and akeel reed amar, professor of law and political science at yale and visiting law professor at the university of pennsylvania law school. watch "landmark cases" live, monday, at 9:00 eastern on c-span, c-span.org or listen with the free c-span radio app. and our website, c-span.org/landmark cases, has resources for background on each case, including the landmark cases companion book, a link to the national constitution center's interactive constitution, and you can download the 30-minute landmark cases podcast at c-span.org or from your podcast subscriber. joseph mcmanis, president trump's nominee to serve as u.s. ambassador to columbia, testified before the senate foreign relations committee earlier this month. he's a 32-year foreign service veteran and previously served as top aide to former secretary of state, hillary clinton. during that hearing, senator marco rubio pressed mcmanus about his knowledge of the 2012

benghazi attack, including when he first learned of the attack and when he informed secretary clinton. this is about 90 minutes.

good afternoon. this is a nomination hearing for the honorable joseph mcmanus of new york, career member of the senior foreign service class administer council to be u.s. ambassador to columbia. miss mary royce to be assistant secretary of state. miss robin bernstein of florida to be u.s. ambassador to the dominican republic, and the honorable edward charles prado of texas to be the u.s. ambassador to argentina. before the ranking member and i make our remarks, we want to recognize our colleagues that are here and have other business, as well, to attend to.

but wanted to be here today. so i would first recognize senator john cornyn of texas, here to introduce judge edward prado. >> thank you, mr. chairman and members of the committee. it's an honor to be back before you. and particularly to introduce my friend, judge ed prado, who has been nominated by the president to be the u.s. ambassador to the argentina teen republic. judge prado and i go back a long way. when both of us served as judges in san antonio, texas, he was a little bit ahead of me as a state district court judge, but he went on to serve with distinction in the federal judiciary now for almost 35 years. he's had an incredible career. the first 19 years he served as a federal district judge, and then on the fifth circuit court of appeals for 14 more. but he's been a public defender, u.s. attorney, and state district court judge, assistant district attorney. he's done a lot of different things. but for some in the audience who may not know, the states of louisiana, mississippi and

texas, for those states and the people who live there, judge prado and his colleagues on the fifth circuit have essentially been the supreme court. since as you know, only roughly 80 or so cases make their way to the united states supreme court. in his role for the fifth circuit, the judge was confirmed by the senate unanimously. 97-0. it's no surprise then he was appointed by the chief justice to the u.s. supreme court to chair the criminal justice active review committee and serve on the board of the federal judicial center, as well as other committees. judge prado is just a popular, sharp and actually once you get to know him, pretty funny guy. but i hope he doesn't show that part of his personality here today. he was first in his family to go to college. judge prado received his undergraduate and law degrees from the university of texas and grew up in a predominantly latino neighborhood in west san antonio, and he makes fluent

spanish, which will come in handy, of course, in argentina. i was surprised to learn that his family's history extends back to a spanish soldier married at the alamo in the 1700s. so one of the jokes about federal judges is that although they get lifetime tenure, sometimes it feels like a life sentence. and ed and maria are embarking on a new chapter in their lives, which i know must be exhilarating for them, and it's to our great benefit. to have somebody of their distinction and their character representing the u.s. government and argentina. although down in argentina, he's going to have to remember that cowboys are gauchos, but argentinians may be strangers to beefo, but no stranger to beef. so as the committee knows, argentina has become an increasingly important country,

and south america, president mccree implemented a series of positive economic reforms that has literally turned that country around. and eliminated some of the currency controls and reducing taxes on agricultural exports. and his broad election victory last fall indicates he'll continue to enjoy broad support. so just as our relationship with argentina has improved, it's really important that we have somebody of the character and talents and experience of judge prado representing the united states government in that country. at we work together at combat, narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, corruption and other illicit financial activities, we all share the concern which i know the chairman particularly feels poignantly, the political concern over venezuela, and recently our two presidents agreed to launch a bilateral working group on cyber security

issues. so the argentina republic is fortunate to have a strong believer in the rule of law, serve as a u.s. ambassador. i thank you for your courtesies in letting me make this introduction, and thanks to the president for making such an outstanding nomination. and i hope the committee will favorably report out his nomination. >> thank you, senator cornyn. the senior senator from florida, bill nelson, to introduce miss robin bernstein. >> and i might say also about mrs. royce, we well know her husband, ed. they have been frequent visitors to our state of florida, and i have always been such gracious, gracious folks to grace and to me. and i want to particularly thank the two of you for your leadership. you're both very skilled. the chairman and the ranking member in foreign affairs. i had the privilege of serving

on this committee for a number of years. and i thought it important that since i have known robin for a long time, the nominee for the dr, i wanted to come and tell you about her that her interest in public service started at a very early age. she even campaigned for scoop jackson and hubert humphrey. now, please, mr. chairman, don't hold that against her. >> that's not in this file. i didn't see that. >> she even campaigned for me, mr. chairman. please don't hold that against her. and she worked for the joint economic committee and the department of commerce. and she has always had that spirit of public service. and let me tell you what she did in the aftermath of puerto rico.

in a bipartisan way, she put together the palm beach county cares organization, that within just a few weeks of the hurricane in puerto rico, they delivered over 100 tons of supplies. and they also helped to get clean water. and you know how desperate those folks are as they continue, many of them, still without electricity, this late in the day. and portable water. that spirit of service and that proven ability to work in a bipartisan manner is going to make her a great ambassador. and so i've already congratulated her on the nomination, and i would like to see her confirmation fly through

the senate. thank you, mr. chairman. >> thank you, senator nelson. i think i speak for the ranking member, we thank you for your compliments. you are free to come to all of our hearings and say that, as well. >> i just did that in a press conference with you, mr. chairman. >> yes, sir. thank you for coming today. a member of our committee, senator udall, new mexico, will be introducing miss royce. >> thank you very much, mr. chairman. and i also just want to say what a pleasure it is working with you, chairman rubio, and ranking member senator ben cardin. my wife, jill and i, have known marie royce for close to 20 years. what i began my service in the house of representatives, marie is a california native, growing up in the west, she's active in conservation organizations, and initiatives, and i believe she understands the important connection of those programs to international security and the

