NEW YORK (Press Release) — The American Jewish Committee (AJC), the global Jewish advocacy organization, congratulated Mike Pompeo on his swearing-in as Secretary of State today. The letter from AJC CEO David Harris to Secretary Pompeo follows:
As longtime admirers and supporters of the State Department’s defense of American interests and values across the globe, and as proud civil society partners in that vital mission, AJC congratulates you on your swearing-in as Secretary of State.
We recognize that the challenges you face are daunting. As you know from your interactions with our Kansas City colleagues during your years in Congress, AJC is deeply committed to U.S. leadership in international affairs. We share your belief, as you stated in your confirmation hearing two weeks ago, in diplomacy that promotes “America’s ideals, values, and priorities.” We were heartened by your pledge to immediately set about the task of filling the too-numerous vacancies in key Department positions, and we were particularly struck by the fundamental question you posed – and answered – in your opening statement:
“…As I have argued throughout my time in public service, if we do not lead the calls for democracy, prosperity, and human rights around the world, who will? No other nation is equipped with the same blend of power and principle….”
Through the work of our 11 overseas offices, six international institutes, our global interfaith activities and our advocacy programs in Washington and around the country, AJC maintains an active public policy profile – continuing a 112-year tradition.
At the top of our global agenda is denying Iran’s nuclear ambitions and hegemonic ambitions; protecting Jewish communities facing rising anti-Semitism; assuring Israel’s security and normalization of relations with all of its Arab neighbors; and defending universal human rights.
It is our earnest hope that among your first priorities will be the designation of a Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, closing a 15-month gap.
AJC has been honored to work closely with the State Department throughout our history, exchanging information and consulting with U.S. diplomats when we travel to other lands. With high expectations from your years of dedicated public service, we look forward to continuing that close interaction with you and your State Department colleagues.
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Preceding provided by the American Jewish Committee
Washington, D.C. — Representative Peter Roskam (R-IL) released the following statement congratulating CIA Director Mike Pompeo on his selection to serve as the next Secretary of State:
“I applaud Secretary Pompeo’s Senate confirmation and am confident in his abilities to serve as our nation’s top diplomat. Secretary Pompeo is wasting no time cultivating relationships important to our democracy and is already traveling to Brussels, Riyadh, Jerusalem and Amman to meet with our most important allies to address pressing international issues. The United States is facing various challenges around the globe and Secretary Pompeo is the right person to lead our diplomatic efforts to foster international stability and make the United States more prosperous and secure.”
[WASHINGTON, DC] — After voting against Mike Pompeo’s nomination for Secretary of State, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement:
“Our next Secretary of State should be someone who can effectively represent American values to the rest of the world, rebuild the strength and morale of our diplomatic corps and help restore our standing on the world stage, which Donald Trump has damaged over the course of his presidency. Mike Pompeo will not be that Secretary of State.
“Since joining Donald Trump’s cabinet, Director Pompeo has failed to demonstrate any desire to curb Donald Trump’s rash and reckless tendencies. His opposition to important international agreements like the Paris Climate Accords and the Iran nuclear deal undermines our diplomatic abilities, calls into question our ability to achieve international consensus on other pressing issues and leaves our nation more isolated. His unwillingness to forthrightly address important policy questions about the Trump Administration’s policies during his confirmation is also deeply troubling.
“He also not only refused to declare any moral opposition to torture, he went so far as to call those who engaged in torture ‘patriots.’ His past affiliation with an anti-Muslim hate group and refusal to disavow an anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist is disqualifying.
“Who we confirm for this important post sends a message to the rest of the world about our nation’s commitment, or lack thereof, to our international obligations, to condemning torture and to promoting human rights around the globe. The message we have sent by confirming Director Pompeo is that our nation has abandoned our values.”