I think it is additionally helpful for us to provide a strong example of a functioning democracy that we can be proud of here at home.

I am pleased to call to order this hearing of the African Affairs Subcommittee on security and governance issues in Somalia.

Ultimately, the development of participatory, accountable, and representative governmental institutions that respond to the needs of the Somali people will secure the country's future.

ultimately the solution in Somalia needs to be a political one and AMISOM needs to work within a political framework

the opportunity is to help citizens gain greater confidence in both local and central governing structures

I think it remains critical first that we fulfill our constitutional duty in a bipartisan manner to examine ongoing and pressing national security issues.

I suspect we broadly share frustration about many of the things we read in the media, not all of which I believe.

What timeline do you think it is possible to rebuild a representative, credible, vetted Somali national security force?

Thank you for that testimony.

That sounds like a big deal.

If Senator Levin here or Dr. Coburn or any of our other colleagues authored and passed 10 times more pieces of legislation, even good pieces of legislation, they do not get paid any more money.

It supports Americans who are unable to work and enables them not to live affluently, but to have at least a life.

We in Congress have a responsibility, and it is a shared responsibility, but a responsibility to make certain that we make the efforts that we have talked about here.

I am not a lawyer. I am not even a doctor like Dr. Coburn here.

Thank you, Dr. Coburn.

Let me change focus just a little bit before we excuse this panel.

We need to look at our entitlement programs and ask what steps we need to take in order to save money.

In adversity lies opportunity.