I think one of the reasons that China is addressing this issue is not just because we have asked but Congress has been deeply engaged as well.

I found a country hungry for U.S. presence, and I found a country littered with debt trap infrastructure projects that they will never be able to pay back.

But we need to do more, and we have to contest China's actions not only in terms of their forward basing strategy but their desire to go after Africa's rare earths that will be critical for our industrial and technological capabilities.

It is imperative that our NATO allies increase their defense spend and take efforts to revitalize their own industrial base.

If you look at the statement of NATO, this was the most far reaching statement of concerns of European partners about what China is doing in Europe.

I would simply say that I think the steps that we have taken with respect to financial institutions, I would offer--I think those steps are more significant than is widely understood.

I also want to underscore this is a recommendation from Senator Coons.

I will also just indicate that for me the greatest vehicle for building the partnerships that are going to be necessary is to advance partnerships around technology.

Africa and the Americas--32 of the 35 youngest countries in the world are in Africa, and the population growth there as well as a whole lot of other factors make it a really important area of strategic focus.

I would simply say that I think the steps that we have taken with respect to financial institutions, I would offer--I think those steps are more significant than is widely understood.

I just got back from Laos and Vietnam where I was the first U.S. Senator to visit Laos in 15 years.

I share deeply the concern that China's support to Russia--Russia's defense industrial base--has not only changed the context of the conflict in Ukraine, but it will be a long term security challenge to the Indo-Pacific.

Programs like Childcare and Development Block Grant and Headstart are really a lifeline for working parents.

I am going to keep pressing on it, because what my bill does for working parents is that the typical family in America would pay about $10 per day for childcare.

No working family would pay more than 7 percent of their income on childcare.

No working family would pay more than 7 percent of their income on childcare.

Programs like Childcare and Development Block Grant and Headstart are really a lifeline for working parents.

I am going to keep pressing on it, because what my bill does for working parents is that the typical family in America would pay about $10 per day for childcare.