Earl Pomeroy

Democratic Rep. Earl Pomeroy said Wednesday that “words cannot adequately express the feelings of gratitude I have” as his time in the U.S. House draws to a close.

Pomeroy was elected to nine terms in the office and served as North Dakota’s lone member of the U.S. House since 1992. He was defeated on Election Day by Republican challenger Rick Berg.

On Wednesday, Pomeroy submitted farewell remarks to the House that will appear in the Congressional Record.

“Steering the course for the United States of America is a very difficult and complex undertaking,” he said. “As our country moves into its third century in the first decade of the new millennium, it seems like the challenges only get bigger as we go forward.”

Still, Pomeroy said he has a “strong sense of hope and optimism” for the future and that leaders have assembled in the Capitol throughout the country’s history to “set the course to see us through.”

“If the American people exhibit the best aspects of their nature — courage, compassion, strength, resolve, community — the leaders in the chamber will deliver accordingly,” he said.

Pomeroy also thanked his colleagues and staff members and said he wished Berg “great success” in the House.

“I have been richly blessed to have had the chance to work with you in the people’s House — the United States Congress,” he said.

Here’s the full text of Pomeroy’s farewell remarks to the U.S. House:

“Madam Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank the people of North Dakota for the chance to represent our great state in this great chamber for the past 9 terms.

“Words cannot adequately express the feelings of gratitude I have as my time as a member of this body draws to a close.

“At varying times I’ve agreed or disagreed with virtually every member – Democratic or Republican – in this House. Steering the course for the United States of America is a very difficult and complex undertaking. As our country moves into its third century in the first decade of the new millennium, it seems like the challenges only get bigger as we go forward.

“But I conclude my life here with a strong sense of hope and optimism for the future.

“The United States Capitol is the icon of democracy known throughout the world. In this historic place, sometimes in the darkest hour, leaders here assembled have set the course to see us through.

“If the American people exhibit the best aspects of their nature – courage, compassion, strength, resolve, community – the leaders in the chamber will deliver accordingly.

“I will always treasure the time I had here. I won some, I lost some, but I tried my best to reflect the concerns of those I represented, as well as the genuine goodness of the folks who call North Dakota home.

“North Dakotans have selected a new Congressman, Representative-elect Rick Berg, and I wish him great success in delivering for our state.

“In conclusion, there is one group in particular I want to thank – all of those who have served on my staff now at the end or any time during these nine terms. Present and recent staff members include Bob Siggins, Melanie Rhinehart Van Tassell, Stacy Austad, Brenden Timpe, Adam Durand, Dustin Olson, Diane Oakley, Chris Cunningham, Matt Pearce, Hillary Price, David Grant, Annie Finkenbinder, Ross Keys, Joan Carlson, Dianne Mondry, Nick Keaveny, Geoff Greenwood, Bill Heigaard, and Erin Hill.

“They are extraordinarily talented and dedicated individuals, reflective of the wonderfully gifted staff members I have been privileged to work with for the 18 years of my service in the House.

“Now I look forward to more time with my wife, Mary, and my children, Kathryn and Scott, as this term ends and my membership in this body ceases.

“I thank my colleagues for their commitment to work so hard to serve their constituents and our country.

“I have been richly blessed to have had the chance to work with you in the people’s House – the United States Congress.”