[{"_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",6025749,"mediaKeyId","5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5","parentId",5752859,"title","Nominee for State Department Population, Refugees and Migration outlines 'America First' approach, faces questions on vetting and refugee priorities","audioSeconds",2463,"startMs",3040000,"endMs",5503000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5&start=3040&end=5503","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5/thumbnail_3040000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6025749/Nominee-for-State-Department-Population-Refugees-and-Migration-outlines-America-First-approach-faces-questions-on-vetting-and-refugee-priorities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025749-2e76aad1c1fed815c3c1d0f08457ebf2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770398645&Signature=U8E9mSnu5XWAmKCU08jTsZABnpDkzAOxPj3IxdAfcSh67xp4Dq7vjF4UHg3q5LZeS1E8z5h4~rE5xxoEyf2~zW5SB1wQMiUQKZRck0oYKZetlq0bcLeMAb2x8MUWLAXMfphTnalpVwJOxn6STjkUf0rJftPFXQQDfcGqZ~ZSXZK5JLp4srSyqX1cndezb-iwovapuEX4yZ5URDKM0suj34Z5e54m5yNiegBxxhunLjP7VvmjhZU511MYPorSCoJd7rZOIdYD1GK7Lwzxwt-ZXGZZeNDbtmAM8~~8SBWP3Ofjg3jvgWxcwrLW9pfi0~m-V1~IRLX2b0xqqUwEgFkq-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations","date","2025-09-11T00:00:00Z","article","The nominee for assistant secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) testified to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 11 that the bureau should align foreign assistance with administration priorities, support voluntary remigration where appropriate, and pursue reforms to the international migration and asylum framework.

In opening remarks the nominee described recent reductions in border encounters and said the PRM should support the president’s “whole-of-government” efforts to secure borders while coordinating with Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and other partners. The nominee said past PRM programming ‘‘facilitated mass migration’’ and that future assistance should be tied to concrete U.S. national interests.

Why it matters: PRM oversees refugee admissions and humanitarian assistance programs that affect asylum seekers, resettlement procedures and U.S. relationships with partner countries. Committee members focused on vetting standards, prioritization of refugee groups and the Lautenberg program, which historically provided a resettlement pathway for certain Iranian religious minorities.

Key points from testimony and questioning

- Policy orientation: The nominee said they would ‘‘seek to apply’’ an America-first lens to foreign assistance managed by PRM, including streamlining staffing and consolidating programming. They said the bureau should support voluntary repatriation and press other countries to shoulder more responsibility.

- System reform: The nominee argued the post–World War II migration regime needs reform to address modern travel, communications and economic realities, and said some asylum and refugee processes have been exploited for economic migration.

- Vetting and resettlement concerns: Senators raised reports of rapid approvals for some Afrikaner refugees and asked whether vetting was robust. The nominee responded that adjudication of refugee status is done by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and pledged, if confirmed, to ensure refugees are vetted to the highest possible standards.

- Lautenberg program and religious minorities: Senator Rosen asked about efforts to restart the Lautenberg program for Iranian religious minorities. The nominee said they had worked on the issue previously as a deputy assistant secretary and had attempted to resolve logistical obstacles with European partners before COVID-19 interrupted progress.

What the record shows and does not

The hearing records the nominee’s policy priorities and repeated references to coordinating closely with DHS/USCIS on refugee admissions and vetting. The committee discussed recent directional choices on refugee quotas and prioritization but the nominee said decisions about which populations are admitted rest in part with the president and USCIS adjudication processes. The committee did not take final action or set new quotas at the hearing.

