ms. pletka when she worked for the later senate helms, crafting important counterterrorism legislation at a time when the threat of terrorism against americans was seen as remote to all but a few courageous legislators. we're also gratified to have with us washington bureau chief of the jewish telegraphic agency. ron campius covers these issues in the halls of government day in and day out. his blog, capitalj, is a must read for beltway insiders following politics and issues of importance to the jewish community. ron will give the floor to each of our panelists to open with a few remarks and engage them in discussion before he takes questions from the audience. please consider what questions you'll have. there are mics around the room. make sure when you ask a question that you give us your name and your region. thank you all for taking time to be with us today. [ applause ] >> our order today is going to be aaron, david, dani, add, appropriate considering both my profession and topic. so we're going to start with dani pletk -- aaron. sorry, i was looking at you. i told you. >> i have an