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| I came up during the Great Depression, living in a ramshackle house built with recycled lumber from the local scrapyard. My parents gave us everything they had, but we still had next to nothing. Only in a nation like ours could someone like me—the scrappy son of a simple carpenter—grow up to become a United States Senator. This country gave me the opportunity to escape the poverty of my youth. And so, in return, I have made it my life’s mission to expand opportunity for others. Looking back on more than four decades of public service, I can confidently say that I have accomplished that goal. Whether it was legislation to strengthen economic freedom, protect the rights of religious persons, or improve healthcare for millions of Americans, I have always sought to fight for those who could not fight for themselves. And to be honest, I still have a little fight left in me. But every good fighter knows when to hang up the gloves. And for me, that time is soon approaching. That’s why, after much prayer and consultation with family and friends, I have decided to retire at the end of this term. To be sure, there is still much I could accomplish were I to continue serving in the Senate beyond 2018. But my sights have turned to educating the next generation of lawmakers and to spending time with my own family, whose unwavering love and support has made all of this possible. On Tuesday, I published an op-ed in which I thanked my family—and the good people of Utah—for allowing me to serve for so many years. My announcement this week was a moment to reflect on the past, but it was also an invitation to focus on the future. With the ambitious agenda we have ahead of us, I recognize that my final year of service may well be the most consequential yet. As Finance Chairman, I am eager to capitalize on our tax reform victory by putting the nation back on the path to fiscal sustainability, finding a way forward on immigration, and securing long-term funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program. As my Senate tenure draws to a close, I have much to be proud of—and much to look forward to in the next chapter of my service as I continue fighting to defend freedom and opportunity for others. Thank you for all your support through these many years. May God bless you all. |
