President Joe Biden announced his intentions to nominate two new ambassadors on Wednesday, picking Michelle Kwan to serve as ambassador to Belize and Caroline Kennedy to serve as ambassador to Australia.
Kwan, 41, is a retired American figure skater and two-time Olympic medalist. While Kennedy, 64, is an author, attorney, and former ambassador to Japan under the Obama administration.
The White House made the announcements in a statement on Wednesday, the latest ambassador selections to be sent to the US Senate.
The daughter of former President John F. Kennedy was reported by CNN in July to be the leading candidate for the ambassador to Australia. She endorsed Biden's candidacy early on in the 2020 campaign, and spoke at the Democratic National Convention in August of 2020.
If selected, Kennedy will become the second family member to fill a diplomatic position, as Biden picked the late Sen. Ted Kennedy's widow, Victoria, to serve as ambassador to Austria in October.
"I am always grateful to the courageous Solomon Islanders and Australian coast watchers who rescued my father during World War 2, and if confirmed, I will work hard to repay this debt," Kennedy said in a statement. "I look forward to collaborating with the Government of Australia to strengthen our alliance, improve global health and increase vaccine access during this terrible pandemic and to address the urgent climate crisis. I am excited to get to know the Australian people, learn about their fascinating country and share with them what I love most about America."
Kwan is a longtime Democratic activist and worked on the Biden campaign. She has been pushing for an ambassador position and said she was honored by the nomination.
"If confirmed, I will be very proud to serve my country," Kwan said. "Belize is full of incredible history and culture, and has been a tremendous partner to the United States. I look forward to working with the Belizean government on economic issues, to put an end to this pandemic, and to address the root causes of migration."
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