Russia doesn't want a direct conflict with the United States.

Vladimir Putin simply deterred the U.S. government from providing these aircraft by saying they would view this as escalatory.

I don't believe it, and I don't believe there's intelligence to support it.

I have the unavoidable conclusion that influenced part of it.

This will reduce our demand for foreign oil.

But at some point, somebody has to be able to make the decision.

I mean, sure, it would be great, but I don't want to trade one dependency for another.

So, in the short run, we need the oil and gas that is available, whether it is on tribal lands or on Federal lands, and we need it now.

If we would work more closely with tribes, if we would truly adhere to the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act, if we would be more aggressive with the Tribal Forest Protection Act, then we would see not only better…

the natural gas that we produce here in the United States is 40 percent cleaner than the gas that Putin produces.

I request that we start having hearings on domestic energy production and how this Committee can be proactive in getting more of our energy resources--and not just energy, but minerals and elements, as well--into the marketplace.

While the subject of today's hearing is important to me and many who are on this WebEx, there is a subject that is being ignored that is far more important that we should all be discussing.

We are getting ready for another unprecedented fire season, and we are to blame for that.

George, if you want to know what Donald Trump thinks about Vladimir Putin or any other topic, I`d encourage you to invite him on your show.

I have heard from several ag interests that there is a perceived shift at the CFTC to become an agency which is heavy on enforcement.

Thank you, Chair Stabenow and Ranking Member Boozman, for holding this hearing.

I congratulate all of you on your nomination and your willingness to serve our country.

It is certainly worth repeating that today's hearing is historic in that not only are we considering four highly qualified nominees but four highly qualified female nominees.