Ben Cardin actually said...

"the United States has long been a Pacific power and I think it is critical that we continue to strengthen our existing alliances with Australia, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and we help these partners ..."

"I actually believe the region would be more stable and more peaceful if the United States has the capability and the commitment to live up to its security obligations."

"Clearly, intellectual property and cyber are security issues. There is no question about it."

"This hearing will deal with the defense and security challenges in the East Asia-Pacific region."