Ben Cardin actually said...

"Well, Chairman Vitter, first of all, thank you for convening this hearing."

"I cannot imagine the fear that a small high-tech firm must go through if they receive a letter where they do not know really the source of who is behind it, who threatens their existence, challenging ..."

"Only this Committee focuses on the small business community, and it is very appropriate that we have a hearing dealing with the impact of these policies as they affect small business."

"The role of small business is critical to the dialogue on patents."