we have with us mr. brian kruse who serves for douglas county. and was recently reappointed for a third term. i've had the privilege of working with him to serve nebraskans for many years. he has come from omaha, nebraska to be with us today, as we have direct flights. thank you. >> thank you, madam chairman and ranking member fischer for your continued leadership on this committee. it is a pleasure to introduce secretary allen today at this hearing. wes allen serves as alabama's 54th secretary of state where he is our state's chief election official. hired to his current office, secretary allen spent a decade in pike county, alabama as probate judge, which is the county senior election official. he was then elected to the alabama house of representatives, where he served as the vice chair of the legislature's constitution campaign and election committees. secretary allen is honored to appear in this committee. thank you for being here. >> if the witnesses will stand and now raise their right hand. do you swear that the testimony -- give me a sec