rule of law. i also think her experience in educational and cultural affairs makes her a good fit for this important leadership role. miss royce, a business woman and former professor, has been the ceo on principle of marie royce llc in fullerton, california, since 2016. she has more than 30 years of experience in the private sector with fortune 500 companies, and as a small business owner, creating and launching startups and new initiatives and serving as a key business liaison to 80 countries. as a former educator and full-time university professor, miss royce led an international grant program between two universities. she is a private sector appointee on the advisory committee on international communications and information policy at the department of state. and has served on two u.s. cultural exchange boards. marie served as an american counsel of young political

leaders, delegate to hungary and poland. miss royce earned a bachelors in science and business administration from california state poly tech in this case university and a nastiers in business administration from georgetown university. her nomination has significant support within the diplomatic community. patricia de stacy harrison served as assistant secretary for educational and cultural affairs under president george h.w. bush and colin powell and serves with public broad casting. miss harrison says, and i quote here, marie royce's experience, leadership, knowledge and commitment to service will be of high benefit to our country and the department of state and the bureau of educational and cultural affairs. end quote. likewise, former assistant secretary for education and cultural affairs under president

clinton, ann stock, says, and i quote here, we are thrilled to see marie royce nominated for a key leadership role at state. she continues to share our vision for a more secure and prosperous world through the power of international exchange. end quote. miss royce's experience, judgment and temperament qualifies her for this important position within our diplomatic core, and i wholeheartedly support her nomination and urge my colleagues to do so also. thank you both, and really great to be here with you. >> thank you. the three ambassadorial nominees, if confirmed, will be the face of america to the countries in which you will be serving. and your primary job, of course, is to communicate and execute the policies of the united states, explaining to local populations what we are doing and why. the western hemisphere's region vital to our national security and to our economy and one increasingly contested by foreign powers who have little to no interest in democracy or human rights or the rule of law.

if we want the united states to remain free, prosperous and secure, it starts in the western hemisphere. this is a contest that we cannot afford to lose. and you will be on the front lines. as for the nominee to the assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, you will be charged as one of the most important foreign policy tools. a culture prevalent in nearly every corner of the planet. all four play an important role in u.s. foreign policy and i am pleased that all four of these nominations are here with us today. let's begin with columbia, where we have a relationship that in my view is a poster child for what good u.s. foreign assistance can do. we have worked for decades now with the colombian government on a problem of mutual concern. the production and trafficking of drugs. the u.s./colombia initiative plan, is one of the most effective and bilateral efforts we have ever undertaken and is a

model in this western hemisphere. the initiative's main goal was to reduce the supply of illegal drugs produced and exported by colombia. but in addition, it helped the security of colombia itself, the stability of its government. and its governance. and as a result, economic relations with colombia have deepened throughout the years and the u.s. remains colombia's top trading partner. in short, this partnership has allowed the colombian government to intake billions of dollars in foreign assistance and in return has allowed them to invest it in ways which have been good for both countries. today colombia is a free and democratic nation. the rule of law is legitimate. it has one of the strongest and largest economies in the region, and it is among our strongest allies in the hemisphere. no longer just a recipient of support, but providing it themselves in places like honduras. still it faces challenges, and given the internal and regional issues this government is facing, especially with narco trafficking, anyone under consideration for this position

should demonstrate a deep understanding of the political, security and economic climate, as well as the opportunities for the united states in partnership with colombia and with the region at large. the assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs oversees some of the u.s. government's most popular and prominent programs, like fulbright scholars named after the longest-serving chairman of this committee, william fulbright, and exchange programs that exchange people from all over the globe to america. these are soft power tools that could very well help decide whether this century is also an american one. the dominican republic and the united states has deep cultural ties, especially in my home state of florida. according to pew, dominicans are the fifth largest hispanic group in the united states, with nearly 2 million in the year 2015. it also happens to be a popular tourist destination, hosting 2 million american tourists last year. beyond personal and economic ties, the dominican republic

find itself at a flash point. part of a group of countries that receive subsidized oil from a dictatorship in venezuela. and if we want venezuela to return to the prosperous constitutional democracy that its people deserve and that it was just a few decades ago, it is important for other democracies in the region, such as the dominican republic, to support the democratic aspirations and the human rights of their brothers and sisters in venezuela in forums like the oas and the united nations. argentina is the leader in south america that is recovering from years of poor economic leadership. percent president mac re's election has shown a commitment to stronger bilateral relations with the united states and our return to good governance, the rule of law and free markets. the news yesterday of charges being brought against the former president kirschner demonstrate how precarious democracy can be and why we need to be on guard

for cracks in our own democratic institutions and throughout the world. all of these positions will hold key roles in american foreign policy. and i begin by thanking you and your families for your commitment to your country and your willingness to serve it abroad. the ranking member. >> well, chairman rubio, first of all, thank you for convening this hearing. we appreciate it very much. and it's a pleasure to work with you in regards to the nomination for these four individuals. i also want to welcome you. thank you for your willingness to step forward in public service, or continue in public service. it's not easy today. these are challenging times. and it's a great sacrifice to your privacy. and for your families. so we thank you and we thank your families for being willing to serve our country. and we're pleased so many of your family members could be present with us today as we go through this hearing. marie royce, for assistant

secretary for education and cultural affairs. marie, you seem to have connections in a lot of states. you've got a florida endorsement, you've got a new mexico endorsement, you're from california. but you tell me you have ties to maryland. so obviously you know the country. so congratulations on so many different contacts, and you have an extremely impressive background, well-known for your experience in business and your global engagement. so we thank you for being willing to take on this extremely important position to promote u.s. standing in the world and our democratic principles. our cultural ambassador, cultivating global relationships. let me just underscore the importance of this. when you look at the alumni clubs from these programs you find many current and former heads of state. so this truly is america's gift to the international community in promoting our values. more important now than ever before, when you see, for example, what's happening in the

