On February 24, 2022, nearly one year ago, Putin launched an unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

We must evaluate our supply chains and ensure that we are not beholden to countries that do not share our values.

The U.S. has a responsibility and opportunity to support our friends and allies.

We cannot be held captive, which we are right now, by Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, or countries that have nothing in common with our way of life and our desired governance and democracy and freedom.

I will say anecdotally in my office, I have had like 10 of my staff members, I said, who was affected by what happened? About four of them were affected.

I will say anecdotally in my office, I have had like 10 of my staff members, I said, who was affected by what happened? About four of them were affected.

The Committee will come to order.

Thank you, Madam Chair. And I thank the Ranking Member.

Last week, the House--and thank you for the bipartisan support--passed my bill, the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act.

Last week, the House... passed my bill, the Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act.

Nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population lives in rural areas, and yet businesses in rural areas raised under 2 percent of the total capital over the last 3 years.

I assure you, rural poverty is real. It is not just in the big cities.

My mother fled Communist Cuba where that country still oppresses their people every day.

The Chinese government spies on everybody, and its own people are not free of that.

There is no doubt that China is our top competitor and adversary.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and I do appreciate the comments from my colleague from California: distinguish between the people and the government.

I also agree with his comments about buying American.

I have a bill to go back to the gold standard.