[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 14 (Thursday, January 31, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING SENATOR JOHN KERRY

  Mrs. BOXER. Madam President, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
colleague and friend, Senator John Kerry, as his distinguished career 
in the U.S. Senate comes to an end.
  While I am sad to see him go, I am so proud that Senator Kerry will 
be continuing his long record of service to the United States as 
Secretary of State.
  For more than 13 years, I have had the privilege of serving with 
Senator Kerry on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Throughout 
that time, Senator Kerry has consistently shown a tremendous breadth of 
knowledge regarding the key foreign policy challenges of the day.
  Most recently as chairman of the Committee, Senator Kerry championed 
Senate ratification of the New START treaty--making both our country 
and the world safer from the threat of nuclear proliferation.
  And on a wide range of issues--from United States policy toward 
Afghanistan and Pakistan to efforts to achieve peace between Israel and 
the Palestinians--he has offered thought-provoking insight and 
expertise.
  That is why I believe that no one is as prepared as Senator Kerry to 
serve as our Nation's top diplomat.
  I am particularly proud of the many issues we have worked on 
together, including fighting HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria, 
addressing climate change, and working to end human trafficking around 
the globe.
  I am also grateful that Senator Kerry worked with me to establish the 
first-ever Senate subcommittee dedicated to ending violence against and 
promoting the advancement of women and girls around the globe.
  I look forward to continuing to work on these and the many other 
foreign policy challenges facing our country with our new Secretary of 
State, Senator Kerry, and wish him all the best in his new position.

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