Retiring Senator Mitt Romney, R-Utah, cautioned against those who undermine our unity in his farewell statement on the U.S. Senate floor on Wednesday. He said he would be praying for God to continue to bless America and urged people to keep the country’s principles in mind.
Romney claimed that some people today would destroy our togetherness, substitute hatred for love, mock our moral foundation, or degrade the principles that underpin heaven’s benefits.
Romney claimed to have learnt from his 25 years in public service that politics is insufficient to address the issues we confront.
The character of a nation is a reflection of its citizens as well as its chosen leaders. I’m leaving Washington to come back and join them, and I want to be a voice for morality and solidarity,” he stated. God will only continue to bless America if the American people deserve His kindness. I hope and pray that he does.
Romney raises concerns about the US’s growing national debt.
Romney was one of the most vocal Republicans who criticized President-elect Donald Trump throughout his first term, despite the fact that he generally agreed with Trump on policy. During his initial impeachment trial in 2020, he was the sole Republican senator to vote in favor of Trump’s conviction. Romney voted with seven other Republicans to convict Trump at his second impeachment hearing in 2021, but Trump was ultimately found not guilty.
Romney’s criticism of Trump may be one of the main causes of his declining approval ratings among GOP Utahns as the state’s population has come to support Trump. Romney enjoyed support from both independent and Democratic voters, according to a Noble Predictive Insights poll conducted last year, but 54% of Republicans said they did not want him to run again.
Romney declared in September of last year that he would not run for reelection when his term ended at the end of 2024. To address concerns like the national debt, climate change, and the aspirational authoritarians of China and Russia, he urged a new generation of leaders to enter the political sphere. Romney claimed at the time that neither Trump nor Joe Biden were leading their party to address those problems.
Romney once more expressed concern about the US’s $36.17 trillion national debt in his farewell speech, despite not mentioning either Trump or Biden.
After enumerating his successes, which include his contributions to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Electoral Count Act Reform, gun safety legislation, and marriage legislation that included religious protection, he claimed to be leaving the Senate feeling accomplished. Romney claimed that he also departs knowing that he did not accomplish all of his goals.
He claimed that among other things, the plague of party politics has thwarted numerous attempts to stabilize our national debt.
He bemoaned how debt has affected the country’s capacity to fund other goals.
We could spend nearly three times as much on military purchases if we weren’t burdened with interest on that debt. That includes purchasing three times as many ships, aircraft, drones, spacecraft, and cyber defenses. As an alternative, Romney suggested that we double the monthly amount we spend on Social Security payouts. America is in danger of going into financial poverty because our national credit card is nearly at its maximum limit.
Romney enumerated a number of things he would not miss in the Senate, such as the hour-long 10-minute votes, the unpredictable voting schedule, the numerous pointless votes, and the ridiculous fervor around the insignificant votes. But he claimed that the thing that surprised him the most about the Senate was how much he liked the senators on all sides.
“I will miss you all very much, senators,” he remarked, “because among you are some brilliant, some entertaining, some kind and generous, and all patriotic.” Being able to serve with you is an honor.
Additionally, he conveyed his appreciation for helping Utahns.
He claimed that the great character of Utah’s citizens is what makes the state unique, not only its stunning scenery and thriving economy.
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Senate Minority Leader McConnell commends the senator from Utah for his distinguished career.
On the Senate floor on Wednesday, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell commended Romney for his lengthy and distinguished career in national politics.
McConnell cited Mitt Romney’s tenure as governor of Massachusetts and senator of Utah as evidence of his character’s transcendent appeal and his recurrent success in public life. It turns out that Cedar City and Concord are equally characterized by unwavering honesty, sincere humility, and a clear commitment to family and faith.
Naturally, having a certain telegenic quality—dare I say a presidential aura—also helps, McConnell continued.
The U.S. Senate, according to McConnell, is neither a waiting room nor a stepping stone for Romney. It served as the culmination of a lifetime of public service.
He packed more into six years than many of his peers could have in twelve or eighteen, McConnell said, because he had the discernment to know where to focus his energies.
McConnell added that Romney dedicated himself to valiant battles on behalf of his constituents and turned himself into a pivotal figure in bipartisan talks. He also gave Romney credit for handling really serious situations with the utmost elegance and thoughtful consideration.
Observers may have questioned what more Romney needed to prove in the Senate following his tenure as Massachusetts governor and his failed 2012 presidential attempt, McConnell added, adding that the last six years will hardly be remembered as the Senate’s quietest.
However, McConnell stated it would be a misinterpretation of how our friend has structured his life. What he still had to offer was more important than what he still needed to prove.
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