[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 183 (Friday, December 23, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1736-E1737]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING SENATOR BARBARA BOXER ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 23, 2016

  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Senator Barbara 
Boxer on her retirement after 34 years in Congress. Her dedication to 
her constituents and her legislative achievements are an inspiration. 
The lives of her constituents are better because of her hard work and 
public service on their behalf. I am honored to call her my friend, 
mentor, and constituent. She is a fearless trailblazer, and I want to 
recognize her lifelong advocacy for Californians and all Americans.
  Senator Boxer's time in public office began in 1976, when she was 
elected to the Marin County Board of Supervisors, where she later 
became the Board's first woman president. After serving for six years, 
she was elected to the United States House of Representatives to serve 
California's 6th Congressional District.

[[Page E1737]]

Her first campaign slogan, ``Barbara Boxer Gives a Damn,'' would 
exemplify the passion with which she has fought through these years.
  In 1992, known as ``The Year of the Woman'', she was elected to the 
United States Senate to fight for the people of California. As a 
forceful fighter for equality and social justice, and an astounding 
protector of the environment, Senator Boxer demonstrated time after 
time her ferocity, effectiveness, and willingness to go to bat for the 
people and the principles she believed in.
  Her legislative achievements are too many to list. As the Ranking 
Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, Senator 
Boxer has led bipartisan efforts to protect the environment and address 
climate change. She has spent her life defending women's rights, 
including the importance of gender equality and the protection of a 
woman's right to choose. Throughout her career, she has identified 
matters of concern and has reached across the aisle to find solutions.
  Senator Boxer's tireless work has influenced the lives of millions of 
Americans. I have often taken her counsel, and I am proud of the work 
we have done together to protect the Salton Sea. Her distinguished 
career in Congress is an example of what can be accomplished through 
hard work, dedication, and service.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize and honor Senator Barbara Boxer. 
I will certainly miss our inspiring conversations on the flights to DC 
together, but I know this is the beginning of her many more successful 
battles for the common good. On behalf of California's 36th 
Congressional District, I offer my sincerest thanks and congratulate 
her for her exceptional commitment to public service. I wish her and 
her husband Stu all the best on her well-deserved retirement.

                          ____________________