Ben Cardin

I think it is critically important to create a very high standard in the NAFTA negotiations.

I just urge you that in the OMB-type bureaucracies, these types of programs are not well understood, and unless we have an advocate, it can be delayed.

Well, General, I very much appreciate your leadership on these types of projects.

We need to know what the military mission is. We need to know what the diplomatic mission is.

I think it is just the reverse with Mr. Putin. I think he likes having a proxy of Iran in Syria.

Mr. Assad must be held accountable for his activities, and that cannot be compromised in a final political settlement.

It is beyond reasonable expectations that Syria would have traditionally free and fair elections in the near future.

It looks like they are setting him up to be immune from being held accountable for his war crimes.

I am deeply disappointed, and I share the chairman's concern, that the Department of Defense declined this committee's invitation to testify.

I hope to gain insight into this issue during the hearing today, because our young men and women in uniform and their families deserve to be fully informed as to what they are fighting for and when the fight will be over.

The Trump administration appears to view Syria through a military lens, making decisions on troop levels and military missions in a policy vacuum.

I am concerned by some of the things we have discussed today that there are clear signals that this administration intends to declare victory against ISIS and remove itself from the Syrian conflict.

I only hope there will be more, because I think the situation in southwest Syria... is not just untenable, it is unacceptable.

I do not see a seamless handoff--if anything, the opposite--when it comes to refugee policy and support for refugees and for democracy and governance.

I think it is important that we continue to make clear to the world community that we intend to hold accountable Assad and his regime for their horrific crimes against humanity.

I like the way that you emphasized the importance of Mr. Assad leaving.

I have called on CMS to fix this problem in my legislation, the Chronic Kidney Disease Improvement in Research and Treatment Act (S. 1890) as well.

The way it is being implemented now is counterproductive to global health priorities.

I urge you to pay attention to these types of initiatives and be understanding that we may need some special attention.

I disagree with this policy. I think it compromises women's health in America.

We all know that. We pay about twice the average of Canada, on average, of the cost of prescriptions.

These programs and activities have sought to build democratic institutions, support freedom of the press and good governance.

I have been an active and committed defender of human rights and democracy during my 31-year career in the Foreign Service.

Australia is a key ally. It is instrumental to our diplomatic security and economic success in the Indo-Pacific and dealing with the challenge of a rising China.

The Assistant Administrator's position is an important one, as it requires vision and leadership to carry out the agency's mission of promoting democratic values and advancing inclusive economic growth.