CONGRESSMAN CHRIS VAN HOLLEN
Maryland’s 8th District
For Immediate Release
December 8, 2016
CONTACT: Ian Jannetta – 202-420-8215
Van Hollen Uses Final Statement in House to Salute Senator Mikulski
Washington, DC – Today Maryland Congressman Chris Van Hollen honored Senator Barbara Mikulski in his final floor remarks as a U.S. Representative. Congressman Van Hollen will succeed Senator Mikulski in the U.S. Senate next year. Video of his remarks is available here, and a transcript is below:
“Long before the last Star Wars movie came out, I said, ‘when Senator Mikulski’s with you, the force is with you.’
“And Senator Mikulski’s been a powerful force for good in Maryland and throughout the nation. She’s been a fierce fighter for American workers, for our veterans, our seniors, and people from all walks of life.
“Her leadership on the Appropriations Committee brought vital investments to the thriving Port of Baltimore and the Social Security Administration. She has supported security missions in places like Fort Meade, investments in life-saving research at NIH, and discovery at NASA.
“She authored the very first bill signed by President Obama, the Lilly Ledbetter law, to give women who face pay discrimination their day in court.
“Barbara Mikulski started in politics by fighting the plan to build a highway through her beloved neighborhood in Fell’s Point. She won that fight, and 40 years later she’s still waging and winning fights for working families.
“A few years back, when NASA scientists discovered a new supernova, they named it Supernova Mikulski. And I know her legacy will always burn bright for Maryland and for our country.
“Thank you, Senator Barb.”