WASHINGTON -- Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney has "unwavering support" to be the United States' next ambassador to Ireland and will leave the team in good hands if his nomination is confirmed, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey said Wednesday afternoon.

Video:Watch Sally Wiggin's Report From Washington, D.C.

President Barack Obama nominated Rooney for the position in March. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held a hearing on that nomination Wednesday at the Dirksen Senate Office Building.

"The Steelers are his family and he stands in line like everyone else in the Steelers' lunchroom. He visits his players when they're in the hospital and treats them always -- always -- with respect and affection," Casey, D-Pa., said Wednesday. "Should the U.S. Senate choose to confirm Dan Rooney as our next ambassador to Ireland -- and I believe he will -- he will sever his ties with the Pittsburgh Steeler organization for the first time since 1955. I know that he will leave the organization in very good and capable hands."

Video: Watch Casey's Speech In Support Of Rooney

Also speaking on Rooney's behalf at the nomination hearing was U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter, Casey's fellow Democrat from Pennsylvania.

On Wednesday, Rooney told the committee that he has made several trips to Ireland over the years. As an example, he mentioned the destruction that he witnessed in Londonderry and how "they lifted up by their bootstraps and really made that a fine town."

"I've been going to Ireland for over 40 years, and I've been everywhere," Rooney said. "I've been to the north. I've been to the south. I've talked to people and I continue to try to talk to them, and I would view my position as ambassador to continue that."

In 1976, Rooney co-founded the American Ireland Fund to promote peace in Northern Ireland through education programs. As Irish ambassador, he said he'd want to hold public luncheons and town hall meetings to hear citizens' concerns and "let the people know that America cares, and we continue to care."

A vote must be taken before Rooney's nomination can be confirmed.

Rooney was a public supporter of Obama's presidential campaign before the Pennsylvania primary in April and the general election in November.

"I can tell you that I don't know anybody who is more of a gentleman, who is more loyal, who is more committed to excellence, than Mr. Rooney," Obama said last month, when the Super Bowl champion Steelers visited the White House. "He and his family have just been such an extraordinary pillar for the city of Pittsburgh."

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