We are facing an unprecedented spending epidemic. We are in a deficit spending situation.

The strength of the covered list rests with the Commission's Equipment Authorization Program, and that predates the covered list.

When I was serving in a previous role as United States Ambassador to Japan, the third largest economy in the world, we were able to get them to block untrusted carriers because of what had happened here.

Personally, I have introduced legislation, the 21st Century Free Speech Act that would ensure that all Americans have reasonable, nondiscriminatory access to Big Tech speech platforms.

Time is not on our side, Secretary, especially when we have a $19 billion arms backlog to Taiwan.

I don't think it is right to put American taxpayers on the hook for defending themselves in these cases when you know that there is a high odd--high odds of losing.

I think we will look forward to working with you on taking a more strategic view, as opposed to sort of a dogmatic income approach.

That is why I was proud to contribute to and vote for the Taiwan Enhancement Resilience Act, TERA.

I could not agree with you more about the criticality of telecommunications infrastructure, particularly given the difficulties that we have had with Huawei, ZTE, and others that are trying to invade the entire 5G infrastructure system.

I had a very frustrating conversation with the President of Uruguay who really wants to work with us, yet our rules make it impossible for him to do so.

I was glad to see the Commission resists to adding any uncertainty into such an important part of our credit markets.

I would like to just start out with a point of concern that I have regarding USAID funding to Palestinian organizations that foment hate, that celebrate terrorism.

I encourage, and look forward to working with you to do everything we can in that regard.

I appreciate you holding this important hearing today.

I feel like the vetting process remains seriously flawed.

My concern, however, is when the agency diverts these resources and spends these dollars on initiatives not even within the authority of the SEC.

Time is not on our side, Secretary, especially when we have a $19 billion arms backlog to Taiwan.

USAID has awarded a grant to a Palestinian group, whose leaders have attended an anniversary event celebrating the founding of a terrorist group.