We are only at 14 percent or so of GDP in terms of federal revenue; that is too low.

If they could do it, we can do it.

We are at 24 percent of GDP as a percentage in terms of federal spending; that is too high, it needs to come down.

I do not think that is fair, and I think the disparagement of the federal workforce does nobody honor.

But cuts alone will not solve our problem. You cannot ignore the other side of the ledger.

We all recognize that this problem will require a coordinated multi-pronged approach that incorporates law enforcement, treatment, education, and research.

I also helped to establish an organization in my congressional district called Operation UNITE, standing for Unlawful Narcotics, Investigations, Treatment, Education.

Amendment to the amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 1410 offered by the Honorable Gerald E. Connolly, a Representative in Congress from the Commonwealth of Virginia.

When I think of Don Payne and watch him in this committee, I think of three words--passion, witness, and honor.

Don didn't take the Africa Subcommittee issues as an academic exercise.

Nobody brought more passion to issues affecting the African continent than Don Payne.

He will be sorely missed as a colleague and as a friend.

Not to speak out about blatant abuses still going on in Vietnam... would be a dereliction of duty.

We had a $20-billion trade relationship in 2011 with Vietnam. Don't expect a labor union to exist in Vietnam because they are crushed, not unlike the way they are crushed in the People's Republic of China.

Taiwan's participation in the IKO as an observer would not only benefit Taiwan, but it would benefit the rest of the world as well as it helps ensure that IKO can fulfill its mission and address threats to aviation security.

H.R. 3783, the Counter Iran in the Western Hemisphere Act by Mr. Duncan, requires the administration to prepare a strategy to address Iran's increasing presence in the Americas.

It is important that we speak up.

This bill is important as to way to shine a light on the desperate situation for many survivors in our community and I support it.