Ben Cardin

Yes, we have countries in our hemisphere that are problematic as it relates to values and democracy, such as Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, but we pride ourselves in our hemisphere of countries that pride on being democratic and…

We have a challenge because they have to be reauthorized, so we have a time problem getting that done.

The Small Business Committee will come to order.

The supply chain challenges could be eased considerably if we had domestic source, and manufacturing is a good example.

I was very pleased to hear President Biden announce during the State of the Union that rebuilding America's domestic production capacity is central to his Administration's plan to fight inflation and reduce our reliance on foreign supply…

I think that is a very important point about the pricing is not based upon the production here in the United States on oil and gas.

I think one of the points that you raised that we should be looking at is the efficiency factor of clean energy, that it is more economical and less costly and less subject to change based upon global conditions.

We recognize that clean energy is vitally important for us to meet our goals in regard to the climate agenda.

Even after the 2021 coup the Administration continued to pursue a security assistance relationship with Chad. As I noted in a March 18th letter to Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Molly Phee, I have serious concerns about this…

Looking at this revolving fund is absolutely essential if we are going to be able to make progress on this infrastructure need.

Locally, we have invested a great deal of money and resources into stormwater management.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund formula that was developed in 1987, no one knows exactly why that formula was created the way it was.

The rate structure, the pressure on the ratepayers is enormous in Baltimore.

This is a time to really review the Clean Water State Revolving Fund.

It has been a multi-year trend in the decline of countries that are free.

Mr. Putin's ability to wage war not only against Ukraine, but he has waged war against democratic institutions around the globe.

We need a comprehensive strategy, including how we invest our international assistance budgets to support democratic institutions around the world.

We, certainly, appreciate the unity that the Biden administration has been able to achieve with our allies in the global community in isolating Russia and providing needed help to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.

What steps are we taking today to help Moldova and Georgia, recognizing that if the circumstances change and Mr. Putin believes he has the ability he would not hesitate to cross those borders?

Time is of the essence and we would like to see those planes there yesterday.

Is the State Department prepared to be able to implement major supplying of humanitarian needs in regards to the refugees that have fled as well as the people within Ukraine that need help?

I am a little bit baffled as to why it is taking so long in regards to aircraft getting into Ukraine.

Could I ask that you keep us informed as well as the Small Business Committee informed as to how you are implementing that goal?

But most important, I think I speak for every member of this Committee, we appreciate your respect for every single member of this Committee.

It is a major increase in percentage, which is great. It increases over time, which is also the smart way to do it.