CARDIN VISITS SKIMMER ISLAND TO VIEW EFFORTS TO HALT EROSION & CREATE HABITAT ENDANGERED SPECIES

OCEAN CITY, MD -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), chairman of the Water and Wildlife Subcommittee of the Environment and Public Works Committee, today visited Skimmer Island for a briefing about efforts to use dredge material to replenish the eroding island and create important nesting habitat for black skimmers and royal terns. In 2009, Skimmer Island had shrunk to 2.5 acres, almost a third of its size. The erosion threatened the island's nesting habitat for black skimmers and royal terns, wh… Continue Reading

CARDIN ADDRESSES THE BALTIMORE COUNCIL ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS ABOUT THE MOVE TOWARD DEMOCRACY IN THE ARAB WORLD

BALTIMORE -- U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Senate chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today addressed the Baltimore Council on Foreign Affairs about the move toward democracy in the Arab world and the opportunities it presents to build democracies in that region. The Senator's speech, titled: " … To the Shores of Tripoli: Democracy on the March in a post-Bin Laden World," focused on the historic nature of what has be… Continue Reading

CARDIN COMMENDS STATE OF MARYLAND FOR EFFORT TO ERASE DISPARITIES IN HEALTH CARE AMONG MINORITY GROUPS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today praised the State of Maryland for establishing a working group to address the problem of health disparities among minority groups. Minorities comprise one-third of America's population, but make up half of the uninsured. Studies also have consistently shown that minority patients receive lower quality health care than non-minority populations. Senator Cardin authored a provision that was included in the health reform law to establish Offices o… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI URGE NOAA TO COMPLETE APPROVAL OF OYSTER AQUACULTURE PERMITS IN THE CHESAPEAKE BAY WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today they have requested that National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) speed and complete approval of aquaculture permits in Maryland "without further delays." In a letter to Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere Jane Lubchenco, they expressed their "frustration over the extended amount of time it has taken NOAA to approve Maryland's oyster aquaculture permits in the Chesapea… Continue Reading

CARDIN JOINS FEDERAL OFFICIALS TO ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP TO REVITALIZE URBAN WATERWAYS

BALTIMORE -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today joined Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to announce a new federal initiative to restore and revitalize Maryland's Patapsco and Anacostia watersheds and five other watersheds around the nation. The Urban Waters Federal Partnership (UWFP) is a new federal partnership to stimulate regional and local economies, create local jobs, improve quality of life, and protect Amer… Continue Reading

CARDIN ADDRESSES HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AT MARYLAND HISPANIC YOUTH INSTITUTE

TOWSON-U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today spoke at the closing ceremony for the Hispanic College Fund's 2011 Maryland Hispanic Youth Institute, a youth empowerment program for Maryland Hispanic high school students. The Senator discussed his efforts to increase access to higher education and expand workforce development opportunities for disadvantaged Hispanic youth. "The Hispanic Youth Institute makes the American Dream more attainable for hundreds of Hispanic students in Maryland," said S… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE GRANT TO CONSTRUCT HIKING/BIKING TRAIL, HELP TOURISM IN GARRETT COUNTY

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced a $50,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to Garrett County to construct a hiking/biking trail. The County expects 27,000 people annually to use the trail, which will greatly benefit the area's tourism industry and other local businesses. "Expanding and developing greenways has been one of my most satisfying achievements as a member of Congress," said Senator Cardin, who is a member of the Se… Continue Reading

CARDIN URGES CONTINUED ENGAGEMENT FOR A LASTING RECONSTRUCTION OF HAITI

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Chairman of the International Development Subcommittee, today endorsed a continuation of U.S. engagement in rebuilding Haiti during a hearing he co-chaired entitled, "Rebuilding Haiti in the Martelly Era." "In the first year after the catastrophic earthquake, the U.S. provided $1.1 billion dollars to meet the humanitarian needs of Haiti, which was matched by billions from other countries and… Continue Reading

CARDIN CALLS FOR GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY FOR FOREIGN AID TO PAKISTAN AND OTHER REGIONAL ALLIES

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of the International Development and Foreign Assistance Subcommittee, today urged Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to push for greater levels of accountability with partner governments and institutions in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and other countries engaged in the fight against terrorism. Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Cardin talked about the resources we are supplying in the region: "As we with… Continue Reading

