Chairman's Press
Cardin Statement Regarding the Rescission of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism
BALTIMORE, MD - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the rescission of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. "This decision is a necessary step forward in establishing a more constructive relationship with Cuba," said Senator Cardin. "The Administration has conducted a thorough review and determined the Cuban government no longer provides support for international terrorism. This is an important step … Continue Reading
May 21, 2015
Cardin Statement on the Humanitarian Crisis in Yemen
Washington, DC - Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the growing humanitarian crisis in Yemen. "The Saudi-initiated five-day humanitarian pause was a welcome development, but there is evidence that the Houthi movement did not respect the ceasefire and continued to take aggressive actions inside Yemen," said Senator Cardin. "A political dialogue amongst all parties is required to solve this crisis. I call on Houth… Continue Reading
May 20, 2015
Senator Cardin Opening Remarks at Hearing on “U.S.-Cuban Relations – The Way Forward”
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, delivered the following opening remarks, as prepared for delivery, at today's full committee hearing on "U.S. Cuba Policy - The Way Forward." "There is no question that on December 17 of last year, President Obama's historical speech marked a watershed moment in U.S. policy towards Cuba. The President's action brought with it a new opportunity to forge a bilateral relationship that will streng… Continue Reading
May 15, 2015
Cardin Leads Bipartisan Letter to President Obama in Support of Tunisia’s Transition to Democracy
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan letter expressing support for the people and government of Tunisia as they transition to democracy and representative government. The letter was co-signed by nine other senators that sit on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, including Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), Tim Kaine (D-VA), David Perdue … Continue Reading
May 14, 2015
Cardin Statement on House Passage of Iran Nuclear Review Agreement Act of 2015
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the House passage of the Iran Nuclear Review Agreement Act of 2015. "The Senate and House, Democrats and Republicans have spoken with one voice in demanding a review of any accord with Iran that suspends Congressional sanctions on its nuclear weapons program. Congress has a vital oversight role to play if a final agreement is reached and to ensure … Continue Reading
May 13, 2015
Cardin Statement on the Gulf Cooperation Council Summit
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit. "The Middle East is confronted by tremendous challenges and at this critical juncture, the partnership between the United States and the Gulf Cooperation Council is vital. The death and devastation caused by ISIL in Syria and Iraq, the unrest enveloping the region from Yemen to Libya, and the continued con… Continue Reading
May 11, 2015
Cardin Statement on Passage of Senate Resolution to Free Americans Held in Iran
Watch Senator Cardin Speaking on the Senate Floor About the Resolution WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement on Monday's vote in the Senate on S.Con.Res.16, authored by Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), which calls for the release of four Americans held in Iran. "The message sent by the Senate to Iran is direct, unequivocal, and necessary: Release the Americans unjustly detained without delay," said… Continue Reading
May 11, 2015
Cardin Statement Recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement recognizing May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. "We recognize the month of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and celebrate the many contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) to the U.S," said Senator Cardin. "The AAPI community draws from a variety of distinct cultures, each of which has enriched American society and chal… Continue Reading
May 08, 2015
Cardin Statement Recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month. In 2014, Senator Cardin was a lead cosponsor of a bipartisan Senate Resolution recognizing May as Jewish American Heritage Month and honoring Holocaust victims for their contributions to American society. "The month of May is Jewish American Heritage Month, a time to honor the contributions of Jewish Americ… Continue Reading
May 08, 2015
Cardin Statement on International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement honoring International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on May 8, 2015. "On International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day we honor the global impact of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and we pay tribute to the humanitarian heroes who risk their own lives to alleviate the suffering of others. Nurses, engineers, and drivers, among others, all take great risks to work … Continue Reading
May 07, 2015
Cardin Statement on Senate Passage of Iran Nuclear Review Agreement Act of 2015
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued the following statement after the Iran Nuclear Review Agreement Act of 2015 was approved 98-1 by the U.S. Senate. "We have sent a clear message today that on this most vital national security issue - keeping Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons -- the Senate can find common ground and speak with one voice. We have been able to reach a reasonable compromise that embraces Democratic and Repub… Continue Reading
May 01, 2015
Senator Cardin Writes President Obama Requesting Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalese Citizens Currently in U.S.
Washington, D.C. - Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, sent the following letter to President Barack Obama requesting that his administration provide Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Nepalese nationals present in the United States that cannot return to their country due to the earthquake and humanitarian crisis in Nepal. In the letter, Senator Cardin applauded the United States' quick response to the devastation in Nepal, while also noting the need … Continue Reading
May 01, 2015
Cardin Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2015
WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued a press statement recognizing World Press Freedom Day on May 3, 2015 and a Congressional Record statement, both of which appear below. "On World Press Freedom Day 2015 we celebrate the value of freedom of press and the critical role it serves in creating a free and open society. In its highest forms, the press does not simply inform, but brings attention to atrocities around the world,… Continue Reading
April 29, 2015
Senators Cardin and Risch Introduce Nepal Resolution, Offer U.S. Support to the Region
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, and Counterterrorism introduced a resolution today offering support for Nepal and its neighbors in the aftermath of the deadly earthquake that struck the region on Saturday. The resolution also applauds the rapid mobilization by the Department of State, USAID, and the Department of Defense in qu… Continue Reading
April 28, 2015
Corker, Cardin Introduce Resolution on the Significance of US-Japan Relationship in Advance of Prime Minister Abe’s Address to Congress
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), the committee's ranking member, yesterday introduced a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.152) on the significance of the United States' relationship with Japan as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrives in Washington this week for a state visit where he will address a joint meeting of Congress on Wednesday. "I have had the pleasure of meeting with Prime Minister Abe, and I appre… Continue Reading
April 25, 2015
Cardin Statement on Earthquake in Nepal
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the destruction caused by the severe earthquake in Nepal earlier today. "I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the people of Nepal and South Asia over the tragic loss of life and terrible destruction caused by the earthquake this morning. The United States is already engaged with emergency response operations, however, Nepal will need the suppor… Continue Reading
April 24, 2015
Cardin Statement on World Malaria Day
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement recognizing World Malaria Day on April 25, 2015. He is a cosponsor of a Senate Resolution on World Malaria Day with Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) that underscores the importance of reducing malaria prevalence and deaths to improve overall child and maternal health, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. "In 2015, no child should die of preven… Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Cardin Statement on Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide which occurs on April 24, 2015. "This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, which claimed the lives of 1.5 million Armenian men, women, and children at the hands of the Ottoman Turks. As the world gathers on Friday to commemorate the victims, we must recognize the magnitude of… Continue Reading
April 23, 2015
Cardin Statement on the Death of Marylander Warren Weinstein
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement in response to the deaths of Marylander Warren Weinstein and Italian national Giovanni Lo Porto. Weinstein was kidnapped by al-Qaeda while serving as a contractor in Pakistan for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). "My thoughts and prayers are with the families of Dr. Warren Weinstein and Giovanni Lo Porto. Their legacies of altruism, com… Continue Reading
April 20, 2015
Cardin Statement on Humanitarian Disaster off the Libyan Coast and in the Mediterranean Sea
WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the following statement regarding the unfolding humanitarian disaster transpiring off the Libyan coast and in the Mediterranean Sea. "It is profoundly heart wrenching to view the anguished images of innocent refugees and migrants, men and women, old and young, who embarked on a desperate journey bound for a more hopeful future, but which ended in death on the Mediterranean Sea over… Continue Reading
