WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement regarding President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek re-election.

“Joe Biden is a friend, and has been a passionate public servant throughout his lifetime, putting the needs of this nation first time and again. As president, he has led an administration that for nearly four years has helped our nation, helped our people and has created hope and opportunity where there was sickness, despair and inequality. Unemployment is at historic lows, small businesses creation is at record highs and the Fed is on the cusp of cutting interest rates again because inflation is in check. America has earned back respect and leadership around the free world. For all this and more, Joe Biden has earned the right to determine his own future and I respect his decision. I thank him for his incredible service with all my heart.

“Donald Trump is unfit to hold elected office. Democrats, along with Independents and Republicans, now must be united and focus our attention on preserving our nation, our Constitution and our way of life under the rule of law.”