In his farewell speech to the US Senate on Wednesday, Senator Mitt Romney (R-Utah) urged a return to unity and cooperation in a political environment that is becoming more and more polarized.
In his farewell speech, Romney—one of the most well-known Republicans to criticize former President Donald Trump—reflected on his career, bemoaned lost chances, and urged his colleagues to put the welfare of the country ahead of political politics.
Romney acknowledged that his career in public service has been collaborative, saying, “My life’s work has been a group affair.” Romney has frequently positioned himself as a bridge-builder, willing to work across the aisle to make substantial change, starting with his time as Massachusetts’s governor and continuing through his 2012 Republican presidential campaign and Senate career. This was also true in his farewell speech, in which he cautioned about the perils of ongoing gridlock while praising bipartisan accomplishments.
In his speech, Romney outlined a number of significant legislative achievements from his time in the Senate, many of which were made possible by bipartisan collaboration. He cited the 2021 infrastructure law as an excellent illustration of what can be accomplished when politicians put aside their disagreements and secure vital investments in the country’s roads, bridges,
and broadband networks. He also commended gun safety laws and marriage safeguards that struck a balance between religious freedom and individual rights, as well as changes to the Electoral Count Act that attempted to stop future attempts to rig presidential elections.
“These accomplishments serve as a reminder that when we band together, progress is achievable,” Romney stated. “However, they also serve as a reminder of how much more we could have accomplished had partisanship not frequently gotten in the way.”
Notwithstanding these achievements, Romney voiced his intense annoyance at the chances missed due to partisan deadlock. He cited the nation’s mounting debt as a critical concern that has been routinely disregarded. “I’ll feel like I accomplished something when I exit this room. However, he said, “I will also depart with the understanding that I did not accomplish everything I had hoped.”
Romney outlined the dire repercussions of the national debt and cautioned that it could jeopardize the country’s economic and military might. We could spend three times as much on military purchases if the interest on that debt were not a burden.
“Third times as many ships, three times as many drones, three times as many spacecraft, and three times as many cyber defenses,” he stated. Alternatively, we may spend twice as much as we currently spend on monthly Social Security income. America runs the risk of getting indebted since our national credit card is nearly at its maximum limit.
The senator from Utah urged his colleagues to act quickly to handle the debt situation, stating that if they don’t, future generations will face enormous obstacles. He declared, “This is not a partisan issue.” “It is essential for the country.”
One of the most fulfilling parts of his work, according to Romney, was the personal connections he made while serving in the Senate. “I expected to concentrate on legislation and policy when I came to the Senate,” he stated. “What I discovered was a group of coworkers who were all dedicated to serving the American people, regardless of our differences.”
Romney was open about the parts of the job he would not miss, though. He claimed that time and effort were wasted by the Senate’s “myriad meaningless votes” and its frequently onerous procedures. He said, “There are times when the Senate feels more like a political theater stage than a deliberative body.” “The American people don’t deserve that.”
Romney used his departure speech to warn against the perils of divisive leadership, since he is one of the few Republican senators who has repeatedly criticized Donald Trump. “Some people today would destroy our unity, replace love with hate, mock our moral foundation, or degrade the principles that underpin heaven’s blessings,” he stated. “We must use every ounce of strength to oppose these forces.”
Romney underlined that the country’s problems cannot be solved solely by political means. I have now served in the public sector for twenty-five years. I’ve discovered that politics is insufficient to address the issues we confront,” he remarked. “We need leaders who are willing to lead with courage and integrity, who are willing to listen to those who disagree with them, and who are willing to put country before party.”
In order to make room for a new generation of leaders, Romney declared last year that he would not run for reelection. In January, Senator-elect John Curtis (R-Utah), his replacement, is scheduled to assume office. Romney stated in his speech that he was confident in the capacity of younger leaders to step up and tackle the country’s most important problems.
Romney declared, “I leave this chamber with hope for the future.” “I hope that the leaders of tomorrow will have the guts to stand up for what is right, even when it is difficult. I hope they will keep in mind that our nation’s strength is found in our shared dedication to the principles that have made America a global symbol of opportunity and freedom, not in our differences.
Romney concluded his speech with a moving assessment of the nature of the country and its citizens. He asserted that a nation’s character reflects both its citizens and its chosen leaders. “I hope to be a voice of unity and virtue, so I leave Washington to return and be one of them.”
Mitt Romney’s legacy as he leaves the Senate is one of bravery, conviction, and a readiness to break with his party when he felt it was essential. Romney has frequently been a lone voice in a political landscape that is becoming more and more polarized, from his vote to convict Donald Trump during the former president’s first impeachment trial to his attempts to foster cooperation.
In determining the future of the country, his parting speech served as a reminder of the value of cooperation, unity, and moral leadership. Romney may be leaving the Senate, but his appeal for a return to moral leadership and a dedication to the common good will surely reverberate for years to come.
Mitt Romney’s parting speech served as a potent reminder of what can be accomplished when leaders put the welfare of the country ahead of partisan politics during a period of extreme political division. His remarks will serve as a challenge to those who are still in Washington as he resumes his private life: to rise above the conflict, to look for areas of agreement, and to lead with courage and honesty.
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