Mark Warner

I want to commend my colleagues and friends, and I am proud to be one of the original co-sponsors.

The sooner we can complete this process, the sooner we can either remove the cloud that hangs over this Administration or get to the bottom if there are circumstances that some of the press reports bear out to be true.

If he doesn't do that, then I think it's going to be very difficult to solicit a lot of support from Democrats.

I think, in light of what's happened in the last 48 hours, it's critically important that we have that assurance.

Obviously, North Korea is one of the most pressing issues our country faces.

We must work together to stand vigilant against that threat.

Today many challenges threaten that system, that system that has been built up over the last 70 years.

Since the Second World War, America has relied, as we all know, on a global system of alliances, institutions, and norms to ensure our stability and prosperity.

In short, Russia's direct interference in democratic processes around the globe is a direct assault that we must work on together and it's clearly one of the top worldwide threats.

This investigation has had its ups and downs and again some, including myself, sometimes have been frustrated with the pace.

We will not be deterred from getting to the truth.

An independent special counsel must be appointed.

The President's actions have the potential to undermine that confidence, and that should be deeply concerning no matter which political party you belong to.

It is important to restate the critical importance of protecting the independence and integrity of Federal law enforcement.

The President's decision to remove Director Comey was related to this investigation. And that is truly unacceptable.

The timing of Director Comey's dismissal to me and to many members on this committee on both sides of the aisle is especially troubling.

The President's firing of FBI Director Comey Tuesday night was a shocking development.

Is collusion still a subject of your investigation? They said without equivocation, yes, indeed, it is.

They have not closed the case in effect on that question as the White House and the president have repeatedly claimed.

It is absolutely critical that we follow the intelligence wherever it leads.

This committee is spending an awful lot of time, as you are aware and the press has made aware as well, on the Russia investigation.

This job requires a leader with unimpeachable integrity and unwavering commitment to the Constitution and laws of the United States.

If confirmed, you'll be sitting at a critical intersection between intelligence and policymaking.

But if a FISA warrant has been issued, it is very, very serious matter.

First of all, let me thank my friend the Senator from New Jersey for his statement. I, too, share the belief that there was a better way to go about this judicial nomination process. I think as well that traditions such as a 60-vote margin…