Thank you very much to all the members of this distinguished Committee.
I’m here to introduce a friend and a fellow Iowan.
This is Matt Whitaker and he’s nominated to serve as our next U.S. Ambassador to NATO. We also welcome his family here this morning.
Now, in Iowa, Matt is widely known for reasons I’ll give you, but he’s also well known here in Washington for his service during the first Trump administration, in which he served [for] a long period of time, but most importantly as Acting Attorney General.
Prior to that, while serving as Chief of Staff at the Department of Justice, Matt traveled around the globe meeting with world leaders on law enforcement matters, notably with Chinese officials to discuss fentanyl production.
During the George W. Bush administration, Matt served our home state as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District. That was from the years 2004 to 2009.
His years of public service in the legal and criminal justice areas demonstrate an unwavering commitment to our country and to the rule of law.
Back home in Iowa, Matt is known for his outstanding achievements at Kinnick Stadium, home of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
On the football field, Matt cultivated a no-nonsense work ethic and commitment to teamwork that underscores our nation’s motto, E plurbis unum – “out of many, is one.”
He never lets you forget about his support for the Hawkeyes, he never forgets about his support for the University of Iowa and it’s hard for me to get him to admit there’s even a University of Northern Iowa.
Matt then brings that rallying cry to bear, no matter where he goes.
As an athlete, as a U.S. Attorney and to the very top rung of our nation’s law enforcement ladder.
So, I’m proud to sit here, shoulder to shoulder, with a true friend this morning and with a distinguished alumnus of the University of Iowa, where Matt earned his undergraduate, M.B.A. and his law degrees.
To my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, I want to say thank you for allowing me to introduce an outstanding Iowan for this very important nomination.
I want you all to know that I extend my endorsement to this nominee to represent the United States of America on the world stage with our NATO allies.
He’ll do it with the same enthusiasm as he speaks about Iowa football.
Thank you.
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