We are focused on Ukraine, of course, as Russia continues its illegal assault upon the Ukrainian people, and its war crimes.

There has to be something to stabilize the security situation before you could get into any meaningful political reform talks, elections, et cetera.

I remain concerned this money will be directed towards promoting the Democrat Party's progressive priorities rather than actually countering China.

In some nations like Nicaragua were not just cracking down on NGOs, but kicking them out of the country.

Relegating Taiwan to a sliver of $16 million in total FMF funding is unserious and frankly offensive, given the threats emanating from China.

Our long-term geostrategic challenge is China.

The Administration's budget request is for $2.7 billion in funding for the hemisphere and that is a $430 million, or 21 percent, increase from the FY22 actual levels.

I am sure you are grappling with it--several countries in Central America have either adopted or are considering adopting very stringent laws against foreign NGOs.

The positive aspects of our relationship with Brazil include our shared commitment to cooperate on many global issues including combating climate change, promoting the respect for human rights, strengthening democracy, reducing poverty, and increasing food security.

I also know that there have been questions asked and discussion about the need to backstop and promote democracy in Brazil.

You saw it on January 6 here at the Capitol, efforts to undermine democracies by weakening the institutions that guard them.

Yesterday, I re-introduced legislation with Senator Menendez to target the actors that support the illicit production and trafficking of gold.

I understand my colleagues have significantly raised the issue of concern about Brazilian-Iranian relations.

I expect to introduce a bill soon to help strengthen the U.S.-Brazil rule of law cooperation in support of protecting the Brazilian Amazon.

Yesterday, I re-introduced legislation with Senator Menendez to target the actors that support the illicit production and trafficking of gold.

The positive aspects of our relationship with Brazil include our shared commitment to cooperate on many global issues including combating climate change, promoting the respect for human rights, strengthening democracy, reducing poverty, and increasing food security.

What we have seen is this tendency of people to come into office via democratic means, but then to try to unwind the democratic institutions.

I expect to introduce a bill soon to help strengthen the U.S.-Brazil rule of law cooperation in support of protecting the Brazilian Amazon.