CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE GRANT TO FROSTBURG FOR PURCHASE OF POLICE CRUISER

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the City of Frostburg has been awarded a $13,750 USDA Rural Development grant to help purchase a new police cruiser for the town. The "Mountain City" currently has 15 police officers and seven police vehicles.   "Frostburg operates a full-service police department and this grant will provide funds to help purchase essential equipment needed to protect area resid… Continue Reading

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE SURVEILLANCE ACT OF 1978 (FISA) AMENDMENTS ACT OF 2008

Mr. President, I rise today in opposition to final passage of this legislation, H.R. 6304, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 (FISA) Amendments Act of 2008, if it is not amended to change the retroactive immunity provisions. The President must have the necessary authority to track terrorists, intercept their communications, and disrupt their plots.  Our nation still faces individuals and groups that are determined to do harm to Americans, as well as our interests throughout… Continue Reading

CARDIN STATEMENT ON THE FISA AMENDMENTS ACT

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement today regarding H.R. 6304, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Amendments Act (FISA) of 2008. The Senate is expected to vote on the FISA legislation on Wednesday. Senator Cardin's full statement is available at www.cardin.senate.gov .   "Tomorrow, I will vote for the amendments that strike or amend the provision granting retroact… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR HARFORD COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.) today announced the Whiteford Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded $231,088 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, which each year s… Continue Reading

CARDIN, ALEXANDER SEEK BAN ON IMPORTATION OF FOREIGN-GENERATED NUCLEAR WASTE

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.) and Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), both members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today announced they will introduce legislation to ban the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) from authorizing importation of certain low-level foreign-generated nuclear waste.    "The proper management of low level radioactive waste is in the nation's best interest," Cardin said.  "Reserving the … Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $3.4 MILLON GRANT TO IMPROVE ACHIEVEMENT AT FIVE PRINCE GEORGE'S CO. HIGH SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON - U .S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), announced today that the Prince George's County Board of Education has been awarded a $3.4 million Department of Education Smaller Learning Communities Program grant to improve academic achievement at Crossland, DuVall, Oxon Hill, Potomac and Suitland high schools.   The grant will cover a three-year period, from July 10, 2008 to July 9, 2011.   The grant will be used to support … Continue Reading

BOXER AGREES TO CARDIN, MIKULSKI CALL FOR HEARINGS ON DoD REFUSAL TO CLEAN UP HAZARDOUS WASTE

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, today agreed to a request from U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) for a Senate oversight hearing on the Department to Defense's (DoD) refusal to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) regulations to clean up toxic chemicals that pose an "imminent and substantial" threat to residents on and near Ft. George G. Meade and two … Continue Reading

STATEMENT OF BENJAMIN L. CARDINON THE OCCASION OF THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR THE VICTIMS OF TORTURE

This week, we observe the International Day for the Victims of Torture.   As a member of the Helsinki Commission for many years, and now it's Co-Chairman, I have long seen the pernicious effects of torture in many places around the globe.  Torture breaks the human spirit and robs men, women and children of their human dignity.  Indeed, that is truly its intended purpose.   Torture is not only illegal and against international law, it is also ineffe… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $54,000 FOR CAMBRIDGE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the City of Cambridge has been awarded a $54,000 USDA Rural Development grant to hire an Executive Director for the Economic Development Department, which opened approximately a year ago.   The Director will provide technical assistance to new and existing small and emerging businesses in the community.   "Cambridge is an attractive location for businesses and… Continue Reading

CARDIN STATEMENT ON SENATE MEDICARE VOTE

I am outraged that a bipartisan majority in the Senate has once again been blocked from consideration of legislation that would have a positive impact on the lives of American seniors and the quality of their healthcare. Because a few Senators failed to act in a responsible manner, starting next Tuesday, July 1, physicians will see a reimbursement cut of more than 10 percent, jeopardizing patients' access to critical care; many low-income seniors will be left without the help they need to naviga… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $20,000 FOR NEW GARRETT COUNTY MOBILE CRIME UNIT

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that Garrett County has been awarded a $20,340 USDA Rural Development grant to purchase and equip a mobile crime scene processing 4-wheel drive vehicle.   Currently, the Garrett County Sheriff's Department depends on the Maryland State Police and the Mobile Crime Lab Unit for in-depth processing of crime scenes. The new mobile crime lab will reduce travel time and res… Continue Reading

