Political Quotes

“Mr. President, today I wish to offer my heartfelt congratulations to my esteemed colleague and dear friend, Senator Barbara Mikulski, on becoming the longest serving woman in the history of the United States Congress. This milestone, reached on March 17, marks 12,858 days--more than 35 years--of dedicated service to her beloved State of Maryland and to our Nation. A little more than a year ago, in January of 2011, Senator Mikulski began her 25th year in the Senate, surpassing my personal role model in public service, Senator Margaret Chase Smith, the Great Lady from Maine. Adding in her 10 years in the House, Senator Mikulski now establishes the record for longevity in either chamber, set by Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers, who represented Massachusetts but was born in Maine. For me, the special meaning of this occasion goes far beyond such coincidences. Just as Congresswoman Rogers and Senator Smith inspired young women in the past to lives in public service, Senator Mikulski inspires the young women of today. As a new Senator in 1997, I was welcomed by her kindness and helped by her wisdom. She taught me the ropes of the appropriations process and instituted regular bipartisan dinners for the women of the Senate. It has been a privilege to work with Senator Mikulski for 15 years. During that time, I have come to know her as a fighter and a trailblazer. Senator Mikulski is, above all, a hard worker.…”