Devex: Development takes a back seat in Mike Pompeo nomination hearing
“In a five-hour nomination hearing on Thursday, Mike Pompeo, the nominee to be the next U.S. secretary of state, didn’t say much about foreign aid, but did provide some indications about his beliefs and approach to foreign policy issues. … Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a Democrat from New Hampshire, asked Pompeo about a number of those concerns, particularly about his commitment to women’s issues. … Pompeo, in response to a question from [Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.)], said that he will look into the administration’s decision to stop funding to the United Nations Population Fund, and that if he is convinced that there is a lack of evidence to justify the decision, he will look into restoring funding. … Among the other issues raised were democracy promotion and engagement on humanitarian aid in specific regions, notably Latin America and Africa…” (Saldinger, 4/13).