Chris Van Hollen

I find the approach House Republicans have called for, dangerous; suggesting massive funding cuts across the Government at a pivotal moment.

We cannot close our eyes or plug our ears when it comes to the threat the Chinese government poses.

The reality is the last time we were at a balanced budget we had higher revenue.

I think the reforming process maybe at the very margin could be helpful, but this is a matter of political will and getting things done.

But I am glad that we have gotten all of you to agree that it's a myth that the Trump tax cut paid for itself.

I continue to hear it out there at some points in time, which is that the Trump tax cuts actually pay for themselves.

It would be a disaster for our economy and our country if we default for the first time in our history.

Giant tax cuts that benefit wealthy and corporate donors and debt limit hikes.

What Republican tax cuts achieve without fail is to increase debt and deficits.

The Speaker's current default threat would tip the economy into severe recession, kill nearly a million American jobs.

Taking care of the rich with tax favors is politics, not economics.

I do not see evidence currently and, for example, in China's peace plan, I think in many ways is almost laughable.

It is primarily window dressing and theater for European public to make----

We have been very clear that any settlement has to be proposed by Ukrainians and President Zelensky.

We have been very clear that if we see any additional signs or signs that China is providing lethal aid to Ukraine, that we will respond strongly, primarily in the form of sanctions.

Despite Russia's noncompliance, the Administration has continued to indicate that it will continue to uphold its end of the treaty.

Senator Van Hollen and I have been pretty outspoken about the value of arms control between the U.S. and Russia over the years, both for its own sake, but also for the message it sends to other nuclear powers.

If we cut that budget we will not be able to meet our commitments.

I am really worried about what we are seeing coming out of the House of Representatives right now in terms of its impact on other critical elements of our national security budget.

We lead China now in AI, we lead China now in semiconductors, and we have to continue to invest and maintain the lead.

We actually have to get that done by the end of the year in order to make sure that we can continue to push back against these narratives around the world.

We don't have the votes here to do it.

We all want to avoid a default. That seems to be a no-brainer to me.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank all of you for being here.

Climate change increases federal budget deficits on net.