WEBVTT 00:01.614 --> 00:05.114 - Before we say or do anything else today, 00:06.900 --> 00:11.067 I want to pause to extend our thoughts and our prayers 00:11.260 --> 00:15.427 for the wellbeing of Whip Scalise and our colleagues, 00:15.681 --> 00:18.514 police and staff who were attacked 00:19.359 --> 00:22.442 by a gunman this morning in Virginia. 00:22.895 --> 00:26.198 Several members of this committee were there. 00:26.198 --> 00:29.031 This is a sad day for our country. 00:30.101 --> 00:32.312 We still don't have all the details, 00:32.312 --> 00:35.229 but we do know that there are those 00:35.559 --> 00:37.712 who want to use acts of violence 00:37.712 --> 00:41.212 to create chaos, to disrupt our democracy. 00:42.852 --> 00:46.352 The American people will not let them win. 00:46.995 --> 00:50.354 So after deliberation with the ranking member, 00:50.354 --> 00:52.604 we have decided to proceed. 00:53.149 --> 00:56.590 The Secretary has a very challenging schedule. 00:56.590 --> 00:59.523 Given these circumstances and the delayed start 00:59.523 --> 01:02.996 of our hearing, I want to appeal to members 01:02.996 --> 01:05.557 to attempt to use less than their full five minutes 01:05.557 --> 01:09.724 so that more of our colleagues have a chance to participate. 01:09.741 --> 01:13.725 And I will be abbreviating my opening statement. 01:13.725 --> 01:16.395 Today, Secretary Tillerson will testify 01:16.395 --> 01:18.549 on the administration's budget 01:18.549 --> 01:22.469 and reorganization plans for the Department of State. 01:22.469 --> 01:25.136 First off, Mr. Secretary, let me 01:25.318 --> 01:27.818 welcome you to this committee. 01:27.942 --> 01:31.501 This committee and your department manage an essential 01:31.501 --> 01:35.668 responsibility for our government, set at its founding, 01:36.482 --> 01:38.757 and that is defending our nation. 01:38.757 --> 01:41.852 The committee strives to be bipartisan. 01:41.852 --> 01:44.346 We are fortunate to have a ranking member, 01:44.346 --> 01:47.346 Mr. Engel, who shares this approach. 01:48.453 --> 01:52.620 We look forward to working with you, Mr. Secretary. 01:52.776 --> 01:55.693 We wish you success in your tenure. 01:57.035 --> 02:01.202 For generations, America has been the leader of the world. 02:02.336 --> 02:05.169 This has required great sacrifice. 02:05.905 --> 02:10.072 But our commitment to stability, to the rule of law, 02:10.084 --> 02:12.834 to open markets, and human rights 02:13.444 --> 02:17.611 and our work through alliances have all paid off greatly. 02:18.859 --> 02:21.329 We have made mistake, no doubt, 02:21.329 --> 02:24.068 sometimes by overreaching in our commitments 02:24.068 --> 02:27.101 and sometimes by not reaching at all. 02:27.101 --> 02:31.268 But our nation has certainly been a force for good. 02:33.002 --> 02:35.419 If we do not lead in security 02:36.693 --> 02:40.776 and commerce as well, and in values and in ideas, 02:41.843 --> 02:44.571 the vacuum will be filled by others, 02:44.571 --> 02:48.738 including jihadists and others wishing us grave harm. 02:50.108 --> 02:52.108 Leading takes resources. 02:52.546 --> 02:56.591 Sufficient resources are needed for our military, for sure, 02:56.591 --> 02:58.887 but also for our diplomats working to end 02:58.887 --> 03:02.103 the many conflicts impacting our security. 03:02.103 --> 03:04.520 That's what the generals say. 03:04.873 --> 03:06.780 In today's well-connected age, 03:06.780 --> 03:09.335 in which threats can come from anywhere, 03:09.335 --> 03:12.343 we need a very broad diplomatic presence, 03:12.343 --> 03:14.760 and that takes resources too, 03:15.283 --> 03:18.450 especially to keep our diplomats safe. 03:18.639 --> 03:20.808 Resources are also needed to support 03:20.808 --> 03:24.975 our humanitarian relief and to support development. 03:25.393 --> 03:28.976 Their work abroad benefits America at home. 03:29.251 --> 03:32.222 Consider that a modest emergency investment 03:32.222 --> 03:35.222 in West Africa's health stopped cold 03:37.031 --> 03:40.086 what looked like an emerging Ebola panic 03:40.086 --> 03:42.669 in our country a few years ago. 03:44.490 --> 03:47.616 Mr. Secretary, I'm confident that you will find 03:47.616 --> 03:50.616 new efficiencies in your department. 03:51.208 --> 03:53.291 There is waste to attack. 03:54.260 --> 03:56.279 But many here remain concerned 03:56.279 --> 03:59.538 by the hand that you were dealt with in the budget 03:59.538 --> 04:02.280 and look forward to strengthening it. 04:02.280 --> 04:05.454 Congress also has a responsibility not to hamstring 04:05.454 --> 04:08.288 the Department with mandates and with restrictions. 04:08.288 --> 04:10.883 And these have accumulated over years, 04:10.883 --> 04:14.133 compounding your management challenges. 04:14.629 --> 04:18.107 For our partnership to succeed, we need to communicate. 04:18.107 --> 04:21.940 Often, too often, administrations go it alone, 04:22.877 --> 04:25.926 as frankly, the last Administration did. 04:25.926 --> 04:28.759 Iran and Cuba policy are examples. 04:29.215 --> 04:31.298 Let's break that pattern. 04:31.911 --> 04:34.661 And I will now turn to Mr. Engel. 04:39.034 --> 04:42.034 - Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 04:42.453 --> 04:44.634 I know that the shooting in Alexandria 04:44.634 --> 04:47.384 this morning is all on our minds. 04:47.516 --> 04:48.683 It's shocking. 04:48.823 --> 04:50.689 We're all hoping for the best 04:50.689 --> 04:53.475 for our colleague Steve Scalise, the police officers, 04:53.475 --> 04:56.377 and others who are victims of the attack. 04:56.377 --> 04:57.867 We wish them a speedy recovery 04:57.867 --> 05:01.159 and we're thinking of their loved ones this morning. 05:01.159 --> 05:04.480 Mr. Secretary, we're glad to have you here. 05:04.480 --> 05:07.441 I wish you well, but I have to tell you 05:07.441 --> 05:10.619 that I'm deeply skeptical about this budget, 05:10.619 --> 05:13.534 which, in my view, is part of a foreign-policy strategy 05:13.534 --> 05:15.981 that would cripple American diplomacy 05:15.981 --> 05:18.901 and development efforts around the world. 05:18.901 --> 05:20.705 This strategy has been carried out 05:20.705 --> 05:23.343 first and foremost through inaction. 05:23.343 --> 05:25.418 With an initial purge that pushed out 05:25.418 --> 05:28.866 some of our most senior and accomplished career diplomats, 05:28.866 --> 05:31.850 this Administration has eliminated years of expertise 05:31.850 --> 05:34.600 and experience in one fell swoop. 05:34.898 --> 05:37.734 And with few exceptions, the President simply has not 05:37.734 --> 05:41.734 nominated anyone to help you run the Department. 05:41.845 --> 05:45.928 Mr. Chairman, I ask that my graphic be displayed. 05:46.611 --> 05:49.752 This is an organizational chart of the State Department. 05:49.752 --> 05:51.475 The three dark green boxes are 05:51.475 --> 05:54.126 President Trump's confirmed nominees. 05:54.126 --> 05:55.775 Light green boxes are officials 05:55.775 --> 05:58.222 in place from the last Administration. 05:58.222 --> 06:01.238 Yellow boxes are nominees awaiting Senate action. 06:01.238 --> 06:03.191 And all the red boxes are positions 06:03.191 --> 06:07.010 for which the President hasn't even submitted a nomination. 06:07.010 --> 06:10.426 That's a lot of red boxes, far behind where Presidents Bush 06:10.426 --> 06:13.765 and Obama were at this point, and that doesn't cover 06:13.765 --> 06:16.765 the dozen of vacant ambassadorships. 06:16.963 --> 06:20.120 We should all keep this in mind next time 06:20.120 --> 06:23.787 there is talk about obstruction in Congress. 06:24.211 --> 06:28.378 People have not been confirmed, not because of obstruction, 06:28.639 --> 06:30.869 because they haven't been submitted. 06:30.869 --> 06:33.405 Now, career diplomats keeping the seats warm are 06:33.405 --> 06:35.598 capable and devoted public servants, 06:35.598 --> 06:38.607 but they aren't able to direct our foreign policy. 06:38.607 --> 06:40.188 What is the President's approach 06:40.188 --> 06:42.397 to Russia's hacking our election? 06:42.397 --> 06:44.753 Or nonproliferation, or human trafficking, 06:44.753 --> 06:46.610 or Africa, or the Arctic? 06:46.610 --> 06:48.639 When will we have the undersecretaries 06:48.639 --> 06:51.482 and assistant secretaries and ambassadors-at-large 06:51.482 --> 06:53.729 to put these policies in place? 06:53.729 --> 06:56.086 The second indication of the Administration's view 06:56.086 --> 06:58.550 of the State Department is this document. 06:58.550 --> 07:02.717 This is the budget, the 2018 State Department budget, 07:02.897 --> 07:06.897 submitted to Congress by the Secretary of State. 07:07.881 --> 07:12.048 It calls for a 32% cut to our international affairs budget. 07:13.223 --> 07:15.543 I have never seen a budget proposal 07:15.543 --> 07:18.084 so reckless in all the years I've been here, 07:18.084 --> 07:19.809 so insulting to our personnel, 07:19.809 --> 07:23.309 and so quick to hit bipartisan opposition. 07:23.560 --> 07:25.741 Mr. Secretary, when we spoke, you told me 07:25.741 --> 07:27.341 that you hoped to put the State Department 07:27.341 --> 07:30.369 on a glide path to reduce spending levels. 07:30.369 --> 07:32.551 A 1/3 cut is more like a nosedive. 07:32.551 --> 07:35.082 Imagine being an American diplomat learning that this is 07:35.082 --> 07:37.784 the value the Administration places on your service. 07:37.784 --> 07:39.661 Imagine waking up every morning 07:39.661 --> 07:41.955 in a dangerous place on the other side of the world, 07:41.955 --> 07:43.613 knowing that the officials responsible 07:43.613 --> 07:46.646 for your safety haven't even been nominated, 07:46.646 --> 07:50.813 and that America's top diplomat, this is you, Mr. Secretary, 07:51.218 --> 07:55.385 was coming here to tell us, ask us for a 32% budget cut. 07:56.644 --> 07:59.381 Some consequences of this budget will hit us down the road. 07:59.381 --> 08:02.514 If we fail to invest in diplomacy and development now, 08:02.514 --> 08:05.368 the conflicts we don't prevent will come back to us 08:05.368 --> 08:07.320 as the wars we'll need to fight. 08:07.320 --> 08:09.657 Senator Lindsey Graham said it well, and I quote him. 08:09.657 --> 08:12.041 "If we implemented this budget, we'd have to retreat 08:12.041 --> 08:15.577 "from the world and put a lot of people at risk," unquote. 08:15.577 --> 08:18.014 He said we would have, quote, "A lot of Benghazis 08:18.014 --> 08:20.312 "in the making if we actually implemented 08:20.312 --> 08:22.620 "the State Department cuts," unquote. 08:22.620 --> 08:23.453 He's right. 08:23.453 --> 08:25.512 The budget cuts embassy security 08:25.512 --> 08:28.002 by more than a billion dollars, 62%, 08:28.002 --> 08:30.502 embassy security cut 62%. 08:31.164 --> 08:32.690 So fortunately, on this point, 08:32.690 --> 08:34.809 Congress retains the power of the purse, 08:34.809 --> 08:38.309 so we'll have the last word on this issue. 08:39.309 --> 08:43.476 So, I think that we need a lot of clarity on this, 08:43.936 --> 08:46.163 and I think this Committee should keep pressing these issues 08:46.163 --> 08:47.510 until we have the answers you need. 08:47.510 --> 08:49.749 I'm gonna stop now, Mr. Chairman, 08:49.749 --> 08:52.349 because we've agreed to shorten our opening statement. 08:52.349 --> 08:54.331 But I'll submit the rest of my statement for the record. 08:54.331 --> 08:56.035 - Thank you very much, Mr. Engel. 08:56.035 --> 08:57.195 This morning, we're pleased to 08:57.195 --> 08:58.801 be joined by Mr. Rex Tillerson. 08:58.801 --> 09:01.287 He is the 69th Secretary of State. 09:01.287 --> 09:03.416 Prior to his appointment, the Secretary 09:03.416 --> 09:05.916 spent 40 years at Exxon Mobil, 09:06.033 --> 09:10.166 culminating as the chairman and chief executive officer. 09:10.166 --> 09:12.461 Secretary Tillerson also has long been 09:12.461 --> 09:14.354 involved with the Boy Scouts of America, 09:14.354 --> 09:18.521 most recently serving as the Boy Scout's national president. 09:19.173 --> 09:21.903 Mr. Secretary, welcome to our committee. 09:21.903 --> 09:24.894 Without objection, the witness's full prepared statement 09:24.894 --> 09:26.232 will be made part of the record. 09:26.232 --> 09:28.597 Members are gonna have five calendar days 09:28.597 --> 09:31.875 to submit any statements or any questions they might have 09:31.875 --> 09:36.042 of the Secretary or any extraneous material for the record. 09:36.920 --> 09:39.908 Also, we want as many members as possible 09:39.908 --> 09:42.477 to have a chance to question the Secretary. 09:42.477 --> 09:46.394 So to accomplish that, I just ask that everyone 09:46.573 --> 09:49.182 respect the time limit and that means 09:49.182 --> 09:51.371 leaving an adequate amount of time 09:51.371 --> 09:53.994 for the Secretary to answer your questions. 09:53.994 --> 09:55.977 Nothing requires full use of your time. 09:55.977 --> 10:00.144 And we will begin with Secretary Tillerson's testimony. 10:02.205 --> 10:06.096 - Thank you, Chairman Royce, Ranking Member Engel, 10:06.096 --> 10:08.453 distinguished members of the committee. 10:08.453 --> 10:11.146 Of course, we were all stunned by the news 10:11.146 --> 10:14.135 of the shooting involving your colleague, 10:14.135 --> 10:18.224 members of congressional staff, and capitol police. 10:18.224 --> 10:20.554 Congressman Scalise is a friend of mine. 10:20.554 --> 10:22.698 He's a friend and represents many 10:22.698 --> 10:25.531 friends of mine back in Louisiana. 10:25.580 --> 10:27.396 My prayers and those of my colleagues 10:27.396 --> 10:30.098 at the State Department are with the injured 10:30.098 --> 10:32.144 and with those members of law enforcement 10:32.144 --> 10:35.371 who responded to this morning's attack. 10:35.371 --> 10:38.180 Today, I'd like to continue the conversation that we have 10:38.180 --> 10:40.671 started about the Administration's State Department 10:40.671 --> 10:44.504 and USAID budget request for fiscal year 2018. 10:45.113 --> 10:47.045 Before I begin my testimony on the budget, 10:47.045 --> 10:48.647 I'd like to offer a point of view 10:48.647 --> 10:50.615 on the Russian sanctions legislation 10:50.615 --> 10:54.198 currently being considered by the Congress. 10:54.584 --> 10:57.072 I certainly agree with the sentiment that has been conveyed 10:57.072 --> 10:59.484 by several members from both parties 10:59.484 --> 11:01.237 that Russia must be held accountable 11:01.237 --> 11:03.987 for its meddling in US elections. 11:04.107 --> 11:07.209 I would urge Congress to ensure any legislation 11:07.209 --> 11:10.088 allows the President to have the flexibility 11:10.088 --> 11:12.441 to adjust sanctions to meet the needs 11:12.441 --> 11:16.608 of what is always an evolving diplomatic situation. 11:16.817 --> 11:19.025 Essentially, we would ask for the flexibility 11:19.025 --> 11:22.025 to turn the heat up when we need to, 11:22.121 --> 11:24.278 but also to ensure that we have the ability 11:24.278 --> 11:27.278 to maintain a constructive dialogue. 11:28.550 --> 11:31.420 As we all know, America's global competitive advantages 11:31.420 --> 11:34.730 and standing as a leader are under constant challenge. 11:34.730 --> 11:36.942 The dedicated men and women of the State Department 11:36.942 --> 11:39.692 and USAID carry out the important 11:39.971 --> 11:42.042 and often perilous work of advancing 11:42.042 --> 11:44.907 America's interest every single day. 11:44.907 --> 11:47.074 That mission is unchanged. 11:47.707 --> 11:50.466 However, the State Department and USAID, 11:50.466 --> 11:54.350 like many other institutions here and around the world, 11:54.350 --> 11:56.421 have not evolved in their responsiveness 11:56.421 --> 11:58.770 as quickly as new challenges and threats 11:58.770 --> 12:02.925 to our national security have changed and are changing. 12:02.925 --> 12:05.508 We are challenged to respond to 12:05.790 --> 12:08.201 a post-Cold-War world that set 12:08.201 --> 12:10.672 in motion new global dynamics, 12:10.672 --> 12:14.839 and a post-9/11 world characterized by historic new threats 12:15.604 --> 12:19.052 that present themselves in ways never seen before, 12:19.052 --> 12:20.945 enabled by technological tools 12:20.945 --> 12:24.122 that we have been ill-prepared to engage. 12:24.122 --> 12:26.260 The 21st century has already presented 12:26.260 --> 12:28.820 many evolving challenges to US national 12:28.820 --> 12:31.570 security and economic prosperity. 12:31.664 --> 12:34.329 We must develop proactive responses to protect 12:34.329 --> 12:37.753 and advance the interest of the American people. 12:37.753 --> 12:40.617 With such a broad array of threats facing the United States, 12:40.617 --> 12:44.784 the fiscal year 2018 budget request of $37.6 billion 12:46.039 --> 12:48.228 aligns with the Administration's objective 12:48.228 --> 12:52.061 of making America's security our top priority. 12:52.521 --> 12:54.318 The first responsibility of government 12:54.318 --> 12:57.318 is the security of its own citizens, 12:57.357 --> 12:59.550 and we will orient our diplomatic efforts 12:59.550 --> 13:02.467 towards fulfilling that commitment. 13:02.797 --> 13:05.178 While our mission will also be focused on advancing 13:05.178 --> 13:07.782 the economic interest of the American people, 13:07.782 --> 13:10.363 the State Department's primary focus will be to protect 13:10.363 --> 13:13.030 our citizens at home and abroad. 13:13.819 --> 13:16.045 Our mission is at all times guided 13:16.045 --> 13:18.677 by our long-standing values of freedom, 13:18.677 --> 13:22.760 democracy, individual liberty, and human dignity. 13:23.132 --> 13:26.445 The conviction of our country's founders is enduring, 13:26.445 --> 13:29.034 that all men are endowed by their creator 13:29.034 --> 13:31.701 with certain inalienable rights. 13:31.857 --> 13:34.620 As a nation, we hold high the aspiration 13:34.620 --> 13:38.787 that all will one day experience the freedom we have known. 13:39.046 --> 13:41.907 And our young Administration's foreign policy, 13:41.907 --> 13:44.120 we're motivated by the conviction 13:44.120 --> 13:46.073 that the more we engage with other nations 13:46.073 --> 13:48.754 on issues of security and prosperity, 13:48.754 --> 13:51.428 the more we will have opportunities to shape 13:51.428 --> 13:54.740 the human rights conditions in those nations. 13:54.740 --> 13:56.931 History has shown that the United States 13:56.931 --> 14:00.848 leaves a footprint of freedom wherever it goes. 14:00.908 --> 14:03.487 Insuring the security and prosperity of the American people 14:03.487 --> 14:06.346 and advancing our values has necessitated 14:06.346 --> 14:09.972 difficult decisions in other areas of our budget. 14:09.972 --> 14:13.540 The fiscal year 2018 budget request includes 14:13.540 --> 14:16.907 substantial funding for many foreign assistance programs 14:16.907 --> 14:20.805 under the auspices of USAID and the State Department. 14:20.805 --> 14:23.310 But we have made hard choices to reduce 14:23.310 --> 14:25.810 funding for other initiatives. 14:25.937 --> 14:28.247 Even with reductions in funding, 14:28.247 --> 14:30.188 we will continue to be the leader 14:30.188 --> 14:34.273 in international development, global health, democracy 14:34.273 --> 14:38.440 and good governance initiatives, and humanitarian efforts. 14:38.597 --> 14:42.381 If natural disasters or epidemics strike overseas, 14:42.381 --> 14:45.964 America will respond with care and support. 14:46.157 --> 14:48.942 I am convinced we can maximize the effectiveness 14:48.942 --> 14:50.739 of the programs and continue to offer 14:50.739 --> 14:53.739 America's helping hand to the world. 14:53.828 --> 14:56.286 This budget request also reflects a commitment 14:56.286 --> 14:58.859 to ensure every tax dollar spent is aligned 14:58.859 --> 15:02.806 with the Department and USAID's mission critical objectives. 15:02.806 --> 15:04.895 The request focuses the State Department 15:04.895 --> 15:07.359 and USAID efforts on missions, 15:07.359 --> 15:09.108 which deliver the greatest value 15:09.108 --> 15:13.275 and opportunity of success for the American people. 15:13.328 --> 15:16.539 The State Department and USAID budget increased 15:16.539 --> 15:19.539 over 60% from fiscal year 2007, 15:20.686 --> 15:24.853 reaching a record high $55.6 billion in fiscal year 2017. 15:27.378 --> 15:30.160 Recognizing that this rate of increasing funding 15:30.160 --> 15:34.077 is not sustainable, the fiscal year 2018 budget 15:34.581 --> 15:36.620 request seeks to align the core missions 15:36.620 --> 15:40.640 of the State Department with historic funding levels. 