[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6253850,"mediaKeyId","3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412","parentId",3177781,"title","Leah Campos pledges focus on migration, counter‑cartel work and limiting Chinese influence if confirmed as ambassador to the Dominican Republic","audioSeconds",2913,"startMs",3544000,"endMs",6457000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412&start=3544&end=6457","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412/thumbnail_3544000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6253850/Leah-Campos-pledges-focus-on-migration-countercartel-work-and-limiting-Chinese-influence-if-confirmed-as-ambassador-to-the-Dominican-Republic","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253850-e1f5c3f95166c8188d55386127dc6a47/orig.mp4?Expires=1770487300&Signature=W2AuKsBpX36A0R47vcAqx-MfIcW3-jevDEJeQIT7wNDyCk0KKT0xRJG23MjdZG~Z4uQHB7dJav6u3C2VRzg1MwmFm~SuqVw4QbCx0T3ce9h23-G1smjUlzb3psv3emlQoePi~WlkuOVo2GJ-GQcs9y3A7~pw-BAJ3h6KhOSxzZDz448ri2Qj7ksx3MreesHtgkEc~vdZhGdW1BgVZ-DH2wpVIDeHEMsbvmvDTOlOJIGcF1EgEEx~e7YxqOD9Io0UsdL2EnbnX1j-cvl9FJ2VhWHZKKgtzLPKhclFcJXp9fYie4sC-4IWKTdVtOWqabyGQteDEQ3N~UIdmm8TzLheLQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations","date","2025-05-01T00:00:00Z","article","Leah Campos, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee she would prioritize border security, disruption of drug cartels, and countering the People’s Republic of China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere if confirmed.

\"If confirmed, my primary focus as ambassador will be to advance President Trump and Secretary Rubio's foreign policy priorities of ensuring a safer, stronger, and more prosperous United States,\" Campos said in her opening statement. She highlighted long‑standing people‑to‑people links, citing that more than 2,000,000 Americans of Dominican heritage live in the United States and that bilateral trade totals more than $30,000,000,000 annually, with a U.S. trade surplus she described at about $5,500,000,000.

Senators questioned Campos about regional instability in Haiti and about the Dominican Republic’s role as host for the Summit of the Americas. Senator Tim Kaine, among others, asked how the Dominican Republic and the United States might work together to address instability in Haiti. Campos said she would coordinate closely with the U.S. mission in Port‑au‑Prince, with the Dominican government and with the committee to seek policy options while deferring to the administration on any specific course of action. \"We already have a really strong relationship across the anti‑drug trafficking, anti‑criminality operations,\" she said, and she noted the U.S. mission in the Dominican Republic has lacked an ambassador for roughly four years.

On Chinese influence in the region, Campos said countering the \"malign influence\" of the Chinese Communist Party would be a priority. She also noted mission morale and professional growth of first‑ and second‑tour officers would be a priority if she were confirmed.

Discussion vs. decision: the session was a nomination hearing and question period; no committee vote occurred during the transcript. Campos repeatedly pledged to work with the committee and the administration and to follow up on specific requests.

Ending: Senators said they would rely on the nominee to re‑energize the bilateral relationship and to help prepare for the Summit of the Americas; the committee left the record open for additional questions.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nomination Hearing: May 1st, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Leah Campos, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the Dominican Republic, emphasized border security, anti‑drug cooperation, and countering Chinese influence in the hemisphere; senators asked about Haiti, the upcoming Summit of the Americas and mission morale after a four‑year vacancy.","taxTitle","Foreign Relations: Senate Committee, Standing Committees - House & Senate, Congressional Hearings Compilation, Legislative, Federal","taxId",1994,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253853,"Joe Popolo, nominee to the Netherlands, highlights semiconductors, trade and NATO cooperation",390,3185000,3575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412&start=3185&end=3575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412/thumbnail_3185000.jpg","/articles/6253853/Joe-Popolo-nominee-to-the-Netherlands-highlights-semiconductors-trade-and-NATO-cooperation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253853-8303193409da38f0572cb18d00e01534/orig.mp4?Expires=1770487300&Signature=oSPZCXHv0-xnr0gvrbFemC9gDeCZ4aUUevBOixYCnC1v7MuvHXEVTxStuf~mVhHqp1Fne4C9Z7IGxdS6wx0bD1judEgOMqX6WdbKWQst-mkAEVOds5zFzgv2S8Vz6TNQenwye11auNeRbU94u6s8al5-2ZEF0p9Wh9-nyy-a6qeVqoROIYJ83gfB-NdYg8dC3H2mRb43zFR1AYPFMOGQYnLld~dV8LFryjTiz6NqDMama-w0K0H3afxEwXGRF5QwJhj9Jb2GpbfB-UBagRmPn~7X0GOC249DqG971znxRANGoV2DCg7Z79lZGCv55jYTWeBGA6qwHfGPaOr4DDsSZw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Joe Popolo, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he would work to strengthen trade, protect critical semiconductor technologies and encourage continued Dutch contributions to NATO and transatlantic security.

