Anyone whos had the pleasure of working with chris knows a a couple of things, one, shes only partisan about one issue, the university of michigan football. Number two, if you want to get something done, then you want to work with chris. Time and again over her career, chris has worked on a partisan divide to reach consensus on difficult issues. Shes smart, she does the hard work to berk wellinformed and e does harder work to understand the views of other people. She also has the integrity to follow through on her commitments. As a Senate Staffer and advisor to the department of commerce and management of budgeting the department of interior, a reputation as a Problem Solver and Coalition Builder among b other things her work to permanently fund the land and waterot Conservation Fund laid e foundation for the Great American outdoors act. Most recently chris served as the president and ceo of the National MarineSanctuary Foundation where she transformed the organization into a leading voice for conserving and restoring u. S. Borders primarily by aging local communities and businesses in stewardship. If confirmed as assistant secretary and skills and Coalition Building for science and thet environment. Mr. Chairman, as you know it is vitally important to effectively move theec nations interests forward and in my view there is no onerd more prepared and well qualified for this post than kris. I urge the support for her nomination and for kris i would say go wolverines. Thank you. [applause] we have a little bit of l controversy. Its go navy indigo maryland. [laughter] but other than that, you are fine. We appreciate the input. Thank you very much for being with us. I will shortly introduce the other nominees but before i do that, let me just welcome the nominees and their families and thank you all for your willingness to serve in these public positions. These are extremely challenging times to be in any position of a Foreign Service, so we thank you for your willingness to come forward and we also thank your families because we know you cant do this without a supportive family. So, strengthening Global Health security by applying the Lessons Learned from the covid pandemic and implementing the approach and reducing the spread of Infectious Diseases is very much on our agenda today. Advocating for International Human rights standards, accountability for past atrocities and Good Governance as we support its economic recovery and its stabilization of the Financial System very much onh our minds. Building consensus to protect Marine Environments from unreported and unregulated deep seabed mining a trafficking of endangered species, toxic substances, a lot of issues we want to talk about. Protecting mulled over from the aggression as a democracy that implements anticorruption reforms andco negotiation sessis with the European Union very much on the agenda today. The reopening with all the mission in regards to the International Environment and Scientific Affairs with the most recent new marine sanctuaries. The subject matters are responsible for the ones once critically important to the country and let me yield to the senator for his comments about the nominees. Thank you very much mr. Chairman and i would add my thanks to all ofreh, you for yor willingness to serve the country and your families forr the sacrifices. As governor, ive been under a number of administrations under the gold and appreciate all of the Foreign Service people who helped us on those and the sacrifices you made it to be able to represent the country so thank you very much. As the chairman said these are not easy jobs especially as we think about the time thats so critical for the United States to advance the interest and security of the American People around the world today we are considering nominees for the important positions all of it required for some of the greatest challenges. Moldovan continues to face hybrid warfare is independent stops at nothing to replace the prowestern leadership bought and paid foruk by the kremlin. We cannot let him play and we must do all we can however the future is also dependent on the success of the battlefield and the only thing standing between moldovan and a russian attack is the ukraine army. One of the reasons why its important that we continue to support ukraine. Ambassador fitrell, the 20 year absence created acumen the prc has been more than happy to fill so its got a significant geopolitical significance. If confirmed you will face a difficult task of reestablishing an embassy from scratch. Thats not going to be easy. We cant waste any more time, butmo we appreciate your willingness to doo this. Eits vital that we get it done right and your efforts will send a clear signal that we are back here to stay. For sri lanka its been a poster child for the dangers of the death trap, diplomacy of the prc. Nothing illustrates this more than the port, did i get that right . Okay, good enough, which was eventually forfeited under that 99 year lease. Reckless spending fueled an economic crisis in sri lanka and is struggling to get itself out of that. What happened illustrates why the United States must provide viable alternatives, and im encouraged by the recent efforts to finance a shipping container. These types of Strategic Investments that were envisioned was set up asit a way to effectively push back the bill and wrote initiative. A broad portfolio i wont have enough time to cover everything. One area that i do want to touch upon aso a science and technoloy agreement for years weve seen with the United States to steal technologies for domestic Civil Military fusion objectives. The Biden Administration is renegotiating with the prc and i and others have significant concerns thats why ive introduced the common sense legislation to ensure congress is able to provide necessary oversight over a deal that is reached and i hope you would agree when it comes time for something this important, the administration should show its workforce. This legislation passed unanimously out of the House Foreign Affairs and i hope the committee will do the same. And doctor nkengosong the position was with the objective to help us get ahead of the next pandemic. When covid first began, it was high Income Countries that were hit the first and hardest and in these countries we had to lead with diplomatic engagement not Development Assistance and the prc the who capable of negotiating access and investigators. Again thank you all for your willingness. Mr. Chairman i yield back. There is a common theme among all five of you. You have an incredible experience on Foreign Policy and your commitment to Foreign Policy. Through your career and the other two have extensive experience in the Foreign Policy agenda so you all made a career out of the Foreign Policy. I will introduce you in the order in d which you will be speaking. Doctor John Nkengosong confirmed by the United States senate