[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[House]
[Pages 18008-18009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          FAREWELL TO CONGRESS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 5, 2011, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) is recognized 
for the remaining time until 10 p.m. as the designee of the majority 
leader.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I've been putting off these remarks for a few 
weeks now. The truth is I've been reluctant to deliver my final speech 
on the House floor. This has been my home away from home for the past 
dozen years, and it's tough to say good-bye to friends and colleagues.
  When I'm asked what I enjoy most about this place, I respond without 
hesitation: it's the give and take on the House floor. To be sure, much 
of what is said here is scripted with Members of both parties playing 
their designated role. Too often, talking points serve as literary 
guardrails. But every so often, genuine debate breaks out. Spontaneous 
points are made, Members are persuaded, and minds are changed. This 
frequently happens late at night when Members are less concerned about 
whether folks are watching at home. I wish more people would tune in 
during such nonscripted discussions. It represents Congress at its 
best.
  My first 6 years here were spent in the majority, followed by 4 years 
in the minority, then 2 years again in the majority.

                              {time}  2110

  Having experienced both, I can tell you that I prefer the majority. 
But either party holding the reins of power should recognize that their 
grasp is tenuous, and that's a good thing. Both parties benefit by 
taking turns in the wilderness every now and then.
  Over the past 12 years I've offered hundreds of amendments, 
privileged resolutions, and points of order in this Chamber. These 
offerings, most of which were to curb spending, were not always 
successful. In fact, the vast majority of these offerings resulted in 
far more red marks next to Members' names than green marks up on the 
wall above me. But I like to think that we, over time, made a 
difference, and that this institution is better for it.
  In addition to my own capable staff, both here and in Arizona, I want 
to thank those who staff this Chamber, from the floor staff who answer 
to leadership on both sides of the aisle, to the clerks, to the 
stenographers, to the parliamentarians who keep us operating within the 
rules, to the cloakroom staff who keep us fed and remind us when to 
vote. I've found that there resides in all of these individuals an 
abiding love and a deep respect for this institution.
  Most of all, I want to thank my family--my wife Cheryl and my five 
children, Ryan, Alexis, Austin, Tanner, and Dallin. They have been 
supportive, patient, and long-suffering in dealing with a schedule that 
is anything but family friendly. Thank you.
  Finally, I want to thank the good people of Arizona, who, perhaps 
against their better judgment, have sent me here six times to represent 
them. I will be forever grateful.
  So now I head through the rotunda and into the other Chamber, the 
Senate, better known to this body as enemy territory. I've used that 
phrase many times myself, for which I will have to now repent. But at 
least my penance will be practiced during a 6-year term.
  A few weeks ago the 12 newly elected Senate freshmen were invited to 
the National Archives. Before our meal we were taken to the legislative 
vault, where we viewed the original signed copy of the first bill 
enacted by Congress, as well as other landmark pieces of legislation 
and memorabilia. Oaths of allegiance signed by Revolutionary War 
soldiers, witnessed by General Washington, documents and artifacts 
related to the Civil War, segregation, and women's suffrage were also 
on hand.
  It was an affirmation of the tumultuous seas through which our ship 
of state has sailed for more than 200 years. We have had many brilliant 
and inspired individuals at the helm and trimming the sails along the 
way. We've also had personalities ranging from mediocre to malevolent, 
but our system of government has survived them all.
  Serious challenges lie ahead, particularly on the fiscal side, but 
any honest reckoning of our history and our prospects will note that 
we've confronted and survived more daunting challenges than we now 
face. It's a durable, resilient system of government that we

[[Page 18009]]

have here, designed to withstand the foibles of men, including yours 
truly.
  May God continue to bless the United States of America, and may He be 
ever mindful of this great and honorable institution, the House of 
Representatives, the people's House.
  Mr. Speaker, for the last time, I yield back the balance of my time.

                          ____________________