the fiscal year 2019 budget request includes increases for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI) and the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative.

Secretary Mattis told me I could have whatever I needed whenever I needed it.

Russia's actions threaten the foundations of democracy.

The Nation can ill afford to reduce the number of F-35s it plans on buying, as we need 5th generation aircraft in large numbers.

In February, Senators Nelson, Shaheen, and I sent a letter to you urging you to order CYBERCOM to prepare to engage Russian cyber operators.

I am concerned that Iran is entrenching itself in Syria--establishing its proxy militias along the Israel-Syria border and creating a land bridge from Tehran to Beirut through Syria and Iraq.

Does that not reflect an absence of leadership in the Department of State?

In order to have some effect, the intensity of whatever we are doing diplomatically and politically has to be heightened, or there need to be some kind of military responses to protect people in that area from the war crimes that are being…

EUCOM greatly appreciates the continued strong Congressional support for the European Deterrence Initiative (EDI).

the United States must continue to strengthen its relationship with Israel through ongoing security cooperation.

There are several ways to go down this path, and I am going to choose one. One is I have great faith and confidence that one of the reasons that America is as respected as we are around the globe is our partnerships and allies.

the Ukrainians have determined that Ukraine is a sovereign nation and that they intend to remain a sovereign nation. They do not accept annexation of eastern Donbass.

I think sometimes our asks are not as specific as they need to be in today's environment.

May I suggest that seeking that additional authority perhaps is appropriate at this point?

The Russians almost certainly know everything that you would tell me in a closed setting. They already know it.

Operation Atlantic Resolve... is designed to reassure our NATO allies and partners of America's dedication in the region.

Every worker that's at a shipyard that is working on the Columbia is part of our national security infrastructure.

Corruption remains a challenge in Ukraine.

War crimes are occurring in Syria with the support and apparent encouragement of Russia. Correct?

Hezbollah is very active in a number of South American countries, particularly in money laundering, drug trading.

The obligation of the United States to provide lethal military assistance, I think is clear.

What do you assess Russia's intentions to be with their activity near undersea cables? How concerned should the United States be?

What steps have you taken to improve operations?

the Russians have gotten what they want, for now, and they and their proxies--and I mean the Russians--are staying put, maybe because they sense a little bit more strength from the Ukrainians; but, in terms of their ill-gotten gains, they…

Do you agree that there has to be more cooperation between your Department and the utilities that are privately run and owned?