as thee u. S. Global aids coordinatr may 5, 2022. He also leads the state departmentss bureau of Global Health security and diplomacy. That bureau serves as the departments coordinating body for working strengthening Global Health security to prevent, detect and respond to Infectious Diseases including hiv aids as well as elevates Global Health security is a core component of u. S. National security and Foreign Policy. Elizabeth horst the Deputy Assistant secretary and a Deputy Assistant secretary responsible for pakistan. She came from the u. S. Embassy berlin where she was the administer counselor for Public Diplomacy for mission in germany. Shes a member of the senior Foreign Service previously she served as the director of security Transnational Affairs and Assistance Office and charged the deputy chiefef missn of estonia and she focused on transatlantic security on natos eastern flank. Next we have troy fitrell of the Foreign Service counselor most recently held the position of director of the office of west African Affairs at the department of state. He serves as the deputy chief mission at the u. S. Embassy in ethiopia and as Deputy Director of the Departments Office of tosouthern African Affairs and Deputy Director of the office of International Security cooperation in the bureau of political military affairs. He was the Senior Advisor to the United States special envoy for the great lakes of africa coordinating u. S. Policy on the crossborder security political and Economic Issues in the great lakes region. Welcome. Kelly and smith is the kelly adamssmith arrived in brussels in julyy of 2021. A career diplomat and u. S. Foreign service with rank of counselor. Before arriving at brussels, mse coordinator for National Security affairs in the office of Vice President harris and previously served as the deputy chief mission of the u. S. Embassy in prague. Welcome. Youve been introduced by senator reid but we welcome you and thank you for your willingness to serve. R so, with that, let us start with doctor nkengosong. Your testimonies will be made a part of our record and you may proceed as you wish. We ask that you try to summarize so we can ask questions. Members of the committee, i come beforee you today at a pivotal time is one of the greatest threats to the National Security and the potential for the pandemic the covid19 pandemic taught us that we are more connected and vulnerable than a we ever thought. More than 1 million americans lost their lives in over 14 trillion in damage. Climate crisis, Rapid Movement ofov misinformation, disinformation are all making the jobs harder. U. S. Leadership matters now more than ever. Hi last year secretary lincoln included collaboration with congress established the bureau organized around four core missions. One, to lead the diplomatic engagement ono the Global Security. Number two, to leverage and coordinate foreign assistance, three, to elevate security as the top National Security on Foreign Policy priorities for the country. Let me highlight three examples. First, we continue to make progress in the fight against hiv aids. Congress has enabled us to save over 25 million lives. The bureau has demonstrated the platform to address the security threats. I look forward to working with of this committee in a bipartisan fashion to pass the reauthorization to be a second i recently chaired the committee that launched later this month and last the bureau launched the channel for Global Health security that would work to coordinate, collaborate and effectively with other likeminded countries to fight these threats. Its not the bureau stands by to lead to the efforts to support these goals. Thank you. Thank you f very much for yor comments. Ms. Horst. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and distinguished members of the committee thank you for holding this hearing. Im honored to be here today as the nominee for the ambassador of sri lanka. I started my diplomatic career more than 20 years ago and a long champion fundamental principle including respect for human rights andn economic freedoms. U. S. Interest in sri lanka i wouldd like to thank a few special people. Most importantly, my husband, he is my anger and joy and weve built our lives around the love for Public Service and adventure. We are joined by my sister and my nieces and i hope that being in the senate today inspires them on their own path of Public Service and i want to thank my parents. My father who taught me empathy and my mother who taught me generosity a vital partner in the Indo Pacific Region for over 76 years in a focus on the pillars of interest. A broadening economic cooperation, bolstering security interest in the deepening ties with people across the entire country. Sri lanka has shown resilience and continues to make progress on economic growth. As the country regains its economic footing we will continue toti support its peopl. The strategic significance in the indian ocean calls for cooperation to address security challenges and competitors. If confirmed, i will reiterate the commitment to the order. I look forward to expanding the ties with the dynamic community. I will support members of marginalized populations, accountability, truth and reconciliation and transparency and justice. Let me close bypaju noting a foh pillar of diplomaticc success. The people at the u. S. Embassy. If confirmed, i will empower the agency team and local staff to make a difference in the bilateral relationship into practice a Foreign Policy that benefits the American People. I look forward to working with congress on these priorities. Thank you very much. We will next hear from mr. Fitrell. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, im deeply honored to appear before you today and grateful for the confidence theyve placed in me as their nominee. Im proud to have my family today with my wife a fellow Foreign Service officer and my children who spend their lives immersed in the Foreign Service as well including visits. Sam graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University tomorrow morning so this is a pretty special week for us. We recently reopened in embassy after shuttering it in 1996. If confirmeded i would be the first in 28 years. The role having been performed since then by thee credential. I previously had the honor to be that person and while we had significant success in our bilateral relationships both sides were aware that the absence of the residence ambassador was an opportunity cost. If confirmed it would be the honor of my career to establish that position. Some of the busiest and bilateral relationship between the two nations is built on a foundation of shared values and mutual respect. If confirmed my top priority would be the safety and security of american citizens that make their way to the shales but i would also act energetically to promote the other National Interests. I would support the