WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Bob Casey (D- PA) made his farewell remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday afternoon. He served in the U.S. Senate for 18 years. We spoke with the outgoing Senator about his time in office and what’s next for him. 

“Serving in the United States Senate has been an honor of a lifetime,” said the Senator during his floor remarks. During that farewell address, he spoke about his work in the chamber, his hopes for future congresses and the priorities they should tackle. We asked him how he’s feeling about his time of service: 

“Very positive memories serving in the great institution of our government the United States Senate and working with people on both sides of the aisle to move the agenda forward for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the people in the nation,” said Sen. Casey. “The opportunities the people of our state gave me not just to serve them on their behalf but to be able to focus in a particular way on issues relating to children, people with disabilities, veterans and our workers; And be the best I could be, as a strong advocate and deliver for them.” 

The three-term Pennsylvania Senator lost to Republican challenger Dave McCormick in November. He hopes the next congress will expand the policies he’s worked on, like the Child Tax Credit. He said that tax credit has helped provide relief for families and kids across the US and in Pennsylvania.

"It should act as a launchpad or inspiration for further work because a lot of the great advancements we’ve made with the Child Tax Credit and Child and Dependent Care Credit, which help families as well as other initiatives in the American Rescue Plan, were temporary," said Sen. Casey.    

His work in the Senate has also helped bring funding and spearhead infrastructure projects in northwest Pennsylvania. It’s helped provide funding for roads, bridges, broadband, water and lead pipe systems in the area. Projects that will help local communities for years to come.  

As for the future of congress, Casey hopes the Senate will get back to an era where bipartisanship becomes the rule rather than the exception.  

As he prepares to step aside, he has a message for his constituents:  

“One word: gratitude.,” said Sen. Casey. “I want to thank the people of our state who gave the opportunity for me to over the course of 18 years in the Senate and a whole decade before that, two statewide offices both Auditor General and State Treasurer. To be in office for 28 years is a rare privilege that I'm particularly grateful for. I can’t thank people enough for giving me that opportunity.” 

Casey told us his next steps after office remain uncertain and adds it will be be a different chapter in his life outside of public service and as a private citizen. He hopes to continue to work on issues related to children, seniors and veterans.