Ben Cardin actually said...

"It is very clear that this administration is committed to the rebalance in Asia, meaning a stronger U.S. presence in that region on security issues."

"It seems to me that that region is going to be looking at that conference to judge the sincerity of the United States rebalancing strategy as far as security issues in Asia."

"I just think it is critically important that our foreign aid come with strings... that ensure that the money is being used to further our national interests."

"You recognized, by combining that with a basic human rights issue, we would not only accomplish two positive aspects but we would broaden the support for moving that legislation forward."