Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso Question Sec. Rubio
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Iran, terrorism in Syria, plan for Gaza, and how American energy exports are helping our European allies.
Secretary Rubio testified at today’s Senate Committee on Foreign Relations hearing on the FY 2026 State Department budget request.
On Trump Administration Accomplishments:
“It’s been just five months since you’ve been there Secretary Rubio, and President Trump, I just want to take a moment to highlight the incredible work that this administration has accomplished with your leadership and clearly President Trump’s.
“You’ve restored U.S. leadership across the globe; unleased American energy, secured our southern border, reduced illegal immigration by 95%, re-imposed maximum deterrence on Iran, pushed back on Chinese aggression, created new deals for U.S. companies, and secured the release of hostages and unjustly detained Americans.
“I really appreciate the strong leadership.
“And on Monday, and you can see the wonderful picture in today’s Washington Post, you and your bride Jeanette meeting with the Pope. Do you want to comment on that at all?
“You’ve done all of these things, and you got to meet the Pope, an American!”
On Iran and Maximum Pressure Campaign:
“I want to talk to you about Iran.
“In the first 100 days, the maximum pressure campaign against Iran, came into full force once again.
“The administration sanctioned 72 entities, 14 individuals, and 74 vessels as well as 16 additional entities, including two Chinese-based oil terminals, and 13 vessels.
“I think the maximum pressure campaign is working.
“We are already seeing a reduction in Iran’s ability to fund destabilizing operations across the region.
“How does the administration plan to maintain this momentum and then continue with the talks that are going on?”
On Terrorism in Syria:
“President Trump met with the new Syrian president. He’s urged the leader to deport foreign terrorists from Syria and to help the U.S. counter ISIS.
“I wonder if you would just talk about ISIS and the concerns for a resurgence of ISIS.
“There are about 2,500 active ISIS fighters operating in Syria and in Iraq – an estimated 10,000 ISIS fighters in prisons in Syria.
“What’s your assessment of the threat posed by ISIS? I was visiting our Wyoming troops who were in eastern Syria and I want to know how that’s helped to address the threat?”
On Plan for Gaza:
“President Trump has laid out a plan for Gaza.
“You recently said, ‘We support a future for the people of Gaza that is free of Hamas and full of opportunity.’
“How do you envision a transition to non-Hamas security and governance in Gaza?”
On Unleashing American Energy:
“Last year, the Biden administration chose to pause approvals for pending LNG exports. We know that Europe needs those.
“It created a lot of uncertainty.
“President Trump has promised, and is unleashing American energy. He’s removed a lot of the obstacles.
“Our LNG exports have surged. I think it’s going to help in Europe.
“European countries increased their purchases of U.S. LNG.
“How is lifting this pause that Biden put on, restored confidence in America as a reliable partner to Europe?”
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