15:40.640 --> 15:42.632 We believe this budget also represents 15:42.632 --> 15:44.576 the interest of the American people, 15:44.576 --> 15:48.743 including responsible stewardship of the public's money. 15:50.044 --> 15:51.370 I know there's intense interest 15:51.370 --> 15:55.431 in prospective State Department and USAID redesign efforts. 15:55.431 --> 15:58.099 We've just completed collecting information 15:58.099 --> 16:01.059 on our organizational processes and culture 16:01.059 --> 16:02.715 through a survey that was made available 16:02.715 --> 16:06.563 to every one of our state and USAID colleagues. 16:06.563 --> 16:09.396 Over 35,000 surveys were completed 16:09.870 --> 16:12.196 and we have held in-person listening sessions 16:12.196 --> 16:14.192 with approximately 300 individuals 16:14.192 --> 16:18.359 to obtain their perspective on what we do and how we do it. 16:19.208 --> 16:21.441 I met personally with dozens of team members 16:21.441 --> 16:24.634 who spoke candidly about their experiences. 16:24.634 --> 16:26.611 From this feedback, we have been able to get 16:26.611 --> 16:30.028 a clear overall view of our organization. 16:30.184 --> 16:32.820 We have no preconceived outcomes, 16:32.820 --> 16:34.836 and our discussions of the goals, priorities, 16:34.836 --> 16:36.412 and directions of the State Department 16:36.412 --> 16:39.245 and USAID are not token exercises. 16:39.990 --> 16:42.556 The principles for our listening sessions 16:42.556 --> 16:45.601 and subsequent evaluation of our organization 16:45.601 --> 16:47.404 are the same as those which I stated 16:47.404 --> 16:51.571 in my confirmation hearing for our foreign policy. 16:51.829 --> 16:54.406 We will see the world for what it is, 16:54.406 --> 16:57.615 be honest with ourselves and the American people, 16:57.615 --> 16:59.893 follow the facts where they lead us, 16:59.893 --> 17:03.166 and hold ourselves and others accountable. 17:03.166 --> 17:05.601 We are still analyzing the feedback we've received 17:05.601 --> 17:09.356 and we expect to release the findings of the survey soon. 17:09.356 --> 17:11.969 From all of this, one thing is certain. 17:11.969 --> 17:14.550 I'm listening to what my people are telling me 17:14.550 --> 17:17.050 are the challenges facing them 17:17.161 --> 17:19.201 and how we can produce a more efficient 17:19.201 --> 17:22.563 and effective State Department and USAID. 17:22.563 --> 17:24.838 And we'll work as a team with the Congress 17:24.838 --> 17:27.338 to improve both organizations. 17:28.325 --> 17:31.367 Throughout my career, I have never believed 17:31.367 --> 17:34.602 nor have I ever experienced that the level 17:34.602 --> 17:36.809 of funding devoted to a goal is 17:36.809 --> 17:39.884 the most important factor in achieving it. 17:39.884 --> 17:41.469 Our budget will never determine 17:41.469 --> 17:43.403 our ability to be effective. 17:43.403 --> 17:44.736 Our people will. 17:45.399 --> 17:47.216 My colleagues at the State Department 17:47.216 --> 17:50.681 and USAID are a deep source of inspiration. 17:50.681 --> 17:52.679 And their patriotism, professionalism, 17:52.679 --> 17:54.595 and willingness to make sacrifices 17:54.595 --> 17:57.715 for our country are our greatest resource. 17:57.715 --> 18:00.809 I'm confident that the US State Department and USAID 18:00.809 --> 18:04.240 will continue to deliver results for the American people. 18:04.240 --> 18:05.951 I thank you for the time and am 18:05.951 --> 18:08.421 happy to answer your questions. 18:08.421 --> 18:10.405 - Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. 18:10.405 --> 18:12.196 This committee has worked to make 18:12.196 --> 18:13.786 the State Department more efficient. 18:13.786 --> 18:17.831 In December, as you know, the first State Authorities bill 18:17.831 --> 18:20.823 in over a decade was signed into law, 18:20.823 --> 18:23.218 so that was our work product. 18:23.218 --> 18:27.336 We stand ready to work with you to reform the Department. 18:27.336 --> 18:29.679 And on reorganization, on this question, 18:29.679 --> 18:32.977 I just ask that you commit to intensified 18:32.977 --> 18:34.733 consultation between your staff 18:34.733 --> 18:38.090 and the committee, in terms of plans for reform. 18:38.090 --> 18:39.926 - We certainly will do that and welcome 18:39.926 --> 18:42.244 and seek your input as we go about this. 18:42.244 --> 18:44.113 - I only have one question. 18:44.113 --> 18:48.280 It goes to the issue of North Korea, Secretary Tillerson. 18:48.813 --> 18:52.247 This situation, we were encouraged yesterday first 18:52.247 --> 18:54.830 to hear news that Otto Warmbier 18:54.921 --> 18:56.551 would be returned to the United States 18:56.551 --> 18:59.324 but then we found out about his condition. 18:59.324 --> 19:03.407 We were horrified to learn that he was in a coma. 19:03.927 --> 19:05.510 This is outrageous. 19:05.793 --> 19:09.126 And on Monday, we heard Secretary Mattis 19:09.518 --> 19:11.518 call North Korea the top 19:11.640 --> 19:14.723 security threat to the United States. 19:16.604 --> 19:19.521 And you've been working a strategy, 19:19.784 --> 19:23.284 I know, to ratchet pressure on the regime. 19:23.464 --> 19:27.104 Last Congress, we passed and signed into law 19:27.104 --> 19:30.117 a comprehensive North Korea sanctions bill 19:30.117 --> 19:33.303 to go after those assisting the regime. 19:33.303 --> 19:35.685 And then recently we passed out of this committee 19:35.685 --> 19:37.766 again another piece of legislation, 19:37.766 --> 19:40.543 this one to attack North Korea's use 19:40.543 --> 19:43.876 of overseas labor, indentured servitude, 19:44.323 --> 19:46.610 in which the check goes to the regime 19:46.610 --> 19:48.491 and they use it for hard currency, 19:48.491 --> 19:52.090 and they can use it for their nuclear weapons program. 19:52.090 --> 19:54.923 We heard two kind of mixed reports 19:55.290 --> 19:57.873 on China's cooperation on this. 19:58.227 --> 20:01.200 And there's a new report out this week, 20:01.200 --> 20:03.587 and it shows that by cracking down 20:03.587 --> 20:07.170 on a relatively small number of interlinked 20:07.899 --> 20:10.552 Chinese companies that deal with North Korea, 20:10.552 --> 20:13.219 we could really crank things up, 20:13.988 --> 20:17.655 and reportedly, the Administration has asked 20:17.672 --> 20:20.422 China to act on some 10 entities. 20:22.347 --> 20:25.680 If Beijing doesn't act, are we prepared, 20:26.243 --> 20:28.780 with the sanctions we've put on the books now, 20:28.780 --> 20:31.644 to act unilaterally with third party sanctions 20:31.644 --> 20:34.811 in order to cut off the hard currency? 20:35.036 --> 20:37.516 This is a very expensive program they're running. 20:37.516 --> 20:39.932 It costs them billions and billions of dollars a year 20:39.932 --> 20:42.318 and frankly they don't make much of anything. 20:42.318 --> 20:45.055 So they need the hard currency coming in 20:45.055 --> 20:47.063 in order to fund this program, 20:47.063 --> 20:49.896 and this is what I wanted ask you. 20:50.489 --> 20:51.985 - Thank you, Chairman. 20:51.985 --> 20:54.839 I am familiar with the report you're referencing. 20:54.839 --> 20:59.006 Treasury Department also has that report and will examine 20:59.480 --> 21:02.526 the study that was done and the results they found. 21:02.526 --> 21:04.422 The approach we are taking with North Korea, 21:04.422 --> 21:07.140 as you're aware, is one of eliciting countries 21:07.140 --> 21:09.807 all over the world to support us 21:10.573 --> 21:13.385 in putting pressure on the regime in Pyongyang 21:13.385 --> 21:15.595 to change and alter their position 21:15.595 --> 21:18.154 and view before we are willing to sit down 21:18.154 --> 21:20.418 and conduct discussions with them. 21:20.418 --> 21:22.918 Clearly, China is the capstone 21:24.121 --> 21:26.577 to achieving this kind of pressure. 21:26.577 --> 21:30.077 This was a topic of significant discussion 21:30.417 --> 21:34.436 in President Xi and President Trump's summit in Mar-a-Lago. 21:34.436 --> 21:36.147 The communications have been very clear. 21:36.147 --> 21:39.386 Our expectations have been clear with the Chinese. 21:39.386 --> 21:41.132 Their cooperation, I would say, 21:41.132 --> 21:44.549 has been notable, but it has been uneven. 21:44.585 --> 21:47.971 And we continue that dialogue with the Chinese, 21:47.971 --> 21:50.172 specifically around their actions 21:50.172 --> 21:52.725 that support revenue streams to North Korea, 21:52.725 --> 21:56.627 but also taking action against entities inside of China 21:56.627 --> 21:59.899 that may be supporting revenue streams as well. 21:59.899 --> 22:03.797 We will be having another high-level dialogue next week 22:03.797 --> 22:05.790 when Secretary Mattis and myself meet 22:05.790 --> 22:08.076 with our counterparts here in Washington. 22:08.076 --> 22:12.072 That will be one of the first topics on the agenda. 22:12.072 --> 22:15.229 We have made it clear to them and we have provided them 22:15.229 --> 22:17.038 a list of entities that we believe 22:17.038 --> 22:19.788 they need to take action against. 22:20.232 --> 22:22.304 We have asked that they take the action, 22:22.304 --> 22:26.060 but President Trump's also been very clear with President Xi 22:26.060 --> 22:28.653 that if they either don't want to take the action 22:28.653 --> 22:32.779 or they do not take the action, that we will act on our own. 22:32.779 --> 22:33.676 - I concur. 22:33.676 --> 22:36.404 We can't have dialogue forever, Mr. Secretary. 22:36.404 --> 22:39.737 And so thank you, and I go to Mr. Engel. 22:40.008 --> 22:41.245 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 22:41.245 --> 22:43.305 Mr. Secretary, I just want to say 22:43.305 --> 22:47.468 that I heard what you said, but I don't find it compelling 22:47.468 --> 22:50.801 that we can operate the State Department 22:51.370 --> 22:55.537 and diplomacy with a 33% cut or 1/3 cut. 22:55.997 --> 22:58.772 It just seems to me like it's, you know, 22:58.772 --> 23:01.050 I know you'll do the best with what you have, obviously, 23:01.050 --> 23:05.203 but I just think it's showing where priorities are not, 23:05.203 --> 23:07.505 and priorities don't seem to be 23:07.505 --> 23:09.059 with the State Department, with diplomacy. 23:09.059 --> 23:11.059 I just want to say that. 23:11.209 --> 23:13.546 Because we're short on time, Mr. Secretary, I'd like 23:13.546 --> 23:16.855 to start by getting you to respond to a series of questions. 23:16.855 --> 23:20.438 But, I'd like just a yes or no, if you can. 23:22.158 --> 23:25.779 As you may know, and we chatted a little bit before, 23:25.779 --> 23:28.321 this committee, under Chairman Royce and myself, 23:28.321 --> 23:30.923 has a longstanding bipartisan tradition, and we've worked 23:30.923 --> 23:34.699 closely with both Republican and Democratic administrations. 23:34.699 --> 23:36.919 So I was taken aback by, apparently, 23:36.919 --> 23:40.314 the Trump Administration's apparent decision to ignore 23:40.314 --> 23:44.093 oversight requests of Democratic members of Congress. 23:44.093 --> 23:46.383 In a letter to the President, Senator Grassley 23:46.383 --> 23:49.353 called the Administration's departure 23:49.353 --> 23:51.297 from longstanding practice nonsense. 23:51.297 --> 23:54.630 And I was pleased that Homeland Security 23:56.196 --> 23:58.997 Secretary Kelly rejected this guidance by saying, 23:58.997 --> 24:01.653 and I quote him, "Regardless of who the letter comes from, 24:01.653 --> 24:04.035 "and it doesn't have to just come from a ranking member 24:04.035 --> 24:06.942 "or chairman, we'll respond to any congressional inquiry." 24:06.942 --> 24:08.841 That's a quote from him. 24:08.841 --> 24:10.877 So I'd like to ask you, Mr. Secretary, 24:10.877 --> 24:14.827 will you join Secretary Kelly in committing to respond 24:14.827 --> 24:17.523 to congressional inquiries and information requests 24:17.523 --> 24:21.352 regardless of the political party of the member inquiring? 24:21.352 --> 24:23.064 - I already have and I will. 24:23.064 --> 24:24.064 - Thank you. 24:24.159 --> 24:26.913 Can I have your commitment that you will direct 24:26.913 --> 24:28.794 the Department to respond to requests 24:28.794 --> 24:31.556 for information made by the committee staff, 24:31.556 --> 24:34.300 as the designees of a chairman and ranking member? 24:34.300 --> 24:35.922 - I think indeed, through the appropriate 24:35.922 --> 24:37.669 channels and processes. 24:37.669 --> 24:38.573 - Thank you. 24:38.573 --> 24:42.038 Mr. Secretary, a member of your staff informed my staff 24:42.038 --> 24:44.757 that the reorganization you're planning 24:44.757 --> 24:48.461 for the State Department will require statutory changes. 24:48.461 --> 24:49.753 So I am glad to know that that's 24:49.753 --> 24:52.700 the State Department's position, because I agree with that. 24:52.700 --> 24:55.660 When your reorganization assessment is complete, 24:55.660 --> 24:57.770 will you commit to coming to this committee, 24:57.770 --> 24:59.426 the Foreign Affairs Committee, 24:59.426 --> 25:02.355 which is oversight and authorizing responsibilities 25:02.355 --> 25:05.338 for the State Department, with any requests you have 25:05.338 --> 25:08.539 for organizational changes at the Department? 25:08.539 --> 25:10.982 - Yes, and we would expect to work with you 25:10.982 --> 25:13.212 on that as we're developing those. 25:13.212 --> 25:14.712 - Okay, thank you. 25:15.121 --> 25:18.788 It was recently reported that within the first few weeks 25:18.788 --> 25:21.761 of the Administration, top White House aides 25:21.761 --> 25:24.428 attempted unsuccessfully to lift 25:24.511 --> 25:27.640 economic sanctions imposed on Russia in response 25:27.640 --> 25:30.088 to the illegal occupation of Crimea 25:30.088 --> 25:33.870 and interference in the 2016 Presidential election. 25:33.870 --> 25:36.757 This followed repeated contacts with the Russians 25:36.757 --> 25:40.924 by Jared Kushner, Michael Flynn, Jeff Sessions, and others. 25:41.010 --> 25:43.593 So do you accept the conclusion, Mr. Secretary, 25:43.593 --> 25:46.224 of the Intelligence Committee that Russia 25:46.224 --> 25:49.096 criminally interfered in last year's election? 25:49.096 --> 25:51.525 - Yes, I do and I have no knowledge 25:51.525 --> 25:53.712 of any of those efforts that you mentioned. 25:53.712 --> 25:56.549 - Okay, do you believe that it is in the US interest 25:56.549 --> 26:00.716 to relax sanctions on Russia before she has fully complied 26:00.894 --> 26:04.311 with the Minsk framework and left Crimea? 26:04.693 --> 26:07.374 - I think it is important that we be given 26:07.374 --> 26:11.524 sufficient flexibility to achieve the Minsk objectives. 26:11.524 --> 26:14.571 It is very possible that the government of Ukraine 26:14.571 --> 26:15.922 and the government of Russia could 26:15.922 --> 26:18.358 come to a satisfactory resolution 26:18.358 --> 26:21.248 through some structure other than Minsk, but would achieve 26:21.248 --> 26:24.392 the objectives of Minsk, which we're committed to. 26:24.392 --> 26:27.674 So my caution is I wouldn't want to have ourselves 26:27.674 --> 26:30.371 handcuffed to Minsk if it turns out the parties 26:30.371 --> 26:34.538 decide to settle this through a different agreement. 26:35.357 --> 26:37.857 - Well, let me say that I hear 26:38.465 --> 26:41.298 what you're saying, but I disagree 26:41.486 --> 26:44.269 because I believe that the only thing 26:44.269 --> 26:47.436 that Russia understands is tough talk. 26:47.461 --> 26:50.966 And if they think that we're somehow willing to relax 26:50.966 --> 26:53.422 the sanctions on them before they've complied 26:53.422 --> 26:55.079 with the Minsk framework and left Crimea, 26:55.079 --> 26:56.394 I think it just will encourage 26:56.394 --> 26:58.395 Putin to continue his bullying 26:58.395 --> 27:00.497 and who knows where he'll strike next. 27:00.497 --> 27:02.716 - That is not our intent nor will we do that. 27:02.716 --> 27:04.764 I'm back to the objectives of Minsk. 27:04.764 --> 27:06.547 - Okay, and let me finally ask you, 27:06.547 --> 27:09.504 what has the Administration done to respond 27:09.504 --> 27:12.447 to the Russian assault on our Presidential election? 27:12.447 --> 27:13.898 Have you spoken with the President 27:13.898 --> 27:16.875 about how to prevent it from ever happening again? 27:16.875 --> 27:19.873 - I have spoken to the Russians directly about it. 27:19.873 --> 27:22.210 Their response is pretty much as you've seen 27:22.210 --> 27:24.483 their response publicly to be. 27:24.483 --> 27:28.400 But we have registered our complaint about that 27:28.692 --> 27:31.217 and that it is going to be a constant 27:31.217 --> 27:33.201 obstacle to our ability to improve 27:33.201 --> 27:36.131 our relationship if they do not address it. 27:36.131 --> 27:37.312 - Okay, thank you very much. 27:37.312 --> 27:38.916 Mr. Chairman, I yield back. 27:38.916 --> 27:39.835 - Thank you, Mr. Engel. 27:39.835 --> 27:44.002 We go now to Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida. 27:44.033 --> 27:45.664 - Thank you so much, Mr. Chairman. 27:45.664 --> 27:47.285 Welcome, Mr. Secretary. 27:47.285 --> 27:49.407 I'm strongly against the proposed 27:49.407 --> 27:53.309 zeroing out of democracy and governance programs, 27:53.309 --> 27:56.710 especially in Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, 27:56.710 --> 28:00.740 where civil society is facing increasing repression. 28:00.740 --> 28:04.024 In the last two months, nearly 3,000 Venezuelans 28:04.024 --> 28:07.228 have been jailed, over a thousand have been injured, 28:07.228 --> 28:11.395 and nearly 70 people have been killed by Maduro's thugs. 28:11.555 --> 28:14.968 So I ask you to please place more human rights 28:14.968 --> 28:17.635 violators on our sanctions list. 28:18.070 --> 28:20.749 On a separate topic, in January of this year, 28:20.749 --> 28:23.351 your State Department determined that the PLO 28:23.351 --> 28:26.825 and the Palestinian Authority have not complied 28:26.825 --> 28:29.214 with their commitments under US law, 28:29.214 --> 28:32.547 yet all potential sanctions were waived. 28:33.080 --> 28:35.714 And I ask how you can justify an increase 28:35.714 --> 28:38.141 when so many things in the budget are cut, 28:38.141 --> 28:42.308 but the PA has an increase in your budget request? 28:42.523 --> 28:45.129 Also, a few days ago, Mr. Secretary, 28:45.129 --> 28:48.055 Israel's prime minister called for UNRWA 28:48.055 --> 28:52.222 to be folded into the UN Commissioner for Refugees 28:52.440 --> 28:56.607 after a Hamas tunnel was found beneath two UNRWA schools. 28:57.583 --> 28:59.939 Is the US going to support our ally, 28:59.939 --> 29:03.106 Israel, and prohibit funding to UNRWA? 29:03.152 --> 29:07.024 And finally on Iran, as a witness told this committee 29:07.024 --> 29:08.875 at a hearing in February, sir, 29:08.875 --> 29:11.711 the International Atomic Energy Agency, quote, 29:11.711 --> 29:14.048 "has not been able to state that Iran 29:14.048 --> 29:16.657 "has addressed its concerns and questions 29:16.657 --> 29:19.600 "about past nuclear weapons activities," end quote, 29:19.600 --> 29:23.217 and it also, quote, "has not stated that it successfully 29:23.217 --> 29:27.384 "is verifying the JCPOA's prohibitions on specific 29:27.639 --> 29:30.712 "nuclear weapons, development, activities," end quote. 29:30.712 --> 29:33.415 So considering this lack of verification, 29:33.415 --> 29:35.841 how does the Justice Department justify 29:35.841 --> 29:38.341 its certification that Iran is 29:38.402 --> 29:42.402 in compliance with the JCPOA as it did in April? 29:42.422 --> 29:44.111 And I don't want to take more time, 29:44.111 --> 29:46.974 but if you could answer adding names 29:46.974 --> 29:48.914 to the Venezuela sanctions list, 29:48.914 --> 29:52.247 unrefunding, or Iran and non-compliance. 29:54.184 --> 29:57.022 - We are working with Treasury to develop 29:57.022 --> 29:59.855 a very robust list of individuals, 30:00.405 --> 30:02.828 and most recently you saw sanctions imposed 30:02.828 --> 30:06.411 on six members of the Venezuelan Supreme Court 30:06.411 --> 30:09.821 in response to their decision handed down, 30:09.821 --> 30:11.712 which we felt was certainly not 30:11.712 --> 30:14.307 in keeping with the Constitution. 30:14.307 --> 30:15.795 We're going to continue to be very 30:15.795 --> 30:17.532 engaged in the situation of Venezuela, 30:17.532 --> 30:19.613 but as you know, the challenge with the US is 30:19.613 --> 30:23.087 to do this in a way that is productive and constructive, 30:23.087 --> 30:27.254 as opposed to the US then being used by the Maduro regime 30:28.259 --> 30:31.176 as a tool to justify their actions. 