Chris Van Hollen

I am concerned that in a world that is increasingly unstable and where there is a clear contest between authoritarian capitalism and real capitalism, as a democracy that is a capitalist society, we need to step up our game.

I thought it was, again, not the choice I would have made to cut all the educational and cultural exchange programs in half.

I don't see how it makes sense in an increasingly difficult and contested world to unilaterally withdraw support from vital allies.

I hear grave concerns that the signals we are sending are signals of retreat and of disengagement.

How can we count on you to defend our democracy when we don't see you defending your own democracy?

I appreciate that commitment, Mr. Secretary. I think that's important to all of us.

I think what we should agree on, Mr. Secretary, is that the IAEA, which monitors that agreement, should have the resources to do it.

I mean, now we're in a position where they haven't even admitted it, right?

I think it is important that we address the situation and the relationship we have today, which I do not believe is in the interest of the United States nor the interest of stability in the world.

It's important to take additional actions and sanction Russia to let them know that you cannot interfere in our elections.

They interfered. And you would also agree, would you not, that they are attempting to interfere in the elections of many of our NATO allies.

Cuts of this magnitude diminish our influence overseas. It will diminish our capacity to accomplish some of our goals.

Removing the Special Counsel in order to prevent the Special Counsel from pursuing the investigation, that would not constitute good cause, correct?

I am actually more worried about the scenario, at this point, where, if you were to receive an order from the White House to fire the Special Counsel.

Seeing the spike is something we have to tackle with urgency.

It is the height of arrogance for the Attorney General not to come before the subcommittee that oversees the Justice Department budget.

I am not surprised that the budget before us proposes millions of dollars to hire lawyers to focus on taking private land from hardworking Americans along the southwest border.

This budget slashes funding for anti-opioid and heroin initiatives by more than $27 million from fiscal year 2017 levels.

The Attorney General should be here to justify them.

The administration may seek to hide many things from the American people, but they should know this: Today's committee chairs are tomorrow's ranking members.

Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley...called your opinion 'nonsense'.

This is an affront to the Congress, a co-equal branch of government.

We will not protect our people but, by golly, we will seize their land.

I do not know how the Justice Department justifies cutting resources that help our communities with prevention, education, and treatment.

The budget slashes funding for anti-opioid and -heroin initiatives by more than $27 million from fiscal year 2017 enacted levels.