WASHINGTON, May 23 (WE) — Secretary of State Mike Pompeo testified Wednesday that the Trump administration is "light years" ahead of the Obama administration in its position to prevent and respond to Russian interference in U.S. elections.

“There is a great deal of more work to do," Pompeo told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "Having said that, I am incredibly proud of the work that this administration has done in countering Russia. It is light years better than was done in the previous administration."

"We will not tolerate Russian interference in our 2018 elections," he added. "Rest assured, we will take the appropriate counter measures in response to the continued Russian efforts."

The top U.S. diplomat — just three weeks into his new position — added the threats America faces are less severe than those of allied nations.