Heinrich Calls For Confirmation Of Ambassador Nominees To China And Japan

Press Release

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, announced today that he is supporting President Biden's nominees for U.S. Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, and U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, and called for their swift confirmation by the Senate. This week, the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations advanced both nominations to the full Senate for consideration on bipartisan votes.

"Our ever-growing strategic competition with China and the critical importance of maintaining a robust diplomatic corps across Asia makes it imperative for the Senate to take up these two highly qualified nominees," said Heinrich. "I am confident that both of these deeply experienced public servants will effectively represent the Biden administration and advance America's interests in these two vital posts."

"I acknowledge that Mr. Emanuel has faced scrutiny and criticism for his handling of police misconduct and specifically the fatal shooting of Laquan McDonald during his time as mayor of Chicago," Heinrich continued. "I do not take that lightly. As I weigh his nomination, however, I must consider the full balance of Mr. Emanuel's decades of impressive experience in the highest levels of government and his deep commitment to serving our country. I have met with him personally to discuss his nomination. And I am certain that he will bring the right levels of experience, relationships, and work ethic to successfully lead our diplomatic work with a critical partner nation in Japan."

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