Tillerson said he would.
On Wednesday, Rubio tried to get Tillerson to agree to the legislation he and nine other senators proposed Tuesday to impose sanctions on Russian Federation for cyber intrusions.
Tillerson’s hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.
“Tillerson appeared at the hearings in the Senate where he the approval of his candidature for the top post at the Department of State is to take place and the latest events show the strength of anti-Russian sentiments among the Senate’s Democrats and Republicans likewise”, Slutsky said. Tillerson agreed with Rubio that it was a “fair assessment” that Putin may have had knowledge of Russia’s involvement.
After the hearings Rubio told reporters that he’s “prepared to do what’s right”, and possibly be the only Republican on the foreign relations committee to vote against Tillerson.
“If Mr. Tillerson can not even say that he will support the existing sanctions, what kind of secretary of state will he be?”
“Yes sir”, Mr. Tillerson answered.
“In terms of when you designate someone or label someone, the question is is that the most affective way to have progress continue to be made in Saudi Arabia or any other country”, Tillerson said.
Senators also asked Tillerson about climate change, especially considering his role at the helm of ExxonMobil, one of the world’s largest petroleum producers.
“Well, let me describe the situation in Aleppo and perhaps that will help you reach that conclusion”, the senator retorted, describing Russian strikes on civilian infrastructure in Syria and Chechnya.
“Do you believe that Vladimir Putin and his cronies are responsible for ordering the murder of countless dissident journalists and political opponents?” he asked.
“He’s been nominated to what I believe is the second most important position in the U.S. executive branch”, Rubio said. “These people are dead”.
The former CEO of Exxon Mobil warns that “Russia today poses a danger“, but urges an “open and frank dialogue“.
“All in all, it’s hard to imagine a single hire that could do more damage to the planet (though the rest of Trump’s cabinet will doubtless give him a run for his money)”.
Former Defense Secretary Bob Gates, who reportedly recommended Tillerson to Trump, also touted Tillerson’s credentials in an introduction. Rubio said, noting that the reports of atrocities have been well-documented in news reports.
As America’s top diplomat, Tillerson – now the chief executive of oil giant Exxon Mobil – would lead global climate negotiations for the Trump administration.
