mr. mcguirk? >> thank you, mr. chairman. ranking member ritsch, senator lugar. it is a honor to appear before you to become u.s. ambassador to iraq. i am deeply grateful to the president and to secretary clinton for the confidence they've placed in me with this nomination. if confirmed, i look forward to working closely with you to advance america's many important and vital interests in iraq. i've had the distinct privilege of s

mr. mcguirk. ms. elliott? >> thank you, mr. chairman. ranking member rusch and senator lugar, as the chairman pointed out i have strong ties to the state of pennsylvania having been born there and my son is a student the at the university of pennsylvania but i also have strong ties to indiana having been an graduate of indiana university and live in muncie, indiana. so it's an honor for me to be here in front of you today. i don't have any to idaho. yes, i do, and i love them. i'm very honored to be president obama's nominee to become the u.s. ambassador to the republic of tajikistan. grateful for the trust and confidence that the president and secretary of state clin hto have placed in me. if confirmed i will work closely with you, the committee and entire congress to advance america's goals and interests in as it jeek st tajikistan. i would like to thank my wonderful friends, colleagues and family who supported me over my years in the state department. since recognizing tajikistan's independence and establishes diplomatic relations 20