In an address given on the floor of the U.S. Senate, Connecticut Senator Chris Dodd bid farewell to his colleagues, staff and constituents yesterday. He recalled the origins of the Senate, appealing to his colleagues to avoid political bipartisanship and unite under a common goal. According to the transcript released by his office, he said:

Now, it is common for retiring Senators to say the following; ―I’ll miss the people – but not the work.

Mr. President, you won’t hear that from me. Most assuredly, I will miss the people of the Senate. But I will miss the work, as well.

Ending on a sentimental note, Dodd also wished the audience members good luck in their endeavors. Senator Dodd has served in Washington for 36 years, and he plans retire at the end of this year. He will be replaced by Democrat Richard Blumenthal LAW ’73, who defeated Republican opponent Linda McMahon in the Nov. 2 elections.

Read the full remarks here.