Chris Murphy

We cannot allow for countries like the Czech Republic to come in with only 1 percent of their GDP.

I am one, and I think others on the committee join me, in believing that it is probably about time for the United States to move out on our own with respect to stronger sanctions.

Talking is actually very important in this region that does not have a history of a security architecture.

One of the criticisms of ASEAN is that it is a talk shop, that it is a forum for a lot of discussion, but not as much action.

The United States-Czech relationship is a special one.

Our democratic histories have served as an inspiration to each other.

I very much hope that this time we will be able to see Ukraine embark on a much bolder reform path.

I appreciate all of the thought that the IMF has given to the conditions upon which support has been granted to the Ukrainian Government.

But Ukraine will have to pay its energy bills, and that is part and parcel of the program that is being put forward for the country.

As we are increasingly concerned about security interests, we tend to spend a little bit less time focusing on some of the human rights issues.

We would like to see even stronger statement? We would and if confirmed as Ambassador that is something that I will certainly be working on.

America of course was a refuge for thousands of Czechs fleeing both Nazi occupation and Soviet control.

I think if Ukraine is able to address those issues--and it is going to be tough.

Ultimately, obviously, we believe that there is going to be an ability for Ukraine to have a relationship with Europe but also have a significant relationship with Russia.

Switzerland will benefit from this agreement. Other countries on the edges of the EU will no doubt benefit.

As we sort of think about the future path for Ukraine, we of course envision them joining the EU.

I wonder whether there is a different set of incentives or a renewed road map that may be necessary.

I do think that the demonstrations that we have seen in Bosnia and Herzegovina in recent weeks show an increasing frustration from the population with their leaders.

It is extremely important that that also is a point we make over and over again.

I am confident that your rich and deep experience and long service here has equipped you better than anyone who could possibly be nominated.

We really appreciate you being willing to serve and appearing before us today.

What I love about this panel here today is that it represents the best of what we hope our Ambassadors will be.

I just want to underscore how important this program is, especially for families where English is not the primary language.

Most or all of the long-term longitudinal studies of kids who participate in Head Start show that on a host of long-term measures, whether it be how many of them go to college, measures of their physical health, do they end up in trouble…

If we want more transparency around these trade agreements or we want more public debate, we should probably think about renaming them.