Click here or on the image above to watch Boozman’s remarks.

 Boozman recalled his long-standing relationship with Huckabee, who served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas from 1996-2007. The senator expressed his confidence in the Governor’s leadership and ability to strengthen the relationship between the United States and the Jewish State.

 Below are Boozman’s remarks as delivered:

 Thank you, Chairman Risch and Ranking Member Shaheen, and good morning to my distinguished colleagues.

 It is an honor to be here today to introduce my friend and fellow Arkansan – Governor Mike Huckabee, President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Ambassador to Israel.

 I know Senator Cotton would have liked to be here too. In fact, it was the first call I received very early this morning, reminding me to tell everybody how much he supported this and what a great ambassador he thinks Gov. Huckabee would make.

 I would also like to say hi to Gov. Huckabee’s family and friends here in attendance, and how glad we are that they are here supporting him. We all know these are family affairs, whether it’s us or people that serve in other aspects of government.

 This is a pivotal moment in history, not just for our country, but for Israel and the special relationship between our nations.

 I’ve had the privilege of knowing the Governor for many years, and I can say without hesitation that he is the right person to be our representative to Israel at this critical moment, and I’m thankful to President Trump for selecting such a staunch and passionate advocate for the Jewish State.

 Mike was raised in Hope, Arkansas, and went on to graduate from Ouachita Baptist University, where he majored in religion. He then attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, in preparation for a lifetime of ministry that included pastoring Immanuel Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and later at Beech Street Baptist Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

 He went on to serve as president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, where his leadership and communications skills intersected at the cornerstone of his life – spreading the gospel and shepherding fellow Christians in their faith – and foreshadowed his calling into public service.

 Mike served as the 44th Governor of Arkansas for over a decade, with his time as our state’s chief executive marked by his tireless pursuit of pragmatic solutions, a tireless work ethic, and an innate ability to forge relationships across political divides.

 He brought transformational change to Arkansas, leaving a legacy of lower taxes, job creation, improvement of state infrastructure, K-12 education reform, and his enactment of a nationally recognized health initiative focused on disease prevention.

 Mike is not only qualified to serve as our ambassador to Israel, but he is uniquely suited for this role given the way he has championed Israel throughout his entire life, including as a steadfast supporter of Israel’s right to exist and defend itself.

 He has an intimate familiarity with Israel’s people and its leaders, having frequently visited for over fifty years, leading groups to the region since 1981.

 He also understands the importance of diplomacy and has a profound respect and appreciation for it. And he has worked persistently throughout his life to advocate for strengthening and furthering the distinctly profound ties between our two countries.

 As the United States Ambassador to Israel, he will bring a thoughtful, principled approach to our relationship – as his extensive experience already shows.

 He believes, like many of us, that the United States and Israel share a sacred bond that transcends politics – both in terms of shared values and mutual security.

 In an increasingly dangerous world, where Israel is under constant attack from Iran and its terrorist proxies, the United States needs a representative in Israel who not only understands the complex Middle East geopolitics, but can navigate them with conviction, strength and tact.

 Governor Huckabee’s background, character, and experience all uniquely qualify him to be that figure at this moment and for this purpose.

 His deep understanding and love for Israel and its people will undoubtedly make him an exceptional ambassador.

 I know that he will represent the United States with honor, integrity, and an ironclad commitment to the enduring partnership between our two nations.

 I look forward to seeing all the great things he will do as the United States Ambassador to Israel.

 I strongly support his nomination and urge my colleagues to do the same, as does my colleague Sen. Cotton from Arkansas. Thank you very much.