[inaudible conversation] [inaudible conversation] [inaudible conversation] were calling back to order the confirmation hearing of the nominee of the fbi director of Christopher Rankin will begin with senator kearns. Thank you for the opportunities to question the witness. Mr. Ray, thank you for your Prior Service in your continued willingness to serve our country, particularly at this important a difficult time. I know this may not need repeating. Let us not forget why we are having this hearing. Your predecessor, james comey was not even at the Halfway Point of his ten year term of fbi director and President Trump abruptly fired him, without cause and without warning. President trump said when he fired director, that he was thinking about the fbis investigation of russian interference in our election, and investigation that director comey was overseen. Now, more than ever i believe it to be crucial the next fbi director be prepared to be steadfastly independent. As we had a chance to
[inaudible conversation] [inaudible conversation] [inaudible conversation] were calling back to order the confirmation hearing of the nominee of the fbi director of Christopher Rankin will begin with senator kearns. Thank you for the opportunities to question the witness. Mr. Ray, thank you for your Prior Service in your continued willingness to serve our country, particularly at this important a difficult time. I know this may not need repeating. Let us not forget why we are having this hearing. Your predecessor, james comey was not even at the Halfway Point of his ten year term of fbi director and President Trump abruptly fired him, without cause and without warning. President trump said when he fired director, that he was thinking about the fbis investigation of russian interference in our election, and investigation that director comey was overseen. Now, more than ever i believe it to be crucial the next fbi director be prepared to be steadfastly independent. As we had a chance to