the globe, not just in russia. across eastern europe and many parts of central asia as well. representing the united states and our ideals abroad means being able to actually have meaningful, person-to-person exchanges with local communities and build the relationship that will help us combat putin's misinformation apparatus. it means we can talk to local press in country to clarify misunderstandings and communicate directly with local -- with a local population about what we actually stand for. it means having the most accurate and understanding real time security information so the united states can respond quickly and appropriately. today we're not operating at full compass knit this regard when it comes to russia, and frankly, we cannot afford to keep looking the threat of russia and putin in the face and refusing not to do everything we can about it. we have heard many times that the russian people themselves have great concern and great an tagism to putin and his leadership. we need to have skilled people, fluent in the language, understanding the culture there, and the frontlines of our efforts to e