Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) shared his farewell wishes for Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) on Tuesday, following Hatch’s announcement that he plans to retire at the end of his term.
Graham praised Hatch, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, as an influential voice in the conservative movement over his four decades in the Senate.
“While I respect his decision, I’m sad to hear that @senorrinhatch will not be seeking reelection in 2018. He has been one of the strongest voices for conservatism of his generation and will go down in history as one of the most effective people to ever serve in the U.S. Senate,” Graham tweeted.
“[Hatch], as Finance Chairman, shepherded the largest tax reform package in over 30 years through the Senate. This — among many other achievements — will have a long-lasting, positive effect on the American people,” he added.
Hatch won over key Republican senators to pass the landmark tax overhaul in December, marking the first major legislative win for the Trump administration and a capstone achievement for the senator’s career.
Trump was reportedly “very thankful” for Hatch’s leadership in the chamber and for “the role he played in getting the tax cut and reform package passed,” White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said on Tuesday.
“He is a true friend and gentleman. He has worked tirelessly for the people of Utah and the U.S., and is the definition of a public servant,” Graham added. “I look forward to working with him the rest of the year and wish him all the best in the coming years.”