Lindsey Graham

We have got a more reliable partner in the United States, but they are asking us to change things.

Here is what you got for your money.

We better talk to Mexico. That is a good idea.

If we are serious about Central America taking the lead in its own development and solving its own problems, we have to allow them to do that.

Obviously, there are elected officials in each of these countries that are great partners for us.

The MCC is kind of a novel approach of where you basically do a contract with a country.

Do you think that the political leaders of these countries, particularly on the rule of law front, are beginning to get it?

I think the political convergence at the moment is quite good in terms of the governments of those countries wanting to work with us, which has not always been the case.

Do you think we are on the right track with the U.S. Strategy for Engagement in Central America?

I worry about losing influence in our backyard. Russia and China are all over the place.

If you are worried about illegal immigration, I think this subcommittee hearing is very important because we are going to try to address the root cause of why a lot of people leave these countries, try to come to America for a better life.

When it comes to Russia, former Director of the CIA Brennan said today that Russia brazenly interfered in our 2016 election.

But the takeaway I had is that everything he said was that you need to treat this investigation as if it may be a criminal investigation.

It was a good decision to pick a special counsel. A lot of confidence in Mr. Mueller, I think the shot to the body is now considered a criminal investigation and Congress's ability to conduct investigation of all things. Russia has been…

Look, we probably shouldn't be holding our breath anymore, basically, that James Comey might be coming up here on Capitol Hill to testify.

James Comey should have been more active.

It depends on what Comey says in a public hearing and if I think that Trump is threatening this investigation, then I'll back on.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce supports the continued funding for democracy programming by the Federal Government.

People representing our country in the State Department and other nongovernmental organizations are very much in danger.

It's a great return on investment, maybe one of the best in the entire Federal budget.

I want to rebuild the military but not by destroying the State Department.

If having hearings is pushing back against Russia, we're pushing back but it's going to take more than that.

I think that we have to make absolutely sure that we strengthen our friends and allies.

For the record, we had $100 million set up in the last--the fiscal year 2017 budget to deal counter Russia, to help front line states deal with the threats they have from Russia, cyber and other areas.

I think it is of great concern because we do know that being a representative of our country and an ambassador in the embassies, it's a dangerous job.