WASHINGTON – U.S.
Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) has earned the grade of “A” from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for his support of key legislation important to the African-American and civil rights communities.

The Senator earned a score of 100% in the NAACP’s Civil Rights Federal Legislative Report Card for the first session of the 110th Congress, which began Jan. 4, 2007 and ended Dec. 21, 2007. The report card tracked key votes in the Senate, including votes on increasing the minimum wage, the community oriented policing (COPS) program, increasing federal student aid for college, reauthorizing and expanding the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and hate crimes prevention.

“I strongly believe that one of the most important functions of government is improve the lives of Americans,” said Senator Cardin.  “I thank the NAACP for their support, and I will continue to vote for legislation that will ensure fairness, keep our communities safe and improve access to the American Dream for all Americans.”

In 2007, Senator Cardin co-sponsored Prevention of Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation in Federal Elections Act, S. 453, legislation that would impose criminal penalties on deceptive election practices.  As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, he also has co-sponsored the Civil Rights Act of 2008, S. 2554. This bill, introduced by Senator Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), would restore the original intent of Congress and strengthen the protections of Americans’ civil rights.

Senator Cardin also co-sponsored The Small Business Contracting Revitalization Act, S. 2300, which would improve oversight of the contract process for small firms, increase enforcement of protection for subcontractors and expand opportunities for minority, women and service-disabled entrepreneurs.