democratic process andpo partnership in the international and promote Economic Development including advocacy for the experts and further develop a robust security partnership. Thank you mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and members of the committee for the opportunity to be here. My wife andnd i are both former staffers and a so i would like to thank your staff. I know how hard they work for you and your constituency and how well they represent you every day. If confirmed i will look forward to representing the interest of the American Peopleitpr and i he very much to t welcome you on a visit someday soon. I will v be happy to answer any questions. I know the committee appreciates that reference. Theres a future after being a staff person here we appreciate that. [laughter] mr. Chairman, Ranking Member it members of the committee is an honor to appear before you today as President Bidenso nominee to be the ambassador to the republic of moldova. Imli grateful to the president and secretary for putting their trust in me and if confirmed i pledge to work with this committee to advance the u. S. Interest in moldova. Our children for their support and dedication to Public Service. Im also grateful to my parents, my late mother, my brother and my sister debra who is here today. Finallyy i want to recognize my inlaws. Harry joined the service after a career as a presbyterian minister and passed away earlier this week. But i know he would have been so proud of you were here today. Ive dedicated the last 29 years to advance in u. S. Interest in europe with a focus on central and eastern europe. A support for the countries in the region is fundamental to u. S. Da security. This is especially true for mulled over that facesor a momet in i history that is filled with great opportunities and tremendous risk. If confirmed i would be a responsible steward of the resources and will prioritize the security of citizensiz in moldova. The Government Faces a window of opportunity to secure the western orientation. Russias aggression in ukraine is forced moldova to confront a significant security, humanitarian and Energy Impacts with u. S. And european assistance moldova managed these threats and agenda. If confirmed i will mobilize the personnel and resourcesil to support the efforts to protect its democracy and enhance its security and i will also support efforts to strengthen the capacity of the institutions and short actions support the path making it a stronger partner for the United States. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to your questions. Nk thank you for your comments. Thank you, chairman. Ranking member, senator kane for welcoming me today. And a senator, thank you so much for your leadership. It is a privilege to be considered as a president s nominee for assistant secretary of state for oceans and International Environmental into Scientific Affairs. I want to thank my family and senator reid for the continued support and members of the committee and staff for taking time to meetg with me. Many of the environmental challenges we face are global requiresstrong partnerships and alliances to address. If confirmed by focus will be on working on issues where the leadership can have a strong impact for the American People. Our allies and partners into the planet. I would like to address three priority areas. First, pollution of all types fromh. Economic growth, one pressing issue is pollution. If confirmed i would work with federal agencies, congress, stakeholders and other countries on a strong legally binding agreement to address the global threat and work to strengthen the implementation of existing agreements withs partnerships to address plastic and other types of pollution. Second, providing Critical Resources that nourish us and improve our quality of life. Marine and habitat species increase the risk of conflict and instability. If confirmed i would prioritize working withrk the committee, congress and other federal agencies to advance policies that address the crimes, protect environmental defenders and help to protect and restore the natural ecosystems. Third, space activities are essential to our way of life from enhancing Economic Opportunities to helping us find our way home. If confirmed, i would like to promote cooperation in space and sustainable use in the future. The work is integral to achieving the environmental, economic and National Security objective. If confirmed i committed to maintaining strong lines of mmcommunication and cooperation between oes, the committee had congress. Thank you for considering my nomination and i look forward to answering your questions. Let me thank all of you for your appearance here today and your comments. I have standard questions that are asked to all nominees positions. We appreciate going down the line answering yes or no. The first question do q you appr before the committee and make officials from the Office Available to the committee and designate staff when invited . Yes. Do you commit to keep the committee fully informed about the activities under your purview . Yes. Yes. Do you commit to engaging in meaningful consultation while policies are being developed not just providing notifications after the fact . Yes. Yes. Yes. Do you commit to responding for briefings and information requested by the committee and its designated staff . Yes. Yes. You are all off to a really good start. [laughter] i will recognize senator kane for questioning. Congratulations on the nominees and i congratulate you on your sons graduation tomorrow. Sticking with you for a second, the history of the u. S. Not having an embassy it was a cost savings move. A pretty important country classified as free and the governance conditions say theyve enjoyed economic successes and long had the highest per capita gdp by the world bank as a high income country. I sometimes h think in the u. S. E tend to focus a lot of attention on problems without rewarding success. And we might be better at magnifying success if we work with the success in the spotlight and use that to create a desire in the region to be ales successful as this country and then served from the kind of bit of evidence that i think fits into a pattern we have of not paying attention to successful administrations. Im glad they decided this was worthy of reestablishing and having managed to responsibilities earlier in your career, the perfect person to openness. And i understand that this has also been very well received into the u. S. Is upgrading the relationship in this way. Am i correct about that . Thank you for the question, senator. I couldnt agree more. Yes, it is extremely pleased that weve finally returned. When i was credentialed and representing the United States on my visits, i never had a meeting when it wasnt mentioned why dont you have an embassy here. I spent a good part of the last 15 years advocating for this and i understand that