Cornyn Moves Two Trump Noms After PEPFAR Funding Promise

Senator John Cornyn of Texas voted on July 22 to advance the ambassadorial nominations of two allies of President Donald Trump after securing assurances from the administration regarding the release of congressionally appropriated funds for a major global AIDS relief program. Cornyn had threatened to block the nominations of Kari Lake, tapped for ambassador to Jamaica, and Doug Mastriano, nominated for ambassador to Slovakia, in a bid to force action on money for the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

The senator, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, stated on July 21 that he would withhold his support during the committee's scheduled July 22 vote unless he received confirmation that PEPFAR funds would be distributed. He explained his tactic, saying the only way to get the administration's attention on funding issues was to use leverage over nominee votes. With the committee composed of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, Cornyn's vote was potentially decisive, as Democrats were expected to oppose the nominees.

Before the committee vote on July 22, Cornyn announced he had received the necessary assurances. His office stated the administration...