philippines, with president duterte's use of extra judicial killings in order to deal with the drug problem there, and some kind comments by our president in regards to those methods. believe me, we have challenges today, and today and we need your help. i do want to just acknowledge that the administration's budget would cut your program by 75%. now, we're not going along with that, but we need a friend in -- to advocate with us so that you have the resources you need to carry out this very important assignment. mr. chairman, i might point out, we have four nominees with us today. i have to acknowledge, that there are so many vacancies in the state department. such a drain of the top season diplomats that haven't been filled and i'm concerned about the pace of the trump administration bringing to us

nominees. i can assure we will work with the chairman x expedite all of the nominees brought forward because we need your presence in these areas. to ambassador macmanus, thank you for your service. you have had an impressive career. including being a representative in the iaea. gives you a wealth of experience that you can take to colombia. the implementation of the peace accords. senator, i have worked with the atlantic council in regards to the implementation in the peace accords. there's a lot of bipartisan interest. one of the challenges we need to follow up in this committee is the accountability and making sure there's no impunities as to the violations of human rights. the fark and others that occurred during the longest

civil war in our hemisphere. we want to make sure that the peace accords are enter into the right way and there's accountability for the human rights violations. we have to address the i will lis it cultivations, we know that. it is a major source of concern. with colombia and argentina, the impact of -- on colombia particularly on people trying to find life, can't exist in nineteen ne zel la and the inability to -- venezuela. all of that will become part of the charge of our missions in colombia and argentina. to judge prado, we had a chance to talk yesterday. you had a distinguished career.

we thank you for your willingness. we don't get judges that are on the way to become ambassadors. your experience is incredible and your commitment to public service is one that we all admire. thank you for taking your talent to argentina, it is our only major nonmch nato alli in latin america. they will host the g-20 and as i explain to you, we need to bring closure to the 1994 bombing s of the jewish community center in argentina. the cover-up by the government cannot go unchallenged. and the united states needs to play a role making sure that argentina brings closure to that issue holding those can be the l responsible. and the increase presence of

china in argentina. it is one in which we need to understand as we go forward and our ambassador will play an important role there. mr. bernstein, you bring inimpressive credentials in the business community and we thank you for serving in an important position. one observation, which is not your calling, i think president trump makes more difficult. and going to explain why. we are concerned about the fact that president trump never makes full disclosures? the business interest. we know there's trump organization activities in the dominican republican and we urge you to understand the sensitivity of main taken the objectivity of the mission in the dominican republic and we're going to depend on you to maintain the objectivity for the american people. i look forward to the testimony and engaging them in questions.

>> thank you, we're going to begin our witness testimony. your entire statement will be enter into the record. if there's an abbreviated version, we're happy to hear you. i know members want to ask questions. so i will encourage you to shorten the statement ifs possible, so we can get right to the questions. ms. bernstein. >> chairman rubio, ranking member cardin, distinguished members of the committee. i would like to thank my long time friend and senator from florida. senator bill nelson for his kind introduction. it's an honor to be with you today as president trump's u.s. ambassador to the dominican republic. it is an honor to sever as the second woman of the ambassador of this country w. your approval

to represent the united states. if confirmed, i look forward to working with the white house, secretary tillerson and the talented and dedicated staff to lead with an important alli in partner. i would like to take this opportunity to thank many i family. my wonderful husband, richard, our children. carter, alexandra, julia and my mom car lie lin. and my late father archie. his passion to to host exchange students in our home and -- late tore the school of international service in washington, d.c. my family sustained me throughout the many challenges and opportunities in my life and without their support, i would not be able to undertake this next and exciting stage of my career. i began one of my first

professional positions here on the hill at the joint economic committee in this building. after obtaining my mba i moved to florida and raised our family. i worked alongside my husband at a family insurance business. during this time i worked in the nonprofit community in leadership positions empowering and supporting women. healthcare issues and supporting the underserved community. i'm proud of the cofounder of the bipartisan palm beach county cares i help facile state the delivery and medicine and supplies to our fellow americans in puerto rico and the u.s. virgin islands in the aftermath of devastating hurricanes. i'm confident that my education, and experience and the public sector, private sector and nonprofit worlds have prepared

me for this mission. if confirmed as u.s. ambassador, i will work closely with the personnel across the government to lead our efforts and forging bonds with the government and the people of the dominican republic. if confirmed, this appointment would be meaningful to me as a jewish-american. my grandfather fled russia with his family to escape religious discrimination and came to the united states to pursue the american dream of religious freedom, human rights, democracy and economic opportunity. that's why i'm humbled to stand before you today and if confirmed, pledge to continue the fight to preserve these american values. and the jewish faith we have a saying, when you save a life, you save the world. during world war ii, the dominican government and its people opened their arms to thousands of jews seeking ref yuk from the atrocities in

europe. serving is a way to show gratitude. how the people in the dominican republic cared for us during our need. as close neighbors, we share a mutually beneficial economic culture of sports and people to people ties enhanced by a sizable dominican american -- if confirmed i will work to ensure that trade opportunities continue to grow and deliver prosperity for both nations and to ensure that the economic engagement will continue to benefit the united states. over the years at dominican republic endured challenges to the health of the civil society. i pledge to continue to promote policies that advocate for the rule of law. strengthen democratic institutions and tackle corruption. fighting trafficking and crime is one of president trump's

highest priorities. they are one of our strongest law enforcement partners in this hemisphere. continued strong bilateral security operation will help attack the drug related addiction and crime rerelated problems. i will work to facilitate humanitarian, cultural and exchange that is reaffirm to the people of the dominican republic, america's policy values of democracy, freedom and human rights. thank you for considering my nomination, i look forward to answering your questions. >> thank you. >> thank you. >> mr. chairman, ranking member cardin, distinguished members of the committee. thank you inviting me here today and thank you senator udall for your kind introduction. i want to thank you president

trump and senator recollection tilg tillerson. i would like to thank ed, my husband of 33 years for his love and inspiration and i would like to recognize my mother, and my father-in-law and my late father robert porter. to my friends and family in california and my friends here today, i could not ask for better support. i'm a passionate champion of people to people exchanges. time and trust in eca programs like full bright and the international visitor leadership program have built important relationships. one in three current world leaders are alumni of u.s. government exchange programs. so are over 500 former heads of state and 84 noble lor yets. as a professor at california

