>> use the big muddy and

bigotry to take power away from the people in our country. their use eight voter suppression which justice alito and thomas go to the koch brothers retreat then come back to this bill they get a the voting rights act of civil rights of this country that is part of their agenda. the other half is to use big money to john that the voices of every citizen votes has the right to vote then it koch brothers and mccutcheon know that there anti-middle-class and anti-democracy agenda they know they will fail. while they spend there billions of dollars it is no surprises congress voted over 300 times over

environmental laws. 300 times. we are here today because we need to send a clear message to people like mccutcheon and the supreme court we lost it bye-bye the dream of american democracy is torn up at the feet of justice roberts said his supreme court. we're here to tell the supreme court that american democracy is not for sale. thank you. [cheers and applause] >> and now all of you in the audience in the room. but the introduce somebody that needs an introduction the communication workers of america. [applause] >> 8q. today bier on defense.

we're getting tired of defense. we're getting tired of holding on like the edge of a clef and what we have had for decades whether aggregate limits on campaign financing or rights at work work, of the voting rights as a supreme court strips of the voting rights, we are tired to be on defense. it does not mean we will not stand up for fight back when we are under attack. we will not keep played defense. but imagine if all these organizations are working together on offense, we are. and we came together to

informed that democracy initiative for we all work together. our membership together is more than 20 million. and the question is can we make democracy? because each of us first work on the environment. or we work on economic justice to defend the standard of living like against brutal corporate tax up against even worse. with the democracy groups that lead the effort to do work on democracy is the first issue. we need to connect the dots so all members understand this is either the most

important issue or the second. not just mccutcheon as we heard, of voting rights rights, voters in it, money out. voters and, many al. voters then, many of. and not just on these issues but they confuse free speech when it came to workers' rights 70 years ago. when it became the only democracy in the world to say that employers can run orchestrated campaign under the banner of free speech if we stay here today that is called union busting and free speech does not mean that employers can tell every supervisor exactly what to say and that is what they do and to fire the workers to stand up and fight back and that is what they do.

to ruin their careers of people that stand up for workers' rights and that is what they do. and imports in the today we say clearly free-speech is not equal to monday and that is to every speaker before me has said. we're here on defense in north carolina or anywhere else in the nation this group united is also on offense. we know what democracy looks like and we will fight to have a 21st century democracy in terms of our voting rights. in terms of stopping bmc in spending of the billionaire is in the world and also so workers have rights in the oldest democracy of the world. what do we do when we are under attack? we stand up. of we fight back.

what do we do when we're under attack? we stand up. we fight back. we stand up. we fight back. thank you. [applause] >> pretty soon we will hear from senator sanders who was then the court room so we have a special guest. please join us. >> once again i will need your voices. are you ready? we shall not be moved ♪ ♪ we shall not be moved ♪ just like a tree planted by the water ♪ ♪ we shall not be moved.

we fight for our democracy. we cannot be moved ♪ ♪ we fight for our democracy and we shall not be moved ♪ ♪ just like the tree planted by the water ♪ ♪ we shall not be moved ♪ we shall not be moved ♪ we shall not, we shall not be moved ♪ ♪ just like a tree planted by the water ♪ ♪ we shall not be moved ♪ one more time. we shall not. we shall not to be moved conoco we shall not be moved

♪ just like the tree planted by the water ♪ ♪ we shall not be moved no code. [cheers and applause] >> it is now my pleasure to introduce senator bernice sanders is a u.s. senator from vermont the senator was inside the courtroom and will report on that happening is. take you senator. [cheers and applause] >> let me just say fate you all very much for coming out with the long history of our country, people have fought

and died for democracy. that means one-person, one-vote, all of us have the opportunity to be involved in the political process to be involved for what we believe in and. the supreme court decided that corporations are people. they decided the independent expenditures, billionaires' could spend unlimited sums of money to impact the elections. i will tell you how relevant that is. has you know, the government of the united states shut down hundreds of thousands of workers affecting millions of people and they are not getting the services they need. right now every seats in the house of representatives their people that are threatened that if they vote

for eight clean continuing resolution that the sums of money would be used against them in the next election we're living in a society where a handful of people with incredible sums of money like that koch brothers and others are undermining what this democracy is supposed to be about. the bottom line is if we do not want to move this nation to an oligarchy form of society for the outcome of these elections it is imperative not only that we overturned citizens united but put a lid on how much people can contribute with the elections. [applause] freedom of speech, in my view does not mean the

freedom to buy the united states government. think you very much. [cheers and applause] >> give it up again for senators sanders. now another wonderful friend of the movement. [applause] >> stakes for being out here today. make no mistake the future of american democracy is on the docket of the supreme court today. what was very clear to anyone who has the opportunity to listen was summed up best by two points made by the justices. one was justice ginsburg is

set i think summing up the concerns that we all have of released the hand at this moment after citizens united, a justice ginsburg made the point that the limits on contributions protect them promote democratic participation so the little people will counted but the reason you're out here today is so important because it gives the court the opportunity to stand firm against further expansion of influence for a very small minority of the wealthy individual. that is not be enough i hope the supreme court does the right theme today but to move forward of the democracy to rollback citizens united and push back the arguments made by

some of the justices today and if they're no limits on contributions then why should there be any contributions to candidates? because the best thing we can do to restore faith of american democracy to make sure by the men and women who can go in the election billy people to contribute to the campaign but to make sure that the power of a very small minority cannot trump the power of the american people to restore our democracy. that is what is at stake. this is the most important thing we can do to restore the american democracy. they wonder how we got to this place. why don't they matter?

we will make sure they matter when it will overturn citizens united to give the american democracy back to the people. thanks for giving me the opportunity.

xxx she was a lifelong baseball fan with massachusetts they were bay boston red sox fans and when they went to washington they had little allegiance to the local team the washington senators. we have a number of season passes she was given by the american league they were usually issued in a wallet or pocketbook those are wonderful but one of the items in the exhibit is the certificate she was given by the boston red sox by the washington nationals as they were called in 1955 as first lady of the land and of

baseball. >> good evening we are live at william paterson university with the

candidates for new jersey governor will square off in one of only two debates this election season we bring you the debate in cooperation with william paterson university cbs three or sister station in philadelphia the record and also the asbury park press this is a sanction by the new jersey law enforcement commission. tonight we welcome state senator and governor crist christie from the record, my colleague the candidates will have one minute to answer eats each question and 30 seconds forbade rebuttal. senator buono you get the first question. you are a democrat in a blue state you trailed by 30 percent. you are going up against a republican governor endorsed by 49 elected democrats why you having so much troubles

gaining traction in this campaign? >> to let the glossy magazine covers liu there is nothing that is funny about what is going on in new jersey in a mountain view to videos or late night shows to you raise the fact we have 400,000 people out of work. the highest unemployment and the lowest rate of job creation in the region. 20% higher property taxes. the politics and should not be about entertainment high your life and children. >> no denying those are the facts but really have so much time to answer the question. we like to know how much -- why your campaign is gaining traction. >> people a just beginning to focus on the race. i had a lot of opportunity in this state of my own since i was 19 my dad was an immigrant from italy and

that was not republican or democrat. the people that will go to the polls and vote are not politicians with their backroom politics and the ideals behind closed doors but the people coming to the polls are the 400,000 that are out of work. >> host: your time is up. but this does have to do with name recognition. would you like help from washington and from president obama? >> i of focused on the people of new jersey of the one-person running for governor and you are looking at her. [applause] looking at the streets and the barbershops and when i need them my message resonates than they know that i get it and what it is like to be on food stamps to be without a job to make the call to the welfare office. i have lived that struggle and those people will vote on november 5th.