CARDIN, LIEBERMAN, MCCAIN STATEMENT ON RUSSIA

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD), Joe Lieberman (I-CT), and John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement regarding Russia: "Yesterday was a sad day for democracy in Russia. Two days after President Medvedev expressed strong support for political competition in Russia, Russian authorities demonstrated the emptiness of these words by refusing to register the People's Freedom Party (PARNAS) and barring its participation in the upcoming Duma elections. We join Secretary Clinton, … Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI APPLAUD GRANT FOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS, JOB CREATION IN FROSTBURG

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced a $400,000 Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) grant to the City of Frostburg, MD for roadway improvements on Braddock Road at the intersection with Braddock Street. Local officials expect the project to create approximately 18 new jobs in the area. "This federal investment in Allegany County's infrastructure will bring new jobs, commercial development and economic opportunity to Frostburg," said Senato… Continue Reading

CARDIN PRAISES THE PRESIDENT FOR KEEPING HIS PROMISE TO WITHDRAW U.S. TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN BUT CALLS FOR FASTER TIMELINE

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praised President Obama for keeping his promise to begin withdrawing American troops from Afghanistan this summer but he believes the current circumstances the President described to the American people allow for swifter action. Senator Cardin made the following remarks in response to the President's announced timetable: "I support the President in his efforts to begin a draw down in Afghanistan… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $7.66 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT TO DEVELOP BRAC WORKFORCE

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded Maryland a $7.66 million National Emergency Grant to assist more than 6,500 U.S. Department of Defense civilian employees, contractors and military spouses who have been impacted by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) decisions. The grant will allow the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia to implement an integrated approach to help jobse… Continue Reading

CARDIN CALLS FOR IMPROVED TRANSIT SAFETY ON TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF WASHINGTON, D.C. METRO TRAGEDY

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today released the following statement on the two year anniversary of the 2009 Washington Metro crash that killed nine people when two trains collided at the Fort Totten Metro station: "Two years ago today, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority experienced the most tragic Metrorail accident the Greater Washington region has ever seen. On this somber day of remembrance, my de… Continue Reading

MARYLAND DELEGATION MEMBERS ANNOUNCES $44 MILLION FOR FDA CONSOLIDATION PROJECT

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), were joined by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD-5th), Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-8th) and Congresswoman Donna Edwards (MD-4th), today in announcing that the General Services Administration (GSA) will be allocating $44 million of its $82 million construction budget for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consolidation project at White Oak in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. The Continuing Resolution… Continue Reading

CARDIN SPONSORS WAR POWERS RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF LIMITED U.S. ACTION IN LIBYA TO PROTECT CIVILIANS

Authorizing Limited US Role in Libya Washington DC -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC), today introduced a joint resolution that would provide Congressional approval of a continued support role for the U.S. military activity in Libya. In accordance with the War Powers Act, Senator Cardin believes Congressional action is required if U.S. participation continues. "President Obama made the right decision when he engaged U.S. Forces in t… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE HARFORD COUNTY ELIGIBLE FOR DRUG CONTROL FUNDING

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that Harford County will now be eligible for federal funding to further the coordination and development of joint drug control efforts by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers in the community. The White House Office of National Drug Control policy has designated Harford County a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA), which makes the county eligible for federal resources to help reduce … Continue Reading

CARDIN TELLS RIDERWOOD VILLAGE RESIDENTS HE WILL FIGHT DAMAGING BUDGET CUTS THAT WOULD HARM SENIORS

SILVER SPRING, MD -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) today told residents of Riderwood Village that we "need to tackle our budget deficit, but in a way that does not harm seniors." The Senator specifically singled out the budget plan proposed by Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI), which has passed the House, as harmful for seniors. The Ryan Budget plan calls for ending the Medicare program as we know it and turning Medicaid into a block grant to states. Senator Cardin has said the Ryan budget plan w… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE APPROXIMATELY $2.2 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR MARYLAND FARMERS IN CHESAPEAKE BAY WATERSHED

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) has selected two projects in Maryland to receive approximately $2.2 million to help farmers better protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This includes $2 million for the Maryland Department of Agriculture's top conservation priority, the Maryland Cover Crop Program. "Farmers in the Chesapeake Bay wat… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FUNDING FOR EDUCATION, JOB CREATION IN WESTERN MARYLAND

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) today announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded two grants totaling $180,000 to projects in Western Maryland. Hagerstown Community College received an ARC grant that will benefit 30 students working towards an Associates in Applied Science degree. The Garrett County Board of Commissioners received an ARC grant to make electrical upgrades at McHenry Business Park, which officials expect to serve… Continue Reading