WASHINGTON — Following Congressman Vern Buchanan’s announcement that he will retire at the conclusion of his current term, leaders in Congress, national media outlets and voices across the country commended his 20-year record of bipartisan results, effective leadership and service to Southwest Florida.
As Vice Chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee and Chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Buchanan will leave office as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Here is what they are saying about Congressman Buchanan’s legacy in Congress:
Members of Congress & State Leaders
Governor Ron DeSantis (R-Fla.): “Fair winds and following seas for Congressman Buchanan. Thanks for serving Florida!”
U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.): “Congressman Vern Buchanan is a great friend and has done a fantastic job representing our state for many years. Over his tremendous career, he has been a relentless fighter for Florida and has championed policies to make life better for every American. I’m so grateful for all the support he has given to me, and I wish him and Sandy all the success.”
U.S. Senator Ashley Moody (R-Fla.): “Congressman Vern Buchanan has spent two decades serving Florida with dedication. His leadership and commitment have helped make the Sunshine State a national example of excellence year after year. I wish him and his family all the best in this next chapter.”
Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.): “Vern has been a longtime friend and colleague on the Ways and Means Committee and a steadfast fighter for the people of Southwest Florida. His business expertise of more than 30 years was instrumental to the creation and overwhelming success of the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts and the passage of the Working Families Tax Cuts. He leaves behind an incredible legacy here in Congress. I am wishing Vern, his wife Sandy, and his family the best in this next chapter.”
Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.): “Congratulations on your retirement Vern Buchanan! Vern's blue-collar upbringing and strong business sense have been key catalysts in creating lasting opportunities for every American. Honored to have served alongside him on the House Ways and Means Committee and wish him all the best!”
Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.): “Proud to have worked alongside and to call Vern Buchanan a friend. From protecting the Everglades, stopping sexual predators and animal abusers, to fighting for citrus growers and hurricane recovery help, my fellow Florida delegation co-chair has always been a strong voice for our state. I wish him a wonderful retirement and next chapter.”
Rep. Carlos A. Gimenez (R-Fla.): “Congressman Vern Buchanan is a dear friend, patriot, & champion for all things Florida. Lourdes & I will miss him after his 20 years of exceptional service in the US House of Representatives. It has been an incredible honor to serve with him & strengthen our ties to our allies through the House Democracy Partnership.”
Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.): “Vern Buchanan is a friend, colleague, and trusted conservative leader who dedicated two decades of service to our Southwest Florida community and the nation. It has been an honor to fight alongside you in the halls of Congress.”
Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.): “Thank you Congressman Vern Buchanan for your years of service to our community and our country. Jen and I wish you and your family all the best in retirement.”
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.): “Vern is a great man. We will miss him in our delegation!”
Rep. Mike Haridopolos (R-Fla.): “Congressman Vern Buchanan is a true public servant and personal friend of over 25 years. We are so grateful for all he has done for our nation and the Great State of Florida! Thank you Vern! You will be truly missed in Congress.”
Rep. Jimmy Patronis (R-Fla.): “For two decades, Congressman Vern Buchanan served the people of Southwest Florida with distinction. Larger than life and an exceptional leader, he consistently put his constituents and Florida first. We are grateful for his service to Florida’s 16th Congressional District and wish him and his family continued success in their next chapter.”
Media Coverage
Fox News: Rep Vern Buchanan has been in Congress since 2007
“A longtime House Republican who sits on Congress’ powerful tax-writing committee is retiring after 20 years on Capitol Hill. Rep. Vern Buchanan, R-Fla., announced on Tuesday that he will not be seeking re-election, ending a two-decade-long career in Washington at the age of 74. ... Buchanan said in a statement that it was the honor of a lifetime to serve his southwest Florida congressional district.”
The Hill: Florida Republican Vern Buchanan to retire from Congress
“‘I came to Congress to solve problems, to fight for working families, and to help ensure this country remains a place where opportunity is available to everyone willing to work for it,’ Buchanan, who serves as the No. 2 Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement.
“‘After 20 years of service, I believe it’s the right time to pass the torch and begin a new chapter in my life,’ he added.’”
