Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy thanked his constituents and lawmakers Thursday as he prepared to exit Congress midway through the term, saying he “loved every single day” despite the ignominious end to his speakership in October.
A conservative rebellion ousted the California Republican from the top job in the House after just 269 days wielding the gavel.
Yet Mr. McCarthy, a longtime GOP leader, struck notes of optimism and gratitude on his last day.
“To America, I loved every single day. Less than 13,000 people have ever been given the privilege or the honor to serve in this body,” Mr. McCarthy said after lawmakers hailed him in a retirement party of sorts on the House floor.
Rep. Ken Calvert, California Republican, kicked off the tributes, which included remarks from Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican and key McCarthy ally who served as interim speaker after Mr. McCarthy’s ouster. Mr. McHenry recently announced that he would not seek reelection.
House lawmakers also lined up to take a photograph with Mr. McCarthy.
He said he had no regrets about the decision he made as speaker, pointing to efforts to fund the government and make sure troops were paid despite repeated threats to knock him out of the speaker’s chair.
“Do not be fearful if your philosophy brings people more freedom,” Mr. McCarthy said. “Do not be fearful that you could lose your job over it.”
Mr. McCarthy has served in Congress since 2007, rising to majority whip and majority leader before he won the speaker’s gavel in January after a series of difficult votes in the new GOP majority.
His speakership was fraught from the start due to constant threats from conservatives to oust him over spending matters and other decisions.
Mr. McCarthy defended his record, pointing to efforts to secure the southern border and reverse local D.C. efforts to weaken penalties for crimes like carjacking.
“So if you come across that question of whether you should do what’s right out of fear of losing your job, do it anyways. Because it’s the right thing to do, and this is what the nation requires,” he said. “I think putting people before politics is always the right answer.”
He said America remains in good hands.
“I know the potential of this nation,” he said. “I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to serve. I will be departing, but that doesn’t mean I’ll stop serving.”
• Reporter Alex Miller contributed to this article.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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