predates the return to the true constitutional democracy with a change of power between parties. But it simply became even more important since then as you said toec recognize success to be pat of that to encourage it and find ways to reword that. We had National Interest and its important to be there in order to exercise those interests. Ho i generally think that we do much better in trying to encourage success if we are not lecturing others on how to be successful, but if there are examples and they can look at and draw lessons, im excited you will be in this position with the upgraded responsibility. I want to come to you now in your position on an oceans question. Im the chair of the subcommittee here on the senate Foreign Relations committee ande i am worried about the illegal unregulated fishing primarily by china, primarily in the pacific. Talk a little bit about from the state Department Perspective what you might do to prioritize dealing with that . Thank you for that. As you pointed out, it impacts ocean health and is one of the largest causes so it means it is a Food Security threat to a number of countries. Its an economic threat to our fishermen and its a national and human rights threat because of forced labor and human rights abuses that take place. If there is a lot, first of all i want to say thank you to congress for the maritime safe act. We need a whole of government approach and that starts from when the fish gets on a boat all the wayoa to plan the consumers are here in the u. S. Theres a lot of work that we are trying to do through the inner Agency Process to elevate. It would be a priority of mine i would look forward to working with of the committee in congress to see ifs theres even more tools we could use. Im concerned about the International Cooperation in space with more and more satellites and more and more platforms up in space with a risk of collision that would also create a debris that would cause alle kinds of other challenges. Is this the kind of problem for which there has to be some global norms and rules and solutions to keep everybodys safe . Ments what role would your office have to find the right rules of the road . The department of defense, nasa, issues around the potential debris. Its around the peaceful use of space, so its about trying to do best practices in order to avoid if it is our debris or their debris as well, so its around the space diplomacy efforts. Thank you. I yelled back. Thank you mr. Chairman. The university of Nebraska Medical Center has one of three bio containment facilities of the country and onlyt federally funded quarantines base. This is not a commitment im asking you to make. If confirmed i c recommend visiting. They were instrumental those that have been affected and treating them here in the United States as well as some of the first Covid Patients as well. Certainly worth the time if confirmed to make a visit. Not asking you to make a commitment, but keep in mind. So, within oes, the office of science and technologyy cooperation overseas, as i was talking about before, theres a 60 of these with countries like canada, japan. However im sure with the peoples republic of china it is different. Frankly china has been playing for over three decades now. Its an adversary, Civil Military fusion to leverage their commercial resources l for military defense purposes, and the evidence suggests they will continue to exploit partnerships organized to advance the military objectives. In february the Biden Administration agreed to extend for another six months to continue the negotiations. So i want to ask a few simple questions and i hope that we can agree. Do you believe congress should be able to provide the necessary oversight on the sta with a prc . Senator, thank you for the questions and expressing the concerns you have with the prc. I appreciate that. I am aware that there is a notification in the appropriationshe bill and i do think congress should be consulted as we look through. If the administration were to finalize negotiations do you think congress would receive a detailed and why it is in our interests before the agreement goes into effect . Ifto confirmed i would be happyo make sure that we are breathing your staff and other interested staff. Do you believe any specific text shouldo have clear guardrails on what is permissible and what is not and would you agree we a want to mae clear that the areas should be made off limits . Tif confirmed, i would want o talk a little bit more to the state department and their lawyers about what can go in. I dont know g if there are restrictions like that. Im used to putting guardrails for but it could or could not to do so if confirmed i would be happy to get back to you specifically including the type of research that could or could not take place. Thank you. The office of ocean and Polar Affairs is responsible for implementing u. S. Policy on international considering the arctic and antarctic. As you know, prior to the illegal invasion of ukraine, collaborated with russia on Arctic Research however that rightfully stopped and has continued to wage on with tens of thousands that have been objected and millions have become refugees and have endured brutal human rights abuses. Do you believe that it should remain a policy that the United Stateses will not collaborate wh russia on any research until putin ends his war in ukraine . Senator, i agree with that. Russia obviously isnt the only adversary we have to worry about in the arctic. The prc has a selfproclaimed state, expanded its presence therean as well for decades rusa actively excludes and other countries from playing a role in its backyard. However the partnership russia has been forced to embrace and create a role in the arctic. Last year we saw the Personnel Research stations located and in iceland after a hiatus. We saw the coast guard sign an agreement with the china coast guard and the prc Polar Research make a startling announcement that it plans to place listening devices on a large scale in the arctic ocean. How should the United States respond to the research and other activities and cooperation between russia and the peoples republic of china . Thank you for that question. I appreciate it. The u. S. Is first of all about, i dont i made that term updated by . The arctic government should be with the arctic nations, its an important. Theres the Arctic Council that has been kind of the preeminent area looking at how we do management in the arctic with russia is illegal invasion of the ukraine. The u. S. And other countries pausee participation. Theres efforts now to continue to do work but not engage in anything that the russians are taking part in. I think one of a very significant thing that the u. S. Recently did is extend its continental shelf. That gave us much more territory that means we have much more control over the c scientific research. Through the Arctic Council and other