The idea of the rapid response to this is critical, and that came through in our other hearing.

As for Russia, the United States must ensure there is no question in Vladimir Putin's mind that a Russian military invasion of Belarus would be met with severe consequence.

the idea of public trust as fundamental to democracy and that is where transparency, that is where suppression of our intelligence information, perhaps with our allied but even at home, is such a disturbing development.

We must support the Belarusian people as they assert their right to chart their own destiny.

I hope to hear more from all the witnesses today on how we in Congress can support the democratic aspirations of the people of Belarus.

Public trust in elections is so important to securing democracy.

The U.S. is not setting a very good example like we have in the past.

What we need is the entire world, basically, of the free world with one voice, and some of the voices are not as loud as they could be.

We are all watching with great concern the government's actions and with the support of the Belarusian people.

Those sanctions must remain on the table until at least two conditions are met: all of those unjustly detained are released...

We have seen Germany step up. Whether it is reacting to the poisoning by Putin of Navalny, we have seen them take an increasing leadership role.

For several years, I was a letter carrier, working my way through college and grad school, working overtime as mail volume necessitated--and, yes, necessitated. It was understood then that it was a necessity. I worked with dedicated postal…