U.S. Sen. Mikulski: “Congresswoman Bentley was a Champion for Maryland and the Godmother of the Port of Baltimore”

From the office of U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski:

MIKULSKI STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF CONGRESSWOMAN HELEN BENTLEY

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md.) today issued the following statement on the passing of Congresswoman Helen Bentley (R-Md.):

“Congresswoman Bentley was a champion for Maryland and the Godmother of the Port of Baltimore. She was a dedicated public servant, a trailblazer and above all a true American patriot. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones.

“I first became aware of Helen Bentley in my family’s living room, watching The Port that Built a City with my Dad. Helen’s weekly TV show put a human face on the Port, showcasing how its industry and workforce was building Baltimore City and communities and creating jobs.

“When she was elected to Congress, we became pals for the Port and working people. We both loved getting things done, pulled no punches and were known for using tough language. We were also known as the salt and pepper of the Maryland delegation.

“The best ship is friendship that leads to bipartisanship. And then there were those regular 7 a.m. phone calls, with her saying in that trademark voice, ‘Barb? It’s Helen. You gotta get on this!’ She was the legislator that launched a thousand ships.

“It was a blessing to have been able to call her my friend. I will miss her. Maryland will miss her.”