Barbara Boxer: “before Senator Collins leaves the floor, I want to thank Senator Collins for her beautiful remarks about Barbara…”

“before Senator Collins leaves the floor, I want to thank Senator Collins for her beautiful remarks about Barbara Mikulski. As I leave here, I have said publicly--the press has asked: What is your hope? I often say: My hope is with the Senator from Maine, Senator Collins, to bridge some of the partisan divides. It has been an honor to serve with you. I know you have a lot on your shoulders as we move forward. Senator Mikulski, I want to take a few minutes to talk about you. Some Senators have focus and drive. Some have compassion. Some have empathy. Some have sharp negotiating skills. Some have a quick wit. Some are great students of history. Some are champions for the least among us. Senator Barbara Mikulski, you are all of these things. You are everything a Senator should be and more. As my mentor, as my treasured friend, you have been a major influence in my career. Honestly, I can say I would not be here as a United States Senator without your guidance. One of my favorite things about Barbara is her wonderful sense of humor. It is legendary. She is hilarious when she wants to be. When I was in the House of Representatives, I was fighting to integrate the all-male House gym. The room to which they had assigned the women was about 6 by 6, and it had showers and hair dryers. You know the big hair dryers that come over your head like that? It had no exercise equipment. It had no space. It was the size of a shoebox.…”