00:00Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
00:03Chairman Rich, Ranking Member Shaheen, and distinguished committee members, it is an
00:07honor to be here with you today.
00:08I'm grateful to President Trump for nominating me to be the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic
00:12of Panama, and Secretary Rubio for his support throughout the process.
00:17With your concurrence and approval, I look forward to beginning my work in Panama and
00:20serving the people of the United States of America.
00:23I appreciate the opportunities I've had to meet with many of you and discuss our bilateral
00:28relationship with Panama.
00:30I take this opportunity to serve as ambassador with great seriousness, humility, and clarity
00:34of purpose.
00:36If confirmed, I look forward to continuing our dialogue on national politics and ensuring
00:40our country's strengths and partnerships with Panama.
00:44As a proud first-generation American and son of Cuban exiles, I carry a deep appreciation
00:49for the opportunities this country has given me and my family.
00:52My family's journey from hardship and oppression to freedom and success has shaped my values
00:57and reinforced my commitment to the ideals of liberty and democracy.
01:01This personal history instills in me a profound sense of duty to uphold these principles and
01:06work for our nation's interests.
01:08From day one, President Trump has made it clear that U.S. foreign policy must always
01:12prioritize the interests of America and its citizens.
01:15His America First policy directive reaffirmed our commitment to achieving peace through
01:20strength while ensuring that our diplomacy reflects U.S. values, sovereignty, and security.
01:25As I sit here before you today, I recall Secretary Rubio's confirmation hearing where
01:30he outlined a clear and principled vision for U.S. foreign policy, one rooted in strength,
01:36purpose, and accountability.
01:38He framed it around three fundamental questions.
01:41Does this make America stronger?
01:43Does this make America safer?
01:45And does this make America more prosperous?
01:48These questions reflect a core mission of American diplomacy.
01:51They serve as a guiding framework that I fully embrace.
01:54I take this charge seriously knowing that representing the United States abroad is both
01:58a privilege and a solemn duty.
02:01My mother, a woman of faith, who is with us today, always reminded me that to whom much
02:05is given, much is expected.
02:07Her wisdom and resilience have shaped my approach to service.
02:11She has taught me that faith and hard work can overcome even the greatest obstacles,
02:15and a lesson I always carry forward.
02:18The U.S.-Panama bilateral relationship is of paramount importance, rooted in shared
02:22values and mutual interest.
02:25Our partnership spans a wide range of areas, including shared security concerns, immigration
02:30cooperation, and economic engagement.
02:33This relationship is vital to the stability and prosperity of the Western Hemisphere.
02:37One of the key aspects of our cooperation is ensuring the security of the Panama Canal,
02:41a critical international waterway that facilitates global trade and economic growth.
02:47Our collaborative efforts with Panama to maintain the canal's neutrality and security are essential
02:51for safeguarding this strategic asset.
02:54Recent actions, such as Panama's decision to exit the Belt and Road Initiative and audit
02:59the port concessions, demonstrate their commitment to this shared goal.
03:04Immigration cooperation is another cornerstone of our bilateral relationship.
03:08Both nations face challenges related to illegal immigration and transnational criminal activity.
03:13By working together, we can develop effective strategies to manage immigration flows, combat
03:19human trafficking, and enhance border security, while contributing to long-term regional
03:23stability.
03:25Economic engagement between the United States and Panama is also a critical component of
03:29this partnership.
03:30The U.S. investments in Panama support energy production, infrastructure development, and
03:34foster economic resilience and growth, while working to enhance supply chain resiliency
03:41and further strengthening our economic ties and benefiting both nations.
03:46Throughout my career, I've worked across party lines to advance policies that benefit
03:50our community.
03:51As an elected official, I have worked with and today have the support of Democrat leaders,
03:55including the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, Daniela LaVincaba, former Minority Leader
03:59of the Florida House of Representatives, Keoni McGee, who's with us here today, and former
04:03Minority Leader of the Florida Senate, Oscar Brannon.
04:06These partnerships demonstrate my ability to build consensus and to work in the best
04:11interests of the people we serve.
04:14I would bring this same spirit of collaboration to my role as Ambassador, ensuring that our
04:19foreign policy remains a unifying force for American interests.
04:23Mr. Chairman, Ranking Member, and members of this committee, our relationship with Panama
04:28has a direct impact on our safety, security, and the prosperity of American people.
04:33As Ambassador, it would be my honor to protect American citizens and promote U.S. economic
04:37interest.
04:38I recognize the obligation of implementing these strategies and the policies of the United
04:42States, and I recognize the responsibilities that I have to the Constitution of the United
04:46States, the President, Secretary Rubio, and to Congress members of the United States.
04:52Thank you very much for your time, and I look forward to answering your questions.
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