Ben Cardin actually said...

"Yes, beautiful area. Of course, that area right now is starting to get developed."

"I look forward to working with you."

"Lessons learned, as I see it, is that we have to have a strategy to make sure that our engagement does not reinforce the greed of corrupt leaders, and that was, I think, absent in Afghanistan."

"Thank you for your public service, and thank you for your willingness to serve in this critically important position."