Also Discusses Critical Minerals in Kazakhstan & Countering Iran Proxy Groups in Lebanon
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today spoke with Julie Stufft, nominee to be Ambassador to Kazakhstan and Michel Issa, nominee to be Ambassador to Lebanon. Daines emphasized the importance of the U.S.- Kazakhstan relationship for national security as well as the need to counter Iranian proxy groups like Hezbollah in Lebanon. Daines also called for a repeal of the outdated Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions.
Watch the full exchange HERE.
Daines explained how Kazakhstan’s minerals are beneficial to U.S. national security:
Daines: As you know, Kazakhstan is a country rich in natural resources important to the United States and the global economy. [They have] sizable deposits of uranium, lithium, copper, zinc, and rare earth elements at a time when it’s difficult to get a mining permit here in the United States. I’ve been fighting for 35 years to get a copper mine permitted in Montana. So these deposits in other countries where we can develop relationship with and get secure supply chains with can be very important to our country as the U.S. and its allies seek to diversify supply chains and ensure consistent supplies of these materials. It’s important for technology, for defense, and manufacturing. I think Kazakhstan and Central Asia more broadly offers a very unique opportunity for joint investment and development Ms. Stufft, if confirmed, how could you be a conduit for further U.S. investment in Kazakhstan?
Stufft: My goal as ambassador, if confirmed would be to make sure that U.S. companies have an even playing field so that they can do investment in Kazakhstan, and also that U.S. companies are the partners of choice in Kazakhstan instead of Chinese or other companies.
Daines called for the repeal of the Jackson-Vanik trade restrictions:
Daines: I’m also working with this committee, in fact, with Senator Murphy in a bipartisan way, on a pathway to end the outdated Jackson -Vanik trade restrictions. It’s almost embarrassing, I think, to many of us that they exist from ancient days of the past, of the Soviet era. And in many ways, I think it’s hindered our economic partnership with Kazakhstan. How would normalized trade relations allow our two countries to build a more comprehensive economic partnership and encourage American investment in Kazakhstan.
Stufft: Thank you, Senator. Yes, I believe that Secretary Rubio has said that Jackson-Vanik is a relic of a past era. The government of Kazakhstan has been able to get waivers like other countries in the region for many years, but I would certainly support efforts by the Senate and Congress to do away with that and be happy to support your efforts on that.
Daines emphasized the need to counter Iranian proxy groups in Lebanon:
Daines: As you know,one of the most important priorities for the new Lebanese government is restoringstate administration in the south where Hezbollah continues to operate outside of government control. President Aoun has made clear that no militia should hold theexclusive right to define national defense. This is a principle the United Statesstrongly supports, yet with continued backing from Iran, Hezbollah maintains militarydominance in the south, as you know, presenting serious challenges to the government’scredibility and authority. Mr. Issa, how can the United States, in coordination withour regional partners, support the Lebanese government in reasserting control in thesouth while continuing to counter Iran’s proxy networks and help Lebanon restore fullsovereignty over its territory?
Issa: The Lebanese armed force has been deployed, obviously, in the south of Lebanon, and they’re doing a good job. This is why I think we should support them to continue that job.
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Contact: Matt Lloyd, Gabby Wiggins