Secretary of State Antony Blinken has penned a letter to senators, emphasizing the importance of confirming numerous diplomatic nominees awaiting a vote. Blinken warns that leaving ambassadorships vacant could pose a threat to U.S. national security. Out of the 38 State Department nominees awaiting Senate votes, 35 are career officers. This plea comes as Sen. Rand Paul has been blocking votes on diplomatic nominees, seeking additional information on the origins of COVID-19.
Blinken highlights the negative impact of vacant posts on national security, including the ability to reassure allies, counter adversaries, and advance policy priorities critical to national security. Without confirmation, ambassador positions in Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and Lebanon will be left without confirmed ambassadors this summer.
Moreover, Blinken cautions against the potential long-term consequences of holding up nominees for reasons unrelated to their qualifications. He expresses concern that if the new standard becomes subjecting career State nominees to holds based on unrelated issues, it will weaken the country’s diplomatic strength and allow competitors to gain an advantage.
Sen. Paul’s decision to block State Department nominees stems from his request for documents on the source of the coronavirus, which the administration states it doesn’t possess. In addition, frustration has arisen over GOP Sen. Tommy Tuberville’s hold on Pentagon nominees in protest of the Defense Department’s abortion policy.
Ultimately, the confirmation of diplomatic nominees is crucial to maintaining a secure and effective foreign policy landscape.
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