Ben Cardin

We have never had a problem in bipartisan infrastructure. I expect that will be the same, and I really do look forward to working with you to figuring out a way we can get this done.

Mr. Chairman, once again, thank you very much for your leadership in regard to infrastructure in our country.

Cardin, Hon. Benjamin L., U.S. Senator from the State of Maryland

And I thank you, and I think it is going to lead to some good results and passage of legislation.

We are going to see some different rules coming down from this Administration.

If it does not stay on schedule and it is not ready, we run of capacity, does that we jeopardize the ability to have the width and depth in our channels necessary for commercial activities?

We need another place to go and that has been designated as Mid Bay.

Those delays could very well cause previously authorized projects not to be funded within the time restrictions and could jeopardize those projects being done at all.

I think this hearing points out the importance for us, General, to take a look earlier in the process on the next WRDA bill.

It was politically impossible to find a location in the Baltimore region to put dredge material.

That is why Congress authorized Mid Bay in 2014 because we recognized the lead time was necessary.

I certainly support, in the appropriate manner, leveraging the best we can between public-private partnerships but I also acknowledge the tremendous return we get from the public investment.

It means jobs. It means U.S. competitiveness. It means America having the ability to compete globally.

I would just urge us to take an earlier look at the way we are going to authorize the next WRDA bill so that we can make sure we get it done next year.

The missions are important in these countries.

Our government has a strong obligation to help stabilize countries under democratic principles and respect for human rights and anticorruption.

Today I think U.S. development assistance, foreign assistance enjoys much more political support than it did a couple decades ago.

It does create a challenge and that is to get political support because if you have commodities that you are using...

I applaud the work that our chairman has done and Senator Coons has done in modernizing our food aid.

Your legacy is very strong here in the importance of development assistance to our national security budget.

I personally want to thank you for that.

I am anxious to hear how we can be more effective in leveraging activities in the private sector.

We very much depend upon our partnerships with the private sector.

I agree with your assessment that we can always do things better.

So he should come with a specific game plan.