Transcription
Mr. Secretary, you and I served together in Congress for 15 years. We didn't always agree, but I believe we shared some common values. A belief in defending democracy and human rights abroad and honoring the Constitution at home. That's why I voted to confirm you. I believed you would stand up for those principles. You haven't. You've done the opposite.
And you used to speak with conviction about the importance of foreign aid as a tool to advance American values and interests. Then you stood by while Elon Musk took a chainsaw to USAID and other assistance programs. That has left a staggering toll. Broken trust with countries, openings for China and other adversaries, and countless preventable deaths of children and others.
Take Sudan for example. The freezing of US humanitarian assistance forced the closure of nearly 80% of the emergency food kitchens there. 2 million famine-affected people were left without access to food. People died because of those actions. Mothers, fathers, and children. Tons of emergency food that could have saved their lives was left rotting in warehouses because you and Elon Musk refused to let USAID do its job.
I ask you the same, Secretary Rubio. But you have shown through your words and your actions what the answer is. And I have to tell you directly and personally that I regret voting for you for Secretary of State. I yield back.
>> May I respond?
>> You may sir.
>> Well, first of all, your regret for voting for me confirms I'm doing a good job based on what I know.
>> Well, that's just a flipping statement, Mr. Secretary.
>> respond, Mr. Chairman?
>> You.
This wasn't just another tense Senate hearing. It ended with one of the most personal moments you'll see on Capitol Hill. As Senator Chris Van Hollen looked Marco Rubio in the eye and said he regretted voting to confirm him as Secretary of State, and Rubio fired right back.