>> host: governor christie? i have a set brett question for you. [laughter] -- a separate question you have the anti-bullying campaign the you use words like stupid and eddie antar can call the one state senator the arrogant as so be. by using its using that type of language retaking of the dignity of the governor's office? >> quite the opposite. tell it to the sec and that is what i have done. sometimes sometimes what they did not want to hear but that is what leadership is about christine and at the end of the day from my perspective of people had a choice between three package politicians are those who say the way it is i think

favorite picks the ladder and that is why we are having the success we had. >> host: donny seek using pepper is disrespectful? from one parish to another have was that a good example for our children? >> people act in a certain way they will be called out. abusing director and blunt language that is, and the other raised me. their differences of opinion and i respect that. but this is what the people of new jersey will go. i am who i am and will not change and i think we're comfortable with the leadership by have provided in this state. >> host: the next question comes from the record. >> you nominated in open the cave bear that has supported the marriage to the supreme court and you were outraged after the deaths of tyler clemente but then you still object to same-sex marriage

as a voter referendum. that has mixed signals. can you explain why we could put to referendum? >> i am interested in people of good will can have differences of opinion it is not one where it is not divided senator buono and i have different opinions but i believe in her goodwill because she believes it is right to say my i believe the institution of marriage is between a man and woman if we change the court's definition it should not be decided by 121 politicians or seven judges on the supreme court. shed be decided by the people of new jersey and if they do decide to change the definition of marriage and i will support that law and enforce the constitution with the same vigor i have done. >> senator buono can you respond?

>> that governor said today he equated mary j. quality with guns and taxes. is show a profile of courage to do the right thing for our sons and daughters and brothers and sisters. it is a human right in digit not be on the ballot and should not have the majority on the people decide the minority's rights. it is wrong. >> 35 other states out of 50 have put the question on the ballot. the idea that should never be on the ballot is something with the other states have done. i trust the people of new jersey to make this judgment but not 121 politicians with agendas. in 2009 democratic party had control of the state house entirely and they did not pass mary g quality. put into the hands of the people to decide is.

[applause] >> you both believe the current $7.25 minimum wage should be raised by $1. governor you think over a three-year period and governor you support -- senator almost immediately. but some students in our audience or maybe even older people still think they can make a living even offer of $8.25. what would you say? >> my daughter who was openly gay is not a political agenda and answer the question directly i have a hard time believing we're even discussing raising the minimum wage from $7.25 in this day and age we live in one of the highest cost of living states in the nation is a starvation wages and it is unfortunate that the governor vetoed this

legislation but people living on minimum-wage car barely able to make ends meet so many are on public assistance and it is just a reflection to protect millionaires and to turn his back on the middle-class and the working poor and this is a hallmark of his administration. [applause] >> this is where senator buono shows our misunderstanding of how to create jobs in new jersey. those cost the she talks about it does not come off the magic when the tree comes from the pockets and the hard work of the small business owners that owned the convenience stores that pay the wage. does not magically come from government. i am sure senator buono understands that but i do believe we should increase but to put for a bipartisan compromise to the

legislature over three years responsibly so they can plan that expense so the national federation of independent businesses said we could lose up to 30,000 jobs by putting the of $1.1 time and tying it to the inflation rate going forward. it is irresponsible. i believe in it but do irresponsible to not hurt the business. >> do need to remind the audience to refrain from applause we can give each candidate due time. we do have a lot of topics to cover. now the asbury park press. >> property taxes. people are considering leaving their homes because they cannot afford sky-high property taxes indian people senior citizens are struggling to lift in the state because of taxes can

you give to ideas how the state can find it essential services without relying on property taxes? >> for the 10 years before i became governor property taxes went up 70%. we put forward three common-sense reforms and a bipartisan way adopted by the legislature eight 2% cap with very few exceptions only for a change of interest of arbitration and consolidation. the two ideas have to do more with the next four years is civil service reform so they can consolidate and share more services between municipal and county in to make sure we end this abuse of sick pay throughout the system. $1 billion of sick pay is pending right now. we cannot afford that anymore this talk to cheese a property tax situation significantly. and remember they have gone

up less than 2% to two years in a row for the first time in 24 years the headline was a tax relief. >> this governor promised not to raise property taxes or cut relief but he made history he is the largest cut in property tax relief in state history they rose on average 20% top forever 37% but the facts are the fact than the governor turns around to veto the piece of legislation that would have millionaires paid their fair share. that is the major difference i believe that millionaires should pay their fair share and find a middle class property-tax relief. i will never balance my budget on the backs of the middle-class and the working poor as this governor has

done. >> i know senator buono would not balance our budget i had to balance her budget. [laughter] with a 2.$2 billion deficit and voted to raise taxes and fees would it do 54 times. believe we've you give her this position taxes will increase again and again and again and again. we will not resort to spending that is why a 7% and increase from taxes go down less than 2%. >> last rebuttal. >> as governor raise the cruelest tax of all the average working family that property-tax and raised it by giving millionaires off the hook by veto legislation and then turns around and raises taxes on the working pork he put a fair on buses and trains by 25% increase the cost of commuting then services and raises the

tolls. you can call its a tax attacks but it has the same effect. >> host: governor, will you run for president? >> what an unusual question. i did not expect that at all. thank you. [laughter] >> do the job that you have at the moment you can in the future will take care of itself. people talking about the running since 2010 also 2012 i said i would dawn and i did not. after 2017 i will be looking for a new job anyway. as they go forward i will continue to do my job the best way that i can't and i will die declared tonight for you that i am or not running for president. the people don't expect me to but they do expect we to do my job. >> host: point taken view asking voters to commit four

more years to get you cannot make that commitment tonight why should they vote for you? >> a vote over the last four years if they believe this leadership will continue over the next four. i believe it will and i give my promise i will work as hard as i have over the last four years to give them the best date they can have five extra nearly proud to be the leader of and what we know is doing better but i don't think anybody in america or in the state of new jersey expect anybody three years away to tell them what they will do. life is too long i don't make those decisions until i have to. senator buono would you like to respond? rapid doesn't mean they are running for president but how you are running for president by sacrificing the safety of children to veto common-sense gun legislation just to cater to the nra and sacrificing the health of

the women to veto funding for planned parenthood because then natural conservative base declared a war on planned parenthood. you're compromising is sacrificing the dignity of the gay brothers and sisters of marriage equality because you know, that would kill you in the poll surveyed the only person obsess to 2016 on the stage is senator buono she spends more time the up talking about that than she will spend she never did become governor to make the state's a better place i can walk and chew gum at the same time i can do this job and deal with my future and that is what i will do. >> host: moving on. coming from the record. >> senator buono regardless of the presidential ambitions in this room or on the stage the governors in the jersey do not always complete their terms. governors whitman resigned governor courtside was

incapacitated him in the state created the office of lieutenant governor. your choice for that position is a longtime labor organizer but she has never held public office for polish she qualified to run the state of new jersey if you are elected? >> she said she was holding him qualified i question end how he sees his record qualifies him for a second term but she is eminently qualified woman who was highly educated, a skill sets of state government that i think is sorely needed. negotiating contracts worth of millions of dollars and brings us since she is able to negotiate to compromise and consensus builder but i think that is a skill leader and tranten. >> host: and senator -- governor? >> it to agree that is what we have been doing over the