30:31.658 --> 30:34.371 But rest assured, we have active efforts underway 30:34.371 --> 30:38.121 working with others, and the OAS in particular. 30:38.121 --> 30:39.916 With regard to the Iran compliance, 30:39.916 --> 30:41.693 we rely upon the process called 30:41.693 --> 30:44.443 for under the JCPOA and the IAEA. 30:45.823 --> 30:48.612 We do question that and them vigorously. 30:48.612 --> 30:50.015 And we're in discussions with them 30:50.015 --> 30:52.598 to ensure that are they meeting 30:52.607 --> 30:56.315 all of those obligations to certify compliance to us. 30:56.315 --> 31:00.482 We're reliant upon them to make the certifications to us 31:00.921 --> 31:02.439 in order to then make decisions 31:02.439 --> 31:05.493 around filing the compliance report and then filing 31:05.493 --> 31:09.410 the sanctions waivers that follow on with that. 31:09.539 --> 31:11.877 So with respect to the Palestinians, we're 31:11.877 --> 31:15.032 in active discussion with the Palestinian authorities. 31:15.032 --> 31:18.912 As you know, we had a meeting here in Washington 31:18.912 --> 31:20.474 at the President level and I had 31:20.474 --> 31:24.077 my own bilateral meetings with President Abbas. 31:24.077 --> 31:26.338 We were recently in Israel, had meetings 31:26.338 --> 31:29.005 with the authority in Bethlehem. 31:29.504 --> 31:32.042 These discussions are around issues 31:32.042 --> 31:36.189 of how they manage terrorism and how they manage violence 31:36.189 --> 31:38.157 within the West Bank and Gaza. 31:38.157 --> 31:41.526 But it's also hopefully setting the stage 31:41.526 --> 31:44.940 for a re-engagement on the peace process with the Israelis. 31:44.940 --> 31:46.669 So all of those issues of concern 31:46.669 --> 31:48.160 have been discussed with them. 31:48.160 --> 31:50.498 - Thank you, sir, and I won't take up anymore time. 31:50.498 --> 31:51.505 Thank you, sir. 31:51.505 --> 31:54.255 - Mr. Brad Sherman of California. 31:54.801 --> 31:56.508 - Our hearts go out to the victims. 31:56.508 --> 31:58.586 This is an attack on our democracy, 31:58.586 --> 32:01.259 and the best response is for us to be here doing our job. 32:01.259 --> 32:04.120 So I thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being here. 32:04.120 --> 32:06.297 Most of my questions will be for the record 32:06.297 --> 32:09.360 because we want to be as brief as possible. 32:09.360 --> 32:11.658 This discussion about what resources 32:11.658 --> 32:14.278 the State Department should have, 32:14.278 --> 32:16.206 without objection, I'd like to put into the record 32:16.206 --> 32:20.272 a letter from 120 three and four-star flag officers 32:20.272 --> 32:24.439 urging that you have more resources than you're asking for. 32:25.360 --> 32:26.980 And, of course, Senator Corker made 32:26.980 --> 32:29.648 some more comments to you yesterday. 32:29.648 --> 32:32.902 We in Congress decide how much money's gonna be spent. 32:32.902 --> 32:34.702 We've got the overall view. 32:34.702 --> 32:36.855 We might plug a tax loophole or have savings 32:36.855 --> 32:38.142 in another part of the budget that would 32:38.142 --> 32:41.095 allow us to spend more on foreign ops. 32:41.095 --> 32:44.762 But we do our best job when we get guidance. 32:45.216 --> 32:48.577 I would hope that you would submit for the record how you'd 32:48.577 --> 32:52.744 spend a 10%, 20%, or 30% increment, 32:53.806 --> 32:57.313 what your recommendation to us is if we can find the money 32:57.313 --> 33:01.063 to provide that, and I thank you for nodding. 33:01.213 --> 33:04.046 I'm gonna move on to the red boxes 33:05.605 --> 33:09.604 that the ranking member brought up, the undersecretaries, 33:09.604 --> 33:11.735 the assistant secretaries that haven't been appointed. 33:11.735 --> 33:14.985 We talked about this, and I commend you 33:15.016 --> 33:18.183 for your decision to praise the people 33:18.293 --> 33:20.243 who are filling these positions 33:20.243 --> 33:23.306 as acting assistant secretaries, acting undersecretaries. 33:23.306 --> 33:24.715 They are career professionals. 33:24.715 --> 33:25.905 They're doing a spectacular job, 33:25.905 --> 33:29.423 except they can't do the job because they're temporary. 33:29.423 --> 33:32.017 They're not authorized to make policy, 33:32.017 --> 33:34.934 and there are hundreds of decisions 33:37.550 --> 33:39.922 that shouldn't reach your desk, 33:39.922 --> 33:42.422 but need to be made by someone 33:42.432 --> 33:45.599 who isn't just there holding down the, 33:45.923 --> 33:48.923 so I would urge you to submit a list 33:49.793 --> 33:53.210 of those actings that you would recommend 33:54.026 --> 33:57.551 keep their job because they're doing a spectacular job. 33:57.551 --> 34:00.542 And they've already got their security clearances, 34:00.542 --> 34:01.828 and then you hit the ground running, 34:01.828 --> 34:03.119 and whoever holds that position 34:03.119 --> 34:04.485 not only has the incredible competence 34:04.485 --> 34:07.462 that you and I have discussed but also has 34:07.462 --> 34:11.503 the authority of saying, "This is really my desk." 34:11.503 --> 34:13.920 I would urge you to designate 34:14.179 --> 34:16.653 the Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps 34:16.653 --> 34:20.382 as a specially-designated foreign terrorist organization. 34:20.382 --> 34:23.307 The Quds Force is already so designated. 34:23.307 --> 34:24.907 If you designate the subsidiary, 34:24.907 --> 34:26.633 you should designate the entire 34:26.633 --> 34:29.550 consolidated group of corporations. 34:29.805 --> 34:32.491 If we apply that business term to the situation, 34:32.491 --> 34:34.895 you should certainly designate the IRTC 34:34.895 --> 34:38.317 given the thousands of people they've killed in Syria. 34:38.317 --> 34:40.325 We face an ideological threat 34:40.325 --> 34:42.269 from radical Islamic terrorism. 34:42.269 --> 34:46.436 I hope that we would pay to print and provide textbooks 34:46.606 --> 34:48.609 to parents who otherwise have to pay them 34:48.609 --> 34:51.039 and expand our broadcasting, particularly in the regional 34:51.039 --> 34:54.372 language of Pakistan, especially Sindhi. 34:55.250 --> 34:57.917 Now, a couple of oral questions. 34:59.254 --> 35:00.913 I think this is an easy one. 35:00.913 --> 35:03.218 Is the Trump Administration committed 35:03.218 --> 35:05.825 to the implementation of last year's extension 35:05.825 --> 35:08.412 of the US/Israel memorandum of understanding 35:08.412 --> 35:10.912 regarding security assistance? 35:11.012 --> 35:11.845 - Yes. 35:13.216 --> 35:15.862 - Another one might be a little tough. 35:15.862 --> 35:18.075 They're talking about an arms package 35:18.075 --> 35:21.112 for Saudi Arabia, starting at $110 billion, 35:21.112 --> 35:24.411 perhaps $350 billion over the next 10 years. 35:24.411 --> 35:27.595 Can you provide the committee with an assurance 35:27.595 --> 35:31.378 that the State Department will closely scrutinize 35:31.378 --> 35:35.128 any proposed sales to ensure that they do not 35:35.393 --> 35:39.226 adversely impact Israel's qualitative military 35:40.206 --> 35:42.706 edge and that you would oppose 35:44.014 --> 35:46.514 the transfer of F-35 aircraft? 35:47.810 --> 35:50.381 - We will ensure that all of those sales meet 35:50.381 --> 35:54.548 all of our obligations, both to Israel and to others. 35:55.139 --> 35:56.389 - I yield back. 35:57.299 --> 35:58.411 - [Rex] I would like to respond. 35:58.411 --> 36:00.195 - [Brad] I yield to the Secretary first. 36:00.195 --> 36:04.362 - I would like to respond to the ranking member's chart, 36:04.371 --> 36:07.417 all the red boxes, since you brought it up. 36:07.417 --> 36:10.336 First, just so you know, we have named 36:10.336 --> 36:13.580 and have names in the process at the White House 36:13.580 --> 36:16.635 for about 50% of the undersecretary, 36:16.635 --> 36:20.364 assistant secretary positions, and we have candidate lists 36:20.364 --> 36:23.468 that we're narrowing down for the remainder. 36:23.468 --> 36:25.070 Same on the ambassador roles. 36:25.070 --> 36:29.237 We have 212 ambassador or representative positions. 36:30.177 --> 36:32.594 Over 140 of those are filled. 36:32.670 --> 36:35.413 Of the remaining 70, more than about half 36:35.413 --> 36:37.586 have already been named and are in process. 36:37.586 --> 36:40.503 The other half, we have evaluations 36:40.980 --> 36:43.063 with candidates underway. 36:43.928 --> 36:46.698 One of the real obstacles over in the process, 36:46.698 --> 36:48.888 as I followed up with people, is 'cause a lot 36:48.888 --> 36:51.948 of these people were named literally months ago. 36:51.948 --> 36:54.654 is what's the hold up, and when we call them, 36:54.654 --> 36:57.297 we find out it's getting their paperwork done. 36:57.297 --> 36:59.389 The paperwork burden to get the clearance 36:59.389 --> 37:01.584 and to satisfy the Office of Ethics, 37:01.584 --> 37:04.669 which is important, is extraordinarily burdensome. 37:04.669 --> 37:06.374 I know from my own experience. 37:06.374 --> 37:09.104 I had to hire eight individuals to help me get mine done 37:09.104 --> 37:11.078 such that I could get it done as quickly as I did. 37:11.078 --> 37:13.429 Most people can't afford to do that. 37:13.429 --> 37:16.179 So this is an extraordinary chore 37:17.395 --> 37:19.068 for people to get through the paperwork, 37:19.068 --> 37:22.809 even former senators who have been nominated for positions 37:22.809 --> 37:25.237 are struggling to get through the paperwork. 37:25.237 --> 37:27.737 So, just a point that it's not 37:29.090 --> 37:30.624 because people haven't been named 37:30.624 --> 37:31.886 and they're not in the process. 37:31.886 --> 37:33.066 They are being processed. 37:33.066 --> 37:33.977 - [Brad] I yield back. 37:33.977 --> 37:36.469 - We go now to Mr. Chris Smith of New Jersey. 37:36.469 --> 37:37.803 - Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 37:37.803 --> 37:39.856 Mr. Secretary, welcome to the committee, 37:39.856 --> 37:41.512 and thank you for your leadership. 37:41.512 --> 37:44.175 On human trafficking, Mr. Secretary, the TIP Report, 37:44.175 --> 37:47.880 as we all know, the country ratings will soon be released. 37:47.880 --> 37:50.702 They're under active review right now. 37:50.702 --> 37:54.555 Tragically, the Obama Administration, in the last two years, 37:54.555 --> 37:58.436 ignored TIP recommendations and artificially inflated, 37:58.436 --> 38:01.499 gave passing grades to countries like China, 38:01.499 --> 38:04.890 Cuba, Oman, Malaysia, who have egregious records 38:04.890 --> 38:07.476 when it comes to human trafficking. 38:07.476 --> 38:10.082 They ignored the TIP professionals, 38:10.082 --> 38:12.115 and they politicized the outcome. 38:12.115 --> 38:13.685 Reuters confirmed this. 38:13.685 --> 38:15.084 They did an investigative report 38:15.084 --> 38:16.849 that was decisive and brilliant. 38:16.849 --> 38:18.804 I held several hearings on it. 38:18.804 --> 38:21.492 The last one was Next Time Get It Right, 'cause they didn't, 38:21.492 --> 38:24.063 and we sell out the victims of human trafficking 38:24.063 --> 38:26.813 when we misappropriate a tierage, 38:28.146 --> 38:30.177 tier three being the worst, and say, 38:30.177 --> 38:31.519 "You're okay," when they're not. 38:31.519 --> 38:35.295 So please, assure the committee that this year's TIP report 38:35.295 --> 38:38.555 will be honest, transparent, and will follow 38:38.555 --> 38:41.331 wherever the human rights abuse goes. 38:41.331 --> 38:43.240 What you do with sanctions, the part two 38:43.240 --> 38:45.627 of all of that is all up to you, 38:45.627 --> 38:47.633 hopefully very informed and you'll 38:47.633 --> 38:49.361 make a great decision on that. 38:49.361 --> 38:50.753 But at least get the TIP report right. 38:50.753 --> 38:53.292 We've got to restore the integrity of that report. 38:53.292 --> 38:56.542 Secondly, on food aid, on October 15th, 38:57.632 --> 39:01.299 I held a hearing on why everyone, it seemed, 39:02.024 --> 39:04.518 were exiting the Middle East and going to Europe. 39:04.518 --> 39:07.705 Some wanted to come here but most flooded into Europe. 39:07.705 --> 39:09.246 We were told by the High Commissioner 39:09.246 --> 39:11.335 for UNACR's regional representative 39:11.335 --> 39:13.967 that the trigger was the 30% cut 39:13.967 --> 39:16.977 in the World Food Program provisions, 39:16.977 --> 39:19.977 and that the UNACR appeals have been 39:20.165 --> 39:23.082 so underrealized, average 40%, 39:24.366 --> 39:27.438 60% unrealized, so people felt helpless 39:27.438 --> 39:29.958 and abandoned in those refugee camps. 39:29.958 --> 39:31.873 They finally said, "We're out of here. 39:31.873 --> 39:33.354 "We're going somewhere," Germany, 39:33.354 --> 39:35.954 wherever they wanted to go, but it was triggered by a lack 39:35.954 --> 39:38.931 of food aid and other kind of humanitarian assistance. 39:38.931 --> 39:42.070 I would appeal to you, Karen Bass and I 39:42.070 --> 39:43.686 just returned from South Sudan. 39:43.686 --> 39:46.475 It was my second trip within the last nine months. 39:46.475 --> 39:48.128 We went to refugee camps. 39:48.128 --> 39:50.776 One refugee camp, one of the largest in the world, 39:50.776 --> 39:53.776 Bidi Bidi in Uganda, they're cutting 39:54.125 --> 39:58.125 food rations by 50% because it's not there. 39:58.684 --> 40:01.517 We did go to another camp, Bentiu, 40:01.713 --> 40:04.713 which is an IDP camp in Unity State. 40:06.087 --> 40:08.931 And frankly, they had food and a lot of it was courtesy 40:08.931 --> 40:11.182 of the United States government, so thank you for that. 40:11.182 --> 40:14.435 But we've got to make sure that that food does not diminish. 40:14.435 --> 40:16.273 It needs to actually be increased. 40:16.273 --> 40:18.824 We're having a hearing tomorrow, it was scheduled for today, 40:18.824 --> 40:21.966 on the fact that some 14 million Africans 40:21.966 --> 40:26.133 are at risk of famine, and the driver, frankly, is conflict. 40:26.466 --> 40:28.014 But they have to get that food aid. 40:28.014 --> 40:31.385 Finally, I'll just say this on the issue of the conflict. 40:31.385 --> 40:33.760 I believe, and I think Karen would agree with this, 40:33.760 --> 40:36.735 that there's a window of opportunity with South Sudan 40:36.735 --> 40:38.571 and Salva Kiir and his leadership, 40:38.571 --> 40:42.005 to really put pressure on them to end this conflict, 40:42.005 --> 40:44.474 which is a Nuer versus Dinka conflict. 40:44.474 --> 40:46.819 He's got a new chief of staff at the military 40:46.819 --> 40:48.847 who seems to be saying all the right things. 40:48.847 --> 40:51.514 His previous one was a disaster. 40:51.668 --> 40:54.202 And the rapes and the interruption of convoys 40:54.202 --> 40:56.563 on their way to deliver foodstuffs, 40:56.563 --> 40:59.780 and humanitarian assistance are disrupted by the military. 40:59.780 --> 41:02.628 So, please, there needs to be an all-out effort 41:02.628 --> 41:05.211 on South Sudan right now to act 41:05.867 --> 41:09.617 on this window of opportunity, Mr. Secretary. 41:10.596 --> 41:12.623 - Well, as to the human trafficking report, 41:12.623 --> 41:15.456 as I said in my opening statement, 41:15.825 --> 41:17.812 that we'll see the world as it is. 41:17.812 --> 41:20.488 We'll be honest with ourselves and the American people. 41:20.488 --> 41:23.637 So let me assure you that report will be reflective 41:23.637 --> 41:26.887 of what the circumstances actually are. 41:27.034 --> 41:28.631 On the food aid, you're correct. 41:28.631 --> 41:32.214 So much of this is complicated by conflict. 41:32.471 --> 41:34.883 We appreciate Congress gave us a big 41:34.883 --> 41:37.800 plus up on food aid this past year. 41:37.900 --> 41:41.163 Some of that money, I guess I can say regrettably, 41:41.163 --> 41:43.746 is going to carry over to 2018. 41:44.625 --> 41:47.685 It has to do with our ability to deliver, 41:47.685 --> 41:49.561 particularly in some of these conflict areas. 41:49.561 --> 41:52.341 We've had difficulty working with NGOs, 41:52.341 --> 41:56.508 getting some of the food delivered because of issues 41:56.856 --> 42:01.023 in the case of conflict around Syria, issues with NGOs 42:01.558 --> 42:03.349 and Turkey that you've read about. 42:03.349 --> 42:05.994 We're working with the government of Turkey 42:05.994 --> 42:09.744 to facilitate them approving and not stopping 42:10.010 --> 42:12.605 our ability to get aid into these regions. 42:12.605 --> 42:14.280 You mentioned parts of Africa. 42:14.280 --> 42:17.201 Yemen, there's a serious famine crisis in Yemen. 42:17.201 --> 42:19.894 Again, we're blocked, the aid workers 42:19.894 --> 42:21.323 and we are blocked from being able 42:21.323 --> 42:23.683 to deliver to the people that need it. 42:23.683 --> 42:27.850 We are trying to work solutions in all of these areas, 42:27.939 --> 42:30.229 with our first and highest priority, 42:30.229 --> 42:31.989 create conditions that we can at least get 42:31.989 --> 42:34.529 the humanitarian aid in while we're working 42:34.529 --> 42:37.044 on the conflict resolution itself. 42:37.044 --> 42:38.711 - [Chris] Thank you. 42:40.245 --> 42:43.995 - We go now to Mr. Gregory Meeks of New York. 42:44.430 --> 42:46.018 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 42:46.018 --> 42:48.058 Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. 42:48.058 --> 42:50.535 Let me just first say, Mr. Secretary, 42:50.535 --> 42:52.604 that what we're looking at, I understand 42:52.604 --> 42:54.391 the difficulty with the paperwork, et cetera, 42:54.391 --> 42:57.360 but just noted that the Bush and the Obama Administration 42:57.360 --> 42:59.705 was way ahead at this point as far as hiring 42:59.705 --> 43:00.897 and the number of individuals that we had 43:00.897 --> 43:03.767 at various levels at the State Department. 43:03.767 --> 43:05.753 But let me ask you a couple of questions 43:05.753 --> 43:08.789 and maybe you can clear them up for me. 43:08.789 --> 43:10.653 As I travel around, these are questions 43:10.653 --> 43:13.570 that I'm often asked, and I've been 43:14.763 --> 43:16.578 unclear with some of the answers, 43:16.578 --> 43:19.900 and so maybe you can answer them in the vein 43:19.900 --> 43:23.224 of what we talked about here in a yes-or-no answer. 43:23.224 --> 43:27.057 Are you in favor of America First nationalism? 43:28.900 --> 43:32.451 - America First, as we've said, does not mean America alone. 43:32.451 --> 43:34.731 We will continue our strong alliances 43:34.731 --> 43:38.386 and partnerships and maintain the friendships, 43:38.386 --> 43:40.761 relations that we have around the world. 43:40.761 --> 43:43.827 - Okay, so now, because of, you know, 43:43.827 --> 43:44.979 some of the, I guess, statements 43:44.979 --> 43:47.367 that the President has made about America First, 43:47.367 --> 43:49.809 and he has said that a lot of the other countries 43:49.809 --> 43:51.736 around the world have to give things back 43:51.736 --> 43:55.819 or we're not gonna do this or that, in his words. 43:56.470 --> 43:58.640 And by just using the words, just America First, 43:58.640 --> 44:02.393 in that regard, do you see any negative consequences 44:02.393 --> 44:05.476 to America's standing internationally 44:05.668 --> 44:08.418 as a result of the America First, 44:09.790 --> 44:12.290 which would seem to indicate to the rest of the world 44:12.290 --> 44:14.448 that it is about us and only about us, 44:14.448 --> 44:17.031 if you just take that language? 44:17.391 --> 44:21.108 - Congressman, that's why the Vice President, 44:21.108 --> 44:24.899 myself, Secretary of Defense, others have been making 44:24.899 --> 44:28.114 numerous trips, the President himself with his trip abroad. 44:28.114 --> 44:30.241 We have to ensure our partners and allies 44:30.241 --> 44:33.324 understand what that moniker conveys. 44:33.451 --> 44:36.873 And I think what we have had good dialogue with them about 44:36.873 --> 44:40.062 is it does not mean America is stepping back 44:40.062 --> 44:43.445 or that we only worry about our own self-interest. 44:43.445 --> 44:45.137 Rather, as I indicated, we live in some 44:45.137 --> 44:47.998 really challenging times and a lot of things are changing. 44:47.998 --> 44:50.589 We have to ask our allies and friends 44:50.589 --> 44:52.813 to do more and take more responsibility 44:52.813 --> 44:54.913 in these great alliances that we have. 44:54.913 --> 44:55.949 - [Gregory] Okay, so let me-- 44:55.949 --> 45:00.116 - And what I'm hearing back is they are glad we are engaged. 45:01.047 --> 45:03.763 I have seen no indication that our relationships 45:03.763 --> 45:07.243 have been undermined with this very open, frank, 45:07.243 --> 45:10.218 and honest conversation we're finally having with people. 