Ambassador Nominations to Tonga, Chad, Bulgaria, Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritania

United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee will come to order. Uh thank you all for coming today. We have uh uh five nominees we wanna hear from and uh important positions and uh we welcome them, we welcome their families. Uh we welcome everyone who's at this hearing. I think everyone who uh comes to these hearings knows the rules here. We have zero tolerance uh for interruptions or for anyone attempting to contact someone at the dais or at uh uh or one uh one of the witnesses. Uh the usual rules will apply and you'll be escorted from the committee and uh the usual band and the rest will be in place. So with that um I uh uh the way what what we're gonna do this is uh I'm going to make a few remarks, I will then yield to my distinguished colleague uh the ranking member and uh Jeanne Shaheen and she will make some remarks. Uh we'll then hear from the uh from the nominees and we'll then open it up to a series of questions and uh we will take it from there. So today we'll consider the nomination of uh Justin, by the way, to be US Ambassador to the Kingdom of Tonga, uh William Flens to be US uh Ambassador to the Republic of Chad, Douglas Holder to be US Ambassador to the Republic, of Bulgaria, Mark Dillard to be US Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar, uh concurrently with the union of Comoros and um Jessica Long to be the US Ambassador to the Republic of uh Mauritania. We have uh a member of the committee who wants to make an introduction but who is not here yet but we will uh recognize him when he does show up. Well congratulations to all of you on your nominations and thank you for your willingness to serve and just as important uh for uh your family's letting you do that. Uh that's a uh important thing. We know how the sacrifice it is, not only to you but uh to the families also. So uh we'll start with Mister uh by the way, if uh confirmed, you'll be the uh only the second ambassador to serve in Tonga, uh one of our newest embassies in the Pacific. Our relations with Tonga are historic and deepening across domains, including maritime security, countering ta- transnational crime, in growing digital uh connectivity and energy uh resilience. But Tonga faces significant challenges, including a growing energy crisis and some of the highest debt exposure to China in the region. If confirmed, I'm curious to hear your priorities for developing US ties with Tonga, and how you plan to work with countries like Australia and New Zealand to ensure that our partners in the Pacific help us drive US priorities forward in the region. Mister Holder, uh Bulgaria's uh government has entered a more stable period after years of political turmoil, but there are still challenges ahead. If confirmed uh as ambassador, you will need to work with the government to help Bulgaria combat corruption, crime and Chinese and Russian influence. That undermines our relationship, all the while working to advance US interest in energy, security, trade and European investment into the NATO defense. Mr. Dillard, as U ambassador to Madagascar and uh Comoros, you would uh not only work to advance US interest in these African island countries, but you would serve on the front lines of countering China in the Indian Ocean. Uh pervasive poverty and political instability make Madagascar and Comoros more vulnerable to this influence than we saw uh and we saw the troubling implications of this when Madagascar rev revoked overflight permits, for the uh Taiwanese President's Aircraft. Your extensive experience in the region, including in Kenya, most recently in South Africa, will serve you well as US Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. I look forward to hearing from you today. Ms. Long, you know the terror that the terror threat emanating from the Sahel is a national security issue that the United States must treat as a priority. The role of uh Maura uh Tania is a key p as a key partner in addressing this terror threat can't be overlooked. I look forward to hearing from you today on how you will approach counterterrorism partnership and other bilateral issues with Mauritania if confirmed as our next ambassador. And finally, uh, Mister Flens, as you know, Chad faces its own serious challenges with instability and insecurity. It is also in a challenging neighborhood, surrounded on all sides by conflict, terrorist insurgency and humanitarian crises in Sudan, Libya, Niger and others. This is troubling as Chad is an important security partner for the United States, currently deploying troops to the gang suppression force in Haiti. Chad is also a long-standing contributor to regional counterterrorism missions and UN peacekeeping missions. You have a tough but important job to do, have confirmed as US Ambassador to Chad. Thank you again to all of you for your willingness to serve. We look forward to hearing from you. And with that, I will turn it over to the ranking member, Senator Shahin.

Well, thank you very much, Mister Chairman, and welcome to our nominees. And congratulations to each of you. Welcome to your families and supporters who are here with you today. I'm especially pleased that four of today's nominees are career members of the Foreign Service. And Mister Holder, we're glad you're here too.

Thank you for that.

