"Corruption is an issue that undermines the health, safety, security, and economic prosperity of billions of people around the globe."
"Russia keeps its war machine running by using corruption to evade sanctions."
"In fact, corruption is China's largest export."
"Are you in agreement that there has been-- they have found no significant instances of corruption and siphoning off U.S. taxpayer money in Ukraine, or not going where it should go?"
"With all the money that has gone in there... were unable to find any significant corruption in Ukraine."
"Strategic corruption, the weaponization of corrupt practices for geopolitical gain, is a key vehicle for Russian and Chinese malign influence."
"Through these compacts we partner with them to advance economic prosperity, provide for U.S. military veterans from these nations, provide cooperation in areas of law enforcement and judicial training..."
"We have had a long history of friendship with the Pacific Islands, and this hearing comes as we usher in the next chapter of U.S. commitment to the region."
"I passed the Secure Embassy Construction and Counterterrorism Act--I assume you are familiar with that--and it was in 2022, and it provides State with much needed flexibilities to stand up our oversea..."
"I would strongly suggest that you guys revisit your efforts in that regard and see how you might be able to make them more attractive so when they do bite on the hook that it is our hook and not the C..."
"Further, our security partnership with these states are critical."