Syria will remain a fertile ground for an ISIS-like group. It will be Jabhat al Nusra next or somebody else to step up and fill that vacuum as long as Assad is in power.

You talked earlier about now as ISIS begins to lose control over territory, you are going to see them increasingly relying on the ability to inspire attacks abroad.

we recognize we need an Arab force to move down on Raqqa not just the Kurds.

I share the objective of retaking Manbij.

In my mind, there is no distinction. They are two parts of the same strategy, which is to get people to commit terrorist acts in the name of ISIS.

I received a request from Senator Rubio for OIG to review the Department's decisions and assessment modeling.

It's not that I'm looking to undermine him but I think the differences between us on some key issues are so significant that I just don't plan to campaign.

The prospect of a Trump presidency is also worrisome to me.

If he is elected, we will need senators willing to encourage him in the right direction and if necessary stand up to him. I've proven a willingness to do both.

Have you ever heard of Trump Steaks? Have you ever heard of Trump Vodka?

Well, I appreciate all of you being here. We have gone a little longer than we were supposed to be scheduled, but this is such an important hearing.

It's imperative that we have that level of persistent presence.