I sincerely disagree with you, and we will again have a chance perhaps to continue this.

It seems like there is at the same time a rush to eliminate all of the things that pay for the ability of Americans to have those kind of services.

I believe it is very important that we do not go backwards on these issues.

On Friday, January 20th, President Trump issued an executive order that says Federal agencies, especially HHS, should do everything they can to, quote, 'eliminate any fiscal burden on any State or any cost, fee, tax penalty, or regulatory…

I think both of us would perhaps from our business standpoint say that was high-risk capital and we ought to get a better return.

I want you to again affirm to this body that on a going-forward basis it will be your policy, as much as you can influence the President-elect, that we would never again question America's willingness to stand by its debt obligations.

Clearly, if you get this role, words that you say and the President-elect will say will have consequences.

I have been very troubled by even some folks in elective office who have somehow said we can ignore the debt ceiling without consequences.

I think that is extraordinarily important. And those who somehow argue for prioritization--it would wreak havoc in the financial markets.

But do you then expect the President-elect, and then President, would continue to break all precedent and be willing to weigh in on these matters, unlike any prior President?

The absolutist approach, which never looks at revenues, leads us to the place where we are right now.

orderly liquidation authority under title II should continue to be available, even if the bankruptcy code is amended.

Many people come to the political process and get hired into this process by taking absolutist pledges on things like revenues.

I think there have been times--and we could debate those times--where clearly in the history of the Agency there have been examples where, whether it was through political pressure or otherwise, the Agency went over the edge and…

On behalf of the children of the Commonwealth of Virginia I vote no. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Debate is not allowed during a vote. The Senate will be in order.

the CIA and the entire intelligence community has repeatedly and unfairly been subjected to criticism of its integrity.

It is important that all Americans fully understand the extent and the vulnerability and the implications of Russia's intervention.

This was not business as usual with Russia.

I have been critical of the tenor of some of the President-elect's comments about the workforce and the professionalism of the IC.

I think part of the responsibility of the Agency you may head is unique in that it is tasked with taking on covert activities and relies in many ways upon the oversight of this committee and, frankly, the trust of the American public to…

your job is to search out and follow the truth regardless of where it may lead.

politics has no place in your new line of business.

I will need your public assurance that you will always seek to provide unbiased, unvarnished, and timely intelligence assessments.

It's going to be an ongoing challenge. If confirmed, obviously I wish you the best. It's critically important.

this is not only one of the most significant items I've seen in my political life, but this is an ongoing threat to all of us and our electoral process.