ABC 7: INTERVIEW: Congressman Buchanan discusses retirement announcement with ABC7
“Congressman Vern Buchanan announced his retirement Tuesday after 20 years in office, saying he and his family made the decision after 90 days of discussions.
“‘We just felt like it made sense for us 20 years,’ Buchanan said. ‘I think we’ve done a lot of great things for our veterans and seniors and small business. So it just felt like the right time to be able to step aside and give the next generation an opportunity.’”
News Channel 8: Florida Rep. Vern Buchanan reflects on time in Congress as he eyes retirement
“The Republican lawmaker and his wife plan to remain busy in the Tampa Bay and Suncoast areas after Congress.
“‘My wife heads up our foundation. We are doing things with a library we are building in the Sarasota area. We’ve also got something for children, women and children at risk, that we are building,’” Buchanan said.
“Before he leaves Congress, he hopes to get more lawmakers on board to work on reducing the national debt.”
Fox 13 Tampa Bay: Vern Buchanan announces retirement after 20 years in Congress
“The backstory: Congressman Buchanan is the longest serving Republican to represent southwest Florida, and he currently serves the 16th District and is the Vice Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Ways and Means. His legacy includes 51 bills and initiatives that were signed into law by four different presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Joe Biden and Donald Trump.”
Florida Politics: Vern Buchanan says opportunity for fresh leaders, not difficult political environment, drove choice to retire
“With two decades of seniority and serving as the Vice Chair of Congress’ most powerful committee, the Longboat Key Republican wields substantial power for Florida in the House. But, ultimately, the 74-year-old said the Bradenton area deserves fresh blood in Congress. After mulling a decision over the last three months with wife, Sandy, Buchanan announced that he would not seek another term.
“‘We thought that it was probably time to make a change in terms of the region. We’ve got a lot of talented people,’ Buchanan told Florida Politics. ‘And you know, I know I’ve been there a long time. But I think it’s time to give other folks an opportunity.’”
Herald-Tribune: Vern Buchanan leaves Congress with strong record, legacy | Editorial
“Most of all, at a time when so many politicians have sacrificed their obligations as public servants at the altar of personal aggrandizement and polarizing, performative behavior, Buchanan has earned a reputation as a hard-working elected official who meets his responsibilities and the needs of his constituents with humility, dedication and gravitas. It is a legacy that will endure long after Vern Buchanan exits the hall of Congress.”
Tampa Bay Times: This longtime Tampa Bay lawmaker is leaving Congress
“Buchanan, 74, will have spent 20 years representing Tampa Bay in the U.S. House once his term concludes. He saw 51 of his bills and legislative initiatives written into law under four different presidents, according to a statement announcing his retirement. He ends his career as vice chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, a powerful post that oversees federal tax legislation.”
Tampa Free Press: End Of An Era: Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan Retires After 20 Years
“During his time in office, Buchanan built a reputation for getting things done regardless of who was in the White House. His office notes that 51 of his initiatives were signed into law by four different presidents: George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Joe Biden. One of his most visible local achievements was securing nearly $28 million to build the Sarasota National Cemetery for veterans.”
Observer: Longtime local legislator announces retirement from Congress
“Ten-term U.S. Congressman Vern Buchanan of Florida District 16 announced today that he will retire at the conclusion of his current term after 20 years. Buchanan, vice chairman of the House Ways & Means Committee, will leave office as the longest-serving Republican to represent Southwest Florida in the U.S. House of Representatives.”
Herald-Tribune: Rep. Vern Buchanan to retire. See photos from his 20 years in politics
“Congressional candidate Vern Buchanan (cq, left) and George W. Bush, President of the United States of America (cq, second from left), exit Air Force One above TSGT Mike Powell (cq, right), after landing at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport in Sarasota, Fla., Tuesday afternoon, October 24, 2006.”
National Association of Plan Advisors: ARA Ally Vern Buchanan Announces House Retirement
“‘On behalf of the American Retirement Association and our members, I want to thank Congressman Vern Buchanan for his years of dedicated public service and his leadership on policies that strengthen retirement security for American workers,” said ARA CEO Brian Graff. “We are especially grateful for his bipartisan work to expand access to workplace retirement plans for small businesses and nonprofits, and we wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.’”
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