Sen. Ben Cardin

Ben Cardin believes government has a duty to improve the lives of all Americans. From expanding access to health care to boosting job growth to making homeownership affordable to improving the environment, Senator Cardin is a recognized leader with a record of legislative success.

First elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006, he was re-elected in 2012. Senator Cardin currently serves on the Finance, Foreign Relations, Environment and Public Works, and Small Business committees.

Senator Cardin believes access to quality, affordable health care is a right. He was a strong supporter of the Affordable Care Act, which will provide up to 30 million uninsured Americans with health coverage. After the tragic death of a 12-year-old Marylander from an untreated tooth infection, he successfully fought to get a guaranteed dental benefit included in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

He also has been a strong defender of the federal workforce. He believes that federal workers have already made a significant contribution to reducing the deficit with a pay freeze and does not believe they should shoulder the burden of deficit reduction alone.

He also is a strong champion of protecting our air and water. He has introduced legislation to restore the health of America’s great water bodies – including the Chesapeake Bay. And, he has fought for funding to improve America’s aging water infrastructure system, which would create thousands of new jobs.

In the Senate, Ben Cardin brings the expertise he developed while serving in the House of Representatives. Known for his command of pension and health care legislation, many of his financial proposals have been enacted into law, including: increasing the amount Americans can save for retirement and expanding Medicare to include preventive benefits.