Mikulski breaks record as longest serving female senator in American history
Washington, DC (January 5, 2011) – On this historic day, the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) applauds Sen. Barbara Mikulski on her milestone as longest serving female senator in American history.
The formidable senator has long been a champion of women’s health and women’s health research. Sen. Mikulski has been a vocal supporter of SWHR’s work to include women in all levels of clinical research and helped create the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Women’s Health after she learned that NIH was not including women in its clinical trials.
“Sen. Mikulski is a true friend of SWHR and a fierce advocate for women’s health and research,” said Phyllis Greenberger, MSW, president and CEO of SWHR. “She has continuously fought for affordable healthcare, the inclusion of women in clinical trials, and consistent funding for women’s health research. We send our heartfelt congratulations to her on this landmark achievement.”
To ensure that women’s health was receiving proper attention at all the federal health agencies, Sen. Mikulski co-sponsored, along with Sen. Olympia Snowe of Maine, the Women’s Health Office Act (WHOA). This landmark legislation was included in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was signed into law last year. WHOA codified the offices of Women’s Health within the federal agencies, preventing them from being eliminated or underfunded. Further, Sen. Mikulski fought for an amendment to the healthcare legislation that required insurers to cover preventive care and screenings for women at little or no cost to the patient.
The Maryland senator took her oath of office for the 112th Congress earlier today among friends, family, and distinguished colleagues. Mikulski was born and raised in Baltimore, MD and served as a social worker before entering politics as a member of the Baltimore City Council in 1971.
She first ran for the U.S. Senate in 1974 and lost but was undeterred. Mikulski won her next election to the House in 1976. She was later elected to the Senate in 1987, and then was one of only two women in the Senate at that time. She became a hallmark for women’s rights and a fierce advocate for equality.
Mikulski was re-elected to her fifth term last November with 62 percent of the vote. SWHR extends its congratulations to Sen. Mikulski for this achievement and continued support of women’s health.
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For more information on the Society for Women’s Health Research please contact Rachel Griffith at 202-496-5001 or Rachel@swhr.org.
