Ben Cardin actually said...

"It is important that you have your own independent funding sources in order to be able to do an accurate assessment."

"I think you have a particularly important role in the view of protecting the public interest."

"I would ask that this Committee be kept informed as those decisions are being made."

"On behalf of this Committee, do we have your assurance that if the independence and objectivity is not at the standard you think is right to protect the public, that this Committee will be notified so..."