Edward Markey actually said...

"I think that the fundamental assessment from my point of view is that U.S. alliances in Asia are fundamental to our power, our access, and our interests in the region."

"The United States and China are now locked in a high-stakes geopolitical competition."

"We are leading a bipartisan effort...called the Asia Reassurance Initiative Act, or ARIA."

"Today's hearing will focus on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, values that have been fundamental to the conduct of U.S. foreign policy for generations."