Mitt Romney Delivers Farewell Senate Speech, Calls for Unity Amid Partisan Divide

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah) delivered his farewell address to the Senate on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for unity in a time of heightened political division. Reflecting on his career and legislative accomplishments, Romney urged elected officials to rise above partisanship and focus on the nation’s well-being.

“A Life’s Work is a Group Effort”

“My life’s work has been a group affair,” Romney stated, referencing his time as governor of Massachusetts and his 2012 Republican presidential campaign. Throughout his career, Romney has been known for his ability to build coalitions and work across the aisle.

In his speech, Romney celebrated bipartisan achievements, including the 2021 infrastructure law, reforms to the Electoral Count Act, gun safety legislation, and marriage legislation that protected religious freedoms. However, he expressed frustration over the opportunities lost due to partisan gridlock.

Missed Opportunities and National Debt Concerns

“I will leave this chamber with a sense of achievement. But in truth, I will also leave with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped,” Romney admitted. He specifically lamented the inability to address the growing national debt, calling it a persistent obstacle to broader progress.

Romney painted a stark picture of the consequences of the debt, stating,

“Without the burden of the interest on that debt, we would be able to spend three times as much as we do on military procurement. Three times as many aircraft, three times as many ships, three times as many drones, spacecraft, cyber defenses. Or alternatively, we could spend double the amount we spend on Social Security benefits every month. Our national credit card is almost maxed out, and America risks becoming debt poor.”

A Senate of Relationships, Not Votes

Romney spoke fondly of his colleagues, highlighting his unexpected enjoyment of relationships with senators on both sides of the aisle. However, he was candid about the aspects of the job he would not miss, including what he described as “myriad meaningless votes” and drawn-out procedures.

A Call for Leadership and Unity

As one of the most prominent Republican critics of former President Donald Trump, Romney urged leaders to resist forces that threaten national cohesion. He warned,

“There are some today who would tear at our unity, who would replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue, or who debase the values upon which the blessings of heaven depend.”

Romney acknowledged that political solutions alone are insufficient for the challenges America faces. He stated,

“Now, I’ve been in public service for 25 years. I have learned that politics alone cannot measure up to the challenges we face.”

Looking to the Future

Romney announced last year that he would not seek reelection, citing the importance of giving a “new generation” of leaders the opportunity to serve. His successor, Sen.-elect John Curtis (R-Utah), is set to take office in January.

Romney closed his address with a poignant reflection on the character of the nation, saying,

“A country’s character is a reflection not just of its elected officials, but also of its people. I leave Washington to return to be one among them, and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue.”

Romney’s Legacy

As Romney departs the Senate, he leaves behind a legacy of courage and conviction, often standing apart from his party on critical issues. His farewell speech serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, bipartisanship, and the moral character of leadership in shaping the nation’s future.