Washington journal program. Cspan, created by americas Cable Television companies as a Public Service and brought to you today by your television provider. Secretary of state mike pompeo appeared today before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to testify about his 2021 budget requested. He was asked about President Trumps tweet about delaying the president ial election. From earlier today, this is just shy of three hours. The committee will come to order. Good morning, everyone. Today we have with us secretary of state mike pompeo to discuss the state departments fiscal year 2021 budget request. Though, if history is any judge, secretary pompeo, you will face a wide variety of questions which i know you can handle. The United States and our allies and partners continue to face serious foreign challenges that will test us for decades to come. China is our chief competitor. Russia too remains a key advair. The efforts of these nations to sow discord and undue the free and open Intern
This is just under two hours. [inaudible] we think our distinguished witness for being here today. We regret the Defense Department was unable to send a witness. This is a second hearing on the searing conflict. An issue that has been raised during many meetings. For the 4000 people have been killed in the searing conflict. Within 12 me million are displaced. The assad regime bears overwhelming responsibility for the extremism. None of this wouldve been possible without the support of iran and russia, both intervened to extend influence in the region and country the u. S. And its partners. With the support of u. S. And Coalition Partners, the searing Democratic Forces succeeded in sweeping isis out of raqqa in october. Despite losing territory, isis remains a major threat. Theres also the danger proposed by affiliates which maintain significant influence and opposition controlled areas. Its worth highlighting to developments. The u. S. , russian jordan signed a memorandum of principles
Today in oklahoma. This is al Jazeera America. Diplomats are struggling to agree on a way to end the crisis in syria. As russia beefs up aid to assads regime. Russia confirmed it is flying russian aircraft over syria, and there are reports moscow has already carried out air strikes there. All of this as a United Nations Security Council Counter Terrorism summit plays out on the sidelines. Were watching live pictures there as chinas u. N. Delegate to the Security Council is speaks. Sergei lavrov is hosting meeting. He says it is a mistake for the u. S. And others not to work with syrias leader assad to fight extremists. Translator isil practically creating extremist state which possesses a large oppressive potential. Isil cells are fush flourishing in other countries, and they claim they plan on capturing other cities and spreading their evil. Our john terrett has been covering all of the meetings at the United Nations General Assembly. John, what strikes me is yesterday president obama
Theres no time to waste. Its absolutely vital that there is an urgent coordinated response. Australia strongly supports the secretarygenerals efforts in working closely with doctor chan and the World Health Organization to assure the u. N. System makes an effective and coordinated contribution immediately to the global effort to control the outbreak. We recognize this as an unprecedented challenge that requires an equally unprecedented response, and australia therefore welcomes and supports the secretarygenerals initiative to immediately establish the first ever u. N. International Public Health mission. U. N. Peacekeeping missions in particular can support efforts to combat the outbreak. As far as capacities and mandates allow. We know peacekeepers cannot be transformed into Frontline Health care workers but they can play a crucial role to communicate a bowl of preventive the public and importantly to dispel fear and misinformation. U. N. Mission support and maintenance of law and ord
Earlier, but is there anything, where are the discussions about i understand that the vote is going on right now. We will have a yes vote or a no vote. You doing that until after the vote . I will have more to say about this after the vote. We will see. A couple of followups. First on the Debbie Wassermann schultz. Does the president have complete confidence in Debbie Wassermann schultz . I ran through the track record. Does he have confidence . Based on the strong track record of leadership, the president has strong confidence in her ability to lead the organization. Okay and back to the campaign operation, whatever you want to call it against isis. Why does the president never use the word war when describing this. We had back and forth here and you eventually used it. We havent heard him say this is a war. Does he consider it a war . Yes, based on the position that i articulated. The United States in the same way that we are at war with al qaeda and the affiliates around the globe w