Ben Cardin

I do think that Senator Corker expresses a view of many of us in the Senate and that is whether the mission is clear enough.

I think we all want to take action against the type of brutality that Colonel Qadhafi represents and save innocent lives.

I think before the Federal Government charts out on a different standard, that it is important that we be in compliance with what is generally accepted in the private sector.

I want you to bring us up to date as to how the Federal Government is in compliance with the best practices on stormwater runoff on their new facilities.

The way that we administrate our buildings can very well help us in each one of those categories.

If we need to change policy here or at least reflect upon the policy, we need to have that information from your Agency.

I would hope that you would keep us informed as to how the provisions in law that require you to use best practices are affecting your building decisions.

I have raised religious and human rights issues in other countries.

The right to freely profess and practice a faith or not practice a faith is a fundamental right in our country.

I applaud these actions whether in the criminal law enforcement or aggressive enforcement of our Civil Rights Act.

I am very concerned that we are witnessing the demonization of a particular religion.

We cannot allow individuals or groups to pit Americans against another based on our religious beliefs.

It is our obligation to talk about this growing problem and what steps the Government can take to reverse this trend.

I would hope that the common level we would all agree on is good science.

The legislation that you filed, I think, is an extremely important bill and we do look forward to coming together in response to Senator Inhofe.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but we do need to have a common set of facts and I think good science helps us get to that point.

If we find that Egypt or any country in the Middle East takes positions that are contrary to their international commitments as it relates to the peace process and to Israel, or they take steps that are counter to our objectives in our…

I think we have a right to expect accountability on the use of those funds, not just that they will respect the rights of its citizens.

I agree with that. And again I thank you for your service and your leadership.

I think there is concern here in Congress as to keeping a very close eye as to developments in countries in which U.S. taxpayers are being asked to provide help to make sure that there is respect for the human rights of its citizens…

My last point is that there is conflicting information now about the quality of the sea bottom and I just would urge us to make sure that we are as comprehensive as possible in the way we----

The fact that they responded to this call to duty is an example of selfless public service that deserves the nation's thanks.

We have to take a look at the liability laws to make sure they are adequate.

We have a responsibility to make sure that, in fact, is done.

We need some type of a dedicated source of funding so that independent science work can be deployed without hesitation.