Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Wednesday praised House Speaker Paul Ryan for his service in office, saying the Wisconsin Republican, who announced his retirement just minutes before, has served as a "true leader."
"He answered his colleagues' call with the earnest, selfless and focused approach that has defined his entire career in Congress," McConnell said from the Senate floor.
"The results have been beyond impressive. Capping off a remarkable 20-year career in Congress, his speakership has yielded one significant accomplishment after another for his conference, his constituents in Wisconsin, as well as the American people."
McConnell especially praised Ryan for his work on the "once in a generation" rewrite of the national tax code.
"Thanks in large part to his personal passion and expertise, tax reform became a reality and our economy is charting a new course toward greater prosperity and greater opportunity," said McConnell.
"On its own this generational accomplishment would secure the speaker's legacy as a transformational conservative leader."
Ryan's leadership was also vital for "securing everything from the largest year-on-year increase in defense funding in 15 years to the remaking of the way we treat and find cures for rare diseases," said McConnell.
He also praised his colleague for his work attitude and optimism.
"Paul has paired that ambitious agenda with good cheer and unflagging commitment to serve all Americans," said McConnell.
"Amidst all the stresses and pressures of leadership, Paul's optimism and energy never faded. It's been a sincere pleasure and real inspiration to work alongside this humble servant and happy warrior."
Sandy Fitzgerald ✉
Sandy Fitzgerald has more than three decades in journalism and serves as a general assignment writer for Newsmax covering news, media, and politics.
© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.