Ben Cardin

Without the United States putting a spotlight on it, it is going to be a secondary issue in Europe.

What has happened of late is so discouraging to see so-called mature democracies take steps that are so punitive against a population that has been in their country for a long period of time and denied basic opportunities of the citizens…

Thank you very much for conducting this hearing and let me thank both of our witnesses for their incredible service.

Our patience is running thin here.

Well, it seems to me that if they instigate on the 1-year anniversary or close to the 1-year anniversary a similar effort, it is meant as a provocation.

The flotilla episode, obviously, challenged that relationship, and of course, we think that Turkey was very provocative and insensitive in the manner in which it handled the flotilla.

When you do the wrong things, further sanctions will come.

If there is a similar effort and it has the tacit or direct support of Turkey, it is not going to help not just Israel-Turkey and the whole situation in the Middle East, it is not going to help the United States relationship with Turkey…

If it wanted to be an independent country, then the path was there and it required a minimum of effort on democracy and human rights.

We spend a lot of taxpayer support in Pakistan, and I think all of us understand the strategic importance of that country.

I think our initial concern was whether Pakistan shared our commitment to fight extremists, and that was our main concern.

So, I think we're now going through an evaluation whether Pakistan's our ally and friend.

I have my doubts on some of those expectations, but thank you very much for your responses, sir.

If this conflict becomes protracted, the number of migrants will increase and will cause increasing problems in the surrounding countries.

Obviously, the situation in Libya is fluid. It changes.

Of course, we believe that Colonel Qadhafi should be a target of this investigation.

The principal reason for international intervention in Libya is to provide safety for the people in the country.

I think you are absolutely right. I guess my main point on this is that, look, we all want to see a regime change and stability in the country as quickly as possible.

Thank you Chairmen Bingaman and Udall and Ranking Members Murkowksi and Burr for holding today's hearing and for placing my bill, S. 247, The Harriet Tubman National Historical Park and The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National…

But we do know that there is anti-American sentiment in Pakistan.

I think that is an excellent point.

We have a responsibility to the taxpayers of this country. We have to make some tough decisions in our budget.

I'm very serious about at least this Senator's vote on new judgeships until we have adequate space for our existing judges.

My motto has been 'Better Schools, Safer Streets, and Stronger Neighborhoods,' and I believe that a Federal courthouse can help promote all of those things.

Congress is going to have to come up with the money.