Senate Foreign Relations Chairman James Risch has expressed his support for Senator Marco Rubio of Florida to serve as the next secretary of state. Risch praised Rubio as a 'great friend' and highlighted their alignment on various foreign policy issues during their time together on the Senate Foreign Relations and Intelligence committees.
Risch emphasized Rubio's qualifications for the role, stating that he is confident Rubio is the right person to address the challenges facing the United States on the global stage.
The nomination of Senator Rubio is set to be considered at a Foreign Relations Committee business meeting scheduled for Monday, with the expectation that it will then proceed to a full Senate vote.
Key Foreign Policy Priorities
Regarding China, Risch labeled it as the most significant long-term risk to the US and commended Rubio's advocacy for a strong stance against Beijing, emphasizing the importance of working with allies to counter Chinese influence.
In the Middle East, Risch indicated that both President-elect Donald Trump and Rubio are aligned in their support for Israel and a return to a policy of maximum pressure on Tehran.
On the issue of Ukraine, Risch called for a swift resolution to Russia's aggression in the region and expressed confidence in Trump's ability to address the situation effectively, with Rubio playing a key role in ensuring security and stability for Ukraine and its allies.
Risch also underscored the need for accountability at the United Nations, citing discrepancies between the organization's agenda and US interests, and advocating for reforms to better align with American priorities.
