Press Releases & Statements
TEAM MARYLAND FIGHTS TO RESTORE BRAC FUNDING IN MARYLAND
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Maryland Congressional Delegation Chair Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) was joined today by her "Team Maryland" colleagues Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D), House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D), Representatives Wayne T. Gilchrest (R), Albert Wynn (D), Roscoe Bartlett (R), Elijah E. Cummings (D), Chris Van Hollen (D), C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) and John Sarbanes (D) in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates, urging him to f… Continue Reading
December 21, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Sharpsburg Volunteer Fire Company in Washington County has been awarded $38,000 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is on the Budget Comm… Continue Reading
December 21, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Beltsville Volunteer Fire Department in Prince George's County has been awarded $36,345 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is on th… Continue Reading
December 21, 2007
STATEMENT FROM SENATORS CARDIN AND MIKULSKI ON EPA BLOCKING OF HIGHER EMISSION STANDARDS BY STATES LIKE MARYLAND
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-MD) issued the following joint statement following the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) move to block Maryland and other states from acting to cut emissions of global warming gasses from cars and trucks: " We are outraged by the decision of the Bush Administration and EPA Administrator Steven Johnson to block clean-car regulations. "The career scientists and l… Continue Reading
December 20, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE OMNIBUS BILL FUNDS CRITICAL MARYLAND PRIORITIES DESPITE BUSH-MANDATED CUTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced they have secured critical funding for domestic priorities for Maryland and the nation in the fiscal year 2008 omnibus package that has been passed by Congress. The bill now heads to the President for his signature. "President Bush refuses to cooperate with Congress by threatening to veto the bills that fund America's priorities here at home, while contin… Continue Reading
December 19, 2007
SENATOR CARDIN STATEMENT ON ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR IRAQ
"We have got to change our mission in Iraq. The cost of further delay in lives, materiel, treasure, and our standing in the world is too great. The United States cannot impose the political reconciliation necessary to bring long-lasting security to that nation. It is time to direct our resources toward the rest of the region and to needs here at home." "A new policy begins by removing our troops from the middle of a civil war and giving them a more realistic mission, one th… Continue Reading
December 19, 2007
OPENING STATEMENT DURING SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE CONFIRMATION HEARING
The Committee will come to order. I thank Chairman Leahy for asking me to chair today's hearing. Today, the Committee holds a confirmation hearing on four Department of Justice nominees and one nominee for the Executive Office of the President. Ondray Harris to be Director of Community Relations Service; David Hagy, to be Director of the National Institute of Justice; Scott Burns, to be Deputy Director of National Drug Contro… Continue Reading
December 19, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI APPLAUD INITIATIVE TO PROTECT HIGH-RISK NON-PROFITS FROM TERRORIST ATTACKS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the fiscal year 2008 omnibus spending package approved by Congress includes a $15 million increase in federal funding to help protect high-risk non-profit institutions from terrorist attacks. Senator Mikulski is a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee. Senator Cardin is a member of the Budget Committee. "This funding is an important victory for … Continue Reading
December 18, 2007
S. 2248, FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT AMENDMENTS
Mr. CARDIN. Madam President, I wish to take this time to talk a little bit about the FISA bill we are considering today. I heard my friend from Alabama talk about the work that is being done at the National Security Agency. I have also taken the opportunity to visit with NSA to see firsthand the work they are doing. It wasn't my first visit. NSA, as my colleagues know, is located in Maryland. I have been there on numerous occasions. I had an opportunity to observe the manner in which ou… Continue Reading
December 17, 2007
SEN. CARDIN WELCOMES PASSAGE OF SUDAN ACCOUNTABILITY AND DIVESTMENT ACT
Washington, D.C.- Senator Ben Cardin applauded action in the United States Senate to pass the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act. The bill authorizes State and local governments to divest assets in companies that conduct business in Sudan and prohibits United States Government contracts with such companies. "The passage of the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act is a major victory for the movement to end genocide and violence in Darfur. The House of Representatives and the Senate ha… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
SENATE PASSES FARM BILL INCREASING FUNDING TO PROTECT THE CHESAPEAKE BAY
