on this vitally important issue, as well as senators michael bennet, al franken, jeff merkley, jeanne shaheen and tom udall, all of whom have worked very closely on this legislation. i would also like to thank the act's other cosponsors, all 35. let me understand that the legitimacy of our democratic process and the integrity of our democratic elections are at stake. i look forward to working with any of my colleagues here in the senate, any, who feel that the voices of american citizens should be defended, and i hope that all will join me in supporting this critical piece of legislation to restore integrity to our elections. i yield the floor. the presiding officer: the senator from rhode island. mr. reed: mr. president, i rise today along with so many of my colleagues to pay tribute to senator barbara mikulski, an extraordinary woman, an extraordinary senator, someone who has become the longest serving woman in the history of the senate, indeed in the history of the united states congress. she surpassed on january 5, 2011, the record of republican of maine senator margaret chase smith as th