state polytechnic university, i participated in international exchange efforts through educating teachers and students abroad. i saw the impacts of our policies on the world view and on their perception of u.s. foreign policy. because of the prevalence of disinformation in many parts of the world, these eca exchanges bring real world experiences in the unite that foster credibility and trust. these people-to-people ties are an important way to show that u.s. disagreement with the given regime overseas are with the government of the country and not with the people. thus, academic, cultural and athletic exchanges cultivate relations between the people of the united states and the people of other countries. in my time as a business

executive in the telecommunication industry working in emerging markets in africa, europe, south america and asia, i attained a dreep appreciation in the role played by educational programs. i met key decision making roles had been the beneficiaries ecas bilateral agreements. they have experienced the richness of america's political, economic and kault ral life. and as a result, this were receptive to what america had to offer. as a delegate to hungray and poland. and the program, i experienced the effectiveness of the bipartisan programs. acypl promotes mutual understandings and cultivates long lasting relationships. it was an honor to sever as secretary of the board.

i served as a trusty of meri dia n international to provide exchange and policy programs that strengthen u.s. engagement with the world and perhaps leaders to address complex problems. my professional career began with the proctor and gamble company in sales management and research and development worldwide. p and g i created programs for women and minorities to help close gender and racial gaps in the workplace. i raise this point because american diversity and the advances and opportunity for women and minorities in our society serve as an example for those struggling for full rights abroad. prospects for empowerment, democracy and the rule of law worldwide are advanced when young people can participate in the public diplomacy programs.

international participates from under represented groups create opportunities that are open to all. this inclusion is an american value and advances american interest. from creating programs p and g and marriott international to creating a program for muslim woman in afghanistan and iraq. i volunteered my time to those who lacked opportunities. on the advisory committee and information policy at the department of state. i developed long distance mentoring programs. as noted by the senator udall. more than 30 years of experience in the private sector and small business and as a full time university professor. if confirmed, i aim to strengthen our people to people ties further. i'm honored to be appointed to this important position and will

focus my efforts on improving the vital missions of these programs. thank you very much. >> thank you. >> thank you, senator. mr. chairman, and mr. ranking member and members of the committee. it is an honor to appear here. if confirmed i'm committed to representing the president and the american people and their national interests in a country so key to our security and prosperity in the western hemisphere. i would like to thank first, my wife carol and our son chris for their support. without that support, i would not be here today. mr. chairman, colombia's transformed itself. you find myself challenged by the fact that your introduction and the ranking members introduction were a perfect articulation of our policy. it is a representation of the bipartisan nature of that

support over the past 20 years and i would be happy to read my abbreviated statement. i would prefer, in fact, to in the senate tradition associate myself with those remarks and leave myself available for a full set of questions. it is a well known account. it is one that we all understand and i look forward to talking to you about it. if confirmed, i plan on representing our country fully and in a fashion that would continue the progress we made under planned colombia. >> senator cardin makes a point if you agree with what we have to say, that's a good sign. that's just us. >> i got lucky, senator. >> all right, judge prado, do you agree with us too? >> a hard 1%. on the panel as to whether he

should have cut his statement short. i think the rest of us prefer that it would be longer. mr. chairman, rubio, ranking member cardin and other members of the committee and including senator cane and, i will acknowledge him. thank you for the opportunity to appear this afternoon. i wish to thank my good friend senator cardin. we go back a long way when we were both young lawyers. we have an informal agreement that if i don't tell stories on him, he won't tell stories at me. i will leave it at that and thank him for being here today and introducing me to the committee. it is an honor to appear as the president's nominee to be the united states ambassador to the argen tine republican. i'm used asking the questions

and controlling the red lights. so it is a little different situation for me today. be that as it is, my career as a judge, my work ethic, my resolve make we well-qualified to be america's voice in argentina. i thank president trump in his confidence in me and for this opportunity. i thank secretary rex tillerson for supporting my nomination. i'm here today with my wife of 44 years, maria. my strongest supporter throughout my life and our marriage and in this new endeavor. she understands that there is an important role for the spouse of an ambassador and eager to take on the responsibility. we are a team. and she's coming with me as part of my team. our son edward, could not join us today but he is enthusiastic about this opportunity for his father. he would rather save his money

for possibly trips further south than to come up to d.c. today. i would like to acknowledge my law clerks in the audience. as a judge for many years i've had the opportunity to hire young bright lawyers from various law schools throughout the country. and they have been part of team prado and i would like to thank them for appearing here with me. my career prepared me well for this new responsibility. as a federal judge, i listened and gathered information, ian likewised it carefully, and ultimately had the responsibility to make difficult decisions. i understood that with the title of judge, came power and respect. but with that power and with that respect, also came a responsibility to do what the law demanded regardless of the consequences. likewise, the title of

ambassador carries with it a great deal of prestige. with that, comes great responsibility to represent the united states. my goal will be to earn the respect that comes with the title of ambassador and represent our country to the best of my ability. i also realize that while i might serf as the face of the court, there are dozens of people behind the seen scenes that make it run properly. i might be the face of the embassy, i understand that there's a team and dedicated employees behind the scenes makes sure that america is properly represented. an embassy is only as strong as from the ambassador, to the counselor section to the people working in the cafeteria. we are a team, working together with the same goals and mission. i have had the opportunity to

travel to argentina on numerous occasions and made presentations and made friends among the legal community. i know how important the rule of law is and how important a strong independent judicial branches if it is a solid democracy. my intent is to work with the lawyers and judges to improve the judicial system and strengthening the confidence the people have in the judicial system. as a former prosecutor, i appreciate the efforts of our law enforcement agencies to make the country and the world a safer place for all citizens. it is my full intent to support the efforts in supporting argentina law enforcement and their fight against crime. i'm committed to help build capacity within the police to

promote security dm a vital regional alli. as a son of a world war ii veteran and myself a retired army reservist, i appreciate the importance of a strong military commitment from a democratic world free from terrorism. i also hope to work closely on commercial and economic issues to increase opportunities for united states business in argentina. i will work to enhance the bilateral trade and argentina is the eighth largest country and has a powerful and diverse economy. the country dealt with its share of economic challenges, the current administration established wide-reaching reforms seeking to strengthen argentina's market and it's position in the global community. i intend to work closely with

the administration to assist them and sfretrengthen them betn the two countries. i look forward to enhancing our continuing friendships and partnership with the close alli. through our efforts we can strengthen peace and prosperity in both questions and i look forward to represent the united states on the global stage. i welcome your questions. >> thank you for being here. i'm going to question one nominee and turn it over to the members and then i can continue our work. i want to start with ambassador macmanus, you served as executive substantiate to secretary rice and clinton and during 2012 when we experienced the terrible terrorist attack at the diplomatic compound in ag n benghazi, and raising questions about this period of time.

