Less than two hours after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee overwhelmingly approved her bid for secretary of state Thursday, New York Senator Hillary Clinton gave her farewell speech to the Senate. NY1's Molly Kroon filed the following report.

It was perhaps the last time Hillary Clinton addressed the US Senate floor -- bidding farewell to colleagues she's worked with for the last eight years as the junior senator from New York.

"I thank you. You have been wonderful teachers and mentors and very good friends," said Clinton.

Shortly before she took the podium, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted 16-1 for her to become the next Secretary of State.

While Clinton breezed through her confirmation hearing earlier this week, some Republicans questioned possible conflicts of interest issues with Clinton and her husband, former US President Bill Clinton, who's accepted millions of dollars in charitable contributions for his foundation from foreign countries.

Her confirmation now heads to the full senate which may vote her as the next Secretary of State as early as President-elect Barack Obama's inauguration day.

During her farewell address, Clinton reflected wistfully on her years in the senate.

"To my fellow New Yorkers, I want to express my profound gratitude. I love being your senator. Serving you has been the opportunity of a lifetime," said Clinton.

She spoke of the skeptics and the supporters whom welcomed her as a freshman, who just months into her tenure was faced with the challenges of rebuilding the city after the September 11th attacks. She remembered visiting the smoldering pile on September 12.

"Occasionally breaking through would come a firefighter. Totally exhausted after having been on duty for 24 hours. Knowing already that friends, even family members had been lost," said Clinton.

But there were moments of levity, poking fun at fellow New York Senator Chuck Schumer.

"I know whenever I'm missing Chuck, all I have to do is turn on the television -- especially on Sunday in New York," said Clinton.

Clinton reflected on her accomplishments across the state, but also looked ahead to what will likely be her new role at the State Department.

"We have much to do over in Foggy Bottom and we need your help to clear up the fog," said Clinton.

But first, she needs to pay off millions of dollars in debt she still has from her failed presidential bid. Once she becomes Secretary of State, she won't be able to actively seek contributions to pay that down.

Clinton is bringing in some big names for help including her husband and singer Jon Bon Jovi, who will be playing a sold out fundraiser for her Thursday night.