Ben Cardin actually said...

"This hearing is particularly important as we talk about democratic transitions in Southeast Asia."

"I would just urge that we have to figure out a way to break through the bureaucracy of the State Department to make this a much higher priority than it is today."

"You just violated a tradition of the United States Senate. Senator Byrd would not be happy."

"It would be wonderful if just the U.S. example would be enough to change behavior among those who have power."