I deeply apologize for interrupting, but I had to be at a Commerce vote and going to be here for most of this hearing.

a U.S. Senator from the State of Georgia

Well, I--my observation is--and I have not been to any of the countries--well, I have been to Algeria and Tunisia, but I haven't been to any of the ones directly involved here--but, in my travels in South and Central Africa and in Sudan…

I appreciate your answer on that, because I think it is a critically important thing to do.

I have not traveled to any of these countries, but many all around it where we have significant USAID, CARE, Save the Children, the Basic Education Coalition, and others that are winning a lot of friends and really changing the lives of…

I think our policy with regard to the partnership in the Sahel is basically to be a partner but sort of a step back from the forefront.

I think one of the things that could be done better is explaining to local governments and local media outlets what exactly the United States is doing in the region.

Well, I know we, unfortunately, had a Georgian, who was a Peace Corps volunteer that was murdered in Benin earlier this year.

What is the level of cooperation with those governments in bringing those who perpetrated those crimes to justice?

Counterterrorism is of particular interest. In my travels to Africa, I've been very interested in seeing our engagement on that continent, because the potential for some very dangerous things to happen very well could take place.

I certainly agree with that, but I have a great concern because when you look at the map and you end at Chad, if you go further to the east is Sudan, next is Ethiopia, and next is Somalia.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.