work with Arctic States that dont include russia we have to havet a unified front about how we are going to approach the research that is taking place and the threats that it poses to the other arcticic nations. First, thank you for mentioning the need for the fiveyear reauthorization. Thats something that the committee is very much interested in pursuing. We are disappointed we have a shortterm extension and we do believe we need five years. Im glad to hear you mentioned that. The position that youve been nominated to would be an interesting relationship i would like to get your views on. There is an issue between the state department and the usaid on health issues. Your responsibility to the state department directly we d have usaid engaged in the healthcare issues and thereve been some concerns about the two divisions and usaid. Can you tell me how you plan to work with usaid so the difference it does not at all impact on the ability to be effective at dealing with Global Healthef issues . Thank you senator. I want to assure you once the bill was launched what the rule will be in three key areas. First of all a set area to lead with diplomatic engagement. Second, to elevate as a part of our Foreign Policy and lastly, to coordinate foreign assistance so that it can have an advance of the International Cooperation and security. Ifri you look at the recently launched Security Strategy that the white house just released on page 32 it clearly defines the roles and the strategies and in the functions of what the department should be doing. Its very clear that through the interagency collaboration engaging with hhs would be able to leverage more effectively on the security functions. One of the areas that would help the burden sharing to have allies step up and do more than they are currently doing and the United States is by far the leader on the resources. On the appropriations that deal with foreign aid it will tell you he doesnt have enough money. If we only have limited dollars available, the competition between the money is going to protect programs and are going to be in discussion. How do you assure us that the discussions will be positive and that it will not detour from the working relationship between yoi and the usaid . Within the bill they have security and diplomacy which is the far that you illuminated to. The Global Security side of that would be allowing the policy coordination and diplomacy. I will give you a good example to substantiate that. If you recall there was an outbreak none of the agencies were present in that country. The only presence we had was our ambassador. And a Critical Role in engaging in the leadership, Political Leadership of the country to enable us to deploy which includes who. When the discussions were tense and said our mission and the only person that is the kind of coordination that we hope will enable us to be more effective in our security response. Thank you. The civil war in 2009 in sri lankare theres still been an issue of reconciliation and accountability. There is concern about corruption in theon country and regards to the human rights for the Online Safety act. Its tried to stifle any dissent in the country. The human rights is going to be front and center in our expectation of the mission. Can you assure us that it is going to be a key priority of the mission and that the u. S. Mission will be there to speak out on behalf of those individuals whose voices are beingdi difficult to be heard in the country today . Working with partners and civil societiess across sri lanka. Senator barrasso. Thank you so much, mr. Chairman. Senator shaheen, you just came in if you would like to go first. [inaudible] okay, thanks. Id like to talk about the world healthth organization. The Biden Administration has vowed to reform the World Health Organization, but it threw away its leverage early on in my opinion. Against the advice of many i rejoined the World Health Organization and gave 200 million without insisting on a single reform. A few weeks the administration is expected to commit the United States to two International Agreements that expand the World Health Organizations authority during the global pandemic. Last week i joined my republican colleagues and calling on President Biden to reject these agreements that i believe were harmful. Yesterday the uk and announced that they would refuse to sign the World Health Organizations pandemic the court is saying that they would only support the adoption if it is firmly in the uk National Interest and respect national sovereignty. December 13th last year during a hearing held by the subcommittee on the coronavirus pandemic, you said this administration is firmly committed to ensuring that the World Health Organization implements a comprehensive set of organizational reforms particularly to strengthen its governments, budgetary and Financial Management processes and to improve oversight strengthen the efficiency and effectiveness. Instead of focusing on reforming the World Health Organization the administration is choosing to hand over the sovereignty to them. We are the United States, not the united nations. So the question is do you commit to ensuring that the sovereignty is not infringed upon . Senator, let me respond. The sovereignty and security will not be undermined in this process. Weve been very insistent that the two articles in the discussion that to reiterate article three states clearly that who has no authorities over the sovereign states. Articlee 24 neither the secretay or the general have any over the areas of dictating, telling them what to do in terms of mandating any tools including vaccines, lockdowns et cetera, absolutely very clear in article 24. We will oppose any attempts or perception of the accord that seeks to undermine. I will end by saying the sole purpose is to protect a National Interest, to protect a National Interest and there are three things we are seeking to achieve in this negotiation. One is to assure that we can detect, prevent and control respiratory disease outbreaks. As we know the disease outbreak anywhere in the world becomes a threatre right here. The second is to ensure that we have access in a timely fashion including specimens, data that will allow t us to develop vaccines and diagnostics to protect us and last, the ability to distribute the resources in a critical manner. Following the announcement just yesterday about the refusal to n sign how many need to oppoe it for it to fail . Several issues especially the areas for the intellectual property, the Technology Transfer and as i indicated, we remain hopeful for those that are discussing this in the collective security and the lessons of what could be taught. We dont know exactly who is going to oppose it or not but we have to assure the leadership this is a moment over the years and not a moment for us to rely one quick last question relying on the Russian Energy tuesday