you have been very vocal, very, very vocal.

I know that President Abbas is due at the White House on March 17.

I particularly appreciate your activity with regard to Ukraine, but of course there are many other questions we have to ask.

Education is fundamental to all other development outcomes, and is the cornerstone of strong, stable societies.

We obviously opposed the signing of the bill, and he agreed to have some of our experts come over and meet with him.

I thought it was totally inappropriate, and I made it clear to them in a letter and in a public statement.

I hope to see peace in the Middle East in my lifetime.

It is clear that the administration's robust diplomacy and development request is needed now more than ever before to address these challenges and countless other global priorities.

While the United States cannot compromise our principles, we must acknowledge the difficult and volatile circumstances in the region.

I have often hoped for Middle East peace in my lifetime, and I strongly support your efforts to facilitate a two-state agreement that ensures security for our ally Israel.

I hope you can reassure us about our ability to sustain the gains in security, health, education, and women and girls empowerment so that countless lives will not have been lost in vain.