Mike McCaul

Thank you for the opportunity to submit this statement to the committee.

If Congress is serious about improving port security, as well as facilitate legal international trade and travel...

Chairs of the 9/11 Commission, Tom Kean, Lee Hamilton, have recently called on the Senate to pass this reauthorization.

Last Monday, the House passed a reauthorization of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program.

We must do more to strengthen cybersecurity and these essential maritime hubs.

A safe and unrestricted flow of goods and services through our marine transportation system has allowed the United States to become a global economic superpower.

America's port system is an industrial engine that drives much of our economic success.

I think any fair reading would say it would make it harder for us to get a deal in the North Korean context.

If we walk away from this deal, we would be largely responsible for the creation of that nuclear crisis today in the heart of the Middle East.

I believe that the administration should come forward with a comprehensive strategy for how we are going to deal with the future of Syria that is not just about ISIS, but that is about denying space and capacity for Iran and Hezbollah to…

Walking away from the JCPOA would announce to the world, to our friends and adversaries alike, that the United States cannot be counted on to keep its word.

I must say that I view that course as a grave mistake.

I opposed the deal. I voted against the deal.

If we pull out of the deal, I believe we lose whatever leverage we have to drive that agenda.

I am proud to say that over the last few years, the Committee on Homeland Security has recognized these threats and led the charge to strengthen the defense of our Nation's networks.

I am hopeful that as Americans we can come together and prevent such violence from happening in the future.

I understand the Trump administration did not fill leadership positions relevant to the execution of a DHS Cybersecurity Strategy with any real sense of urgency, and on-going vacancies may be contributing to the delays.

This isn't nation building, this is just basic human necessities to try to address the calamity that has been visited on these cities and these regions by occupation by ISIS.

As I look at hot spots, particularly in Africa, with these fragile states out of destabilization, rises insurgencies and terrorist safe havens and vacuums, can you tell me what the State Department will be doing with USAID to help with…

I think this is excellent because this is no longer just an FBI, Homeland, NSA issue, it is really a State Department issue.

Congratulations on your confirmation.

We have got to be prepared to step in after that battle is won and take the ball from there.

I think once a country has this capability, it is very difficult to take it away.

I view this as probably one of the biggest threats to the homeland, if they are capable of delivering an ICBM with a nuclear warhead to either Guam or the mainland of the United States.

I personally believe that when the President said that North Korea would be met with fire and fury, that if North Korea were to attack the United States, they would be met with fire and fury.