Moving a step closer to confirmation as the new U.S. ambassador to New Zealand, former Senator Carol Moseley-Braun appeared before a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing held Friday and defended herself against allegations of ethical misconduct.
Under questioning from Senator Paul Coverdell (R-GA), Moseley-Braun refuted charges that she had misused campaign funds citing a Federal Elections Commission audit. Senator Craig Thomas (R-WY), who presided over the hearing in the absence of Senator Jesse Helms (R-NC), stated “Those allegations have been completely investigated and dealt with prior to this hearing by other governmental agencies.”
Senator Joseph Biden (D-DE), ranking Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, praised Moseley-Braun stating “The one thing I hope was established today is that the integrity of this nominee is beyond question.” Biden also stated that he expects the committee will meet late Monday to endorse Moseley-Braun in hopes that the full Senate would confirm her as early as Wednesday.
