Dan Coats: “Now, it's no longer a question of if we need to do this. I think the question of when we should do it can be answered…”

One of the first things you can do--at this hearing, even--is to make a strong statement of support for professionalism in the IC and pledge that you will not tolerate politics influencing the analytical process.

I'm here to say the warning lights are blinking red again. Today, the digital infrastructure that serves this country is literally under attack.

You will need to inspire a workforce that has unfortunately been hollowed out by years of firings, and remind them that their mission is critical--and still noble.

You'll need to demonstrate to the American people that the Intelligence Community deserves their utmost confidence as a source of truth and insight.