45:10.218 --> 45:11.408 - Short period of time I have, 45:11.408 --> 45:14.295 so let me just ask this so that we can be clear. 45:14.295 --> 45:16.923 So, do we support, because I know 45:16.923 --> 45:19.902 that the President has said that he doesn't generally agree 45:19.902 --> 45:23.085 with multilateral agreements or multilateral organizations. 45:23.085 --> 45:25.628 He would rather do things on a bilateral basis. 45:25.628 --> 45:28.545 So do we support the EU, yes or no? 45:28.838 --> 45:30.871 - I think we've been quite clear that we do. 45:30.871 --> 45:32.288 - [Gregory] NATO? 45:32.504 --> 45:33.709 - Without a doubt. 45:33.709 --> 45:34.969 - [Gregory] OAS? 45:34.969 --> 45:35.826 - Certainly. 45:35.826 --> 45:37.159 - [Gregory] WTO? 45:37.601 --> 45:40.351 - Yes, but WTO needs some reform. 45:41.522 --> 45:43.105 - [Gregory] The UN? 45:43.188 --> 45:46.040 - Yes, the UN needs a lot of reform. 45:46.040 --> 45:48.420 - [Gregory] The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation? 45:48.420 --> 45:49.253 - Yes. 45:49.291 --> 45:52.660 - [Gregory] So we will work solidly with all of those-- 45:52.660 --> 45:53.965 - We're engaged with every one 45:53.965 --> 45:56.524 of those organizations you named. 45:56.524 --> 45:58.507 And those that are quite effective, 45:58.507 --> 46:00.116 we want to strengthen them. 46:00.116 --> 46:02.363 Some of them need significant reform, 46:02.363 --> 46:05.401 and that's not just the US point of view. 46:05.401 --> 46:06.628 - I'm just trying to make it clear 46:06.628 --> 46:09.289 because for some, you know, quite frankly, Secretary, 46:09.289 --> 46:11.862 what has happened is the truth of the matter is 46:11.862 --> 46:14.222 as you've traveled and General Mattis, 46:14.222 --> 46:16.325 et cetera, and the Vice President, 46:16.325 --> 46:18.606 they've heard one thing and it seems to be 46:18.606 --> 46:21.534 that people are relieved when they've heard you speak. 46:21.534 --> 46:25.194 Then the President tweets or says something else 46:25.194 --> 46:28.361 that seems to contradict what you say. 46:28.681 --> 46:30.437 And so then people come to me, 46:30.437 --> 46:31.975 and they don't know what to believe, 46:31.975 --> 46:36.142 whether or not it is the words of the Secretary of State 46:37.053 --> 46:38.506 or the President of the United States. 46:38.506 --> 46:39.353 That's not your fault. 46:39.353 --> 46:40.186 There's nothing you do. 46:40.186 --> 46:43.556 I don't want to go, in the little bit of time I have. 46:43.556 --> 46:45.937 I really want to jump then real quickly 46:45.937 --> 46:49.521 into this issue that we have just talking about the budget 46:49.521 --> 46:53.688 because 21% of the diversity in the State Department 46:53.931 --> 46:56.348 has come from the utilization 46:56.896 --> 46:58.063 of the fellows 47:01.103 --> 47:04.986 from either the Pickering or the Langer fellows. 47:04.986 --> 47:07.682 And I understand there's a freeze that's going on, 47:07.682 --> 47:10.265 and we've already spent $85,000 47:10.976 --> 47:13.393 per person on these students. 47:14.231 --> 47:18.156 So I'm wondering if or not these bright, young individuals 47:18.156 --> 47:20.891 who can help diversify the State Department, 47:20.891 --> 47:23.770 that they can be waived from this freeze. 47:23.770 --> 47:25.617 They've finished the program. 47:25.617 --> 47:27.117 They've been paid. 47:27.291 --> 47:29.885 We invested the money so that they can then 47:29.885 --> 47:32.358 take their spots in the foreign service. 47:32.358 --> 47:34.662 Is there any opportunity for them to be-- 47:34.662 --> 47:36.412 - There is no freeze. 47:37.495 --> 47:39.930 The structure of the program, Rangel Pickering, 47:39.930 --> 47:41.532 which is very important to us and we have 47:41.532 --> 47:43.730 every intention of continuing it, 47:43.730 --> 47:47.141 the obligation in the contract that the young people 47:47.141 --> 47:51.308 and others engage with us when we fund their tuition 47:52.021 --> 47:55.025 for their graduate studies is that we confirm 47:55.025 --> 47:59.192 that we will offer them a position in Consular Affairs. 47:59.369 --> 48:00.691 That is confirmed. 48:00.691 --> 48:04.318 And it's a five-year commitment on their part to serve. 48:04.318 --> 48:08.377 We then say we will put you on the list for consideration 48:08.377 --> 48:11.688 for the next A-100 Foreign Service class. 48:11.688 --> 48:14.579 We are holding the next A-100 Foreign Service class 48:14.579 --> 48:16.387 because quite frankly right now, 48:16.387 --> 48:19.407 our foreign service officers' staffing, 48:19.407 --> 48:21.215 we're actually up about 50 people 48:21.215 --> 48:23.110 from the beginning of the year. 48:23.110 --> 48:26.251 With our expected manning, which we're looking 48:26.251 --> 48:30.418 at probably an 8% reduction by the end of fiscal 2018, 48:31.424 --> 48:33.408 in order for us to have time to manage 48:33.408 --> 48:36.141 how we want that to occur so that we do not diminish 48:36.141 --> 48:38.294 the strength of the foreign service core, 48:38.294 --> 48:40.777 we are holding on the next A-100 class. 48:40.777 --> 48:42.912 So, nothing's been frozen, and we want 48:42.912 --> 48:46.511 people to continue to apply, and they are all offered 48:46.511 --> 48:48.741 a position in Consular Affairs. 48:48.741 --> 48:50.542 And that is no change from the past. 48:50.542 --> 48:52.723 There's never been a guarantee that anyone would have 48:52.723 --> 48:56.008 a clearer offer or a pathway to Foreign Service. 48:56.008 --> 48:58.061 They would be considered for Foreign Service 48:58.061 --> 49:01.281 based upon the work they've completed, but they always have 49:01.281 --> 49:03.512 an offer to go to work in Consular Affairs. 49:03.512 --> 49:07.012 - [Ed] Mr. Dana Rohrabacher of California. 49:07.352 --> 49:09.863 - Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and let's just note 49:09.863 --> 49:14.030 that right at the very beginning you outlined for us 49:14.047 --> 49:17.130 that we have been spending more money 49:19.363 --> 49:22.780 on our foreign projects and foreign goals 49:25.224 --> 49:29.391 than we have, at historic levels, have actually been lower. 49:30.745 --> 49:33.328 Let me just note for the record 49:33.431 --> 49:35.838 that this increase in spending levels, 49:35.838 --> 49:38.475 especially in the last eight years, 49:38.475 --> 49:41.892 has not resulted in a more peaceful world 49:42.998 --> 49:45.782 or more secure situation for the people 49:45.782 --> 49:47.894 of the United States of America. 49:47.894 --> 49:50.644 Let me note, also, Mr. Secretary, 49:51.134 --> 49:55.301 that I am proud that we have a government now led, 49:56.508 --> 50:00.341 and we have a President who makes no apologies 50:00.758 --> 50:04.421 for putting America first in his priorities. 50:04.421 --> 50:07.134 What is important for the wellbeing? 50:07.134 --> 50:11.301 Security and prosperity of the United States is our job. 50:12.523 --> 50:15.023 And for us to try to blur that 50:15.688 --> 50:18.188 is not doing anyone a service. 50:19.607 --> 50:22.224 Achieving our goals, however, let's note, 50:22.224 --> 50:25.963 in putting America first, it does not necessarily derive 50:25.963 --> 50:30.130 from higher budgets but like you have committed to us today, 50:30.628 --> 50:33.985 working with other countries and making sure 50:33.985 --> 50:36.735 that we reach out to make friends 50:36.817 --> 50:39.762 and to make sure that we turn enemies into friends 50:39.762 --> 50:42.924 and get the job done for helping the less fortunate people 50:42.924 --> 50:45.998 of the world is something we will work together on 50:45.998 --> 50:50.165 and not just bear as a burden of the United States taxpayer. 50:51.594 --> 50:54.761 So I appreciate, number one, what this 50:55.314 --> 50:57.183 Administration's doing and what you're doing, 50:57.183 --> 51:00.350 Mr. Secretary, to achieve those goals. 51:00.846 --> 51:03.346 I have some specific questions 51:04.403 --> 51:06.570 for you on specific areas. 51:07.468 --> 51:11.541 Number one, are we still giving money to Pakistan? 51:11.541 --> 51:14.958 Dr. Afridi, who fingered Osama bin Laden, 51:16.007 --> 51:20.106 the murderer of 3,000 Americans on 9/11, 51:20.106 --> 51:22.357 is being held in a dungeon there, 51:22.357 --> 51:25.332 and the Pakistanis continue, we know, 51:25.332 --> 51:28.832 the ISI continues with a notorious support 51:30.019 --> 51:32.840 of terrorist elements in Afghanistan. 51:32.840 --> 51:36.622 Why are we still giving Pakistan any aid at all? 51:36.622 --> 51:39.262 - Well, we are beginning an inter-agency 51:39.262 --> 51:41.845 policy review towards Pakistan. 51:41.848 --> 51:43.861 This is going to be one of the considerations. 51:43.861 --> 51:46.391 The President has asked the question specifically 51:46.391 --> 51:50.000 about our level of support and funding to Pakistan. 51:50.000 --> 51:51.817 no decision is to be taken until 51:51.817 --> 51:53.554 we complete that policy review, 51:53.554 --> 51:56.722 as you well can understand and appreciate. 51:56.722 --> 51:59.408 Pakistan and our relationship with them 51:59.408 --> 52:01.800 touches on some much broader issues, 52:01.800 --> 52:05.491 relative to stability in Afghanistan and how we achieve that 52:05.491 --> 52:08.288 but also stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 52:08.288 --> 52:11.038 It is a very complex relationship 52:11.111 --> 52:13.225 we have with the government of Pakistan, 52:13.225 --> 52:16.475 but your concerns are all well-founded. 52:18.407 --> 52:21.427 - I trust you and trust this Administration 52:21.427 --> 52:23.927 that we take a realistic view, 52:23.963 --> 52:28.062 and sometimes that means biting the bullet and having, 52:28.062 --> 52:29.853 when you're dealing with someone, 52:29.853 --> 52:33.578 they've been two-faced with us for so long now. 52:33.578 --> 52:35.966 Pakistan is acknowledged by most 52:35.966 --> 52:39.549 of the people I've dealt with as the source 52:39.928 --> 52:42.323 of terrorism in that part of the world. 52:42.323 --> 52:44.929 And if we don't succeed in Afghanistan, 52:44.929 --> 52:48.429 it will be because of the ISI in Pakistan. 52:49.454 --> 52:52.204 With that said, Afghanistan looks 52:52.772 --> 52:55.328 like it's not going in the right direction, 52:55.328 --> 52:59.328 and there are some creative ways to handle this. 52:59.348 --> 53:02.848 We continue to have troops involved there, 53:03.610 --> 53:05.910 but some people are calling for more troops. 53:05.910 --> 53:08.948 I hope that we look for other methods 53:08.948 --> 53:13.115 rather than sending American troops into Afghanistan. 53:15.159 --> 53:18.058 - Congressman, we have an Afghanistan policy, 53:18.058 --> 53:19.985 as you know, under review as well, 53:19.985 --> 53:23.002 and I mentioned that in the context of Pakistan 53:23.002 --> 53:26.242 because you cannot work one without the other. 53:26.242 --> 53:29.159 In the interim, though, we have had 53:29.868 --> 53:32.337 inter-agency discussions with the President 53:32.337 --> 53:35.046 about how to preserve the opportunity 53:35.046 --> 53:37.249 for a long-term solution in Pakistan 53:37.249 --> 53:40.579 where we do not leave, I'm sorry, Afghanistan, 53:40.579 --> 53:42.902 where we never allow Afghanistan to become 53:42.902 --> 53:45.313 the platform for terrorism to be launched 53:45.313 --> 53:49.146 against the United States or certainly others. 53:49.433 --> 53:51.441 That work we expect to complete 53:51.441 --> 53:53.839 over the coming weeks, review it with the President, 53:53.839 --> 53:56.358 and make a final policy decision. 53:56.358 --> 54:00.141 But it has not been going well in Afghanistan. 54:00.141 --> 54:03.795 I would refer and defer to Secretary Mattis' assessment, 54:03.795 --> 54:07.144 and he testified to that effect this week. 54:07.144 --> 54:09.068 And I think there are steps we need to take 54:09.068 --> 54:11.512 to at least prevent further deterioration 54:11.512 --> 54:13.916 while we get our new policies in place. 54:13.916 --> 54:15.119 What we're following now are the 54:15.119 --> 54:17.680 policies of the prior administration. 54:17.680 --> 54:19.793 And we need to take steps to stem the effects 54:19.793 --> 54:21.820 of those while we get our policies in place. 54:21.820 --> 54:22.895 - Thank you very much, Mr. Secretary. 54:22.895 --> 54:25.547 - [Ed] We go to Albio Sires of New Jersey. 54:25.547 --> 54:27.054 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 54:27.054 --> 54:29.835 Mr. Secretary, thank you very much for being here. 54:29.835 --> 54:33.266 Mr. Secretary, I was not born in this country. 54:33.266 --> 54:34.849 I was born in Cuba. 54:34.963 --> 54:38.546 Growing up as a little boy, what I remember 54:39.889 --> 54:42.639 is the process of indoctrination, 54:43.490 --> 54:46.113 where the premise of the indoctrination 54:46.113 --> 54:48.696 was the destruction of America. 54:48.801 --> 54:51.884 Everything that was evil was America. 54:52.257 --> 54:54.924 We have a situation now where we have 54:54.924 --> 54:58.199 a White House that seems to ignore the facts 54:58.199 --> 55:00.703 that Russia was meddling in our democracy. 55:00.703 --> 55:02.553 The most important thing in this world, I think, 55:02.553 --> 55:04.977 is the democracy that we have here. 55:04.977 --> 55:08.317 And the fact that some of these intelligence agencies 55:08.317 --> 55:11.900 have confirmed Putin's involvement in this. 55:12.235 --> 55:14.735 I ask you, why are we treating 55:15.057 --> 55:16.974 Russia with kid gloves? 55:19.465 --> 55:21.309 Why are you coming before us and telling us 55:21.309 --> 55:24.403 to give you flexibility when we have the premises 55:24.403 --> 55:28.381 of this country of Russia is to destroy this country? 55:28.381 --> 55:32.548 I think that the fact that we have a bipartisan effort now 55:32.961 --> 55:37.128 with this legislation to put some sanctions on Russia 55:37.452 --> 55:39.964 and to send a strong message that this 55:39.964 --> 55:42.777 is something that we would not allow. 55:42.777 --> 55:46.287 I just cannot understand why this White House 55:46.287 --> 55:50.204 seems to treat this man with such kid's gloves. 55:51.590 --> 55:53.976 Why don't we just talk and tell the reality? 55:53.976 --> 55:56.778 Tell the people of America from the White House. 55:56.778 --> 55:58.266 I know you have spoken about it. 55:58.266 --> 56:00.050 Other members have spoken about it. 56:00.050 --> 56:04.217 But can you tell me, please, so I can rest a little better? 56:05.572 --> 56:08.534 As I've characterized the relationship with Russia, 56:08.534 --> 56:10.548 and I did this after walking out 56:10.548 --> 56:13.445 of President Putin's office and went 56:13.445 --> 56:16.687 immediately to a press avail in Moscow, 56:16.687 --> 56:18.564 the relationship between the United States and Russia 56:18.564 --> 56:21.054 is at an all-time low, post-Cold War. 56:21.054 --> 56:22.554 - But it's not us. 56:23.150 --> 56:24.397 It's their doing. 56:24.397 --> 56:25.679 - [Rex] And it's getting worse. 56:25.679 --> 56:26.957 - Excuse me, I don't mean to interrupt. 56:26.957 --> 56:28.474 I don't have too much time. 56:28.474 --> 56:31.724 But it's their efforts to undermine us. 56:32.293 --> 56:35.376 - And it's getting worse, and the two 56:36.648 --> 56:38.663 greatest nuclear powers on the planet 56:38.663 --> 56:41.391 cannot have this kind of a relationship. 56:41.391 --> 56:44.114 We have to move it to a different place, 56:44.114 --> 56:46.758 and that is what I've been asked to do, 56:46.758 --> 56:49.059 is to determine whether we can move 56:49.059 --> 56:51.394 the relationship to a different place 56:51.394 --> 56:55.211 that doesn't present the kind of threats to us 56:55.211 --> 56:58.146 and to the world that I am concerned the current 56:58.146 --> 57:02.313 relationship does and further deterioration would. 57:02.348 --> 57:05.015 And I fully appreciate and share 57:05.556 --> 57:07.852 the sentiment of all you just said. 57:07.852 --> 57:12.019 But the issue is do we want to make the relationship worse? 57:13.583 --> 57:14.827 Where will that leave us? 57:14.827 --> 57:15.910 What is next? 57:17.034 --> 57:18.630 Or do we want to see if we can 57:18.630 --> 57:21.496 stabilize it and begin to deal with this. 57:21.496 --> 57:24.058 There is a large number of issues on the table between us, 57:24.058 --> 57:26.195 including meddling in the elections. 57:26.195 --> 57:27.530 Do we want to try to deal with 57:27.530 --> 57:30.030 those towards some resolution? 57:30.154 --> 57:32.821 It may very well be that when we 57:34.494 --> 57:37.778 have progressed this discussion with them to some point 57:37.778 --> 57:40.613 where I will be the one to tell you we're getting nowhere. 57:40.613 --> 57:41.446 We're getting nowhere. 57:41.446 --> 57:42.390 - [Albio] Mr. Secretary, I think 57:42.390 --> 57:43.664 you're going to the other extreme now. 57:43.664 --> 57:44.497 - I'll be the first to come back 57:44.497 --> 57:46.344 to you and tell you we should-- 57:46.344 --> 57:49.382 - We're going to the extreme where we seem 57:49.382 --> 57:51.882 to be just giving in to a lot. 57:54.484 --> 57:56.155 There are messages you can send 57:56.155 --> 57:58.738 without going into nuclear war. 57:59.926 --> 58:01.696 There are things that we can do 58:01.696 --> 58:05.113 and send strong messages to this country. 58:05.735 --> 58:08.568 - Sanctions are very useful tools. 58:09.244 --> 58:11.628 Unilateral sanctions are not quite 58:11.628 --> 58:14.628 as useful as multilateral sanctions. 58:15.013 --> 58:18.894 And we are, as we think about additional sanctions, 58:18.894 --> 58:23.061 one of my challenges, and I take this as my responsibility, 58:23.261 --> 58:27.428 is how do I bring other allies along with us to say to them, 58:27.471 --> 58:30.141 "You must respond in this way as well," 58:30.141 --> 58:33.054 in order for these sanctions to be the effective pressure 58:33.054 --> 58:36.273 that I know we all want and that you desperately want. 58:36.273 --> 58:37.621 I agree with that. 58:37.621 --> 58:39.974 We can take unilateral action, 58:39.974 --> 58:42.585 but if we take it alone and we get little support 58:42.585 --> 58:46.085 from others, they will be somewhat hollow. 58:46.448 --> 58:48.610 And Putin will know they're hollow. 58:48.610 --> 58:51.972 So this is a bit of a, it's a bit of a tactical discussion 58:51.972 --> 58:54.596 you and I are having at this point, 58:54.596 --> 58:58.763 not a fundamental discussion around intent, objectives. 58:58.872 --> 59:02.454 Our interests are completely aligned, let me assure you. 59:02.454 --> 59:05.997 This is really a tactical difference of opinion, I think. 59:05.997 --> 59:08.580 - Well, I do hope that you send 59:08.846 --> 59:11.110 this message to the President, 59:11.110 --> 59:13.582 and tell him that a lot of people are looking 59:13.582 --> 59:16.332 at how he behaves towards Russia. 59:16.364 --> 59:19.614 And quite frankly, I am very concerned. 59:20.024 --> 59:22.841 Thank you very much, Mr. Chairman. 59:22.841 --> 59:25.693 - [Ed] Thank you, we go to Steve Chabot of Ohio. 59:25.693 --> 59:26.526 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 59:26.526 --> 59:28.001 Thank you, Secretary Tillerson, 59:28.001 --> 59:29.861 for being with us here today. 59:29.861 --> 59:32.504 I've been a member of this committee for two decades now. 59:32.504 --> 59:34.906 I've chaired the Middle East subcommittee 59:34.906 --> 59:37.327 and the Asia and Pacific subcommittee as well. 59:37.327 --> 59:38.668 And the issue I'd like to discuss 59:38.668 --> 59:41.335 with you this morning is Taiwan. 59:41.918 --> 59:44.532 As a founding member of the congressional Taiwan caucus 59:44.532 --> 59:46.650 and having been to that nation, 59:46.650 --> 59:50.817 and I use that term nation intentionally quite a few times, 59:51.212 --> 59:53.885 and I take the commitments of our country that we've made 59:53.885 --> 59:58.052 with Taiwan very seriously and I believe that you do too. 59:58.814 --> 01:00:00.839 Taiwan is a close ally of ours. 01:00:00.839 --> 01:00:04.233 It's one that truly exercises freedom and democracy 01:00:04.233 --> 01:00:07.147 and can be a role model to other nations 01:00:07.147 --> 01:00:10.397 facing an aggressive bullying neighbor. 01:00:10.884 --> 01:00:14.717 Taiwan faces an unrelenting threat from China, 01:00:15.956 --> 01:00:18.172 which has nearly 600 ballistic 01:00:18.172 --> 01:00:20.977 missiles aimed directly at Taiwan. 01:00:20.977 --> 01:00:24.121 And although Taiwan enjoys de facto independence, 01:00:24.121 --> 01:00:26.567 China's ultimate goal, as we know, 01:00:26.567 --> 01:00:29.143 is the annexation of the island. 