last three and a half years. senator buono would not know because she voted against pension and benefit reform that we've fought hard to get to save one of the $20 billion for the taxpayers. for my lieutenant governor of is pushing a she is qualified a former federal prosecutor, a county sheriff and the person was led the fight to create jobs 143,000 new private-sector jobs. >> host: and cbs three anchors to the federal government is shut down tonight all over one issue, the affordable care act. governor you chose to make new jersey won 33 states do not set up its own health and transixteen etch your critics say the uninsured will continue to flock to emergency rooms. how was that good for new jersey? was your decision apolitical move tanner -- but never to

strike a blow against obamacare? >> the fact is the federal government the obama administration gave us three options to unforced affordable care act a state partnership, a federal 10 or joint we along with 32 other states decided to allow the federal government to run the exchange if they did not believe akkad not find a way to run additional included in the legislation. but they also expanded medicaid spending more for the pork for access to health care so it is not partisan decisions it is bipartisan to enforce the law to make sure do the right thing by the people in the state of the health care that is why we expanded health care the highest level ever in this state access without cutting funding to hospitals also increasing during my four years health care is more

available under this administration. >> senator buono you can respond. >> as a result of not having the state run exchange there is less savings and less jury says and less money for our reach to let people know there is a choice. the federal government was shut down this the governor's decision based on appealing to the tea party element that has the grip of his party and they have shut down government and put the american democracy aside for one reason because they don't have the votes. >> your out of time. >> would give you one more rebuttal. >> the fact is we have enforced the law in new jersey and expanded medicaid and made health care bore available than it was before i was governor. increasing funding to hospitals and health centers and allowing the federal

government to set the exchange effective october 1st we have complied completely i don't agree but we have complied you don't always agree with every law you have to enforce but i am proud of our record on health care and i think we have done a great job. >> the next question and comes from the asbury press. >> if the governor approves a bill to allow children to use marijuana what about legalizing it and it will generate $83 million of revenues. >> the governor has thwarted the use of medicinal marijuana and represents the people to pass the law and signed into law and he has done everything in his power to destroy the implementation i don't support it as the use but i support the decriminalization however. >> host: the governor? >> i am proud of the way but

i don't know how we define 40 yet but last week to the economic development authority was given a grant to build another center that doesn't lead to support the implementation but i will be clear as a former united states attorney someone in charge of a force in federal law in this state for seven years before i became governor i do not favor the legalization of marijuana for the decriminalization. we're okay for medical purposes but i do not want my children were the children of the jersey to believe that using marijuana is right or legal i do not believe and commercialization or legalization as long as i'm governor it will not have been. >> now let's break down the economy since you are in office a lot of affirmations of their with the these figures come from the

bloomberg economic evaluation of states. implemented is up. tax revenue is up. personal income is also up. looking at new jersey growth compared to other states it is near the bottom of all three categories. employe of the comet tax revenue 44 cover personal and, one-third -- serves smallest increase. wiry at the bottom? >> remember where we were into office we were 50th with texas in the country country, the bottom of the barrel for business friendly this and the cold administration by john corzine of the senate budget committee had a $30 billion deficit we had to inherit and fixed within the first six months we have dug out of whole lot of blood that was over 10 percent when i became governor so we are

proud. 143,000 new private-sector jobs and tax revenue going up. the new jersey comeback has begun and is not over. it will get better if we stayed the course of rigo back to the porcine years where a quarter of a million jobs were lost in 154 tax increases were done and voted for by senator buono that will not make new jersey better. it is a clear choice. >> host: the have another party will have 30 seconds for a rebuttal. >> new jersey lacks an economic growth for one reason alone chris christie trickle down mitt romney style economics it is the substance of his economic plan to give tax credits to corporations 2.1 billion it is a bottom of the barrel of economic growth even

mississippi is doing better than us. and this governor here and he points to the hole that we were in with the economy with lightning speed he points to the predecessor and to the democrats and recently he pointed to the low level transit employee in the fact is you have to man up you have been in office for years. [cheers and applause] defend your record. >> find interesting their people to want to be bipartisan people want to be partisan those who want to stand in the corner with their special-interest groups to reach across the aisle. senator buono criticism of the use of tax credits everybody that we have implemented she voted for so apparently she was for it before she was against it and we have heard that before. >> host: went to get the second part of my question senator buono.

the campaign says the new chairman of the budget committee new jersey lost 250,000 private-sector jobs and unemployment rose from 4.6 percent up at nine .7%. do you feel you share the responsibility? >> i am the chairman of the budget committee it was in the midst of the global meltdown the worst economic recession in modern history. i do support tax credits of growing our economy it cannot be a substance and some of those have to go to small businesses many small and minority-owned this governor has ignored small business that might administration would help small business and item called bipartisanship with this governor called of bipartisan job bill a pile of scrap. [laughter] >> host: let's move on to

the record. >> senator buono atlantic city gambling revenues have declined every year since 2006. increasingly gamblers are going to other states pennsylvania, new york, is it time to expand gambling to other parts of new jersey? particularly? >> atlantic city is very important not just to the regionally economy but the entire state and the reason the revenues are down is because of cannibalization also because of the economy. we have 400,000 people lot of work the highest unemployment in the region and the lowest rate of job growth. people don't have disposable income to gamble. they can barely put food on the table with gas and the car ready to focus on the economic plan and that bills

from the middle-class out with trickle-down supply-side of economic rebuilding has not worked. >> people like it gambling their gambling in pennsylvania so the question still is how do we keep those gaming dollars in new jersey? >> the legislature has made progress with internet gaming in there are some ways we can try to enhance atlantic city as a destination resort but the fact is if our economy is in the tank there will be less people with disposable income to spend on gambling. >> host: you will get one minute. >> when we took over in 2010 atlantic city was in bad shape every we can imagine. crime, a desperation was significant.

i came together an a bipartisan way and we passed a plan we would make a commitment a five-year commitment to early sixth city to receive we could to make sure it got back on its feet. now there are things that are positive tv revenues down but not gaming revenue is up three to transform the atlantic city from appier came be but a convention in destination with other things to offer. think we're making progress to do that. not be enough yet but we're only halfway in of the plan that the president as we the and i heard doing together we want to give them a full chance to succeed at the end of the next to not years if we have not seen the progress we need that we have to revisit with the legislature gave me in other places of new jersey. >> host: your out of time. >> turning to a topic that senator buono brought up

up, new jersey transit did lose one-third of the fleet during superstorm sandy because they did not move their fleet to higher ground but yet no one has been held publicly accountable. you did tell a managerial board recently and it laid with the middle manager but shouldn't the public expect more than you to say the buck stops with the medical -- of a manager? >> what really happened if we really want to scapegoat for the sake than we can do that. that is typical politics. we will not be engaged in that. remember october 30th october 30th, 2,012,355,000 homes destroyed, said then million new jerseyians without power every school closed confronted with the biggest natural disaster they have ever seen. there were mistakes made in

good thing as well i will not escape goat people who are not responsible the fact is we found the person responsible in he has been demoted and we are moving on. as somebody wants me to do a public hanging i will not do that. that is not the way you build a team or that is some leadership. of that means we're not that ability to recover and will not engage with that conduct. soon if there should be an investigation he scapegoating in the mid leveled transit employee who is supposed to be responsible for moving all the trains to a swamp? and they are also indicating the higher ups indicating the higher ups did take responsibility involved in the decision. we need a full accounting by

those two lanes were closed over the george washington and beverage and they said it was unexplained and ended it and said he thinks it was illegal police need a full accounting of that as well. >>. >> we're just at the one-year anniversary of the storm. there is a criticism how the resettlement money is disbursed dictum say the paperwork is orders than discouraging they are worried their lives are broken and. how can this be considered a success? >> i lived through that and i saw what happened. 355,000 homes damaged or destroyed. 7 million without power. every school in new jersey closed. almost all major highways closed. said at the table to make sure we got back.

