Michael G. Mullen: “We ought not forget as well the more than 5,100 troops killed since September 11 or the 35,000 wounded.”

You know, or you should, that public debt this large weighs heavily on economic growth, crowding out private investment and discouraging it through uncertainty.

I urge you to support and encourage the expansion and deepening of these channels of communication with Russia to enhance the security of the American people and our allies.

I have to date been reticent to speak out on issues surrounding President Trump's leadership, but we are at an inflection point, and the events of the past weeks have made it impossible to remain silent.

This is a moment when more investment in diplomacy and development is needed, not less.