Tributes to Senator Barbara Mikulski

Floor Speech

Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I join my fellow Senators in paying tribute to my dear colleague and friend Senator Barbara Mikulski for the tremendous landmark she has reached as of March 17, 2012. She is now the longest serving female Member of our Congress. But the number of years is inadequate as a measure or metric. More telling are her monumental accomplishments and record of successfully tackling tough problems and making a real difference in lives. Senator Mikulski is unquestionably one of the most dedicated, inspiring, and influential public servants in our Nation's history.

Her generous spirit, flair, and eloquence as a speaker make her both loved and powerful as an advocate. Her standard of intellect and integrity has motivated me and inspired countless others. Like Senator Mikulski, I am humbled and driven by the legacy of members of my family who emigrated from Europe, striving for the American dream with a strong work ethic and a firm belief in progress. I am especially drawn to Senator Mikulski's determination to fight for her constituents and her deep sense of caring. She is an excellent role model for women and girls around the globe--and for anyone, whether a freshman Senator such as myself or a veteran legislator--devoted to a life of public service.

I am proud to work with Senator Mikulski on the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, joining her, for example, as a cosponsor of her Paycheck Fairness Act to continue the civil rights debate that started decades ago and is unfortunately still unresolved. We must, once and for all, secure protections for women in the workforce, reaching pay equity and ending all instances of sex discrimination.

I respect Senator Mikulski's efforts to reduce costs while furthering innovation and am a strong supporter of her focus on research and drug development for chronic conditions, as laid out in her SPRINT Act. Her advocacy for America's seniors and success leading immigration reform are equally inspiring, and I am proud to be a cosponsor of her Visa Waiver Program Enhanced Security and Reform Act.

I especially enjoyed partnering with Senator Mikulski to advance the education we provide to our Nation's students. We offered an amendment together in the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to increase funding and research to meet the unique needs of gifted and talented students.

Special recognition is past due for Senator Mikulski, who makes the time to recognize others, most recently sponsoring S. Res. 310, designating 2012 as ``Year of the Girl'' and congratulating the Girl Scouts for its centennial.

Senator Mikulski has been an extraordinary mentor and model for countless men and women who emulate her dedication and drive, her commitment and common sense. She leads by her example, particularly for women who endeavor to hold public office. When considering the opportunity to run, they can look to the legacy she has built and the path she has traveled from social worker to city council member to a national figure in the Halls of Congress.

I look forward with pleasure and pride to serving alongside Senator Mikulski for years to come. I congratulate her on making history and giving her colleagues, fellow public servants, constituents, and the American people the opportunity to engage in history-making for the good of our Nation.

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