we still have people not in their homes battle think anybody in new jersey expected a storm that has destroyed 355,000 would all be rebuilt and side eight months. there are sperm orders regulations put on us by the federal government because of the waste of billions of dollars after katrina that is the government's decision and we have to comply to make sure many is not wasted but with transparency every dollar spent of the federal money is on a website that is accessible to everyone from the state comptroller's office. we're continuing to make progress siam private proud of the people of new jersey to pull together to help us recover. >> senator buono we do want to give you an opportunity. can the progress be considered a success? >> i wish there was more jews celebrate. one year out and governor, we all lived

through it and unfortunately there are still people living in trailers and trauma it is good we rebuilt the boardwalk but there are some of the people that are having a hard time rebuilding their lives and state government has acted fast enough. in the governors center representative he would have heard stories one did go to the woman and had to leave the hall that is uninhabitable because it is lew did the government gives no answers and no help one woman said she has the day job that night to sector way through the paperwork that she has and she has got no answers repeated governor that will stand up to the insurance companies. these people have been victimized.

>> hundreds of thousands of people have returned to their homes. but senator buono does not want to celebrate that. as far as insurance companies, those in new jersey are regulated by new jersey have stood up to pay the claims it is the national flood insurance plan part of the big government blow to washington d.c. that took over an entire industry shows you why government should not be in charge of these things as are private industry should be in charge >> host: we thought it would be a good idea to get the students involved. [applause] >> so here's a student from billion patterson to ask a question and her name is lisa and is a senior majoring in biology in her question will go to senator buono first. >> good evening. according to then new jersey spot light.com over the past decade and has dramatically cut funding for public

higher education as a direct result colleges have raised tuition cash strapped students what we do to make higher education more affordable for students and families? >> that is a huge priority of mine. put myself through college and law school on my own since i was 19 and i would not be standing here running for governor if i did have good public institution of higher learning right here of rutgers law school but we cannot do it today is over 40,000 and there's something wrong with that pitcher the jobs require more education and training we need to put a higher education as a priority this governor kaine to office and cut funding of rwanda and 73 billion the cost of rockers is up 14 percent as first four years in office when i am

governor i will make higher education a priority because all of the orchids middle-class of the working poor deserve the right to live up to their full potential also. >> i appreciate your question and instead of just talking about it we done something. for 25 years to jersey had not invested capital monday in institutions like william patterson or others. new laboratories, and knows steve expansion to more people could go here. that is wrong. we're in the midst of a 1.$3 billion investment in our state colleges and universities. 156 different projects funded across the street to expand laboratory space, some space so more kids can come to new jersey and can afford college in new jersey. this is the big difference you can talk about it but the senators but in the legislature 20 years and never did anything became

into office and have done something by investing 1. $3 billion. i am proud of that it will give more students opportunity to go to school if they want within the discipline and they want to the 21st century way. >> host: right now we like to give each candidate to ask each other a question. senator buono? >> of order if humans the supreme court gutted the voting rights act that protect poor and minority right to vote for or at the time he wrasse numerous times what your opinion was city failed to respond now republican governors are restricting the rights of the poor and minority voters to exercise their right to vote. are you ready to give an opinion was a supreme court long to get the voting rights act. >> and i your talking about other republican governors but not this one because this one has not moved 1 inch to restrict people's

right to vote in fact, we have made sure people have a full opportunity to vote. tonight people are voting in new jersey vote by mail is not now people can vote as we speak. instead of giving opinions of conduct show what my record is we're encouraging people to go and we want people to vote in the november 5th i want as many people out there as we possibly can we're looking forward to that photo and the result. >> host: your question governor. >> we chronicled your 154 votes to raise taxes and fees is there one of them that you regret? >>. [laughter] >> governor you know, that any administration including yourself past defined revenue to support the budget but the difference is the peyser and how they pay for it to cave in to office

to raise the property tax on the middle-class you raise taxes on the working pork you raise the fares for commuters. the fact of the matter is i will never balance my budget on the back of the working poor in the middle class has you did. whole tenure is to support and protect millionaires at the expense of the middle-class. you are the last person to a talk about taxes to anyone. [cheers and applause] >> host: this is a good time to move on to the lightning rod for the speed round. senator have you ever voted for a republican and if so who? >> no. [laughter] >> host: governor? >> i am not but i am hopeful [laughter] >> host: senator one feel like about the governor. >> he is good on my night tv

[laughter] >> host: governor? >> she is obviously a good and caring mother and cares deeply about public service and while we have policy disagreements i would never denigrate her service icing we need more people who care about our communities to stand up to do the job. [applause] [cheers and applause] >> host: weeder view be comfortable to make your medical records public? >>. >> host: we have a very feisty crow tonight but we have to remind our audience it does inhibit the candidates to hear the question then takes away time to respond so we will tear after words. which to be comfortable making their records public

they were fit to serve four more years. >> listen i am happy to make the medical records public. the fact is that people see if your fit for the job if you can do the job or nine people have watched me over the last four years to the job under difficult circumstances i come to our everyday and work as hard as i can for the people of this date for both people our concerned about my health i will show the report any time they ask. . .

writer ship is expected to grow significantly. estimated 38% by 2013. there are many proposals out there, the gateway project, a possible extension of the seventh. what is your particular plan to handle that increase, and would you put your political capitol

behind one of these plans? >> not only would i put my political capitol behind the plan, we have put actual capitol behind the plan, contributed money with the state of new york to have engineering studies at the extension of the number seven. we are working with amtrak on the gateway tunnel. and so we absolutely believe. but here is the criteria which of the seven and a gateway have done directly to me. it needs to allow people once they get to new york city to get to someplace else. the dark tunnel was going to the basement of macy's, eight floors below $2 billion on the terminal on and the cost was 35 billion. and the deal negotiated made new jersey sold responsible for all of the cost overrides, not the federal government, not the state of new york. in fact and of the state and city of new york paid nothing.

a tunnel that goes to new york city, but not one paid for solely on the backs of the people of new jersey. if the york once a partner with us, we are ready to do it. >> do you have a plan, and can you be specific? >> absolutely. this is another example of ten putting his natural ambitions ahead of what is good for new jersey. the conservative base of the republican party does not like big infrastructure plans. you don't have to wonder why we have the highest unemployment in the region. this would have provided 40,000 permanent jobs, not to mention 6,000 construction jobs. the government accounting office came out. a new cost estimate that shows that new jersey was going to have to pay for cost overruns which was shown not to be true. this exhortation to cut transportation secretary came to me to try to allay fears that this governor was convinced needed to do this to preserve

his viability as a candid for republican governor, and we all know it. >> our next question. >> governor, there have been serious questions about the competence of rutgers university president in the wake of a scandal which led to the firing of the basketball coach and a top lawyer for the university, the forced resignation of the athletic director and the hiring of a director who many believe in retrospect is not suited for the job. what is behind your unwavering support of a man who some say has mishandled several scandals under his watch? >> my support is because he was the best man for the job. he continues to be. he has shepherded this university through the largest public institution merger in the history of the united states. in one year he brought forward the merger of records and human dna to take it from $0.50 in

research dollars to 22nd. he is a bright man, a brilliant professor, and a great leader. most of these problems that you reference happened before even got there, and when he did get their he doubled it in a forthright way. i support him because he is the best man for the job and leading rockers from good to great. >> senator. >> i could not disagree more. i have lost confidence. he admitted that he did not look at the video that showed this athletic director of using, of abusing his students. i am proud of rafters and think that unfortunately the reputation was dragged through the mud, headline after headline. if i were governor i would have had them all in my office and settled it from the get go, and it would not have gone on for as long as it had. he has shown -- he is the

