Despite robust U.S. aid in bilateral and multilateral programs, food insecurity is a daily concern for millions of people around the world and a source of instability that impact U.S. interests abroad.

I think they have been upgraded to a Tier 2.

Ultimately it is the right of people to choose any economic model they want. But it is the political opportunities that are most important.

My last concern, and I think it is a broader issue, is the military continues to be unaccountable to the civilian leadership.

Why would any nations want to be associated with such ridiculous things as statements of support for the Syrian Government, which just happened this weekend, on the 5th of February, in the midst of what we're watching happening over there…

I think it's generally accepted, I think it's fact that Iran is willing to sponsor and use terrorism as a tool of its foreign policy and its statecraft around the world.

I view a recent trip through Latin America, a four-nation trip, Ahmadinejad to Latin America--now, part of it probably is just an effort, I think, to show that he's not isolated.

I think the largest stakeholder in that is a bank by the name of--it's an Iranian bank--Saderat, if I'm not mistaken, which we know is used to funnel funds to Hezbollah and other groups like that.

We're concerned about that. Obviously, the resources, uranium mining, et cetera, is an issue.

I ask unanimous consent that I be recognized to speak as in morning business for up to 15 minutes. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. ____________________

Mr. President, it is good to be back at work here in Washington, DC. We have the big State of the Union tonight, which is kind of the beginning of the legislative year. I am looking forward to the challenges and, hopefully, accomplishments…