David Cicilline

I have enormous respect for the men and women of the Secret Service.

The protection of the President is a critical national responsibility

I'm very pleased that you have undertaken the responsibilities to address these deficiencies.

I think there is no question that we all recognize the very serious threat of ISIL.

There needs to be an integrated strategy that encompasses both of these concerns.

The prospect of energy in Africa is brighter, it is in large part because of your relentless leadership on this issue.

The United States has a national security interest and a humanitarian responsibility to respond to this outbreak

CDC is helping counter stigma during the Ebola response and encourages our public health partners to do so as well.

We have an obligation not only to remember that, but to be sure that we do all that we can to ensure that the survivors... are both cared for and provided with all the dignity and justice they so richly deserve.

The United States has both a humanitarian responsibility and a national interest in doing all that we can to fight this outbreak.

Violence and revenge are never the answer and will only serve to undermine efforts to advance peace and security in the region.

There is no question that Israel has a right to defend itself against any attack on its sovereignty and its people.

Your organization is actively engaged in promoting discriminatory policies, and you claim in your written testimony that you're here trying to vindicate free expression.

I don't think there is a discussion that can be had in the context of recognizing basic human rights that would authorize the discrimination, imprisonment and acts of violence against people because of sexual orientation, period.

What troubles me most about this resolution is its preamble: Eight pages of unsubstantiated claims, carefully tailored half-truths, and political innuendo.

Given the long list of urgent matters pending before us, this hearing is an unacceptable misuse of our time and our resources.

The majority knows or must know that this is a case of bureaucratic ineptitude and not so-called political targeting.

What valid purpose is served by creating crimes at the Federal level if they duplicate crimes being effectively enforced by the States?

When it comes to criminal law, only those matters that cannot be handled by the States need to be addressed by the Federal Government.

I am not suggesting that this is a program without instances of abuse.

I do not think that is advanced in a material way by the topic we are addressing today.

Like you, I believe important structural reforms to the program are necessary.

Yet despite public statements supporting democratic changes, the military-led government has failed to carry out many basic reforms that would signal its commitment to rule of law, human rights and media freedom.

I am very concerned about the unfolding situation in Iraq. And the rapid events of ISIS is incredibly disturbing.

A better arms control agreement is preferred over a deficient one, which I think everyone agrees with.