\"I will seek export opportunities for U.S. companies and ensure that high‑tech cooperation between American and Dutch firms continues,\" Popolo said, noting the Netherlands’ central role in semiconductor manufacturing and equipment. He told the committee he would convey U.S. appreciation for the Netherlands’ role in the global semiconductor supply chain and would press Dutch leaders on export controls and technology cooperation.

Senators pressed Popolo on defense matters and foreign military sales. Senator Joni Ernst and Senator Jerry Hagerty (questioners) referenced a recent $2.2 billion State Department approval for Tomahawk missiles to the Netherlands; Popolo said he would \"be a very forceful advocate\" to ensure agreed deliveries and to address supply‑chain bottlenecks that limit allied procurement. He described ambitions to expand U.S. exports, noting the United States runs a large trade surplus with the Netherlands and that Dutch investment supports American jobs.

On NATO burden‑sharing, Popolo said he would carry the administration’s message urging European partners to increase defense spending; he described the Netherlands as a close partner that has met NATO’s 2 percent guideline but said the administration seeks higher European contributions. He also flagged cyber and semiconductor cooperation as priority portfolio issues at post.

Discussion vs. decision: the hearing consisted of testimony and Q&A; no committee vote was recorded during the session. Popolo committed to working with committee staff and U.S. industry to address supply‑chain and export‑control issues.

Ending: Senators welcomed Popolo’s business background as an asset for trade and technology diplomacy and signaled follow‑up on supply‑chain and foreign‑military‑sales questions.","Joe Popolo, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to the Netherlands, told senators he would press on trade and semiconductor cooperation, advocate for U.S. industry and support Dutch contributions to NATO; senators raised supply‑chain constraints and foreign military sales concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253858,"Edward Walsh says he will defend Good Friday Agreement, deepen U.S.‑Ireland economic ties if confirmed as ambassador",1578,2869000,4447000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412&start=2869&end=4447","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412/thumbnail_2869000.jpg","/articles/6253858/Edward-Walsh-says-he-will-defend-Good-Friday-Agreement-deepen-USIreland-economic-ties-if-confirmed-as-ambassador","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253858-911f9d62f1519f22cc43f06898ab664b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770487300&Signature=kMs~yUfkEggT71d5lq1KHY7b-u56Dvr~SmVI5XoLtN~0Q7ZqG~LHGsLCisbwykuSjrWfuiL9eiPtBZUsyjkFZdmSnhxgH6u1a1i0p3uArIvNHEr-Yl-kWdXiqYvGCMZ1V7wzYwWMLKDSmbVMYykGcFRhVv9choOJN59fLX--C8pwOf74x65WEGjvXcLsBJvcpiVxHpYdbiVNsbc-nJnA1ky~kmvmt53gwNKZ0Wl5-shXxZMcBrthPB3yF-gdkCeTlVvuDWlujdW3vWsuJLbi8A9yPVNTHwf-4kfkMxEC-NVU3QXvY0BSr1cFhpwlnWBkRsT9iCGgM0PBFttUbBOC2Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Edward Walsh, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to Ireland, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he would prioritize strengthening economic ties, sustaining bipartisan U.S. support for the Good Friday Agreement and maintaining close security and cultural links.

\"If confirmed, I am committed to representing our country to protect, promote, and advance our interest in Ireland,\" Walsh said, describing his roots, family ties and business background and saying he would emphasize economic partnership and cultural exchange.

Senators asked about the United States’ role in preserving the Good Friday Agreement and about recent comments from Irish officials relating to Israel. Senator Jeanne Shaheen asked how Walsh would \"help be a guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement and supporting this cross‑island engagement.\" Walsh said the United States had played an important historical role and that communication and continued engagement would be central to his approach. \"I do plan on also meeting with, Ambassador Stevenson a few times to actually discuss with him and keep that line open,\" Walsh said, pledging to raise issues and report back to the committee.

In questioning about Irish statements on Israel after October 7, several senators expressed concern. Chairman Jim Risch and other members characterized some Irish government remarks as out of step with U.S. views on Israel. Walsh said he would take up the matter in direct discussions with Irish officials and emphasized that \"there's no room for antisemitism throughout the world.\"

Walsh highlighted economic items in his testimony, noting Ireland’s outsized role in foreign direct investment to the United States and saying he would work to \"enhance the framework so it serves Americans even more effectively.\" He also said he would promote academic and cultural ties and support American firms and investments.

Discussion vs. decision: the hearing was a session of testimony and questioning; no committee vote on Walsh’s nomination was recorded in the transcript. Walsh pledged to engage with both Irish officials and U.S. stakeholders on the issues raised.

