we have talked a lot about the Russians' attempt to mold public opinion for our campaign

I do think that it's important that we understand more fully the extent of Russian intrusions into the electoral process to try to shape public opinion.

I am pleased to join Senator Shelby in presenting my friend and colleague, Senator Jeff Sessions.

You have stated here you have high confidence in those conclusions that the Russians were behind it, that it was intended to interfere with our elections, and that approval went to the highest levels of the Russian Government.

What we saw in this country this fall...was an example of a Russian strategy that has been playing out in Europe.

I said, so what do you do? How do you defend yourself?

I think it is important to put some context around some of these discussions.

That is why I think public hearings like this and the public discussion of this issue is so important.

I think that is important, and I note that the republic is serious about preventing terrorism not only in their country but in the rest of the European Union.

I know that they, too, would welcome the opportunity to have people that can work in the country.

The bilateral relationship between the Czech Republic and the United States is excellent.

I am proud to introduce him this afternoon and to recommend him to serve our next Ambassador to New Zealand.

I believe that those are essential skills for a U.S. Ambassador.

I urge this committee to support this important nomination.

I think they also step back and realize that the 40 years of Russian and Soviet tyranny ruling their country prohibited them from practicing the very things--the private enterprise in a free economic society.

It is critical, I think, to the continued blooming of democracy in that country.

We are all sensitive to terrorism and the issue that kind of open gates with immigration can present.

It seems to me there is a more--a deeper issue going on here, and it strikes me that it is our desire to have the latest and greatest new technology as soon as possible, and at the same time control costs and do it on time.