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), praised Senate passage of the Farm Act (H.R. 2419) that provides a record increase in funding for agricultural conservation programs that help protect the Chesapeake Bay. Senators Cardin and Mikulski, strong supporters of the measure, said it helps restore the health of the Chesapeake Bay area by providing major funding for conservation to Maryland farmers. "Agriculture is Maryland's l… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
CARDIN APPLAUDS SENATE PASSAGE OF FHA MODERNIZATION AS A FIRST STEP TOWARD HELPING HOMEOWNERS AVOID FORECLOSURES
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, D-MD, addressed the Senate today on the growing crisis facing homeowners and lenders nationwide. His remarks came moments before the Senate voted overwhelmingly to make critical reforms to the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). "I am encouraged by the Senate passage today of the FHA Modernization Act (S. 2338) . While this is just one part of a comprehensive solution to our current crisis, lower limits and lower downpayment… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
CARDIN HAILS PASSAGE OF LANDMARK ENERGY BILL
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) lauded passage by the Senate today of the Renewable Fuels, Consumer Protection, and Energy Efficiency Act of 2007 (H.R. 6) , which raises minimum fuel standards, encourages alternative fuels and increases America's energy efficiency. "Today's vote for energy efficiency and alternative fuels is a victory for our children and grandchildren who will benefit from a cleaner e… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
ON THE MORTGAGE CRISIS
Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I rise to speak on behalf of thousands of families in my home state of Maryland. For them, the American dream has turned into a nightmare. I am referring to the phenomenon called the "credit crunch," the "mortgage meltdown," or the "subprime crisis." Regardless of which name we choose to attach to it, the situation threatens to upend the financial stability of individual homeowners and neighborhoods. The latest projections show that, natio… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
SENATE APPROVES CARDIN RESOLUTION CONDEMING THE HANGING OF NOOSES
WASHINGTON - Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today applauded the Senate in passing a resolution (S. Res. 396) expressing that the hanging of nooses should be thoroughly investigated by Federal, State and local law enforcement authorities and that any criminal violations should be vigorously prosecuted. "I am heartened by the approval by the Senate of this resolution. Clearly, we all recognize that the outrageous practice of noose hanging… Continue Reading
December 14, 2007
SENATOR CARDIN'S FLOOR STATEMENT ON TORTURE
MR. CARDIN: Mr. President, as Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I chaired a field hearing this week at the University of Maryland College Park campus. The title of that hearing was "Is it Torture Yet?" -- the same question I was left with after Attorney General Michael Mukasey's nomination hearings. The day of the hearings was also International Human Rights Day, which commemorates the adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights nearly 60 years ago. The historic documen… Continue Reading
December 13, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FORPRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Seat Pleasant Volunteer Fire Company in Prince George's County has been awarded $202,500 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is on th… Continue Reading
December 13, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FORQUEEN ANNE'S COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today announced the Kent Island Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $110,359 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP). Senator Mikulski is on the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee that funds the AFGP and fights each year to increase its federal funding. Senator Cardin is on the Budget Committee. … Continue Reading
December 12, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI DISCUSS PUBLIC SAFETY WITH NEW FORT DETRICK COMMANDER, URGE ONGOING COMMUNITY OUTREACH
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today met with Major General George W. Weightman, the new Commanding General of Fort Detrick and the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (USAMRMC). In their first meeting since Maj. Gen. Weightman took command last month, the Senators discussed their concerns for the community's safety and an ongoing dialogue regarding the Army's efforts to upgrade and replace an old Level 4 Biosafety Lab as … Continue Reading
December 11, 2007
CARDIN, MIKULSKI: BUSH ADMINISTRATION MUST NOT THREATEN JOBS OVER IRAQ FUNDING BATTLE
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today urged Department of Defense (DoD) Secretary Robert Gates not to threaten furloughs and lay-offs for DoD employees over the Bush Administration's inability to reach an agreement with Congress on funding for the war in Iraq. "Our federal employees are on the front lines every day, working hard for America - they deserve to be treated fairly. The Department of Defense should not be threatening … Continue Reading