Ending

The nominee committed to work with Congress and federal partners on refugee admissions, vetting standards and overseas programming if confirmed. Senators signaled close scrutiny on vetting practices and on how PRM priorities would be set and implemented.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Nomination Hearing 09/11/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The nominee for assistant secretary of the State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 11 that the bureau should align programming with U.S. national interests, support voluntary repatriation where appropriate, and seek reforms to the international migration framework.","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},6025753,"Herschel Walker pledges to prioritize security, tourism and U.S. investment in testimony for Bahamas ambassadorship",4713,2762000,7475000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5&start=2762&end=7475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5/thumbnail_2762000.jpg","/articles/6025753/Herschel-Walker-pledges-to-prioritize-security-tourism-and-US-investment-in-testimony-for-Bahamas-ambassadorship","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025753-d835eeab0a099eb0ea8aa01f809f9a6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770398645&Signature=aa0GX25hNXpdxUpMz9k9cmGshg6vEV4gr8vjBORCcztZkt6Wl4d-it0YuZINnsIs5tC2-6zh9ddFhvMKqZuHDYgLHyFqWwTxASb0HItpadSbftneqbu~AonjuqI8mBUgtxDPS8spQVBlZGvvbqfHY38wTB1e7NAscPX~BfZp3aKkV9LDfbv-uL0G258hbNtUc2mysWRsoxBlbSXbUSogW8VXOwfk~knqxMS61uVch3ZHVGHPoEhTMbMra8WsZfMvkvBYLkA-1HBOyT~wseX4-LXhkm74kvrL1naEs1v-UJxQTem2q7AUGzAMVO3-gA6eOTwmR~5T6DlfGHt5oys8ig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Herschel Walker, President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 11 that his top priorities would be protecting American tourists and residents, strengthening law enforcement cooperation and encouraging U.S. investment.

Walker, a former professional athlete and businessman, described a long record of community and military outreach and said The Bahamas has lacked a Senate-confirmed U.S. ambassador since 2011. ‘‘The American and the Bahamian people deserve better,’’ he said in his opening statement.

Why it matters: The Bahamas lies about 50 miles off the coast of Florida and the committee heard concerns from senators about Chinese infrastructure investments in the Caribbean and rising narcotics trafficking that could pose security risks to the U.S.

Key points from the hearing

- Diplomatic gap: Walker and several senators noted there has not been a Senate-confirmed U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas since 2011. Walker said appointing an ambassador is critical to deepening bilateral cooperation.

- China’s footprint: Walker warned of growing Chinese investment and influence in the region, citing a large deepwater port project and other infrastructure moves. He said he would work to make the United States “the partner of choice” by encouraging U.S. business investment and strengthening bilateral relationships.

- Security and narcotics: Walker emphasized cooperation on counter-narcotics operations and praised existing initiatives such as Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, saying he would seek to sustain and strengthen law enforcement collaboration.

Senators’ questions and exchanges

- China and regional influence: Multiple senators asked Walker what policy approaches he would pursue to resist Chinese pressure. Walker said he would promote American private-sector investment in The Bahamas and work closely with Bahamian authorities to make the U.S. the preferred partner.

- Law enforcement cooperation: Senators asked whether Walker could strengthen joint efforts to disrupt drug trafficking and criminal networks. He said he would emphasize relationship-building and communication among law enforcement agencies to build an effective team.

What the record shows and does not

The hearing records Walker’s priorities and senators’ concerns about China’s regional outreach and narcotics trafficking; it did not include a committee vote or an agreement on specific new programs or funding.

Ending

Walker told senators he would use relationship-building and commercial engagement to advance U.S. interests in The Bahamas and pledged to prioritize the safety of American citizens and close cooperation with Bahamian partners.","Herschel Walker, nominee for U.S. ambassador to The Bahamas, said his priorities would include tourist and resident safety, countering Chinese influence and bolstering cooperation on drug trafficking. Senators asked about China’s investments and narcotics trafficking risks.",{"_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},6025756,"Sergio Gore, White House personnel director, urges deeper U.S.-India trade, defense and technology ties if confirmed as ambassador to India",6097,1281000,7378000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5&start=1281&end=7378","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5/thumbnail_1281000.jpg","/articles/6025756/Sergio-Gore-White-House-personnel-director-urges-deeper-US-India-trade-defense-and-technology-ties-if-confirmed-as-ambassador-to-India","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025756-93638d82c33d20c70c5bfbfb4b2a079e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770398645&Signature=hBv5EwpyIxhLIpJ17h6EGJc7FIxQLVv7WEnuqqd95In8T0KtcHKv-IC8Lp5rcZca93Fn0YZT~U1nx2v34KXU4PHHKRJuEBbVjodBcWRt0Wlp-3nOObGCdSEeIIoHkmyYM-XwInLtBsi5AD4zUQRQs5fX4Qy~QAGrX1riejM-t-4ESjoI9njpAaI1CyM-IbT-gaZSyzqCzDG56wYuuOw92W0vsWy3774oBK1Mz2yoswzVOcLq~UiLGNRhLHwNO7tqI6BKl-OWBbwBvM2wJnM-iM3qz9prLHuO2P6zW3UHj79aMaNr3ueBpeLCrP8iaJ5b7JTxr0uwtEI92SO0NuG5kQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sergio Gore, the White House director of presidential personnel and President Trump’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to India, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 11 that he would prioritize defense cooperation, trade liberalization, energy exports and technology ties if confirmed.

