Barbara Mikulski: “I am a blue-collar Senator. My heart and soul lies with the blue-collar American. I spent most of my life in a…”

“I am a blue-collar Senator. My heart and soul lies with the blue-collar American. I spent most of my life in a blue-collar neighborhood. When Bethlehem Steel went on strike, my dad gave those workers credit. When UAW was having a hard time, my father and mother tried to smooth the way by helping them in the grocery store. My career and my public service is one of deep commitment to the working people. So when automobile manufacturers told me they could not meet the increased CAFE standards, I listened. I listened year after year, and now I have listened for more than 20 years. When they told me they needed more time, I agreed. When they told me an increase in CAFE standards was unattainable with existing technology, I voted against the increase to give more time so we could come up with attainable and existing technology. But 20 years have gone by since the last increase in fuel efficiency standards.”