[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 31 (Wednesday, February 15, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S407]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO DIANNE FEINSTEIN

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, yesterday, the longest serving female 
Senator in American history announced she plans to retire at the end of 
her record fifth full term.
  My good friend Dianne Feinstein made major history in 1992 when she 
became the first woman to represent California in the Senate. But, of 
course, both her knack for notching historic firsts and her commitment 
to her fellow Golden Staters were very well established by the time she 
arrived here in Washington.
  Dianne's career in politics began where many do: at the local level. 
But for Dianne, that happened to mean shattering glass ceilings in a 
major metropolis. She was the first woman to serve as president of the 
San Francisco Board of Supervisors. While in office, she endured a 
failed attempt to bomb her home. Then her predecessor as mayor was 
assassinated. That is when Dianne became the city's first female mayor. 
And then she handily beat an attempted recall.
  By the time this trailblazer became Senator Feinstein, there was 
practically nothing that could faze her. Dianne has been the top 
Democrat on the Rules Committee, the Intelligence Committee, and the 
Judiciary Committee.
  For decades, she has been one of our country's most formidable 
legislators across numerous subjects. And, somehow, amid it all, this 
battle-tested veteran stateswoman has maintained a genuine warmth and 
collegiality that cuts through even the tensest debates.
  Elaine and I have been fortunate to count Dianne a friend for many 
years. Elaine and Dick served on a board together in the private sector 
years ago. Frequently, when Dick was in town, the four of us would go 
out to dinner. We had a genuine friendship.
  So as you can imagine, we hated to lose Dick recently. But the good 
news is Dianne will be here for 2 more years as our colleague. And that 
is very, very good news for Elaine and for me.

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