Press Releases & Statements
Cardin Decries Trump’s Plan for Refugees Entering U.S.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday upon reports the Trump Administration was set to lower the annual number of refugees entering the United States to 45,000 individuals: "The Trump Administration's move to arbitrarily slash our country's annual refugee admissions ceiling to just 45,000 is devastating to tens of thousands of innocent people, and a blow to America's standing as the prem… Continue Reading
September 27, 2017
Senate Passes Young & Cardin Resolution Calling For Urgent Campaign To Prevent Millions From Starving To Death
Washington, D.C. - Yesterday, the United States Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Ranking Member Ben Cardin (D-MD) calling for an urgent and comprehensive diplomatic effort to address political obstacles in Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen that are preventing humanitarian aid from being delivered to tens of millions of people who desperately need it. The resolution calls on all parties to the… Continue Reading
September 26, 2017
Cardin, Klobuchar Introduce Resolution Recognizing National Voter Registration
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) today introduced a resolution recognizing September 26, 2017, as National Voter Registration Day. The resolution encourages each eligible citizen to register to vote; verify with the appropriate state or local election official that the name, address, and other personal information on record is current; and to go to the polls on election day. "In the United States, voting is a right, not a privilege for all Americans. We … Continue Reading
September 26, 2017
Cardin Calls for Parity in Aid for Puerto Rico
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement on the current plight of Puerto Ricans in the aftermath of the recent hurricanes that overwhelmed the people and the infrastructure of the island. "The pictures coming from Puerto Rico are heart-breaking. The devastation that has hit the island deserves the same commitment and support that would go to any other location in the United States. Puerto Rico's 3.4 million residents are American citizens and they should be … Continue Reading
September 26, 2017
Cardin Statement on Corker 2018 Retirement Announcement
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday after U.S. Senator Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), the Committee chairman, announced he would retire from the Senate when his term expires at the end of 2018: "Bob Corker is a consummate statesman and a thoughtful policymaker who has always served his constituents and his nation admirably. "Personally, I am saddened by this news because over our years of serv… Continue Reading
September 25, 2017
Cardin Statement on New Trump Travel Ban
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Monday after President Trump issued a revised travel ban last night: "President Trump's attempt to repackage his Muslim ban won't work. I am hopeful the Supreme Court will ultimately act with clarity to say that we will not allow religious tests as to who can come to America. That is the question that must be answered, because the selection of Muslim majority … Continue Reading
September 22, 2017
Cardin, Van Hollen Join Bipartisan Effort to Extend Critical Funding for Maryland Community Health Centers
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) joined a bipartisan group of Senators to call for immediate action to extend critical funding for community health centers before funding runs out at the end of this month. In a letter to leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, the Senators expressed their strong support for community health centers, which provide access to cost-effective primary and preventive care for families across the c… Continue Reading
September 22, 2017
Cardin, Van Hollen Join Sarbanes and Cummings Calling On FEC To Help Prevent Foreign Governments From Using Social Media Ads To Influence U.S. Elections
WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen joined U.S. Representatives John Sarbanes and Elijah Cummings (all D-Md.) and a coalition of Democratic House and Senate members in sending a letter to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) urging the agency to consider new rules that would prevent foreign nationals from using online advertising platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, to influence U.S. elections. Following the revelation that Russia purchased Facebook advertisements… Continue Reading
September 20, 2017
Cardin, Rubio, Colleagues Stand In Solidarity With Imprisoned Hong Kong Democracy Activists
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) were joined by their colleagues U.S. Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Cory Gardner (R-Colo.) in a letter Wednesday expressing solidarity with pro-democracy activists Joshua Wong, Alex Chow, and Nathan Law, who are currently serving jail time for their involvement in the 2014 "Umbrella Movement" protests. "We want you to know that we have heard your words and that we share your earnest desire for a d… Continue Reading
September 20, 2017
Cardin Statement On Major Earthquake Outside Mexico City
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement Wednesday after a major earthquake struck outside Mexico City yesterday. As of press time, the death and injury toll continues to rise: "I am devastated by the growing loss of life and injuries in and around Mexico City. The United States and Mexico share so many historical, political, economic and social ties that make our friendship an enduring one, but our … Continue Reading
September 20, 2017
Cardin, Van Hollen Announce $7.8 Million Grant for BWI Airport
