Washington, DC – Congressman Howard L. Berman (D-CA), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued the following statement after the White House announced today the nomination of David Killion to be the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), with the rank of Ambassador:

“David Killion has the personal and professional skills to be a wonderful U.S. ambassador to UNESCO. He understands how to navigate the complexities of the U.N. system as well as the Department of State, and has spearheaded staff efforts on legislation to bring about much-needed reform at both institutions in recent years. He helped shape the policy that brought the United States back into UNESCO – so in a way, working there will be something of a homecoming for him. David will be an extraordinary diplomat; we’ll miss him at the Foreign Affairs Committee, but wish him well as the confirmation process starts.”