01:00:29.143 --> 01:00:33.310 Therefore, the Taiwan strait remains a potential hot spot. 01:00:34.149 --> 01:00:36.397 The PRC's aggression towards Taiwan 01:00:36.397 --> 01:00:38.501 has only grown over the years. 01:00:38.501 --> 01:00:40.652 The PRC more and more is referring 01:00:40.652 --> 01:00:43.694 to Taiwan as a core interest to them. 01:00:43.694 --> 01:00:46.105 They continue to block Taiwan's participation 01:00:46.105 --> 01:00:48.600 in international gatherings and the world, 01:00:48.600 --> 01:00:51.366 including the United States, embarrassingly, 01:00:51.366 --> 01:00:54.061 usually yields to China's bullying. 01:00:54.061 --> 01:00:56.738 Further, China continues its long campaign 01:00:56.738 --> 01:00:58.402 to pressure nations around the world 01:00:58.402 --> 01:01:00.884 to stop their recognition of Taiwan. 01:01:00.884 --> 01:01:03.014 And Panama, just this week, announced 01:01:03.014 --> 01:01:06.431 its intentions to yield to that pressure. 01:01:06.437 --> 01:01:10.004 Fortunately, the 38-year-old Taiwan Relations Act 01:01:10.004 --> 01:01:13.654 is still alive and in place and this historic legislation 01:01:13.654 --> 01:01:17.211 has thus far maintained peace and stability. 01:01:17.211 --> 01:01:21.378 But we must be clear to the PRC that if push comes to shove, 01:01:21.840 --> 01:01:25.177 the United States will stand with Taiwan. 01:01:25.177 --> 01:01:27.327 Now, Mr. Secretary, a couple of questions. 01:01:27.327 --> 01:01:30.577 China would never allow us to determine 01:01:30.688 --> 01:01:33.782 who they can meet with, yet, because of fear 01:01:33.782 --> 01:01:36.882 of offending China principally, we won't allow 01:01:36.882 --> 01:01:40.029 high Taiwanese officials to set foot in this city, 01:01:40.029 --> 01:01:42.806 our nation's capital, Washington D.C., right here. 01:01:42.806 --> 01:01:45.561 Some years back, a couple dozen members of Congress, 01:01:45.561 --> 01:01:48.698 including myself, had to get on a plane 01:01:48.698 --> 01:01:52.350 and fly to New York City one evening after votes 01:01:52.350 --> 01:01:55.333 to meet with the President of Taiwan, President Chen, 01:01:55.333 --> 01:01:56.766 I know some other members are nodding 01:01:56.766 --> 01:01:58.959 'cause they were on the same plane with me, 01:01:58.959 --> 01:02:00.116 because he wasn't allowed to come 01:02:00.116 --> 01:02:02.211 here to our nation's capital. 01:02:02.211 --> 01:02:04.769 Now, an important bill to remedy this, 01:02:04.769 --> 01:02:07.244 which I've introduced in previous congresses as well, 01:02:07.244 --> 01:02:10.253 HR-535, the Taiwan Travel Act would allow 01:02:10.253 --> 01:02:11.535 the President, Vice President, 01:02:11.535 --> 01:02:15.535 foreign minister, defense minister to come here, 01:02:15.740 --> 01:02:18.214 and it's being marked up tomorrow 01:02:18.214 --> 01:02:20.391 in the Asia and Pacific subcommittee. 01:02:20.391 --> 01:02:23.065 And I'd welcome the Administration's support 01:02:23.065 --> 01:02:27.232 for that measure and I'd appreciate your comment, please. 01:02:28.286 --> 01:02:29.808 - Well, I think, Congressman, 01:02:29.808 --> 01:02:33.975 you have summarized it quite well, in terms of the situation 01:02:33.998 --> 01:02:37.665 as we see it today between China and Taiwan. 01:02:38.752 --> 01:02:42.919 As you know, the China/US relationship has been defined 01:02:43.726 --> 01:02:47.476 for the past 50 years by our One China policy 01:02:47.945 --> 01:02:50.441 and our agreement around One China policy. 01:02:50.441 --> 01:02:52.254 They have their interpretation of what 01:02:52.254 --> 01:02:54.345 that means and we have ours, and we've agreed 01:02:54.345 --> 01:02:57.250 that we will accommodate each other's interpretation. 01:02:57.250 --> 01:03:01.417 But it has led to 50 years of stability in the region. 01:03:01.787 --> 01:03:03.954 It has prevented conflict. 01:03:03.984 --> 01:03:05.855 It has allowed for this enormous 01:03:05.855 --> 01:03:08.605 economic growth that has gone on, 01:03:08.641 --> 01:03:11.432 much of which we have benefited from. 01:03:11.432 --> 01:03:14.692 As we began our dialogue with Chinese leadership 01:03:14.692 --> 01:03:18.010 with this new administration, as you know, 01:03:18.010 --> 01:03:19.690 there was some questioning of our 01:03:19.690 --> 01:03:21.445 commitment to One China early on. 01:03:21.445 --> 01:03:23.866 The President has reaffirmed that we are 01:03:23.866 --> 01:03:25.562 committed to the One China policy. 01:03:25.562 --> 01:03:29.149 We are also completely committed to the Taiwan Relations Act 01:03:29.149 --> 01:03:30.749 and fulfilling all of our commitments 01:03:30.749 --> 01:03:33.674 to them under that act, but we are also 01:03:33.674 --> 01:03:35.449 in a discussion with China now 01:03:35.449 --> 01:03:36.948 about what is our relationship 01:03:36.948 --> 01:03:39.961 going to be for the next 50 years, how do we enter 01:03:39.961 --> 01:03:44.044 another era of stability and absence of conflict. 01:03:45.132 --> 01:03:48.027 And Taiwan, clearly to the Chinese, 01:03:48.027 --> 01:03:50.333 is a part of that discussion. 01:03:50.333 --> 01:03:52.787 So it is important as we engage with them 01:03:52.787 --> 01:03:55.735 that we are able to fulfill our commitments to Taiwan, 01:03:55.735 --> 01:03:58.254 which we have every intention of doing, 01:03:58.254 --> 01:04:01.569 and that the question is the One China policy 01:04:01.569 --> 01:04:03.985 sustainable for the next 50 years. 01:04:03.985 --> 01:04:06.446 And those are the kind of discussions we're having. 01:04:06.446 --> 01:04:10.029 They are extremely complex in many regards. 01:04:11.620 --> 01:04:13.611 But this is what we seek as another 01:04:13.611 --> 01:04:16.574 50 years of stability and no conflict 01:04:16.574 --> 01:04:18.784 with China in the Pacific region. 01:04:18.784 --> 01:04:20.805 Taiwan is a big element of that. 01:04:20.805 --> 01:04:23.091 North Korea is a big element of that. 01:04:23.091 --> 01:04:25.753 Their island-building and militarization 01:04:25.753 --> 01:04:28.261 of islands is a significant element of that. 01:04:28.261 --> 01:04:30.298 All of these are in our discussion 01:04:30.298 --> 01:04:33.192 with them about how do we define this relationship 01:04:33.192 --> 01:04:35.831 for the next half century to ensure we have 01:04:35.831 --> 01:04:39.581 a continued era of no conflict and stability. 01:04:41.439 --> 01:04:43.077 - [Steve] Thank you, my time's expired. 01:04:43.077 --> 01:04:46.577 - We go now to Gerry Connolly of Virginia. 01:04:46.890 --> 01:04:51.057 - Thank you, thank you, Mr. Secretary for being here today. 01:04:51.426 --> 01:04:54.290 Mr. Secretary, I guess I'm wondering 01:04:54.290 --> 01:04:56.790 what the Trump Doctrine means. 01:04:58.350 --> 01:05:01.472 Because to some of us, it looks like making America 01:05:01.472 --> 01:05:03.566 great again in the realm of foreign policy 01:05:03.566 --> 01:05:07.149 means unilateral withdrawal and disruption. 01:05:08.038 --> 01:05:10.132 We've renounced our own Transpacific 01:05:10.132 --> 01:05:12.465 Partnership trade agreement. 01:05:12.773 --> 01:05:15.856 We've threatened to renegotiate NAFTA 01:05:16.222 --> 01:05:18.470 with our two largest trading partners 01:05:18.470 --> 01:05:22.220 and have had unfriendly assertions with both. 01:05:22.759 --> 01:05:25.692 We've renounced the Paris Climate Agreement, 01:05:25.692 --> 01:05:27.315 signed by 195 countries. 01:05:27.315 --> 01:05:29.554 We have now joined the happy company 01:05:29.554 --> 01:05:31.887 of two, Nicaragua and Syria. 01:05:32.774 --> 01:05:35.504 What a proud moment for our country. 01:05:35.504 --> 01:05:37.246 We've threatened the NATO alliance 01:05:37.246 --> 01:05:39.142 with being, quote, "obsolete," 01:05:39.142 --> 01:05:42.837 and refused in Europe at the moment it was expected 01:05:42.837 --> 01:05:46.734 to reaffirm Article Five and our commitment to it. 01:05:46.734 --> 01:05:49.234 We've embraced Russia in a way 01:05:49.542 --> 01:05:53.040 that is disturbing, I think, for most Americans. 01:05:53.040 --> 01:05:55.243 The President personally championed 01:05:55.243 --> 01:05:57.732 Brexit to the enormous consternation 01:05:57.732 --> 01:06:00.862 of our closest ally, the United Kingdom. 01:06:00.862 --> 01:06:04.176 He has embrace strongmen, Duterte of the Philippines, 01:06:04.176 --> 01:06:07.976 Erdogan of Turkey, Putin of Russia, el-Sisi of Egypt, 01:06:07.976 --> 01:06:12.143 while lecturing our closest allies about their commitments. 01:06:12.578 --> 01:06:16.578 And in your budget, he's proposed a 32% cut 01:06:17.395 --> 01:06:19.909 in the Function 150, Function 300 01:06:19.909 --> 01:06:21.874 international affairs functions of the budget 01:06:21.874 --> 01:06:24.205 that would cripple our ability, frankly, 01:06:24.205 --> 01:06:26.788 to engage in serious diplomacy. 01:06:26.922 --> 01:06:29.120 And of course, there's the UN, 01:06:29.120 --> 01:06:32.716 with constant threats of pulling out of specialized agencies 01:06:32.716 --> 01:06:35.466 and even peacekeeping operations. 01:06:35.847 --> 01:06:40.014 Mr. Secretary, how does a reasonable observer of that sorry 01:06:42.500 --> 01:06:44.250 and lamentable litany 01:06:46.651 --> 01:06:50.318 not conclude otherwise that this constitutes 01:06:51.735 --> 01:06:54.318 a serious unilateral withdrawal 01:06:54.481 --> 01:06:58.648 from long-term post-World War II commitments, values, 01:07:00.530 --> 01:07:04.280 and policies of the United States government? 01:07:04.976 --> 01:07:08.309 - Well, Congressman, my assessment of all, 01:07:08.309 --> 01:07:10.577 if I listened to that entire list 01:07:10.577 --> 01:07:13.077 of areas, we can go down them. 01:07:13.626 --> 01:07:16.126 The withdrawal from TPP was by 01:07:17.323 --> 01:07:20.156 and large supported by most people 01:07:21.329 --> 01:07:23.431 in this body and up here on the Hill. 01:07:23.431 --> 01:07:25.412 There was little support-- 01:07:25.412 --> 01:07:28.079 - Mr. Secretary, I know we could 01:07:28.213 --> 01:07:30.369 pick one or two from the litany. 01:07:30.369 --> 01:07:32.064 - Well, I'm picking your list. 01:07:32.064 --> 01:07:33.147 - Are you going to go down the whole list? 01:07:33.147 --> 01:07:34.683 'Cause we're gonna run out of time. 01:07:34.683 --> 01:07:35.768 - Well, if you're not interested. 01:07:35.768 --> 01:07:37.832 - I am interested but I'm just worried about time, 01:07:37.832 --> 01:07:39.361 and my question really wasn't about 01:07:39.361 --> 01:07:40.912 a particular item on the list. 01:07:40.912 --> 01:07:43.912 It was does this add up to a radical 01:07:45.035 --> 01:07:46.681 alteration in our foreign policy? 01:07:46.681 --> 01:07:47.819 You're the Secretary of State. 01:07:47.819 --> 01:07:50.569 - It does not add up to a radical 01:07:50.886 --> 01:07:53.221 alteration of our foreign policy. 01:07:53.221 --> 01:07:56.117 I think in my statement I made a couple of comments 01:07:56.117 --> 01:07:59.284 that, in my view and in my assessment, 01:08:00.079 --> 01:08:02.799 many of our institutions have never 01:08:02.799 --> 01:08:05.716 responded to the post-Cold War era. 01:08:07.567 --> 01:08:09.346 With the fall of the Soviet Union, 01:08:09.346 --> 01:08:12.470 a whole array of dynamics were unleashed globally. 01:08:12.470 --> 01:08:16.079 After 9/11, a whole new array of threats were unleashed. 01:08:16.079 --> 01:08:18.077 And we have continued to try to address 01:08:18.077 --> 01:08:20.222 those with the old constructs, 01:08:20.222 --> 01:08:23.082 not that the constructs are not valid 01:08:23.082 --> 01:08:24.988 and not that the constructs don't give us 01:08:24.988 --> 01:08:27.571 the frame in the relationships. 01:08:28.218 --> 01:08:32.122 But we have to begin to examine the effectiveness of those. 01:08:32.122 --> 01:08:34.759 And I think what the President is doing 01:08:34.759 --> 01:08:38.009 is he's examining all of these elements, 01:08:38.009 --> 01:08:39.845 and we are questioning whether they are 01:08:39.845 --> 01:08:41.558 as effective as they should be, 01:08:41.558 --> 01:08:44.475 and whether our partners and allies 01:08:44.510 --> 01:08:47.718 have come as far as we have come in commitments. 01:08:47.718 --> 01:08:51.113 And so I would call this an elevated level of engagement, 01:08:51.113 --> 01:08:52.477 not in any way a withdrawal. 01:08:52.477 --> 01:08:55.571 I think what people are questioning is 01:08:55.571 --> 01:08:58.654 because we are making certain demands 01:08:59.030 --> 01:09:03.197 of allies and partners and we are having this very frank, 01:09:04.069 --> 01:09:06.418 open, honest conversation with them 01:09:06.418 --> 01:09:09.412 that needs to occur, that needs to occur-- 01:09:09.412 --> 01:09:10.500 - [Gerry] Mr. Secretary, I-- 01:09:10.500 --> 01:09:12.802 - People take as difficult a decision 01:09:12.802 --> 01:09:16.596 around this as we take, that will strengthen our alliances. 01:09:16.596 --> 01:09:19.655 There will be greater commitment toward this, not less. 01:09:19.655 --> 01:09:23.580 - Mr. Secretary, to call this an elevated involvement 01:09:23.580 --> 01:09:27.123 in the world would embarrass even George Orwell. 01:09:27.123 --> 01:09:28.206 I yield back. 01:09:29.235 --> 01:09:32.191 - We go to Mr. Joe Wilson of South Carolina. 01:09:32.191 --> 01:09:34.391 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and our prayers 01:09:34.391 --> 01:09:37.317 are with our colleagues who are not here today 01:09:37.317 --> 01:09:39.918 due to the baseball practice shooting, 01:09:39.918 --> 01:09:41.824 Congressman Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, 01:09:41.824 --> 01:09:43.794 Congressman Mo Brooks of Alabama, 01:09:43.794 --> 01:09:46.388 Congressman Ron DeSantis of Florida. 01:09:46.388 --> 01:09:50.555 Mr. Secretary, I especially appreciate your Exxon service. 01:09:51.144 --> 01:09:52.894 My heritage is Exxon. 01:09:53.462 --> 01:09:55.746 My great-grandfather started with 01:09:55.746 --> 01:09:58.352 Standard Oil in Richmond in 1890. 01:09:58.352 --> 01:09:59.979 My grandfather was the division manager 01:09:59.979 --> 01:10:02.424 of Standard Oil in New Jersey and South Carolina. 01:10:02.424 --> 01:10:05.649 My dad was a sales representative for S.O. Humboldt. 01:10:05.649 --> 01:10:08.296 And my brother has been an oil chopper for Exxon. 01:10:08.296 --> 01:10:11.716 So I know of the integrity of the company that you've led. 01:10:11.716 --> 01:10:15.423 Also, I was really pleased to see your Scout background. 01:10:15.423 --> 01:10:17.605 All credit to my wife, we have 01:10:17.605 --> 01:10:19.572 four Eagle Scouts in our family. 01:10:19.572 --> 01:10:21.981 So thank you for what you've done. 01:10:21.981 --> 01:10:23.753 With so many global challenges, 01:10:23.753 --> 01:10:26.024 the rogue nation, North Korea, continues to push 01:10:26.024 --> 01:10:28.182 against international norms and threatens 01:10:28.182 --> 01:10:31.407 our nation's security and the security of our allies. 01:10:31.407 --> 01:10:34.845 I'm concerned that large cuts in our foreign affairs budget 01:10:34.845 --> 01:10:36.317 will leave us at a disadvantage 01:10:36.317 --> 01:10:38.427 in the distinct national security role 01:10:38.427 --> 01:10:40.966 played by our diplomats so capably. 01:10:40.966 --> 01:10:43.739 I appreciate your willingness to make significant reforms 01:10:43.739 --> 01:10:47.906 to the Foreign Affairs budget, and support your continuing 01:10:47.925 --> 01:10:50.830 the State Department's critical missions around the globe. 01:10:50.830 --> 01:10:53.756 Secretary Tillerson, on the threat of the unstable 01:10:53.756 --> 01:10:56.141 and dangerous North Korean regime, 01:10:56.141 --> 01:10:59.024 each week there are reports of nuclear developments, 01:10:59.024 --> 01:11:01.691 missile tests, ridiculous videos 01:11:02.362 --> 01:11:04.140 showing Americans being killed, 01:11:04.140 --> 01:11:07.100 and Americans being unlawfully detained. 01:11:07.100 --> 01:11:10.350 There's bipartisan support and concern. 01:11:10.729 --> 01:11:12.732 Recently, Congressman Adam Schiff and I 01:11:12.732 --> 01:11:16.899 introduced HR-2732, the North Korea Travel Control Act, 01:11:17.375 --> 01:11:20.591 which would prohibit travel to North Korea. 01:11:20.591 --> 01:11:23.641 Given the recent release of Otto Warmbier 01:11:23.641 --> 01:11:26.196 and Dennis Rodman's travel to North Korea, 01:11:26.196 --> 01:11:28.322 do you support the prohibition 01:11:28.322 --> 01:11:31.322 of US tourist travel to North Korea? 01:11:31.906 --> 01:11:34.893 - We have been evaluating whether we should put some type 01:11:34.893 --> 01:11:36.973 of travel visa restriction to North Korea. 01:11:36.973 --> 01:11:38.845 We've not come to a final conclusion, 01:11:38.845 --> 01:11:40.307 but we are considering it. 01:11:40.307 --> 01:11:42.840 - And my concern, indeed, that tourists go there 01:11:42.840 --> 01:11:47.007 is simply supporting a dictatorial totalitarian regime. 01:11:47.260 --> 01:11:50.729 And I say this with my colleague, Congressman Eliot Engel, 01:11:50.729 --> 01:11:53.334 he and I are the only two members of Congress 01:11:53.334 --> 01:11:56.238 who have actually been to Pyongyang. 01:11:56.238 --> 01:11:59.453 But it was on a congressional delegation, not as a tourist. 01:11:59.453 --> 01:12:02.536 Thank you very much for your service. 01:12:05.702 --> 01:12:08.201 - We go now to Ted Deutch of Florida. 01:12:08.201 --> 01:12:12.034 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and even as we pray 01:12:12.102 --> 01:12:14.136 for the Majority Whip and the others 01:12:14.136 --> 01:12:15.887 who were injured this morning, 01:12:15.887 --> 01:12:18.566 I'd just like to take a moment to acknowledge 01:12:18.566 --> 01:12:21.974 and express our gratitude to the Capitol Police 01:12:21.974 --> 01:12:25.582 who permit us to do our job every day, keeping us safe 01:12:25.582 --> 01:12:29.000 as well as all who are here in this room today, 01:12:29.000 --> 01:12:31.833 so we're grateful for what you do. 01:12:32.884 --> 01:12:34.694 Mr. Secretary, thank you for being here. 01:12:34.694 --> 01:12:37.296 I wanted to first add my voice to those who have 01:12:37.296 --> 01:12:40.629 spoken out against the budget in support 01:12:41.329 --> 01:12:43.663 of a robust international affairs budget. 01:12:43.663 --> 01:12:45.663 I would just point out that a 32% cut 01:12:45.663 --> 01:12:47.763 to the State Department cannot be solely 01:12:47.763 --> 01:12:49.988 about cost savings to the US government 01:12:49.988 --> 01:12:53.752 when the Defense budget is being increased by 54%. 01:12:53.752 --> 01:12:55.999 American leadership, as you know, Mr. Secretary, 01:12:55.999 --> 01:12:58.214 has always been and must continue to be 01:12:58.214 --> 01:13:01.214 about more than just military might. 01:13:01.897 --> 01:13:05.436 Next, I wanted to ask you about a hearing yesterday 01:13:05.436 --> 01:13:06.765 in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. 01:13:06.765 --> 01:13:09.394 You were asked about payments made 01:13:09.394 --> 01:13:11.393 to Palestinian prisoners and their families, 01:13:11.393 --> 01:13:13.532 hundreds of millions of dollars per year, 01:13:13.532 --> 01:13:16.115 payments that are made to those 01:13:17.034 --> 01:13:19.772 who stab or ram or shoot Israelis, 01:13:19.772 --> 01:13:21.861 payments as suicide bombers, payments that only 01:13:21.861 --> 01:13:23.979 incite violence and frankly prevent 01:13:23.979 --> 01:13:26.752 movement toward a two-state solution. 01:13:26.752 --> 01:13:29.517 The issue came up, as you pointed out, in bilateral meetings 01:13:29.517 --> 01:13:30.950 and yesterday, in response to the question, 01:13:30.950 --> 01:13:33.085 you said they have changed that policy. 01:13:33.085 --> 01:13:34.966 Their intent is to cease payments to families 01:13:34.966 --> 01:13:37.444 who have committed violence and murder against others. 01:13:37.444 --> 01:13:38.803 Can you provide for the clarity 01:13:38.803 --> 01:13:40.341 on the supposed change of policy 01:13:40.341 --> 01:13:43.187 since Palestinian officials quickly responded 01:13:43.187 --> 01:13:45.684 by saying that there are no plans to stop these payments 01:13:45.684 --> 01:13:47.700 to families of Palestinians killed 01:13:47.700 --> 01:13:50.825 or wounded in carrying out these attacks? 01:13:50.825 --> 01:13:52.995 - Those were assurances that were given to me 01:13:52.995 --> 01:13:55.699 in the most recent trip to Bethlehem. 01:13:55.699 --> 01:13:57.821 We have had conversations with them 01:13:57.821 --> 01:14:01.683 and told them they cannot continue these types of payments 01:14:01.683 --> 01:14:04.358 and expect the US or the American people 01:14:04.358 --> 01:14:08.025 to see any explanation for why they do that. 01:14:09.648 --> 01:14:11.898 They have indicated they would. 