Ben Cardin

This is the second day of our hearings. The first day was in a closed session. And I think the information we have received will be very helpful to us, and I do appreciate the participation of all our members, particularly Senator Markey's…

We must also use it as an opportunity to raise with China a pressing need to curb North Korea's growing nuclear program.

We need an ironclad commitment from China that sensitive U.S. technology will be secure for the duration of this agreement.

What type of assessment can you give us that the use of nuclear power in China will be with the highest safety standards, recognizing the uncertainty of climate conditions, as well as national security issues?

It makes me a little nervous. I hear what you are saying.

We have a difficult task ahead of us but one that I know we can approach seriously.

I am somewhat troubled by why there was not an effort made in these negotiations to deal with cooperation from China in regards to proliferation to Iran and North Korea by Chinese companies.

I hate to object. There is only 10 minutes remaining and all the time on the Republican side has been used up. Would my colleague limit his remarks perhaps to 3 minutes so I could have a little bit of time on our side?

I want to welcome Maryland Public Service Commissioner, and Chair of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, Kelly Speakes-Backman to the Committee and thank her for her service and willingness to testify before the Committee.

After almost 45 years, the Clean Air Act has effectively helped clean up the air in most major cities.

With bi-partisan support, Congress passed the Clean Air Act that President Richard Nixon signed into law on the last day of the year in 1970.

Reserving the right to object, is this the amendment that deals with the report date?

Reserving the right to object, I just want to know which amendment the Senator is calling up. Is this the amendment that would change this into a treaty obligation?

I wish to thank Senator Shaheen. She talked about the bipartisan way the committee operated. She played a large part in bringing us together in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and working over the recess. I want to thank the Senator…

What Senator Menendez said on diversity, there are a lot of us who are very concerned.

One of the most fundamental responsibilities of this committee is to give guidance on our foreign policy to our diplomats and to our development professionals.

I hope we can work together to get that authorized. I think it is an important point.

When we do not pass an authorization bill, we are not carrying that out the way we should.

These types of concerns are obviously counter to the mission of the United Nations.

I strongly support that. Two tranches have been included in your budget. The third has not.

I believe the Department of State has been hamstrung for too long by the lack of authorizing legislation.

American diplomats and development professionals are the best examples of talented people that are on the frontline for America.

I am a strong supporter of our participation in the United Nations, let me make that clear.

I would like to welcome our nominee here before this committee.

I take it from your response this morning that you are willing to sit down and work with us in that regard.