Ben Cardin

I could be pretty specific as it relates to trafficking, and perhaps you will help me draft language to deal with compliance with the criteria that we use in the TIP Report that we could add to TPA.

There is an opportunity there. We have their attention. And I must tell you, as things become more normal and trade starts, you lose that leverage.

The more transparency that you can show on those issues, the less chance we will see support for trafficking in labor.

I just remind you that there are rumors going around here that we may be asked to vote on trade promotion authority within the next couple weeks.

I would also like to have recommendations from you as to how we can improve the Trafficking in Persons Report.

The importance of U.S. leadership, because we know we are not going to make progress internationally if the United States does not maintain a very strong position.

I assume that the United States is going to have to lead here. If we do not do it, other countries will not take the initiative.

In my work with the Helsinki Commission and the OSCE, trafficking has always been a very, very high priority.

The United States absolutely must take the lead on this.

I do not think we should let this go. I think we should work a little harder on that.

I was pleased to see that the President's budget did increase NIH funding by about $1 billion. I would like to see a larger number.

Absolutely. If you could keep me informed on the progress, not only at the National Institute but at the different offices for minority health, I would appreciate that.

Secretary Burwell, it is a pleasure to have you before our committee, and thank you very much for your leadership and service to our country in this very important role under challenging circumstances.

Well, we would be interested as to what you can do under your authority, but if you need congressional help particularly, let us know what obstacles need to be addressed by Congress and how we can expedite the implementation of better…

There are obstacles in the way under Medicare and Medicaid for this collaborative care model, and I just would welcome your thoughts on how we can work together to try to expand these opportunities.

It is a peculiar kind--the worst kind, in my mind--the worst kind of class warfare by people who are paid good salaries and get good pensions and health care from the government.

If you had the additional resources, we would not only get better compliance--which is our responsibility, to make sure we have compliance--we would get greater revenue, which would help those taxpayers who are paying their taxes get the…

The Earned Income Tax Credit is an extremely important provision in our tax code that offers fairness to middle-income working families.

This committee should be your advocate for adequate resources.

I want to thank you. This is a tough job, and you continue to serve your country in this capacity, and I thank you very much for your willingness. You are the right person. I wish you had more support.

It seems to me what this Congress has done in cutting your budgets makes no sense, and I am disappointed that this committee has not been a stronger advocate on your behalf, on the agency's behalf.

First, we should look at our tax code and make it simpler and more predictable.

The Libertad Act provides for licensing authority by the administration, which is common in these types of legislation.

Our engagement will bring faster connectivity and more quality connectivity to the people of Cuba.

I agree with President Obama that America's interests and the interests of the Cuban people are best served by dialogue and engagement, not isolation.