WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President-elect Joe Biden announced that he will nominate Tony Blinken as Secretary of State and Linda Thomas-Greenfield as Ambassador to the United Nations (UN):
“Today’s announcement is welcome news after four years that have weakened our diplomatic standing around the world and battered morale at the State Department. Tony Blinken and Linda Thomas-Greenfield are both seasoned diplomats and career public servants who will bring the deep experience, character, and respect for our country’s diplomatic forces necessary to put our international relationships back on track.
“At a time when we face so many international crises—a once-in-a-century pandemic, rapidly accelerating climate chaos, escalating crackdowns on human rights, and much more—we need experienced and steady leaders to help restore American leadership and credibility on the global stage. I look forward to working with Tony Blinken and Linda Thomas-Greenfield to ensure that America once again leads the world to meet our greatest shared challenges.”
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