i wanted to give you an opportunity to address it. when did you know that the attacks were terrorism and not related to anti-american protest? when did you first inform the secretary of state of that fact? >> senator, thank you. i'm going to try to answer that in the correct order. i first learned of the attack when it was reported from the diplomatic security command center to our operations center. and they in turn, contacted me to let me know that there had been an attack or that there was an attack under way. just to identify when i had knowledge that it was a terrorist attack is a different ark. my response initially, and all of my communications were internal and intended to inform people as required to understand what the secretaries whereabouts

were and what the secretary was addressing at that particular moment. and this was over the course of several hours in the afternoon and into the evening. i use the term terrorist attack because that's what i judged it to be. it was not a legal determination. it was not based on an amass of evidence or analysis. it was the term that i used to describe what i saw taking place. >> when did you first inform the secretary of state? >> well, i would say within minutes it was probably, approximately, 3:30, 3:20 in the afternoon if i'm not mistaken when i informed the secretary that this was under way and we were monitoring what was taking place. >> okay. one more question and again, to give you the opportunity to answer but -- did you ever purposely mislead or advocate

misleading the american public about the nature of the attack? >> never, senator. never. >> thank you. senator cardin. >> judge prado, we had a chance to talk about the use of your talents in the legal system to deal with the problem in argentina in the '94 bombing of the jewishen community center. i wanted to get on record here, our concern that the matter is a high priority to the mission that there is justice in regards to what happened and any cover up engaged by the government. >> yes, senator. i'm encouraged that the present administration refocused its investigation on the horrible terrorist attacks. we share, unfortunately that that our country has been attacked by terrorists and many

people killed and injured. the administration is going forward with investigations. not only about the bombings that took place but the killing, murdering death ofal ber t albe is a special prosecutor investigating the case. and the mysterious death. i hope to get down there and help in the process in anyway i can in regards to any assistance whether it is as prosecutors or the judicial process. >> there is some indication that there was foreign interest involved in the attack. and there may have been governmental cover up so that is a matter of grave concern. >> i would like to also encourage the iranian government

to cooperate and assist in the investigation. >> thank you. ms. bernstein. i'm sure that you are aware of the court that stripped hundreds of thousands of dominicans, rendering them stateless. people for a long time lived in the d.r. and the constitutional court declared that they don't have citizenship stateless. what is your approach to make sure these individuals have their nationality restored? >> thank you for that important question. humanetarian rights are important to me. especially families that fled russia and the lack of respect for human rights. so this is something that is deeply engrained in my soul and

this is something -- a question that is very important to me. first of all, i agree that human rights should be respected. and the pope, even pope john paul said that everyone, should have the opportunity to eat enough, to be cared for when ill, to find housing and study to over come a literacy, and find worthwhile and properly paid work all that provides a human life for men and women young and old. i would take an active role to work with the embassy staff. i understand that this is something that we do if confirmed. that i -- that we work to help them gain passports and i would hopefully, work with my esteemed colleague, michelle, ambassador in haiti and work with her if

there are issues where we can partner together and try to make sure that the restoration of the people that are quote, stateless. >> i would ask that you keep the committee informed on that process. these individuals are basically have been there for long periods of time. there is no other count are i that they belong because their language is slightly different they were discriminated against by d.r. and make this a priority to keep us engaged. >> of course. i look forward to ensure that this will happen and i look forward to staying engaged with you on this issue. >> ms. royce, i appreciated your testimony. it was almost as good as ambassador macmanus. i appreciate the exchanges and the american values and the impact. i agree with everything you said. and human rights is a priority

and one of my top priorities. american values are a strength. we've got to be pretty clear about it. it's being challenged today, it's not easy. there's a lot of concerns about whether america is still maintains that global position as it relates to our traditional values. and i want you to know that there's a lot of support by both democrats and republicans in congress to make sure your role is clear. that america's strength and values and we want you to have the tools you need to continue these exchanges to promote, i would say universal values. americans values as you move forward. there's going to be challenge because of the current issues that are before america and before the global community. so will you be open and frank with us as how we can help?

>> thank you, senator. well, to -- first thank you for your thought full comment and your willingness to help. what i want to share is how important our exchange programs are as far as valued aspect of america's international leadership. as u.you know and mentioned in your statement about resources, i want to assure you that if confirmed any level of resources, i'm going to utilize my skills coming from the private sector where i manage with challenging budgets oftentimes, and leverage the assets of the eca, that includes the experts at the state department, our resources and you mentioned the alumni. that is important. in addition to that, i'm going to -- against the highest public policy priorities for foreign

policy. so i will just say that i'm going to welcome your feedback and be open to it. anyway that we can make any improvements to enhance and improve our public policy, i would welcome that. >> thank you. with your indulgence, i would like to ask ambassador macmanus, in regards to the peace process and colombia and the reconciliation is critically important that the terms of the peace agreements as it relates to those that have violates human rights that they are held accountable or consistent with the peace agreements. there's responsibilities on both sides and what you find that when peace agreements are entered into, the human rights components sometimes gets left on the table as far as enforcement is concerned because it is not considered to be equal

priority to the other divisions in the peace accords. i would ask that that needs to be of highest priority and the u.s. mission can play a major role to make sure that, in fact, is carried out. >> senator, i comment briefly on that. first, i think that the peace accords themselves have woven into them an understanding that the repair that needs to be done to the social fabric in that country is part in parcel of both that the scourge of illegal narcotics and the response to that scourge in the peace accord and following which is the introduction of state presence, state institutions in areas that have traditionally not seen investment and participatation by the state. one for security reasons and secondly, they are areas that are in need of growth and many