Ending: Senators encouraged bipartisan diplomacy and asked Walsh to relay concerns back to the committee; the record was left open for additional submissions and post‑hearing questions.","Edward Walsh, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Ireland, emphasized trade, bipartisanship and support for the Good Friday Agreement; senators asked how he would respond to recent Irish government statements on Israel and to maintain U.S. influence on Northern Ireland peace arrangements.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6253863,"Charles Kushner, Trump nominee to France and Monaco, tells Senate he will press allies on defense spending and Holocaust education",1504,1358000,2862000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412&start=1358&end=2862","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3177781-06a1663ed7aadb8160ad3ad2fb06c412/thumbnail_1358000.jpg","/articles/6253863/Charles-Kushner-Trump-nominee-to-France-and-Monaco-tells-Senate-he-will-press-allies-on-defense-spending-and-Holocaust-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6253863-13805049c2e2e8e8598407883919a274/orig.mp4?Expires=1770487300&Signature=XVNKxBDnEGE9pL6LuGH7uZoX--KaFQQzmkg6iqGoUlxy6OsqQ55gnqG0qsvJXRwrCiKa-fZUzeBP~LBXlyC8OlbXNE8pyxPLnBfUMdcehyPH34uzxgjh3ZV98XWiGgnskXgG4BLet0klaI07EBBlW0K-N5NtQ98kNLJxsf7S6FlptcvFA9pt5XYnNv7SS7TkgGK0HM1D8UBTxTuykrK3OP4fzrMnl6rolot7hfCJwe8pc5YV8oPRTEclqQsyoDYWuHpQAXmcDx20Go6dMk55GR1XANDbGttsXcPYdrC2biFjcjQGieRGDcUxr59dldupLx4PsqWM9o~-RmdEq5Ocvg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Charles Kushner, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to France and Monaco, appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and said he would press Paris on trade imbalances, urge higher French defense spending and promote Holocaust education if confirmed. \"If confirmed, I am dedicated to building an even stronger relationship between the United States and our oldest ally, France,\" Kushner told the committee.

Kushner framed three priorities for the post: seek a more balanced trade relationship, strengthen U.S.–France defense cooperation and advocate for Holocaust education and efforts to counter antisemitism. He told senators that France is a \"key NATO ally\" and said he would \"urge France to invest more in its defense capabilities.\" He cited a figure during his remarks that, he said, France had invested about $360,000,000,000 in the United States.

The nomination drew immediate questions about Kushner’s 2005–2006 convictions. \"You have been convicted of a felony,\" said Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the panel’s top Democrat, referencing Kushner’s past guilty plea and prison term. Kushner responded directly, acknowledging the convictions as \"a very, very, very serious mistake\" he said occurred more than 20 years ago and noting he had obtained a pardon from President Trump. \"My misjudgment and mistake was over 20 years ago,\" Kushner said. \"I am not a perfect person. I made a very, very, very serious mistake, and I paid a very heavy price for that mistake.\" He also pledged to comply with the committee’s guidance on financial disclosures, divestiture and other ethics steps.

Committee members pressed Kushner on how he would use the ambassadorship to advance U.S. national security interests in Europe, including coordination on Russia, China and NATO burden‑sharing. Senator Mike Ricketts asked whether Kushner would encourage France to maintain deployments and to take stronger steps in the Indo‑Pacific; Kushner replied, \"Absolutely,\" and said he would press French officials to step up defense commitments. Senator Ben Sasse and others also questioned how Kushner would push for higher defense spending beyond NATO’s 2 percent target, referencing President Trump’s higher benchmark.

Kushner also described personal priorities tied to his background, saying he would \"be an advocate for accurate Holocaust education\" and for protecting Jewish communities in France. He cited reports he said showed a high share of young adults unaware of the Holocaust and called for expanded education efforts.

Discussion vs. decision: the hearing comprised testimony and a round of questioning; the committee did not vote on the nomination during this session and no formal action was recorded in the transcript. Kushner repeatedly pledged to respond to post‑hearing document requests and to follow any committee directions on financial or ethics matters.

Ending: The committee left the record open for additional materials and signaled that nominees may receive follow‑up questions for the record. Kushner asked the committee to consider his record of philanthropy and public service alongside his past conviction as it weighs the nomination.

","Charles Kushner, nominated to be U.S. ambassador to France and Monaco, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee he will push for fair trade, greater French defense spending and enhanced Holocaust education; senators questioned his 20‑year‑old felony conviction and sought assurances about his judgment and financial disclosures.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Leah Campos pledges focus on migration, counter‑cartel work and limiting Chinese influence if confirmed as ambassador to the Dominican Republic

Joe Popolo, nominee to the Netherlands, highlights semiconductors, trade and NATO cooperation

Edward Walsh says he will defend Good Friday Agreement, deepen U.S.‑Ireland economic ties if confirmed as ambassador

Charles Kushner, Trump nominee to France and Monaco, tells Senate he will press allies on defense spending and Holocaust education