Johnny Isakson

I think the United States is doing a lot in counterterrorism and certainly doesn't lag behind anybody else in the Western world in terms of terrorism.

So you act really as a facilitator, almost like a Chamber of Commerce, trying to match need in Nigeria with ability of the United States to deliver product. Is that a fair statement?

Corruption is one of the big barriers in Nigeria to business entering the country, to the continuation of governance.

I would appreciate that because my observation, when we were in Nigeria and particularly after meeting with the imam from the north, was that that is what we have got to be able to crack to win the confidence of leaders, and I think a lot…

The old parliamentarians had spent 80 to 100 percent of their budgets on their own personal income and families.

My great passion for Africa... is the great potential friendship and economic development opportunities that the United States and Africa share together.

Nigeria is the last stand of polio. It has a huge measles infestation and infection, and tetanus is still a major problem.

There was great hope at that period of time, and that was the first relatively peaceful, democratic election in the history of Nigeria.

I look forward to hearing comments particularly on that.

I am deeply concerned about Boko Haram and the terrorist-like activities that are taking place that are so disruptive in the country.

I commend you on calling the hearing.

But you are the last one within the veteran system?

In my view, organizations tend to function at their best when most integral to the operation like judges are personally engage on a daily basis.

I should know the answer. I think I do know the answer to the question, General Pietsch, but let me ask it.

I think the Chairman knows that is why I introduced S. 2045.

I think on behalf of the Committee expedited process but never abdicating due process is the ultimate goal for all of us so our veterans get a response in a timely fashion under very difficult circumstances.

Thank you, Madam Chairman.

We can do an awful lot in this area without worrying about China, or worrying about Russia.

We now suffer from benign neglect in the Congress of the United States of America. We neglect the most important responsibilities that we have, and we suffer because of that.

You both are examples of what these people here today want out of our Congress, and that is good people dedicated to solving problems and reaching across party lines to work together.

I would also like to ask the permission of the Chair to display this box during my remarks. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so ordered.

Well, at the risk of grandstanding, I was not going to bring that up, but since you brought it up, that is the Manna program, which is in Fitzgerald, GA, which is where my mother was born.

I want to commend you on the timely calling of this hearing and I think it's a very important hearing for the Commerce Committee to conduct.

I think it's extremely important for America that these cruise lines are headquartered in America.

And I thank the industry for being represented. To Admiral Salerno, thank you for the many things the Coast Guard contributes to the safety and security of the citizens of our country on the high seas.