Ben Cardin

I remain concerned that we have seen this movie before and we really have not seen any change in China's position as it relates to North Korea.

We must be direct and willing to use our leverage when China challenges U.S. political, security, and economic interests.

Promoting human rights and democracy has been a key part of my work on Africa, both in the field and in the Department.

I pushed the Government of Transition of Burkina Faso for timely elections during a sensitive time when some voices were considering a delay.

Before President Trump took the oath of office, many of us urged him to take steps to avoid a constitutional conflict with the Emolument Clause.

Indeed, as we contemplate how to address the situation in North Korea, we recognize that China plays a critical role in that regard.

I became the consistent lone and loud voice to publicly advise against a proposed constitutional amendment to presidential term limits.

We have found that China is moving in the wrong direction, and you pointed that out in some of your comments and in our private discussions.

Promoting democracy, the rule of law, and human rights has been a central theme throughout my 27 year career at the Department of State.

I particularly appreciate that in the opening part of your statement, you mentioned that you would represent American values and that would include upholding human rights for all.

China's lack of willingness to play the role that has to be played has got to change.

I appreciate the fact that you mentioned in your opening statement the professionalism of the people that serve in the mission that are critically important.

What are the most important actions you have taken in your career to date to promote human rights and democracy?

I sometimes think that we here in the public arena talk about things and keep holding something out regarding many conflicts around the world that maybe is not achievable based on the facts on the ground.

I have expressed my skepticism about the two-state solution solely on the basis of what I have perceived as an unwillingness on the part of the Palestinians to renounce terror and accept Israel as a Jewish state.

Israel serves as the greatest model for democracy in the Middle East and is our most important ally in the region.

American support for Israel is a widespread bipartisan effort, and it should remain so.

Any third-party efforts to supersede those negotiations only serve as impediments to peace.

I am having difficulty understanding the language that you have used.

I do want to see peace in the region, and I do believe that a two-state solution, if it could be achieved, would bring tremendous benefits to both the Israelis and the Palestinians.

Those words just are beyond hurtful. They are--Senator Schumer is one of the champions on these causes.

We both agree that that must be negotiated directly between the Palestinians and Israelis. No third party can dictate those terms.

Now more than ever we must recommit ourselves to the vital, long-term support of Israel.

The prerequisite of a two-state solution is that there is a Jewish state that is recognized by its neighbor and no longer can there be the cry that it is not legitimate.

My parents also taught me that words have consequences.