Ben Cardin actually said...

"I just hope you will keep us engaged at every stage."

"The challenges today are extreme. You have already pointed out some, but what I find the most alarming is the trend of decline of democratic states."

"It is clear--indeed, I believe, more than clear--that carefully planned strategically targeted foreign assistance can advance the national security, the economic, and humanitarian interests of the Uni..."

"At the same time, the region is struggling against the resurgence of authoritarianism from Cuba to Venezuela, and now the consolidation of the region's third dictatorship in Nicaragua."