Kaine Statement On Samantha Power Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, participated today in the confirmation hearing of Samantha Power, President Obama’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. During the hearing, Kaine applauded Power’s significant experience and expertise, and discussed her strong commitment to Israel.  Following the hearing, Kaine endorsed Power’s nomination and stated he’d advocate for her swift confirmation.

“I strongly support President Obama’s nomination of Samantha Power to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. A devoted public servant and passionate defender of human rights and individual freedoms, Samantha is a natural choice to champion our nation’s interests at the UN. Throughout her career, Samantha has embodied a strong, yet responsible foreign policy – unafraid to confront some of the world’s toughest adversaries. And while ‘blunt’ and ‘outspoken’ aren’t usually strong qualifications for a diplomatic post, in the case of the UN, they are. As a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, I look forward to doing all I can to see that her nomination is taken up by the full Senate quickly, as well as continuing to work closely with her upon confirmation to her new post.”

In May, Kaine traveled to the United Nations to meet with former Ambassador Susan Rice and United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon.

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