How do we actually break the power and impunity of criminal organizations and urge governments to do more to stop transnational crime?

This is a time when we must advocate our values and do more to defend the defenseless.

I just feel we are facilitating this horror, and I guess it is hard for me to adjust to this.

We share your lack of trust. There is no way that one can look at the U.S.-Iranian relationship over the course of the last three decades and bring anything other than great skepticism and a lack of trust.

you have been very vocal, very, very vocal.

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.

Please tell us about contingency planning in light of the very real potential of a completely destabilized region and renewed sectarian violence in Iraq.

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 was troubled to learn that the cost of training one person on countering extreme violence can cost up to $700,000.

This is a game of Russian roulette. How do you know what is going to happen?

I am very pleased to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), the ranking member of the Ways and Means Committee.