Senator Merkley Questions Ambassador Nominee on Vietnam War Legacy Programs and Rule of Law

Support for Vietnam War Legacy Programs

• 📌 Senator Merkley inquired about the nominee's support for four specific war legacy programs in Vietnam: returning martyrs' remains, cleaning up Agent Orange contamination at air bases, collecting cluster munitions, and treating individuals affected by these remnants.
• ✅ The nominee, Jennifer Wicks McNamara, affirmed her commitment to supporting and furthering these war legacy programs and the partnership with Vietnam.
• 🤝 These programs are seen as foundational for restoring respect and fostering economic and strategic partnerships with Vietnam.

Concerns Regarding Aid Cuts and Strategy

• ✂️ Senator Merkley questioned the nominee about her involvement in a strategy of sudden aid cuts, referencing a statement about aid being "fed into the wood chipper" and the cancellation of contracts.
• ❓ The nominee stated she was not aware of this strategy until it occurred and was not involved in those specific actions.

Rule of Law and Lethal Strikes

• ⚖️ Senator Merkley raised concerns about the US carrying out 22 lethal strikes on suspected drug boats, resulting in over 80 deaths without arrest or due process, questioning how the US can expect other countries to respect the rule of law.
• 🌍 The nominee acknowledged the question but could not comment on the legal analysis, suggesting that in areas with high crime and gang violence, an aggressive approach might be welcomed by residents.
• 🚤 The Senator countered that legal and effective methods, such as Coast Guard investigations, evidence gathering, arrests, and prosecutions, are more effective for dismantling drug networks than extrajudicial killings.
• 🎯 The nominee stated that President Trump views the issue as multi-dimensional and that the strikes are one facet, while INL continues to fund security and training projects in Latin America.