Markey vows climate focus from new Foreign Relations Committee perch

{mosads}Here’s the rest of his comment:

The U.S. can and must play a leadership role on these issues, and we must do so with foreign policy objectives that are consistent with our values of democracy, respect for human rights, and self-determination. As a nation, we have a responsibility to use the tools of smart power – economic development, innovation, education and health care – to protect our vital interests and to persuade others to join us in advancing shared goals that ensure peace, freedom and shared prosperity across the globe. And in areas such as climate change, intellectual property and others, I will work to ensure that the interests of Massachusetts are protected, as well. I thank Majority Leader Reid for the opportunity to serve on the Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman Menendez for the opportunity to serve as chairman of this subcommittee. I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues on helping to shape America’s foreign policy.