are hearing from key lawmakers? marco rubio, a republican on the foreign relations committee said being a friend of vladimir putin was not a quality he was looking for and, quote, the next secretary of state must be someone who views the world with moral clarity, free of potential conflict of interest, has a clear sense of america s interested will be a forceful advocate for america s foreign policy goals to the president within the administration and the world stage. the top democrat on the senate foreign relations committee, a short time ago said, quote, i am deeply troubled by his vocal opposition to us sanctions on russia following its illegal invasion, occupation and annexation of crimea, ukraine and close personal relationship with b nancy of carolina senator lindsey graham says he expects the us/russian relationship to be front and center in the confirmation process. senate majority leader