I want to thank the Chairman, Chairlady and the Ranking Member for the support they've given the MOX program.

What does 'cold standby' mean?

There is no viable plan to dispose of 34 metric tons of plutonium.

What is it worth to the world and to the country to take 34 metric tons of weapons-grade plutonium off the market in Russia and the United States?

So basically cable companies do not compete with each other, generally speaking? Is that what we are saying?

The bottom line here is that the MOX program is part of an agreement with the Russians; is that correct?

I want to make sure that we don't break our agreement with the Russians.

I hope the American people appreciate that these elections came off because of a lot of sacrifice by Afghans, coalition forces, and people on the ground.

I wish to recognize that this is a very important moment for the Senate to speak with one voice at a time when I think it matters to former hostages and their families. We heard you, Senator Cruz heard you, I heard you, and our friends on…

We have to be somewhat practical in our aid, but also not abandon our values.

This is what oversight is all about, is it not? Asking hard questions and making people justify their action, or lack of action.

I am very concerned that what you see in the east is a precursor to more Russian advancement that is pretty obvious that Putin is setting up a scenario where he is coming to the aid of ethnic Russians in the east, justifying a further…

Do you believe that Putin is trying to undercut this election? That the actions in the east are trying to, basically, dismember the country according to the Prime Minister of Ukraine's statement that that is going on before our eyes?

And the goal is to create some disposable income in these farming families so they will have some purchasing power, building roads to get their crops to the market, and having some trade agreements in Africa to further advance farming.

I think it is an opportunity for the committee and the congress to really weigh-in and help the Egyptian people with a huge problem, which is Hepatitis C infection that creates a lot of drain on their economy, and health problems that have…

We have legislation cutting off funds if they continue to seek membership in the U.N.

I just want to make sure that, before we put them in the military commission and Article III courts, that we try to gather as much intelligence as possible, lawfully, before we try them.

I will support Article III courts, but, Mr. Attorney General, you'll never convince me that the criminal justice system is the best way to gather intelligence in a war.

If we keep criminalizing the war--when we capture these guys, if we don't hold them for a period of time to gather intelligence, and put them right into the criminal justice system, I believe we're missing great opportunities to find out…

I just want the committee to know that we are entering into a world where we have less capable allies.

Do we have a strategy to make the West Coast of the United States more competitive and improve our ports?

I ask to be recognized for a few minutes, if I could, as if in morning business. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection. Iran U.N. Ambassador

There is an article, I think, in 'USA Today,' April the 2nd. The title was, 'AID Agency Accused of Cover Up in Afghanistan.'

I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from South Carolina.

We are really gutting the ability to improve infrastructure.