I think that also is a recruiting poster for them, if we do that. This cannot be a war between the West and Islam.

Interestingly, illegal immigration from Mexico has declined over the last several years, mostly because of improving economic conditions in Mexico.

I hope you would concur with me that this should be one of Congress' highest priorities, to deal with this cyber-threat and develop our cyber-strategy.

On January 6, 2015, Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Joe Donnelly (D-IN), along with Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Joe Manchin (D-WV), introduced legislation, S. 30, the Forty Hours is Full Time Act of 2015.

It is at the heart of our democracy and our system, and public confidence is so important.

Again, I want to thank you for your willingness to serve in what is a 24-7 very demanding job, and I think we're very fortunate to have someone with your background and expertise.

I appreciate very much that the President chose to put a career expert in this vital position

There shouldn't be any doubt in our mind that there are nation states and groups out there that have the capability to forestall our ability to operate our basic infrastructure.

There's no doubt that information-sharing is far superior to what it was prior to the passing of the law in 2004, and there's no doubt that the talented workforce here at NCTC has made a huge difference.

I just want to be clear on this. So the normal process is for NCTC to be involved in putting together the package that is used by decisionmakers on how to classify the detainees; is that part correct?

in my view, with the terrorist threat intelligence is the first line of defense.

One of the findings of the 9-11 Commission was that border security and immigration were not seen as national security concerns prior to the attacks on our Nation on 9-11-01.

Matt Olsen has told me that when the decision was made to exchange what have become known as the Taliban 5 for the release of Sergeant Bergdahl, that NCTC was not consulted in that decision.

ISIL has shown a pretty good capability with the Internet.

We cannot simply kill these people and call that the solution to the worldwide terrorism problem.

I remember from the fifties we had the containment strategy of George Kennan, that really worked with the Soviet Union.

We've got to put out the fires, but we also have to be thinking long-term, it seems to me.

I want to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your leadership of this committee, which has been tremendous.