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

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

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.

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.

We must work together to stand vigilant against that threat.

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

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.

I rise today to join with a number of my colleagues, and I thank the Senator from Illinois for her comments on pensions, but there is another battle that a lot of us have been down here for a number of times over the last couple of years…

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.

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

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…

the President's recent conduct, with his wild and uncorroborated accusations about wiretapping and his inappropriate and unjustified attacks on America's hardworking intelligence professionals does give me grave concern.

Russia sought to hijack our democratic process, and that most important part of our democratic process, our presidential elections.

I wrote a letter to the Chairman and the Vice Chair urging the committee to look into any and all financial relationships between Russia and Donald Trump and his associates.

This review ought to include the Trump Organization and its partnerships.

We must get to the bottom of this. We must be thorough. We must proceed with urgency. And we must be transparent.

What that means is that Russia's corruption problem may also be our corruption problem.

The committee needs to follow the money wherever it leads, because if money-laundering, corruption of any kind, or fishy real estate deals point to the Russian oligarchs and criminal elements, then the Russian government may only be a step…

I want to make clear, at least for me, this investigation is not about whether you have a 'D' or an 'R' next to your name.

I think we've got an incredible panel of experts, and you're here because of that expertise.