Press Releases & Statements
Cardin Hails the Start of New Farm Bill Funding to Help Maryland Farmers Improve the Health of the Chesapeake Bay
BALTIMORE, Md. -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, lauded the announcement today by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack of new conservation grants to support the health of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed region. In total, Secretary Vilsack announced funding for 115 high-impact projects nationwide that will receive more than $370 million in Federal funding as part of the new USDA Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). … Continue Reading
January 13, 2015
Cardin, Schatz Introduce Legislation to Give Federal Workers a Well-Deserved Raise
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawai'i) today introduced legislation to provide a 3.8 percent pay raise to federal workers in calendar year 2016. Federal employees have lost over a billion dollars in salary and benefits due to sequestration and a three-year pay freeze from January 2011 to December 2013. "We have continued to place an increasing burden on federal workers, who now represent the lowest percentage of the total American workforce in the thre… Continue Reading
January 13, 2015
Cardin Issues Statement on Washington Metro Passenger Fatality, Hospitalizations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today released the following statement on Monday's fatal Metro incident, the latest safety failure of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). "I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Monday's electrical systems malfunction on the Yellow Line that killed one passenger and hospitalized more than 80 others. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of those affected by the tragedy. A daily commute or tourist visit to our Nation… Continue Reading
January 13, 2015
Cardin, Portman, Larson and Tiberi Unite to Remove Bad Actors from CMS Bidding Process
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rob Portman (R-Ohio), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, and Reps John Larson (D-CT-01), and Pat Tiberi (R-OH-12), both members of the House Ways and Means Committee, have introduced joint legislation to protect seniors and those who rely on durable medical equipment, prosthetic and orthotic devices, and supplies from predatory business practices. The Medicare Competitive Bidding Improvement Act (MCBIA), S.148, would ensure … Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin Statement on Senator Barbara Boxer’s Retirement
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the announcement that Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Chairwoman of the Environment and Public Works Committee, would not seek reelection in 2016: "I am proud to call Barbara Boxer a good friend and colleague. She has dedicated her career to serving the people of California and she has never been afraid to stand up and fight for what is right. … Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin, Wyden Introduce Legislation to Help Protect Consumers from Fraudulent Tax Preparers
WASHINGTON - Senator Ben Cardin, (D-Md.), and Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member, Ron (Wyden, D-Ore.), today unveiled legislation that provides the Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) explicit authority to regulate paid tax return preparers. With nearly half of all Americans turning to others to prepare their tax filings each year, this bill requires that preparers demonstrate competency in preparing tax returns, claims for refund and related documents. "Ou… Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin Meets with Attorney General Nominee Loretta Lynch
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) met Thursday with current United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Loretta E. Lynch, nominee for Attorney General. "As America's top lawyer, the Attorney General plays a pivotal role in finding the appropriate balance between protecting the safety and security of our nation and protecting the civil rights of our citizens. I was impressed with Ms. Lynch's background and legal expertise. I look forward to following her confirmatio… Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin Statement on Terrorism Risk Insurance Renewal
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, issued the following statement after the Senate passage of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA): "The renewal of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) is crucial for businesses across Maryland and our nation. Congress is acting to prevent disruptions that could have exposed these businesses to unpredictable premium increases and created a major obstacle for obtaining new project financing. The damag… Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin, Mikulski Cosponsor Bipartisan Senate Resolution Thanking Pope Francis for His Role in the Release of Marylander Alan Gross, Improved Relations with Cuba
WASHINGTON-U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.), along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) today introduced a resolution commending Pope Francis for his leadership in helping to secure the release of Alan Gross, and for working with the governments of the United States and Cuba to achieve a more positive relationship. "I join with people of all faiths in praising Pope Francis… Continue Reading
January 08, 2015
Cardin Supports Federal Investigation of Bombing of NAACP Office
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), released the following statement in support of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) joining the investigation of an explosive device that detonated outside an office of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Colorado Springs. "I am relieved that no one was injured in what has been determined to have been a deliberate attempt to detonate explos… Continue Reading
January 07, 2015
Cardin Condemns Attack on French Satirical Magazine
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding the terrorist attack on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo that has killed at least 12, including two police officers. "I condemn in the strongest possible terms the heinous attack on Charlie Hebdo. Violent attempts to silence free speech and expression are not only reprehensible, but are an affront to the democratic principles France and… Continue Reading
January 07, 2015
Cardin Signs on as Original Cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement after becoming an original cosponsor of the Respect for Marriage Act. The legislation, introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), would entirely repeal the inequitable Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and ensure that all legally married, same-sex couples are treated equally under federal law. Senator Cardin also was a cosponsor of similar legislation in the 113th and 112th Congresses. "By striking down Section… Continue Reading
December 30, 2014
U.S. Helsinki Commission Chair Welcomes Additions to Magnitsky List
WASHINGTON-Following Monday's addition of four Russian individuals to the Magnitsky List by the Obama Administration, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: "I welcome the announcement made by the Obama Administration that it has added four additional individuals to the visa ban and asset freeze lists mandated under the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act. I applaud the work of the U.S. Depa… Continue Reading
December 27, 2014
Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku
WASHINGTON-Following yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: "The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the governmen… Continue Reading
December 27, 2014
Helsinki Commission Condemns Raid On Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty Bureau In Baku
WASHINGTON-Following yesterday's raid by authorities in Azerbaijan on Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty's (RFE/RL) Baku bureau, U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, issued the following statement: "The free and independent press in Azerbaijan remains under attack by the very authorities who should be most committed to its protection. Yesterday's raid on RFE/RL's Baku bureau continues the recent and deeply disturbing trend of the governmen… Continue Reading
December 22, 2014
Cardin Statement on the Execution-Style Killing of Two NYPD Officers
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement condemning an attack over the weekend that killed two New York City Police Department (NYPD) officers. "I join the millions of Americans sickened and grieving after this weekend's senseless murder of two members of the NYPD. Law enforcement officers put their lives on the line daily to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. The attack on Officers Ramos and Liu was a heinous attack on two brave public servants an… Continue Reading
December 18, 2014
Cardin Applauds Hopper as New Director of the Federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, praised the announcement Thursday by Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell that Abigail Ross Hopper has been named the new director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM). Hopper currently serves as Director of the Maryland Energy Administration. "I fully expect Abby Hopper to bring the same pragmatism and reliance on good science with her to the Bureau of Ocean Energ… Continue Reading
December 18, 2014
Cardin Welcomes Caret as New University of Maryland System Chancellor
BALTIMORE - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement in response to Robert Caret being named the new Chancellor of the University System of Maryland (USM). "As an alum of the University System of Maryland, I can think of few others better suited for this position. Bob was the first in his family to attend college and truly understands the value of higher education. He has had a long and distinguished career in higher education administration, and I am glad he will con… Continue Reading
December 18, 2014
Cardin Outlines Small Business Priorities for the 114th Congress
Cardin Outlines Small Business Priorities for the 114th Congress WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), has been named the top Democrat of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship for the 114th Congress. "Small businesses create jobs. They are the backbone of the American economy. It's why I will be privileged to provide a voice for small businesses as the ranking member on the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship in January," said Senator Car… Continue Reading
December 18, 2014
Cardin Statement on USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following in response to the announcement that USAID Administrator Rajiv Shah would be departing the agency. "I would like to thank Dr. Rajiv Shah for his dedicated service to the United States of America. His exemplary tenure started by coordinating the U.S. response to the devastating earthquake in Haiti and ends with a USAID better prepared to meet the challenges of the futu… Continue Reading