Last week, President Trump hosted Chinese President Xi Jinping here in Washington. That meeting didn't produce much meaningful progress on the serious challenges we face with China. But those challenges are not addressed through meetings in Washington alone. They require sustained American engagement around the world. Last year, Democrats on this committee released a report looking at what happens when the United States retreats from the world. We found that China is very ready to fill that vacuum, and actually is already doing that. The countries represented here today illustrate what's at stake. In Tonga and Comoros, China has become an important development and economic partner. In Madagascar, Beijing has expanded its influence in the mining sector. And in Mauritania and Chad, China and Russia are competing for influence as the region faces growing instability. These countries are each very different. But our report found that competing effectively requires many of the same things. American diplomats on the ground, strong economic and security partnerships, and American investment that offers an alternative to China. For those of you nominated to serve in Africa and the Pacific, I hope you will speak to how you would put those tools to work. That means helping Tonga improve its energy security, expanding American investment in Madagascar's mining sector, and Mauritania's growing energy sector. and working with Chad to address instability spilling across its borders from Sudan and the broader region. Mister Holder, as I'm sure you're aware, Bulgaria presents a very different set of challenges. You've been nominated to serve as ambassador to an important NATO ally on the Black Sea. Bulgaria has provided significant military assistance to Ukraine, but the Prime Minister, the current Prime Minister, recently announced that his government would stop providing military aid. This is a time when we need to maintain pressure on Russia and support for Ukraine. If confirmed, I hope you'll b will be a strong voice within the administration for both, and that you will work to keep our NATO allies united. I look forward to hearing from each of you. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Uh, we will uh now hear from the nominees. What we're gonna ask you to do is to keep it to about five minutes, if you would. We do have a very large record here, so we're happy to take anything beyond that uh to put into the record. Uh but uh with that uh we'll start uh uh, mister by the way, with you and we'll go across. If uh the floor is yours and if you take about five minutes to enlighten us, we'll be happy.

Uh Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Rubio for the confidence they've shown in nominating me to be the United Um, I'm here alone today, which is not my normal state of affairs. My wife, Sarah, is back at our home in Dahran, Saudi Arabia, overseeing a house full of seven kids. Uh, she wanted to be here for such an important occasion, but given the logistics of additional travel for a family of nine, we decided it made more sense for them to remain at home. Uh, none of what I have accomplished during my career in the foreign service would have been possible without her. My family has shared the adventures and demands of foreign service life across six overseas assignments, and if confirmed, I look forward to having them accompany me to Tonga. Uh, to Sarah, Elliott, Eleanor, Francis, Henry, Mabel, Matilda, and Walter, I love you and I look forward to being back uh with you soon. Um, it's an incredible honor for a kid from rural Glenwood, Utah, population four seventy-four, uh, to sit before this committee as a nominee to represent the United States as an ambassador. There's something deeply Amer- something uniquely American about that opportunity and I'm deeply grateful for it. Um, what makes this nomination especially meaningful is the opportunity not to simply lead an embassy, but to help shape one still in its early years. If confirmed as our first resident ambassador to Tonga, I would feel a particular responsibility to establish the relationships, culture, and foundations that will shape our presence there for years to come. I want to be clear about the lens I would bring to this role. America first. Every engagement, every program, and every hour we invest in Tonga will serve American workers, American businesses, and American security, while respecting Tonga as a sovereign partner. The United States can offer Tonga something real. Reliable investment, honest partnership, and a long-term commitment. If confirmed, I'll work every day to make sure American interests and Tongan interests move forward together. Tonga doesn't dominate headlines, but it does matter strategically. Our long-standing partnership is now entering its most active and high impact chapter yet. Recent months have brought new maritime security cooperation to push back on illegal fishing fresh investment in undersea cable connectivity and a partnership on responsible seabed mineral research the Millennium Challenge corporations like to Tongan to develop a threshold program focused on energy and digital technology and these efforts can help ensure that these strategic sectors develop in ways that advance both, the Tongan prosperity and American interests. And if confirmed, I intend to build on that momentum. One of my top priorities would be helping Tonga resist coercion and malign influence. I would work to help Tonga protect its waters and financial system from transnational criminal networks, and that seek to exploit the Pacific's vast maritime distances. And I would partner with Tongan businesses to help them grow through trade with America. I would push hard on digital and energy infrastructure because whoever builds Tonga's cables and power grids shapes its future alignment for a generation, and I don't intend to cede that ground. Tonga is one of only three Pacific Island countries with a military. And His Majesty, King Tupou the the sixth, is a graduate of the US Naval War College. United States signed a status forces agreement with Tonga in nineteen ninety two. Uh between two thousand four and two thousand fourteen, Tonga deployed four contingents to Iraq and over three hundred soldiers to Afghanistan. For an armed force only numbering only seven hundred, several hundred, That represents an extraordinary commitment to fighting alongside American and coalition troops. And as the first US ambassador resident in Tonga, if confirmed, I would use my position to drive the Department of War cooperation with Tonga. And I'll be candid about the the broader stra- stakes. Strategic competitors are courting Pacific nations aggressively. My job, if confirmed, will be to make sure Tonga never has to wonder who its most reliable partner is. Lastly, America's relationship with Tonga is strengthened by ties built over generations. The Peace Corps will celebrate sixty years in Tongan next year, an extraordinary legacy of Americans living and serving alongside Tongan communities. The Tongan American community, particularly in Utah, California and Hawaii, provides another natural bridge for business, education, faith, and family ties. I would connect Tongan talent and entrepreneurs with American businesses and opportunities, and expand sports diplomacy, including through American football, where Tongan and Tongan American athletes have made an extraordinary impact. Our strong communities of faith provide another natural connection between our peoples. These relationships demonstrate something no government program alone can create. A partnership not only in sh- not o- rooted not only in shared interests, but in genuine ties between Americans and Tongans. I'm ready to get to work if confirmed, and I look forward to your questions.