opposite of a brilliant leader, a man who has fallen down on the job time and time again and unfortunately the reputation of wreckers has suffered. >> the fact is very simple. win there was an athletic director put in charge of supervising this coach fee left the athletic director to handle it, delegation of responsibility. the athletic director mated judgment. it was proven to be wrong and a director resigned. the judge was terminated. now we have moved forward. to that is wrong. >> senator, the opiate problem is exploding in the new jersey suburbs. what strategy do you think will stem it and what are you

committed to doing about it? >> i used to be a public defender. i have been involved in many, many criminal cases. you are right that the misuse of prescription drugs is endemic. it is even in our suburbs more so. we need to hold doctors accountable for over prescribing it, and i think that we need to ensure that -- we need to have oversight over pharmacies to make sure that people to not go to multiple pharmacies and try and get these drugs that are incredibly addictive. we need to have of comprehensive plan to address this because it is not going away. >> governor christie, you have one minute. >> this is another area of our record that i am extremely proud of. i was a prosecutor for seven years before governor. what i know is that drug addiction is an illness, a disease. when need to treat the disease. that is why i put forward a plan

to end mandatory prison sentence for first-time non-violent drug offenders and make treatment mandatory. we are facing that plan in over five years. we are two years into it. every county in the state will have the opporunity for first-time non-violent offenders to get the treatment. no life is disposable. will we need to do is beyond the treatment side of this to make sure those people who have these problems can be given the tools to deal with them and become better fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters. that is the way you deal with it . make treatment more available. that is what we have done in a bipartisan way. >> another student here at william paterson university that would like to ask both of you a question. her question will go to the governor first. >> good evening. as of august 2013 the

unemployment rate for the state of new jersey was at eight and a half% compared to a national average. what do you propose to do about jobs in this state, especially for graduating college students such as myself? >> we have done is have the unemployment rate go down over 1% just in the last year. in 2012 new jersey had its greatest year of private sector job growth since the year 2000. and 143,000 new private-sector jobs have been created. we have more work to do. we have to make the tax structure more affordable so people have more money. we need to make sure that we invest in higher education, as we are doing. the capitol investment. so when they go to college they can now wind up being better trained and prepared for the new jobs of the 21st century. this merger is already showing that we will get more research

dollars into this date which will create more jobs. that is why we need to do, make tax is more affordable, more investment in higher education and more partnerships with the private sector. >> senator, one minute. >> 400,000 out of work, the highest unemployment and the lowest of creation in the region. new jersey dropped and rankings as a good place to do business. we are one of the ten worst states to do business and. normal class has shrunk. poverty is that a 52-year high. we need to take a different course, chart a different course from this governors failed romney-style trickle-down economics of giving tax credits to corporations that has not worked. we have landed at the bottom of the barrel. my economic plan recognizes that we have to grow our economy from the middle class out. that means that we invest in our students in schools and small businesses but direct some of those tax credits and help to

small businesses, so many of whom are small and minority-owned. we need to find innovative ways to find our infrastructure because we know that a strong infrastructure -- >> we're out of time. name one. >> we ask both of you to limit this to 30 seconds. senator, if managers you were to allow parents to obtain vouchers to send their children to public or private school, where this undermine our system of public education or force the needed improvements and underperforming districts? >> it would undermine it. i am proud graduate of public-school. this governor is over reliant on vouchers. he believes that public schools are not worth fixing and he could not be more wrong. i believe if you build up our public schools by finding them according to the school funding

reform act and by closing the achievement gap by investing in preschool. we know that is what works. >> thirty seconds. >> listen. it is clear to me. we have 200 families schools in new jersey and there's only one candidate on this stage he says it is not a bad percentage, and that is senator barbara buono. we need to change what is going on in our family schools. creating competition, but most importantly to give those parents and children a choice to walk out of the failure factories and reach their god-given potential. children should be put before the interest of adults. [applause] >> believe it are not it is time for closing statements already. by coin toss, governor christie, you go first. >> folks, thank you for sponsoring tonight. i am a proud, proud new jersey

in. and remember going up in livingston. my mother used to tell my brother and sister and i, be yourself because tomorrow you won't have to worry about trying to remember who you pretended to be yesterday. for four years i have been myself for the people of new jersey, told them the truth about the problems we had, inheriting a $13 billion deficit and balancing of without raising taxes on anyone, making sure we have the most education funding ever and reaching across the aisle in bipartisan ways to bring solutions. that is why i am in dallas by 49 democratic elected officials. that is why we have been able to get things done in trenton to compared to what is going on in washington d.c. but i promise you if you give me another four years is i will be myself, tell you the truth, work as hard as i can because there is no greater honor or privilege i could ever ask for them to be the governor of the state where i was born and raised. >> my father came to this country when he was --

>> who will start it again. >> my father came to this country when he was three years old. his parents, my grandparents did not speak any english and had little formal education but knew that there sun would have opportunity. said today their daughter is an italian and a grant to running for governor. that is the american dream, the belief that no matter what your circumstance, your children can have the hope for a better tomorrow. that fight is i am running. four years ago we had the highest unemployment in the region. today with 400,000 out of work we still do. it is time to put new jersey first, bring good jobs back to new jersey and put new jersey first. i am going to be the kind of governor them will do that. i will lift up the middle class, but new jersey back on the road to prosperity. the whale do that is the way that has always worked, building up a strong middle-class. thank you very much.

>> we would like to thank the candidates for being here this evening. i wanted thank my colleagues for being here with me. i would also like to thank william paterson university for hosting us this evening. a reminder to everyone, election day is tuesday. your vote does count. for now, i'm kristine johnson. join us on cbs two in new york and cbs three in philadelphia for the news at 11:00. have a good evening. [inaudible conversations] >> the shutdown has affected much of the federal government, including the national parks. for more about how the park closures are affecting visitors and tourism we talk with president of the national parks conservation association. >> it is there really incredibly awful situation. as you know, the national parks have been suffering from

underfunding for several years. with a sequestered we have been seeing park closures, late openings, really throughout this year. in fact, i great example is acadia national park which normally opens in april. it is an important part of the season. this year because of the sequestered there were not able to open until mid may. just local businesses alone lost about $30 million in revenue. to see another season, many people remember the government shut down last time. this time it is much worse because this is busy season for so many of the national parks, concessionaires moving millions of dollars a day, this is an incredible head for our local communities and for those that depend on the national parks. >> if you go to the end -- in cpa website you can see the running to occur of the cost of the park shut down to the local

economies. there is also a page we can show you that your group put together which photos the shutdown had different parks. according to the national park service 401 national park sites are closed. over 20,000 for lunch staff, 3,000 staff to and essential, 715,000 park visitors per day turned away, 450,000 in lost federal revenue, 300,000 lost entrance fees, 150,000 in of the lost spending. of the 715,000 park visitors turned away, who makes that decision, how and why they are turned away? >> under the federal shut down congress basically has shut down the federal government. and so what that has caused is of the national parks must close their doors. as you can imagine, the national park service is responsible for the protection of our national parks and public safety. and so when they have to

furlough 85% of their workers' they do not have the staff to keep the parks open and to maintain and provide the type of public safety and assurances that people of a visiting can count on. all of the 401 national parks were required to close. >> the national park service director joined us on the phone last week and talked about the decision to allow veterans access to the world war ii memorial after there were not allowed to see the memorial. let's play that and have you respond. >> it is open to veterans that are arriving as a part of the first amendment activities. we know that the decision is a closure of the 401 national parks across the country, we would still honor first amendment activities on the national mall, on the lips and on the grounds at independence in philadelphia because these are probably the most important sites for the exercise of the

