Ben Cardin

The Taiwan Relations Act is actually very sound in that it provides a robust foundation for engagement but also gives the administration enough room to maneuver

The Taiwan Relations Act--it is pretty specific as to our commitments in regards to Taiwan and our strong interest to make sure that peaceful relations exist in the region

The Obama administration has placed a high priority on strengthening our own official relations with Taiwan as part of our overall rebalance to the Asia-Pacific region.

We have and continue strongly to support Taiwan's active participation in international organizations for which statehood is not a requirement.

Taiwan needs to have a seat at the table in international discussions.

Help me understand how we are going to reconcile the Trans-Pacific Partnership, TPP, and our economic relations with Taiwan.

We want these issues resolved, direct discussions among the parties involved, peacefully with respect for the rights of all the people in the region.

President Ma has demonstrated leadership and creativity in handling and resolving disputes with Taiwan's neighbors.

Democracies allow for this kind of vigorous political dialogue.

Taiwan has been and remains one of our most important partners in Asia.

Our hearing today will be to evaluating the U.S. policy on Taiwan on the 35th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act.

Ex-Im Bank pledged support of up to $5 billion over the next 5 years in support of the President's Power Africa Initiative.

It is such a challenge to be able to fund all the priorities they have at the State level.

People recognize that we have to do a better job of accommodating what people want today, and that is to live in our urban centers.

One program that I am very proud to hear that is working well for many communities across the country are the reforms we made in the Transportation Alternatives Program.

Giving them the ability to determine their local priorities is what this partnership should be all about.

I appreciate your commitment to that issue, and I hope that we will not rehash some of the arguments in the past, but look forward to how we can build upon that program to make it even more effective as we move forward.

I take great pride in the transportation alternative program which is included in MAP-21.

I particularly want to thank you for today's panel, because I look forward to the record being established by our local officials as to the importance of local input in determining priorities for transportation in our Nation.

We need to make sure the highway system, the transportation system, surface transportation, accommodates local input.

The money that you are talking about, Senator, and that you have been so helpful on, has been absolutely critical to the growth of our city.

I appreciate the exchange you had with Mayor Ballard and the kind comments that were expressed.

My goal, and I know that Senator Vitter shares this goal, is to move swiftly this spring to pass a long-term reauthorization bill.

I strongly support the improvements to our bridges, our roads, our transit systems. They are all critically important to America's economy.

Madam Chair, thank you very much for having this hearing. And to Senator Boxer and Senator Vitter, thank you for the manner in which you conduct this committee on the infrastructure advancements.