02.09.21

McConnell Statement on Senator Shelby’s Announced Retirement

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY issued the following statement today regarding Sen. Richard Shelby’s (R-AL) announcement that he will not run for reelection in 2022:

“For the three and a half decades that my friend Richard Shelby has served in the Senate, the people of Alabama have had a true heavyweight champion in their corner. 

“Chairman Shelby’s tireless work at the reins of the Appropriations, Rules, Banking, and Intelligence Committees has made our entire nation stronger and safer. But we all know our colleague takes greatest pride in the many ways he has found to lend a hand to his neighbors back home. From spaceflight innovation to transportation infrastructure to educational opportunity, Richard Shelby has helped generate incredible progress for his beloved home state.

“To watch Chairman Shelby work here in the Senate is to witness a legislative masterclass. On so many major issues, particularly the annual appropriations process, he blends policy mastery, deft negotiating skills, straight talk, and good old Southern charm to prolific effect. 

“Chairman Shelby’s fellow Alabamians have elected and reelected him six times to keep racking up accomplishments on their behalf, making him the longest-tenured Senator in their state’s history. It has been the good fortune of the Republican Conference that, since his second term, he has done so from our side of the aisle.

“Fortunately, the Senate is not bidding farewell to Richard Shelby just yet. I’m glad his neighbors in Tuscaloosa will have to wait two more years to welcome him home while our friend continues his important and extremely effective work here in the Capitol.”