first amendment of the constitution and particularly in these troubling times. american citizens want to exercise that right, so we need to respect. we have recognized that these honor flights for our world war ii veterans are basically exercising their first amendment. other than that the memorial as well as the other monuments are closed. >> what about his explanation? >> that was so important and we are pleased to be able to do that. that is critical. a lifetime visit, to be able to see the very memorial that honored their service and not to be able to get in is just outrageous. the fact there were able to do that and indicate the support and services they needed was a great thing. >> what is the difference between that group and any tories to is exercising their rights under the constitution to

garcia memorial. >> a huge challenge and difficult decision that i'm sure is being made. we have to follow the -- furlough 85 percent of the staff, you just can't physically open everything without the federal government. as you recall, they have been underfunded. the sequester hit hard. they get 13 percent budget cuts. they are already dealing with less staff and more difficulty in managing the national parks. then you add a federal closure. how can it possibly open across the country? >> let's hear what mark sanford had to say, on the floor recently talking about this shut down compared to last time. >> but it turns out there are some things i did not know about the lincoln memorial. i have become so agitated ask the tories to take a picture and they said amazing picture of the

lincoln memorial without people. because what i have come to learn is it has always been a place with people. i did not realize that in the last government shut down president clinton elected not to close down the lincoln memorial. i did not realize, there have been 17 shut downs in this country since 1976 and not one president elected to close down the lincoln memorial. that means president ford, carter, reagan, bush, and clinton each when given the discretion in how they would handle a shutdown chose not to hold americans hostage in somehow gaining political favor by shut down that would hurt them on their door to washington d.c. in fact, what i can to learn is in the history of the american republic the lincoln memorial has never been shut down.

and so my simple question would be why. >> is that true? the shutdown compared to last, the lincoln memorial was not barricaded. >> none of us remember just a few months ago, the vandalism occurred. and as we know, these monuments are susceptible to that kind of action, right now given the kind of barricades' that do exist, many of the monuments were barricaded. a very difficult. it did not have the physical structures that are in place now . the reality is all of these places should be open. national parks need to be open. the federal government needs to take action. a decision that was unsure very difficult, but the fact that the

federal government does not have -- they have not approved a budget in many years and we continue to see these funding impacts. >> the decision does lie with the president during a government shut down? >> the reality is, the national park service had to furlough 85% of their staff, so they don't have the staff to manage these incredible resources. there job is to protect these treasures for all of us and future generations. we know that increased vandalism has already begun across the country because they don't have the staffing to protect them. it is a difficult decision, but we see vandalism occur. you take away the kind of support and protection that the park service is able to provide and it is a difficult choice. >> the house last week took a piecemeal approach to opening of the government. one component was time find the national park service. did you support that?

>> we need legislation that will open up the federal government and deal to open parks permanently. not short term or just until december. the local economies, gateway communities that depend on the national parks, vacationers, winnings were canceled. people need certainty. when the long term solution. >> coming up on the next washington channel the latest on the government shut down with congressman tom cole of oklahoma, member of the appropriations and budget committee. we then hear from representative don edwards on the speaker's efforts to create a super committee on the budget and spending issues. the president insisted that the government be reopened before negotiations. later, look at the impact of the shutdown outside washington d.c. live every morning starting at 7:00 a.m. eastern on c-span.

>> this columbus day weekend but tv is live in nashville. you can kick off the festival friday at 1:00 p.m. eastern. life this weekend on book tv on c-span2. don't forget to read our october book club selection. >> you're watching c-span2 with politics and public affairs weekdays featuring live coverage of the u.s. senate.

on weeknights watch keep public policy of vance and every weekend l.a. this nonfiction authors and books on book tv. you can see past programs and get our schedule and our website and join in that conversation on social media sites. >> state department and defense officials testified at a senate hearing about terrorists operating in somalia and death threats they pose to the u.s. and other countries. testimony focused on the group al shibani responsible for the attack on a shopping mall in nairobi, kenya. this hearing is two hours. >> i am pleased to call to order this hearing of the african affairs subcommittee. let me at the outset say that in this government shut down i think it remains critical that

we fulfill our constitutional duty in a bipartisan manner to examine ongoing and pressing national security issues. i also think that the shutdown, as we will examine in this hearing is having a significant potentially greater impact on our ability to execute effective diplomacy, provide meaningful development assistance, analyzes intelligence in a timely and thoughtful way and no one of africa and elsewhere. so i think it is relevant to our current state to have this hearing today and am grateful for the cooperation of the full committee chairman and ranking. as we work together to help somalia chart a course, i think it is additionally helpful for us to provide a strong example of a functioning democracy that we can be proud of here,. i would like to welcome, as i

mentioned, the ranking member and other members of the committee he may join us and our distinguished witnesses. our first panel, linda thomas-greenfrield, amanda dory, and nancy lindborg. on our second panel we will have andre le sage, abdi aynte -- and thank you for the effort involved in your travel here to join us today. and e.j. hogenboorn, deputy director for africa at the international crisis group. thank you to all of our witnesses. i know in several of your cases it was difficult.

today's hearing comes almost exactly two decades after the battle of mogadishu in which 18 americans were killed in providing vital humanitarian assistance to somalia. following the u.s. withdraw that occurred after that and after 20 years of state collapsed, lawlessness, and general difficulties, recent developments as given us significant reasons to be helpful. prod progress is due in no small part to the security gains made by a amisom consisting of national troops. amisom has deprived territory and revenue creating much needed to create a functioning state. this ability has allowed somalia to form an elected government which was officially recognized by the united states last year. as our witnesses will testify, much progress has been made significant challenges remain.

frustrated with the failure to provide basic services and the humanitarian situation remains severe. this year, more than 2 million somalis without adequate food access. a reminder of the very fragile situation. recognizing these matters cannot be fully dressed without a functioning state in the somalia people are frustrated. the government has 36 months to complete the constitution, conduct a constitutional referendum and all national actions. increased security has provided the foundation for the stability of governance, but as a significant attack demonstrates there is capability of operation within and outside of the borders. the constant targeting requires our attention and resources, and as we consider what it means for somalia it is worthy of extra attention today. this is why i will soon

introduce a resolution condemning the attack and reaffirming u.s. support for kenya and regional efforts to counter terrorism. this hearing is an opportunity to consider u.s. support to help somalia gained and security and governance. our country is provided nearly 700 million in support for the army in addition to the 140 million to support stabilization of democracy and economic growth. despite these investments i am concerned our strategy has not kept pace with changing realities on the ground, particularly concerns about governance and intends to introduce legislation requiring the administration to present a somalia strategy to congress which i hope the can discuss in more detail today. i am pleased to welcome linda thomas-greenfrield for her first hearing before being confirmed to her post and expressed gratitude to abdi aynte from traveling from mogadishu to be here with us today and for all the witnesses were the skills

and background you bring to the hearing. >> i think the chairman and appreciate you making a sacrifice to be here and some challenges with the shot down. obviously that geographical john's is. thank you for being here. the events of the past week indicate u.s. interest is continually threatened in somalia. nearly 20 years to the day after the battle of mogadishu unfortunately known as "black hawk down" u.s. special forces risked their lives. yet 20 years later it seems that the same problems that plagued somalia earlier since the collapse of the central government in 1991 and perhaps even a fork continued to play today. today's hearing will provide us with an excellent opportunity to evaluate current u.s. policy toward the government which the