Thank you much, uh, mister. By the way, uh, mister Flans, the floor is yours.

Thank you. Good morning, Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and distinguished members of this committee. Thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today. I am truly honored by the trust President Trump and Secretary Rubio have placed in me with this nomination. I will be forever grateful for the love and support of my late parents, Stanley and Virginia Flans, who I know would have loved to be here today. whom I am sure are watching this hearing from heaven. It's without their sacrifices, I would not be sitting here today. I also want to thank my brothers and sisters, Dan, Joe, Peggy, Cathy, and my sister Liz, who is with me today, and their families for their love, support and patience over the years. After growing up on the south side of Chicago and graduating from school in the city, I began my career in public service by joining the Peace Corps. And it was as a Peace Corps volunteer in then-Zaire and in the Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, that I first lived and worked in Africa and recognized its tremendous potential. The years I spent helping Congolese fish farmers improve their livelihoods, not by giving them tools or money, But by teaching them new fish farming techniques, reinforced for me the importance of partnership without creating dependency. And after a career in the foreign service that took me to Asia, I have eventually made my way back to Africa. I am blessed to have had this long going on twenty-five year career and to have an opportunity to extend it by serving as ambassador to Chad, if confirmed. Allow me to say a few words about why Chad matters to the United States. Chad occupies a position of significant strategic importance. Bordering six countries, several of which face internal armed conflict, Chad sits at the crossroads of the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin, a region where instability, illegal migration and transnational crime can directly threaten the American homeland if left unaddressed. Chad also possesses underutilized strategic resources, including critical minerals and hydrocarbons that have the potential to advance our commercial relationship. I will also note that Chad hosts nearly one point five million Sudanese refugees and remains a significant beneficiary of American humanitarian assistance. If confirmed, my top priority will be protecting American citizens in Chad, starting with the dedicated men and women serving alongside me at embassy in Germana. I will safeguard US interests by partnering with the Chadian government to curb illegal immigration to the United States and prevent misuse of US immigration law by Chadian nationals. I will ensure our embassy team works in lockstep with inter-agency partners to disrupt transnational terrorist and criminal networks with ties that directly threaten the homeland. This administration is resetting how America engages the continent, moving from aid and dependency toward trade, investment and mutual benefit. If confirmed, I will work with the Chadian government and private sector partners to advance concrete legal and regulatory reforms that improve Chad's business climate. so American companies can compete and win in these sectors with confidence. Our interests are also served by encouraging regional participation in the multinational joint task force which is headquartered in Njimena. Two US-designated foreign terrorist organizations, ISIS West Africa and Boko Haram operate in the Lake Chad Basin. After decades of US security assistance, Chad and other regional partners must take the lead in confronting these threats, reducing the need for direct US involvement. I am clear-eyed about the challenges ahead, but I also see real opportunity in Chad's relative stability, its capable military, and its people's admiration for American values. If confirmed, I will bring the full weight of American diplomacy to bear, advancing our security, our commercial interests, and our influence. to ensure our partnership with Chad delivers concrete results for the American people. I look forward to your questions. Thank you.

Thank you very much, uh, and then this, uh, Senator Scott, I'm just thinking of something.