of them, in fact, lineup with areas of the country where indigenous populations or afro-colombian populations are current. accountability for crimes and then an accountability to resolve part of the underlying causes for the state being in the woeful condition it was in when we went forward with the plan colombia. human rights must be apart of that and we've seen reaction from the colombian government in terms of providing greater protection to labor leaders and human rights defenders. it is a problem and it is going to be over the course of the generation that makes changes in colombia that will build out the institutions of colombian

governance that will provide important protections. >> thank you. >> senator cain. >> thank you, this is a well-qualified panel for the positions you have been nominat nominated for. if i can ask mr. m you quickly. we try hard and we have good motivation and invest a lot. we get involved with other countries and not happy with the outcomes and that makes people question whether you should make the effort at all. colombia is a perfect example of careful and adrought and sustained investment in administrations and in both parties. have been transformative. we have seen colombia go from a near-failed state to a wonderful

economic and security partner for rt united states and its region. i went to visit the multi-national force and providing peace in the board are of there and the peace keeping operation and there's a lot at stake at this point in making sure that progress continues. one of the issues i know that colombia is interested in and i want to get your take on it. colombia desire to be part of the e ocd. what's your thought about whether colombia is on track to meet the benchmarks and what are the obstacles that remain and what more could the united states do to be an alli in that effort? >> thank you, senator. colombia's desire and in fact, ambition to become part of oecd and join in a community of nations that believe in normative standards and are

willing to prove that they are capable of it is a great sign that they are prepared to move forward. our trade relationship with them now has as its framework, a trade cooperation agreement which has resulted in a trade of fairly good trade balance. one of the best in the world. a trade in goods of about 23 million -- sorry, $23 billion a year. it varies depending upon a number of factors. also that both the trade agreement is the desire to join oecd provided an impetus for continuation in progress on standards. on labor standards on resolving conflicts that exist that have to do with protection of intellectual property, the access to the market of u.s.

companies. u.s. companies have expressed continue to a great desire to invest in colombia. colombia is a country of 48 million people. it has a prominent role in the region and has ready-access to other markets. it should be developing in an expansive way in terms of a larger global footprint. there are issues yet to be resolve the. there are hopes they can be resolved in short order and it is under a concentrated review by the u.s. trade representative by the labor department and by the department of commerce. i spoke with commerce and labor about the issues. this is a serious and on-going conversation and will continue because there are elements of the colombian economy that continue involve directly issues

such as child labor. i don't know as in cutting the lawn on the weekend. i mean the misuse of children in our labor market. so those are, again, longer term shifts that have to take place. we are positive in terms of the movement and hopeful that can reach a good conclusion. >> i encourage you in that way. it has benefit or colombia and oecd it can be viewed as a northern hemisphere thing and it is important that southern countries around the world find them their own places in organizations like this and so i would encourage you in that way. >> thank you. >> ms. royce, let me put an issue of mine on the table for your job. in the area of education exchange. of course, we have a crown jewel education system full bright

scholarships. we discareer in technical education and there's an excellent opportunity in exchanges in this space. if you qualify for a pell-en grant, you can use it on a college campus -- if you get tuition stance you can use it in college but not a welding certification exam if you are an ordnance officer. we have a -- super stars only in recently senator portman and i convinced president obama, you can look across the spectrum of u.s. education policy and we say college is great and underestimated career technical aparen tin ships. there are some in around the world. switzerland, germany and united states. have a apprenticeship programs.

when you are thinking about educational exchanges, share our best practices and learn from others that it wouldn't just be about college or you know, elementary and secondary, but career technical and apprenticeship programs apart of what we want to learn about and the spotlight that we do well. >> thank you, senator cain for that input. i would be very open to looking at those types of programs. as you are very well aware, many programs have been made and conducted with working back and forth with congress. a couple of those include the kennedy luger program for high school students and the ben gilman program. the and under that one, provided an opportunity for people that were first a generation students and their families to go to

clee college and help with financial need. in direct consultation with congress. i would add, these types of ideas are great to think about and include. i appreciate your input and look forward to -- if i'm confirmed with working with you on this. >> thank you so much. i have another question or two i would submit for the written record. >> thank you. ambassador, i want to ask you about cocaine. from 2006 to 2010, according to the study, the ram study, a 50% drop off in the consumption of cocaine in the united states and began to climb to the point where we see record supplies of cocaine over the last couple of years, obviously, most if not much of not most of it from colombia. and the increase is lead to a drop in prices. and increase in the rate of consumption in both of the united states and parts of europe that the timing coincide

with the peace deal. and one of among they stopped eradication and the other thing that happened is they created this sort of program where they were paying growers not to -- to stop going coke but be in the position to qualify for it and the farmers had to go it and qualify for the payments when it became available. we have seen historic numbers of cocaine and it is destined to come here. cocaine kills more people than heroin does among african americans in the united states. it is a burdening problem. it is my belief you will be the ambassador in colombia at a time that cocaine will compete with heroin and opioids as a headline issue in the united states and people are going to realize where it is going to come from and there will be tension.

