Rep. Sherrill Delivers Final Remarks on House Floor

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) delivered her final floor speech as a Member of Congress. 

Rep. Sherrill intends to submit her letter of resignation from the House next week after six years as the Representative for New Jersey’s 11th District in order to serve as the 57th Governor of New Jersey. 

Click here to listen to Sherrill’s full remarks. Full remarks, as delivered:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule for a bill that does nothing to protect over 450,000 New Jerseyans who will see their healthcare premiums skyrocket.

I took my first oath to the Constitution when I was 18 and went to the Naval Academy. It’s an oath to serve, to run toward the fight. And so, I ran for Congress after I saw Washington Republicans attacking the Affordable Care Act. 

I promised I would take on the status quo. I would fight the big fights. Because that’s what people expect of their leaders. That’s what people deserve from their leaders. 

I’m proud of the wins I’ve delivered as your representative for New Jersey’s 11th District. Capping the cost of insulin and prescription drugs for seniors. Funding the Gateway Tunnel. The PACT Act for veterans. Flood mitigation projects. Delivering for Picatinny Arsenal.

You have trusted me, New Jersey, and last week, you placed your trust in me again, electing me your 57th Governor. So I ran on a similar promise — to take on anyone, and stop at nothing to lower costs and build opportunity for everyone. 

This will be my last speech in this chamber. I intend to submit my resignation next week and turn to protecting all of New Jersey. 

So my parting message to Jersey is: thank you. 

To my staff: thank you for your dedication to serving the 11th District of New Jersey.

To my colleagues: do not let this body become a ceremonial red stamp for an administration that takes food away from children and rips healthcare away from people.

To the country: stand strong. As we say in the Navy: Do not give up the ship. 

Thank you, and I yield back.