Howard Berman

the Internet is now a function of free speech in this country and in the world.

Improving that does not mean making decisions that could well result in the empowerment of radical Islamic forces like the Muslim Brotherhood.

We have been doing more than just throwing Mubarak under the bus, we have been throwing him to the wolves.

Well, what would that result in? By immediately installing a new government could well mean that we are installing a government that has not been elected to anything.

I wish I had the same reception when I came back from Vietnam, Madam Chair.

I would hope that what we would try to do in our economic assistance is, first of all, help those who are poorest.

I will be introducing legislation called the Hezbollah Anti-Terrorism Act.

the transition needs substance.

I would hope that if that happens, the administration would strongly and forcefully veto such a resolution as we have in the past.

This hearing could not be more important or timely.

We are urging Egypt's Government and opposition to engage in serious, inclusive negotiations.

The late Tom Lantos used to ask, 'What do you think Egypt actually needs, more tanks or more schools?'

I just in the end don't want the notion of the ensurance of that assistance become a basis for the slow walking of the orderly transition.

It is critical that Egyptians agree as soon as possible on relevant constitutional amendments and laws.

The fundamental need to honor Egypt's historic peace treaty with Israel.

The people yearn to be free. We must plant ourselves firmly on their side.

This administration's response to events in Egypt has basically been responding to these events with a confused and unreliable voice that will have, I believe, serious consequences, long-term consequences for the cause of freedom and…

It seems that more and more that it is coming out in the current crisis in Egypt is that the military and the Muslim Brotherhood seem to be the two main factions.

the administration needs to give it a major push by setting out its own timetables and targets.

I think our challenge right now is rather than trying to say specifically now what will happen if it goes wrong, is to focus on what we can do to help it go right.

I am skeptical about the Muslim Brotherhood's commitment to democracy.

We have declared publicly and privately that a peaceful, orderly, and prompt transition must begin without delay.

If they are in fact fighting terrorism and guarding the border with Syria, then they should get our help, but if they are not, then that aid it seems to me should be suspended.

the Egyptian regime needs to know that it cannot dawdle or simply go through the motions of democratic change.

on behalf of the chair and the entire committee wants to extend our condolences and the condolences of the entire committee to the loved ones and friends of Khairy Ramadan Aly.