Ben Cardin

I appreciate the work that is being done.

There is no question that Iran is engaged in a lot of the geopolitics of the entire region and, of course, has an impact directly on our national security.

I just really want to thank our two witnesses. I found this very, very beneficial.

We could also concentrate on what we do about Russia. That is why there is a bipartisan bill here to put more pressure on Russia.

So we have defined the problem. We do not know a strategy to unlock their cooperation.

I agree with you. I understand Russia has limited interest. We heard they have limited interests in protecting the Assad regime.

I think that would isolate us diplomatically.

The idea that the Yemen civil war can be resolved by military force alone is an illusion.

The gates of Babylon were opened to Iran and they moved in very quickly and very effectively to establish their dominance.

The need to rigorously enforce the JCPOA, the Iran nuclear deal.

It is appropriate that this committee take a look at what we can do to make sure that, first, the Iran nuclear agreement is honored so that Iran does not become a nuclear weapons state.

Iran's activities today are as bad as they have ever been, and probably worse.

I strongly believe it would be against U.S. interests to withdraw from the JCPOA or to take any actions that could be interpreted to be in conflict with the JCPOA.

There is strong interest in an infrastructure bill.

I strongly support the initiative that came out of this Committee.

We have to figure out a way to deal with this real problem in our community.

Thankfully, the United States of America, generally speaking, has played a leading role.

It is also so disheartening to know that we have leaders around the world that would deny aid to their own people.

If the United States did everything I wanted to do, and the international community did everything that they should do, we would still need you because of the credibility you have in the community and your ability to provide frontline help…

Let me just compliment Senator Young on that line of questioning. I understand the confidentiality and the trust issues, but this is violation of international protocols, and I do think we need to document.

I think that may be a specific area within the next couple weeks that our committee may want to keep the look on, Hudaydah.

We need to get access for humanitarian assistance in helping the people of Yemen that have been so much impacted.

Yemen, we do need a diplomatic surge. The United States plays a critical role in Yemen.

What can we do as individual committee members or as a group to try to meet the needs you are discussing over the next couple weeks?

I think you will see a united effort to make sure there is appropriate funding.