Ben Cardin

I can't thank you enough for your leadership on the Neotropical Bird Program.

We want to make sure that there is constant funding for this program, so I am interested in your view as to the resources you will need in Fiscal Year 2023.

I want to start by talking about the Chesapeake Bay; you are not going to be surprised to learn about that.

We might need to get some more specific information from you.

I would hope that the Administration... see whether we can't get that to the finish line.

I first want to thank you, though, for your leadership with the Chesapeake WILD Program.

It seems to me those funds could be diverted, and as I was questioning the other day the nominee to be Ambassador to Ukraine, yes, we have a lot of work to do in Ukraine, but one of the issues we have to do is work on strengthening their…

The United States has been very, very generous in its efforts to get let life-saving assistance to the people made vulnerable by Putin's unprovoked, brutal, and murderous war in Ukraine.

I just think the optics of taking money from Russia's account, which is not going to be used, and using it for Ukraine is the right optics these days as well.

The challenges today are extreme. You have already pointed out some, but what I find the most alarming is the trend of decline of democratic states.

I am eager to hear how this budget specifically will help promote good governance, combat corruption, and empower democratic voices.

Whether it is conflict in Ethiopia or kleptocracy in the Democratic Republic of Congo or a coup in Sudan, USAID is America's first responder, supporting democracy, good governance, and providing life-saving assistance to those in need.

The retreat of democracy in Africa is threatening gains made in the Sahel and dashing the aspirations for participatory politics of millions across the continent.

There is a fundamental need to support democratic institutions, and the amount of resources that we allocate for support of democratic institutions is very limited and the needs are very great.

It is clear--indeed, I believe, more than clear--that carefully planned strategically targeted foreign assistance can advance the national security, the economic, and humanitarian interests of the United States.

At the same time, the region is struggling against the resurgence of authoritarianism from Cuba to Venezuela, and now the consolidation of the region's third dictatorship in Nicaragua.

I just hope you will keep us engaged at every stage.

Thank you for your leadership in crafting this year's Water Resources Development Act.

This year's WRDA bill reflects the realities of climate change impacts.

I am especially proud of a new program designed to address the needs of 'underserved harbors.'

Mr. Chairman, can I just interrupt for 1 second?

I have been very concerned about GSA implementing our prospectus as it relates to the FBI consolidating facilities in the Washington region.

Climate change is clearly a major driver of this demand.

Standardized written tests can only assess a portion of the skills and qualifications required to succeed in the Foreign Service.

I was pleased to see the Administration changed the Federal contracting for minority-and women-owned small businesses.