Ben Cardin

In 1967, Ben Cardin became one of the youngest delegates ever elected to the Maryland House of Delegates at the age of 23. During his time in the Maryland Legislature, he served on prominent committees and worked on issues such as education reform and fiscal policy. Cardin quickly established himself as a capable lawmaker, known for his dedication to constituent services and bipartisan cooperation. His early political career laid the groundwork for his later success at the national level.

Ben Cardin was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1986, representing Maryland's 3rd congressional district. During his 20 years in the House, Cardin focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, healthcare reform, and social security. He was known for his advocacy on behalf of senior citizens and his efforts to improve education and economic opportunities for all. Cardin served as a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, influencing significant legislation on tax, trade, and healthcare issues.

In the 2006 election, Ben Cardin won a hotly contested race for the U.S. Senate, defeating his Republican opponent, Michael Steele. Cardin's victory marked a continuation of Democratic control of this Senate seat. As a Senator, Cardin quickly became involved in issues related to foreign relations, environmental protection, and healthcare reform, building on his extensive legislative experience from the House. He was appointed to several key Senate committees, where he has played a major role in shaping policy across a wide range of subjects.

Ben Cardin championed the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act, passed in 2010, which aimed to develop and enforce pollution limits for the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Cardin's commitment to environmental issues was evident as he worked to secure the health of one of the nation's most important estuaries. The act was designed to improve water quality and restore habitats, and Cardin's leadership was instrumental in gathering the bipartisan support necessary for its passage through Congress.

In 2012, Senator Ben Cardin was a leading sponsor of the Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act, which imposed sanctions on Russian officials responsible for human rights abuses. The Magnitsky Act aimed to promote human rights and hold foreign officials accountable for violations. Cardin's efforts were crucial in securing the passage of this significant legislation, which later became a model for other human rights protection laws globally. The act is named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer who died in prison after exposing government corruption.

Senator Ben Cardin played a pivotal role in the passage of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act in 2016. This law expanded on the 2012 Magnitsky Act to authorize the U.S. government to sanction foreign government officials worldwide who are deemed to be human rights offenders or are involved in significant corruption. Cardin's leadership in promoting human rights and accountability on an international scale was widely recognized, as the act was praised for its potential to impact global human rights positively.

As the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Ben Cardin released a comprehensive report in early 2018 detailing the Russian government’s efforts to undermine democracy in the United States and other countries. The report, titled 'Putin's Asymmetric Assault on Democracy in Russia and Europe: Implications for U.S. National Security', called for a robust response to counteract election interference and safeguard democratic institutions. Cardin’s work highlighted the importance of addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting electoral integrity.

In the wake of the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, Senator Ben Cardin spoke out strongly against the violence and the attempt to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election. Cardin emphasized the need for accountability and the protection of democratic processes. He supported efforts to investigate the riot and ensure that those responsible were held accountable. Cardin's response reflected his long-standing commitment to upholding the rule of law and the integrity of American democracy.

Senator Ben Cardin played a supportive role in the passing of the Inflation Reduction Act in 2022, which aimed at addressing inflation through various economic measures, including tax reforms, investments in clean energy, and healthcare changes. Cardin advocated for several provisions in the act that promised to help reduce the financial burden on American families while promoting sustainable economic growth. His involvement underscored his commitment to policy that balances economic growth with fiscal responsibility.

On January 24, 2023, Senator Ben Cardin announced that he would not seek re-election upon the expiration of his term in 2024. This announcement marked the culmination of a long and distinguished political career, during which Cardin served in both the state and federal legislative branches. He cited a desire to focus more on family and personal interests. Cardin's retirement would bring to a close over five decades of public service, and his contributions to U.S. policy and politics were widely recognized.