In a heartfelt farewell speech, Utah Senator Mitt Romney called on Americans and fellow lawmakers to rise above division and focus on unity, service, and shared values.

“My life’s work has been a group affair,” Romney said, looking back on decades of public service that included time as governor of Massachusetts and a U.S. Senator. “I leave this chamber with a sense of achievement—but also with the recognition that I did not achieve everything I had hoped.”

He expressed concern over growing national debt, explaining how its interest burden limits investment in vital programs like national defense and Social Security. “Our national credit card is almost maxed out,” he warned. “America risks becoming debt poor.”

Despite his critiques of Washington’s gridlock, Romney shared some unexpected joys from his Senate tenure. “My biggest surprise has been how much I enjoy the other senators on both sides of the aisle,” he said with a smile, although he admitted he won’t miss the “meaningless votes” or long delays.

He also touched on the deeper values that guide his public service. “There are some today who would tear at our unity, who replace love with hate, who deride our foundation of virtue,” he said. “But America has always been fundamentally good.”

Romney paid tribute to the state he represented, saying it was “an honor to represent the people of Utah, the state of my family heritage,” and praised its natural beauty and strong community character.

Closing his speech, he turned reflective and hopeful. “A country’s character is a reflection not just of its elected officials but also of its people. I leave Washington to be one among them and hope to be a voice of unity and virtue.”

With a nod to the nation’s shared values, he concluded: “God has blessed America because America is good. And only if we merit His benevolence will those blessings continue.”