Gore said India’s geographic position, economic growth and military capabilities make it “a cornerstone of regional stability” and urged work toward the administration’s “Mission 500” goal to double bilateral trade to $500,000,000,000 by 2030. He also described his special-envoy role covering parts of South and Central Asia as a complement to career ambassadors in the region.

The nominee framed India as a partner for U.S. strategic and economic interests. “India is a strategic partner whose trajectory will shape the region and beyond,” Gore said in his opening remarks. He told senators he would press for expanded joint military exercises, co-development of defense systems, increased U.S. energy exports, and closer cooperation on artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

Why it matters: India’s size and strategic position make it central to U.S. policy in the Indo-Pacific. Gore’s testimony emphasized using diplomatic, commercial and security tools in tandem to counter competing influence in the region and to expand U.S. market access.

Key details from the hearing

- Defense and security: Gore said he would “prioritize deepening defense and security cooperation” with India, including expanding joint exercises and concluding critical defense sales. Committee members noted recent U.S.-India troop training and urged continuing that trend.

- Trade and tariffs: Gore acknowledged active trade negotiations and said the administration is “not that far apart” from Indian negotiators. He pledged to work on making India’s markets more accessible, telling senators he had been briefed on tariff and non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. agricultural and industrial exports.

- Energy: Gore said increasing U.S. crude oil, petroleum product and liquefied natural gas exports to India is a priority, framing energy sales as a tool to reduce third-party influence in global markets.

- Technology and the Quad: Gore said the administration will push technology cooperation under the U.S.-India Trust Initiative and support Quad cooperation, citing recent ministerial activity and a planned Quad meeting later in the year.

Senators pressed Gore on several points

- Russian oil purchases: Senators asked how Gore would push India to reduce purchases of Russian oil that can indirectly fund Russia’s war in Ukraine. Gore said the president has invited Indian trade ministers to Washington and that negotiations were ongoing. He added, “We hold our friends to a different standard. Frankly, we expect more from India.”

- Special envoy role: Chairman Risch and other senators asked how Gore’s role as a presidential special envoy for parts of South and Central Asia would interact with career ambassadors. Gore said he would “complement” rather than supplant career diplomats and would use his direct access to the president to raise high-level issues when appropriate.

- Staffing and personnel: Several senators pressed Gore about his tenure as director of presidential personnel. Gore described his office’s hiring record—he said the office filled over 95% of positions rapidly—and committed to working constructively with the State Department’s career foreign service, saying “the State Department has incredible talent built over many decades.”

What the record shows and what it does not

The hearing recorded Gore’s priorities and several specific administration goals (trade target, defense cooperation, energy exports). The committee discussion referenced pending trade negotiations and legislative proposals on tariffs, but no confirmation vote or final policy decision was taken at the hearing.

