Barbara Boxer: “I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague and friend, Senator John Kerry, as his distinguished career in the U.S.…”

“I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague and friend, Senator John Kerry, as his distinguished career in the U.S. Senate comes to an end. While I am sad to see him go, I am so proud that Senator Kerry will be continuing his long record of service to the United States as Secretary of State. For more than 13 years, I have had the privilege of serving with Senator Kerry on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Throughout that time, Senator Kerry has consistently shown a tremendous breadth of knowledge regarding the key foreign policy challenges of the day. Most recently as chairman of the Committee, Senator Kerry championed Senate ratification of the New START treaty--making both our country and the world safer from the threat of nuclear proliferation. And on a wide range of issues--from United States policy toward Afghanistan and Pakistan to efforts to achieve peace between Israel and the Palestinians--he has offered thought-provoking insight and expertise. That is why I believe that no one is as prepared as Senator Kerry to serve as our Nation's top diplomat. I am particularly proud of the many issues we have worked on together, including fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, addressing climate change, and working to end human trafficking around the globe.…”