Bob Menendez

I am disappointed that there is not an acknowledgement of the reality that exists around the world.

I do not think there is any doubt that today there is more potential for nuclear conflict than there was in 2009, no question.

We will not allow Iran to violate its ballistic missile restrictions and that there will be penalties if they do.

So it is going to be important.

I appreciate your lengthy answer, but it is verbatim from what I would get from the testimony. The problem is that "call upon" is a far lesser standard, number one. Number two, Iran is moving forward significantly.

"Call upon" is not a far lesser standard? If I call upon you but you decide not to go ahead and listen to what I call upon you to do, what is the consequence? Nothing, right?

I have some concerns. Let me see how much I can get in in this line of questioning.

I believe that the issue of the disclosure of corporate spending is a shareholder interest, as well as a societal good.

I have no interest in having a corporation spend the money that in part is mine by virtue of my investments in whomever they want or whatever they want.

But largely, I get the sense this is a pretty unilateral pressure.

You have not satisfied me about what we are doing to get Russia to move on its obligations.

It still seems to me that our efforts are not creating the conditions where Minsk can be successful.

I believe that Russia maintains control by one means or another over the autonomous regions, which it seeks to fortify in one way or another.

I do not know how far in that process, without reciprocity, that I am going to be able to succeed at the end of the day.

I have strongly supported and have said in my visits to Ukraine, as well as those who have visited from Ukraine to the United States, that there is a need to continue vigorously on the path to reform and not only to pass laws but to…

I look forward to working with you and the committee to make it happen, not for diversity's sake alone, but for what it brings to our foreign diplomacy.

This starts at the top. Like any organization, if at the top you say to those below you, 'I will judge you in part by how you create diversity within your bureaus and departments,' believe me, people will follow.

I appreciate your answer, but after 24 years, I have heard much of the same.

One of the most diverse countries in the world, our potential is unlimited. Unfortunately, minority communities have been historically underrepresented.

I am deeply disappointed. I have been working at this for 24 years... and we just really have not made progress.

That last line of questioning is probably one of the many reasons why a State Department authorization is so important.

I think we should not exaggerate the divides in Libya.

I am trying to glean what the path forward is, from both your testimony and your responses.

Sometimes we turn to sanctions as a peaceful tool of international efforts.

I totally agree with Senator Cardin vis-a-vis Venezuela, which this committee has had actions on.