Political Quotes

“I rise today to pay tribute to my colleague and friend, Senator Barbara Mikulski. Earlier today, when Senator Mikulski took the oath in this Chamber to serve, protect, and defend the U.S. Constitution, she became the longest serving woman in the history of the Senate. Senator Mikulski is no stranger to making history, and today she has made history once again. When Senator Mikulski was first sworn in as a Senator in 1987, she was the first Democratic woman Senator elected in her own right. And, along with Senator Kassebaum, she was one of only two women in the Senate at the time. Today, 17 women were sworn in on the Senate floor and I know many of us might not be here today without Senator Mikulski's support and encouragement. She truly is the dean of the women in the Senate. Senator Mikulski and I became very close friends when I joined the House of Representatives in 1983. She was always someone I respected because she was always focused on making life better for the middle- and working-class people she serves. When I first thought about running for the Senate, Senator Mikulski was the first person I went to see, and she gave such sage advice. She said "You'll love it here in the Senate because you have an ability to help the people you serve." Senator Mikulski told me it would be the toughest thing and the best thing I would ever do. I give Senator Mikulski such credit.…”