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) have announced a $7,809,101 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for the Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall (BWI) Airport to fund the reconstruction of the Pier B apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful lifespan. "BWI Airport is the heart of Maryland's aviation system. From keeping Marylanders connected to the country and the world to keeping trade and tourism booming, it's crucia… Continue Reading
September 20, 2017
Senior Dem. Senators Write Trump Administration Regarding Iran Deal Certification, Seek Additional Information
WASHINGTON - Seven Senate national security Ranking Members wrote to senior Trump Administration officials Wednesday, reminding them of their legal obligations to report to Congress on potential Iranian breaches of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), as mandated by the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) of 2015. "[INARA] requires the President to provide information to Congress on any potentially significant Iranian breach or compliance concern related to the JCPOA within ten… Continue Reading
September 19, 2017
Cardin: Trump’s UN Speech Narrow, Dangerous and Would Isolate America
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after President Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly: "In his first major address to the United Nations as President of the United States, Mr. Trump missed a real opportunity to demonstrate leadership in rallying our friends and allies to solve some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation and the world. The narrow and dangerous views … Continue Reading
September 19, 2017
Senators Praise Committee Passage of Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), and Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), all members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, today praised committee passage of legislation that strengthens U.S. global leadership in the fight to end modern slavery and human trafficking. The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, which amends and reauthorizes international provisions of the Trafficking Victims Protect Act, will modify the criteri… Continue Reading
September 18, 2017
Cardin Amendments to Defense Bill Establish Process Intended to Prevent Closure of Key Biodefense Lab at Ft. Detrick, Provide Upgrades to F-16 Fleet at Joint Base Andrews
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) today praised the Senate for its work on a bipartisan defense authorization bill. The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2018 was approved by the Senate Tuesday evening. "I commend my colleagues for coming together before the end of the fiscal year to ensure that the men and women who so honorably defend our nation have the tools and the support they need to carry out their mission. Maryland is home to more than 40,000 active a… Continue Reading
September 18, 2017
Cardin, Van Hollen Strike Deal to Help Garrett County Small Businesses
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), a senior member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, have secured a provision in the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to extend federal HUBZone eligibility to small businesses in Garrett County and in other HUBZone areas around Maryland. The provision, Senate Amendment 510, mirrors the HUBZone Investment Protection Act (S. 690)… Continue Reading
September 15, 2017
Cardin, Collins Lead Senate in 10th Annual Recognition of Direct Support Professionals
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) have joined together again to recognize the hard work of direct support professionals with a Senate resolution, S. Res. 258. The resolution was passed as a cap to the celebratory week that ran September 10 through 16. Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) are an invaluable part of our Nation's health care system, caring for the most vulnerable Americans, including the chronically ill, seniors, and those living with a disabil… Continue Reading
September 14, 2017
Senators Draw Line On Tax Reform: Workers’ Retirement Savings Will Not Bankroll Corporate Tax Cuts
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and other top Democrats on the Senate Finance Committee - Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.) - have warned the White House and Senate and House leaders against funding corporate tax breaks by slapping new taxes on retirement savings for workers. The senators sent a letter today in opposition to a reported Republican corporate tax break pay-for that would force all workers into Roth reti… Continue Reading
September 14, 2017
Cardin, Carper Lead Letter Opposing EPA’s Proposal to Undo Clean Water Rule Protections
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Tom Carper (D-Del.), along with 19 colleagues, have submitted a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army Douglas Lamont opposing the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) plan to repeal the 2015 Clean Water Rule. The letter, submitted for the official docket, expresses the need to prioritize Americans' right to safe, clean water over ideological differences. EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US… Continue Reading
September 13, 2017
Senators Cardin, Markey and Gardner Support Protecting Burma’s Rohingya
Washington (September 13, 2017) - Senator Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Cory Gardner (R-CO), Ranking Member and Chair of the East Asia Subcommittee, today thanked Armed Services Committee leadership John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Jack Reed (D-R.I.) for agreeing to include their amendment that strikes language from the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would have expanded military-to-military… Continue Reading
