Barbara Mikulski: “Today, indeed, is a historic day. We gather on the Senate floor to be presented both to ourselves and the American…”

“Today, indeed, is a historic day. We gather on the Senate floor to be presented both to ourselves and the American people the nomination of Dr. Madeleine Albright to be Secretary of State--Madeleine Albright, the very first woman to be nominated Secretary of State; Madeleine Albright, the very first refugee to be nominated Secretary of State. What a wonderful, historic opportunity we have to confirm her nomination and to make history as well as to help carry out President Bill Clinton's foreign policy, to make the world a better and safer place. I know Dr. Albright well. We have been friends and colleagues for many years, and I am so enthusiastic about her nomination because of her skills, her experience, her character, her values. She is a woman of honor, integrity and extraordinary patriotism. As President Clinton was making his decision, I called him. I called him to urge that he consider Dr. Albright. I said there are three important reasons why I felt Madeleine Albright is the best person to serve as Secretary of State in this new millennium.”