Ben Cardin: “On November 7, the voters in Maryland and all around the Nation voted for change. Ten new Senators were elected to this…”

“On November 7, the voters in Maryland and all around the Nation voted for change. Ten new Senators were elected to this body, six defeating incumbents. After serving the people of Maryland for 20 years in the House of Representatives, I am honored that they have sent me here, to the other side of the Capitol, where I will continue to fight on their behalf. The voters in Maryland and across the Nation sent a clear message on November 7: It's time for a change. Our constituents want things done differently in Washington. They want their interests put before the special interests. Therefore, it is appropriate that the Senate's first order of business is ethics legislation that will bring greater transparency and fairness to the political process in Washington and help restore the American people's confidence in their Government. The American people also called for a reordering of our priorities. They want Congress to respond to the needs of families fighting for the American dream. They want their children to have a better chance at that dream, and they know that achieving it is impossible without stronger communities, access to quality health care, and better educational opportunities. They want to raise their families in an energy-independent Nation with cleaner air and water. They want a country that respects the rights of all, and that celebrates and embraces our diversity. But the loudest cry in November was the call for a change in our policies in Iraq.”