CARDIN LAUDS IMMINENT SENATE PASSAGE OF FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS TAX CREDIT AND HELP FOR STRUGGLING HOMEOWNERS

Washington, DC -  U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today took to the floor of the U.S. Senate to urge his colleagues to quickly pass the American Housing Rescue and Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (H.R. 3221), vital legislation designed to help homeowners on the brink of foreclosure and communities struggling with plummeting property values and falling tax revenues. This bipartisan bill addresses the root of the broader economic crisis - record-high foreclosures - by h… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $40,000 GRANT TO AID FUTURE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT IN THREE EASTERN SHORE COUNTIES

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD) announced today that the Mid-Shore Regional Council has been awarded a $40,000 USDA Rural Development grant to retain an Agricultural Economic Development Specialist for Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester counties.   The Agricultural Economic Development Specialist's primary responsibility is to plan, market and manage economic development strategies that will attract, retain and grow a… Continue Reading

CHESAPEAKE SENATORS URGE COMMERCE SECRETARY TO DECLARE BLUE CRAB DISASTER

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (Both D-Md.), John Warner (R-Va.), and Jim Webb (D-Va.) joined today to urge Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez to hasten his decision regarding the disaster declaration request made by Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine for the Chesapeake Bay blue crab.   A declaration will make Chesapeake Bay watermen eligible for emergency disaster funding to ease the econ… Continue Reading

FLOOR STATEMENT ON 6TH CIRCUIT COURT OF APPEALS JUDICIAL NOMINATIONS (MICHIGAN)

  Mr. President, I listened to Senator Specter talk about one of our most important responsibilities; that is, the confirmation process on the President's nominations for our courts, which are lifetime appointments. It is a major responsibility each of us has in the Senate.    I think the way this confirmation process has proceeded with the three judges before us is an example as to how we should be working on the confirmation of judges. First, I think the proce… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI HONOR MARYLAND TEACHERS OF THE YEAR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) today met with Maryland Teacher of the Year April Todd of Somerset Intermediate School in Somerset County.  The Senators also congratulated Teachers of the Year from each of Maryland's counties.   "Studies show that good teachers are the key to helping students learn and succeed," said Senator Cardin. "… Continue Reading

CARDIN AND VAN HOLLEN LISTEN TO SMALL BUSINESSES HURTING FROM RISING GAS PRICES; PLEDGE HELP FROM DEMOCRATS IN SENATE AND HOUSE

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (MD-08) today heard first-hand from Maryland small business owners about how rising gas prices are hurting their business and their employees. Speaking at the Takoma Junction Citgo in Takoma Park, Maryland, Senator Cardin and Congressman Van Hollen pledged to take their message back to the Senate and the House as they work to overcome partisan obstacles to solving our energy crisis. Senator Cardin is a … Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI ANNOUNCE $711,000 FOR CHESAPEAKE BAY GATEWAYS & WATERTRAILS

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski, (both D-MD) announced today that the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network has awarded Maryland a total of $711,000 in grants for 15 separate projects. The National Park Service provides matching grants up to $100,000 for projects that advance Chesapeake Bay Gateways Watertrails Network goals of accessibility and stewardship.   Created in 1998, the Chesap… Continue Reading

CARDIN, MIKULSKI APPLAUD 2ND SENATE OVERRIDE OF PRESIDENTIAL VETO OF FARM BILL

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-MD), today strongly praised the Senate for swift action in overriding President Bush's second veto of the Farm Bill.   The bill will provide $438 million and an unprecedented guarantee of funding for environmental programs that help protect the Chesapeake Bay, America's largest estuary, and also includes increased funding for food and nutrition programs.   By a 80 to 14 vote, the Senate… Continue Reading

CARDIN URGES VA TO HALT CLINICAL TRIALS ON VETERANS USING DRUGS QUESTIONED BY FDA

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) Wednesday issued a letter to Veterans' Affairs Secretary James Peake urging him to immediately suspend clinical trials with veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) using the drug Chantix, which has been under FDA warnings since November 2007.   The drug, also known as Varenicline, has been shown to cause psychotic and suicidal episodes. In addition, the Veterans' Administration (VA) waited a full month after the… Continue Reading