Heitkamp Meets with Secretary of State Nominee Mike Pompeo

Press Release

U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp yesterday met with Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo, who was formally nominated by President Trump on March 20.

Heitkamp and Pompeo discussed how the U.S. State Department can better pursue a foreign policy that advances U.S. diplomatic, military, and economic interests abroad. Pompeo is the current director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

"The Secretary of State must know how to use diplomacy to stave off conflict and advance American interests, show an unwavering commitment to our allies overseas-- particularly in Europe and East Asia-- and believe in the critical missions of the State Department-- supporting our embassies, addressing the root causes of conflict, and promoting America's economic leadership in the world," said Heitkamp. "Mr. Pompeo and I discussed these topics, and I pressed him on the need for a diplomatic solution with North Korea that avoids deadly miscalculation by either side. I look forward to hearing his answers at his upcoming confirmation hearing as I weigh whether he is the right person for this job."

Heitkamp has also pressed the administration to fill key positions that will aid in the diplomatic and military components of a comprehensive strategy to deal with North Korea. In a 2017 letter, she urged the president to appoint a Special Envoy to the Korean Peninsula, and to fill key positions such as Ambassador to South Korea and top Asia-related positions at the Defense and State Departments. In October 2016, Heitkamp joined in a congressional fact-finding trip to see missile defense capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region up close.

Heitkamp focused the September 2017 episode of her podcast, "The Hotdish," on the North Korea threat. The podcast is available on iTunes and SoundCloud, as well as on Heitkamp's Senate website.

Source