[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 10, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4726-H4727]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1415
                          FAREWELL TO CONGRESS

  (Mr. REED asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, after almost 12 years in Congress, today is my 
last day. It has been an honor to serve with you all from both parties. 
I love this institution as it still exemplifies what is best about our 
government. We are the people's House. While I am proud that we put 
people before politics, there is much more to do. I am leaving to 
continue that work and hope to have a greater impact on our country.
  I believe the current focus on extremism demands us to heed the words 
Abraham Lincoln uttered years ago as we face a similar threat to our 
existence today--a house divided cannot stand. But I add--a house 
united will not fail. It is time for petty political posturing to end. 
Leadership must emerge and in God I trust. His divine protection will 
extend again if only we acknowledge and accept His love and the divine 
spark that exists in each of us as citizens of our great Nation.

[[Page H4727]]

  I thank my family, who without their love and support I am nothing. I 
also thank the people who have worked for us and helped so many. I am 
grateful.
  My most profound appreciation is for the people of western New York. 
Thank you for giving a country lawyer, the youngest of 12, raised by a 
single mother, whose father passed away when I was just 2 years old, 
the honor of representing you at the highest level. Only in America can 
such a dream come true.
  I humbly bid farewell and submit my resignation as a Member of the 
House. I wish you all Godspeed.

                          ____________________