Richard Blumenthal

Well, my time is limited, but let me just emphasize how important I think the American people believe it is to interdict and intercept the flow of these illicit substances.

Our submarine force does bring significant value to our Nation.

Well, how can you testify, with all due respect, that you are confident that the per-unit will not rise when you cannot tell us what countries will be buying more of the aircraft?

I agree totally. They are fantastic units. They are contributing greatly, and they need a modernized fleet.

I agree with you completely, which is why I am so concerned about the affordability of the program

I would prefer to provide that to you in either a closed session or a classified document.

Is there, in your view, any action we could take with respect to North Korea that would deter their invasive action, such as we saw with Sony?

If we can't field the force, we can't send them into combat, and we can't protect our Nation.

In terms of the recommendations, we are actively discussing some operations, in terms of their effectiveness, et cetera.

As a Senator from a State that has seen those Black Hawks used in those domestic situations, and a State that has experienced hurricanes, floods, tornados, I strongly agree with you.

My feeling is, we need a strong Army National Guard, which does not equate for it to have Apaches, helicopters that are designed solely for combat.

I think many of us have no doubt about the importance of submarines.

I feel very strong about that. I think fundamental to this country is maintaining the All-Volunteer Force.

We need to free those Americans.

Number one, catch the scammers. Number two, seek the release of innocent victims.

The solution is not a habeas corpus petition in those countries filed by their attorneys.

I join my colleagues in the outrage they have expressed and being appalled and astonished by evidently a fairly common scam.

The rentals generate more than $19.5 billion annually for the industry.

I wonder whether you would expand on the effects of those kinds of statements on the world order.

I think the American people need to understand.

This really is a fundamental strategic question.

I think it's very important that the American public know what happened, who did it, and how.

I'm sure you would agree that this Nation and the international community need to be vigilant and vigorous in enforcing this agreement.

This issue is not about me. It's far bigger than me, and far bigger than Judge Gorsuch's nomination. It's about the independence of the judiciary and Donald Trump's attacks on it.

There is a special obligation for him to condemn publicly these attacks, because the independents of the judiciary core principle of our democracy is at stake here.