In his farewell address to the U.S. Senate, Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney called on fellow lawmakers to prioritize unity amidst persistent partisanship.
“My life’s work has been a collective endeavor,” stated Romney, who previously held the position of governor of Massachusetts and was the Republican nominee for president in 2012.
He added, “As I depart from this chamber, I carry a sense of accomplishment. However, I must also acknowledge that I did not fulfill all of my aspirations.”
The persistent issue of partisan politics has hindered numerous attempts to stabilize our national debt. If we were not encumbered by the interest on that debt, we could allocate three times our current expenditure on military procurement,” he elaborated.
“This would allow for three times the number of aircraft, ships, drones, spacecraft, and cyber defenses. Alternatively, we could double our monthly spending on Social Security benefits. Our national credit card is nearing its limit, putting America at risk of becoming debt poor.
Romney expressed that his ‘greatest surprise in the Senate has been the enjoyment of camaraderie with senators from both parties,’ yet he admitted he would not miss ‘the countless meaningless votes’ or ’10-minute votes that extend for an hour.’
As he gets ready to depart from the Senate, where he has been one of President-elect Donald Trump’s most outspoken Republican adversaries, Romney also seemed to deliver a few indirect criticisms of Trump.
He remarked, ‘There are individuals today who seek to undermine our unity, who would substitute love with hatred, who mock our foundational virtues, or who degrade the values that are essential for the blessings of heaven.’
Furthermore, Romney added, ‘Having served in public office for 25 years, I have come to understand that politics alone cannot adequately address the challenges we encounter.’
It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Utah, a state deeply rooted in my family’s heritage. What distinguishes Utah is not only its stunning landscapes and dynamic economy but also the commendable nature of its residents,” Romney remarked.
“It is traditional to conclude speeches of this nature with the phrase: ‘God Bless America.’ This has never felt inappropriate or out of context for me, as Americans have consistently demonstrated fundamental goodness. Since our inception, we have eagerly assisted those in need, as noted by De Tocqueville. We have embraced the impoverished and the yearning masses seeking freedom. We have honored diverse beliefs, as affirmed by our first president to both Muslims and Jews,” he stated.
“‘United We Stand’ serves as an appropriate motto. As the leader of the free world, our children have repeatedly fought for liberty, and our resources have supported freedom advocates worldwide. Like all nations, we have erred, sometimes gravely, but frequently our errors stem from a lack of understanding. God has favored America because America embodies goodness,” he concluded.
Today, there are individuals who seek to undermine our unity, substituting love with animosity, ridiculing our moral foundation, and degrading the principles that underpin the blessings of heaven,” he stated.
Romney further remarked, “Having served in public office for 25 years, I have come to understand that politics alone cannot adequately address the challenges we encounter. The character of a nation reflects not only its elected leaders but also its citizens. I am departing from Washington to rejoin the populace and aspire to be a voice for unity and moral integrity. It is only when the American people deserve His grace that God will continue to bestow blessings upon America.
