Bob Dole: “45 years ago last Thursday, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine rose from her seat in this Chamber and delivered a…”

“45 years ago last Thursday, Senator Margaret Chase Smith of Maine rose from her seat in this Chamber and delivered a speech she called a ``Declaration of Conscience.'' Many historians believe this speech marked the beginning of the end of the era of McCarthyism. And it also marked the finest hour of the remarkable career of Senator Smith, who passed away last week at the age of 97. I was privileged to serve alongside Senator Smith for 4 years in the Senate. She was as she has been described by many others. No nonsense. Fiercely independent. And sometimes as thorny as the red rose she wore every day. During her 32 years of service in Washington, Senator Smith accomplished many firsts. She was the first woman to be elected to both Houses of Congress. She was the first woman elected to the Senate who did not succeed her husband. She was the first woman to have her name placed in nomination for President by a major political party. As she made history, Senator Smith became a role model for many women.”