Ben Cardin actually said...

"I advocated public statements by the Embassy to highlight areas of eroding respect by foreign governments of democratic institutions and norms."

"Russia's aggression really is a major concern to many of our NATO partners."

"I pushed the Government of Transition of Burkina Faso for timely elections during a sensitive time when some voices were considering a delay."

"We can no longer afford to simply manage our differences with China as Beijing continues to challenge U.S. power and disregard international norms."