U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today honored U.S. Sen. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) for his dedicated career of service to the American people, which includes serving our country as a U.S. Marine, 40 years of service in Congress, and his strong advocacy for American agriculture. Roberts was the first member of Congress to chair both the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, and he was the first member of Congress to have written and passed a farm bill in both chambers. Thune expressed his gratitude for Roberts’ commitment to working tirelessly for the American people and wished him well in his future endeavors.
Excerpt of Thune’s remarks below:
“Mr. President, Pat has proudly represented the people of Kansas in Congress for 40 years – 16 in the House of Representatives and 24 in the Senate.
“But his public service began long before that, with his time as an officer in the United States Marine Corps.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine, and Pat has proudly represented the Marines here in Congress.
“He is currently the most senior Marine serving here on Capitol Hill.
“Mr. President, the motto of the Marine Corps is “Semper fidelis” – “Always faithful.”
“And Pat has lived out that motto over his long career of service to our country.
“I hate to think of the Senate without Pat Roberts.
“He will be sorely missed.
“But he has more than earned his retirement, and the chance to spend more time with his wife Franki and his children and grandchildren.
“Pat, thank you for your leadership and your friendship.
“And God bless you in your retirement.
“I will miss you.”
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