Hearing. I appreciate all the witnesses who have come here today. Mr. Secretary, the floor is yours. Thank you. Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member corker, members of the committee, thanks very much for welcoming me here to talk about the disabilities treaty, which i am very anxious to do. Mindful of the comments of the Ranking Member just now, i would just start off by saying we are 100 prepared as we have been to work through what are known as ruds reservations, understandings, and declarations in order to pass this treaty. That is our goal. As we begin with a place that makes it clear that we do not believe this has impact among but we are happy to restate and reassert the law in ways that makes senators feel comfortable, obviously. We want to pass this. It is not lost on any of us that only 11 months ago the senate fell just five votes short of approving this treaty. So more than 60 senators have already resolved in their minds many of the questions that are reraised again and again. We c
Ratification would solidify the strong u. S. Commitment to equal opportunity for disabled persons, protection for disabled americans abroad, wounded veterans. Greatear we missed a opportunity. Its my hope that we dont make the same mistake again. Mr. Secretary, this entire hearing strikes me as revisiting important fundamental issues that need to be asked and answered to reassure those of my constituents who have not heard yes yet. In your view, what is the response to critics who charge the sea rpd that would violate u. S. Sovereignty, and the Disabilities Committee would be empowered under this treaty to dictate how the iron states treat people with disabilities here at home. Sovereignty,ct to there is absolutely no ability whatsoever for any country or treatyity through this to gain any legal redress or to compel the u. S. To do anything. There is no oversight, there is a committee that works on issues. The most they can do is make a suggestion. There are 18 members elected on a glo
Complex problems. Staying focused on our longterm interests and longterm objectives and outcomes. The imperfect outcomes may be the most we can expect, working our way toward the Higher Ground of possible solutions. Leveraging all aspects of our power, we must multiply and enhance our efforts by working through coalitions of common interest like nato. This is in fact our future. Just as we have done since world war ii, but it now may be more essential than ever before. While these challenges are not americas responsibilities alone, they will demand americas continued engagement. No other nation, no other nation has the will, the power, the cast the, he, and a network of alliances to lead International Community in addressing them. However, sustaining our leadership will increasingly depend not only on the extent of an great power, but in appreciation of its limits and a wide appointment of our influence. We must not fall prey to the notion of american decline. That is a false choice. A