Cardin, Corker Introduce Resolution Supporting the Government of Colombia's Efforts to Pursue Peace and End the Country's Armed Conflict
WASHINGTON - In response to President Juan Manuel Santos' visit to Washington to commemorate the 15th anniversary of Plan Colombia, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a Senate resolution noting sustained U.S. bipartisan commitment towards Colombia and encouraging efforts by the Government of Colombia to pursue peace by consolidating democratic reforms and negotiating an end to the country's… Continue Reading
Cardin, Senators Applaud Electrify Africa Bill Becoming Law
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today applauded President Obama's signing of the Electrify Africa Act of 2015 (S.2152) into law. The bipartisan legislation, which was unanimously approved by the Senate last year and passed by the House of Representatives last week, will leverage private sector resources through loan guarantees to help 50 million Africans acces… Continue Reading
Cardin Calls North Korean Missile Launch Another Clear Demonstration of the Malign Intent of Pyongyang
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on North Korea's missile test: "North Korea's missile test is a test of an intercontinental ballistic missile and yet another demonstration of the malign ambitions of the regime in Pyongyang. It is a clear and direct threat to U.S. national security interests and those of our allies and partners. If the January 6 nuclear test were not enough, this missile test cl… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Senate Passage of the U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the "U.S.-Jordan Defense Cooperation Act of 2015." "From its economic reform efforts, to its participation in the Global Coalition to Counter ISIL, to its support for international diplomatic efforts to end the Syrian civil war and its significant role in addressing Syria's humanitarian crisis, Jordan's success is critical for regional st… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement Celebrating the Lunar New Year
WASHINGTON - On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in celebration of the Year of the Monkey: "I want to express my best wishes to the millions of people in the United States and around the world who are gathering with family and friends to celebrate the 2016 Lunar New Year. "The Asian-American community is rich and diverse, and has contributed greatly to the cultural fab… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Strengthening the European Union
WASHINGTON -U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement for the record on Strengthening the European Union. The statement addresses the challenges confronting the European Union today, including the refugee and migrant crisis, the effects of the Greece crisis on the Eurozone, the threat of domestic terrorism and foreign fighters, the rise of nationalism, Russian aggression, and the United Kingdom's upcoming referendum o… Continue Reading
Corker, Cardin Introduce Resolution Urging Robust International Assistance for Syrian Humanitarian Relief
WASHINGTON - Ahead of Thursday's international donor conference on the crisis in Syria, U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, introduced a Senate resolution urging the nations of the world to join the United States, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Germany and Norway in fulfilling their United Nations pledges for financial assistance to support humanitarian relief resulting from the conflict in Syria. "T… Continue Reading
Cardin Welcomes the Latest Additions to Magnitsky List
"Human rights abusers around the world must understand that the United States will be aggressive in its efforts to hold accountable those who violate human rights and subvert the rule of law." WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement after the Obama Administration submitted to Congress its third annual report of U.S. Government actions to implement the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, adding additional individuals for sanctions. "As the Ranki… Continue Reading
Cardin Delivers Statement on the Nepal Recovery Act
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, gave the following statement regarding S. 1882 the Nepal Recovery Act, which will work to support the sustainable recovery and rebuilding of Nepal following the recent, devastating earthquakes near Kathmandu. Senator Cardin introduced the bill with Senator Kirk as an original cosponsor on July 29, 2015. The legislation passed unanimously out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Janu… Continue Reading
Cardin Delivers Statement on Legislation to Help Obtain Observer Status for Taiwan in INTERPOL
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, gave the following statement regarding S. 2426 a bill to direct the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to obtain observer status for Taiwan in the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). Senator Gardner introduced the bill with Senator Cardin as an original cosponsor on December 18, 2015. The legislation passed unanimously out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee o… Continue Reading
Senate Foreign Relations Committee Passes Gardner-Menendez North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), today announced Senate Foreign Relations Committee passage of the North Korea Sanctions and Policy Enhancement Act of 2016. As part of a more effective U.S. policy to achieve the peaceful disarmament of North Korea and advance human rights, the bipartisan Gardner-Menendez bill will expand and tighten enforcement of sanctions for North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile de… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Danish Parliament Approving Seizure of Refugee Assets by Police
Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding a recently enacted Danish law that authorizes police to search asylum seekers entering the country and confiscate any non-essential items that do not have any sentimental value to the owner valued at more than 10, 000 kroner, which is equivalent to just under $1,500. "In the seven years leading up to World War II, Denmark took in nearly 7,500… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Terrorist Attack in Pakistan
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on the terrorist attack in Pakistan: "I want to express my condolences to the families of those lost in today's terrorist attack in Pakistan. The targeting of an educational institution brings back terrible memories of the tragic December 2014 school attack in Peshawar. The people of Pakistan remain a top target of terrorist groups and we remain committed to s… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on JCPOA Implementation Day
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and author of the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, issued the following statement on Implementation Day of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. "With Implementation Day of the Iran nuclear agreement now here, it is critical that all parties uphold their commitments agreed to in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. While Congress was not a party to the nuclear negotiations, we do have … Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Release of Americans from Iran
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the release of four detained Americans in Iran and a fifth American, a student, who was released as well. "The release of five innocent Americans from Iran is a day for all Americans to celebrate their long and overdue return home. Painstaking effort and the unwavering determination put forward by Secretary of State Kerry, former Under Secretary of State Wend… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Taiwan's Historic Election
BALTIMORE -U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued this statement following Taiwan's historic election. "Taiwan has once again demonstrated an unwavering commitment to democracy and freedom of expression following their now concluded historic campaign and election. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Taiwan for once again exercising their democratic rights and serving as a shining example for the international communit… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Terrorist Attack in Indonesia
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, issued the following statement on the terrorist attack that occurred in Indonesia today. "I want to express my deepest condolences to all those wounded and to the families who lost loved ones in today's terrorist attack in Jakarta. As President Joko Widodo stated, "We must not be afraid, we must not be defeated by an act of terror like this"… Continue Reading
SOTU: Cardin Says Congress Should Unite to Work with President Obama throughout the Year Ahead
WASHINGTON - In response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) issued the following statement. Senator Cardin's guest for the speech was Robert Caret, Chancellor of the University System of Maryland (USM). "President Obama set out an aggressive agenda tonight, showing the country and the world that he will not allow himself to be labeled as a 'lame-duck' president. We must use every moment of the next 12 months, working together - Congress, t… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on North Korea Nuclear Test
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on East Asia, The Pacific and International Cybersecurity Policy, issued the following statement regarding North Korea's nuclear test. "Today's reported nuclear test by North Korea is yet another indication of North Korea's determination to continue to defy the international community and the threat it poses to regional peace and stability. "In response,… Continue Reading
Cardin Statement on Comfort Women Agreement Announced by Republic of Korea and Japan
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding today's announcement by the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan in reaching a breakthrough agreement to resolve their long standing dispute regarding comfort women during World War Two. "I welcome this agreement and the leadership exhibited by both Prime Minister Abe and President Park to settle this longstanding issue in a way that recognizes the suffer… Continue Reading