Ben Cardin actually said...

"If we are going to make progress on environment, on labor, on basic human rights, good governance, et cetera, it really needs to be part of a core agreement in order for it to be taken seriously."

"We have worked to address these issues in TPP in a number of ways, generally on good governance through a series of transparency measures."

"I am going to ask you to give me an update as to how the negotiations are proceeding, because I know, when you are dealing with trade, you have a country's attention."

"I agree. And let me thank you for your help on the heavy truck issue in Colombia, how their regulations could undermine the exporting of heavy trucks into Colombia."