Vice Presidential Pool Reports of January 10, 2024

VP Pool Report 1

Good evening from the EEOB - where Vice President Kamala Harris is conducting a ceremonially swearing-in of Nathalie Rayes as Ambassador to Croatia in the VP's ceremonial office.

Family and friends of Rayes crowded into the room to witness the swearing in. Members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus also snuck in to the back of the room, including Senators Menendez and Padilla, CHC Chair Barragán, Reps. Correa, Ruiz, Menendez, Castro, Sylvia Garcia, Espiallat, and others that your pooler couldn't get a good look at to identify (the room was quite packed).

The Vice President entered at 6:06pm with Rayes - Rayes mother held the Bible as she was sworn in. Cheers went up around the room after the swearing in. Afterwards the VP took a family photo with them.

The VP made a few remarks at the end gripping Rayes hand - otter included of the remarks - but here is the quote: "As I said to the ambassador you know, there are people who just present themselves with a willingness and a readiness to serve and in particular, some of the most difficult and complex moments in the history of our country and and the ambassador yet again in our career, has chosen to step up to serve on behalf of the people of our country, and has the full faith and confidence of the President in our country to represent us in such a stellar and extraordinary life. So congratulations!"

https://otter.ai/u/TbfWzcFlklG2wp1Kl6Hwa6HOanQ

VP left roughly around 6:09pm.

More info on Rayes:

Rayes was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on Dec. 6. Rayes has previously served in the Biden administration as President Biden's appointee to the board of the United States Institute of Peace. She also served six years as President Barack Obama's appointee to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, chairing the Audit Committee. She is also the president and CEO of Latino Victory, a national organization dedicated to building Latino political power.