James Lankford

Some money, relatively a small amount compared to what we spend overall, can actually affect change in a positive way: less illegal immigration, more reliable partner, less drugs.

I am very dedicated to the idea that we are going to take this money and have more metrics-based spending.

Just a quick comment, Senator Shaheen as well.

There is a clear connection in illegal immigration to these three countries and what happens there both economically, crime, corruption within governments.

I think our relationship with these three countries really is very strategic to us.

I would suggest that as a gain for us some of the partner cities that we have had before and partner police departments in the United States partnering with some of the local law enforcement in each of these countries to develop lasting…

If you meet your commitments first, if it is verifiable, if it is audited, if it is consistent with what we thought we agreed to do, you can get 50 percent of the overall budget.

It is really a race to the top.

I agree completely. I am just saying that is one that is a very clear metric to be able to look.

I agree completely with your emphasis on a narrow focus. We cannot try to do everything.

I want to ask the question how do we get us on focus so that 2 years from now we look back on it and go, 'These are the things we achieved?'

The idea of us coming alongside of Central Americans themselves to try to improve their own conditions, their own democracy, their own markets I think is an important use of the United States political will.

So both of you say illegal immigration, we benefit what is happening here, by engaging there.

Can anyone tell me America's long-term foreign policy objective that is achieved or even short-term foreign policy objective that is achieved by investing more in the Northern Triangle?

It is to our benefit to be able to have a stable Central America.

We want our citizens to stay home. We do not want them to run to another country.

This is a tremendous amount of money that needs some accountability and oversight.

It means less illegal immigration. It means better trading partners. It means more stability in our own backyard.

Iran continues to be the foremost state sponsor of terrorism.

The traffic of illegal narcotics is something that we, along with our partners at the DEA and other law and Federal, State, and local law enforcement partners have focused on for many years.

No agents have been removed that are the ongoing career folks that are doing the investigation?

The investigation will move forward, absolutely.

You have the resources you need for the Russia investigation, is that correct?

He didn't hesitate at all. He said it was Rosenstein.

What can we do about it? What are the options?