Ben Cardin

It is modern-day slavery, and we have to do everything we can to end this.

I thank him for that. Today's hearing is just one more chapter in that record.

We have universal values. These are not American values; these are universal values that we are willing to get engaged internationally in order to promote.

We are the only country in the world that has the military might. And I agree with you. President Obama will use that military might when it is needed, but it should be a matter of last resort.

I do not think we have any trouble at all... getting the political support for a $50 billion foreign ops appropriation bill based upon U.S. involvement globally.

What I have found that we are able to do in working with countries is actually get them to move on things and make changes.

We have been very clear about steps that need to be taken.

We are very, very focused on this issue and the standard.

In a sense, the Tunisian uprising and the Arab Spring was born not out of anything religious motivated. It came about as a result of corruption.

The levels of corruption, I have to say, are greater in impact than I had perceived previously in my years on the committee and otherwise.

I would hope, this year, we could work together... to develop a protocol where we make it clear that we will not tolerate a government that does not move to deal with the corruption problems.

If we get Russia to leave Ukraine alone, Ukraine's survival depends upon the internal reforms in its own country.

I do think that you have showcased the importance of anticorruption activities.

I strongly support that.

The most recent is the hope that we have in Syria through the ceasefire to stop the killings and to allow humanitarian access.

You understand that military must be our last resort, and you have carried that out through developing partnerships with other countries and coalitions.

I just really want to reflect for a moment on your extraordinary leadership in advancing America's soft power through the effective use of diplomacy and development assistance.

I just urge us to think broader as to how we can make the system work for mental health, because historically it has not and today it is still not.

We should take what we have learned--we know that for every $1 we spend in these settings, we are going to save $6.

I authored it, along with Senators Toomey and Collins--is a logical extension of the program through September, but it allows you to extend it through 2019.

We need to figure out a strategy to get beyond just coverage--make sure coverage is adequate and make sure that there is access to qualified dental services.

I strongly support that, strongly support it, and thank you.

Impunity is not an option.

Laos is going to get a presidential visit. That is pretty special.

Human rights has been and will continue to be an important area of cooperation and focus for our relations with the Philippines.