On the recordJanuary 5, 2011
I want to add my voice to the many others heaping deserved praise onto Senator Barbara Mikulski, who sets a record today as the longest serving woman in the history of the U.S. Senate. Tough but compassionate, an effective advocate for Maryland and for the national interest, Senator Mikulski has achieved more than just longevity. She has been an energetic and effective advocate for the interests of children, a staunch ally of seniors, a defender of services for our veterans, and a supporter of efforts to involve all Americans in solving our Nation's problems through service and voluntarism. Her support of education and scientific research promises benefits that will last long after we all have departed the Senate. I have been a proud partner with her on making commonsense changes to our Nation's immigration system. She also has been a strong advocate for Federal programs that promote manufacturing, such as the Commerce Department's Manufacturing Extension Program and the Technology Innovation Program. Senator Mikulski is rightly seen as a mentor and leader of women who come to the Senate. The successes of the many female Senators who have been the beneficiaries of her guidance stand as a testament to the power of her example. Senator Mikulski has admirably brought the lessons of her early career as a social worker to her work in the Senate, understanding that real families with real problems are looking to us for solutions.
