I encourage you not to overlook the vital impact we have as the Guard being an operational reserve.

it is going to have to be one that marries itself to reality and the current level of support that we could expect out of the leadership in the Afghan forces so that we don't add to their responsibility without preparing them for success

the funding on military cannot be obtained on the back of nondefense discretionary spending.

Do we believe that we ought to consider this interference in our democracy, in our elections, a national security threat?

I want to thank you for being here. I look forward to hearing from each of the witnesses.

I have difficulty with that notion because I am concerned that, you know, their point of argument is that it never gets to the people that it is supposed to get to.

I have heard that the Ethiopian Government is feeling less pressure with the new administration...

I understand their concern and desire to see the issue regarding the lack of democracy in Ethiopia thoroughly addressed.

I look forward to your testimony.

I think it is important that I communicate concerns directly from my constituents and from the Ethiopian-American community and Little Ethiopia in Los Angeles.

I want to raise several of the things that are mentioned in their letter.

In the last election, there were numerous televised debates during which all sorts of political issues were voiced and argued between the candidates.

They won 500 out of 546.

I think really this hearing is an example of your leadership. And the recognition that this issue is much more important to our country than our last election.

It is disturbing to me this defense of Vladimir Putin and Russia. And it is very worrisome.

This is about protecting our democracy.

This is not Democrats or Republicans. This is about protecting the integrity of our elections and pushing back.

we don't believe Russia or Vladimir Putin has our best interests or democracy's best interests in mind in these attempts.