Sure. Thank you, Chairman, Ranking Member, members of the committee. It's a great opportunity to introduce a great Floridian, a trusted friend, and the President's nominee to serve as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria, Douglas A. Holder, Junior. Doug and I have known one another personally and professionally for sixteen years. I know his character, his work ethic, and his commitment to public service. I've also had the pleasure of getting to know his beautiful daughter, Shanny. Doug is a proud father, and the devotion he shows to his family reflects the same loyalty and dedication he has brought to public life. Doug served four consecutive term consecutive terms in the Florida House of Representatives representing Sarasota County from two thousand six to two two thousand fourteen. During that time he held roles, including chairing committees focused on economic development, tourism and regulated industries. He oversaw congressional redistricting, as well as led the Sarasota County legislative delegation. He earned a well-deserved reputation as a hard worker who could reach across the aisle, bring people together and turn good policy into real results for Florida families and businesses. When I served as governor of Florida, Doug and I worked together on priorities that strengthened our economy, encouraged job creation and protected taxpayers. In twenty fifteen, I appoint him to the Saras- Sarasota Manatee Airport Authority, which governs Sarasota Bradenton International Airport. In that role, which included his services chairman, he helped oversee a vital public institution during a period of extraordinary growth. The experience required sound judgment, physical discipline, and coordination among local, state, federal and international partners. He brings substantial private sector experience. He has worked in international trade, commodities, plastics, commercial and residential real estate, and government relations. He has participated in delegations to Taiwan and Turkey and understands how diplomacy and commerce reinforce one another. Just as important, he knows how to listen, build relationships, and represent our country with confidence and respect. He understands that government must be accountable to the people it serves, that our allies should trust us, our enemies should fear us, and that America's strength should protect America's interests first. Bulgaria is a valued valued NATO ally in a strategically important region. Our partnership matters to Black Sea security, energy diversification, economic opportunity and the defense of freedom against malign influence. Doug understands his responsibility will be to advance the President's foreign policy, fight for American interests, support our embassy, strengthen cooperation between the American and Bulgarian people, and he will excel at all of it. He has experienced temperament and patriotism to serve our nation well. I'm proud to introduce him to the committee. I strongly support his nomination. I respectfully urge all my colleagues to advance and confirm him without delay. Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member.

Thank you, Senator Scott. Uh, Mr. Holder, with that uh outstanding recommendation, the floor is yours for five minutes.

Thank you, Senator Scott, for your friendship, your leadership in Florida, and your kind words. Thank you, Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen, members of the committee. It's an honor to appear before you today as nominee for Ambassador to the Republic of Bulgaria. I am deeply grateful to President Trump. for the trust he has placed in me with this nomination. And I'm committed to serving the United States with distinction and integrity in this important role. I would first like to express my sincere gratitude to my father, Doug Senior, Carolyn Ann, my mother, Judy, sister, Kerry, daughter, Channing, stepson, Chase, as well as the rest of my family, friends, and colleagues, whose encouragement and support have been invaluable throughout my career. I am also deeply appreciative of the dedicated professionals at the Office of Government Ethics, the Department of State, and the many individuals across the administration who guided me through the nomination process and worked diligently to bring me to this hearing today. From my early years in the private sector to my service in the Florida House of Representatives, and my subsequent work advising businesses and organizations across Florida, I've been fortunate to work alongside exceptional people who have reinforced the importance of integrity, accountability, and building lasting relationships. The experiences I've gained over the past three decades in business, public service, and community leadership have given me the opportunity to work with the people from diverse backgrounds, solve complex challenges, and build consensus in pursuit of meaningful results. Those experiences have shaped my approach to leadership and prepared me for the responsibilities of this nomination. I have already developed a deep appreciation for Bulgaria's rich history, vibrant culture, and resilient people, and I look forward to learning even more from our Bulgarian friends and partners. If confirmed, I am eager to dedicate my energy and to strengthening the enduring partnership between our two nations, expanding opportunities for cooperation and making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the relationship between the United States and Bulgaria. If confirmed as ambassador to Bulgaria, my top priorities will be to protect US citizens and advance American interests. The United States and Bulgaria established diplomatic relations in nineteen O three. For more than a century, our strong diplomatic and economic ties have improved the lives of citizens of both our countries. If confirmed, I will further this relationship by promoting American values and interests, fostering economic growth and strengthening our people-to-people ties. I will also work tirelessly to provide the necessary support and resources to United States citizens living in and visiting Bulgaria. As a member of NATO, Bulgarians have stepped up to invest resources in our collective defense spending more than two percent GDP on defense in twenty twenty five. Located on the Black Sea, Bulgaria is a critical ally in ensuring the security of the region. If confirmed, I will work closely with Bulgarian counterparts to strengthen our defense cooperation and help put them on a credible pathway to meet their Hague summit commitments by twenty thirty-five. If confirmed, I will also focus on economic diplomacy. The United States and Bulgaria enjoy a strong economic relationship, but we can improve commercial ties. especially in the energy sector, AI and critical minerals. I will promote American exports and encourage Bulgarian investment in the United States which will create jobs and opportunities for American workers. In conclusion, I'm honored to be considered for the role of Ambassador to Bulgaria. If confirmed, I will lead our mission to advance our priorities, protect American citizens, and strengthen the bonds between our two countries. I look forward to working with this committee and Bulgaria to achieve these important goals. Thank you for your consideration and I welcome your questions.