u.s. government recognizes for the first time earlier this year , significant and we need to make sure that leads to something positive. it is encouraging that the recognition occurred. in any to make sure, like i said, it is moving in the right direction. the threat posed by al shabaab niece to be assessed, especially in the wake of the nairobi terrorist attack in the past couple of weeks. lastly, the assistance of the u.s. provided to somalia for development and security needs to be examined to ensure tax dollars spend go to support u.s. objectives there. this hearing today i feel is important and a for step to help in assuring that in another 20 years we've all been hearing reports of u.s. special forces risking their lives again in somalia. i look forward to hearing from the witness today and thank you for pushing forward on this. it is a good show that we're

still having hearings and moving forward, even with the shot down. thank you for being here. >> thank you. we will move to our first panel of witnesses. we encourage you to keep opening comments to five minutes, but we are here to your from you. >> good afternoon. chairman, ranking member, it is my pleasure to appear before you today to talk about somalia. this is my first hearing since taking over my position about two months ago and really is important for me because as assistant secretary for african affairs somalia will remain a top foreign-policy priority for the part mistake as it has for the obama administration. this past year marks significant changes in somalia and our bilateral relationships, the election of the president was no

welcome signal. this was made possible in part because of the international community support for the peace process and the role of our regional partners, notably the african union and intergovernmental authority and development. on january 17th we formally recognized the federal government of somalia after two decades of transitional government. they're work to rebuild the state head. the successes of the african union mission in somalia and strategic partners to come back and eviscerate al shabaab are demonstrating the sense of an african-led model. nonetheless, this somalia based al qaeda affiliate remains a

dangerous presence. the all too familiar attack for which al shabaab has taken credit is a chilling example of the challenges for somalia and the region. the attacks suggest buying into extremism in the horn of africa may be evolving and makes clear that the al shabaab presents a threat to u.s. partner nations in east africa, american citizens, and u.s. interest in that region and elsewhere. al shabaab must be stopped. the federal government must increase its capacity to counter al shabaab, unify a fractured political system and provide basic services. for all of this the government of somalia needs are support and much more. our primary interest in somalia is to help the people build a peaceful nation that is stable, with a stable government that is able to ensure civil society,

security, and services for citizens. this leads me to turn to what our policy engagement as. prior to our recognition of the federal government, our policy had three primary elements, provide support for african union mission in somalia or amisom as it is commonly known, and a strategic partner to combat al shabaab and provide political space for the government to operate. a second, we wanted to respond to the humanitarian crisis and initiate stabilization where possible. third, we wanted to promote our dual track policy. post transition the three elements of our somali policy have evolved as follows. we continue to support amisom is

the primary stabilizing force. as we expand our assistance to the national army to build the institution on operational capacity from fiscal year 2007 through fiscal year 2013 we approximated $512 million in support of amisom. in addition. during the same time we obligated more than 170 million to support the national army to counter al shabaab more effectively. we have shifted focus from humanitarian crisis response focusing on security and stability when the foundation for economic recovery through development focused programming. in fyi 2012 and 13 we provided nearly $140 million in funding to support somalia's stabilization, democracy, and economic growth activity.

third, our dual track approach concluded with the successful completion of the peace process and recognition of the federal government. the united states has underscored the importance of not reach end engagement with the regional administration to form the federal spring board. he will continue to fund humanitarian assistance and civil society programs with an objective of improving regional collaboration toward federalism. our assistance includes an emphasis on human rights, accountability, child soldier prevention, countering human trafficking and budget transparency and fiscal management. the tragic and cowardly attack on innocent civilians at the west gate mall has underscored vulnerabilities in the horn of africa and demonstrates that al shabaab has a cable network in east africa and is willing to

carry out attacks outside of somalia. asserted pressure from amisom and the somalia national army has weakened the ability to wage conventional military offenses and to hold territory inside somalia. we attribute the success to the african-led model for achieving greater stability in somalia. however, al shabaab can still conduct destabilizing actions in east africa. the department is working closely with our regional partners on counter-terrorism efforts and are reviewing internally what further resources we can provide to shore up amisom in further support their efforts, secure the border of somalia and its neighbors and contribute to the international effort to shape the national army into a cohesive, professional, and effective force. for the united states to effectively engage in these complex issues understand local dynamics, build relationships and manage our expanding

programs, we eventually need to establish a permanent u.s. diplomatic presence there. ultimately it is the security conditions that will dictate when we can establish a more permanent presence and recognize that the time is not right for that at this time. however, we are moving in that direction. our current posture allows for a nairobi-based diplomatic team to travel to the somali capital and other key regions with increased frequency and duration as security conditions permit. building political cooperation among somalia regions and plans in support of the free-market is essential if autocracy, economic growth, and security are truly to take hold in somalia. this is a message that was emphasized during a washington meeting with secretary perry, secretary hegel, national security adviser rice and me

when i met with him in new york. we see signs that they are meaningfully engaging. the federal government signed accords on august 22nd recognizing that a regional entity and mapping away afford to become a federal state. the federal government introduced a road map to the 2016 elections that the focus on political inclusion and security . and mogadishu in somalia land came to an agreement on regulating air space, a step toward wider reconciliation ultimately the development of participatory, accountable, and representative government institutions to respond to the needs of the somali people will secure the country's future. we are committed to working with the government and people of somalia to help them realize that vision. thank you. >> thank you very much, madame secretary, and i look forward to

a round of questions on the topic. if i might next, to be secretary amanda dory, we look forward to your testimony. >> chairman, ranking member, distinguished members of the subcommittee and staff, thank you for the opportunity to appear today to update you on the department of defense role vis-a-vis somalia and the way ahead there. the united states, as you know, has not maintained an official military relationship with somalia since the early 1990's in large part because there is not a u.s. recognized government in somalia until 2013. the recognition in january 2013, the department of defense in close cooperation and coordination with the state department seeks to develop a normalized military to military -- military-to-military relationship with the somalia national security forces. working for 20 years in civil

war, as all have acknowledged. since 2006 al shabaab has led the violent insurgency first against the former transitional federal government and now against the federal government of somalia and amisom forces. today will forces have weekend al shabaab. however, al shabaab is still dangerous incapable of conducting sophisticated and conventional attacks to disrupt amisom operations and the somali government. recent events in nairobi and mogadishu are sobering reminder. we must maintain focus on somalia to maintain security progress made today, as al shabaab is likely to remain the primary threat to somalia and east african stability for some time to come. the significant gains achieved by amisom forces have been

critical in providing space for the political process that resulted in the transition to government now officially recognized. somalia faces many challenges ahead but is moving forward not positive path that was hard to imagine five years ago. as military to military relations mature and are normalized, the department of defense three u.s.-africa command will work with the state department to design security cooperation activities to assist with the development of a unified security force. there have also been tremendous gains at sea in and around the horn of africa. piracy has virtually been eliminated in the area. the united states relies on the unhindered use and access of the seas to ensure economic well-being. as recently as 2011 somali pirates held nearly 600 mariner hostages aboard 28 captured ships in an area the size of the

united states. today thanks to changes in business practices by the commercial maritime industry and the presence of international naval forces, piracy is almost non existent off the coast of somalia. department of defense approach to the region and somalia reflects the u.s. national security strategy vis-a-vis sub-saharan africa and strategic guidance. focusing in particular on advancing peace and security by working with partners to address security threats and shared concerns and create an environment which enables prude governance and sustainable, broad base development. looking forward, the department of defense will work in conjunction the state department and other government agencies to provide security assistance to build the capacity of the somalia security institutions including the ability to counter terrorism, secure borders and coastline and reinforcing democratic values and the rule

