I do not think there is any way in which the Russians can put a patina of legality or legitimacy on the referendum that has been discussed.

I think our foreign policy credibility is close to shot at this time.

Clearly, we know who is responsible for those denials.

Ukraine has shown remarkable restraint. I commend them for being able to put the spotlight on who is the villain here, and it is clearly Russia.

I think you are also limiting the 28-percent deductions on some, and I think there are some additional----

I particularly appreciate your initial questions to Secretary Lew in regard to the Ukraine and tools that are available.

His efforts to expand Russia's footprint will only work to further isolate the country he calls home.

I think it is important that, if we are all sincere, we are trying to move forward with this relocation, which is absolutely essential.

I do not think you are going to see any government, be it Mr. Abe's or any others, be able to move the Japanese people in a direction that they do not want to go.

I would strongly support what you are saying about the President's visit, and I would hope he would have concrete suggestions.

We are in the process of doing that. It is something that we do regularly through our alliance.

In my visit to Japan, and in my conversations with my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and on the Appropriations Committee, it seems to me that we do not have a clear understanding as to the sequencing of appropriations in Japan…

This has been a thorn in our relationship for over 15 years. The community certainly has changed dramatically since that military facility was first constructed.

I expect, next week, when Secretary Kerry is before the full committee on his budget, that we are going to be talking more about Ukraine, Iran, and Syria than we will be able to get into the specifics on the budget.

Strong, enduring, bipartisan congressional support for our alliances and the close cooperation between the legislative branches of our three countries have been critical to the success we have achieved over the last six decades.

Let me welcome you all to the Subcommittee on East Asian and Pacific Affairs' hearing, 'Strengthening the U.S. Alliance in Northeast Asia.'

I sensed a real interest in trying to move forward. But, since that time, just the reverse has taken place.

The last several budgets by the Obama administration have tried to balance that to reflect the priority in Asia.