Leader McConnell Statement on Senator Lamar Alexander
‘The great state of Tennessee has been generous to the U.S. Senate over the years. A number of Tennessee Senators from both parties have enriched this institution through especially distinguished service and built reputations as national leaders. And no one embodies this legacy better than Lamar. While I’m sure he will accomplish even more over the next two years, Lamar is already one of the most consequential Senators on domestic policy in memory.’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) made the following remarks on the Senate floor regarding Senator Lamar Alexander’s announcement that he will not seek reelection in 2020:
“I’d like to say a few words following today’s announcement from our dear friend, the senior senator from Tennessee. The great state of Tennessee has been generous to the U.S. Senate over the years. A number of the state’s Senators from both parties have enriched this institution through especially distinguished service and built reputations as national leaders. And no one embodies this legacy more fully than Lamar Alexander.
“While I’m sure he will accomplish even more over the next two years, Lamar is already one of the most consequential Senators on domestic policy in memory. Lamar was a success long before he came to the Senate. He’d already been a popular, accomplished Governor and a brilliant Secretary of Education. But fortunately for this body and for our nation, sixteen years ago, the Volunteer State saw fit to continue that career of excellence by sending Lamar here.
“He’s chaired the Republican Conference. He’s chaired the HELP Committee. For his colleagues in both parties, he is a go-to expert on some of the most critical subjects that directly impact Americans’ lives – particularly American families’ healthcare and our children’s schools.
“The ‘Every Student Succeeds Act’ and this year’s landmark opioids legislation are two perfect examples of signature Lamar Alexander accomplishments. They tackled challenging issues in a thoughtful and substantive way. They will tangibly improve Americans’ lives. And they passed both houses of Congress with big, bipartisan majorities.
“So the Senate will be lesser without Lamar’s wisdom, collegiality, and expertise when he retires. I am glad that day is two years away and grateful that we’ll keep benefiting from his leadership through the 116th Congress.”
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