It was startling to watch pro-American graffiti on the walls, and people walking up to you on the streets and thanking America.

I think long term they want to defeat the United States.

I called this hearing to sift through the facts, discuss with the experts before us what about Iran's relationship with the nations of our hemisphere should be of serious concern, and discern the appropriate United States response.

I think that in a broader sense the trip was a major failure, demonstrating mostly that Iran has lost political ground in the hemisphere.

To thank Senator Rubio for arranging a Coast Guard briefing in Miami, and for his support and collaboration on a U.S.-Caribbean Border Security Initiative to overcome the crime and drug challenges facing PR.

What exactly have they done that has been so promising to move them from a Tier 3 to a Tier 2?

I do not think that would be our position.

We are very supportive of the autonomous region of the north, and you are absolutely right, has progressed in many ways.

If confirmed, what would be your strategy to encourage the Burundi Government to collect data on law enforcement's efforts to combat trafficking?

I think it sends a terrible message to our friends and to moderate reformers in the region when the United States is silent about their well-being.

I think what you are saying is that there is nothing necessarily that would stand in your way of reaching out to them, and working with them, and having a close relationship with them.