Ben Cardin actually said...

"There is no question that democracy is a journey, and there is no question that globally we are seeing a significant decline in democracies."

"It is clearly a critically-important point for the United States' future and security to strengthen and preserve democracies starting at home, but globally."

"I rushed into the hearing room to make sure that we had the Chesapeake Bay properly protected."

"It is a national treasure, declared by numerous Administrations."