I think that the curtain has gone up on a new act right now since last weekend's elections.

We'll continue to demonstrate our support, not for particular candidates or electoral outcomes, but for a process that is more open and genuine.

Our role is as a supporting actor in this. The Russians are the leading actors in this drama.

I think I certainly have had a perception, that I think is shared by many, that President Medvedev has been easier to deal with in terms of human rights concerns.

Nobody familiar with democracy believes that that's a real number.

There have been some who have indicated that they don't believe that the administration has been forceful enough in calling attention to what happened in Russia and in supporting the protesters.

it's critical for the United States to stand behind these protesters and it's important that they know that we hear what they're doing and support their right to demonstrate.

Prime Minister Putin's assertion that the funds that the United States and other donors provide to civil society groups constitute unwarranted interference in Russia's internal affairs is a tiresome cliche, a well-worn canard, and without…

The United States cannot make Russia respect human rights and we cannot build democracy in Russia.

We expect to continue our successful approach of cooperating with Russia when it is in our interests.

We think that is something we should all be doing. And I applaud the administration for taking action under the authority that they have.

The bill that I filed on behalf of many of my colleagues makes it clear that if you violate basic human rights, don't ask for the privilege to visit the United States.

A strong, successful, and transparent Russia that protects the rights of its citizens is squarely in the interests of the United States and the entire international community.

That's why we all get concerned about this, is that there are so many Sergei Magnitsky's that are out there.

Good morning, everyone. We're going to try and begin right on time because we have votes scheduled.

The Clean Water Act, we've talked about it for years. It needs to be overhauled eventually.

As we're looking at the effects of climate change, particularly in Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, but seeing some of those effects here, are there ways that we're looking at planning for the water effects of climate change globally?

We need a higher public priority on water use in this country.