Thank you, Mr. Holder. We appreciate that. Mr. Dillard, the floor is yours.

Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member and distinguished members of the committee, I appreciate the chance to appear before you this morning. It is a privilege to be here. And I am grateful to have been entrusted with this nomination by the President and the Secretary of State. Before beginning, uh, I would like to recognize my wife, Julia, uh, also a Foreign Service Officer, um, and our children, Chase and Abigail, uh, who are here with me today, uh, my steady companions on this day as they have been in in our past twenty-eight years of diplomatic service including eight overseas postings in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Our family firmly believes in service to country and community. Family members' service goes back to the Revolutionary War, and in this past century spans my grandfather's duty in World War Two, Julia's father's army service in Korea and Vietnam, and deployments of uncles and cousins in the Gulf, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Growing up in the Midwest, I was surrounded at family events by doctors, nurses, teachers, school administrators, and social workers. In other words, builders of their communities. The call to public service runs deep in our family, and so it is the honor of my professional life to be nominated for this position. If confirmed, I would bring the relentless dedication our family would expect as a standard in this role. Building American strength and prosperity, through our engagement with the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of Comoros. The United States opened our first consulate in Madagascar more than a century and a half ago due to the possibilities of commerce and Madagascar's strategic location along the trade routes around the Cape of Good Hope and through the Mozambique channel. Today our cooperation touches maritime security, commerce, economic growth, mining, cyber security, health and education. Having come to the Department of State after teaching at business school and being a consultant, I have spent much of my diplomatic career on economic policy, on breaking down regulatory barriers to US trade and investment, and on promoting commercial deals. With the US government emphasizing trade, investment, and commerce as a foundation for our partnerships, I see significant potential in Madagascar and Comoros. If confirmed, delivering on that promise, will be my mission. More specifically, my priorities would start with the protection of US citizens. In line with our historic mission overseas, embassies have no higher duty than the safety and security of Americans. Commercially, I would focus on critical minerals and rare earth elements. Madagascar possesses deposits that are used by our manufacturing base and our national security apparatus and pairing American capital with Malagasy resources in a way that is mutually beneficial, would make direct contributions to US security and prosperity. I would monitor Madagascar's post-transition governance, ensuring US assistance is aligned with our strategic interests. I would bring attention to our health programming. The United States and Madagascar signed a five-year, one hundred and seventy-five million dollar agreement in twenty twenty five that will support malaria prevention, maternal, newborn and child health, polio eradication, and outbreak preparedness and response. Effective implementation of the health agreement will help save lives in Madagascar and keep America and the world safer and stronger. And in both Comoros and Madagascar, I would work to strengthen their geopolitical alignment with the United States. Finally, having held senior leadership positions in our embassies in Hungary, Kenya and South Africa, I know that it's not just what we do, but how we do it that matters. If confirmed, I would lead with an emphasis on integrity, respect, accountability, and proper stewardship of US taxpayer resources, elements that are key to creating a high morale and high impact embassy team. If confirmed, I will dedicate myself to delivering for the American people at this post. from our commercial initiatives to the safety of US citizens, and to our strategic goals in Madagascar and Comros. Thank you, and I welcome your questions.

Thank you, Mr. Dillard. You guys are all doing a great job. Now we'll hear from uh Miss Long.

