Unfortunately, the spending plan recently passed by House Republicans takes our country in the wrong direction.

At some point, we have to pay attention to reality more than rhetoric.

I think you're going to find wars being fought over water within a decade, just as they now fight over oil.

But nobody knew about it. That's the problem.

How are you going to do that when a government in Kabul turns power over to warlords, and oftentimes corrupt groups in other parts of the country, and say, 'Here, go ahead and have Sharia law. Do whatever you want.'

But, what are some of the things that will have to be cut if your budget falls short?

Our combat troops have done their duty, some to the greatest possible sacrifice.

We greatly appreciate the work you are doing. And we again commend the dedicated men and women of the State Department and USAID.

I think USAID is being asked to do the impossible in Afghanistan.

I'm for helping Afghanistan, but the government's not a reliable partner.

Budgets are about values. They're about priorities.

USAID has an essential role to play in projecting U.S. global leadership and helping to protect U.S. interests around the world.

I complimented you earlier on one that did that will have a real impact. You worked with the Smithsonian to save some treasured murals, which they thought were lost when one of the cathedrals collapsed in Haiti.

The United Nations Security Council, in a unanimous vote, imposed sanctions against Libya, which I applaud.

The implementation--that's not a one-size-fits-all thing.

This budget will not solve every problem in the world, but it will at least ensure that the United States is equipped to play a leadership role.

Everybody wants to help out in a tragedy.

I must admit that I'm virtually at the end of being willing to support activities in Afghanistan when we're not getting the support we should from the Afghan Government.

Under Senator Leahy's leadership--he'll be too modest to tell you--we actually--he actually helped fund, creating a factory where they made low-cost limbs to put people literally back on their feet again.

if a Secretary of State has credible evidence that a unit of a foreign security force has committed a gross violation of human rights, U.S. aid to that unit stops unless the foreign government brings the responsible individuals to justice.

Yes, but it's been 2 years. It's time to get it done.

And they were a huge export market for much of that part of the world. But the transmission lines aren't there. I mean, is it going to continue, that the water can be shut off if bribes aren't paid? It worries me that----

Something that I've been saying for years, so, obviously, I'm agreeing.

I think the bottom line, though, for so many of the things you pointed out that you do and that the United States has to do for its own national security, is that it's hard to do if the resources are cut off.

Now, here's your chance to give a very straightforward question--or, very straightforward answer. It may get you fired, but go ahead. Let loose.