MSNBC Interview With Senator John Barrasso

Interview

Copyright ©2009 by Federal News Service, Inc., Ste. 500, 1000 Vermont Ave, Washington, DC 20005 USA. Federal News Service is a private firm not affiliated with the federal government. No portion of this transcript may be copied, sold or retransmitted without the written authority of Federal News Service, Inc. Copyright is not claimed as to any part of the original work prepared by a United States government officer or employee as a part of that person's official duties. For information on subscribing to the FNS Internet Service at www.fednews.com, please email Carina Nyberg at cnyberg@fednews.com or call 1-202-216-2706.

MS. MITCHELL: Republican Senator John Barrasso of Wyoming is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is waiting in line to ask his questions.

Senator, I know it's a matter of seniority and you're waiting your turn, but what do you want to know from Hillary Clinton?

SEN. BARRASSO: Well, thank you, Andrea. You know, you were there today. I am going to ask her about a number of the things that have already come up. I am very focused on Iran and what is happening there with their nuclear capabilities and the concern about that with what's happening in Israel as well. But the world continues to be a dangerous place.

And for the people of Wyoming, they want to make sure that their tax dollars, in terms of foreign aid, being responsibly spent and people are getting value for the money.

MS. MITCHELL: I know, Senator, that Senator Kerry said that Senator Lugar was speaking for all of the committee members, that people weren't going to raise it individually, but everyone wants to see a more timely disclosure and some limits on future foreign contributions to the Clinton charitable works. Do you share that view?

SEN. BARRASSO: I do share that view. You know, The Washington Post had an editorial about it today, as did The Wall Street Journal. The New York Times editorialized about it on Sunday. There is concern. It was something brought forth.

I know that Senator Lugar has introduced, I think, 150 written questions to Senator Clinton to hear that. And I think we need more timely and frequent reports.

MS. MITCHELL: Are you looking to see her make that kind of commitment before the vote on Thursday morning, or is this something that you just expect will be negotiated after she's confirmed? Don't you have more leverage now than later?

SEN. BARRASSO: I think Senator Lugar has been addressing that, has gotten the responses to the written questions. I know that we're going to get everything back by tomorrow before we vote on Thursday.

MS. MITCHELL: Okay. John Barrasso, look forward to your questioning this afternoon. Thank you so much for joining us.

SEN. BARRASSO: Well, and I'll tell you -- well, you're sure welcome.

MS. MITCHELL: Yes, sir.

SEN. BARRASSO: I think they're -- I they're fairly convinced it's going to go because Senator Schumer's invited all of us to a party to say goodbye to Senator Clinton from the Senate tomorrow before Thursday's vote.

MS. MITCHELL: Now, there you go. It's a done deal. That's the best sign. Thank you very much.

SEN. BARRASSO: You're welcome.

Source