Thank you. Chairman, Ranking Member, and distinguished members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to appear before you today as President Trump's nominee to serve as the US Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. I deeply appreciate the trust the President and the Secretary of State have shown in nominating me. And if confirmed, I look forward to working with Congress and the US inter-agency to advance our interests in Mauritania and I hope you all and your staff will come visit. I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunities my foreign service career has given me to serve the American people, help grow our economy, and advance national security. My foreign service parents, all three of them, modeled a commitment to service and that the richness of life is found in serving something greater than yourself. They shaped the commitment of all four of us kids, one of whom is behind me, um to uh to continue this, to invest our lives in consequential work, whether through the US military, government service, or private sector. My husband, Bobby Long, uh has been the biggest advocate for my career and for applying for this position. I'm thankful for his support and also for his own commitment to service. He's a retired Navy chief and a former deputy sheriff. We met while serving in Paktika, Afghanistan, as one does. Um, and I was there with State. He was still active duty Navy, which gave us the opportunity to see how we used our respective skills to advance US goals. He's a true hero and I'm grateful for his continued partnership. Also, huge thanks to friends and family, uh, watching online. If confirmed, I look forward to building on my experience to lead the US team as we partner with the Mauritanian government and other organizations to secure economic opportunities that benefit both of our countries. Mauritania occupies a strategic s position at the crossroads of West and North Africa, and has been a steady and reliable partner on both security and economic issues. President Ghazouani traveled to Washington last summer and to meet with President Trump, and committed to deepening security and commercial ties. Following following up on that uh partnership forged in that meeting is something I would prioritize if confirmed. I would seek to advance three priorities. First, I would expand US private sector investment and commercial ties. The impressive team at embassy New Akchat has already secured hundreds of millions of dollars in agreements in energy, mining and technology. I intend to build on that momentum to connect American businesses with Mauritania's untapped potential. Second, if confirmed, I will sustain and strengthen our security cooperation. As instability in the Sahel continues to threaten the interests of the United States and our allies, Mauritania's stability is an increasingly valuable asset. Our training and information sharing there are more important than ever. Third, I will work closely with the Mauritanian authorities on ill- illegal immigration concerns that affect US national security. If confirmed, I will prioritize the safety of mission personnel and the welfare of Americans visiting or living in Mauritania. I would look for every opportunity to advance US interests and values in this country that's rich in history, culture, and opportunity. Chairman, Ranking Member, distinguished members of the committee, Thank you for the opportunity to bef uh to appear before you today, and I welcome your questions.

Thank great job. Now I'll turn it over to ranking member Shahin for questions.

Um, thank you very much. So let me w begin with you, Mister Flens, um because you're currently serving as the acting head of our embassy in Chad, um and I know that refugees, as you pointed out in your opening statement from Sudan, continue to flow into Chad. Um So can you talk a little bit about what the status of the US UN office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs, OCHA, um what they're doing in Chad and what impact it's having on the worsening con humanitarian conditions.

Thank you, Ranking Member, for the for this important question. As you as you know, we uh contributed on one hundred million dollars through the United Nations, uh, OCHA pooled fund for a period of six months that was going towards lifesaving assistance. Um, that has been, uh, that's wrapping up, uh, within the next couple of weeks. All of that money all will have to be accounted for. Uh, we are also programming, expecting to to allocate another significant tranche of funding for lifesaving purposes as well. Is it ever going to be enough uh to meet the the increasing demands? Um, no, I can say that without any hesitation. Uh, but nonetheless it's being used, we're there to oversee that it's being that it's being used, going to the d intended beneficiaries and uh removing any obstacles to delivery of such assistance.

So how important would it be to be able to um stabilize the conflict in Sudan? to Chad's stability in the future.

It's immensely important, um, without their uh cr without the crisis in Sudan that continues to bring in uh outside actors, um, we wouldn't have the the level of refugee crisis that we're seeing in Chad, uh, at at the levels that we that we that currently exist. Um, I've had a chance to visit refugees in uh, the camps in the eastern part of Chad and in in formal discussions, they all want to go back.

Mm.

That's that's their goal. Um, so trying to find ways to to make that happen, um, by ending the conflict is uh is is our top priority. And I know our team here at the State Department is focused on on doing just that and bringing an end to the war.

Thank you. Um, Mister Holder. Congress recently voted with overwhelming majorities in both houses for the Lindsey O. Graham sanctioning Russian Iran Act, which was signed by the president. Um, I think it was, um, an excellent demonstration of the continued overwhelming support that the United States has, um, for Ukraine. How would you work with Bulgaria to, uh, given the current prime minister's efforts to reduce support for Ukraine, um to encourage them to increase their support, especially as we look at the winter coming and the other challenges facing Ukraine.

