I am concerned that the impacts of climate change will be the harshest on those countries least responsible for and least able to escape its effects.

We cannot afford to continue dragging our feet on global action to address this multifaceted problem.

Addressing the capabilities of the poorest countries to adapt to the impacts of climate change must be a central focus of the upcoming United Nations negotiations.

We all agree the United States should support human rights, but how we achieve that is a fundamental policy question.

I would prefer, if confirmed, to take a look at what the situation is inside before I sign up for one particular solution to that problem.

Our obligation is to get the best intelligence, the best reports to policymakers and the executive branch.

I congratulate Admiral Denny Blair on his nomination to be our Director of National Intelligence.

One gaping hole in this process is the lack of strategies to integrate all the overt ways in which our government gets national security information.

I feel very strongly about the role of the intelligence community.

Until we fill this hole and identify who is best suited, across our government, to obtain the information we need to inform our policies and protect our Nation, we'll never be able to use our resources wisely or effectively.

Citizen diplomacy--individual Americans working and volunteering overseas--is an incredibly important tool to build relationships and improve our image abroad.

I have identified many of these changes as part of a broader return to the rule of law that I have encouraged the Obama Administration to undertake.

It's against the national interest if it isn't that way.

Many of these authorities are overbroad, lack sufficient checks and balances, and otherwise fail to protect the privacy and civil liberties of Americans.

I don't think we'll ever be able to use our resources wisely or effectively.

Let me stress the word 'direct.'

The Director of National Intelligence is one of the most important and demanding jobs in Washington.

I think there's a real chance that in this new year we can have a new start.