Washington, D.C. – Senator Johnson issued the following statement on his nomination to the 69^th United Nations General Assembly:

“I appreciate President Obama nominating me as one of the U.S. representatives to the 69th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations.  This temporary role is an expansion of my duties as a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and it will not interfere with my other responsibilities representing the people of Wisconsin.

“There have been questions and comments regarding the president nominating me for, and my accepting, this position, given my outspoken opposition to many of the policies of both President Obama and the United Nations. First, it is customary that two senators or congressmen, one from each party, serve as representatives in this capacity.  Second, I intend to use this opportunity to gain insight on a wide range of important global issues.  This will help me do a better job for the people of Wisconsin on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the Foreign Relations Committee.

“We may not always agree, but I do want to thank President Obama for giving me the opportunity to serve America in this capacity.  In these perilous times, it is important for all of us to find common ground and stand united in our dealings with the rest of the world.”

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