Senator, thank you for your question. To answer your original question, yes, I would be that voice, and I do believe that talking with the Bulgarian government about the importance of continuing to Ukraine over uh a period of time will be effective. And that's what I intend to do if um confirmed.

Thank you. Um, I have been concerned about and you mentioned um Bulgaria's efforts in NATO and um the EU, but they have really been obstructing North Macedonia's effort to um join the EU. And North Macedonia has even gone to the extraordinary measure of changing its name to address um issues, um that the EU had expressed concern about. Can you talk about whether you think there's a role to play for the United States, in terms of of helping to see if you can we can work with Bulgaria to um, stand down on their efforts to block North Macedonia's accession to the EU.

Thank you, Senator. The issue between those two nations are, uh, somewhat complicated. The relationship that the United States has with both nations, uh, is good, and it's a It's a difficult line because we don't want to lose the relationship with one by getting involved in in uh the disputes that they have. Um my intention would be to, if confirmed, maintain the relationship with both nations by talking with the leaders of both countries. and encouraging some sort of um understanding so that uh they can achieve their goals.

Well, I appreciate that, but you do agree that it's um it would be in America's interest for North Macedonia to be able to um be successful in joining the EU.

Yes.

Thank you. Thank you, Mister Chairman.

Is that okay?

Thank you, Senator. Congratulations to um all who have been nominated for these important positions thanks to your families too. Um, Mister Fonz, I wanna begin with you because you're in the unique position of already being in Chad as the charge. Um, for those here, the population of Chad is about twenty-two million, so to have one point five million refugees largely from Sudan, you can just get a sense for the challenges. Talk about just the challenges that sizeable refugee population posed to Chad as it's you know trying to meet the needs of its own.

Thank you, Senator Kane. The challenges are immense, as as you've noted. Um, they are also increasing instability in that part of the country, uh, where the numbers of Sudanese refugees, um, pose challenges, there's there's resource competition, there's tension between the refugee community and the host communities. That obviously contributes to the overall uh, unease and growing concern that this is not going to get better any time soon. Finding a way to help these refugees, um, have some kind of livelihoods, that they can at least be integrated into host communities, uh, is a priority for much of the UN efforts taking place in in the country. But ending this war in Sudan is, uh, is our top priority, because without that, Chad will never experience the kind of stability it needs in order to prosper. One of the the top goals of the president of of Chad is to is to create an environment to attract foreign investment to help build the country. It's hard to see how that dream will ever uh be realized if Chad continues to have experience this kind of instability. So we are hopeful that uh over with time uh in the in the near term We'll see uh an end to the crisis in Sudan that will help to alleviate these pressures that are contributing to the instability.

One of the things that's, you know, that always amazes me is how sometimes the - the - the poorest person can be the most generous and sometimes very poor countries are incredibly generous. Hosting one point five million refugees uh who are fleeing war and violence, very legitimate cause to cross borders to escape that. You know, we have to think about a - a poor country like Chad and what they're doing to try to meet those needs. Are there tensions and challenges? Sure there are, but boy, that is a generosity that is pretty remarkable. Um, here's one thing that we might be able to do if if we could, through your position that could help bring the war to an end. A UN fact-finding mission reports evidence that routes through Chad have been used to move military supplies and personnel into the RSF controlled areas of Sudan. Um, What might you do, uh, as ambassador, if confirmed, to work with the Chadian government to try to shut down these routes and prevent arms from reaching the RSF through Chadian territory?

Thank you, Senator. Uh, as Secretary Rubio said just last week, what's happening in Sudan, uh, wouldn't be happening if were it not for external actors supporting one side or another in the conflict. Um, we know who those actors are, as as do you. Uh, and we take seriously the reports that have surfaced, including the one that you cited from the UN fact-finding mission. Uh, we s- we have said repeatedly, and I would say, if confirmed as ambassador, uh, in any public remarks that I would be making or in, in private conversations that I would, that I would be having, is that military support for any party into the conflict in Sudan must, must end. We have a team back here, as you know, full time working on Sudan issues. And at various levels, those messages are being passed. And I will work in lockstep coordination with them, uh, and report my my assessments back to the department and also in my conversations with you with the committee when I return to Washington.

