Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) delivered his farewell address to the Senate on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for unity in a time of heightened political division. Reflecting on his career and legislative accomplishments, Romney urged elected officials to rise above partisanship and focus on the nation’s well-being.
“A Life’s Work is a Group Effort”
“My life’s work has been a group affair,” Romney stated, referencing his time as governor of Massachusetts and his 2012 Republican presidential campaign. Throughout his career, Romney has been known for his ability to build coalitions and work across the aisle.
In his speech, Romney celebrated bipartisan achievements, including the 2021 infrastructure law, reforms to the Electoral Count Act, gun safety legislation, and marriage legislation that protected religious freedoms. However, he expressed frustration over the opportunities lost due to partisan gridlock.
Missed Opportunities and National Debt Concerns
“I will leave this chamber with a sense of achievement. But in truth, I will also leave with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped,” Romney admitted. He specifically lamented the inability to address the growing national debt, calling it a persistent obstacle to broader progress.