United States Senator Bill Hagerty appeared on Mornings With Maria on Fox Business to discuss a range of issues including U.S.-China relations, budget reconciliation, Iran, proxy advisors, and the appointment of Kevin Warsh as the new Federal Reserve Chairman, according to a May 20 statement.
The topics addressed by Hagerty are significant as they relate to current international relations and domestic policy debates. His remarks come at a time when tensions with China and Iran remain high and discussions about financial oversight continue in Congress.
Hagerty spoke about President Donald Trump’s recent visit to China. “The president clearly understands the strategic value of Taiwan, and I’m certain that the conversations with [General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party] Xi Jinping focused on the aggressive behavior of China in the Strait. I think that President Trump has been very clear that Taiwan is a strategic asset that’s critical not only to our economy, but to the world economy… Everybody is handling this very carefully; the negotiations are proceeding,” Hagerty said. He also commented on trade deals with China: “[Trade deals] would do a great deal to adjust the trade imbalance that we’ve long had—and long endured—with China… I think what President Trump is doing is normalizing the trade relations with China where he can.”
On developments regarding Iran, Hagerty said: “We’re at a point where the Iranians have to agree to something that is going to work for us, or suffer the consequences… They will not have nuclear weapons, nor will they have that capacity. They have to stop the terror in the region and stop their hostile behavior.” Addressing concerns over proxy advisors ISS and Glass Lewis he stated: “[ISS and Glass Lewis] are a duopoly of companies… It’s absolutely unconscionable—it’s a racket and it’s a duopoly. [Proxy advisors] are misusing their monopoly status. It’s time for it to come to an end…”
Hagerty further discussed budget reconciliation related issues: “[The ballroom funding] is a negotiation that’s ongoing with the parliamentarian… The important thing here is that we need to fund [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]. We need to fund Department of Homeland Security…” Regarding interest rates under new Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh he said: “There is significant backwardation in market right now… I look forward to getting [Chairman of Federal Reserve] Kevin [Warsh] in position. He certainly has capacity and maturity…”
Hagerty was elected as U.S. Senator from Tennessee after earning recognition such as Eagle Scout rank; he serves on several Senate committees including Appropriations; Banking; Housing & Urban Affairs; Foreign Relations; Rules & Administration; maintains offices across Tennessee; engages in community service through civic organizations—all according to his official website.
Looking ahead, Hagerty indicated continued legislative efforts concerning proxy advisor regulation while reaffirming support for security funding measures.
