Chairman's Press
Cardin to Introduce Senate Resolution Asking Trump to Ensure Foreign Dealings do not Violate U.S. Constitution
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and a senior Member of the Senate Finance Committee, announced today he will introduce a resolution next week stating the sense of Congress that President-elect Trump should convert his assets to simple, conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts, or take other equivalent measures, in order to ensure consistency with the Emoluments Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The resolution will note … Continue Reading
November 18, 2016
Cardin Meets with Colombian President Santos
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, met with President Juan Manuel Santos of Colombia in the Capitol yesterday to discuss bilateral relations and the Colombian government signing a revised peace accord with Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebel group. "It was an honor to welcome President Santos to the Senate today, where I thanked him for his steadfast leadership that has kept hope alive for peace in Colom… Continue Reading
November 18, 2016
Cardin Statement on General Mike Flynn Selection as National Security Adviser
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Friday after President-elect Donald Trump announced Ret. Lt. Gen. Mike Flynn would serve as his national security advisor: "I honor General Mike Flynn's three decades of service to the United States as part of our Armed Forces. Unfortunately, I have serious concerns regarding General Flynn's temperament, worldview, and potential conflicts of interest shoul… Continue Reading
November 17, 2016
Cardin Keynote Address at CSIS Transatlantic Forum on Russia
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, delivered the following keynote address at the Center for Strategic and International Studies' Fourth Annual Transatlantic Forum on Russia Thursday. The Senator also answered a question at the end of his remarks about what he'll be looking for in upcoming confirmation hearings of Trump Administration national security officials: "Heather [Conley], thank you very much. It really is a pleas… Continue Reading
November 15, 2016
Cardin Calls for Increased Humanitarian Assistance in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew Devastation
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry and Administrator Gayle Smith of the U.S. Agency for International Development Tuesday, calling for a substantial increase in assistance to the people of Haiti following the devastation of Hurricane Matthew last month. Hundreds of thousands of Haitians still lack reliable access to necessities such as shelter, water, food and medical supplies. "Haiti… Continue Reading
November 14, 2016
Cardin Statement on Violence in Burma
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and its Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, released the following statement Monday after reported violence in Rakhine State, Burma: "I am deeply concerned by what appears to be an escalation in violence in Rakhine State over this past weekend, which is home to Burma's persecuted Rohingya ethnic minority. Burmese military helicopters are reported to have opened fire in so-called 'c… Continue Reading
October 18, 2016
Cardin Statement on the Start of Anti-ISIL Military Operations in Mosul
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement regarding Iraqi action against ISIL in their second-largest city, Mosul. "I welcome Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's announcement that military operations have commenced to retake Mosul from ISIL. U.S. and Coalition support has been critical for the planning and preparations for this operation, but ultimately the battle to retake Mosul must be Iraqi-led and… Continue Reading
October 13, 2016
Cardin Statement on Passing of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, released the following statement Thursday after the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, who at the time of his death was the world's longest reigning monarch: "I extend my deepest condolences to the royal family, the people of Thailand, and the Thai community of Maryland on the passing of His Majesty King Bhumibol. "Over sev… Continue Reading
October 07, 2016
Cardin Welcomes Lifting of Burma Sanctions
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and its Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, and the author of the Burma Strategy Act of 2016, released the following statement Friday after President Obama announced a new executive order lifting the 'emergency' designation for Burma, ending U.S. sanctions on that nation per the International Emergency Economic Powers Act law: "Like President Obama, I too believe it is time to end … Continue Reading
October 07, 2016
Cardin Statement on Philippines Suspension of Military Exercises, Patrols with U.S.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and its subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, released the following statement Friday after the Philippines informed the United States that they are suspending joint military exercises and naval patrols: "Today's announcement is cause for great concern. The Philippines are one of our oldest allies in the region and joint military exercises and naval patrols are a lynchpin of that partner… Continue Reading
