I understand the Second Amendment, but the Framers of the Constitution could never have anticipated the kind of hell that was inflicted on innocent people in Orlando, in Newtown, in these other places where we have had gun violence.

But I just can't help but conclude our big problem is guns.

Many of the issues that come before this committee are and have been mainstays in the public discourse since the terrorist attacks of September 11.

Hearings like this allows us to stay engaged in the fight against terrorism, engage the dangers terrorist organizations pose in regions throughout the world.

Violent extremists in Southeast Asia are not a new phenomenon. For decades, Separatist movements have committed bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations in the region.

Combating these terror financing operations must be among our top priorities as doing so is a key component to our efforts to counter these groups globally.

Hearings like these allow us to stay engaged in the fight against terrorism and gauge the dangers terrorist organizations pose in regions throughout the world.

Cross-border travel, the efficient flow of goods and people across the border, and the security of our ports of entry are vital to the communities I am privileged to represent.

I am amazed when I read this story about the new international bridge being constructed between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and the fact that the entire project is being financed by the Canadian Government.

I was greatly encouraged by the announcement made last month by President Obama and Prime Minister Trudeau regarding the program.

But this project has been delayed substantially because of lack of interest, lack of will, on the part of the U.S. Government to contribute.

If there is a sense that there are delays there because of lack of infrastructure, because of poor staffing strategies, people adjust their economic behavior to avoid the cross-border movement.