The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations convened on September 11, 2025, for a nomination hearing focused on addressing critical foreign policy challenges, particularly concerning China's influence in the Western Hemisphere. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for a confirmed ambassador to The Bahamas, a position that has remained vacant since 2011, which has allowed China to expand its presence in the region.

During the hearing, Mr. Walker expressed significant concern over China's encroachment in the Caribbean, citing recent discussions with leaders from El Salvador, Panama, and Mexico who share similar worries. He emphasized that the lack of a Senate-confirmed ambassador has created a vacuum, enabling China to invest billions in key infrastructure projects, including a deep-water port in The Bahamas. This investment is particularly alarming given the Bahamas' proximity to the United States, just 50 miles from Florida, making it a strategic point for American national security.

Mr. Walker urged the committee to consider policy approaches that would help The Bahamas resist Chinese pressure. He stressed the importance of collaboration with regional partners to counteract China's growing influence in the Caribbean and the broader Western Hemisphere.

The discussions underscored the need for a proactive U.S. foreign policy that addresses the challenges posed by foreign investments in critical sectors and the implications for national security. The committee's focus on this issue reflects a broader recognition of the geopolitical dynamics at play in the region and the necessity for the U.S. to strengthen its diplomatic presence and partnerships.

As the meeting concluded, the committee members acknowledged the importance of swift action to fill the ambassadorial vacancy and enhance U.S. engagement in the Caribbean to safeguard American interests and support regional allies.