01:14:11.898 --> 01:14:13.170 They indicated to me they were 01:14:13.170 --> 01:14:15.178 in the process of changing that. 01:14:15.178 --> 01:14:18.786 They did say, "We have to support widows and orphans." 01:14:18.786 --> 01:14:21.374 I said, "Widows and orphans is one thing." 01:14:21.374 --> 01:14:25.124 Attaching payments as recognition of violence 01:14:26.119 --> 01:14:28.264 or murder is something the American people 01:14:28.264 --> 01:14:30.862 could never accept or understand. 01:14:30.862 --> 01:14:34.016 So, we will continue this dialogue with them. 01:14:34.016 --> 01:14:37.349 We have been quite clear as to our view. 01:14:38.133 --> 01:14:40.317 - I appreciate your making that clear. 01:14:40.317 --> 01:14:41.503 Unfortunately, it appears that 01:14:41.503 --> 01:14:43.948 that position has not yet changed. 01:14:43.948 --> 01:14:45.236 Finally, I want to raise an issue 01:14:45.236 --> 01:14:47.558 that I have raised every single time 01:14:47.558 --> 01:14:49.486 a Secretary of State has sat before this committee 01:14:49.486 --> 01:14:51.719 in the seven years that I have served here, 01:14:51.719 --> 01:14:54.319 and that's the case of my constituent, Robert Levinson. 01:14:54.319 --> 01:14:56.238 Bob went missing in 2007. 01:14:56.238 --> 01:14:59.857 He is, Mr. Secretary, the longest-held American hostage. 01:14:59.857 --> 01:15:02.905 As you know, Bob was not part of the 2016 deal 01:15:02.905 --> 01:15:05.907 that saw five American citizens released from Iran. 01:15:05.907 --> 01:15:08.048 But as part of that deal, commitments were made 01:15:08.048 --> 01:15:10.247 by Iran to assist in Bob's case. 01:15:10.247 --> 01:15:12.658 I have no doubt that there are those in Iran 01:15:12.658 --> 01:15:15.139 that know where Bob is or how to locate him. 01:15:15.139 --> 01:15:17.812 And I hope that the Administration is making every effort 01:15:17.812 --> 01:15:19.971 to prioritize engaging on Bob's case. 01:15:19.971 --> 01:15:23.219 Unfortunately, the Levinson family has not received 01:15:23.219 --> 01:15:26.439 much high-level communication since January. 01:15:26.439 --> 01:15:28.358 I would like to acknowledge two 01:15:28.358 --> 01:15:31.014 of Bob's seven children who are here with us today, 01:15:31.014 --> 01:15:33.826 his eldest son, Dan, and his youngest son, Doug. 01:15:33.826 --> 01:15:37.659 So first, Mr. Secretary, I'd just like to ask, 01:15:38.252 --> 01:15:42.419 one, will you commit to meeting with the Levinson family? 01:15:43.329 --> 01:15:46.160 - We're happy to provide an update on anything we know. 01:15:46.160 --> 01:15:49.166 And just as sure as you know, regrettably, 01:15:49.166 --> 01:15:51.845 we have a number of American citizens who are detained-- 01:15:51.845 --> 01:15:53.095 - I understand. 01:15:53.356 --> 01:15:54.189 I understand that. 01:15:54.189 --> 01:15:55.190 I just, I would ask on behalf-- 01:15:55.190 --> 01:15:57.492 - i just wanted to let you know 01:15:57.492 --> 01:15:59.174 we treat them as individual cases. 01:15:59.174 --> 01:16:00.756 - Will you meet with the family? 01:16:00.756 --> 01:16:01.589 - Yes. 01:16:02.148 --> 01:16:04.509 - Will you either designate a senior-level position 01:16:04.509 --> 01:16:07.131 in the Department or fill the position of special envoy 01:16:07.131 --> 01:16:10.508 for hostage negotiations to liaison on a regular basis 01:16:10.508 --> 01:16:13.091 with the Levinson family and others? 01:16:13.091 --> 01:16:15.882 - We are evaluating people to fill that position. 01:16:15.882 --> 01:16:18.691 I would tell you, though, and I think it's important, 01:16:18.691 --> 01:16:21.167 we do not stop our efforts just because we do 01:16:21.167 --> 01:16:23.622 not have someone in that role, 01:16:23.622 --> 01:16:26.198 and I hope the evidence of our success 01:16:26.198 --> 01:16:29.579 already during this short term of our Administration 01:16:29.579 --> 01:16:32.836 of securing release of people who have been detained, 01:16:32.836 --> 01:16:35.302 I hope people take encouragement from that. 01:16:35.302 --> 01:16:37.171 And I promise you that we have efforts 01:16:37.171 --> 01:16:39.328 underway for every detained person. 01:16:39.328 --> 01:16:40.184 - I understand. 01:16:40.184 --> 01:16:44.351 Sadly, it's 10 years now, so I'm just focused on Bob. 01:16:45.285 --> 01:16:46.888 I would ask that you raise Bob's case 01:16:46.888 --> 01:16:49.343 at every opportunity that you have. 01:16:49.343 --> 01:16:50.650 Can I ask, Mr. Secretary, whether you have 01:16:50.650 --> 01:16:52.511 plans to meet with the Iranians? 01:16:52.511 --> 01:16:55.260 - I have no current schedule to meet with the Iranians. 01:16:55.260 --> 01:16:59.343 - If you don't do it, which I think is a mistake, 01:16:59.570 --> 01:17:01.860 it's imperative that you press our allies to raise 01:17:01.860 --> 01:17:03.796 Bob's case in their communications 01:17:03.796 --> 01:17:06.771 with the Iranians or in any international forum. 01:17:06.771 --> 01:17:08.504 10 years is too long for a family 01:17:08.504 --> 01:17:10.853 to go without their husband, father, and grandfather. 01:17:10.853 --> 01:17:12.479 Bob, Mr. Secretary, is going to become 01:17:12.479 --> 01:17:15.439 a grandfather for the seventh time in a matter of weeks. 01:17:15.439 --> 01:17:16.602 He should be home celebrating this 01:17:16.602 --> 01:17:18.368 joyous moment with his family. 01:17:18.368 --> 01:17:20.311 I appreciate your efforts, and I urge you 01:17:20.311 --> 01:17:21.881 to do everything you can to bring him home. 01:17:21.881 --> 01:17:23.306 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:17:23.306 --> 01:17:25.946 - Thank you, we go to Michael McCaul of Texas. 01:17:25.946 --> 01:17:27.158 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:17:27.158 --> 01:17:29.021 Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being here. 01:17:29.021 --> 01:17:31.250 It's good to see a fellow Texan 01:17:31.250 --> 01:17:34.297 back in the Secretary of State position. 01:17:34.297 --> 01:17:36.119 I just got back from Mexico City. 01:17:36.119 --> 01:17:40.036 I chair the US-Mexico Interparliamentary Group. 01:17:40.387 --> 01:17:41.448 And I just wanted to let you know 01:17:41.448 --> 01:17:45.615 that it was a very productive, civil, respectful meeting 01:17:45.891 --> 01:17:49.058 on security, energy issues, and NAFTA, 01:17:49.910 --> 01:17:51.462 in terms of how we could put 01:17:51.462 --> 01:17:53.811 energy under the NAFTA umbrella. 01:17:53.811 --> 01:17:56.002 I know you know more about that topic than I do. 01:17:56.002 --> 01:17:57.648 And I think that would be certainly 01:17:57.648 --> 01:18:00.148 a win, win for both countries. 01:18:00.345 --> 01:18:03.428 I want to ask you about transnational 01:18:03.699 --> 01:18:04.929 criminal organizations. 01:18:04.929 --> 01:18:09.096 I had Secretary Kelly testify before my committee, 01:18:09.446 --> 01:18:10.720 stating it's one of the greatest 01:18:10.720 --> 01:18:13.470 threats facing the United States. 01:18:13.655 --> 01:18:17.822 He said that the cartels share ties with terror networks 01:18:19.006 --> 01:18:21.869 that we are currently fighting overseas, 01:18:21.869 --> 01:18:25.314 that they are threats to the fabric of American society 01:18:25.314 --> 01:18:28.453 and have the ability to sneak drugs and people, 01:18:28.453 --> 01:18:30.500 including potential terrorists 01:18:30.500 --> 01:18:33.733 and dirty bombs, into the United States. 01:18:33.733 --> 01:18:37.778 And finally, he stated the nexus between criminal networks 01:18:37.778 --> 01:18:40.257 and terrorist networks is real. 01:18:40.257 --> 01:18:43.623 And I would predict we will get more sophisticated. 01:18:43.623 --> 01:18:47.299 Do you agree with Secretary Kelly's comments? 01:18:47.299 --> 01:18:48.299 - Yes, I do. 01:18:49.326 --> 01:18:52.685 That's why we have undertaken this joint effort 01:18:52.685 --> 01:18:55.268 with our counterparts in Mexico 01:18:55.291 --> 01:18:58.208 around trans-criminal organizations 01:18:58.763 --> 01:19:00.979 designed around getting at the supply chain 01:19:00.979 --> 01:19:04.525 of how illicit narcotics but also human trafficking 01:19:04.525 --> 01:19:06.437 and other illicit activities are 01:19:06.437 --> 01:19:08.535 carried out across our borders. 01:19:08.535 --> 01:19:11.650 We clearly see the connections of these 01:19:11.650 --> 01:19:14.348 activities with terrorist organizations, 01:19:14.348 --> 01:19:17.598 all the way back to it, including ISIS, 01:19:17.852 --> 01:19:20.139 working with our Treasury counterparts. 01:19:20.139 --> 01:19:21.610 This is part of our global effort 01:19:21.610 --> 01:19:24.610 to deny terrorist financing as well. 01:19:24.663 --> 01:19:28.255 But this effort really gets at the challenge 01:19:28.255 --> 01:19:31.809 to our own national security but also the health 01:19:31.809 --> 01:19:33.288 and wellbeing of our citizens, 01:19:33.288 --> 01:19:37.360 in terms of the number of drug-related, opiod deaths. 01:19:37.360 --> 01:19:40.381 So it's a very comprehensive effort that we've had. 01:19:40.381 --> 01:19:42.956 We're advancing with cooperation 01:19:42.956 --> 01:19:44.413 from our Mexican counterparts. 01:19:44.413 --> 01:19:47.332 And I think you're going to see a very different approach 01:19:47.332 --> 01:19:49.898 to how we attack the problem of the cartels. 01:19:49.898 --> 01:19:51.183 - Well, that's great to hear. 01:19:51.183 --> 01:19:54.016 I think we've long neglected this. 01:19:54.161 --> 01:19:57.282 We had a classified briefing with Admiral Tidd, 01:19:57.282 --> 01:20:00.115 yesterday, the SOUTHCOM Commander, 01:20:01.680 --> 01:20:04.018 and without getting into the details of that, 01:20:04.018 --> 01:20:06.540 I know you're aware of that threat. 01:20:06.540 --> 01:20:08.495 And it does worry me as the Chairman 01:20:08.495 --> 01:20:12.245 of Homeland Security Committee what is coming 01:20:12.337 --> 01:20:14.786 from terror ties into the Western hemisphere 01:20:14.786 --> 01:20:18.001 and then potentially across that US/Mexico border, 01:20:18.001 --> 01:20:21.584 which I think that is why getting security, 01:20:21.655 --> 01:20:24.155 both at the border with Mexico 01:20:24.666 --> 01:20:28.719 but also Mexico's southern border, I think is so important. 01:20:28.719 --> 01:20:32.271 So, let me just thank you for your attention to that, 01:20:32.271 --> 01:20:34.606 and I look forward to working with you on that. 01:20:34.606 --> 01:20:37.834 With that, Mr. Chairman, I'll yield back. 01:20:37.834 --> 01:20:39.594 - Karen Bass of California. 01:20:39.594 --> 01:20:41.511 - Thank you, Mr. Chair. 01:20:41.714 --> 01:20:43.298 Mr. Secretary, I appreciated the 01:20:43.298 --> 01:20:46.288 discussion that we had the other day. 01:20:46.288 --> 01:20:48.517 I wanted to talk to you in regard to Africa 01:20:48.517 --> 01:20:51.094 and what our policy is on Africa. 01:20:51.094 --> 01:20:53.477 I appreciated that you were clear that you understand 01:20:53.477 --> 01:20:56.045 the significance of the continent and the role 01:20:56.045 --> 01:20:58.429 that we play there, but it's still 01:20:58.429 --> 01:21:01.172 not really clear what our overall policy is. 01:21:01.172 --> 01:21:03.222 And I'm in my fourth term here, 01:21:03.222 --> 01:21:07.389 and for the first time, in the last couple of months, 01:21:07.392 --> 01:21:11.389 I've had a number of visits from our allies in the EU 01:21:11.389 --> 01:21:14.078 who have come and expressed a lot of concern 01:21:14.078 --> 01:21:16.506 about what is the direction that our country 01:21:16.506 --> 01:21:18.610 is taking in regard to Africa. 01:21:18.610 --> 01:21:20.793 They've read the budget, they understand the numbers, 01:21:20.793 --> 01:21:23.248 and they understand that a budget really reflects 01:21:23.248 --> 01:21:26.441 your values, your policy, and your direction, 01:21:26.441 --> 01:21:28.477 and so they have come to me, asking, 01:21:28.477 --> 01:21:31.417 "Where is the United States going in regard to Africa?" 01:21:31.417 --> 01:21:32.992 And when I think of the continent, 01:21:32.992 --> 01:21:35.463 there's three different things that come to mind, 01:21:35.463 --> 01:21:39.191 and I raise these in reference to the cuts in the budget. 01:21:39.191 --> 01:21:42.691 So from the national security perspective, 01:21:43.087 --> 01:21:44.840 we know that on the continent of Africa 01:21:44.840 --> 01:21:48.295 there are many fragile democracies that can easily collapse 01:21:48.295 --> 01:21:51.050 and that quickly open the door to terrorism, 01:21:51.050 --> 01:21:54.785 so I'm concerned about the cuts to the democracy programs 01:21:54.785 --> 01:21:58.078 as well as to the cuts to UN peacekeeping. 01:21:58.078 --> 01:22:00.879 And I know that we pay a considerable share, 01:22:00.879 --> 01:22:04.779 but we also don't send our troops and other countries do. 01:22:04.779 --> 01:22:07.681 In terms of humanitarian assistance, 01:22:07.681 --> 01:22:11.379 especially including health and cutting food aid, 01:22:11.379 --> 01:22:13.775 and when we had the crisis with Ebola, 01:22:13.775 --> 01:22:16.529 we certainly know how quickly that could 01:22:16.529 --> 01:22:18.279 have spread to the United States, 01:22:18.279 --> 01:22:20.746 so our interest is very much at stake. 01:22:20.746 --> 01:22:24.614 And when I think of the economic perspective on Africa, 01:22:24.614 --> 01:22:26.776 and we discussed the tremendous opportunities 01:22:26.776 --> 01:22:30.160 for US businesses, US jobs, but then I look 01:22:30.160 --> 01:22:33.085 at the budget cuts regarding OPEC and MMC, 01:22:33.085 --> 01:22:35.431 the African Development Foundation, 01:22:35.431 --> 01:22:38.708 and all of those are key institutions to really 01:22:38.708 --> 01:22:41.083 lay the basis for our businesses 01:22:41.083 --> 01:22:43.165 to do business on the continent. 01:22:43.165 --> 01:22:45.915 So, one of my questions to you is 01:22:46.177 --> 01:22:48.450 you described a process that you're going through 01:22:48.450 --> 01:22:50.481 with the State Department, a listening tour 01:22:50.481 --> 01:22:53.034 to look at how to run things more efficiently. 01:22:53.034 --> 01:22:55.813 And usually what happens in processes like this is 01:22:55.813 --> 01:22:57.856 that you have the process first 01:22:57.856 --> 01:22:59.790 and then come up with the number 01:22:59.790 --> 01:23:02.235 that you need to actually deliver 01:23:02.235 --> 01:23:05.525 what the State Department and USAID should do. 01:23:05.525 --> 01:23:07.843 And so my question is were you involved 01:23:07.843 --> 01:23:11.629 in determining the 30% cut or was it imposed on you? 01:23:11.629 --> 01:23:15.796 And is your review process designed to fit into the cut? 01:23:18.291 --> 01:23:22.458 - We had an interactive process with the OMB director. 01:23:22.871 --> 01:23:25.330 We gave him a pass-back budget, 01:23:25.330 --> 01:23:27.458 and we were then given the budget back 01:23:27.458 --> 01:23:29.692 that I'm here today to present. 01:23:29.692 --> 01:23:32.822 And so my view is if these are the resources 01:23:32.822 --> 01:23:34.825 that are gonna be available to us, how do we want 01:23:34.825 --> 01:23:38.879 to prioritize the areas that we can have greatest impact? 01:23:38.879 --> 01:23:42.158 And I indicated this in my opening statement. 01:23:42.158 --> 01:23:45.419 I think, in terms of Africa, and I appreciate 01:23:45.419 --> 01:23:47.018 the discussion you and I had the other morning. 01:23:47.018 --> 01:23:49.518 I thought it was quite useful. 01:23:49.637 --> 01:23:52.887 We share the same list of both concerns 01:23:53.357 --> 01:23:55.334 and opportunities that you do. 01:23:55.334 --> 01:23:57.114 I would point to the fact that we have 01:23:57.114 --> 01:23:59.624 a lot of other areas of our budget 01:23:59.624 --> 01:24:01.987 that we can bring resources to bear 01:24:01.987 --> 01:24:04.778 on these particular concerns and issues. 01:24:04.778 --> 01:24:08.293 We have money in our de-ISIS budget that allows us 01:24:08.293 --> 01:24:10.201 to address some of the threats 01:24:10.201 --> 01:24:12.996 of an emergence of ISIS on the continent of Africa, 01:24:12.996 --> 01:24:14.706 either in north Africa, and certainly 01:24:14.706 --> 01:24:18.235 we're keeping our eye on Libya, or through the Sahel. 01:24:18.235 --> 01:24:21.151 And we are working with other multinational 01:24:21.151 --> 01:24:24.484 partners to defend against and not allow 01:24:24.693 --> 01:24:27.372 a reemergence on the continent itself. 01:24:27.372 --> 01:24:29.166 - Thank you, and Mr. Secretary, I'm sorry to interrupt, 01:24:29.166 --> 01:24:30.783 but I'm about to run out of time. 01:24:30.783 --> 01:24:33.019 I wanted to ask you about one other area. 01:24:33.019 --> 01:24:37.186 I had heard that before you were confirmed that a message 01:24:37.222 --> 01:24:39.541 was sent to the State Department to go through 01:24:39.541 --> 01:24:43.708 and identify any program that was focused on women. 01:24:44.802 --> 01:24:47.460 And I want to know, number one, was that true? 01:24:47.460 --> 01:24:49.468 And there is a specific program 01:24:49.468 --> 01:24:51.703 the African Women's Entrepreneur Program, 01:24:51.703 --> 01:24:54.397 and I don't know, I can't tell from the budget detail 01:24:54.397 --> 01:24:57.167 whether that is scheduled to be cut. 01:24:57.167 --> 01:25:00.485 And then just returning from South Sudan 01:25:00.485 --> 01:25:04.568 and knowing that rape is used as a weapon of war, 01:25:04.589 --> 01:25:07.659 very concerned about family-planning services, 01:25:07.659 --> 01:25:09.422 and I mean birth control, I'm not referring 01:25:09.422 --> 01:25:12.830 to abortion at all, but whether or not we would seek 01:25:12.830 --> 01:25:16.615 to eliminate birth control, especially in countries 01:25:16.615 --> 01:25:19.007 where we know that rape is used 01:25:19.007 --> 01:25:21.424 as a regular practice of war. 01:25:22.805 --> 01:25:25.115 - I'm not aware of any directive 01:25:25.115 --> 01:25:28.076 that was sent before my arriving there. 01:25:28.076 --> 01:25:30.539 We certainly have not carried out any directive 01:25:30.539 --> 01:25:32.771 of that nature while I've been there. 01:25:32.771 --> 01:25:35.365 - [Karen] Okay, thank you very much. 01:25:35.365 --> 01:25:37.698 - We go to Ted Poe of Texas. 01:25:42.060 --> 01:25:43.724 - Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being here. 01:25:43.724 --> 01:25:46.544 Thank you for your longtime service. 01:25:46.544 --> 01:25:47.987 As a fellow Houstonian, I want 01:25:47.987 --> 01:25:49.627 to congratulate you on your position. 01:25:49.627 --> 01:25:52.627 I appreciate you being here as well. 01:25:52.788 --> 01:25:55.705 I live in Humble, Texas, so you can 01:25:55.873 --> 01:25:58.706 assume where we got our name from. 01:25:59.337 --> 01:26:02.896 First, I want to thank you for your personal involvement 01:26:02.896 --> 01:26:05.896 in the release of Sandy Phan-Gillis, 01:26:07.442 --> 01:26:09.342 a Texan who had been imprisoned 01:26:09.342 --> 01:26:12.592 unlawfully by China for over two years. 01:26:14.251 --> 01:26:17.168 She was unlawfully in prison there. 01:26:17.398 --> 01:26:19.457 She was on a mission from Houston 01:26:19.457 --> 01:26:22.120 to work on economic things in China 01:26:22.120 --> 01:26:23.823 and they arrested her when she got on the plane. 01:26:23.823 --> 01:26:26.121 But thank you for your personal involvement 01:26:26.121 --> 01:26:28.313 and the President's involvement. 01:26:28.313 --> 01:26:30.468 Now, she's released and she's back home in Houston. 01:26:30.468 --> 01:26:33.997 I want to thank you for that on behalf of their family. 01:26:33.997 --> 01:26:35.286 I want to go over several things, 01:26:35.286 --> 01:26:38.953 and I'll eventually have a question as well. 01:26:41.203 --> 01:26:44.536 The State Department can lead the effort 01:26:44.781 --> 01:26:46.531 to designate the IRGC 01:26:49.184 --> 01:26:51.101 as a sponsor of terror. 01:26:52.696 --> 01:26:54.566 I personally think that the State Department should 01:26:54.566 --> 01:26:58.733 designate them as a sponsor of terror under 13224, 01:26:59.437 --> 01:27:02.765 and I would hope that would be on your radar to do. 01:27:02.765 --> 01:27:04.990 They are doing bad things throughout 01:27:04.990 --> 01:27:07.740 the world on behalf of terrorism, 01:27:08.262 --> 01:27:11.845 and destroying human rights of many people. 01:27:13.663 --> 01:27:17.830 I'd like to know what the policy is of the US toward Iran. 01:27:18.139 --> 01:27:20.484 Do we support the current regime? 01:27:20.484 --> 01:27:23.734 Do we support a peaceful regime change? 