U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss gives farewell remarks to Senate | VIDEO

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Moultrie, who is leaving the Upper Chamber in January, gave his farewell remarks from the Senate floor on Wednesday afternoon, thanking many of the “wonderful people” who he said had been a part of a “great ride over the last 20 years.”

Mobile users can see video of U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss’ farewell remarks to the Senate here.

“We as Americans are so fortunate to live in the greatest country in the world,” Chambliss, who is ending his second term in the Senate, said. “A country where the American Dream is still alive and well. A country where in spite of all our problems, we are the envy of the free world.

“A country where a preacher’s kid from rural Southern Georgia can rise to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and then to the U.S. Senate.

Chambliss, who spent eight years in the U.S. House representing the 8th Congressional District of Georgia before moving over to the Senate, thanked the Capitol Hill work force, his staff, floor staff and the four chiefs of staff he has worked with — Rob Leebern, Krister Holladay, Charlie Harman, and Camila Knowles. He also recognized members of his staff whio had been with him his entire two decades in Washington — Teresa Ervin, Debbie Cannon and Bill Stembridge.

“I’ve often said that my greatest satisfaction from this job comes not from negotiating major pieces of legislation but from being able to help Georgians with difficulties they are experiencing and having a positive impact on their lives,” the senator said.

Chambliss said his “greatest support” has come from his family — wife of 48 years, Julianne; daughter Lia and son-in-law Joe; son Bo and daughter-in-law Bess, and his six grandchildren.

Noting that he lost his first political campaign before reeling off seven straight victories, he said the winning streak at the polls came because “I shared the values of my constituents, I outworked each of my opponents, and I had better ideas and the best advisers and staff.”

Chambliss thanked former Sens. Sam Nunn and Zell Miller “for their regular advice and counsel.” Chambliss held the Senate seat that had been held by Nunn, whose daughter, Michelle Nunn, a Democrat, unsuccessfully attempted to suceed Chambliss in this year’s election. Republican David Perdue is senator-elect for the seat, which he will assume when the new Congress convenes in January.

“I am often asked what I will miss most about the Senate,” Chambliss aid. “The answer is very easy — I will miss my friends and the relationship we have developed over the years. Senator (Johnny) Isakson and I entered the University of Georgia 52 years ago this September and became friends immediately and we have been the dearest of friends ever since.

“He is without question the most trusted friend and adviser I have and I will miss our daily conversations. My three best buddies from my House days, Speaker John Boehner, Congressman Tom Latham, and Senator Richard Burr, along with Senator Tom Coburn, have been legislative collaborators, dinner partners, golfing buddies, confidantes, and numerous other things that should not be mentioned on the floor of the United States Senate.

“Senator Graham is like a member of my family. We have traveled the world together many times learning a lot. I have no plans to write a book, but if I did Lindsey Graham anecdotes would fill a chapter.”

In addition to the Republican lawmakers, Chambliss mentioned Democrats who he had worked with.

He described Sen. Diane Feinstein, D-Calif., as “a great chairman and partner on the Intelligence Committee. I will miss her leadership, her wisdom, her friendship and those late afternoon glasses of California wine.” He said his “most productive time in the Senate has been spent with my dear friend Senator Mark Warner, who has come to be another dear friend. Our work with the Gang of Six, which included Senators Durbin, Conrad, Coburn, Crapo, and then later Senator Johanns and Senator Bennet represent the very best of everything about the Senate.

“We spent hundreds of hours together debating ideas and trying to solve major problems and we came very close. Senator Warner’s insight, his wanting to solve problems and his political inspiration are lessons that I will carry with me forever.

As the Senate begins to operate under Republican leadership in January, Chambliss offered two observations.

“First,” he said, “the Senate should return to regular order. Senator (Mitch) McConnell (who will become majority leader) has indicated that will be the case and it should be. The rule change by the current majority changed the institution of the Senate in a negative way. I hope the rule is changed back to require 60 votes on all issues including judges and nominees.

“Some of those most vocal favoring the rule change lost their elections, and while the rule change did not cost them their election, it is very clear that the American people wanted a change in the leadership that changed the rule. Regular order will help in restoring trust and confidence to the world’s most deliberative body.

“Second,” Chambliss said, “it is imperative that the issue of the debt of this country be addressed. Just last week, our total debt surpassed $18 trillion. We cannot leave the astronomical debt our polices have generated up to our children and grandchildren to fix. It is not rocket science as to what must be done. Cutting spending alone, i.e. sequestration, is not the solution. Raising taxes is not the solution.

“As Simpson-Bowles, Domenici-Rivlin, and Gang of Six agreed, it will take a combination of spending reduction, entitlement reform, and tax reform to stimulate more revenue. Hard and tough votes will have to be taken but that is why we get elected to the United States Senate. The world is waiting for America to lead on this issue and if we do, the U.S. economy will respond in a very robust way. The Gang of Six laid the foundation for this problem to be solved, and it is my hope we do not leave the solution for the next generation.”

Chambliss then turned to what he said was what he enjoyed most about Congress, “the time I have spent with the men and women in uniform and those in the intelligence world, all of whom are willing to put their life in harm’s way for the sake of our freedom.”

“Whether it was Robins Air Force Base, Kabul, Ramadi, Jalalabad, Khowst, or Dubai, I always get emotional telling the men and women how proud of them I am and how blessed we Americans are to have them protecting us,” the lawmaker said. “They are special people who sacrifice much for the sake of all 300 million Americans.

“Let us also remember and be thankful for the families of those military and civilian personnel who likewise make a commitment to America. As we head into another Christmas season, many of those families will not have at home their spouse, their parent, their son or their daughter. May God bless them, may God bless this great institution, and may God continue to bless our great country.”

And with that, Chambliss said, “Mr. President, I yield the floor.”