On the recordJanuary 5, 2011
I came to the Senate in January 1987, in the same class as Barbara Mikulski. Every sixth January since, including today, Barbara Mikulski and I have been sworn in together. Taking that oath is humbling and meaningful for every Senator, but it is a little more meaningful this time around for Senator Mikulski, for Maryland, and for our country. She is now the longest serving woman Senator in our Nation's history. She has had a pathbreaking career, and that is an understatement. She was the first woman to serve in the Senate Democratic leadership when we elected her our caucus secretary and she was the first woman ever to serve on the Senate Appropriations Committee. I know Senator Mikulski very well. She is my friend and my confidant. I know that more than any records, she is most proud of what she has done with that time, time she has dedicated to tireless, passionate, and effective advocacy for those who need a voice or even a hand.
