Speaker paul ryan. Lets begin with the election. What do you think is the state of the Republican Party after november 3rd . You know, its surprising, its an election where you had the rare event of an incumbent president getting voted out and yet republicans seemed pretty happy generally with the outcome not because hes lost but because downballot they did so well. I think there was a lot of expectation after this election, if the polls were right and it was going to be a blowout for democrats, that there would be a lot of grappling within the party about what it stands for and what the future is and where to go from here. I havent seen that at all. In a lot of ways republicans feel like what the outcome particularly down ballot is justification of everything that the president has been doing and that trumpism, if you will, has worked. You had a situation where democrats were expected to take another 10, 12, maybe 15 seats and in fact had lost close to 10 in the house. Certainly, demo
At 202 7488003. You can join the conversation by texting us at that same number, also going to twitter cspanwj or facebook. Com cspan. The acting defense secretary outlined the president s decision yesterday. [video clip] by january 15, 2021, our forces, their size and afghanistan will be 2500. Iraq will alsoin be 2500 by that date. With ouronsistent established plans and strategic objectives. Supported by the American People. It does not equate to a change in u. S. Policy or objectives. Moreover, this decision by the president is based on continuous engagement with his National Security cabinet over the month past. Including ongoing discussions with me and my colleagues across the u. S. Government. I have also spoken with our military commanders and we all will execute this repositioning in the way that protects our fighting men and women, partners in the Intelligence Community, diplomatic corps, and our superb allies that are critical to iraqiding afghan and Civil Society. Secretarya
What do you think is a a statef the Republican Party after november 3 . Its frightening. Its an election we had the rare event of an incumbent president getting voted out and yet republicans seem pretty happy generally with the outcome not because he lost the because on ballot they did so well. Theres a lot ofal expectation that afterxp this election if te polls right and it would be a blowout for democrats, that the be a lot of grappling with in the party about what it stands for and what the future is and from here. Have seen that at all. In a lot of ways republicans feel like what the outcome particularly down ballot is justification of everything thee president has been doingic and that trumpism has worked. Q q had a situation where democrats were expected to take another ten to 12, t 15 feet and the fact have lost close to that in the house. Certainly democrats are very demoralized about not getting the senate. Everybody that was hoping for or expecting perhaps i conversation amon
I had been general counsel to the American Civil Liberties union for several years. Favor. E was 963 in my my biggest supporter on the Judiciary Committee was not senator biden, although he was certainly in my favor, but it was orrin hatch. I think today he would not touch me with a 10 foot pole. [laughter] friends, but if it came to a vote on me, i dont think he would be the supporter he was in 1993. With stephenr breyer when he was nominated the next year. This was well into the 90s, a vote in his favor. Theas not been that way for four most recent members of the court. On both sides of the aisle. I wish there was a way i could wave a magic wand and put it back to when people were andectful of each other congress was working for the good of the country and not just along party lines. Someday there will be great elected representatives who say enough of this nonsense, lets be the kind of legislature the United States should have, and i hope that day will come while i am still alive. S
This room, for guidance from the office of attending physician, masks must be worn at all times during todays proceedings except when a member or witness is speaking. Please also sanitize your seating area. They view these as a safety measure and an important matter of order and decorum for this proceeding. For members participating remotely, please keep your video function on at all times. Even if you are not recognized by the chair. Members are responsible for muting and unmuting themselves and please remember to mute yourself after you finish speaking. Consistent with House Resolution 965 and the accompanying regulations, staff and members will view it as appropriate when they arent under recognition to eliminate background noise. I see that we have a quorum and i now recognize myself for opening remarks. Let me welcome our witnesses as ive let the Ranking Member know. Ill be going considerably longer than the customary five minutes. My statement this morning and, of course, ill yie