On the recordJanuary 5, 2011
there are certain occasions in the life of our Nation and this esteemed institution that are so steeped in history they remain indelibly etched in our minds and upon our hearts. This is one of those iconic moments as we share in recognizing Senator Mikulski's venerable achievement with her colleagues, her family, loved ones, friends, constituents, staff, and indeed the Nation. This is also a special day of pride most especially for those of us who are women Senators for whom Senator Mikulski has been a role model and mentor as well as coleading numerous efforts with Senator Hutchison, our senior Republican woman, to foster camaraderie among all of us. Having been privileged to know Senator Mikulski for more than 30 years, beginning with our mutual service in the House of Representatives, I cannot conceive of anyone I would rather witness overtaking such a sacrosanct milestone than the senior Senator from Maryland, a beloved, vigorous champion of the people of her State and unquestionably the women of America. Indisputably, for both of her Maine colleagues, Senator Collins and me, the landmark occasion we are commemorating is all the more personal and poignant given we are both colleagues and dear friends of Senator Mikulski and also direct inheritors and beneficiaries of Senator Margaret Chase Smith's groundbreaking service.
