McConnell Remarks On Retiring Senator Kyrsten Sinema

"Arizona's senior Senator stood up in the face of a grave threat to this institution's defining characteristic and said 'no'. And in doing so, she sent a message that will resonate long after her departure from the chamber."

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor regarding Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ):

"I'd like to close with just a few words about another of our departing colleagues, the senior Senator from Arizona.

"It's perhaps unconventional for the leader of one party to pay formal tribute to a departing Senator who's caucused with the other side.

"But then, Kyrsten Sinema has never had trouble with bucking a trend.

"For one thing, she's spent her six years in this body earning levels of influence, respect, and command of policy that are uncommon among Senate freshmen.

"She's thrown herself into worthwhile projects, done the heavy lifting of legislation, and kept at it when longer-tenured colleagues might have thrown in the towel.

"Needless to say, Senator Sinema's maverick streak extends to her efforts to broaden the Senate's fashion horizons, too.

"But the cornerstone of our colleague's legacy in this chamber will be her willingness to defend the Senate, itself, when saying nothing would have been a great deal easier.

"Arizona's senior Senator stood up in the face of a grave threat to this institution's defining characteristic and said 'no'. And in doing so, she sent a message that will resonate long after her departure from the chamber.

"I admire our colleague for the courage, wisdom, and clarity that have guided her service to the people of Arizona and to the entire nation.

"And I wish her the very best in her next chapter."

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