norway and moldova signed an agreement to tighten collaboration in their energy sector. Can you tell me the current status of the grid . Thank you very much, senator. Its true that moldova was 100 dependent for its sources. After the became clear it was no longer possible and the government with assistance from the unitedni states and european allies made some success becoming less dependent, the energy grid, the electricity grid of moldova is now hooked up to theea european grid. Usaid is funding an electrical line and moldova is now also buying for the first time nonrussianch gas which is an incredibly positive development. Thank you mr. Chairman. Senator shaheen. Congratulations to each of you on your nominations. I want to begin with you because i had the opportunity to travel to mulled over after the first time back in february and i was impressed with the commitment aboutni joining the eu and lookg west into the concern about whats happening in the war in ukraine and what russia is doing was also met with and she shared herre focus on judicial reforms and how important she thinks that is ahead of the upcoming president ial elections. It would be j very hard for moldova to continue the reforms they need to continue to make. Can you talk about what more you would do if confirmed to help support moldova as they are looking at these particularly theic judicial reforms . Thank you for the question. Weve focused on helping the moldovan government improving fight anticorruption especially in terms of increasing the independence of the judicial sector. We have assisted the government in creating a system for pre bedding and prosecutors and judges and created a model court system and if i am confirmed, we tswill continue these efforts bt also focus on working with creating space for free and independent media and working with our society because there is absolutely essential in holding the government to account on its anticorruption path. The other thing that we have heard concerns about is the amount of russian disinformation that is being spread throughout. There was a political argument that pointed out that russia is responsible for circulating deep fake videos of the present and try to undermine the election campaign. So, is there more that we should be doing to help protect themselves from this kind of disinformation . Thank you for the question. There is this disinformation and propaganda and energy coercion, hybrid and Cyber Attacks and also conventional threats. Our assistance is focused on helping the government increase its resilience to words this disinformation. I think they are learning a lot. They learned a lot from last years regional or local elections and is there more that we can do, absolutely. I think that we should use all the tools in our toolkit if there is evidence of election tampering or use of propaganda or deep fakes that interfere with the running of free and fair elections. We should consider using these visa bans to send a powerful signalow that this cannot happen and moldova. Hopefullyha the Global Engagement center can helpan uss we think about how we can help other countries. What we should be thinking ldabout as we are trying to provide a counter balance to what china is doing. Quick senator, thank you veryor much for that question. I guess to the heart of the endo pacific strategy and sri lanka is incredibly important of part of that. Not only because of the geography but bit because it is a democracy with open economy. Investment by dfc you named as a great example of how we are using tools that the United States government has two invests to show different model of investment thats different than what the prc might offer. Does a half a billion dollar investment as we see as sri lankas future. Sits transparent will promote Good Governance this is exactly the kind of alternative that we feel would demonstrate they have a choice. We think our model is better. Thank you im out of time by just returned from a trip to the endo pacific about a month ago. One of things we heard in the countries we havisited where china has tried to make those kinds of investments as they would rather do business with the United States because for all of the reasons you just gave. But, unfortunately we have not always come to the table in ways that can provide the support those countries need. So thank you, i appreciate your comments it. I do not know if you want to respond to that. Quick senator if i am confirmed i will find ways to bring all the resources the United States and her allies have helped continue on these efforts it. Thank you very much. Thank you all. Quick senator van holland. Think it mr. Chairman let me start by congratulating all of you on your nominations. And i just want to second what senator shaheen said with respect to moldova and others. Look forward to working with you if you are confirmed. I went to pick up on the sri lanka question i have it longterm affinity and i visited sri lanka last year on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of u. S. sri lankan relations i believe the investors been doing a great job and i know you will as well if you are confirmed. I was pleased just to see the dfc commitment. Could you speak a little bit about how sri lanka is progressing with respect imf reform packages . You know this was a long time in coming. There have been serious Economic Issues. How do you gauge progress with your support to the imf package. Thank you. I know you have a very special relationship to south asia and sri lanka i appreciate very much your interest. Ims is working closely with partners in government to make sure they can get back on better economic fruiting. We are making sure any debt negation treat all partners early in our transparent we are an element of the program that looks at governance to make sure any imf programs that come in to get care of the most vulnerable. When are spread fairly if i am confirmed i will continue to work and felt it might footsteps up ambassador to make sure we continue to repair the imf to help sri lanka on equal footing. While i was there one of the programs that i think was appreciated was Greater Transparency in the budgeting process. And i look forward to continuing our conversation on that as well. Or just important to the United States, the imf and others. I note senator cardin raise the issue of human rights. I had a number of conversations about progress towards transitional justice. I do look forward to continuing that conversation as well. Its great to have eight maryland or as part of the group. As you well know, a sweet seek to make a transition to Critical Minerals are critical part of this. United states got caught decades behind china in terms of sourcing minerals, developing the batteries. One of the sources of some of these minerals in the under seat nodules. So many that its an opportunity. Clearly there are also environmental risks. So my question