06.20.19

McConnell: Kelly Knight Craft Has Won Respect at Home and Abroad

‘This body confirmed Ambassador Craft to her current post by voice vote. Since then, she has only gained even more experience, further refined her expertise, and demonstrated her talent even more clearly. Her testimony yesterday reinforced these things even further. President Trump has made an excellent selection to serve our nation in this critical role at the UN.’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding the president’s nominee for Ambassador to the United Nations and fellow Kentuckian, Kelly Knight Craft:

“Yesterday, I had the opportunity to introduce a skillful leader and fellow Kentuckian before the Foreign Relations Committee. Kelly Knight Craft was confirmed by voice vote in 2017 to serve as U.S. ambassador to Canada. And now she is the president’s choice to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations.

“Well, Ambassador Craft’s success representing American interests in Canada certainly rewarded the Senate’s vote of confidence. During a dynamic and sometimes challenging period in the U.S.-Canada friendship, she has navigated it with care. She’s helped shepherd the USMCA. She helped secure cooperation on sanctioning Russia for its aggression against Ukraine and on pursuing democracy for Venezuela. She spoke out forcefully when necessary against China.

“Not surprisingly, this talented diplomat has won great respect both at home and abroad. The premier of Ontario has said, quote, ‘Every premier I know thinks the world of her… She really proved herself over some tough times.’ And the former deputy to Ambassador Nikki Haley describes Ambassador Craft as a worthy successor — quote, ‘smart, capable, and knowledgeable about the foreign policy challenges facing our country.’

“This body confirmed Ambassador Craft to her current post by voice vote. Since then, she has only gained even more experience, further refined her expertise, and demonstrated her talent even more clearly. Her testimony yesterday reinforced these things even further. President Trump has made an excellent selection to serve our nation in this critical role at the UN. She deserves bipartisan support from the Foreign Relations Committee and, when the time comes, a swift confirmation here on the floor.”

Related Issues: Nominations