September 4, 2002

The Foreign Relations Committee convenes today to proceed with hearings concerning ambassadorial nominations for three important countries in our own hemisphere - Mexico, Panama and Peru. The nominees for these posts are Ms. Linda E. Watt, to be the Ambassador to Panama, Mr. John Dawson to be the Ambassador to Peru, and Mr. Antonio Garza, Jr., to be the Ambassador to Mexico. All three nominees are well respected and distinguished in their chosen professions, and I am confident that each will honorably and capably represent the interests of the American people.

US Ambassadors have historically played a unique and powerful role in maintaining and strengthening diplomatic ties with other nations. Now, more than ever, they are our cultural bridges to the rest of the world. It falls to them to be advocates for the interests of Americans living abroad. They can also be powerful voices for change in the countries in which they serve, as they carry with them our concepts of free markets, free press, human rights, and the rule of law. Today's nominees, each in his or her own way, are uniquely prepared to carry out this important job.

Ms. Watt, let me first turn to you. You have served with great honor and distinction throughout your career in the foreign service, and I am confident that you possess the skills and the dedication to work effectively as Ambassador to Panama. As you know, Panama is a country facing many challenges. The Moscoso administration must cope with slowed economic growth, a mounting external debt problem, and an increasingly disenchanted populace. Historically, the United States has enjoyed close ties to Panama and I believe that Ms. Watt is the right person to be an advocate for United States interests in Panama and I welcome her to the committee today. I would also like to welcome John Dawson to the committee today. Mr. Dawson is also a distinguished career member of the Senior Foreign Service, and a qualified nominee for the post of Ambassador to Peru. We all recognize that Peru is currently beset by social and economic hardship, and that the Toledo government needs US support and encouragement as it attempts to address the growing needs and concerns of the Peruvian people. The US ambassador plays a critical role in ensuring that our support is forthcoming. Mr. Dawson's knowledge of the region will help him do so.

Finally, I would like to welcome Mr. Antonio Garza to the committee today. Tony Garza has spent much of his life serving his fellow Texans. He has served in a number of elected and appointed post in state government and has also given of his time to non-profit civic organizations. Included in this long career of public service were two years as Secretary of State in Texas under then Governor George W. Bush. During his tenure as Secretary of State, Mr. Garza gained direct experience with many of the issues that will take up much of his time as Ambassador to Mexico - particularly free trade, environmental, immigration and border control issues. That experience coupled with his personal friendship with the President should make him very effective in Mexico City.

Mexico is at a crucial moment in its history. President Vicente Fox came into office in December 2000 as the advocate for change. He has worked extremely hard to make his campaign promises a reality. But through no fault of his own, this has been an uphill battle. The Mexican Congress has proven to be an independent actor with ideas of its own. September 11, and the adverse effects on Mexico's economy have made the task more difficult. Needless to say, the tragedy of September 11 also distracted the Bush administration from the US-Mexico bilateral agenda. The many unresolved immigration, labor, and trade issues between our two nations were understandably put on the back burner. However, the time has come to once again give them the attention they deserve - Mr. Garza's appointment to this post should help make that possible.

I welcome you all to the committee, congratulate you for being chosen by the President and thank you for your willingness to serve your country.

I turn now to Senator Chafee for any opening remarks he may have and then we will turn to our nominees to introduce their families and to make opening remarks.