Kay Hagan: “I come here today to pay tribute to Senator Barbara Mikulski on becoming the longest serving woman in the history of…”

“I come here today to pay tribute to Senator Barbara Mikulski on becoming the longest serving woman in the history of Congress. First and foremost, I feel deeply privileged to be able to serve alongside Senator Mikulski. She blazed a path that allowed the rest of us, and people like me, to be here today. Along the way, she distinguished herself as not only a leader and tenacious advocate for the people of Maryland but for all Americans. Senator Mikulski's path to the U.S. Senate prepared her well to be an effective fighter for her constituents. Ever the dedicated public servant, Senator Mikulski worked as a Baltimore social worker, community activist, and as a city council member. She brought an urgency and an unrelenting commitment to service to her work and the people she represented. It can be seen in the legislation she has fought for and the causes she has championed during her 25 years in the Senate. I am proud to say the first bill I cosponsored when I came to the Senate 3 years ago was one of Senator Mikulski's--the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. This bill--which ensures that no matter your gender, race, national origin, religion, age or disability, you will receive equal pay for equal work--the fight to get it signed into law is a perfect example of the tenacity and sense of fairness that drives Barbara Mikulski. I am particularly grateful to her for her mentorship.…”