U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing in Washington. The session included consideration of Frank Weiland for assistant secretary of State for international narcotics and law enforcement affairs, Jennifer Wicks McNamara for ambassador to Vietnam, Eric Meyer for ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Gregory LoGerfo for coordinator for counterterrorism.
In his statement, Risch acknowledged the nominees and their families. “Thank you to all of you and to your families. The families play an important role here, we all know that, and their support is obviously important to everyone," he said.
Addressing Frank Weiland’s nomination, Risch noted the threat posed by transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). “Mr. Weiland, your job is an important one, the Transnational Criminal Organizations, their money laundering, and the trafficking they commit pose direct threats to our communities and undermine international stability. As assistant secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, you have a real opportunity to help our foreign partners dismantle these groups,” Risch stated. He expressed support for President Trump’s efforts against TCOs in the Caribbean and highlighted the need for improved international cooperation.
Turning to Jennifer Wicks McNamara’s nomination as ambassador to Vietnam, Risch remarked on growing U.S.-Vietnam relations amid concerns over Vietnam’s ties with China and Russia. “Ms. Wicks, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Vietnam, and our economic and diplomatic relations only continue to grow, most notably with President Trump’s recent trade agreement," he said. He also commented on Vietnam's defense and energy cooperation with Russia: "Vietnam’s defense and energy cooperation with Russia is particularly troubling, as it contributes to funding Putin’s war machine in Ukraine." Risch asked about her plans regarding U.S. commercial diplomacy in Vietnam's energy sector.
For Gregory LoGerfo's nomination as coordinator for counterterrorism, Risch addressed terrorism risks following what he called a failed Afghanistan withdrawal by the previous administration. “Mr. LoGerfo, as ambassador at large for counterterrorism, you will be charged with helping protect Americans from the terror groups that look to harm us and other innocent communities around the world," he said. He referenced a recent attack in Washington D.C., emphasizing ongoing threats from Afghanistan-based groups: "The tragic November attack, here in D.C., was a reminder that Afghanistan continues to serve as a terror haven..." He advocated ensuring no U.S. taxpayer funds reach terrorist organizations: "At a minimum, we should ensure terrorists do not get ahold of U.S. taxpayer dollars..."
Risch also outlined challenges involving other extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS in Africa and Middle East regions: “Afghanistan is not the only source of radical Islamic terrorism: Al-Qaeda and ISIS run rampant in the Sahel..."
Regarding Eric Meyer's nomination as ambassador to Sri Lanka, Risch noted progress since Sri Lanka's 2022 crises but voiced concern over China's influence: “Mr. Meyer...the government has made substantial progress on reforms...Yet...Sri Lanka has pursued closer ties with China as it seeks to draw foreign investment..." He urged attention toward limiting Chinese involvement in critical sectors.
Risch concluded by thanking each nominee along with their families before turning proceedings over to committee ranking member Jeanne Shaheen.
The full text of witness testimony can be found at foreign.senate.gov.
