I agree with the sentiments that my colleagues expressed today, that it is obviously a national security issue, not just for Europe but for our own nation.

We must deny them sanctuary. We must take the fight to them, and from a domestic perspective, we must secure our homeland at all costs.

We must stay ahead of the curve to prevent those with hostile intent from gaining a foothold in our country.

We see a direct correlation between the foreign terrorist threat abroad and our security here at home.

The system is blinking red.

The Taliban has been able to quickly reassert control over the country for the first time in 20 years.

I fought these terrorists my entire career, and I know very well, and more than most about the evil that they present and the desire that they have to hurt Americans and to hurt the United States of America and our allies.

It is not going away. I think that this is an important hearing to underscore that importance.

We must also contend with an international ISIS and al-Qaeda presence on multiple fronts.

It is a homeland security imperative that we thwart any effort of these organizations to make--to expand their presence overseas and subsequently launch an attack against Americans or against the homeland.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to thank Majority Leader Hoyer for being here today, and talking about your AMAZON21 Bill.

American engagement in this region is crucial, and there is no better demonstration of the American leadership than the role we have played in supporting peace agreements between Israel and her neighbors.