It is Rep. John Boehner's (R-Ohio) last day in Congress after a five-year speakership and a 24-year career. When he first announced his surprise resignation in late September, it was met with empathy, cynicism and some errant cheering from his own party. Now, members this week have paused to give their final farewell as the gavel passes to an apprehensive and unenvied Paul Ryan.
Members spoke on the floor of the House Tuesday in a final sendoff and put out press releases throughout the week offering praise, remembrances and thoughts of the future. LegiStorm has compiled some of the most memorable sendoffs from member press releases below.
"For almost five years, he led this House. And for nearly 25 years, he served it. Not many people can match his accomplishments: the offices he held, the laws he wrote. But what really sets John apart is he's a man of character-a true class act. He is, without question, the gentleman from Ohio. So please join me in saying, one last time, 'Thank you, Mr. Speaker.'" - Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.)
"John Boehner has wandered the valley. John Boehner has been to the mountaintop. John Boehner has slid right back into the valley, and then ascended to great heights yet again." - Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.)
"John Boehner is a good and decent man. His word was always good. And I will miss him." - Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.)
"Former Speaker Boehner served with dignity and integrity, despite the myriad of pressures and challenges he experienced during his tenure. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors." - Rep. Al Green (D-Texas)
"John Boehner talked about the American Dream. John Boehner, you are the personification the American Dream." - Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
"It's a sad commentary that the most bipartisan this Congress has been was in the last few weeks since Speaker Boehner announced his retirement." - Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.)
"History will be the judge of his success as the leader of his party, but all of us, all of us who have had the honor of serving with him will judge him as we know him, a considerate and thoughtful individual, who is a patriot and cares deeply about this House and the nation it serves." - Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
"While we all know of the many achievements that this man of the people has accomplished during his illustrious career, and recognize his unquestionable dedication to our nation, many do not realize just how kind, modest and caring he truly is as a person. Someone who always seems to put others before himself." - Rep. Amata Radewagen (R-American Samoa)
"To me John is a person who represented not an ideology, but represented what he thought was best for the country. To me John Boehner was, as so many people have said, just a regular guy." - Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-N.Y.)
"I'm grateful to my staff ... I've always told them, you never leave Boehnerland, and that certainly goes for me too." - Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio)
"The people's House is only as good as its people. And we have some of the best. Every day, about 10,887 people go to work for the U.S. House of Representatives. And they do so under the care of the Speaker of the House. Without them, he - and we - could not have done this big job." - Office of the House Speaker
