Ben Cardin actually said...

"It is clear--indeed, I believe, more than clear--that carefully planned strategically targeted foreign assistance can advance the national security, the economic, and humanitarian interests of the Uni..."

"The retreat of democracy in Africa is threatening gains made in the Sahel and dashing the aspirations for participatory politics of millions across the continent."

"Whether it is conflict in Ethiopia or kleptocracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo or a coup in Sudan, USAID is America's first responder, supporting democracy, good governance, and providing life-..."

"The challenges today are extreme. You have already pointed out some, but what I find the most alarming is the trend of decline of democratic states."