01:27:26.499 --> 01:27:29.863 There are Iranians in exile all over the world. 01:27:29.863 --> 01:27:32.990 Some are here, and then there's Iranians in Iran 01:27:32.990 --> 01:27:36.407 who don't support the totalitarian state. 01:27:36.928 --> 01:27:39.227 So is the US position to leave things as they are 01:27:39.227 --> 01:27:43.310 or to support a peaceful long-term regime change? 01:27:44.885 --> 01:27:48.135 I want to mention Russia, second issue. 01:27:48.646 --> 01:27:51.144 I was in Georgia in 2008 about 01:27:51.144 --> 01:27:52.736 a week after the Russians invaded. 01:27:52.736 --> 01:27:54.809 I know Congressman Smith was there when the Russians 01:27:54.809 --> 01:27:58.361 actually did invade Georgia, took 1/3 of the country. 01:27:58.361 --> 01:27:59.357 Basically, the world said, 01:27:59.357 --> 01:28:01.389 "That's not nice," and nothing happened. 01:28:01.389 --> 01:28:04.056 Then, in 2014, they took Crimea. 01:28:04.196 --> 01:28:06.779 They're in eastern Ukraine now. 01:28:08.491 --> 01:28:10.741 Does our policy, US policy, 01:28:12.568 --> 01:28:14.462 that was unlawful and it's still 01:28:14.462 --> 01:28:16.759 unlawful and that those territories 01:28:16.759 --> 01:28:19.162 in Georgia must be returned to Georgia, 01:28:19.162 --> 01:28:22.912 and the Crimea and as well as eastern Ukraine 01:28:23.376 --> 01:28:26.830 be returned to Ukraine, or we just gonna accept 01:28:26.830 --> 01:28:30.330 the Russian invasion of those territories? 01:28:30.694 --> 01:28:34.178 And the last thing I want to mention is Pakistan. 01:28:34.178 --> 01:28:36.199 I think Pakistan's playing us. 01:28:36.199 --> 01:28:37.591 We give 'em money. 01:28:37.591 --> 01:28:38.779 That money ends up in the hands 01:28:38.779 --> 01:28:41.944 of bad guys in Afghanistan who hurt Americans. 01:28:41.944 --> 01:28:44.944 And I personally think that Pakistan 01:28:44.993 --> 01:28:47.148 should not get any American money. 01:28:47.148 --> 01:28:50.879 They get $500 million a year, not counting the military. 01:28:50.879 --> 01:28:53.677 They should be designated as a state sponsor of terror, 01:28:53.677 --> 01:28:55.652 and they also should be removed 01:28:55.652 --> 01:28:59.819 from the major non-NATO ally status that they have. 01:29:00.289 --> 01:29:02.976 But I know this has been a discussion for years, 01:29:02.976 --> 01:29:05.515 to try to get Pakistan on board to do the right thing. 01:29:05.515 --> 01:29:08.403 They don't, and what are we gonna do? 01:29:08.403 --> 01:29:10.903 I heard your comments earlier. 01:29:11.410 --> 01:29:13.520 Are any of those things that I mentioned options? 01:29:13.520 --> 01:29:15.687 So Iran, Russia, Pakistan, 01:29:18.649 --> 01:29:21.399 and I'll let you comment on that. 01:29:23.372 --> 01:29:27.094 - Well, our Iranian policy is under development. 01:29:27.094 --> 01:29:29.826 It's not yet been presented to the President, 01:29:29.826 --> 01:29:33.763 but I would tell you that we certainly recognize 01:29:33.763 --> 01:29:37.930 Iran's continued destabilizing presence in the region, 01:29:37.940 --> 01:29:39.519 their payment of foreign fighters, 01:29:39.519 --> 01:29:42.852 their export of militia forces in Syria, 01:29:43.614 --> 01:29:47.531 in Iraq, in Yemen, their support for Hezbollah, 01:29:48.010 --> 01:29:52.177 and we are taking action to respond to Iran's hegemony. 01:29:52.261 --> 01:29:54.277 Additional sanctions actions have been 01:29:54.277 --> 01:29:56.781 put in place against individuals and others. 01:29:56.781 --> 01:29:59.531 We continually review the merits, 01:30:02.035 --> 01:30:03.591 both from a standpoint of diplomatic 01:30:03.591 --> 01:30:06.044 but also international consequences, 01:30:06.044 --> 01:30:09.737 of designating the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, 01:30:09.737 --> 01:30:12.518 in its entirety, as a terrorist organization. 01:30:12.518 --> 01:30:15.935 As you know, we have designated the Quds. 01:30:15.938 --> 01:30:20.105 Our policy towards Iran is to push back on this hegemony, 01:30:20.199 --> 01:30:24.366 contain their ability to develop, obviously, nuclear weapons 01:30:24.426 --> 01:30:27.601 and to work towards support of those elements 01:30:27.601 --> 01:30:31.146 inside of Iran that would lead to a peaceful 01:30:31.146 --> 01:30:32.695 transition of that government. 01:30:32.695 --> 01:30:34.873 Those elements are there, certainly, as we know. 01:30:34.873 --> 01:30:36.027 - Excuse me, Mr. Secretary. 01:30:36.027 --> 01:30:37.360 I'm out of time. 01:30:37.861 --> 01:30:40.303 I would like a written response to those questions. 01:30:40.303 --> 01:30:42.015 And I have a constituent named Claudia 01:30:42.015 --> 01:30:44.078 who sent me some excellent questions 01:30:44.078 --> 01:30:45.490 to ask you and I hadn't gotten there. 01:30:45.490 --> 01:30:47.080 I'll submit these to the record as well. 01:30:47.080 --> 01:30:48.192 - [Ed] Without objection. 01:30:48.192 --> 01:30:50.603 - Thank you very much for your service and being here today. 01:30:50.603 --> 01:30:51.436 I yield back. 01:30:51.436 --> 01:30:53.129 - William Keating of Massachusetts. 01:30:53.129 --> 01:30:54.998 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:30:54.998 --> 01:30:56.723 I speak for all my colleagues this morning 01:30:56.723 --> 01:30:59.862 as it's been difficult through this hearing 01:30:59.862 --> 01:31:02.936 not to keep in our minds our colleague Steve Scalise 01:31:02.936 --> 01:31:06.995 and our other colleagues, the staff, and Capitol Police 01:31:06.995 --> 01:31:09.569 who were injured and their families. 01:31:09.569 --> 01:31:11.048 And I want to thank you, Mr. Secretary, 01:31:11.048 --> 01:31:14.594 for your willingness to serve your country. 01:31:14.594 --> 01:31:17.072 This committee has had a great experience, 01:31:17.072 --> 01:31:20.056 as long as I've been here, working in a bipartisan 01:31:20.056 --> 01:31:21.946 fashion with the Administration, 01:31:21.946 --> 01:31:24.462 trying to find the areas of commonality, 01:31:24.462 --> 01:31:26.454 and I mean this sincerely. 01:31:26.454 --> 01:31:29.220 Going down this path, just clarification, 01:31:29.220 --> 01:31:31.998 if I could, for our ability to interact 01:31:31.998 --> 01:31:35.937 with the Administration, nothing more than that. 01:31:35.937 --> 01:31:39.411 But I want to get a better idea to clarify 01:31:39.411 --> 01:31:42.652 the position of Jared Kushner in the Administration, 01:31:42.652 --> 01:31:46.235 and he has a major foreign policy position, 01:31:46.828 --> 01:31:48.582 but is he coordinating with you? 01:31:48.582 --> 01:31:50.499 What's your experience? 01:31:51.052 --> 01:31:55.135 Has he ever engaged in foreign policy discussions 01:31:55.855 --> 01:31:58.992 without prior coordination with the State Department? 01:31:58.992 --> 01:32:01.492 How would you define his role? 01:32:02.471 --> 01:32:05.447 - Mr. Kushner is a senior adviser to the President, 01:32:05.447 --> 01:32:08.697 so he does attend discussions, not all, 01:32:08.975 --> 01:32:13.142 but discussions we have in the West Wing from time to time. 01:32:13.655 --> 01:32:17.763 And I would say it is, there's a clear recognition by him 01:32:17.763 --> 01:32:20.587 as to where foreign policy is conducted. 01:32:20.587 --> 01:32:21.642 It's in the State Department. 01:32:21.642 --> 01:32:23.446 It's by the Secretary of State. 01:32:23.446 --> 01:32:25.615 And so I would say his role is one 01:32:25.615 --> 01:32:29.365 of any other senior adviser in the West Wing. 01:32:30.393 --> 01:32:34.415 He has freedom and I've invited him, as I have others, 01:32:34.415 --> 01:32:35.998 certainly the National Security Advisor, 01:32:35.998 --> 01:32:37.685 McMaster, and others, to call. 01:32:37.685 --> 01:32:39.951 If there are issues that arise in the West Wing, 01:32:39.951 --> 01:32:41.468 let me know so we have visibility 01:32:41.468 --> 01:32:45.635 so we can begin talking about how we want to address those. 01:32:47.446 --> 01:32:50.694 - Do you have any instances where he hasn't coordinated 01:32:50.694 --> 01:32:53.509 with State or yourself before engaging in discussions 01:32:53.509 --> 01:32:56.140 with foreign nationals or officials? 01:32:56.140 --> 01:32:59.487 - You'd have to ask him as to whether he has. 01:32:59.487 --> 01:33:01.397 - All right, thank you, thank you, Mr. Secretary. 01:33:01.397 --> 01:33:04.239 Now, you spoke earlier about the working relationship 01:33:04.239 --> 01:33:07.156 with China in terms of North Korea, 01:33:07.585 --> 01:33:09.470 and there have been positive steps. 01:33:09.470 --> 01:33:13.214 I want to congratulate you on your work in that regard. 01:33:13.214 --> 01:33:14.843 But one of my concerns is the fact 01:33:14.843 --> 01:33:18.260 that as China might move away from trade, 01:33:18.620 --> 01:33:22.315 opportunities, to try and pressure North Korea, 01:33:22.315 --> 01:33:25.632 Russia seems to be creeping in with those, 01:33:25.632 --> 01:33:27.823 you know, replacing that vacuum 01:33:27.823 --> 01:33:29.862 with their own trade opportunities 01:33:29.862 --> 01:33:32.092 and other interactions with North Korea. 01:33:32.092 --> 01:33:33.857 Have you addressed this to Russia? 01:33:33.857 --> 01:33:36.215 This is a problem, I think, that we'll have 01:33:36.215 --> 01:33:37.895 in dealing with the North Korean situation 01:33:37.895 --> 01:33:39.083 because if Russia just comes in 01:33:39.083 --> 01:33:42.392 and tries to fill that vacuum, then our work with China 01:33:42.392 --> 01:33:45.079 won't be as effective as it could be. 01:33:45.079 --> 01:33:47.203 - We have seen that occur already. 01:33:47.203 --> 01:33:49.308 As China has withdrawn certain support, 01:33:49.308 --> 01:33:51.462 Russia has back-filled that. 01:33:51.462 --> 01:33:55.629 Yes, North Korea is among our top issues, items that I speak 01:33:56.063 --> 01:33:58.425 to Foreign Minister Lavrov frequently about. 01:33:58.425 --> 01:34:01.539 I also had great extensive discussions directly 01:34:01.539 --> 01:34:04.976 with President Putin in the Kremlin when I saw him. 01:34:04.976 --> 01:34:07.194 We are asking for their help. 01:34:07.194 --> 01:34:09.425 I think Russia is evolving its own 01:34:09.425 --> 01:34:11.730 position relative to North Korea, 01:34:11.730 --> 01:34:13.845 and we're looking for more support from them. 01:34:13.845 --> 01:34:16.270 I think two indications of late. 01:34:16.270 --> 01:34:19.507 One was their affirmative vote in the UN Security Council 01:34:19.507 --> 01:34:21.763 for the additional sanctions on North Korea. 01:34:21.763 --> 01:34:24.866 Typically at best, the Russians would abstain. 01:34:24.866 --> 01:34:26.368 This time, they actually voted 01:34:26.368 --> 01:34:28.369 for these additional sanctions. 01:34:28.369 --> 01:34:31.287 I think that indicates that they see it differently. 01:34:31.287 --> 01:34:33.405 They have also made their own public statements 01:34:33.405 --> 01:34:36.123 that they see these activities by North Korea 01:34:36.123 --> 01:34:38.707 as being a threat now to Russia. 01:34:38.707 --> 01:34:41.439 And so that is part of our dialogue with the neighborhood 01:34:41.439 --> 01:34:44.585 is, look, this is not just a threat about us. 01:34:44.585 --> 01:34:47.321 This can become a threat about you as well. 01:34:47.321 --> 01:34:48.383 - Thank you, Mr. Secretary. 01:34:48.383 --> 01:34:49.466 I yield back. 01:34:49.954 --> 01:34:53.484 - Thank you for yielding back, Mr. Keating. 01:34:53.484 --> 01:34:56.578 And now we go to Mr. Darrell Issa of California. 01:34:56.578 --> 01:34:57.578 - Thank you. 01:34:57.721 --> 01:35:01.888 Mr. Secretary, I was delighted when you were named, 01:35:02.550 --> 01:35:04.883 and I keep reminding my friends 01:35:04.883 --> 01:35:08.585 that one of the last great secretaries we had 01:35:08.585 --> 01:35:12.252 was George Shultz, who for six years before, 01:35:13.397 --> 01:35:16.064 not immediately but just before, 01:35:16.078 --> 01:35:19.829 had run a global enterprise, one that was responsible 01:35:19.829 --> 01:35:22.494 for building large and small cities. 01:35:22.494 --> 01:35:25.328 And so I'm gonna kind of segue from that 01:35:25.328 --> 01:35:27.319 to one of the areas you inherited 01:35:27.319 --> 01:35:30.089 that I want you to be aware has been an intention 01:35:30.089 --> 01:35:33.568 of this committee and of the Oversight Committee. 01:35:33.568 --> 01:35:36.068 During the George W. Bush era, 01:35:36.799 --> 01:35:40.346 under General Williams and others, the State Department 01:35:40.346 --> 01:35:43.513 began a standard design build process. 01:35:44.436 --> 01:35:46.802 This allowed the State Department 01:35:46.802 --> 01:35:49.635 to go from an aging embassy system 01:35:49.678 --> 01:35:53.231 that lacked security and that was falling behind 01:35:53.231 --> 01:35:54.763 where most of the money was being spent 01:35:54.763 --> 01:35:57.195 just trying to keep crumbling embassies going 01:35:57.195 --> 01:35:59.862 to getting new modern facilities 01:36:00.921 --> 01:36:04.754 that were secure and predictable in operation. 01:36:05.846 --> 01:36:08.276 Upon the change of administration, 01:36:08.276 --> 01:36:10.451 there was a change under Hillary Clinton, 01:36:10.451 --> 01:36:13.649 and she began going back to the old practice 01:36:13.649 --> 01:36:16.292 of New York wine-and-cheese liberals 01:36:16.292 --> 01:36:18.875 happily designing works of art. 01:36:20.395 --> 01:36:23.505 And I'm trying to be over the top for a reason. 01:36:23.505 --> 01:36:25.619 Because if you go to Great Britain, 01:36:25.619 --> 01:36:28.922 where you find that glass palace on an undersized lot 01:36:28.922 --> 01:36:32.340 that we can't use, that we're paying extra, what you find 01:36:32.340 --> 01:36:35.342 is a return to embassies that might be works of art. 01:36:35.342 --> 01:36:38.384 They may make great statements about America's prowess 01:36:38.384 --> 01:36:41.469 and place in the world, but you're not being given, 01:36:41.469 --> 01:36:43.294 as you know, enough money to build 01:36:43.294 --> 01:36:46.000 embassies just to provide security, 01:36:46.000 --> 01:36:48.505 the likes of which we didn't have at Benghazi, 01:36:48.505 --> 01:36:50.775 and we didn't have at a lot of other places. 01:36:50.775 --> 01:36:52.198 By the way, I was also thrilled 01:36:52.198 --> 01:36:55.773 when Ambassador Patrick Kennedy abruptly left 01:36:55.773 --> 01:36:58.046 with the team that I'm glad to see go. 01:36:58.046 --> 01:37:02.213 So now my question to you is, with the President's 01:37:02.310 --> 01:37:06.477 current budget, quite frankly, reduced in that area, 01:37:06.500 --> 01:37:09.667 can you, by changing back to a process 01:37:10.541 --> 01:37:13.816 of efficient design and build, can you begin 01:37:13.816 --> 01:37:16.421 to get us caught up to where never again 01:37:16.421 --> 01:37:18.096 will we have people die because they have 01:37:18.096 --> 01:37:21.026 a facility that lacks the basic security 01:37:21.026 --> 01:37:23.776 required by your own regulations? 01:37:24.380 --> 01:37:27.158 - Thank you for the question, Congressman. 01:37:27.158 --> 01:37:30.037 The current budget around security, 01:37:30.037 --> 01:37:34.173 both security services as well as embassy construction, 01:37:34.173 --> 01:37:36.594 will allow us to maintain our program 01:37:36.594 --> 01:37:38.677 pretty much through 2018. 01:37:40.002 --> 01:37:41.638 We will begin to have planning 01:37:41.638 --> 01:37:43.876 difficulties in '19 at this level, 01:37:43.876 --> 01:37:47.784 and we will have discussions with OMB about that. 01:37:47.784 --> 01:37:50.184 But I think to your point about our execution 01:37:50.184 --> 01:37:53.684 against embassy construction, it really is 01:37:54.101 --> 01:37:56.342 an execution issue, and I agree, we need to get back 01:37:56.342 --> 01:37:59.695 to standard designs, fewer scope changes. 01:37:59.695 --> 01:38:02.249 We don't need to be unique every place. 01:38:02.249 --> 01:38:04.416 I'm a fit-for-purpose guy. 01:38:05.363 --> 01:38:07.976 I think we need to build what's needed for us 01:38:07.976 --> 01:38:11.288 to deliver on mission, and there are some execution issues. 01:38:11.288 --> 01:38:13.318 I've been reading reports from OIG 01:38:13.318 --> 01:38:15.850 of audits they've been doing, the various projects, 01:38:15.850 --> 01:38:17.759 and I recognize a lot of the deficiencies. 01:38:17.759 --> 01:38:19.933 I've seen them in the private sector, 01:38:19.933 --> 01:38:21.229 when the private sector struggles 01:38:21.229 --> 01:38:22.784 with major construction projects. 01:38:22.784 --> 01:38:24.870 so I think we have a lot of opportunity 01:38:24.870 --> 01:38:27.787 to improve that and get back to fit-for-purpose approach. 01:38:27.787 --> 01:38:30.751 - Well, I'd like to follow up on another area on that, 01:38:30.751 --> 01:38:34.570 and very briefly, because you have OCO funding 01:38:34.570 --> 01:38:37.937 and because if we really look at your facilities 01:38:37.937 --> 01:38:40.291 around the world, they're often facilities 01:38:40.291 --> 01:38:43.561 in which Title 10 individuals and others 01:38:43.561 --> 01:38:46.144 assigned to you need to operate 01:38:46.377 --> 01:38:48.489 or at least coordinate in dangerous areas, 01:38:48.489 --> 01:38:51.960 so I might suggest that a very good investment 01:38:51.960 --> 01:38:54.168 of several billion dollars over the next 01:38:54.168 --> 01:38:58.022 several fiscal years would be to springboard ahead to have 01:38:58.022 --> 01:39:01.898 those facilities able to house both the diplomatic mission 01:39:01.898 --> 01:39:03.806 and coordinate other missions in the area, 01:39:03.806 --> 01:39:05.649 and I'm thinking particularly of Africa 01:39:05.649 --> 01:39:08.232 and some of the other hotspots. 01:39:08.273 --> 01:39:11.996 What I'd like to do is segue, though, to two things. 01:39:11.996 --> 01:39:14.929 One is you have a thousand marines available to you. 01:39:14.929 --> 01:39:18.188 This was a post-Benghazi decision to plus up. 01:39:18.188 --> 01:39:19.804 I can tell you that when I hear 01:39:19.804 --> 01:39:22.979 that Papua New Guinea's facility gets stopped 01:39:22.979 --> 01:39:24.986 and a whole new one getting designed, and part 01:39:24.986 --> 01:39:28.376 of the justification is they needed room for Marines. 01:39:28.376 --> 01:39:31.092 Again, Papua New Guinea, that perhaps 01:39:31.092 --> 01:39:34.664 looking at where you best would have those thousand Marines 01:39:34.664 --> 01:39:37.730 could well be a good investment in moving them around, 01:39:37.730 --> 01:39:39.740 and of course having them match facilities 01:39:39.740 --> 01:39:41.676 to the greatest extent possible that you plan 01:39:41.676 --> 01:39:44.188 on having and would otherwise build. 01:39:44.188 --> 01:39:48.271 Lastly, the President's budget did a 50% cut 01:39:50.645 --> 01:39:54.812 in an office which was Conflict Stabilization Operations. 01:39:55.834 --> 01:39:57.879 which is under State, and the Officer 01:39:57.879 --> 01:40:01.335 Transition Initiatives, which is under USAID. 01:40:01.335 --> 01:40:03.780 We previously sent your agency, 01:40:03.780 --> 01:40:06.589 under the last Administration, letters asking you 01:40:06.589 --> 01:40:10.756 to combine those two, and with the budget having a 50% cut, 01:40:11.357 --> 01:40:14.059 could you consider a hundred percent cut 01:40:14.059 --> 01:40:17.003 by combining them, deciding who gets this job, 01:40:17.003 --> 01:40:20.003 either state or USAID, but not both? 01:40:20.521 --> 01:40:22.498 - Well again, I think part of our whole redesign 01:40:22.498 --> 01:40:24.490 is to look at exactly the kind of issues 01:40:24.490 --> 01:40:28.023 you identified of where we have duplicative work efforts, 01:40:28.023 --> 01:40:30.617 overlap of work, not just within the State Department, 01:40:30.617 --> 01:40:34.784 but we find it inter-agency, in Ag, Commerce, Defense. 01:40:35.158 --> 01:40:37.423 And so this is gonna be examining all these areas 01:40:37.423 --> 01:40:39.727 which ultimately I suspect will lead 01:40:39.727 --> 01:40:41.639 certainly to combined efforts, 01:40:41.639 --> 01:40:44.440 delivering on mission for less cost. 01:40:44.440 --> 01:40:46.440 - Thank you, yield back. 01:40:46.997 --> 01:40:49.580 - Thank you, I appreciate that. 01:40:51.201 --> 01:40:55.353 This committee will recess at 10 minutes before noon 01:40:55.353 --> 01:40:59.520 to allow us to join our colleagues on the House floor. 01:40:59.618 --> 01:41:01.533 And following the prayer and pledge, 01:41:01.533 --> 01:41:04.129 there will be brief remarks from the Speaker 01:41:04.129 --> 01:41:06.264 and the Democratic Leader concerning 01:41:06.264 --> 01:41:08.584 the shooting incident this morning. 