U.S. Senator Jim Risch, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing on February 12, 2026. The hearing considered several nominees: Wesley Brooks for assistant secretary of State for oceans, international environment, and scientific affairs; Jeremy Carl for assistant secretary of State for international organizations; William Long for ambassador to Iceland; and Robert Sweeney for director of the Asian Development Bank.
Senator Risch began by acknowledging both the nominees and their families. "Thank you to the nominees and especially to the families who also help whenever their spouses or loved ones participate in government operations. The families also provide as much sacrifice as the actual nominees do so thank you to the families for being here today."
Addressing Mr. Long’s nomination, Risch highlighted Iceland’s importance as a U.S. partner in North Atlantic security efforts. He stated that China and Russia have clear strategic interests in the Arctic region and emphasized advancing U.S.-Iceland cooperation at Naval Air Station Keflavik to counter these influences.
For Mr. Carl, nominated as assistant secretary for international organizations, Risch discussed concerns about U.S. contributions to the United Nations. "As you know, historically, the United States has been the most generous donor to the United Nations, paying billions every year. Yet, the return on our investment for the American taxpayer is at best, questionable." He referenced President Trump’s reform agenda regarding international organizations and called attention to issues within some UN bodies.
Risch also mentioned his own report from 2020 about promoting Americans and like-minded individuals in these organizations: "In your role, I hope you’ll implement some of these recommendations and, above all, ensure that every taxpayer dollar given to an international organization makes America safer and better off – a heavy lift to say the least."
Turning to Mr. Sweeney’s nomination as director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Risch noted its role in providing alternatives to Chinese loans but pointed out China remains a major shareholder in ADB activities.
"If confirmed," he said to Sweeney, "I’d like to know how you plan to use the voice and vote of the United States to drive quality development projects that are aligned with U.S. strategic interests."
Regarding Mr. Brooks’ potential oversight of oceanic policies and Antarctic cooperation if confirmed as assistant secretary of State for oceans and related fields, Risch focused on challenges posed by China’s actions in illegal fishing practices and suspicions about military activity disguised as research by both Russia and China.
"You will also oversee Antarctic Treaty cooperation and enforcement... Both Russia and China have long been suspected of conducting military and intelligence activities under the guise of 'research,' and Russia has reportedly conducted commercial resource exploration—all of which violate the Antarctic Treaty," he said.
He concluded by thanking all nominees again along with their families before yielding time to other committee members.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plays a central role in shaping U.S. foreign policy through examination of treaties such as its historical involvement with initiatives like rejecting the Treaty of Versailles after World War I or supporting the Marshall Plan following World War II. Established in 1816, it remains one of Congress's original standing committees. Its chairman leads majority members while its ranking member heads minority members.
Witness testimony from this hearing is available on foreign.senate.gov.
