Ben Cardin

I strongly support that.

Thank you for dealing with how we deal with lead poisoning, which Senator Boxer pointed out is not just limited to Flint.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I wanted to make sure we got through the business part in case people had to leave for other voting sessions, because I am strongly supporting this bill.

I support the ratification of the Law of the Sea. I think it is unlikely we are going to get that in this Congress.

We believe, give clear direction on the U.S. policies, as has been articulated by this administration and previous administrations.

Senator Gardner and I are very concerned about the use or threat of military force to address territorial and regional disputes in the China seas.

It is critically important we get this relationship right in the rebalance to Asia.

A consumption tax is unlikely to be adopted in the near term.

Making a fundamental shift to consumption-oriented taxation is a major change that may not necessarily be undertaken in the near term.

We understand that it is unlikely in the next month or two that we are going to pass a major tax reform proposal, and we want to make progress where we can make progress.

I want to thank the panel. I found this extremely helpful.

I think this committee needs to be in the leadership on tax reform.

I introduced the Progressive Consumption Tax that would replace some of our income tax with a national consumption tax.

I also want to join you in thanking Senator Hatch and Senator Wyden for their leadership in convening this hearing.

It is important to look at a broad spectrum and keep all businesses competitive.

We use a credit method, not a subtraction method, which is, as you know, a difference.

I am not interested in getting rid of the Senate Finance Committee.

If we were able to substitute part of our income tax revenues with a national consumption tax that would be at least as progressive as our current tax code so that middle-income families are not going to be more burdened.

The fundamental points that you all are raising, which are high tax rates on business, which are not competitive; the lack of simplification, so you need to have an accountant on your fast dial in order to get information because you just…

I would hope that the administration will keep a bright spotlight on this tragic death.

We are seeing an increase in the number of political prisoners in that country and their oppression against those who differ with the government.

It is clear with the information that we have received the type of conduct that they perpetrated in Russia...

Nuclear power provides a critical share of the Nation's electricity--about 20 percent of the total--and an even larger share--about 60 percent--of our carbon-free electricity.

It is great to be here with Senator Sarbanes, who has taken a great interest in the Pratt libraries in Baltimore.

But I join with Senator Mikulski in strong support for Dr. Hayden.