[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 54 (Monday, April 16, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S2323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO SENATOR BARBARA MIKULSKI

  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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