Barbara Mikulski Becomes Longest-Serving Woman in History of Congress

Barbara Mikulski

Pol Light Moment #117 happened on March 17, 2012, when Barbara Mikulski became the longest-serving woman in the history of the United States Congress. Barbara Mikulski has been a United States Senator from Maryland since 1987. From 1977-1987 she also served as the U.S. Representative from Maryland's 3rd District.

Barbara Mikulski set the record for longest years of service by a woman in Congress by serving a combined 10 years in the House of Representatives and 25 years in the United States Senate.  On March 17, 2012, Barbara Mikulski's years of service in Congress surpassed Rep. Edith Nourse Rogers, who represented Massachusetts in the House of Representatives from 1925 to 1960 (CNN, March 16, 2012).  Barbara Mikulski also became the longest serving woman in the United States Senate in 2010 (CNN, March 2, 2015).

The following is a CNN news feature on this milestone for Barbara Mikulski.

On March 2, 2015, Barbara Mikulski announced that she will not seek reelection in 2016 and will retire in 2017. She will retire from the United States Senate with almost 40 years of service in Congress, which is a record that could stand for awhile.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

Photo: The photo of Barbara Mikulski is in the Public Domain.

Andy Harris Saves 2 Year Olds Life

Andy Harris

Pol Light Moment #26 is when Andy Harris saved the life of 2 year old Nathan Smith on August 26, 2012.   Andy Harris is a United States Congressman who has represented the 1st Congressional District of Maryland since 2011. Rep. Harris is also a physician and an anesthesiologist who works at Memorial Hospital in Easton, Maryland.

On August 26, 2012, Andy Harris took an alternative route because of storms and was driving on Route 50 in Talbot County, Maryland.  While driving on the highway, he saw vehicles pulled over along the side of the road but no damage to any vehicles. As he surveyed the scene he saw a 2 year old named Nathan Smith (the son of Brian and Jess Smith) lying on a blanket by the side of the road.  Harris then stopped to help.

Kevin Rector of the Baltimore Sun reported on the incident this way, "Harris said he knew the boy needed air, and turned him on his side and loosened his jaw to open his airway. At that point, the boy gasped, he said. An ambulance then arrived and took over the medical care of the boy (Baltimore Sun, 9/4/2012)."

Nathan Smith was discovered to have had a viral infection that caused him to have a seizure and stop breathing. Nathan made a full recovery after receiving medical treatment.

Pol Light does not endorse political candidates. We present a brighter side to politics when they are found on either side of the aisle. We don't have to agree with all of a person's politics to recognize these bright moments.

The photo of Congressman Harris was taken from Wikipedia and is in the Public Domain as an official portrait of a United States Government official.