the threat of sanctions is very important, but I am not sure... that exercising them unilaterally without agreement with our partners may not be the most effective way to go forward.

unilateral sanctions are less effective if they are strictly unilateral.

This is a moment for us to lead and make clear what needs to be done and that our role in this, because of the U.S. dollar and its role in the international financial system, we have a strong impact to make.

But, let me--I have 18 seconds. Why not--answer my core question--why not more visa denials, why not more Magnitsky listings, why not more refusal to U.S. banks...

As Russia's September 18th primary--parliamentary election draws closer, the Kremlin is preparing the groundwork for another victory of Putin's United Russia Party.

The current Duma, itself a product of a fraudulent 2011 election, has rubber-stamped a slate of new laws targeting the electoral process.

Alienating our Latin American neighbors and our Latinos here at home is the worst possible thing we can do.

The war on drugs has not been a success. And I think the reason is we have not done enough on the demand side or on any side.

I appreciate the optimism, but I am seeking to introduce a little dose of realism into it.

We need to be honest in this relationship in order to make sure that we are making the progress that we need.

And thank you both for your service to our country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling the hearing. It is an important one.