[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 196 (Wednesday, December 12, 2018)]
[House]
[Pages H10107-H10108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             EXPRESSING GRATITUDE FOR OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Arizona (Ms. McSally) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. McSALLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my final speech in the 
United States House of Representatives to express my gratitude for the 
opportunity to serve the people of Arizona's Second Congressional 
District.
  It has been a tremendous honor to deploy here to the people's House 
over the past 4 years as an advocate and champion for Tucson, Sierra 
Vista, Douglas, Bisbee, and all the other amazing communities in 
southeastern Arizona.
  I am grateful to my dedicated staff in Arizona, who were omnipresent 
in our community and fought for constituents who needed help with 
Federal bureaucracies. They were able to solve nearly 6,000 cases, 
returning nearly $2.5 million to seniors, veterans, and others--money 
that was rightfully theirs in the first place. This is one of the most 
meaningful and impactful parts of our job.
  My D.C. staff tirelessly helped push our legislative initiatives 
forward. Because of them, we saved the A-10 Warthog, put the Douglas 
port of entry project on the map, kept the Cherrybell postal processing 
facility open, fast-tracked our veterans for jobs at the border, opened 
Arlington again to our World War II female pilot heroes, improved 
mental health access, stopped a harmful tax increase on seniors and the 
middle class, led bipartisan efforts to break the gridlock on 
healthcare, border security, immigration, and so much more.
  A heartfelt thanks to all my staff, but especially those who were 
with me all 4 years: my chief, Justin Roth; district director, C.J. 
Karamargin; LD, Pace McMullan, and deputy district director, Rosa Ruiz.
  As I reflect on my two terms in the House, I will cherish many 
memories from this time of service. I was honored to have a front row 
seat to history here in our Nation's Capitol.
  I will never forget sitting next to an American hero, Sam Johnson, on 
the day I was sworn in, or being on this floor as two Presidents 
delivered their State of the Union speeches and when Israeli Prime 
Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis addressed a joint session 
of Congress.
  I was blessed to pay final respects to American icons like Senator 
John McCain, Reverend Billy Graham, and President George H.W. Bush in 
the sacred grounds in the Capitol rotunda.
  To my fellow Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, those 
who have been here awhile and those who will be sworn in soon, I humbly 
ask that you never forget the privilege it is to serve here and why you 
are here. Membership in this body is a precious opportunity. Don't take 
it lightly, and don't squander it.
  It is not about us. As soon as we leave here, this institution will 
move on and, candidly, few will remember us. Use the time wisely. We 
have been entrusted to solve our Nation's problems and chart its course 
for a better future. Do the right thing. Do it for the right reasons. 
And get things done. This is why we are here.
  The people of our great country--the people each of us represent--
often have very different views on how to solve our challenges, the 
proper role of our government, and the priorities for our limited 
resources. Reconciling these differences requires rigorous and robust 
debate, both in this Chamber and outside of it. Disagreements are 
inevitable, but we can and should set the example to disagree without 
being disagreeable.
  Our challenge is, then, to find the sometimes very tiny sliver of 
common ground where we can agree and govern. I am particularly proud of 
the fact that every one of the five bills I introduced that were signed 
into law had bipartisan support.
  Lastly, and most importantly, to my constituents: In my time as your 
Representative, I deeply valued meeting with you all over our 
incredible district--at schools, senior centers, small businesses, 
nonprofits, military bases, medical facilities, farms, ranches, and 
other places--to hear about the challenges that you have along with the 
opportunities to make an impact with your lives that only come in 
America. You inspired me and fueled my purpose here.

[[Page H10108]]

  I represent a diverse and amazing district. These are Americans with 
real issues, real problems, and real dreams who are not concerned with 
what party we belong to or what ads we run every 2 years. They care 
that we care and that we are here to serve not only ourselves, but our 
country and them.
  Our democracy requires that our time here be spent in humility, 
dedication, and pride: pride to fight for those who can't, pride to 
work for those who are unable, pride to push back against the 
bureaucracy that frequently stands in the way and hampers their ability 
to conduct their business and live their lives.
  I stand here today proud of the work we did in these 4 short years, 
but more proud of the people who sent me here: the citizens of 
Arizona's Second Congressional District. Thank you for the opportunity 
and the honor to serve you.
  To my successor, Ann Kirkpatrick, I wish you all the best as you are 
sworn in to serve our amazing and inspiring community.
  God bless you all and God bless America

                          ____________________