Press Release

January 27, 2011
SENATOR CARDIN SELECTED FOR SEAT ON FINANCE COMMITTEE
Will Focus on Job Creation, Fair Trade Practices and Health Care
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today was appointed to the influential Senate Finance Committee. The Senator brings to the new assignment long experience in dealing with the issues before the Committee.
 
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Cardin served on the Ways and Means Committee for 17 years. During that time, he was a leader on many of the same issues considered by the Finance Committee. On Ways and Means, then-Congressman Cardin served as Ranking Member of the Human Resources and Trade subcommittees, and he also served on the Health and Social Security subcommittees.  He was a leader in fighting for access to quality health care for all Americans and for U.S. manufacturing jobs.
 
While in the House, many of then-Congressman Cardin’s financial proposals were enacted into law, including allowing Americans to contribute more money to their retirement plans and helping low-income individuals save for retirement. Also enacted into law were his proposals to expand Medicare to include preventive benefits, extend benefits to children in foster care until age 21, and expand welfare-to-work opportunities to provide greater job training.
 
“At this critical time in our economic recovery, it is an honor to join a committee that plays such a pivotal role in our nation’s economy,” said Senator Cardin. “From international trade issues to health care to Social Security and job creation, members of the Finance Committee are instrumental in developing and overseeing policies that will help grow our economy and create job opportunities for Americans.”     
 
“Senator Cardin and I share the strong belief that creating the jobs our economy needs should be our top priority,” said Senator Max Baucus (D-MT), Chairman of the Finance Committee.  “We welcome Senator Cardin’s experience and enthusiasm to the Finance Committee as we continue our work to increase economic competitiveness and ensure Americans continue to receive the benefits and cost-savings of our new health care law. The Finance Committee is responsible for some of the most challenging issues facing our country and I’m glad to have Senator Cardin on board.”
 
During the 112 th Congress, Senator Cardin also will serve on the Environment and Public Works, Foreign Relations, Budget, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship committees.  
 
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