Ben Cardin

We need to engage all of the talent we have in our community for the full strength of America.

If this program continues to get watered down or taken away, given the fact that discrimination still exists in America, if this program goes away it would even make it more difficult for small businesses, minority businesses, women-owned…

It is hard to break that cycle. And if you are a small business, is you are not as attractive as larger small businesses.

Racial discrimination has plagued our country since its inception.

It could not be at a better location to hold this hearing than here at Bowie State University.

We find discriminatory practices of contracting authorities trying to bundle contracts to make it impossible for minority businesses to have a fair chance at a prime contract.

It is important that we, as a country, recognize that when we exclude parts of our society we are actively undermining the social, political, and economic potential of our country.

I am pleased that both are joining me. For those, I am sure you know, Senator Van Hollen is not only a champion for small businesses, he chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee of the Small Business Administration.

To put an injunction on business services that uniquely tailor to the needs of minority individuals is unconscionable.

It was a real testament to the strength of a community to fight for integration in 1960.

I think you all can see why we are so proud of Dr. Breaux, and thank you for the arrangement for this field hearing.

The tremendous progress is thanks to the hard work of the Biden administration.

Our alliances in the region do not just reassure nations who live in Beijing's shadows; they also pay off for the American people.

Four years ago America's alliances were in tatters, especially in the Indo-Pacific.

Only 4 years later, our alliances have never been stronger.

We should not have to choose between addressing the climate crisis or helping vulnerable communities adapt.

Corruption is frequently cited as the primary driver of discontent with democratic systems.

We cannot achieve these objectives without addressing the root causes of poor governance, including pervasive and systemic corruption.

Corruption is a cancer. It exists in every country and every society.

Corruption is a direct threat to U.S. national security and global peace and prosperity.

These are the kind of concrete steps we take that we think can provide real-world results.

Corruption threatens our national security, economic equity, global anti-poverty and development efforts, and democracy itself.

I had to make an eight-year decision when I made my – because it was two years before the election. It's a six-year term. And I think it's the right decision.

No, I don't think there should be an age limit for elected office.

So, these are very serious charges. His trial's coming up shortly. My responsibility in taking over the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is to make sure that committee can function and deal with the challenges that we…