Chris Van Hollen

I think African countries are recognizing the problems that come with that in terms of debt traps and all the conditions that apply.

I do think that we need to up our game significantly when it comes to infrastructure investment.

I want to applaud you on the Leaders Summit. I think that is a way to demonstrate that the United States cares, is involved, and very focused on the continent.

I have raised my concern that the freezing of AGOA impacts the people throughout Ethiopia.

We saw this acutely in Sudan where a peaceful revolution leading to a democratic transition was thwarted by an unconstitutional military takeover.

I am deeply concerned about the democratic backsliding in Africa.

Moving forward, we must ensure that we are strengthening our relationships with these states while encouraging others to adopt policies that allow for greater democracy and freedom.

There--of course, as you both well know, there are large parts of the African continent we did not get to today.

There is the question of whether it is put to other purposes within Sudan or reprogrammed elsewhere, at least until things change in Sudan.

I was in Sudan in May of last year with Senator Coons at a very hopeful moment after the peaceful revolution.

The Russians could be moving their food, and that is a message that I think we need to be really highlighting much more loudly.

Russia is also stealing Ukrainian grain. It is not just blockading. It is actually stealing and selling grain that Ukrainian farmers planted and harvested.

This is the kind of problem that no one nation can solve alone--the kind of problem that requires serious, sustained multilateral cooperation.

This is a political crisis, and to solve it we will need a political solution, with American diplomacy leading the way.

We need to make sure the money we have appropriated is spent expeditiously and responsibly so that we can help those who need it the most.

I appreciate it. I know that you are working hard to make sure the truth gets out at the U.N.

We need to do a much better job of letting the world know that Russia is using food as a weapon of war.

The Roadmap affirms our collective commitment to act with urgency, at scale, and in concert to respond to this crisis.

This is a five-alarm emergency. I have never seen a food security crisis like this in my career.

Finally, for the information of the Senate, the 5:30 p.m. vote will be on the motion to invoke cloture on the Wang nomination to be U.S. District Court Judge for the District of Colorado. ____________________

Can you assure us that you will work with this committee to make sure the Fish and Wildlife Service continues to remain engaged?

We are trying to get this introduced in the coming weeks and months.

The big oil windfall profits tax is the way to do it

I will be working with the chairman, and others.

Do you have any thoughts on how we can increase the collaborative efforts with respect to the U.S. Geological Service as part of the Bay effort?