[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 52 (Thursday, March 29, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2226-S2229]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTES TO SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI

  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today in light of last week's 
celebration here in the Senate, to recognize the truly historic and 
remarkable accomplishment of my good friend and colleague, Senator 
Barbara Mikulski.
  As we all know, Senator Mikulski just last week achieved another 
stunning milestone as she became the longest-serving woman in the 
history of the United States Congress, surpassing Congresswoman Edith 
Nourse Rogers. Of course, it was at the outset of this 112th Congress 
that Senator Mikulski overtook Maine's legendary Senator Margaret Chase 
Smith. To say it's been quite a Congress for the Gentle Lady from 
Maryland is the height of understatement indeed.
  In the process of paying tribute to Senator Mikulski, I discovered 
some interesting information, namely that three out of the four longest 
serving women in the Congress were actually born in Maine--
Congresswoman Rogers, Senator Smith, and myself as third longest 
serving woman in both the Senate and the House.
  Senator Smith of course served Maine and Congresswoman Rogers 
represented the 5th District of Massachusetts. Both were Republicans, 
and both were born in Maine. And so, let me just say, as one who is 
privileged enough to fall into the same categories, on behalf of the 
great State of Maine which appears to produce women of tremendous 
endurance at both ends of the U.S. Capitol, we could not be more proud 
of the Senator from Maryland.
  But the commonalities don't end there--far from it. In addition to 
the overlapping biographical information I just referenced, it is a 
point of tremendous pride that all three of us also placed the highest 
of premiums on serving those who have served our Nation by giving every 
fiber of their being to protect, defend, and secure our cherished 
freedoms--our courageous men and women in uniform and our veterans.
  Born in Saco, ME, Edith Nourse Rogers authored legislation that made 
her

[[Page S2227]]

one of the great champions of our men and women in the military as well 
as our Nation's veterans. As a Member of Congress, Edith Rogers 
displayed a work ethic worthy of her Maine roots and was known as ``the 
busiest woman on Capitol Hill.''
  During her storied 35-year career spanning from 1925 to 1960--still 
the longest tenure of any woman in the history of the U.S. House of 
Representatives, Congresswoman Rogers counts among her long-lasting 
achievements the securing of $15 million to develop a national network 
of veterans' hospitals in the Veterans' Administration Act, the 
creation of both the Women's Army Corp and the landmark GI Bill of 
Rights.
  She also proposed the establishment of a Cabinet-level Department of 
Veterans Affairs immediately after World War II an achievement that 
would finally take place in 1989. She was held in such high esteem by 
our veterans that the American Legion presented her with the 
Distinguished Service Cross--the first woman ever to receive that 
prestigious honor.
  The incredible inroads and contributions that Edith Rogers made on 
behalf of our military, Senator Smith mirrored in the Senate. And just 
as an aside, I think it is worth noting that both shared a floral 
trademark, demonstrating that they could legislate in what was then 
very much a man's world without sacrificing their femininity or grace. 
Representative Edith Rogers wore an orchid or gardenia, and Senator 
Smith would don her signature rose.
  A lifelong native of Skowhegan, Maine, Senator Smith was also a 
trailblazer and a woman of phenomenal firsts--the first woman to be 
elected in her own right to the United States Senate; the first woman 
to serve on the Armed Services Committee; the first woman to serve on 
the Appropriations Committee; the first woman to have her name placed 
in nomination for the Presidency by either major political party, in 
1964; the first civilian woman to sail on a United States destroyer in 
wartime; the first woman to break the sound barrier in a U.S. Air Force 
F 100 Super Sabre Fighter--at 800 miles per hour, I might add.
  In fact, that reminds me of the time in 1992 when Senator Nancy 
Kassebaum came to visit me in Maine, and we traveled together to see 
Senator Smith at her home and library. Senator Smith gave us a 
wonderful tour--despite her failing health at the time, and I recall 
asking her about a bright orange suit I saw that was hanging on one of 
the walls. And she replied that it was her flight suit from the time 
she broke the sound barrier. She then told me about how she had 
initially questioned the less than flattering color tone until she 
learned that the bright orange would help them find her if she had to 
eject! But for all of her courage, fearlessness, and monumental 
leadership, one of Senator Smith's indelible achievements was 
shepherding the historic Women's Armed Services Integration Act.
