Shaheen cuts foreign aid deal to support Waltz

• "In a Situation Room filled with people like Vice President Vance and Under Secretary Colby, who want to retreat from the world, and like Secretary Hegseth, I think we're better off having someone like Mike Waltz present," Shaheen said in a statement provided to Axios.
• "That is particularly true when you consider the alternatives to Mr. Waltz as a nominee," she said.
• "And I welcome the Administration's commitment to distribute $75 million of lifesaving assistance."

Driving the news: Shaheen voted to report Waltz out of committee with favorable recommendation on Thursday. He was reported out 12-10.

• Waltz's prospects looked uncertain on Wednesday after Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) informed Sen. Jim Risch, the committee chair, that he would only vote to advance Waltz "without recommendation."
• Waltz has been working with several Democratic senators to find common ground between his America First approach to the UN and their key priorities, including China and Western hemisphere hotspots like Haiti, according to a source close to Waltz.

Zoom in: In the last 24 hours, Shaheen worked out a deal with Risch and the Trump administration to unlock previously authorized spending, including $25 million for Nigeria and $50 million for Haiti in food and medical assistance, according to a Shaheen adviser.

• In last week's confirmation hearing for Michael Rigas to be deputy secretary of state for management and resources, Democrats raised the issue of food assistance.

Zoom out: Some Democrats were also concerned that Trump might nominate someone like Richard Grenell if Waltz's nomination failed, according to a person familiar with the matter.

• "I disagree with Mike Waltz on some issues, including his use of unclassified systems to coordinate sensitive discussions, " Shaheen said.
• "However, I recognize that Mr. Waltz represents a moderating force with a distinguished record of military service and an extensive background in national security policymaking.