Ben Cardin

The good news is that the solutions to these problems are intertwined with one another.

At this critical juncture in our Nation's history, we face an economic crisis, an energy security crisis, and a global climate crisis.

We are dependent upon imported oil, which jeopardizes the security of America.

It is urgent that we act.

We have to act. We can't just talk about this. We have to act.

Which gives up hope that we won't slide back to the ethnic fighting that took place just a few years ago.

I agree with you, and particularly as it relates to Bosnia.

I think of Bosnia-Herzegovina today and recognize that 14 years ago it was involved in a war. Genocide was occurring, and hundreds of thousands lost their lives. And now, Bosnia's future is uncertain today. We have made progress.

I just think that this is an important function as we look forward to NATO in the future.

NATO has taken on a different meaning and a different role, and I just want to engage you a little bit as to what impact this is having on the recommendations that you are going to make.

Transparency is absolutely essential.

The EITI is a strong effort. Senator Lugar and I have introduced legislation to strengthen the U.S. involvement.

We want to make sure there is a fair sharing of the burdens of the developing world in dealing with these problems.

I think we have put out the number. The international community has put out the number.

How do we have accountability on these funds?

How are we going to deal with the developing world? They have already been confronted by the impact of global climate change.

Where is America. Where is the United States? Where is the leadership from this country?

You would hardly expect anything differently. You wouldn't want a judge to be any different.

The confirmation hearing is part of the process.

I want to thank both Senator Hagan and Senator Burr not only for their testimony here today and their introductions, but the manner in which these nominees have been brought forward.

As a lawyer, I offered and provided a number of pro bono hours.

Does empathy have any role to play here?

I want to talk a little bit about diversity and how important it is to have diversity on our bench.

We treat the confirmation hearings very seriously and the confirmation process very seriously.

I particularly want to thank Senator Sessions for accommodating the fact that we could take two appellate court judges in one hearing, because that is unusual.