  Mr. President, I am forever humbled by the shoulders I have been so 
proud to stand upon. As I recall the milestones of both Congresswoman 
Rogers and Senator Smith, especially for our veterans and armed forces, 
I cannot help but think of how they paved the way for my service as the 
only Republican woman Senator on the Personnel Subcommittee of the 
Senate Armed Services Committee, battling as I was at the time in the 
late 1990s for the fair and equitable treatment of women in the 
services, including assurances that men and women would train as they 
fight--side-by-side!
  For all of their joint accolades, neither Senator Smith nor 
Congresswoman Rogers set out to forge news paths for women in politics. 
In fact, upon winning her first election to the House, Congresswoman 
Rogers declared, ``I hope that everyone will forget that I am a woman 
as soon as possible.'' What we remember about these amazing women, born 
in Maine, is their great integrity, love of country, and a desire to 
serve. No wonder they have inspired legions of women, myself included.
  Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I would like to take a moment to honor 
Senator Barbara Mikulski for recently becoming the longest serving 
woman in the history of the United States Congress. However, in doing 
so, I am reminded that this milestone does not define her legacy. 
Rather, her legacy as a coalition builder and a tenacious advocate of 
the marginalized defines Senator Mikulski's tenure as a public servant 
for the people of Maryland.
  Throughout her career, Senator Mikulski pioneered the role women play 
in today's Congress. When she joined the Senate in 1987, Senator 
Mikulski became one of two female Senators and the first Democratic 
woman ever to join the upper chamber. These achievements were not due 
to a famous husband or father; Senator Mikulski was elected because of 
her integrity and her fiery and compassionate character. Her personal 
and professional experiences over the past 35 years make Senator 
Mikulski an excellent mentor for first-term female members, leading to 
the appropriate title: ``Dean of Women.'' I was recently reminded of 
``the Dean's'' ability to rally the support of female colleagues as 
Senator Mikulski and seven of 17 female senators lent their support for 
the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act on the floor of 
the Senate. Her efforts are emblematic of a unique ability to 
orchestrate voices in defense of the voiceless.
  Just as the Violence Against Women Act provides support to both male 
and female victims of domestic abuse, Senator Mikulski's legacy as a 
champion of the exploited transcends the concept of gender. From her 
roots as a social worker and community organizer, Senator Mikulski has 
constantly stood for social justice. She was a driving force in the 
landmark Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which furthered 
protections for women and others faced with discrimination in the 
workplace. Equal pay for equal work is a principle that Senator 
Mikulski will continue to defend. From the young lady who delivered 
groceries to seniors, to a passionate defender of the ethnic American, 
Senator Mikulski continues to stand in solidarity with those forced to 
live in the margins.
  I have been proud to serve in the Senate with Senator Mikulski for 
over two decades, and I have enjoyed working with her on many issues, 
in addition to our time serving together on the Subcommittee on the 
Department of State and Foreign Operations for many years. Perhaps most 
memorable is a CODEL we took to sub-Saharan Africa in 1990.
  While my colleagues and I applaud Senator Mikulski on the longevity 
of her career, we more importantly take this moment to celebrate the 
leadership and achievements that characterize her 35 years of service. 
How long she has served bears witness to how well she has represented 
the people of Maryland.
  Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, I would like to pay tribute to my 
colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, who is now the longest serving 
woman in the history of the Congress and congratulate her on reaching 
this important milestone. Senator Mikulski is an inspiration to us all. 
She had broken down not only multiple gender barriers, but legislative, 
economic and societal barriers as well.
  Throughout her career, Senator Mikulski has been a champion for those 
who are often forgotten. Hubert Humphrey once said the moral test of 
government is how it treats those in the dawn of life, the twilight of 
life and the shadows of life. Senator Mikulski took this message to 
heart. Her life has been a life of service. She spent her career as a 
tireless advocate, first as a social worker in Baltimore on the city 
council and then in the House of Representatives where she served 10 
years before coming to the Senate. For the past 25 years she has 
continued this advocacy and has been a strong voice on the Senate 
floor, as well as on the HELP Committee. I have been fortunate to serve 
on the HELP Committee with Senator Mikulski since 2009.
  One of the things Senator Mikulski is best known for is providing 
good constituent services. This is something all Senate offices do and 
it often gets overlooked by the national and international issues of 
the day. But this speaks to one of the most important duties of a 
Senator. When your constituent's mother dies in a country halfway 
around the world and you suddenly need a passport or a visa, when a 
veteran is not getting the benefits he is entitled to or when an older 
citizen

[[Page S2228]]

cannot afford to heat their home, they can turn to their Senator's 
local office for help. Senator Mikulski makes sure she and she her 
staff provide help to that family or veteran or older citizen.