to you is how do you think about that . Especially in light of the fact the United States is not part of the convention. Does that put us at disadvantage in this conversation . Ha thank you so much for your question. The u. S. Not been part that put us at a disadvantage theres an International Seabed authority for this type of deepsea mining for the u. S. Is able to be an observer on it. The u. S. Has worked very hard to make sure if deepsea mining doesnt go forward a start and a precautionary manner with strong protections for the environment. But because we can only be an observer we dont have as much influence. As the prc moving the most quickly forward with development. The law of the sea were not a member of the prc. Does not feel the need to follow our advice. If confirmed i would be working very hard on this issue. Oes tries to work on the recycling aspect and tries to make sure any critical mineral is done in an environmentally sustainable manner. I appreciate that ive long believed it was a mistake for us to not be a part of the convention. Congress with the disadvantages we face. Decided to get again the last time we were an person may have been in south africa on the 20th anniversary. So thank you forr your leadershp there. And, as you know, many of us believe the success can be built on in terms of creating a Preventative Health and health infrastructure. Could you talk a little bit about how we might leverage the success into other areas of health . Its good to see you again. Thankk you for your support in securing the one year realization. The turbine said we look forward to working with you for five years. Twentyone years it has been extremely successful and impactful and saving more than 25 million lives. Preventing 5. 5 million children born free in addition to that i built a large platform that is currently being used when this arise responding for the disease traits. Like cholera outbreaks. Like ebola outbreaks we should be very, very proud of that. Theyre taking away sources delivered and assistance in institutions we have and country. That is what we should continue to do. Stay focused on the mission to bring it to an end as a public threat by the year 2030. Which means in bringing down new infections to below 90 compared to 2010. Given the current context of a rapidly emerging diseases they continue to use that. To get the goal of bringing hiv to an end we discussed we need to look at the priority populations that we need to invest in more. Those first young women bring down the rates of infections among those in children and key populations. Put our resources there to maintain the gains we have achieved over the years and accelerates we can absolutely effective. Thank you. Thank you for all your good work. Think it turbine and thank you to all of the nominees for your willingness to serve. Good to see you again. I want to talk to you but i you you. I just want to understand how you envision to implement some of the tasks recommended by the ie you working group between agencies. Between noaa, between states. There is a cross Agency Coordination that is necessary and i am wondering how you tend to prioritize your tasks . Quick senator, thank you very much for the question. I know you have been a longtime person trying to combat fishing i appreciate your leadership on that. First of all the maritimes safe act by creating enter agency group and oes is the current chair of that has been incredibly important. I think sometimes people hear about illegal unregulated fisheries and they think its just an environmental issue and it is not. It touches on everything its a human rights issue it is a Food Security issue is also Environmental Security issue. We need you through the enter Agency Partnership helped everybody have very concrete responsibilities measurable outcomes and takeco action. Even when the department of state we need to work very closely with i nl, drl and also with eap has either taking place are the countries that are involveded in fishing as well. I would just add to that there is a line of effort that is purely at the diplomatic level. Even if we didnt, we do, but even if we do not care about the conservation and ecological impacts here, even if there were no economic aspects that mattered to us to it is that ist to our friends and allies on the pacific in particular. We just had a good meeting with a number of ambassadors and iu always comes up. I am wondering if there are smaller ways we can start to provide assistance . Look, you gave a really smart and cogent answer. The problem is if i am meeting with the ambassador from fiji or the micronesia, they are not sure how quickly any of that is going to happen. Thats a lot of three important Letter Agency names. They are going is help on the way or not . So what can we do in the short run . The ship Writer Program taking place in the Pacific Islands has been very effective. That is what local Law Enforcement rights board with coast guard. Can go in and enforce various stages working closely with usaid. Technical assistance and if confirmed i would be very happy to work with you and your staff work with the Pacific Islands to figure out what more Technical Assistance we have. Good governance is also going to be important. I actually think im senator, one of things we need to do diplomacy is important i do not think americans want to have Illegal Fishing on their plates. Wewe need to actually figure out working with the other partners about how we are going to stop those chains and have the countries of origins of where this tech can take place be part of that dialogue. We think about a whole of government approach. We will just add and i am satisfied right now people are monitoring technological developments. I do think there could be a moment at which we move from we have got people. Weve got to have ships we have to be underway a lot of this is about monitoring a lot of this is about knowing we have eyes on them. Extremely rare situations with us to get kinetic. There be cheaper ways to have eyes and present throughout the pacific. That navy is thinking along these lines as well Drone TechnologySatellite Technology has come a very, very long way the bureaucracy which they think moving understandably is implementing a plan this many years in the making. I wantt you to be receptive to a Disruptive Technology how you would integrate that into the machinery thats already on its way. Senator i will be very interested in that ill be happy to work with your office if confirmed. What happened somewhere these Illegal Fishing boats is awful. This tremendous human rights violation any think we can do to stop it as soon as possible i think is something we should explore per. Prolix thank you very much. Ami followup on that point and others that raise the Illegal Fishing issue. As well be on the pacific nations or the asian pacific. I was inhe ecuador at the prc vessels there are