Great. Well, that's very important. I know Ms. Long was in Khartoum also, so we have a panel that's got some significant interest in resolving this. Mister Blithway, um with respect to Tonga, Tonga relies on diesel, imported diesel, for eighty percent of its electricity generation. So we think about diesel prices that we see at the pump, but we're not primarily using diesel to run our vehicles and also to heat our homes and run the economy. So Tonga has been very, very h hard hit by a fuel crisis driven by the Iran war. Um Prime Minister Faka Fanua warned that a prolonged conflict could put Tonga in quote " unknown territory". Um, and this war extending, even though Tonga is a very long way away from Iran, it's showing the the global consequences of the war. Um, should you be confirmed, how could you help Tonga manage the effects of the conflict, but in particular, um, build resilience in its energy sector against future supply shocks that could, you know, happen for any one of a number of reasons?

Thank you for highlighting an important uh issue, Senator. Uh energy s instability in these uh small small island nations is incredibly important um and and you're not even talking about uh millions and millions of dollars, or millions of gallons of diesel. Um but uh small projects and small amount of work in a place like Tonga can have an outsized impact. Uh one of the projects that uh the the government is currently working on, underneath of USTDA, it's about looking into feasibility of building some additional diesel storage at the port in Nucalofa. And to me those type of projects are they're just so valuable because they both achieve Tongan energy security and pr help them protect their own sovereignty. It also is a key in the US national interest in providing us with additional um safe harbors in the Pacific uh should we need them, places to refuel. So, you know, if confirmed continuing to pro uh pursue all of these projects uh to help uh the Tongans achieve the energy security that they need would be absolutely one of our top priorities.

Thank you so much. Thank you very much.

Thank you very much and uh Senator Duckworth, welcome.

Thank you uh, Mister Chairman, um I recently returned from Taiwan where I reinforced steadfast United States support um for Taiwan in the face of destabilizing POC interference and The overflight um details that the chairman already um uh was speaking to um are are really weighing heavy on the folks in Taiwan and came up repeatedly in my discussions alongside other PRC attempts to basically blockade Taiwan. I want to um double down on that point regarding overflight and make sure that those listening are following exactly what happened. As reference, um this spring the PRC put out all the stops um and they to try to ruin President Lai's first trip to Africa to visit Taiwan's partner, um Eswatini. At the behest of the PRC, Madagascar, Mauritius and the Seychelles all revoked approval of President Lai to fly through the airspace they managed delaying his trip and in violation of ICAO rules. When Lai left Eswatini, Madagascar and Mauritius interfered again to try to prevent him from returning home. It bears repeating Madagascar revoked standard cut-and-dry overflight paperwork for political reasons not once but twice. And that reason was solely because the planes passengers were Taiwan's democratically elected leadership. These reckless actions could endanger everyone who travels internationally. Because if the PRC's tactics go unanswered, it's not hard to imagine President Xi's next target might be a jet carrying civilians or critical air imports to Taipei Manila or another capital that sparks his ire. Mister Dillard, you're no stranger to managing posts where the PRC is aggressively undermining Taiwan's economic and international ties. So talk to me a little bit about what forms that pressure has taken place, uh, in places like South Africa and Kenya and its results there. How do you think the US can successfully counteract PRC's tactics?

Uh, Senator, thank you for that im- important question. Um, yes, as uh Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge in Kenya and in both of those roles as well uh in South Africa, I'm I'm no stranger to the competition with uh with China for uh for influence. Um and um to get at a a few parts of your question, um perhaps the the overflight um uh to to start with the overflight, um I do understand that the uh rescission of the overflight clearance in Madagascar had limited impact on uh on on Taiwan's the Taiwan Taiwanese president's flight. However, that uh revocation uh that behavior is indicative of the kind of intimidation tactics that uh that Beijing has used um a across the across the region. Um and in this case uh I I believe clearly undermined Madagascar's sovereign foreign policy decisions. So uh on uh on issues uh uh on similar issues uh if confirmed, uh I would engage constructively with the government of of Madagascar on the risks associated with deepening ties with China um uh and contrasting with the opportunities uh of working and advantages of working with the United States as a as a trusted partner. Uh in to the other parts of your question uh in Kenya and and South Africa um we have I believe used a um used a combination of uh, opportunities, the opportunity to work with uh US businesses, private sector, the the unparalleled um uh entrepreneurialism uh innovation that is on offer with partnering with with US entities, um while also making clear uh what uh uh activities with the with with China mean for these countries. Uh, if I could speak about Madagascar for for a moment, in Madagascar uh uh China is involved in um gold mining, uh, is involved in exploitation of rare hardwoods, um, like in South Africa, involved in illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing, um, all activities that essentially deprive, uh, the Malagasy people of their own resources.