  Barbara Mikulski knows, and her work demonstrates, that the job of a 
Senator is not only about numbers and budgets, it is about helping 
people, especially the vulnerable and those without a voice or a 
lobbyist.
  Again, I congratulate Barbara on her accomplishment and I look 
forward to working with her and continuing to fight for our children, 
our workers and our families with her in the years ahead.
  Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President. I come to the floor today to celebrate the 
service of Senator Barbara Mikulski, one of the most tenacious and 
effective senators to serve in the U.S. Senate. This month, following 
41 years of public service, Senator Mikulski has reached a new 
milestone in serving in the U.S. Congress longer than any woman in 
history. But as she has said, ``It's not how long you serve, but how 
well you serve.'' Both the State of Maryland and the entire Nation have 
benefited from Senator Mikulski's stamina as well her energy, 
intellect, and compassion. Today, we can see the difference she has 
made in our schools, health care, paychecks, and workplaces.
  Senator Mikulski follows in the footsteps of the legendary Hattie 
Caraway of Arkansas. As the wife of Thaddeus Caraway, a former 
Congressman and U.S. Senator for Arkansas, Hattie assumed her husband's 
place in the Senate following his death in 1931. She once said, ``The 
time has passed when a woman should be placed in a position and kept 
there only while someone else is being groomed for the job.'' A year 
later, she ran for reelection, becoming the first woman elected to a 6-
year term. She surpassed several milestones, including serving as the 
first female Senator to preside over the Senate and the first woman to 
serve as the chairwoman of a committee.
  It would take 74 more years until a woman senator chaired a 
subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Senator Mikulski, 
now at the reins of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, and Science, 
has shown great leadership and vision as chairwoman and it has been a 
privilege to work with her. While we share many interests, we have 
worked most closely to advance the growth of science parks, strengthen 
law enforcement, and ensure U.S. companies can compete in the 21st 
century. I look forward to a continued partnership, congratulate 
Senator Mikulski on this historic achievement, and express my deep 
appreciation for all that she has done.
  Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I rise to honor and extend my warmest aloha 
to my longtime colleague, a fellow member of the House freshman class 
of 1977, and very dear friend, Senator Barbara A. Mikulski, for setting 
a new benchmark in her career and a significant milestone in this 
institution: becoming the longest serving woman in the history of the 
U.S. Congress. With each of her many accomplishments, she inspires the 
next generation of young American women, and she makes their dreams 
that much more attainable.
  My colleague from Maryland has been a true trailblazer for women in 
Congress. In 1987, she earned the distinction of becoming the first-
ever woman U.S. Senator from Maryland, as well as the first woman 
Democrat to serve in both the House and the Senate. Last year, she also 
became the longest serving female in Senate history.
  Barbara has not only witnessed the number of females climb from just 
21 when she first came to Congress in 1977 to the 92 female members 
serving today, her actions and spirit helped to make that feat 
possible. She continues to be a distinguished leader, mentor, and 
friend to all of her colleagues in Congress, not just the women. 
Although we have more work to do to eliminate gender bias and 
discrimination, I am glad to see that Congress has become more 
representative of the United States.
  Throughout her over 35 years in Congress, Barbara has remained a 
fearless advocate for women, working-class Americans, and Federal 
workers across the country, a steadfast protector of the environment, 
and a relentless champion of civil rights in this country.
  Raised by Polish-American small business owners, she has been a 
longtime defender of labor rights and a fierce proponent of 
establishing fair and equal working conditions for all Americans 
regardless of race, sex, or disability. This cause led her to author 
the landmark women's and worker's rights legislation, the Lilly 
Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which I cosponsored, to guarantee women equal 
pay for equal work.
  Being from a State that, like Maryland, has a large population of 
Federal workers, I have worked very closely with Barbara on many issues 
to support our government employees. From the time that we entered the 
House together, she has always been a strong partner and stalwart 
champion for the rights of our Nation's Federal workforce, including 
fair pay and benefits for the dedicated men and women who make our 
government more secure, effective, and efficient.
  Barbara is an embodiment of the democratic spirit and continues to be 
a leader. She uses her great wit, humor, and boundless energy to urge 
Congress to take up important issues and then works with Members on 
both sides of the aisle to resolve differences and come together to 
achieve real solutions that help real working Americans every day. This 
is a testament to the fact that as she became the longest serving woman 
in the history of Congress, she has never forgotten her purpose--to 
make America better.
