Brian Higgins

But, you know, it seems--there was a debate 6 months ago here about authorizing the administration to use military force in Syria if they determined that was necessary.

Russia's occupation of Ukraine is a direct and clear violation of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

President Putin has acted like a international street thug.

Russia has violated all kinds of international laws including the treaty they signed with Ukraine guaranteeing its borders.

NATO, which is 28 countries including the United States and Canada and 26 European countries, was essentially established to safeguard the freedom and security.

If Russia's behavior has changed then it would seem to me that Russia's status as a member of the G-8 should change.

In the post-9/11 era, the one thing we know clearly is that terrorists seek to destruct and kill, but they also seek to disrupt our way of life.

The shame here is that, in 2011, during the uprising, in the final days in Tahrir Square, you had 8 million people, 10 percent of the Nation's population, which really represented the largest pro-democracy movement in the history of world.

The United States has provided significant military and economic assistance to Egypt since the late 1970s.

One group that has emerged as one of Egypt's biggest threats is al-Qaeda-inspired Ansar Beyt al Maqdis (ABM).

In 2011, the Egyptian uprising caused the world to stop and watch as Egyptians revolted and caused the 30-year regime of Hosni Mubarak to end.

The United States relationship with Egypt is fractured and as we wait and see where Egypt's current political state leads the country, we must be mindful of our past relationship with Egypt while keeping an eye on any emerging threats from…

However, during his presidency, Morsi brought the nation to the brink of collapse and was not a legitimate ruler in the eyes of the majority of Egyptians.

Rouhani ran against the policies that created international isolation, he ran against the policies that created sanctions, and then he won the election.

We certainly did not support the Assad regime.

The one thing you know in a zero-sum game is that the sum will always be zero.

I am pleased to hear that the Office of Management and Budget is heading a 120-day review of the Federal clearance process.

Finding this balance is difficult and according to the director of the National Security Agency, General Keith Alexander, these Classified programs have been successful.

I am proud to say that New Jersey is one of the few States that includes these four criteria.

In 12 years, we have made significant improvements in our preparedness capabilities--from planning to communications to operational coordination.

I would like to thank Chairwoman Brooks for holding this hearing, and giving the subcommittee the opportunity to learn more about the National state of preparedness.

However, every day we are reminded of the work still that needs to be done.

I am introducing the S.A.F.E. Schools Act, legislation that will require States applying for State Homeland Security Grant funds to certify that their schools have emergency plans that meet the standards recommended by the 2010 Commission…

I also want to thank the first responders for their heroic efforts.

I encourage each member of the panel to review this report to determine whether your State meets each of the four criteria.