Editorial: Senate Must Vote on Jacobson

There is no nation as important to the United States as Mexico. However you look at it, good relations between the two are crucial to both countries’ economic, commercial, security, environmental an immigration interests, among others. That is why it is unacceptable to keep the ambassador to Mexico post vacant intentionally, especially since this anomaly stems from the restoration of relations with Cuba.

Back in June, President Obama designated current Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Roberta Jacobson to head the diplomatic office. His choice of a career official contrasted with the thwarted recommendation of María Echaveste, the previous nominee, which was blocked by the Republican majority in the Senate mainly for her position in favor of comprehensive immigration reform.

Jacobson is a specialist in Mexico issues, and has handled the details of the bilateral relationship both under the George W. Bush and the Obama administrations. Her knowledge and work have allowed her to move up in the Department of State, and she earned enough trust from the White House to be appointed to lead the normalization of relations with Cuba.

That is precisely the task for which she is currently being questioned by Cuban-American Senators Robert Menéndez (D-NJ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL.) Both are blocking a Senate vote to confirm her as ambassador to Mexico to protest the reopening of relations with Cuba. Jacobson’s nomination was approved by the corresponding committee on November 10.

It is unfortunate to see an issue removed from the Mexico-U.S. relationship, such as Cuba, become an obstacle. Much worse, that Jacobson is punished for doing an efficient job. Senate majority leader Mitch McConnell must put her confirmation up for a vote, as it already has bipartisan support.

Mexico is the second largest market for U.S. products and our third most important commercial partner. The two countries share a 2,000-mile border which binds us together in environmental and immigration issues. Jacobson has the experience and knowledge acquired over the years to handle a relationship as complex and important as this one. It is time to leave the Cold War behind and confirm Jacobson.