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Clinton confirmation hearing set

Posted by Foon Rhee, deputy national political editor January 7, 2009 01:09 PM

Senator John F. Kerry's office announced today that the Foreign Relations Committee will hold the confirmation hearing next Tuesday for Hillary Clinton, President-elect Barack Obama's pick for secretary of state.

Clinton is expected to be confirmed without any serious hurdles to the post, which Kerry himself coveted.

Instead, he is about to embark on his first major overseas visit as chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee -- to southwest Asia, including Afghanistan and Pakistan, which are near the top of the challenges facing the new administration. Kerry is going on the trip with Vice President-elect Joe Biden, the committee's past chairman.

UPDATE: Kerry's office just announced that because of scheduled votes, he will no longer go on the congressional trip.

Kerry also announced that the hearing will be next Thursday for Susan Rice, Obama's selection for ambassador to the United Nations.

“When President-Elect Obama announced his nominations of Senator Clinton and Susan Rice for the positions of Secretary of State and Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations, I said he’s chosen an extremely talented team to help rebuild our alliances and advance our agenda in the world,” Kerry said in a statement. “My friend and colleague Hillary Clinton will bring her years of experience and acute intellect to her position as America’s top diplomat. Susan Rice’s expertise in foreign policy and commitment to strong alliances will be invaluable as she helps the President-Elect restore America’s rightful role in the international arena. I look forward to working with my distinguished colleague, Senate Foreign Relations Committee ranking minority member Richard Lugar, to ensure a fair and expeditious confirmation process for these two accomplished nominees.”

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Congratulations Senator Kerry on your selection as Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee. As you have in the past, I know you will always have the best interests of the country, first and foremost, in your heart.

Senator Clinton is an excellent choice to lead the State Department. She will be ready from "Day One." I hope the Senate will confirm her quickly.

Posted by Stan from Rowley January 7, 09 01:32 PM
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Hillary Clinton will bring content and integrity to the pursuit of US foreign policy, like during the successful Clinton presidency. Her tenacity during the primaries is an inspiration to millions of women the world at large. As Secretary of State, she can certainly count on the solidarity and good will of many women the world at large.

Posted by Ngozi January 7, 09 02:24 PM
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I did not vote for Mr. Obama but he will be my President and I wish him all the success in the world. I have zero faith in Ms. Clinton. She is a train wreck waiting to happen. Maybe Mr. Kerry can try some of his famous humor on the international stage, maybe they will get it! Now as for Ms. Rice, she is an excellent choice.

Posted by Al B. January 7, 09 03:02 PM
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Congratulations to Senator Kerry. I look forward to watching the future SFRC hearings and hopefully investigations. There is no one in the Senate more capable doing both of these things. Although I think Senator Kerry would have been an awesome Secretary of State, I am glad that he will have the independence as a Senator to do speak the truths that need saying - on the new administration as well as the old. The Clinton and Rice hearings may give insight on who will lead foreign policy in the Obama administration - given that Holbroke, Haas, and Ross will be special envoys on Southeast asia, the middle east and Israel respectively.

Posted by K. C. January 7, 09 06:43 PM
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If Sen. Clinton is a train wreck waiting to happen, then Obama is to blame for putting his faith in her. If you support the new President than you should support his choices, and get over it.

Posted by goin4broke January 7, 09 07:33 PM
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I look forward to a distinguished tenure by Senator Kerry in this important position. The committee could not be in more competent hands.

Posted by S. Jones January 9, 09 01:58 AM
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