Pelosi Statement on Biden Appointments in Key National Security and Foreign Policy Posts

Contact: Speaker's Press Office,

202-226-7616

"President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have assembled a historic, high-powered national security and foreign policy team that will be ready to lead on Day One. This battle-tested team is trusted at home and respected around the world, bringing decades of experience and a legacy of unmatched diplomatic achievements to the critical mission of keeping the American people safe.

"These patriots will not only repair the damage wrought by the Trump Administration, they will restore America's critical and preeminent role in the international arena. They will revitalize our foreign policy leadership: refreshing our alliances, re-energizing our commitment to our values and interests, rebuilding our institutions and reevaluating and strengthening the tools in our diplomatic arsenal.

"Together, this national security team will chart a forward-looking strategy focused on meeting the challenges of the 21st Century – from crushing the coronavirus, to combating the climate crisis, to defeating transnational terrorism, to achieving nuclear nonproliferation, and to taking the lead on the technologies of the future.

"Our Democratic House Majority looks forward to working with this outstanding team to honor our sacred mission to protect the American people, particularly our brave servicemembers. We urge the Senate to follow precedent and hold hearings on these nominees in January before the inauguration. In the mission to safeguard our national security, we cannot accept any delay.

"Congratulations to:

• Antony Blinken, Secretary of State

• Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security

• Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield, United States Ambassador to the United Nations

• Avril Haines, Director of National Intelligence

• Former Secretary of State John Kerry, Special Envoy for Climate

• Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor."