Thanking American Diplomats

Floor Speech

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Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to take a moment to honor the American diplomats who serve our country. Specifically, I want to thank the American diplomats who have been on the front lines working for America throughout the Iran nuclear P5+1 negotiations. They address so many vital issues on a daily basis, some of which we hear about in the news but many of which never reach the headlines.

The Corker-Cardin bill is now on the floor, addressing the role of Congress in a final deal with Iran. I hope there will be deliberative, thorough debate around this important issue. I want to put aside the partisan bellowing and grandstanding, some of which has regrettably stooped to impugn our diplomats, and rather take a moment to recognize our diplomats for their efforts to find peaceful solutions to the Iranian nuclear menace that threatens the world.

For 2 years, America's diplomats have labored quietly, with no aspiration for personal accolade, to represent our Nation's best intersts and build the foundation for a possible P5+1 agreement with Iran. The United States has had little contact with Iran since 1979, but their shrewdness and duplicity at the negotiating table is well known. It has been a huge task with no certainty of outcome. There have been innumerable hurdles. There have been many setbacks, and there will be more. But our diplomats have stayed steady, focused on the task at hand.

Diplomacy is about understanding strategic motivations, applying fact and science to argument, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to American values and interests throughout complex talks with an untrustworthy and difficult foe. America's diplomats have done so with focus and integrity.

During the negotiations, American diplomats have also been supported and informed by a tremendous cadre of American experts: scientists, intelligence professionals, civilian experts, members of the military and academics. This process has been a collective effort that has drawn on the country's best and brightest.

There was once a time when politics ended at the water's edge, but in recent years we have seen the erosion of that principle and, instead, a rise in the practice of subsuming the interests of the country to tactical political objectives. The leadership of our diplomats is critical and needed now more than ever, and I want them to know--we value and appreciate you. Regardless of what you might think of the talks in the first place, the dedication of America's diplomats has made us all proud. For that, I thank them.

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