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Barbara Boxer Bids Farewell To United States Senate

WASHINGTON (CBS / AP) -- Sen. Barbara Boxer has bid an emotional farewell to the chamber, recalling a career devoted to liberal causes like women's rights and the environment and her penchant for building odd-couple alliances with top Republicans like Jim Inhofe, a crusty conservative from Oklahoma.

With allies like House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi watching, Boxer recalled accomplishments like after-school programs, setting aside California wilderness lands, and last year's highway bill. That last measure was worked out with Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, with whom Boxer enjoyed a chilly relationship for two decades.

Also saying goodbye was first-term New Hampshire Republican Kelly Ayotte, defeated for re-election last month. She spoke with pride of her work on defense issues and on a recent law to combat opioid addiction.

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