Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards  released the following statement congratulating Senator Barbara Mikulski on becoming the longest serving woman in the history of the United States Senate. Today, Senator Mikulski will be sworn-in for her record fifth term.

“It is a testament to Senator Mikulski’s tenacity and leadership that she was the first female U.S. Senator elected by the State of Maryland and is now the longest serving woman in the history of the United States Senate. I congratulate her on this historic milestone. For over 24 years, Senator Mikulski demonstrated steadfast commitment to all Marylanders and a comprehensive vision for improving the lives of working families, increasing opportunities for women, and authorizing emergency response capabilities for Prince George’s County hospitals. She continues to bring the issue of fairness for women to the table, playing an instrumental role in the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and ensuring that historic health care reform ended gender discrimination and required screening and preventative care for women.

On a personal note, I want to thank Senator Mikulski for being a mentor of mine since I first came to Congress. I am honored to call her my friend and colleague, and I look forward to continuing to work with her in the years ahead.”