Susan Collins: “on May 22, 2023, Tom Carper told a crowd of admirers in Delaware that he would not seek a fifth term in the Senate…”

“on May 22, 2023, Tom Carper told a crowd of admirers in Delaware that he would not seek a fifth term in the Senate, bringing to a close nearly 50 years in public service. Two days later, he delivered a keynote address at a reunion of 200 Vietnam war former POWs, which was held at the Nixon Library in California. Those two events speak volumes about the character and commitment of my valued colleague and good friend Tom Carper. From State treasurer to Governor to Congressman and Senator, Tom has been elected to statewide public office a record 14 times. In every way, he has justified the trust the people of the First State have placed in him. That remarkable accomplishment came after Tom served three tours of duty as a naval flight officer in Vietnam. He is the last veteran of that conflict in the Senate and a powerful and effective voice for those with whom he served. In 1991, then-Congressman Carper led a bipartisan delegation of Vietnam veterans back to Southeast Asia. Thanks to Tom's leadership, that trip helped lay the groundwork for ongoing efforts to account for Americans listed as missing in action. He exemplifies the ethic of the U.S. military that no one is left behind or ever forgotten. In the Senate, Tom's priorities have included improving our healthcare system, protecting our environment, investing in infrastructure, and strengthening our national security. And I feel so fortunate to have had the pleasure to work with Tom on many issues.…”