WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Joe Lieberman announced today he will not seek reelection for a fifth term in 2012. Committee Ranking Member Senator Susan Collins’ statement follows.
“For those who search for civility and bipartisanship in Congress, they have a great example in my good friend, Joe Lieberman. He is a trusted colleague and partner on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. As Senate majorities have shifted, we have passed the gavel of that committee between us several times. But we always have stood together and worked to pass bipartisan legislation that reformed our intelligence community, and more specifically strengthened our nation’s ports and chemical facilities.
“Most recently, I joined with Senator Lieberman to fulfill one of his longtime commitments by successfully writing and passing landmark legislation that will permit gay and lesbian service members to serve openly in our military.
“Joe cares deeply about the people of Connecticut and our nation. He is a man of conscience. I look forward to working with him for the remainder of his term, and know we have many more accomplishments ahead. We are all the better for his service in the U.S. Senate, and I will deeply miss him.
“My best wishes to Joe and Hadassah.”