[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S6874]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO BARBARA BOXER

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, mountains, rivers, cities, and plains 
separate Vermont and California, two States as different as any in the 
country. But here in the U.S. Senate, we are on equal footing. It is 
one of the hallmarks of our Constitution and representative government. 
For over three decades, Barbara Boxer worked to advance the priorities 
of Californians. Thankfully, in many ways, those priorities, despite 
the diversity of our States, have mirrored those of Vermonters.
  A trailblazer in her own right, Senator Boxer rose to become the 
first woman to chair the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, 
where she fought to protect and preserve our environment, promote clean 
and safe drinking water, update our antiquated infrastructure, and 
improve public safety.
  Senator Boxer was an early and vocal supporter of our efforts to 
reauthorize and expand the important Violence Against Women Act. Her 
passionate pleas to Senators and Members of the House to approve this 
critical--and lifesaving--bill was essential to the Senate's debate.
  Of course, most important in Senator Boxer's life is her family. Like 
many, I was touched when she announced her retirement in an interview 
with her grandson. She has been a tireless advocate for her home State 
and for the country. And now, in retirement, I hope she enjoys even 
more time with Stewart and her wonderful family. Far from finished 
fighting, I know Barbara's voice will not be one soon forgotten in the 
U.S. Senate.

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