Ben Cardin actually said...

"I want to thank all of you for being here. The three nominees, you are great. I am going to do everything I can in my power to get you confirmed."

"The only way that we can try to reduce this type of action in the future is to make it clear those that are responsible are, in fact, held accountable by the international community."

"the Taiwan Relations Act--it is pretty specific as to our commitments in regards to Taiwan and our strong interest to make sure that peaceful relations exist in the region"

"I do not see the visit of a Cabinet-level officer to Taiwan as being the litmus test for what constitutes a robust relationship"