On the recordDecember 7, 2016
yesterday I had an opportunity on the floor to talk about Senator Mikulski, but I just want to take 1 minute--because I know a lot of my colleagues want to speak--to thank her on behalf of the people of Maryland. Yesterday I was with Senator Mikulski at the inauguration of Catherine Pugh, our new mayor of Baltimore. As is the tradition on programs, the senior Senator speaks and then the junior Senator speaks, so I had the opportunity to speak after the dynamic remarks of Senator Mikulski. That has been a burden that I have had now for 10 years. As I pointed out to the people of Maryland, we are losing one of the great giants and advocates for our State, and that is going to be a great loss. The only benefit I can see is that I will not have to follow Senator Mikulski on the program in the future. We are living part of a legacy, and we know that. We know that what we do here in the U.S. Senate one day will be recorded in the history of our country. I know that Senator Mikulski will be mentioned frequently for her incredible accomplishments here in the U.S. Senate. On a personal basis, I just wanted to express that my life in the U.S. Senate has been special. For all of us, being in the Senate is special, but my enjoyment, productivity, and life in the Senate has been made so much greater because of my seatmate and friend, Senator Barbara Mikulski. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. Ernst). The Senator from Maine.
