The following is the transcript of the interview with Rep. Jim Himes, Democrat of Connecticut, that aired on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on Oct. 12, 2025. MARGARET BRENNAN: We're joined now by Connecticut Congressman Jim Himes. He is the top Democrat on the Intelligence Committee. Good to have you here. You are a House lawmaker in town, but I want to talk to you about your intelligence portfolio.
Main Idea: Rep. Jim Himes said the Trump administration is not doing enough to pressure Vladimir Putin, and he called recent U.S. boat strikes in the Caribbean illegal.
Key Points:
Shutdown delays pay for federal workers and National Guard members, while unclear Trump policy on Russia and Venezuela could raise legal and security risks for taxpayers and households.
Stronger pressure on Russia could reduce its war funding and help support Ukraine, which may improve broader energy and security stability.
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
Primary subject of the transcript; his views on Ukraine, Russia, Venezuela, and presidential authority are the main focus.
Central figure discussed throughout for policy toward Russia, Ukraine, and Venezuela.
Key country in the discussion of sanctions, oil installations, and the war in Ukraine.
Referenced as the body considering sanctions and being denied information on the strikes.
Major country in the discussion of U.S. strikes in the Caribbean and legal justification.
Major referenced foreign leader in the discussion of Russia policy and the war in Ukraine.
Relevant because Himes is a House lawmaker and House majorities are mentioned in the oversight discussion.
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Sign in to commentUsed as the comparison point for U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
Mentioned as part of the Ukraine policy discussion and recent calls with President Trump.
Mentioned alongside the House in the oversight and sanctions context.
Referenced as the operational region tied to the Caribbean strikes and military presence.
Interview host who frames the questions, but not a focus of the article.