Senate Proceeding on Dec 21st, 2010 :: 8:00:10 to 8:03:15
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8:00:07 to 8:00:28( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: we want to set the reset button too. we want to hold hands and sing. we want to be friends. well, that's fine, but give us our stolen military equipment back. that's all this asks for. it doesn't jeopardize the treaty. it just says it goes into force as soon as they give us our four humvees back.

8:00:10 to 8:03:15( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Benjamin L. Cardin

8:00:29 to 8:00:50( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: i yield the floor back to my good friend from maryland. mr. cardin: madam p the presiding officer: the senator from maryland. mr. cardin: let me first tell my colleague i support the treaty because it's in the best interest of the united states. it's in our national security interest. it's not an accommodation to russia.

8:00:51 to 8:01:13( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: this treaty helps us on national security. that's what our military experts tell us. that's what our intelligence experts tell us. that's what our diplomats tell us. from all fronts the ratification of this treaty makes us a safer nation. that's why i support it. it's not an accommodation to russia. on the issue that the gentleman is concerned about, both the

8:01:14 to 8:01:35( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: obama administration and this body reconfirmed our commitment to georgia's territorial integrity. and we very much want russia to withdraw. we're very sympathetic to the issue that you bring to our attention and we've taken action in this body to support georgia's territorial integrity. but the start treaty in its

8:01:36 to 8:01:56( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: ratification is important in reestablishing confidence on verification as it relates to our relationship with russia on -- on -- on stratigic arms, but it also it is -- is important for engagement of russia and other issues. we can do more than one thing at a time. it was the president of the

8:01:57 to 8:02:17( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: republic of georgia who said and i quote -- "we all want -- i personally want russia as a partner and not as an enemy. nobody has a greater -- concerts of nations, respects international laws and upholds human rights. that's why i wholeheartedly support the efforts of europe an

8:02:18 to 8:02:38( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: american leaders to strengthen their relationship with russia. the -- the leader of georgia understands that a better relationship between russia and the united states will help russia and its territorial integrity. this treaty and its ratification will help not only build confidence between russia and

8:02:39 to 8:02:59( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: the united states, but will help the other countries of europe, particularly a country like georgia. so the -- the chairman of the committee's absolutely correct, and i think we can verify that with the parliamentarian. this is not relevant on the issue we have before us. it's not part of the -- of the treaty that we've negotiated.

8:03:00 to 8:03:15( Edit History Discussion )

Benjamin L. Cardin: it's not part of the ratification process. it's not the appropriate forum for this type of amendment to be considered and it should be rejected on that basis. but the important thing in moving forward with u.s. influence on russia as it relates to its neighbors, such