Utah Republican Senator Mitt Romney utilized his farewell address to the U.S. Senate to implore fellow lawmakers to prioritize unity amidst persistent partisanship.
“My life’s work has been a collective endeavor,” Romney, who previously held the position of governor of Massachusetts and was the GOP’s presidential nominee in 2012, remarked during his speech.
“I will depart from this chamber with a sense of accomplishment. However, I must also acknowledge that I did not fulfill all my aspirations,” Romney expressed.
“Among other issues, the plague 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 the current amount towards military procurement,” he elaborated.
“This would mean three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, and cyber defenses. Alternatively, we could double our current expenditure on Social Security benefits each month. Our national credit card is nearly maxed out, and America is at risk of becoming debt poor.”
Romney noted that his “greatest surprise in the Senate has been the enjoyment I find in the company of my fellow 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 prepares to exit the Senate, where he has been one of President-elect Donald Trump’s most outspoken Republican critics, Romney seemed to deliver a few subtle criticisms aimed at Trump.
“There are individuals today who would undermine our unity, who would substitute love with hate, who mock our foundation of virtue, or who degrade the values upon which the blessings of heaven rely,” he stated on the Senate floor.
“Having served in public office for 25 years, I have come to understand that politics alone cannot adequately address the challenges we confront,” Romney concluded.
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“It has been a privilege to represent the citizens of Utah, a state deeply rooted in my family heritage. What distinguishes Utah is not solely its stunning landscapes and dynamic economy, but also the commendable character of its residents,” Romney remarked.
“Traditionally, it is customary to conclude speeches of this nature with the phrase: ‘God Bless America.’ This has never felt out of place to me, as Americans have consistently demonstrated fundamental goodness. From our nation’s inception, we have eagerly assisted neighbors in distress, as noted by De Tocqueville. We have embraced the impoverished and the weary masses longing for freedom. We have honored diverse faiths, as affirmed by our first president to both Muslims and Jews,” he stated.
“The phrase ‘United We Stand’ resonates profoundly. As the leader of the free world, our sons and daughters have repeatedly fought for liberty, and our resources have supported freedom advocates worldwide. Like all nations, we have erred, sometimes gravely, yet many of our missteps stem from a lack of understanding. God has favored America because America embodies goodness,” he continued.
“There are individuals today who seek to undermine our unity, who wish to substitute love with animosity, who criticize our foundational virtues, or who tarnish the values upon which the blessings of heaven rely,” he added.
Romney concluded, “Having served in public office for 25 years, I have come to understand that politics alone cannot address the challenges we encounter. The character of a nation reflects not only its elected leaders but also its citizens. I depart from Washington to return to my community, aspiring to be a voice for unity and virtue. For it is only if the American populace deserves His grace that God will continue to bless America.”
