Leahy gives emotional speech in Senate on retirement plans
Source: AP
WASHINGTON (AP) A day after announcing he will not seek reelection, Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont told his colleagues in an emotional speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday that they have become like family to him over the last nearly 47 years.
The 81-year-old Leahy, who as the Senates president pro tempore is third in line to the presidency, said that hes been honored to fight for Vermont and that he did not make the decision to retire lightly.
Heres the thing about the Senate. Heres where small states like Vermont have not just a seat at the table but a voice at the table, he said, noting that Vermont had championed farm-to-school programs and revitalization of historic downtowns, ideas that gained traction nationally.
He thanked his staff and his family, particularly his wife, Marcelle.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., looks down as he speaks during a news conference at the Vermont State House to announce he will not seek re-election, Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, in Montpelier, V.T. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm)
Read more: https://apnews.com/article/vermont-patrick-leahy-congress-f5814df1e3d5f02de58e8a7b66f68948
bucolic_frolic
(42,655 posts)If you hadn't heard elsewhere today that the Senator is retiring, you might well think this speech was about 401Ks, IRAs, and pensions.
secondwind
(16,903 posts)Don't worry, be happy!
bucolic_frolic
(42,655 posts)JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,282 posts)But, this bozo thinks we could do better for everyone than simply Social Security and Medicare. Some, who have never been U.S. senators, are struggling.
twodogsbarking
(9,290 posts)Judi Lynn
(160,211 posts)lastlib
(22,978 posts)We will miss him.
CountAllVotes
(20,854 posts)Hope you have a long happy and healthy retirement!