Staff Reports
As the political winds shift in Washington, a wave of retirements has swept through Capitol Hill, leaving many to ponder the current state of affairs in this once-mighty seat of governance. Senator Ben Cardin of Maryland recently shared his thoughts on this topic, revealing a picture of a divided nation struggling to find common ground. As members of Congress prepare to hang up their hats and embark on new adventures, the question on everyone’s mind is: Is Washington truly broken?
Over recent years, divisiveness has crept into the very fabric of U.S. politics, and the climate is palpable. Some lawmakers, like Representative Ken Buck, have lamented that Congress has devolved into an arena of “bickering and nonsense,” leaving the American people feeling unrepresented. Yet, Senator Cardin, who has served on both sides of the aisle, maintains that despite the prevailing dysfunction, there have been instances of cooperation. For example, the passage of a recent continuing resolution—a bipartisan effort that kept the government afloat—is a testament to lawmakers’ capabilities when they choose to collaborate. This raises the question: is there hope for bipartisanship amid the chaos?
Looking beyond national borders, Senator Cardin turned his focus to pressing foreign issues surrounding global hotspots. He expressed his belief in President Biden’s approach to the Middle East and Israel, describing ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and the safe return of hostages as steps in the right direction. As tensions rise and new leadership emerges in Lebanon, prospects for peace look somewhat hopeful, but hurdles remain. The senator emphasized that it is up to Syrians to elect leaders who reflect their nation’s diversity and complexity while preventing extremist groups from gaining traction.
However, complications arise when examining the geopolitical dance in Syria and the role of countries like Iran and Russia. While the Arab world grapples with a shifting power structure, Senator Cardin warned that not all players in the region are reliable allies. He pointed out that any interpretation of Russian strength under President Putin should be viewed with skepticism. The message was clear: while Russia may seem strong on the surface, history has shown that their commitments often leave much to be desired.
As the Biden administration continues to face scrutiny, concerns over its level of access have emerged. Reports suggest that communication challenges persist between lawmakers and the president, with some members feeling disconnected from White House decision-making. Nonetheless, Senator Cardin defended the administration, stating that he has enjoyed regular communication with Biden’s team, facilitating discussions regarding foreign policy matters. This dynamic can be disheartening for those seeking clearer lines of communication; uncertainty surrounding administration access raises questions about governance effectiveness at the highest levels.
On the domestic front, questions surrounding safety and regulations have come to the forefront regarding the rising prevalence of drones. Senators see a pressing need to ensure that drone usage is safe and secure to prevent potential threats to national security. With many drones operated by recreational users and a surge in incidents, lawmakers are pushing to improve regulations. The challenges posed by these flying machines highlight a growing concern for lawmakers as they navigate modern governance complexities.
As Senator Cardin prepares to leave the Senate amid a wave of retirements—including notable figures like Adam Schiff and Barbara Lee—both he and the institution face an uncertain future. The landscape is marred with challenges and disagreements, but perhaps a silver lining exists in realizing that unwavering commitment and active dialogue can still pave the way for solutions. While dysfunction might dominate headlines, dedicated public servants continue striving for progress even amid division.
As we look ahead, it remains essential for all Americans to stay engaged and hopeful, believing that together, all things are possible—even in Washington’s tumultuous world.