October 07, 2016
Cardin Statement in Support of War Crimes Investigation in Syria
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and the author of the Syrian War Crimes Accountability Act, released the following statement Friday after Secretary of State John Kerry called for a war crimes investigation and accountability in Syria: "The slaughter of innocent Syrian civilians and deliberate targeting of hospitals, schools, rescue personnel, and humanitarian workers is increasing. The reign of terror inflicted on the S… Continue Reading
October 06, 2016
Cardin Statement on Nomination of Antonio Guterres as next UN Secretary-General
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Thursday after the United Nations Security Council voted to recommend to the General Assembly that Antonio Guterres, the former Portuguese prime minister and U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, be elected as the ninth U.N. Secretary-General. The General Assembly is widely expected to confirm the Security Council's nomination of Mr. Guterres: "Mr. Guterres… Continue Reading
October 05, 2016
Cardin Statement on Deterioration of U.S.-Russian Relations
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Wednesday: "Russia clearly has no interest in counterterrorism cooperation, humanitarian relief, or political progress in Syria, evidenced by their direct and indirect actions that have killed civilians and humanitarian aid workers, destroyed hospitals, schools, and other infrastructure, and enabled the Assad regime to pursue a course of action that will o… Continue Reading
October 05, 2016
Cardin Lauds Critical Actions for Paris Agreement to Enter into Force
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement Wednesday after the European Union unanimously passed a resolution committing its member states to the Paris Agreement. The first entry into force threshold of at least 55 parties officially joining the agreement was met in September. The second entry into force threshold of parties tot… Continue Reading
September 30, 2016
Cardin Statement on Duterte Holocaust Comments
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations and its Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, released the following statement Friday after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was recorded comparing Hitler's Holocaust to his desire to kill drug users and drug dealers in his country: "It is reprehensible and frankly disgusting that a democratically-elected leader is talking about the mass murder of his own people, with Hitler's Hol… Continue Reading
September 29, 2016
Cardin Calls for Justice on 2nd Anniversary of Mexican Students’ Disappearance
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, entered the following statement into the Congressional Record this week to mark the second anniversary of the disappearance of 43 students in Guerrero, Mexico: "Mr. President, I rise today to observe the second anniversary of the forced disappearance of 43 students in the Mexican state of Guerrero, a tragedy that continues to haunt the students' families and friends. I also rise to speak… Continue Reading
September 29, 2016
Cardin Opening Remarks at Syria Conflict Hearing
WASHINGTON - The following remarks, as prepared for delivery, were delivered by U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, at a hearing Thursday entitled, "Regional Impact of the Syria Conflict: Syria, Turkey and Iraq": "Thank you, Chairman Corker, for convening this important hearing today on the impact of the Syria conflict on the region. "Secretary Blinken, welcome back to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. It's not every day that… Continue Reading
September 28, 2016
Cardin Statement on JASTA Veto Vote
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Wednesday on his expected vote on President Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, or JASTA: "After careful consideration of President Obama's veto, I believe that the risks of shielding the perpetrators of terrorism from justice are greater than the risks this legislation may pose to America's presence around the world. I will ther… Continue Reading
September 28, 2016
Cardin Names Jessica Lewis as New SFRC Staff Director
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) announced today that Jessica Lewis will serve as the new staff director for the Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Jessica is currently the Senior National Security Advisor to Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.), handling a broad portfolio of national security issues and serving as the Senator's liaison to relevant government agencies and the Senate Armed Services, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence Committees. Prior to her… Continue Reading
September 28, 2016
Cardin Statement on Passing of Shimon Peres
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, released the following statement Wednesday after Israel announced the passing of former president and prime minister Shimon Peres: "I extend my deepest condolences to the people of Israel and to the family of Shimon Peres. "As a member of the military, lawmaker, government minister, and national leader, Mr. Peres played a formative role in the creation and flourishing of Israel from its… Continue Reading
