Public Diplomacy Nominee Testifies Before Senate Committee

On Wednesday, May 13, 2009, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reviewed the nomination of Judith McHale as Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. A daughter of a Foreign Service Officer and former CEO of Discovery Communications, McHale outlined in her testimony the key principles that will guide her work as Undersecretary, noting that public diplomacy is an essential component of our nation’s foreign policy, that it must be run strategically, and that it requires resources and a willingness to take risks. The Committee is expected to vote on her soon, followed by full Senate consideration soon thereafter.