Ben Cardin actually said...

"I'm going to confess to you that I'm not objective when it comes to John Porcari--he's a friend."

"I think he has the package needed, at this time, for our country."

"I concur with Senator Mikulski--this is a contribution being made by the people of Maryland."

"I want to compliment the President on all three of the nominees that he has sent forward that are being considered today by this Committee."