The problem is is that we provide them no option in terms of an economic or trade agenda.

Without market access I think that we are going to be at a competitive disadvantage with China.

Finally, Secretary Ratner, in March 2022 the Solomon Islands and China signed a security agreement ostensibly aiming in part to address, quote, ``internal threats'' including protecting Chinese owned businesses in the country.

The urgency of climate change; there is a lot more that we should be doing as it relates to climate change.

Without market access I think that we are going to be at a competitive disadvantage with China.

The problem is is that we provide them no option in terms of an economic or trade agenda.

So is it also fair to say that since China is the economic force within that region that we are challenged in terms of our own national interests in meeting that economic force with one that can compete with it?

If we do not have a robust trade agenda in the Pacific Island countries that they will not by desire, maybe, but by default ultimately deal with the Chinese.

How would making these programs mandatory or formula-based impact planning for large-scale projects?

The reality is that if Iran is dramatically curtailed in its flow of revenue, it has domestic consequences in terms of those who wish to see a change in their own country.

The smooth and effective movement of cargo through the Port of New York and New Jersey is critical to our economy.

The reality is that if Iran is dramatically curtailed in its flow of revenue, it has domestic consequences in terms of those who wish to see a change in their own country.