outrageous. Some of the richest fishing areas in the world. Not only an environmental disaster and abuse of rights it is also a human rights violation they have forced labor for periods of time. We do need a strategy in the short term as well as long term. The technology is there to track these vessels. They have to communicate. We can track the communications they are violating laws. A site when half of that u. S. Leadership you have heard from this committee that has to be a top priority. Were looking forward to your suggestions how we could put a spotlight on this. So more americans can understand what is going on. Ultimately as consumers we can put a lot of pressure on this globally. Sore we need to do that. I also want to mention the area you mention your comments plastics in negotiation with regard to International Treaty the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee you will play a major role nap. Theres a lot of interest in trying to have an aggressive policy led by the United States and this might give us an opportunity to do that on do with the plastics issues and the order. There are two areas thats are very high priority to our committee. Whether it is mulled over needs to move toward the eu. To protect itself from russias aggression. It ultimately has to be resolved. We have a weakness entered prosecutorial system the un u. S. Can help. I really want to get your commitment that we need to work with mulled over to try to strengthen their internal institutions. So they can transition closer to eq sessions. And to the west. Correct senator, thank you very, very much for the question. We commit to working with this committee working as hard as i can to ensure mulled over its resilient enough to take the steps that it needs to take to take the reform after a very rigorous secession process i firmly believe plates going through this process to reach the future that it once it is not going to be easy is not going to be short they are going to need the United States to and european allies working to gather to make sure the country is able to take all of the steps along theak way to become and et you up member state. Is a Strong Community that can help in thisha transition. It is another area we might want to try to develop that could help more global along this path. Thank you very much for that comment, senator. Absolutely true. A great source a great resource for the moldovan government. If i am confirmed i intend to work with allies and partners across europe as well to make sure we are activating the diaspora in those countries as well as to give as much assistance and advice and support to the moldovan government that needs Human Capacity to enact these. And as you said the moldovan diaspora can be important strength for them. Just to follow but her questionings i want your commitment to keep us informed as to the progress you are making in dealing with the accountability issues. Jule the ability to express dissent and the government with the most recent law passed in andwhat our mission is doing to advance the basic freedoms for the people of sri lanka. Center if i am confirmed you have my commitment to work their committee and congress to make sure we are Holding Everyone accountable for the National Standards we want them to adhere too. Quick senator . Thank you very much mr. Chairman. I want to follow up on conversations we had about the o prc. The indian ocean obviously is critical to strategic and economic interest as well as geopolitical rivalry within the area. Increasingly Research Vessels with type two pla navy have the sweeping surveys of the floor in the ocean. Its ocean surveys are carried out by vessels of resource application for Energy Resource and Marine Environment where they can also be used for military purposes including how to maneuver and obscure submarines during a conflict. According to csis 13 prc vessels undertake the bulk of the Serbian Research activity in the ocean since 2020 all have long links to pla. Suspicious behavior including document pl eight military parts for temporary turning off their tracking devices. In general, sure uncle how do your long moratorium on vessels entering the waters. If do believe it poses a threat to National Security interest of the United States andt her partner allies in the region . Correct senator, thank you very much. We share your concern about what prc Research Vessels could be doing in the indian ocean. Cooperation on maritime domain awareness is a key part of our security assistance. It allows the sri lankans have the capability and technology to be able to put her onec waters d help defend the sovereignty. If i i am confirmed will contine to work with them for their own capabilities because if confirming your work to ensure the moratorium is maintained as well . We are working very closely to make sure they are is fair access to ports for all shifts. You do not skip that moratorium on the prc vessels . We would want to make sure we are working with them. Huge concerns about prc vessels we have asked for that more tart we think it is an sri lankas best interest. Finally wrap up by saying steve king, former ambassador to the Czech Republic yours had only high praise you gave you his highest recommendation. Quick senator, that is so nice to hear. Thank you very much for. My pleasure, my pleasure. Ask the record of the committee will remain open to close of business tomorrow for members who may be asking questions for the record. For any questions for the record directly to any one of you we would appreciate you try to respond to that as thoroughly and quickly as possible so we can complete our work on the committee in an expeditious way. Again with our thanks to our hearing will be adjourned. Thank you. [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] [inaudible conversations] friday the Affordable Housing conference of Montgomery County maryla hd i 33rd annual housgummit. Representative jamie and glenn are expecd to actn discussing issues to the development of Affordable Housing watch the event live at 1 p. M. Eastern on cspans he spent in our freight mobile video app online at cspan. Org. Explore the wonderful array of mothers day gifts waiting for you at cspanshop. Org. Discover books, apparel, home to core and accessories. Theres something for every cspan mom plus every purchase you make a ghost toward supporting our nonprofit operations for start shopping now my skin the code on the right or visiting us online at cspanshop. Org. s he spent as your unfiltered view of government. Funded by these Television Companies and more including media comp. At meeting, we believe whether you live here, or right here, or way out in the middle of any right you should have access to fast reliable internet. Thats what we are leading the way. Media com support cspan as a Public Service along these other television providers. Giving a pharmacy to democracy. Quick senator chris coons