[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16002-16003]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO KELLY AYOTTE

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Maine and New Hampshire share a border, a 
history, and an invigorating climate. When Kelly Ayotte came to the 
Senate 6 years ago, I immediately saw in

[[Page 16003]]

her those traits shared by the people of our two States: a strong work 
ethic, a respect for tradition balanced by a spirit of innovation, and 
fiscal prudence always tempered by compassion.
  During those years, I came to know Senator Ayotte as a diligent, 
energetic, and committed public servant.
  She brought with her to the Senate a remarkable record of public 
service. As her State's attorney general, she fought hard to protect 
the people of New Hampshire and the environment that is so crucial to 
their way of life.
  It has been rewarding to work with her on such bipartisan efforts as 
the Terrorist Firearms Prevention Act, the Runaway and Homeless Youth 
Act, and addressing the opioid addiction crisis confronting our States. 
From her support for land conservation to advancing biomass energy, she 
has been a strong leader in the wise use of natural resources and their 
role in growing the economy.
  Coming from a military family, she has demonstrated her respect for 
our men and women in uniform as a member of the Armed Services 
Committee and is recognized as a leading voice on national security 
issues and the well-being of our veterans. We have joined together on 
many occasions to advocate for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that is so 
important to our Nation's defense and to the dedicated men and women of 
our two States who work there.
  It has been an honor to serve with Kelly Ayotte in the United States 
Senate, and the American people are better off for her service. I wish 
Kelly and her wonderful family all the best in the years to come.

                          ____________________