Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) gave a farewell speech to his colleagues in the House of Representatives on Thursday during his last day in session as a member.
“To my colleagues from California, I’m so very, very proud of you. And to my friends for coming: I appreciate the kind words. To the constituents: Thank you. Thank you for ever giving me this opportunity to serve you. To America: I loved every single day. Less than 13,000 people have ever been given the privilege and the honor to serve in this body,” McCarthy said.
McCarthy said he would “do it all again” in his goodbye remarks after announcing his departure earlier this month.
“But one thing I think we must quite understand and if there’s advice I can give: Do not be fearful if you believe your philosophy brings people more freedom. Do not be fearful that you could lose your job over it,” McCarthy said.
“I knew the day we decided to make sure to choose to pay our troops while war was breaking out instead of shutting down was the right decision,” he added. “I also knew a few would make a motion; somehow, they disagreed with that decision. Do it anyways. I would do it all again.”
McCarthy encouraged his colleagues not to let the fear of losing their jobs keep them from continuing with the mission they believe will bring about freedom.
