WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) today delivered the following statement on the Senate floor acknowledging the public service of retiring Vice Chairwoman Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.):

 

I rise to compliment and congratulate my good friend and colleague, the senior senator from Maryland, Barbara Mikulski, on the occasion of her retirement from the United States Senate.

 

We’re going to miss her very much.  She has been a very effective Senator, speaking not only as a representative from the state of Maryland but also for the entire country on so many different issues and federal responsibilities of our government.  She’s been very successful Senator in every way.

 

It’s been a distinct honor to serve with her on the Appropriations Committee.  In 2012, she became the first woman to chair the committee.  She’s also served as vice chairwoman for the past two years.

 

I’m pleased that we’ve been able to work together to report bills that reflect our shared commitment to national security, scientific research, education, and economic development.

 

Senator Mikulski has been a very valuable partner throughout.  Her approach to funding decisions as chairwoman and vice chairwoman highlights the importance of the constitutional role of Congress to be good stewards of taxpayer money.

 

I congratulate Barbara Mikulski on her distinguished career representing the people of Maryland, which reflects great credit on our United States Senate.

 

Best wishes to her.

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