Chairman Risch Opening Statement at Nominations Hearing on September 16, 2026
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today gave the following opening remarks at a full committee nomination hearing. Witnesses included Joshua Harris to be Ambassador to Malaysia, Henry Wooster to be Ambassador to Kenya, Peter Lord to be Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Keith Heffern to be Ambassador to the Gabonese Republic and Charles Goodman III to be Ambassador to the Togolese Republic.
Chairman Risch gave the following remarks:
“Thank you to the nominees and the families. We certainly know the sacrifices the families make in your public service. We appreciate the families’ participation. There are five of you going to five very interesting countries.
“We will start with you, Mr. Harris. As you know, our relationship with Malaysia is an important one. Our longstanding cooperation on maritime security and counterterrorism has safeguarded U.S. interests and regional security. And under the leadership of both President Trump and Prime Minister Anwar, we have historic opportunities to deepen our cooperation on critical minerals, export controls, sanctions enforcement, and nuclear energy.
“If confirmed, I hope you will make more progress on all of these issues and that you will clearly communicate these interests to our Malaysian partners. We need to continue to find areas where we can work together to the benefit of both nations and, when needed, have tough conversations about the growing regional influence of our adversaries like China and Russia.
“Ambassador Wooster, Kenya is a sub-Saharan Africa ally, but a challenge. It certainly has been a partner in countering terrorism, gang violence in Haiti, and responding to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“But while we appreciate this cooperation from Kenya, I have also called for a sober assessment of our relationship due to Kenya’s elevated diplomatic ties with China and its support of the Rapid Support Forces as they continue to terrorize the people of Sudan. I know you understand the importance of our relationship with Kenya, particularly given your most recent role in Haiti. I look forward to hearing from you today on these matters.
“Mr. Lord, as you know, it is a critical time for the United States to have a strong presence at our embassies in Africa. A confirmed ambassador in Benin, which inaugurated a new president in May and faces serious threats from violent extremists, will help provide much-needed stability.
“You have served in a variety of roles in Africa, and if confirmed, I’m glad that your expertise will remain with the bureau.
“Mr. Goodman, as the nominee for ambassador to Togo, I look forward to hearing about your plans to build on our relationship with the country—particularly in the areas of trade and investment, countering malign actors, and addressing the acute terror threat coming from the Sahel.
“As you’re well aware, the insecurity created by multiple conflicts on the continent is a threat to America’s interests. Togo’s leadership has shown initiative as a regional mediator, including in eastern Congo, where the United States is leading efforts to bring peace through the Washington Accords. I hope to hear your perspective on what more the government of Togo can do to be a better partner in this space.
“And finally, Mr. Heffern—in recent years, the U.S. has taken a nuanced approach to our relationship with Gabon—balancing concerns over the 2023 coup that overthrew an authoritarian regime with our imperative to secure critical mineral supply chains, counter China, and improve maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea. These are real challenges, no doubt. I look forward to hearing your perspective on U.S. interests there today.
“Thank you to our nominees and your families for being here, and I will recognize the ranking member, Senator Shaheen.”
These remarks have been lightly edited for clarity. Witness testimony is available on foreign.senate.gov.
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