We cannot afford to have the U.S.-Caribbean Border underprotected.

We must bolster resources, funding, and staffing of Federal law enforcement agencies throughout Puerto Rico.

This is not about funding a program. This is about saving American lives.

I have repeatedly called on the President and senior Federal law enforcement officers to establish a U.S.-Caribbean Border Initiative.

I please ask you to be brief, because then I have a specific question for Admiral Lee.

So, please, I am begging and pleading with you to make sure that we have enough assets so that the Virgin Islands does not--ensure that the Virgin Islands gets the coverage that we need as well.

Imagine for a moment that this spike in violence were taking place in Florida. Does anyone seriously believe that Federal law enforcement agencies within DHS and DOJ would continue to conduct business as usual rather than surging resources…

The number of drug-related homicides in Puerto Rico in recent years would be considered a national emergency if it were occurring in any State.

Shouldn't you be acting with more of a sense of urgency in this area? Please, tell me why I should feel better about this than I do.

I have to commend your demeanor, your patience, your decorum in appearing before us and subjecting yourself sometimes to a process that I do not believe is fair.

I want to thank you for your service. You have one of the most challenging jobs in our government, and you perform it with great skill, so thank you.