Condoleezza Rice's opening statement to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on her confirmation hearing to be secretary of state.

Thank you Chairman Lugar, Senator Biden, and members of the committee. And let me also thank Senator Dianne Feinstein who, as a fellow Californian, I have long admired as a leader on behalf of our state and our nation. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, it is an honor to be nominated to lead the State Department at this critical time a time of challenge and hope and opportunity for America,...