Dear Mr. Patterson:
Thank you for contacting me to express your concerns about Rex Tillerson’s nomination to be Secretary of State. I appreciate the time you took to write, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
After studying his record at ExxonMobil, and the testimony he provided during his confirmation hearing, I opposed Mr. Tillerson’s nomination to be our next Secretary of State when it came to the Senate floor on February 1, 2017.
During his time at ExxonMobil, the company purposefully circumvented U.S. sanctions against Iran, Syria, and Sudan. Specifically, Exxon established a joint venture with Shell—called Infineum—that sold petroleum products to Iran, Sudan, and Syria while those nations were under sanctions by the United States.
Mr. Tillerson refused to discuss Exxon-Mobil’s denial of the effects of human activity on the climate even though the energy company had conclusive scientific evidence linking the two. He also said that he does not see an “imminent national security threat” from climate change.
Mr. Tillerson testified that he considers the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a “dream,” even though many, including myself, believe that it is the only way to reach an enduring peace. Indeed, during his confirmation hearing he appeared almost disinterested in the peace process.
Finally, I am concerned with Mr. Tillerson’s close personal and financial ties to Russia. He refused to describe Russia’s actions in Syria—including the bombings of schools, hospitals, and of a UN aid convoy—as possible war crimes. He also claimed to be unaware of Exxon’s lobbying efforts against Iran- and Russia-related sanctions, even though it is public record that ExxonMobil lobbied against a variety of sanctions since 2010. Additionally, Mr. Tillerson refused to support existing sanctions imposed against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and interference in our most recent elections.
For these reasons, I voted against Rex Tillerson’s nomination to be Secretary of State. Please know that I read your letter with great interest, and will keep your views in mind as the Senate considers any future nominations.
Once again, thank you for writing, and I hope that you will continue to keep me informed about issues of importance to you. Should you have any further comments or questions, please feel free to contact my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841, or visit my website at Feinstein.senate.gov. Best regards.
Dianne Feinstein United States Senator Further information about my position on issues of concern to California and the nation are available at my website,feinstein.senate.gov. And please visit my YouTube, Facebook and Twitter for more ways to communicate with me. |
Jim Patterson Note:
I do not believe Mr. Tillerson was disinterested in the peace process between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. I believe he does not support a Palestinian Authority dictated peace process or a peace process that jeopardizes Israel. Additionally, the "peace process" cannot strengthen the Palestinians in their efforts to destabilize Israel.
Senator Feinstein writes Russia interfered in "our most recent elections." Isn't this supposed to alleged interference in US elections. If it has already been proven to Senator Feinstein's satisfaction what would be the purpose of a Congressional investigation?
I sent Secretary Tillerson a copy of the letter for his response to me and Senator Feinstein.
Jim Patterson
Friend of Israel Defense Forces
Life Member American Foreign Service Association
Member Society of Historians of American Foreign Relations
Associate Member (Family) Korean War Veterans Association
Life Member (Family) Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America
Member US Philippine Society
Diplomatic and Consular Officers R
Member DACOR Bacon House Foundation Washington DC
Member California State Society
Life Member Republican National Committee
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