Dollences to the family of the brave family killed by isil. Together with jordan we mourn the loss of a hero that that galvanized the nation and the world. I hope this heinous crime helps us put in place what thus far has been lacking, comprehensive strategy to achieve goal to degrade and destroy isil. Let there be no doubt we still do not have a viable strategy to counter isil. And if you are not winning in war, you are losing. America has no greater ally in the fight against terrorism than jordan. As we made clear to King Abdullah in our meeting yesterday, this committees concern is to ensure jordan has equipment and resources necessary to continue taking the fight directly to isil. Many of us on this committee will be sending a letter to the administration on this urgent issue of concern and we invite all of our fellow Committee Members to join us on that letter. I think there was a consensus on both sides after the meeting with King Abdullah that we would send a letter out this mor
Responsibilities it is important that this committee and other appropriate committees of the congress are able to receive testimony, briefings and other communication of information. Have you adhered to applicable laws and regulations governing restrictions . I have. Have you taken any actions for the process . No. Will you assure that your staff adhered to deadlines, including records for the hearings. I will. Will you cooperate with briefers in response to congressional questions . Yes. Will the witnesses be protected in reprisal from thur testimony or briefings . They will. Do you agree to appear and testify upon request before this committee. Yes. Do you agree to provide documents, including electronic forms of hearings or to consult with the committee for any good faith delay or denial in providing such documents . Yes. [ inaudible ]. That concludes our routine questions that we ask of the nominees. And so before the committee proceeds to the business before us today on behalf of
It ever coming up for a vote. Marylanders deserve the transparency to know how their elected leaders vote every time the state takes a bigger share of their hardearned tax dollars. This is a regressive tax that hurts struggling maryland families and our most vulnerable and which adds to the cost of almost everything. These automatic tax increases should be pealed and we will submit legislation repealed and we will submit legislation to do so. This initial tax relief package is just the starting point in the process of rebuilding our states economy. And of course tax relief is only a part of the solution. We have other important initiatives as well. Including number 7. Improving transportation. Over the last several years moneys for local road improvements have been slashed by up to 96 . Our administration is committed to restoring the money that was taken from the Transportation Trust fund and to making sure that it never happens again. Today [applause] today i am pleased to announce t
Iraq, Eastern Europe and the pacific. For more about the confirmation process, we spoke with leo shane earlier today. Host leo shane covers congress for the military times. How is he regarded . A lot of members of the Armed Services Committee Said they did not see this as a focus on his credentials. They see this hearing is more of a chance to criticize obama on a number of National Security issues. It sounded like chairman mccain and Ashton Carter, the nominee, were in agreement and terms of getting rid of the sequester, the Pentagon Spending caps. How will they go about doing that . That is the big question. You heard senator mccain. They said they will hammer that this year, the mandatory spending cuts expected to go into effect in fiscal 2016. They are concerned that that can cripple the military. But as of now, we havent seen much of an alternative land, just a bunch of thomas is that they need to get rid of this. The military absolutely needs to have that money. We heard more of
Xl oil pipeline. The senate back tomorrow at 3 00 a. M. Eastern to be director of the National Drug control policy set for 5 30. It is likely the senate will try to move forward again on the Homeland Security department. Democrats blocked debate on the bill three times. Language that the president will take executive actions on immigration. They could also vote with defense secretary nominee ashton carter. The Committee Held its confirmation hearing last week. Answered questions about sequestration cuts, the u. S. Fight against isis, and the ukraine. This part of the hearing, you will hear mr. Carters opening statement. Thank you, mr. Chairman. Thank you, mr. Reid. Thank you all. D members of this committee. Thank you all. Thank you for inviting me to appear before you as president obamas nominee to be secretary of defense. Im honored by his trust and confidence and also by the prospect of serving once again the troops, and the country that i love so much. If confirmed, i will take the