After serving as the Republican leader in the United States Senate since 2007, Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky gave what are likely his final remarks in that position on the Senate floor recently.
McConnell has served as a senator for even longer than that—he was elected to that position in 1985 and has stayed there since, saying that although he is stepping down as leader, he intends to serve out the remainder of his current term. In his time, McConnell has faced both support and criticism from both sides of the aisle, but he says he has always been honored for the ability to serve the American people.
Senator McConnell says there are two types of people who run for office—those who want to make a point and those who want to make a difference—and the world would benefit from more that want to make a difference.
He urged his fellow senators to work together, even if you may not agree on everything, saying the fate of the nation depends on it.
He says he’s proud of what has been accomplished in his time as leader, but he knows there’s more work to do, and he’s eager to do it in the new year.
The Republicans will have the majority in not just the Senate in 2025, as they’ll also control the House of Representatives and the Oval Office, and they’ll have to immediately consider a spending plan to avoid a government shutdown in March.