Dear Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen:
As the Senate considers the confirmation of Dr. Wes Brooks as Assistant Secretary for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs at the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce respectfully offers the following observations and perspective and urges timely consideration.
The State Department plays an important role in furthering the economic interests of our nation through diplomacy, policy development, and scientific cooperation on global environmental challenges. Dr. Brooks brings a wealth of experience at the intersection of water, biology, and technology innovation. We are confident that Dr. Brooks will continue the State Department’s commitment to ensuring that the U.S. remains a leader in addressing solutions to environmental stewardship, especially through growing exports of technologies, products, and services.
The Chamber continues to support U.S. engagement on global environmental issues. It is in the best interests of our country and the U.S. business community to maintain a strong presence in international forums and negotiations, such as the proposed global agreement on plastics pollution, the Basel Convention on the movement of transboundary hazardous waste, and other transboundary engagements (e.g., working on the 2026 UN Water Conference and wastewater solutions along the U.S.-Mexico border with other agencies).
We urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to move swiftly in considering Dr. Brooks’ nomination. The Chamber looks forward to working with the Assistant Secretary and Congress to advance an America First Agenda, ensuring that the U.S. continues to lead on global environmental issues, while safeguarding the principles of democracy and free markets.
Sincerely,
Rodney Davis
Senior Vice President
Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce
