We all very much need to replace sequestration. I think that is shared.

And is it the case that, in the past, there have been closures that have been reopened once the problem that led to the closure has, you know, reached some point of solution--acceptable solution?

The Armed Services Committee of the Senate, when we passed the defense authorizing bill, unanimously supported an amendment that said sequester is foolish.

There is no substitute for transparent, accountable, and responsive government.

A prosperous, democratic, and stable East Asia is crucial to our own safety and our own prosperity.

I would urge all of you, if you are confirmed, to take up the fight against human trafficking and support of human rights.

the best fighting partners we have are actually the Dutch.

I hope that one of the things that you might do in your capacity is to really spotlight the issues of the protection of religious minorities in Morocco and also the growing inclusion of women in political office in Morocco.

A very grim reminder of the challenges of the job, but it sounds as if it was a job effectively done.

My view, my personal view, is that we need to continue to push the free trade agreement in a way that allows us to export more products.

A nation that has been an ally of the United States since the 1770s, that is a predominantly Muslim nation, with a King who is a direct descendant of Mohammed, that has a strong track record of supporting the rights of religious…

the 123 Agreement was a transformational agreement between the relationship between the United States and India

That dialogue is an important one to advance these issues, because they will not be advanced overnight and easily.

There is understandable anxiety in India and across the region about what this transition will bring.

There is also a desire for that engagement with the United States.

The United States has to have a strong, credible military response to not allowing Iran to get nuclear weapons.

the news accounts--and Senator Rubio mentioned a couple of them--about violence against women in India in the recent months and maybe in the last year or two have been very, very troubling.

the rebalance is an overwhelmingly positive refocusing and sharpening of the United States commitment and engagement to the Asia-Pacific region.