how do you plan to get ahead of that with the interaction of the colombian government and the united states government because i see that coming and i see it potentially becoming a major irritant in the relationship between our countries and quite frankly, i can see people beginning to question, not me, but others the wisdom of a plan that is suppose to be dealing with this and we are spending this money and it is not working. how do you plan to get ahead of it with the folks of the state department and here in the u.s. government? >> thank you, senator. i think that irritation is already there. it is beyond an irritation. the president in last year's declaration on major's list of major drug-producing and drug-trafficking nations expressed a deep concern about

the increase coke cultivation and cocaine production in colombia. the colombians felt the same way. members of this committee expressed themselves of this view. and the colombian government itself, has also expressed the concern that they need to have on this issue. the most recent experience on interdiction has been a positive one. in 2017, 500 metric tons of cocaine hydrochloride were interdicted and cocaine paced. and as well the highest number of -- coke cultivation were eradicated. most of that with forced eradication and some with smaller numbers of voluntary eradication. the the colombian approach which

is a new strategy and tied to and part of the addressing cocaine that was built into the peace accords. both rural reform and addressing elicit drugs were elements of the peace accords and placed responsibilities within the grasp of the colombian government to begin to address these in a coordinated way. they have been using and beginning to use a whole of government approach. now, the growth is due to a number of factors. you mentioned the payments that would be made to farmers who were cultivating. we saw that growth beginning earlier, in fact, before the end of aerial sprang. some of that we take to be encouragement of the fark and some an anticipation of negotiations of the peace

accords and related to the opportunities to turn in coke cultivation for a cash payment. all of those have a predictable quality to them. what is absolutely necessary is the commitment of the colombian government to reduce these numbers. most recently, we had a high-level dialogue with the colombians and committed themselves to within 5 years to a level of 50% current numbers. now, we believe that there is both the focus, the appropriate tools, the professionalized military that was part of and one of the outcomes of plan-colombia. that lead to the ability of colombia to do that. i recognize that there is a chain of of suffering that

starts in colombia and gets to the united states and every country that is affected along the way and certainly, americans who are affected by the introduction of the elicit narcotics in the united states are part of that and feel that suffering. we know we have a responsibility at this end and we have spoken about it in terms of demand reduction. it appears to be rising like the number of first time users continues to push up. these are all issues that are going to have to be dealt with in a coordinated fashion at our end. and we understand what the coordination needs to be at that end. >> it is impossible to talk about cocaine and the distribution without mentioning -- let me say some elements of the fark may have demanded and disarmed, the space they occupy in colombia taken up by cartel or elements and you're someone

that is very familiar with the region and obviously as a career service at the highest levels of the state department is aware that it is indisputable. that the distribution of cocaine is wholly, is assisted actively by elements in the venzeula government and kingpin december medications and sanctions and indictments in the united states in some of the elements. the government is supportive of the eln and hosted the officials on that side of the territory. without doubt. as you see the aerial routes, that are distributing through caribbean, they almost all proceed from the territory of colombian cocaine. therefore, as we look at the surge it is fair to say that almosts within the government or military are active participants

in the distribution of the cocaine routes. >> senator, it would attest crew dualty to believe that the eln traditionally operating along the border and acquired greater license in areas that have previously been controlled by the fark that that border becomes an impossible barrier for them. it is -- the border between colombia and venezuela is for mish tiff and illegality. has an interest for generating illegal funds. so i would have to say that only somebody who was waiting for the final analysis to make that conclusion would disagree with your statement. >> well then -- >> i don't. >> it is also fair to say if you

look at the challenges facing colombia, whether it assistance to eln or refugees fleeing or the distribution of cocaine including by elements within the government, the nephews of the dictator in venzuela who has been convicted. they impose a significant national security threat to the strongest alli in south america and colombia. >> that is correct, senator. some of the america's this year in april has as its main theme, democratic governance ens corruption. you could put a colon after that and say the problem of venezuela as a regional threat and colombia is the principal problem of today and right now.

there are solutions and steps that can be taken and that we've called for that the united states government has called for that are simple steps of return to democracy, a return to respect of humans rights and allow free and fair transparent elections to go with -- open corridor for food and medicine. many of them crossing the border are seeking medical attention. they are seeking simple vaccinations. children are dying, babies are dying as a result of that inability to secure basic care. >> and one last question in that regard. as you see more and more people coming across the border. some are citizens of colombia and venezuela.

do you anticipate at some point if not already that the united states will need to step up and provide colombia with assistance along with the international chunt community to deal with the pressure of the large number of refugees flowing in from colombia? >> i do, senator. i have had conversations with u u.s.a.i. d. i think colombia understands the pob and the crisis and are prepared to seek support when it is needed in order to help alleviate the enormous stress it is going to place on the individuals, displaced and the systems in colombia that are going to need to be able to respond. >> ms. bernstein, i want to ask you one question with two parts

about the dominican republican. one thing that is concerning to us. the allies of dom minute can republican and have economic ties and settings in the united nation. their votes are not aligned with our priorities. as an example, it is my view and the view of most members of the senate i know it is because 100 members addressed the letter that i lead to senator kuhns to address the unfair treatment of israel at the united nations. it is an entity and body that is home to anti-israel resolutions, in 2016 on the 71th session, adopted 18 resolutions directed at israel. the united states voted no and dominican republic voted for each of the 18 resolutions.

we have seen them at the oas be less cooperative on efforts to pressure the government and allowing the oas to function the way it is supposed to be. democracies in the region that protect democracy and condemnations that are violating it and obviously, one of the reasons potentially why this is happening is their membership, a group of country that is get as you say diedsed oil from in exchange for the government. i would ask, do you commit that this is an issue that you are going to begin a dialogue with the highest levels of the government and dominican republic at the united nations and also, at them consistently not wanting to vote in supporting the democracy. would you commit that would be among the issues that you will

raise at the highest levels at the dominican government? >> yes, absolutely. and i look forward to working with you on this if i am confirmed. >> i want to reiterate. argentina has a lot of positive things happening. they are a member of the lima group. coordinating efforts to pressure the leadership and put forward. i would ask, do you commit to doing what you can to coordinate with your u.s. counterparts and other member countries and be supportive of the argentina governments in this process? >> yes, senator. i do. president, has been a long time critic of the government and the treatment of the citizens of

venzuela. he took efforts to have them taken out of the medical suit which is a common market group of south american countries. i think there's positive moves being made by the argen tina government in its criticism of how the venezuela is treating them and i want to support their efforts to remedy the situation. >> and as i mentioned in the opening statement, yesterday, the judiciary referred, and other senior officials in connection with the '94 bombing of the jewish community sent are. accused of abuse of power and -- killed 85 people the attack.

can you commit to the committee and if confirmed, do all you can to support the government in the search for justice for those who died and support and do all you can on behalf of the u.s. the attack, but also to support them in any ongoing investigation including that of the man whose life was taken. >> yes, senator, i appreciate that question and i will do all i can to support the macri administration in this tragic situation in their country. >> and my home state of florida has benefited in cultural exchanges in a large number of ways, including the economy, and so there is a report that there is a sharp change of enrollment of the united states students in

