The process of considering the nominee of President Donald Trump as his US ambassador to Panama began on the morning of Wednesday, August 5, in the Foreign Relations Committee of the United States Senate.
Eric Paul Bethel's nomination was considered along with four others among the senators who make up this committee.
This process is divided into four steps, which must be completed before accepting or denying Trump's nomination.
Bethel, who said during his speech that he speaks Spanish because he is the son of a Cuban woman, was nominated for this position at the end of April.
If his nomination is accepted, Bethel would fill a position that has been vacant for more than two years and would begin his work later this year.
The committee session was held virtually due to the
coronavirus pandemic that affects the world.
The senators have all day to send other questions to the nominee.
One of the topics discussed in the committee was Panama's diplomatic and commercial relationship with China, which officially began in 2017.
Bethel replied that as long as the established rules were followed fairly, he saw no downside to the relationship.
After this session the committee must vote and then send its decision to the US Senate. If Bethel's nomination is accepted, the next step would start, which includes a trip to Panama.