WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: Secretary-designate Blinken's Senate Hearing Shows He has the Experience to Restore America's Standing in the World

In today's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Secretary of State-designate Antony Blinken again demonstrated that he'll bring the experienced leadership we need to the State Department in order to rebuild alliances, restore our standing in the world, and counter the threats America faces around the world.

Blinken has drawn praise from both sides of the aisle — which he did again today — because of the experience he brings to this vital role and because of his record of advancing America's values and interests across years of public service. With new challenges and crises emerging, it is critical that the Senate move quickly to confirm Blinken. 

Here's what they're saying about Blinken's hearing:

Sen. Dick Durbin: Had the honor of introducing @ABlinken at his nomination hearing in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today. Tony is an ideal choice to lead the State Department and represent our nation and its values around the world. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Sen. Lindsey Graham via Patricia Zengerle: Sen @LindseyGrahamSC  says he thinks Blinken is "an outstanding choice" for secretary of state, even though he doesn't agree with him on all issues. [Tweet, 1/19/21]

Sen. Ed Markey: As Secretary of State Antony Blinken will elevate the protection and promotion of #LGBTI rights around the world after 4 years of discrimination, denial, and marginalization. Pride flags will fly again and our diplomats will be supported no matter who they are and who they love. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Sen. Ben Cardin: .@ABlinken's commitment to strengthening the Global Magnitsky Act will put us back on the right path toward preserving democracy and human rights worldwide. Under his leadership as Sec State, the @StateDept can once again make good governance and diplomacy a top priority. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen: "I appreciated the opportunity to hear more from Antony Blinken on how he'll rebuild the State Department and prioritize the women and men who serve our country at embassies and consulates around the world and here at home. There is an urgent need for the incoming administration to emphasize diplomacy with our allies, partners and the multilateral institutions with which we have long engaged. The U.S. must be a nation that supports democracy and condemns authoritarianism, including in Russia, where opposition leader Alexei Navalny was arrested on Sunday for daring to return to his country. I look forward to working with the Biden administration on the issues that will return the U.S. to global leadership, which is why I asked Mr. Blinken to prioritize robust diplomacy, gender-conscious policy-making and the rights of women and minorities in ongoing negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. I also asked Mr. Blinken to focus on uncovering and confronting the causation of "Havana Syndrome" which has caused mysterious brain injuries among U.S. public servants. In the hearing today, we only scratched the surface on the many foreign policy issues that must be addressed by the next administration. I look forward to continuing this conversation and helping President Biden – and hopefully Secretary of State Blinken – to advance these priorities." [Statement, 1/19/21] 

Rep. Joaquin Castro: I'm encouraged by @ABlinken's commitment to promote diversity at the @StateDept, including by appointing a Chief Diversity Officer. The power of our example is strengthened by the diversity of our people. Thank you to my friend @SenBooker for asking these important questions. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Former Amb. to Israel Dan Shapiro: In @SenateForeign, @ABlinken is making a compelling case for a bipartisan commitment to advancing US interests through renewed leadership that inspires other nations to join us in tackling the world's biggest challenges, from pandemics to climate change to rising authoritarianism [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

You can tell @ABlinken is a good fit to be @JoeBiden's Secretary of State. Like his boss, when he talks about foreign policy, it sounds like he's speaking plain English, not bureaucratese. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Former Amb. Daniel Fried: .@ABlinken's confirmation statement worth a read: US engagement, not w/drawal; values & alliances, not spheres of influence & transactionalism; clear about challenges from China & Russia. Humble about US failings but determined to build on our best. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Former Amb. Dan Baer: The tone of the opening statements at @ABlinken's hearing, (and the informal comments of Senator Risch), is just right. May they continue to (re)build a bipartisan approach to foreign policy. Tony Blinken knows this committee well and will be an honest and good faith partner. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Christina Ruffini: And here is the biggest fundamental difference in policy approach between @ABlinken and @SecPompeo: Blinken says even in organizations that are imperfect and need reform, America is better off in being in the room to try to change and promote reform. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Former Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell: Our future Secretary of State is sharp! He understands the challenges we face in Latin America specially in Cuba and Venezuela. @marcorubio tried to distract. @ABlinken looking forward to your leadership! [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

Jonathan Schanzer: I'm generally heartened by what I saw today at the Blinken hearing. Thorniest issue will not surprisingly be Iran, and to a lesser extent Iran's proxies. [Tweet, 1/19/21] 

AFT President Randi Weingarten: If Antony Blinken is confirmed as Secretary of State the US will "lead by example of our power but also by the power of our example." @SenatorDurbin said it best: @ABlinken is ready for this job and we know it. [Tweet, 1/19/21]