2017 and 2018 of international students coming to the united states. i was just, and i guess that my question is if confirmed what ideas do you have about the increasing participation of the education and cultural exchanges both here and abroad? >> thank you, senator, for the question. the information that i have received is that we have had 1 million international visitors this past year and the year before, so of course, i would like to continue that. i also would like to add that in that number we have 14,000 -- you are talking about the international students? >> i think it is a a combination of students and cultural exchange. >> okay. i am sorry, maybe you can repeat the question. >> i this they the question is what can we do to continue to ensure and part of what is happening is that, you know, in some countries around the the world, they have options a available that they could have only gotten in the united statesed in years past part of development, but there are maybe some other factors at play that

are discouraging the growth of study abroad in the united states and/or participating in the exchanges of the students coming here, and whether it is rhetoric and our politics or perhaps the unavailability of some of the programs, but one tof the things that we notice in the work, and the rankk member would know that one of the things that often comes up in the foreign leaders is that in the biography they graduated from the american university and it has a real impact in our ability to engage with them, because they are familiar with the system of government, and familiar with the united states, and so it is a real are vj to this country, and what ideas do you have is to ensure that we continue on the trend that we may face new global competitors for that and/or perhaps options domestically that may no longer make our universities or cultural exchanges as attractive as they have been. >> thank you very much for the question, senator. you mentioned about the interlock ters of the top world

leaders and i mentioned it in the statement that one in three world leaders have experienced the united states firsthand through the international eca programs that we have had. i would also add that we have done some exciting things by trying to promote english, and we have english centers around the world where we offer young people the opportunity to learn english, and that they can do it onli online. and so consequently that is going to give them an exposure, and another thing that is exciting about eca right now is that we have digital diplomacy initiatives and even our facebook page, we have seven basic different facebook page, and we have the third largest hits on one of the facebook page, and twitter feed, and we have digital initiatives to where people can go on line and have a mentor. i will add one type of program that is the christopher stevens initiative which is actually all

virtual, and excuse me, after our former am bbassador, and so consequently, we are engaging with people who would not normally have the opportunity to interface with an american. that is another example where we are able to create the hybrid programs to expose people, and to increase our numbers, but wh from what i have understood from the information i have received that we have people come ting t the united states from the international visitor program and there is a strong economic impact. i am sure that you know the numbers, because those students have created 450,000 jobs here in the united states, and $459 billion impact financially, and again, i will continue the try to do everything i can if confirmed to try to continue to promote ways for people to be interested in coming to the the united states as again these leaders are so important. and also on a short term basis,

having the leaders here gives us an opportunity to talk about things that are very important, countering terrorism, and managing the refugee crisis or responding to disaster leaf, because they are here. if that is leader or exchange student or if it is a student, of course, they are getting exposed to the american values and human rights, and democracy and rule of law and free speech is another one, and talking about countering ingaggressive regimes and getting the opportunity to speak and gather freely. i know that your senator also on technology even open and free data flows in cross borderer communications. i think that is really important. thank you. >> could i -- if i could ask ms. royce, on the summer work travel programs, the j-1 visas, 17 senators sent a letter to secretary torenson about that

issue, and i have -- one ex example, i have talked to the jewish camp organizers and the use of the j-1 visas for the counselors at the the camp for cultural opportunities for the campers there, and it is an incredible program. we are concerned about in this immigration debate that this program remain as a high priority and continuation. what is your view on this program? >> than you, senator cardin for t your question. i want to share with you that i am familiar with the letter, and i also was impressed with the fact that each of you that signed on really talked about the importance of the summer work travel program to the local community.

in addition you recognized something else important which is the opportunity of americans to go for these jobs, and it is recognized then that these jobs should be promoted broad ly for americans, and, but, of course, there is always a need for the talent in high demand season. one of the things about this area is that they are closely monitored and psyche visits are conduct and always updating the regulations. i wanted to let you know that i would continue to with those practices and transparent way, and i would want to work with you on those. i understand the summer work travel program has strong bipartisan support, and obviously just speaking on the hill here on my visits, you know, i just know how important it is. i would be interest ed in, you

know, continuing this dialogue. >> thank you. >> thank you for your service, and the willingness to serve and we look forward to the chairman moving this on to the confirmation vote. the record on this hearing is going to remain open until the close of business this friday and seeing no objection, the hearing is adjourned.

getting under way this hour live on the companion network of c-span, a briefing for a congressional staff on public school safety and ways to prevent gun violence and we will also hear from students from the marjory douglas stoneman school. and also, we will have a gun

violence prevention conference. and tom, our rally against the gun violence will take place here in washington, d.c., and you can see it starting at noon eastern. on saturday at 8:00 p.m. on book tv on c-span 2 ben steel chronicles the efforts to rebuild western europe following world war ii and in his book, the marshall plan, dawn of the cold war. at 11:00 p.m., it is the 2018 national book critic ss a ward. and saturday on c-span3, and 7:05 p.m. eastern it is nancy pelosi's donation ceremony where she will donate her gavel, and the copy of the speech and the suit she wore at at her swearing in ceremony. and we will have the 1968 oval office speech of lyndon b.

johnson announce sheg not seeking re-election, and that is from the campaign film showing the vice president meaning the voters in new hampshire and wisconsin and sunday, it is going to be plolitico magazine o reenact the legislation. and then afterwards the human rights campaign of sarah mcbride discusses her life as transgendered person and lgbtq rights and her book "tomorrow is going to be different, love, loss and the fight for transequality." and then saturday at 12:55 p.m. eastern remembering the life and legacy of william f. buckley, the tv personality, and political activist and found over the national review who died in 2008. at 8:00 p.m. on the presidency, the relationship between george washington and native americans is exam pained by author colin

callaway, and the indian world of george washington, and the president and the first americans, and the birth of the nation. and now a hearing on broadband infrastructure and the technologies needed to provide high speed access and members of the commerce committee are on deploying infrastructure of the rural areas. this is just over two hours.