01:41:08.584 --> 01:41:12.751 And then this hearing will resume afterwards at 12:30 or so. 01:41:14.031 --> 01:41:18.198 And I'd like to thank the Secretary for his flexibility. 01:41:19.021 --> 01:41:22.614 And we'll adjourn here no later than 1:30, so at this time, 01:41:22.614 --> 01:41:25.590 let me go to Mr. David Cicilline of Rhode Island. 01:41:25.590 --> 01:41:26.519 - Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 01:41:26.519 --> 01:41:28.854 Thank you, Mr. Secretary, for being here. 01:41:28.854 --> 01:41:30.974 I think it is very clear that the devastating cuts 01:41:30.974 --> 01:41:33.070 proposed in this budget would make it 01:41:33.070 --> 01:41:36.001 nearly impossible for America to lead the world. 01:41:36.001 --> 01:41:39.476 And it's why it has been decried by virtually every serious 01:41:39.476 --> 01:41:41.562 diplomat, scholar, and development expert, 01:41:41.562 --> 01:41:43.498 so I want to associate myself with the remarks 01:41:43.498 --> 01:41:45.248 of my colleagues about this budget 01:41:45.248 --> 01:41:47.569 and what it would mean for our diplomatic work. 01:41:47.569 --> 01:41:49.860 And I have very specific questions, Mr. Secretary, 01:41:49.860 --> 01:41:51.386 which I would ask you to answer with yes or no 01:41:51.386 --> 01:41:54.805 if you can so I can get through as many of them as possible. 01:41:54.805 --> 01:41:56.324 First, Mr. Secretary, I assume you are 01:41:56.324 --> 01:41:58.027 familiar with the First Amendment 01:41:58.027 --> 01:42:00.344 and the rights that it affords the American people. 01:42:00.344 --> 01:42:01.177 - [Rex] Yes. 01:42:01.177 --> 01:42:03.861 - And do you believe that an open and unrestricted press 01:42:03.861 --> 01:42:07.435 is a vital part of a transparent and accountable government? 01:42:07.435 --> 01:42:08.268 - Yes. 01:42:08.268 --> 01:42:10.904 - And in your observations, do China and Russia have a free 01:42:10.904 --> 01:42:14.278 and unfettered press, free from governmental influence? 01:42:14.278 --> 01:42:15.111 - No. 01:42:15.111 --> 01:42:16.579 - And so do you believe that Chinese 01:42:16.579 --> 01:42:19.855 and Russian media sources reliably and accurately 01:42:19.855 --> 01:42:21.748 report meetings or conversations 01:42:21.748 --> 01:42:24.200 between US government officials and their governments? 01:42:24.200 --> 01:42:25.283 - Not likely. 01:42:25.418 --> 01:42:27.655 - So do you believe that it impacts the narrative 01:42:27.655 --> 01:42:30.023 or sends any type of message to the leaders of Russia, 01:42:30.023 --> 01:42:32.790 China, or other authoritarian-leaning governments 01:42:32.790 --> 01:42:35.095 when American media is excluded from reporting 01:42:35.095 --> 01:42:37.760 on significant events involving yourself, 01:42:37.760 --> 01:42:41.252 the President, or other senior American diplomats? 01:42:41.252 --> 01:42:43.390 - I'm not sure I understood that one. 01:42:43.390 --> 01:42:44.682 - Do you believe it impacts the narrative 01:42:44.682 --> 01:42:48.510 or sends a type of message to the leaders of other countries 01:42:48.510 --> 01:42:51.093 when American media is excluded 01:42:51.494 --> 01:42:54.087 from reporting on significant events involving you, 01:42:54.087 --> 01:42:56.017 the President, or other senior American diplomats? 01:42:56.017 --> 01:42:58.211 You may remember a meeting in which American media was 01:42:58.211 --> 01:43:02.378 excluded and Russian media was permitted in the Oval Office. 01:43:03.513 --> 01:43:05.723 - It's hard for me to say what impact 01:43:05.723 --> 01:43:08.560 that particular, limited incident had. 01:43:08.560 --> 01:43:11.123 - Okay, next, Mr. Secretary, you are 01:43:11.123 --> 01:43:12.899 aware that the Chechen government, 01:43:12.899 --> 01:43:15.657 which is an arm of Vladimir Putin, has been engaged 01:43:15.657 --> 01:43:18.810 in a concerted campaign of kidnapping, detention, torture, 01:43:18.810 --> 01:43:21.614 and murder of gay men in Chechnya, are you not? 01:43:21.614 --> 01:43:23.350 - I'm aware of those reports, yes. 01:43:23.350 --> 01:43:25.266 - And my colleagues and I sent you a letter 01:43:25.266 --> 01:43:28.584 raising this issue on April 7th of 2017. 01:43:28.584 --> 01:43:30.117 And my question is did you discuss 01:43:30.117 --> 01:43:33.264 the issue of these atrocities being carried out in Chechnya 01:43:33.264 --> 01:43:37.052 when you met with the Foreign Minister, Lavrov, on May 10th? 01:43:37.052 --> 01:43:39.792 Or any other government officials at any other time? 01:43:39.792 --> 01:43:41.767 - Those are on our pending list. 01:43:41.767 --> 01:43:43.807 - So you have not discussed them at all? 01:43:43.807 --> 01:43:45.355 - We did not make our way through all 01:43:45.355 --> 01:43:48.027 of the issues in the meetings we had. 01:43:48.027 --> 01:43:49.485 - Are you aware whether the President 01:43:49.485 --> 01:43:51.956 has raised this issue with President Putin? 01:43:51.956 --> 01:43:54.624 - I'm unaware of whether he has or not. 01:43:54.624 --> 01:43:56.795 - Well, will you here today in this hearing 01:43:56.795 --> 01:44:00.015 condemn the torture and murder of gay men in Chechnya 01:44:00.015 --> 01:44:01.439 and state that it is the policy 01:44:01.439 --> 01:44:02.718 of the United States government, 01:44:02.718 --> 01:44:04.985 at the highest levels, that the Russian government 01:44:04.985 --> 01:44:08.305 must protect the lives and safety of all of its citizens, 01:44:08.305 --> 01:44:10.539 including the LGBT community. 01:44:10.539 --> 01:44:12.889 - That is our position globally. 01:44:12.889 --> 01:44:14.702 - And in Russia as well? 01:44:14.702 --> 01:44:16.259 - Last time I checked, Russia was part of the globe. 01:44:16.259 --> 01:44:17.288 - [David] So that's a yes. 01:44:17.288 --> 01:44:18.121 - Yes. 01:44:18.121 --> 01:44:20.959 - Okay, next, Mr. Secretary, I assume you are familiar 01:44:20.959 --> 01:44:23.259 with the events that took place in Washington D.C. 01:44:23.259 --> 01:44:26.458 outside the Turkish Embassy on May 6th. 01:44:26.458 --> 01:44:27.291 - I am. 01:44:27.291 --> 01:44:28.642 - I assume you do not believe it is 01:44:28.642 --> 01:44:30.569 appropriate for a foreign security force 01:44:30.569 --> 01:44:33.226 to assault Americans on American soil. 01:44:33.226 --> 01:44:34.127 - I do not. 01:44:34.127 --> 01:44:35.620 - Have you or the President had 01:44:35.620 --> 01:44:37.534 conversations with President Erdogan 01:44:37.534 --> 01:44:40.279 or the Turkish ambassador about this incident? 01:44:40.279 --> 01:44:42.466 - We called the Turkish ambassador 01:44:42.466 --> 01:44:46.556 over to the State Department immediately and spoke to him. 01:44:46.556 --> 01:44:48.972 I have had face-to-face conversations 01:44:48.972 --> 01:44:51.729 with the foreign minister, Cavusoglu, 01:44:51.729 --> 01:44:54.592 on the margins of the NATO meeting. 01:44:54.592 --> 01:44:56.592 The matter is under investigation 01:44:56.592 --> 01:44:59.441 by Washington D.C. Police and the court system, 01:44:59.441 --> 01:45:01.182 and we are awaiting the conclusion 01:45:01.182 --> 01:45:03.302 of that investigation for further action. 01:45:03.302 --> 01:45:06.619 - And so, once those prosecutions are concluded, 01:45:06.619 --> 01:45:08.538 you will consider actions in response 01:45:08.538 --> 01:45:10.374 to this egregious attack. 01:45:10.374 --> 01:45:12.113 - We want our action to be consistent 01:45:12.113 --> 01:45:13.972 with what the investigation shows. 01:45:13.972 --> 01:45:15.149 - And do you believe it's appropriate 01:45:15.149 --> 01:45:16.937 for the United States' government to sell weapons 01:45:16.937 --> 01:45:21.104 to the very same security forces who committed this attack? 01:45:21.112 --> 01:45:23.112 - It's under evaluation. 01:45:23.194 --> 01:45:25.426 - Next, Mr. Secretary, when can Congress expect 01:45:25.426 --> 01:45:27.031 to receive the Administration's plan 01:45:27.031 --> 01:45:30.781 to defeat ISIS and end the conflict in Syria? 01:45:31.355 --> 01:45:33.529 - We've had a recent update with the President 01:45:33.529 --> 01:45:37.696 on the plan going forward, both militarily, diplomatically, 01:45:37.740 --> 01:45:39.812 and then how to confront ISIS, 01:45:39.812 --> 01:45:42.312 the de-ISIS campaign globally, 01:45:42.732 --> 01:45:45.649 both in the communications networks 01:45:46.132 --> 01:45:47.925 and to deny them the financing. 01:45:47.925 --> 01:45:49.603 - And when can Congress expect 01:45:49.603 --> 01:45:52.103 a presentation of those plans? 01:45:53.331 --> 01:45:56.027 - I am not aware there's been a request for one. 01:45:56.027 --> 01:45:58.694 - Okay, well, consider this one, 01:45:58.714 --> 01:46:01.016 at least from one member of Congress. 01:46:01.016 --> 01:46:02.716 And finally, Mr. Secretary, would you say 01:46:02.716 --> 01:46:05.760 that our past efforts to counter Russian aggression 01:46:05.760 --> 01:46:09.249 in Europe and Eurasia have been successful? 01:46:09.249 --> 01:46:13.416 - It's a work in progress and it requires work every day. 01:46:13.844 --> 01:46:15.864 - But has it been successful? 01:46:15.864 --> 01:46:17.227 - We have had some success. 01:46:17.227 --> 01:46:19.807 I think if you look at how certain countries 01:46:19.807 --> 01:46:22.390 in east Europe have progressed. 01:46:22.420 --> 01:46:25.674 There's progress in the Balkans but challenged. 01:46:25.674 --> 01:46:26.602 Progress in the-- 01:46:26.602 --> 01:46:28.540 - So my question is in light of that, 01:46:28.540 --> 01:46:31.930 after an unprecedented attack against our own elections, 01:46:31.930 --> 01:46:33.566 evidence of Russian attempts to hack 01:46:33.566 --> 01:46:35.687 and influence elections throughout Europe, 01:46:35.687 --> 01:46:37.770 as well as other mischief, how do you propose 01:46:37.770 --> 01:46:40.033 to adequately counter the Russian threat 01:46:40.033 --> 01:46:43.852 with a budget that is decimated by almost 60% 01:46:43.852 --> 01:46:46.478 in the account for countering Russian aggression? 01:46:46.478 --> 01:46:48.045 We haven't been successful and your 01:46:48.045 --> 01:46:50.374 budget proposal's cutting it by 60%. 01:46:50.374 --> 01:46:53.222 How can we be successful in countering Russian aggression 01:46:53.222 --> 01:46:55.773 with those kinds of resource reductions? 01:46:55.773 --> 01:46:58.615 - Our engagement is going to continue with those nations 01:46:58.615 --> 01:47:00.873 in east Europe that are most threatened. 01:47:00.873 --> 01:47:03.033 If we had additional funds, we would 01:47:03.033 --> 01:47:06.796 band that back out to do more in some other countries, 01:47:06.796 --> 01:47:10.049 but we are gonna remain engaged with those countries. 01:47:10.049 --> 01:47:11.007 - [Ed] We go briefly-- 01:47:11.007 --> 01:47:12.955 - Mr. Chairman, may I ask unanimous consent 01:47:12.955 --> 01:47:15.221 that the following three documents be placed in the record. 01:47:15.221 --> 01:47:16.552 - Without objection. - Thank you. 01:47:16.552 --> 01:47:18.777 - We're gonna go briefly to Scott Perry 01:47:18.777 --> 01:47:22.064 of Pennsylvania, and then we will recess. 01:47:22.064 --> 01:47:22.902 - Great to see you. 01:47:22.902 --> 01:47:25.002 I for one, although I might take some differences 01:47:25.002 --> 01:47:27.571 with some of the lines in the budget request, 01:47:27.571 --> 01:47:29.531 I'm thrilled that we finally have a Commander-in-Chief 01:47:29.531 --> 01:47:30.919 that's interested in balancing 01:47:30.919 --> 01:47:32.112 the budget of the United States, 01:47:32.112 --> 01:47:34.959 and I do consider that a national security priority. 01:47:34.959 --> 01:47:37.081 With that, Mr. Deutch asked you 01:47:37.081 --> 01:47:40.619 about the Palestinian Authority and the 10% increase. 01:47:40.619 --> 01:47:43.744 and I will tell you, at least one of us, 01:47:43.744 --> 01:47:46.168 and probably more than one, that is concerned 01:47:46.168 --> 01:47:48.809 and somewhat tired of continuing to fund the PA 01:47:48.809 --> 01:47:50.690 and hearing somewhat of the same rhetoric 01:47:50.690 --> 01:47:53.543 where we're gonna discuss it, we're considering it, 01:47:53.543 --> 01:47:56.159 we have a commitment to end the stipends 01:47:56.159 --> 01:47:59.105 to murderers and terrorists, and I'm just wondering 01:47:59.105 --> 01:48:01.909 if you have a glide path, and I don't want to get 01:48:01.909 --> 01:48:05.041 into any discussion that would imperil 01:48:05.041 --> 01:48:07.227 your ability to be effective in this regard, 01:48:07.227 --> 01:48:10.442 but is there some way that you're using to assess 01:48:10.442 --> 01:48:13.540 how they're doing with that and to claw back 01:48:13.540 --> 01:48:16.167 some of that funds and use it for other things if they fail 01:48:16.167 --> 01:48:20.126 to comply with their commitment, whatever that is? 01:48:20.126 --> 01:48:21.903 - Well, I think the President's been very clear 01:48:21.903 --> 01:48:24.651 with the Palestinian Authority over actions 01:48:24.651 --> 01:48:26.826 he expects them to take and he's indicated 01:48:26.826 --> 01:48:29.743 he has a certain window of patience 01:48:29.929 --> 01:48:31.559 and a certain window on which he's going 01:48:31.559 --> 01:48:33.143 to remain engaged and be interested. 01:48:33.143 --> 01:48:36.362 And at some point, he's going to become disinterested 01:48:36.362 --> 01:48:37.848 and if we become disinterested, 01:48:37.848 --> 01:48:40.238 that will certainly alter our level of support. 01:48:40.238 --> 01:48:41.611 - So just know, we'll be monitoring 01:48:41.611 --> 01:48:42.993 and we'll probably look to follow up 01:48:42.993 --> 01:48:45.132 to see if that in fact takes place. 01:48:45.132 --> 01:48:46.980 You also had a conversation regarding 01:48:46.980 --> 01:48:49.213 the IRGC and designating them. 01:48:49.213 --> 01:48:52.556 I'd like to throw the Muslim Brotherhood in there as well 01:48:52.556 --> 01:48:56.056 as two organizations, actors, if you will, 01:48:56.644 --> 01:48:58.698 that have the specific interest 01:48:58.698 --> 01:49:00.040 of the destruction of the West, 01:49:00.040 --> 01:49:01.460 in particular the United States, 01:49:01.460 --> 01:49:04.221 and while there might be some good components, 01:49:04.221 --> 01:49:06.229 if you want to characterize it that way, 01:49:06.229 --> 01:49:08.979 for these organizations, I'd like 01:49:10.230 --> 01:49:12.496 to engage in a little bit of a short conversation 01:49:12.496 --> 01:49:15.307 about designating each one of those sponsors of terrorism, 01:49:15.307 --> 01:49:18.557 what the pitfalls might be of doing so. 01:49:19.388 --> 01:49:20.988 What are the American people missing? 01:49:20.988 --> 01:49:22.368 Because they know these are bad actors, 01:49:22.368 --> 01:49:24.502 so what are we missing that we need 01:49:24.502 --> 01:49:27.873 to know about that is deleterious to designating 01:49:27.873 --> 01:49:31.367 these obvious sponsors of terrorism for what they are? 01:49:31.367 --> 01:49:33.277 - Well, I think, as you just noted, 01:49:33.277 --> 01:49:37.407 the Muslim Brotherhood, which I think, reportedly, 01:49:37.407 --> 01:49:40.574 would have up to five million members, 01:49:40.722 --> 01:49:43.222 has become somewhat segregated 01:49:44.186 --> 01:49:47.093 within its own ranks, with the number of organizations 01:49:47.093 --> 01:49:49.179 within Muslim Brotherhood continuing 01:49:49.179 --> 01:49:51.249 to commit themselves to violence and terrorism. 01:49:51.249 --> 01:49:54.499 We have designated those organizations. 01:49:54.513 --> 01:49:57.287 At the top of the quality chain, if I can call it that, 01:49:57.287 --> 01:49:58.962 there are elements of Muslim Brotherhood 01:49:58.962 --> 01:50:02.071 that have now become part of governments. 01:50:02.071 --> 01:50:03.256 There are members of parliament 01:50:03.256 --> 01:50:05.354 in Bahrain that are parts of government. 01:50:05.354 --> 01:50:08.048 There are members in Turkey that are parts of government. 01:50:08.048 --> 01:50:10.805 And so in designating the Muslim Brotherhood 01:50:10.805 --> 01:50:14.472 in its totality as a terrorist organization, 01:50:15.196 --> 01:50:17.576 I think you can appreciate the complexities 01:50:17.576 --> 01:50:19.344 this enters into our relations 01:50:19.344 --> 01:50:21.687 with then the government of Bahrain, 01:50:21.687 --> 01:50:23.160 the government, and other governments 01:50:23.160 --> 01:50:26.095 where Muslim Brotherhood has matriculated 01:50:26.095 --> 01:50:29.734 to become participants, and in those elements, 01:50:29.734 --> 01:50:32.641 they have done so by renouncing violence and terror. 01:50:32.641 --> 01:50:36.373 So, that is one of the complicating issues around just 01:50:36.373 --> 01:50:38.975 taking a whole designation of Muslim Brotherhood. 01:50:38.975 --> 01:50:42.975 But, I will tell you, it is on our watch screen. 01:50:43.065 --> 01:50:45.277 We've not taken our eye off of it and we revisit 01:50:45.277 --> 01:50:48.939 this question periodically because it comes up 01:50:48.939 --> 01:50:51.355 in our foreign relations with others as well. 01:50:51.355 --> 01:50:53.724 - And I certainly appreciate the answer. 01:50:53.724 --> 01:50:56.360 I just hope that we do not allow 01:50:56.360 --> 01:51:00.527 that the more moderate ones, the ones that denounce violence 01:51:01.083 --> 01:51:03.833 to have the organization use them 01:51:05.261 --> 01:51:07.145 to be the umbrella on which they conduct 01:51:07.145 --> 01:51:09.546 all these other things, which is the specific downfall 01:51:09.546 --> 01:51:12.433 of the United States and your continued vigilance. 01:51:12.433 --> 01:51:14.638 Finally, and the last question, Mr. Chairman, 01:51:14.638 --> 01:51:18.136 with your indulgence, the deal with Saudi Arabia, 01:51:18.136 --> 01:51:21.803 and I couldn't get an answer on specifically 01:51:22.218 --> 01:51:24.970 how we were monitoring their support, 01:51:24.970 --> 01:51:27.296 their continued support of the exportation 01:51:27.296 --> 01:51:30.629 of Wahhabism and Salafism and the terror 01:51:30.872 --> 01:51:33.294 that goes along with that fundamentalist 01:51:33.294 --> 01:51:35.708 view of Islam around the globe. 01:51:35.708 --> 01:51:39.272 Do you know of any metrics that the Department is following 01:51:39.272 --> 01:51:42.236 to support their claim that they are working on that? 01:51:42.236 --> 01:51:43.413 How are we gauging that? 01:51:43.413 --> 01:51:45.955 How are we going to determine whether they're following 01:51:45.955 --> 01:51:48.486 along with that portion of the agreement? 01:51:48.486 --> 01:51:50.494 - Well, one of the outcomes of the President's summit 01:51:50.494 --> 01:51:53.217 in Riyadh was the creation of the center 01:51:53.217 --> 01:51:57.384 to counter extreme Muslim messaging with Saudi Arabia. 01:51:58.450 --> 01:52:00.237 The center now exists. 01:52:00.237 --> 01:52:03.111 It was inaugurated while we were there. 01:52:03.111 --> 01:52:05.559 The center has a number of elements 01:52:05.559 --> 01:52:08.632 to attack extremism around the world. 01:52:08.632 --> 01:52:11.359 One of the elements that we are visiting with them about, 01:52:11.359 --> 01:52:14.587 and they have already taken steps, the Saudis, 01:52:14.587 --> 01:52:17.656 is to publish new textbooks that go into the schools 01:52:17.656 --> 01:52:20.079 that are in the mosques around the world. 01:52:20.079 --> 01:52:22.769 These textbooks are to replace textbooks 01:52:22.769 --> 01:52:26.303 that are out there today that do advocate extreme 01:52:26.303 --> 01:52:30.470 Wahhabism viewpoints, the justification for violence. 01:52:30.936 --> 01:52:33.844 We've asked that they not just publish the new textbooks. 01:52:33.844 --> 01:52:35.922 We've asked that they retrieve 01:52:35.922 --> 01:52:38.985 the existing textbooks, so we get those back. 01:52:38.985 --> 01:52:40.491 That's just one example. 01:52:40.491 --> 01:52:43.890 This center is to going to have a very broad range, 01:52:43.890 --> 01:52:46.473 from social media to broadcast, 01:52:46.634 --> 01:52:50.639 to how young imams are trained in the theological centers, 01:52:50.639 --> 01:52:53.193 and we are working with them today 01:52:53.193 --> 01:52:55.127 with the establishment of the new center. 01:52:55.127 --> 01:52:56.865 What are the measures that we will 01:52:56.865 --> 01:52:59.010 hold ourselves accountable to? 01:52:59.010 --> 01:53:01.151 That is one of the charges that the State Department 01:53:01.151 --> 01:53:03.528 is working with the Saudis and others, 01:53:03.528 --> 01:53:06.782 as we bring this center up to an operating level. 01:53:06.782 --> 01:53:09.427 - [Scott] Thank you, Mr. Secretary, and time's expired. 01:53:09.427 --> 01:53:12.172 - And without objection, the committee stands in recess, 01:53:12.172 --> 01:53:15.672 and we will return at approximately 12:30.