of law. additionally we continue to work with the state department to support amisom and their efforts . amisom represents an important success story in which forces have collaborated to progressively regain territory working in collaboration with the national army as well as ethiopian sources. the united states and other international partners have provided critical training and assistance to facilitate these efforts. once appropriations are approved for department of defense fiscal year 2014 would be the first in 20 years in which the department of defense is able to support somalia national security forces directly. they put in place as senior military representative who perform this a role similar to that of a defense attache and

will increase our presence in tandem with the state department . department of defense personnel are participating in the joint security committee led by the somali government and the defense working group led by the united nations and again the basis. moreover, we have made a concerted effort to increase key leader engagements with the officials. this summer the commander of u.s. africa, made his initial visit. additionally secretary hazel hosted the president of somalia and is chief of defense at the pentagon at the end of september these face-to-face in agents have been critical in identifying and better understanding security needs and concerns. in conclusion it will continue present a complex set of challenges. however, with sustained assistance from the united states and other international partners and national security apparatus will be better positioned to fend off the

insurgency and gradually transform their fragile state into a success story. thank you for your enduring support to our men and women in uniform and our dedicated team of civilian professionals. we look forward to working with you. thank you. >> thank you very much. >> good afternoon. thank-you. i appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today. most importantly your ongoing support for the assistance programs that make a difference in the lives of millions. when i last testified in front of this committee that was as the worst drought had plunged more than 13 million people in the region into crisis, and after the july 20th you in declaration. at the height of that crisis

4 million somalis survival depended upon receiving emergency assistance, and although the entire region suffered, only in somalia did the dry resulting famine a failed state and the presence of armed terrorists based on the deaths of hundreds of thousands of somalis. famines don't happen in democracies. so two years later it is a remarkable story we are telling right now that there is their first legitimate central government since 1991. the democratically elected president and parliament, and i am pleased to report that just recently i was in brussels where 58 countries gathered in support of a compact that focuses not on famine but peace and prosperity. the recent tragic attack

underscores the need to reaffirm our commitment to helping somalia on this pathway to peace and prosperity and economic growth and providing alternatives to violent extremism. since 1991 the work in somalia has been defined by a prolonged complex humanitarian emergency. however, over the past five years u.s. aid has been able to increase our support in five key areas for transition and most importantly in 2012 the efforts supported the formation of the first national government in 22 years. with other donors provided logistic support, constitutional experts to help convene elders and representatives from a cross-section of society into a constituent assembly. partners mounted a massive civic education campaign to mobilize support for the constitution

drafting process and its eventual adoption by the constituent assembly. this assembly elected new members of parliament have been selected the new president through a democratic process. globally we see that the greatest poverty and insecurity persists in weekend fragile states that are plagued by stubborn conflict. in 2011 a group of 19 self identified conflict affected states established a new framework for helping countries climb out of protracted conflict called the new deal for engagement of fragile states. this calls for a clear focus on five key piece building and state building goals, including legitimate politics, security, justice, economic foundations, and revenues and services. the contact that we all just endorsed with the government sets us on a road map to achieve

goals with very clear benchmarks from the federal constitution by 2015, credible elections by 2016, 30 percent quota for female participation, state security institutions and so forth. the deal hinges firmly on mutual accountability and a state society relationship based on inclusion and dialogue. this specifically means involving previously marginalized populations, broad civil society and vital dialogue with regional entities like somaliland. this approach recognizes that security and development and government are deeply intertwined. today security levels are at the lowest point since before the 2011 drought. yet three key challenges remain.

these are fragile. we have ongoing humanitarian needs with 870,000 people still in crisis. insecurity has al shabaab and other armed groups continue to limit access and thirdly access which is vital to carrying out continuing humanitarian efforts and expanding development actions. finally, the challenge to not only to conflict and we governance but the severe weather shocks that are coming, so it is impossible for communities to escape the cycles of crisis. as we have done in other parts of the horn, u.s. aid is focused not just on saving lives with building resilience so that communities and better prepared for and able to recover from the next shock, like the drought of 2011. ultimately the somali people must be the primary architect for peace, democracy, and development, and somalia would

not have the opportunity it has today or it not for than many members of the community in and outside of the country are making a daily decision to focus on a future built on the open peace rather than conflict and despair. we know the road is long, the challenge steep. this will not be fast nor easy, but with the specific commitments of the new deal, the road map with the specific commitments and continued focus by the people in the government of somalia, we believe that right now represents the best chance for peace in two decades. u.s. will remain a committed partner. thank you, and i look forward to questions. >> thank you very much. i think we will do seven minutes. thank you tom of the members. the first panel for your testimony and, frankly, for it starting by focusing on the enormous progress that has been

made in the last two years since he first testified. in a reminder that there has been progress in dealing with the famine and humanitarian crisis, piracy which has been dramatically curtailed and making steady progress toward a legitimate state recognized by the united states and lange the platform from progress toward a federal state structure and moving forward with dealing with some of the unresolved constitutional issues. how would like to ask first what impact is the current federal government shut down having on your ability, your department's abilities or stations abilities to review and improve programs cannot carry out and deliver needed development, diplomacy, intelligence, or other defense related services. and word is shut down to continue, what does impact strengthen or become more pronounced? >> if i may start.

thank you for that question. i can say, and i am sure my colleagues will agree the shutdown has had an enormous impact on our ability to coordinate foreign policy within the interagency framework, as some of our colleagues are on furlough and not available for us to coordinate with or speak with. it is important if we are to have an interagency process that everyone is at the table. we are also not in a position to travel. in the case of travel to somalia , that is a 2-sided problem because security, people and not traveling. had there not been a security issue they still could not travel because we have a travel moratorium. thirdly, our ambassadors are not able to host events that build on the critical relationships that we need to develop to do our jobs. we are unable also, an important part is we are not able to out monitor our systems.

the senator mentioned the large amount of taxpayer dollars going into supporting somalia. we feel responsible for those taxpayer dollars. in order to ensure they're going when they need to go, we need to be able to get out in the field and monitor. the shutdown will certainly impact as well. headed. >> civilian employees in particular for the first week of the shutdown were affected. that significantly diminished our ability to operate across the department on all key areas where their acquisition, personal readiness, training, policy development. there also are unexpected ways with a shutdown in packs, for example, the inability to make cash expenditures.

that could be fine if you're thinking about cash expenditures to entertain a visiting delegation that could be sent to the side temporarily, but when it comes to aircraft, paying fees of various kinds, they're refueling in overseas locations and you are unable to expand cash, that is a small example of a limitation imposed by the shutdown. perhaps most fundamentally, the absence of understanding for fiscal 14 what are planning levels are to work with which impedes the longer-term business in the somalia context, what title ten department of defense resources entitled 22 state department resources will be available to be brought to bear weather vis-a-vis somalia or any other country in the region. >> i would add to that, we are in a critical time as we move

toward these important milestones that will be critical for seizing this moment for helping somalia move forward. this is an effort the united states is doing in close partnership with the international community. there are a number of important meetings that we are constrained in being able to participate in at the moment where we want to be a table to talk about the importance of accountable transparent governance and a functioning government, we are not able to be there. in addition to the constraints of travel and our ability to work with the inner agency because of furloughs. ..

>> overall it has gotten very little attention in the domestic u.s. press, but compared to what was the condition in somalia a year or two a go, this has been a truly outstanding success of a model based eight you, and a cheery. i would be interested in what you see is the lesson learned and what we should be expecting going forward for this as well. >> thank you very much for that question. i do think that the model is a