Tributes to Senator Barbara Mikulski

Floor Speech

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Mr. BENNET. Madam President, today I want to honor Senator Barbara Mikulski, who has represented the people of Maryland for more than 35 years, and who earlier this week became the longest-serving female Member of Congress. Senator Mikulski is a fighter, a fearless leader and a role model for women and young girls everywhere, including my three daughters, Caroline, Halina and Anne.

During the course of her distinguished career, Senator Mikulski has been an incredibly effective advocate, and in particular has taken a leadership role in mentoring other women as they follow in her footsteps to the halls of Congress. She has represented Maryland exceptionally well--on issues ranging from civil rights and the environment, to issues affecting working families and our criminal justice system.

Tracking Senator Mikulski's career is also a good way to follow the progress of women in our country. When first elected to Congress for Maryland's 3rd district in 1976, Senator Mikulski was one of 21 women serving in Congress. Today there are 92 women serving, thanks in large part to the trailblazing efforts of Senator Mikulski.

Through her work in an array of roles, from the women's amendment in the Affordable Care Act to her leadership on the Senate Subcommittee on Children and Families, Senator Mikulski is known as a coalition builder. This role has led her to cultivate personal and professional partnerships among the members of the Senate. Likely some of the country's most important work is done during the bipartisan dinners she frequently hosts for her female Senate colleagues.

I am proud that my first vote as a Senator in January 2009 was in favor of one of Senator Mikulski's bills, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which guarantees women equal pay for equal work. And I have thoroughly enjoyed working with her in the Senate HELP Committee on Elementary and Secondary Education Act reauthorization and passage of the Affordable Care Act. I look forward to continuing to work with Senator Mikulski on these and other important issues in the Senate.

March is Women's History Month, and I can think of no better time to honor and reflect on what Senator Mikulski's work has meant to the United States Senate and to her constituents in Maryland. Let us follow the leadership of Senator Barbara Mikulski and continue to fight for a better America.

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