  I again want to extend my aloha and my congratulations to Senator 
Barbara Mikulski for this amazing achievement. It is a pleasure to 
serve with you. Thank you for your many years of outstanding service 
and genuine friendship, and I wish you the best as you continue your 
important work here in Congress.
  Mrs. McCASKILL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor my colleague and 
mentor, Senator Barbara Mikulski, and to celebrate her legacy as the 
longest serving woman in Congress. For over 35 years, Senator Mikulski 
has proudly served the people of Maryland as a tireless advocate and a 
selfless public servant. It is my privilege to honor her today.
  The great-granddaughter of Polish immigrants, Senator Mikulski grew 
up appreciating the value of hard work and service. On the weekends she 
worked in her parents' East Baltimore grocery store delivering 
groceries to homebound elderly. It was then that Barbara developed her 
deep passion for helping others.
  After earning her master's degree in social work from the University 
of Maryland, Barbara started a career as a social worker with Catholic 
Charities and Baltimore's Department of Social Services. An outspoken 
advocate for at-risk youth and the elderly, she quickly earned a 
reputation as a fighter and was elected to the Baltimore City Council 
in 1971. After 5 years on the city council, Barbara ran for Congress.
  In 1976, Barbara began her first term representing Maryland's Third 
Congressional District. As one of only 18 women in the House of 
Representatives, Barbara was a member of a small but mighty group. 
During her 10 years in the House, she gained a reputation as a fighter, 
and in 1986 the people of Maryland again chose her to represent them 
but this time in the Senate.
  As one of only two female Senators, and the first woman elected to 
the Senate in her own right, Senator Mikulski was met with much 
skepticism. While outnumbered, Barbara's determination and dedication 
to her constituents shined through. Barbara is a steadfast proponent of 
greater access to higher education, a leader on the front of women's 
health, and an unwavering supporter of America's veterans. She is 
determined to stand up for those who are often forgotten.
  A few weeks ago, Barbara shared a touching story that I think 
exemplifies her character.
  When Barbara first ran for Senate in 1986, she had the opportunity to 
get to know Harriet Woods, who was campaigning as a Democrat for the 
Missouri Senate seat. Barbara saw the significance of having two female 
candidates for Senate, and she was certain both of them would win. 
Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be for Harriet Woods, who lost to 
Republican John Danforth.

[[Page S2229]]

  On Barbara's first day she was shown her desk on the Senate floor--
she opened it and saw Harry Truman's autograph. She had Harry Truman's 
desk. While she was delighted to have that desk, she knew that it 
really belonged to the Senator from Missouri and relinquished it. She 
said that for years she thought about that desk and hoped that it would 
someday be returned to a Democrat from Missouri.
  Twenty years later, on election night in 2006, Barbara watched the 
election results come in from around the country--and in Missouri, in 
particular. She said she stayed up late in the night waiting for the 
final result. Once she learned of the results from Missouri, she knew 
that the desk that had been accidentally given to her all of those 
years ago would finally be returned, where it belonged. I am so pleased 
to know that the Truman desk was shared, if only briefly, with my 
friend Barbara Mikulski.
  Barbara Mikulski is a trailblazer, a role model, and an advisor to 
the other women in the Senate. Today there are 17 women in the Senate, 
and much of that progress can be attributed to Senator Mikulski's 
leadership.
  Mr. President, I ask that the Senate join me in congratulating 
Senator Mikulski on this milestone and thank her for her 35 years of 
leadership, friendship, and service.
  Mr. KOHL. Mr. President, today I would like to honor Senator Barbara 
Mikulski's amazing life and career as she becomes the Senate's longest 
serving woman Senator. She has been a role model and inspiration to 
women across the country as she broke barriers in public life. When she 
first came to the Senate she was one of only a handful of women ever to 
serve in the U.S. Senate and now she is one of 17 women here on the 
Senate floor. Her service has made it easier for girls to dream about 
one day being a Senator--or President.
  Senator Mikulski and I shared a similar experience growing up: her 
parents, William and Christine, opened and operated Willy's Market, a 
small grocery store in their working class neighborhood in East 
Baltimore. My parents also opened a small grocery store in Milwaukee--
the first of what would become the Kohl's Food Stores and then Kohl's 
Department Stores.
