WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell delivered the following remarks today before members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in support of Kelly Knight Craft of Kentucky, President Trump’s nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Canada:
“It’s my privilege to be here today to recommend Ms. Kelly Knight Craft, a native of Glasgow, Kentucky, to serve as the next United States Ambassador to Canada. President Trump made a strong choice when he nominated her, and in today’s hearing, this committee will learn of her experience and skill in advancing the priorities of the United States.
“Ms. Craft has a distinguished record of service to my home state of Kentucky and to our nation. She has helped lead organizations like the United Way of the Bluegrass, the YMCA of Central Kentucky, the Salvation Army of Lexington, and the Center for Rural Development. She has also served on the Board of Trustees of our shared alma mater, the University of Kentucky.
“In 2007, President Bush named her to serve as an alternate representative for the U.S. delegation to the United Nations General Assembly. The Senate confirmed Ms. Craft to that position by unanimous consent. In the General Assembly, she presented the United States’ position on the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. Ms. Craft’s ability to build consensus among international stakeholders toward a common goal served her well at the U.N., and I believe it also makes her an ideal candidate to be the next Ambassador to Canada.
“The United States and Canada are closely interconnected, sharing a common history and set of values, while boasting a strong bilateral relationship founded on robust security and trade relations. The relationship with Canada is particularly important for my home state of Kentucky. Direct investment from Canada supports thousands of Kentucky jobs, and Canada is the Commonwealth’s number-one export market. Maintaining this strong relationship between our two nations is vital to both of us.
“Ms. Craft has the necessary skills and experience to continue the long history of friendship between our nations. Her work will continue to serve the interests of the United States well.
“I would also like to recognize my friend, Mr. Joe Craft, another extraordinary Kentuckian, who is here today to support his wife’s nomination.
“Thank you again for allowing me to testify in support of Ms. Craft today. I appreciate your consideration of her nomination, and I look forward to Ms. Craft’s confirmation.”
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