Civilians are losing their lives because of this ethnic conflict.

As tempting as it may be to turn the U.N. into a scapegoat for the world's problems, the U.N. system performs duties that are of immense value to the United States.

Does that violate basic human rights? It does, yes.

The Clean Water Act provides for Federal guidance as to acceptable clean water.

I think it is important for Congress, article 1, to exercise its authority and to give the direction to these agencies on how they should conduct their business.

I believe the clarity around this definition, the jurisdiction of the EPA, is essential to get right and to address.

I just want to get your philosophy as to where the waters of the U.S. lines would be drawn.

If you are confirmed, will you support the Federal role in the Chesapeake Bay Program as envisioned by the partners and stakeholders, enforcing the TMDLs, if necessary?

Part of the Federal Government's partnership is to provide resources.

I want to concentrate on the waters of the U.S. because ever since the Supreme Court decisions there has been an uncertainty as to what waters are, in fact, subject to regulation by the Federal Government and what waters are not.

civilian control of our military is one of the bedrock principles of American self-government. The National Security Act of 1947, U.S.C. Title 10 Section 113(a), stipulates that an individual ``may not be appointed as Secretary of Defense…

I can assure you the disagreement on supplying tax returns has nothing to do with Mr. Tillerson.

That is why I was proud to introduce a bipartisan bill yesterday with Senator McCain and several members of this committee.

Do you also commit to support the global Magnitsky Law using the tools of our visa restrictions to prevent human rights violators from coming to America?

We are going to get the strongest reaction on sanctions from the United States.

Mr. Chairman, could I just thank you for the accommodations for this hearing?

And do you also agree that Russia under Mr. Putin's leadership fails in that category?

I am going to ask consent to put into the record the lobbying disclosure form from ExxonMobil Corporation that indicates that approximately $3.4 million was spent in lobbying on behalf of the Iran Sanctions Act.

I take it you support that type of action.

Perhaps the most egregious events we have seen recently has been where President Putin of Russia, having effectively killed his nation's nascent democracy.

I absolutely respect what you are saying, and my intentions are to fully maintain your legitimate rights of privacy.

I fully expect that I will continue to use whatever means I can to change our committee practices...

I urge this Committee and the Senate to support his nomination.

Do you support that law?

The United States should lead the world in developing those standards on corruption.