Kerry, Lugar Happy That Obama Nominated Someone for USAID

It’s not really a statement of support for nominee Rajiv Shah, who’s already got strong and eager support from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. But here’s what the chairman and ranking member of the committee that he’ll appear before for his confirmation hearing have to say:

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) and Ranking Member Dick Lugar (R-IN) welcome the nomination of a Administrator for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

“I am pleased that the Administration has announced their nominee, Dr. Rajiv Shah, to be the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),” said Chairman Kerry. “I have been very concerned about the lack of political leadership at USAID, especially in the face of critical foreign policy, humanitarian and development priorities in places like Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq and Sudan. I also believe having an Administrator will bring significant momentum to foreign aid reform. I look forward to a thorough nomination process.”

“For development to play its full role in our national security structure, USAID must be a strong agency with the resources to accomplish the missions we give it,” Senator Lugar said. “The issues that we face today – from chronic poverty and hunger to violent acts of terrorism – require that we work seamlessly toward identifiable goals. I look forward to discussing ways to improve and support the development mission that benefits our long-term security as we proceed with the confirmation process.”