Ben Cardin

I think it behooves all of us to make sure that we get objective review of the material and assessment.

Should we condition assistance to Egypt? How can we be most effective in encouraging private sector development and growth?

I think my own view is that conditions are sometimes useful to focus the attention of the host government on what they need to do.

It was very frustrating under the Mubarak administration to see the government condoning such anti-Semitic activities.

China is becoming a more interesting country, as it relates to our policies in the Middle East.

A nuclear armed Iran poses an unacceptable risk to the United States, Israel, and globally.

Now, moving promptly through the Senate is always relative.

I was impressed by all four of your resumes and background and references before today's hearing.

It is really a challenge.

The United States has been the leader internationally in dealing with this form of modern slavery.

I thank you for that. You are going to be hearing from us on this, and I really do applaud the Obama administration and Secretary Clinton particularly.

It is taking too long. It appears like restrictions are being imposed so that if there are other potential alternatives, that they are being used to delay the safe exit of individuals whose lives are at risk.

Senator Lugar and I have offered a change in U.S. law.

I agree with that. You mentioned Cuba. Of course, there is another Marylander, Alan Gross, who is in prison in Cuba working for our Government.

I would commit again to work in this area.

I think this ties again into our public diplomacy, and it is a basic right.

I would commit, if confirmed, to work carefully and closely with the government to see that we make progress in these areas.

Supporting human rights is a critical component of our development assistance programs.

Secretary Clinton has been extremely articulate particularly on gender equality issues but also on broader human rights issues.

President Obama has made it clear, internationally, that the United States in its international bilateral and regional relations will insist upon basic human rights advancements.

I thank you for that response. I look forward to working with you.

Alan Gross should be released. There should be no conditions on his release.

The United States is committed to supporting those in Russia pressing for free, fair, and participatory electoral processes.

We have taken more action than that.

We now have in place, through the authorities that Secretary Clinton already had, denial of visas to human rights abusers from Russia.