Bob Corker

I would just like to say, again, there has been a lot of work, Senator Warner and myself, many of the people here at the Committee, have spent a great deal of time on this issue.

This White House is, 'In a downward spiral right now and they have to figure out a way to come to grips with all that's happening.'

The White House has got to do something soon to bring itself under control and in order. It's got to happen. Obviously they're in a downward spiral right now and they've got to figure out a way to come to grips with all that's happening.

Well, why don't you go ahead and draw $10 billion on it right now and see? I am telling you, it is going to have no effect.

It is one of the most baseless arguments I have ever heard.

The reality is that the United States spends only 1 percent of our federal budget on diplomacy and foreign assistance.

I strongly believe we can strike an appropriate balance that recognizes the critical role of diplomacy and aid.

We have thus far worked together against Russia's negative influence and must continue to do so despite President Putin's best attempts to divide us.

I have not seen it. And if anything, I have seen it demonstrably go the other way.

There should be efforts to try to get Iran to recognize that there are consequences for violating the international order.

With a new administration in place, we have an opportunity to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with both Iran's regional activities and a longer term threat of an Iranian nuclear weapon.

Iran remains the foremost state sponsor of terrorism.

One of my criticisms of the JCPOA is that it would become our de facto Middle East policy, and Iran would expand their destabilizing activities.

The SEC, unfortunately, has functioned in a very partisan way.

In Nigeria, Africa's largest country by population, millions in the northeast face starvation as Boko Haram violence has prevented most humanitarian access.

In Somalia, al-Shabaab created insecurity, and lack of governing structures continue to threaten millions of Somalis.

In Yemen, a country with chronic natural resource and food shortfalls, the crisis is aggravated by conflicts that have created severe obstacles to humanitarian access.

In South Sudan, conduct by President Kiir and the failure of the region to effectively engage with the political leaders in South Sudan has led to famine and atrocities.

Humanitarian crises are expanding with famine now inflicting South Sudan and others threatening Somalia, Nigeria, and Yemen.

The government actively represses dissent. A leading Venezuelan human rights group lists 117 people jailed for political reasons.

Venezuela is a beautiful country with vast resources and talented people, and yet the situation there is very bleak.

There is reason for a degree of optimism in Iraq.

It is worth commending the work the Iraqi security forces and the Kurdish Peshmerga have done in Iraq.

I think it is quite clear that ISIS will soon lose all of its territory in Iraq.

The End Modern Slavery Initiative Act, championed by Chairman Corker and this Committee, shows how the US government can be a leader on this issue.