  As we have already heard here on the floor, her father would 
frequently open the store early so local steel workers could buy their 
lunches before their shift began. He would also extend credit to help 
customers who were having a hard time making ends meet. William 
Mikulski's neighbors didn't go hungry with him as their grocer. Barbara 
worked at the store, and helped deliver groceries to homebound seniors 
in their neighborhood. She got to know her neighbors well, and she 
understood the important issues facing her community.
  Much of what we both experienced working in our family stores and 
watching our parents work so hard to provide superior service to their 
customers, ensuring their children understood the value of hard work, 
treating others fairly and with dignity, and giving back to the 
community, influenced our views on customer service. Those views have 
translated into Senator Mikulski's constituent service here in the 
Senate.
  Barbara's enthusiasm and commitment to serving the people of Maryland 
has resulted in too many victories to mention here, but I do want to 
point out a few of the projects we have worked on together on the 
Agriculture appropriations subcommittee.
  Senator Mikulski and I have worked closely over the years to protect 
USDA agriculture research in Beltsville, MD. Beltsville is a historic 
and crucial part of the USDA's research arm. In fact it is the largest 
agriculture research facility in the world and does valuable work 
developing the next generation of crops and farming methods that will 
feed a growing planet. We've also worked together on increasing funding 
for the Food and Drug Administration, ensuring that the food we eat and 
medicine we rely upon is safe.
  In my work as the chairman of Agriculture Appropriations 
subcommittee, I have been especially thankful for the times when 
Barbara has spoken passionately about the important programs we fund 
through the subcommittee. She has been a stalwart supporter of farmers 
throughout Maryland and across the country, and a true friend here in 
the Senate. It has been an honor to serve with her.
  Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. President, my late friend Alex Haley, the author 
of ``Roots,'' lived his life by the motto ``Find the Good and Praise 
It.'' That is an easy thing to do when talking about Barbara Mikulski, 
a friend and colleague with whom I have worked closely since I joined 
the Senate.
  I would like to add my congratulations to those of my colleagues on 
Senator Mikulski reaching the milestone of becoming the longest serving 
woman in Congress. This is a remarkable achievement for a remarkable 
woman. For over 35 years, that is almost 13,000 days, Barbara Mikulski 
has dedicated herself to serving the people of Maryland and 
representing them here in Congress.
  Although Senator Mikulski is a proud partisan, she is one of the best 
advocates of bipartisanship. She understands the need to work together, 
to learn from one another's point of view, and to strike a deal so that 
each side can get something of value and move forward.
  I have found that when you have Barbara Mikulski by your side in a 
debate you always seem to win. She brings passion and dedication and 
tenacity to every issue she works on. Her love of the Senate, Congress 
in general, and the American people is infectious.
  When Senator Mikulski and I have worked together it has always been a 
delightful experience. Whether authorizing the Teach for America 
program to allow college graduates to become teachers in our Nation's 
worst schools; passing America COMPETES, where we improved our energy 
research programs and STEM education initiatives; or working on higher 
education where we share a passion for eliminating costly and 
unnecessary Federal regulations, Barbara Mikulski is a tireless friend 
and ally.
  Congratulations, Senator Mikulski. The Senate is proud of you, 
Maryland is proud of you, and the country is proud of you.
  Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. President, today I wish to offer 
congratulations to my friend and colleague, Senator Barbara Mikulski, 
on becoming the longest serving woman Senator in American history.
  As Senator Mikulski has said, ``It's not only how long I serve, but 
how well I serve.'' And she has served very, very well. Not only does 
Senator Mikulski serve in the best interests of the people of her 
native Maryland, but her service continues to improve the lives of 
Americans from coast to coast.
  This comes as no surprise for a person who began her career helping 
at-risk children and seniors as a social worker in Baltimore. Senator 
Mikulski's nightly commute home from Washington ensures that she will 
not forget who she works for or where she comes from. The truth is, she 
never left.
  Her commitment and connection to her constituents benefits us all. 
Her advocacy for access to better health care, improving the quality of 
education, investing in innovation, and protecting human dignity are 
not bound by the borders of Maryland. Her service benefits the people 
of Baltimore, MD, but also the people of Broken Bow, NE.
  It is an honor to serve with Senator Mikulski. I enjoy her company, I 
respect her strength, and I admire her commitment.
  Congratulations to Senator Barbara Mikulski on her record-setting 
service. We are all the better for it.

                          ____________________