Ben Cardin

How can you assure the institutions that work within distressed communities that with the elimination of the CDFI there still will be a focus by the Trump administration on strengthening these communities?

I just make the observation you got off to a bad start with no sanctions being imposed.

The unclassified part is basically a cut and paste from the Forbes list, which to me sends a signal to Russia that we are not going to take public action against his corrupt regime and the use of oligarchs.

It is just hard to understand how no sanctions have been imposed under this bill passed by Congress, and it sends a clear message to Mr. Putin that he can continue his activities without fear.

It was for that reason that we passed the sanctions law, to make it clear to Russia that we will take action against them if they continue this type of conduct, if Mr. Putin continues it.

This past week, our intelligence committees held their annual briefing, and it was, I believe, the unanimous view of our intelligence agencies that Russia has not only continued its attacks on our country, but that they are even…

And I think some of us wonder if that is the right mix.

I was going to ask if we could get that breakdown number, because it is a--that is a large number.

The common perception is that Pakistan is not doing enough to change that equation.

What we have not seen, however, is any inclination from at least significant elements of the Taliban that are still engaging in horrific acts of terrorist violence.

What is our objective in regards to the Taliban, as far as their participation in the peace process?

It is clearly important. And we have had this conversation with the--with Secretary Sullivan and the State Department--that part of the healing process in Afghanistan is accountability for those who have committed gross violations of human…

We intend to hold Pakistan accountable for its failure to deny sanctuary to militant proxies.

It is vital that parliamentary and presidential elections take place this year and next, respectively, and that they reflect the will of the Afghan people and create an inclusive government that continues to implement these fundamental…

The United States remains firmly committed to supporting the Afghan people and their government's efforts to achieve peace, security, and prosperity for their country.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I very much appreciate this hearing on Afghanistan so we can hear from the administration its strategies in regards to Afghanistan, moving forward.

We need to modernize our trade agreements, as we were doing in the TPP, on anticorruption provisions.

The public opinion in Mexico, the public opinion in Canada about the confidence of the United States has diminished.

I have had serious concerns about how President Trump has managed that relationship. Because I think it has caused damage.

Canada is our number-one export partner.

The U.S./Canada/Mexico relationship is critically important for the United States.

I would just urge you to give us time to make sure that this program continues, because it is an important part of our public-private partnership.

I just hope they would be sensitive to that, even though it may not come out directly of the EPA budget.

I think keep the synergies with the other Federal agencies is important, and having a location near the Chesapeake Bay is symbolic and important.

There is strong bipartisan support to help eliminate lead in drinking water.