I think it is absolutely essential that we be very clear that Maduro was not elected as president of Venezuela.

We think the United States has to work with our partners in South America to make it clear that that was not an election where Maduro won.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

I appreciate that. As you say, you want to work at both ends of the equation, the expense as well as the profit end.

I always appreciate your understanding of these issues and frankness.

I find this preposterous.

I find it embarrassing. I think it is antithetical to our strategic interests.

When we look at the reform that took place in 2011, that has been brought up a couple of time here, did any of those changes result in any meaningful change at the pace we are doing nominations currently in the Senate?

Today we are here to learn about the nomination process in the United States Senate, changes to the process, over time, and what, if any, changes may improve that process.

How would the court determine standing in a case like this? Would it depend on what position it would be for, what department it would be in?

Would that be difficult to be able to prove that you would suffer from that?

When we look at the reform that took place in 2011, that has been brought up a couple of time here, did any of those changes result in any meaningful change at the pace we are doing nominations currently in the Senate?

Today we are here to learn about the nomination process in the United States Senate, changes to the process, over time, and what, if any, changes may improve that process.

Would that be difficult to be able to prove that you would suffer from that?

How would the court determine standing in a case like this? Would it depend on what position it would be for, what department it would be in?

It is a dereliction of duty, in my view, that we are not moving these men and women through the process.

We need all our players on the playing field.

I appreciate that. As you say, you want to work at both ends of the equation, the expense as well as the profit end.