Ending

Gore left the hearing having outlined an agenda focused on expanding U.S.-India economic ties, deepening defense cooperation and leveraging his White House access. Senators signaled continued attention to trade details, energy policy and the integration of his special-envoy duties with existing diplomatic posts.","At a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Sergio Gore outlined priorities including expanded defense cooperation, trade liberalization, energy exports and Quad engagement. Senators pressed him on India’s purchases of Russian oil, tariffs and his role as a special envoy to South and Central Asia.",{"_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},6025744,"Jordan nominee emphasizes security partnership, support for U.S. citizens and concerns about foreign tech influence",3547,3296000,6843000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5&start=3296&end=6843","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5752859-1cee89c1a9fe0a7078534d355ed70ef5/thumbnail_3296000.jpg","/articles/6025744/Jordan-nominee-emphasizes-security-partnership-support-for-US-citizens-and-concerns-about-foreign-tech-influence","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6025744-45a6d564e21b288f72d26b3bfe096db3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770398645&Signature=Oe5ZLCT9ZsgifPk0nd4h8xr~-YV0PBuXBpt-5wUKBmJ5bqRErXeYEN6z3niS1BT8~iOBFjWNfF21K3cjmepbWL-ClaDKFZG-FU08XwrmuxxPFN-BCKGiV3pK0L41kZ5-d6ZbhbTbikInQXCewuSffwTt3LRPwW8kmI-Tqy51QVkloDQvrgNn1dCfZ~EnFhqAxn~E1D4BfLs0MIkiAwjGmI2QX8vKrVOj1~BGhR3A6xVHJquHRGncloMHcvO~yldBHh2b~-S4VK9XsY5sVZzUZqCG-2Iw40F8OWnP6ZVtBw~8wLDpH-OKQmj6T7cc~xC6BFAGgmzDlK2oEeqRhDMZaA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The president’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Sept. 11 that strengthening the bilateral security partnership and protecting U.S. citizens in Jordan would be top priorities if confirmed.

The nominee described a career that included service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Somalia and noted Jordan’s role as a major non-NATO ally that hosts Palestinian and Syrian refugees. The nominee said Jordan had been receptive to U.S. concerns about Chinese technology involvement in critical digital infrastructure and called for continued cooperation to mitigate associated risks.

Why it matters: Jordan is a long-standing U.S. partner in the Middle East whose cooperation affects counterterrorism, regional stability and humanitarian access. Senators asked about Jordan’s capacity to manage regional pressures and about U.S. efforts to ensure assistance reaches intended recipients.

Key details from the hearing

- Security and defense cooperation: The nominee cited existing defense agreements and memoranda of understanding and said opportunities exist to update and enhance security cooperation, including support for U.S. military colleagues in the region.

- China and technology: The nominee told the committee that Jordan has been receptive to U.S. concerns regarding Chinese tech companies’ involvement in Jordan’s 5G and other digital infrastructure and said the U.S. ought to work with Jordan to mitigate risks.

- Assistance and U.S. citizens: The nominee said thousands of Americans live in Jordan and pledged to prioritize consular assistance and the safety of U.S. citizens.

Senators’ questions and exchanges

- Regional pressures and Jordan’s stability: Senators cited headwinds facing Jordan, including public sentiment tied to regional events. The nominee called for continued support and engagement to bolster Jordanian resilience.

- Humanitarian access and Gaza: Senators asked the nominee to work with the committee to address obstructions to assistance flows to Gaza; the nominee committed to cooperate with Congress to facilitate assistance if confirmed.

What the record shows and does not

The hearing captured the nominee’s priorities and past regional experience. It did not include confirmation action or new resource commitments.

Ending

The nominee reiterated a commitment to strengthen the U.S.-Jordan partnership on security, digital infrastructure risk mitigation and consular assistance, and pledged to work with Congress on humanitarian access issues if confirmed.","The president’s nominee for U.S. ambassador to Jordan stressed the long-standing U.S.-Jordan security partnership, willingness to update defense cooperation and the need to mitigate risks from foreign technology firms. Senators pressed for assurances on assistance flow and regional stability.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Nominee for State Department Population, Refugees and Migration outlines 'America First' approach, faces questions on vetting and refugee priorities

Herschel Walker pledges to prioritize security, tourism and U.S. investment in testimony for Bahamas ambassadorship

Sergio Gore, White House personnel director, urges deeper U.S.-India trade, defense and technology ties if confirmed as ambassador to India

Jordan nominee emphasizes security partnership, support for U.S. citizens and concerns about foreign tech influence