[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 197 (Thursday, December 13, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO CLAIRE  McCASKILL

  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, today I wish to pay tribute to someone 
who has spent her entire career making life better for the people of 
Missouri and the people of this country.
  If I had to describe Senator Claire McCaskill using one word, I think 
I would choose ``fighter.''
  I think most Members, on both sides of the aisle, would agree with 
me.
  As the first woman elected Jackson County prosecutor, she fought for 
crime victims and created some of the first drug courts and domestic 
violence units in the country.
  As State auditor, she fought to ensure that the State of Missouri 
spent taxpayer dollars wisely.
  During her 12 years representing Missouri in the Senate, she has 
fought every day to keep government accountable, protect consumers, 
strengthen our national security, and expand access to healthcare.
  I have been especially honored to partner with her on this last goal.
  We worked together to make sure that pharmacists can tell their 
patients the lowest price at the pharmacy counter and to protect 
Americans from junk insurance plans.
  We have fought to keep American manufacturers competitive and to end 
unfair trade practices that hurt our companies and our workers.
  I have been inspired by her work to end sexual violence, particularly 
in our military, and to ensure that families affected by the opioid 
crisis get the help they need to recover.
  I will always remember the trip we took together to the Middle East.
  In Jordan, we saw firsthand the challenge of responding to the Syrian 
refugee crisis and spoke with refugees themselves.
  That is classic Claire: ensuring that the government is doing its job 
while also watching out for the most vulnerable.
  Perhaps that skill has been on display best during oversight 
hearings, when Claire has made great use of her skills as a former 
prosecutor.
  I know that I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of her 
questioning.
  I am going to miss working with her. However, I am glad we haven't 
heard the last of Claire.
  Just follow her Twitter account, and you will see what I mean.
  Senator McCaskill: Thank you for keeping government honest, 
protecting the most vulnerable, and always putting the people of 
Missouri first.
  Most of all, thank you for always, always being a fighter.

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