WASHINGTON – This week, United States Senator Ben Cardin (Democrat of Maryland), Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committeedelivered a speech on the Senate floor in support of the confirmation of Jim O’Brien as Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
“We need someone to lead the diplomatic effort on behalf of the American people to confront Russian aggression. » » declared President Cardin. “That’s why we have to confirm James O’Brien today. Ambassador O’Brien had an impressive hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He presented a compelling vision for how he would lead the Office of European and Eurasian Affairs. He stressed the importance of American leadership in integrating Ukraine as well as the South Caucasus and the Western Balkans into transatlantic economic and political structures.”
A copy of President Cardin’s remarks, as delivered, is available below.
Thank you, Mr. President. I rise today to support James O’Brien for Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs. As Russia continues its brutal assault on Ukraine, as democratic backsliding continues to threaten Central Europe, as we continue to grapple with energy and food security, we must have a fully staffed diplomatic corps in personnel and skills.
Vacancies create a vacuum and send the wrong message. Ukraine is by far one of my biggest priorities. It is very clear to me that ensuring that Russia does not succeed in Ukraine is in the national security interests of the United States. Ukraine is not only fighting for itself. If Ukraine loses, Moldova and Georgia will follow. Ukraine is on the front lines in our fight to defend democracy and our common values.
Iran is watching. North Korea is watching. China is watching. When they see the determination of the United States and our coalition of partners, it prevents them from considering military action elsewhere. This is why we must continue to show leadership in supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. As Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I will do everything I can to show the international community that we stand with Ukraine today and tomorrow.
This means guaranteeing Ukraine more air defense and long-range missiles. This means working with our European partners who continue to shelter and support Ukrainian refugees. Support humanitarian aid to those who are suffering, including children who have been kidnapped in Russia and families torn apart. This involves finding a way forward for the administration’s additional request. And yes, this means that our candidates will be appointed to their positions in the Office of European Affairs. Without the confirmation of our candidates and without their positions, who will defend American values in Ukraine and beyond? Who will advance America’s national security interests? Who will lead our efforts from Washington to consolidate our transatlantic alliance in pursuit of stability and peace?
President Putin helps far-right political parties, individuals and groups across Europe and beyond who support his agenda. It attacks the human rights of Ukrainian citizens. It ravages Ukrainian cities. I believe he is trying to commit genocide in Ukraine and I support the creation of an international tribunal to try Russian war crimes like the one we saw at Nuremberg after World War II.
Given these challenges, we need someone to lead diplomatic efforts on behalf of the American people to confront Russian aggression. That’s why we need to confirm James O’Brien today. Ambassador O’Brien had an impressive hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He presented a compelling vision for how he would lead the Office of European and Eurasian Affairs.
He emphasized the importance of American leadership in integrating Ukraine as well as the South Caucasus and the Western Balkans into transatlantic economic and political structures. It was favorably reported by the Foreign Relations Committee by a bipartisan vote. Ambassador O’Brien brings a wealth of experience to the role, having most recently worked as head of the Sanctions Coordination Office, targeting, among others, Russian oligarchs who thrive on corruption.
Russian oligarchs, whose corrupt networks continue to fuel the war in Ukraine, impacting global energy and food prices for almost everyone on the planet. Beyond his most recent position, Ambassador O’Brien’s professional resume reads like a building block for this position. Having served as Senior Deputy Director for Policy Planning and Presidential Envoy for the Balkans, he will be up to date if conflict breaks out again in Kosovo. He will not be afraid to expose bad actors in Bosnia and work with those who advocate peace, transparency and prosperity. He helped create the Office of Hostage Affairs and worked for the safe return of 100 U.S. citizens. He has covered scientific and environmental agreements as well as post-Soviet transitions in Russia and Ukraine.
He participated in an initiative to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, and he received numerous State Department honors. He is a seasoned professional ready to take on this high-level challenge. Once it’s confirmed, you can hit the ground running. This sends a signal that the United States cares about what is happening in Europe. And now we must show our determination.
Ukrainians are doing their part even as they fight a war to defend their country. They are making good progress in the fight against corruption. We need to be there for them and make it clear that our support is bipartisan and long-term. We must stand with Ukraine to ensure it gets everything it needs to defend itself and succeed in this Russian war.
It is Ukrainian success on the battlefield that will bring Russia to the negotiating table. Nothing else. That’s why it’s time for the United States and the international community to act. We cannot leave out good versus evil. So, Mr. President, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on closing this nominee, yes on advancing our diplomatic efforts to confront Putin’s war in Ukraine.
Yes. To promote American values. Yes. To advance America’s national security interests.
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