I rise to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Shannon Kula, former Senator Barbara Mikulski's chief of staff and a beloved member of the Maryland congressional team and Capitol Hill community. Shannon passed away recently after a long and heroic fight against breast cancer. As Senator Mikulski remarked, ``Her vibrant, inspirational personality made an impact on us all. She had such dedication, during those long hours--always with a smile and encouraging word. Shannon was a great friend, great advisor and brilliant strategist who took charge of making things happen all while making everyone feel good while she did it. She had a luminous spirit that blessed us all.'' We all know the role that our staff plays in the work and life of the Senate. Shannon helped Senator Mikulski on so many of her accomplishments--from the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, to guaranteeing access to women's preventive healthcare to policies that support military families--Shannon was by Senator Mikulski's side. She also helped organize the bipartisan women Senators and played an important role in helping elect more women to the U.S. Senate. Shannon played an important role in developing and enacting policies that improved people's lives. She also improved the lives of those who had the good fortune to work with her. The friendships she developed with the Mikulski staff and the wider Senate community were deep and lasting. She led with grace and humor. She mentored younger staff.…
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