Cole Statement on Speaker Paul Ryan

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole (OK-04) released the following statement after House Speaker Paul Ryan (WI-01) announced his intention to retire from Congress in January 2019.

"I have enormous respect for Speaker Ryan's decision to announce his retirement at the end of this Congressional term," said Cole. "In typical Paul Ryan fashion, he was honest, open, direct and compelling with his reasons to leave. No one can quarrel with his desire to spend more time with his wife and children.

"While I respect Speaker Ryan's decision, he will certainly be missed by the country, this Congress and the Republican Conference. Paul Ryan is a visionary leader, a committed conservative and a master of the legislative process. His tenure as been marked by exceptional accomplishments – the largest tax cut and reform in a generation; the most regulatory reform for any Congress in the modern age; the most substantial defense buildup in 15 years; the end of the individual mandate in Obamacare – and a host of other important legislative accomplishments.

"Paul Ryan will leave Congress with his reputation not only intact, but enhanced," continued Cole. "He is not only the best Speaker I've had the opportunity to serve with, he's also the finest person. Even Paul's political opponents readily concede that he's a person of absolute integrity, deep sincerity and of profound decency. He will be sorely missed as Speaker of the House.

"I wish Paul and his family the very best going forward. It is my hope and sincere expectation that he will re-enter public life in the future and will continue to contribute to the well-being and success of the United States of America."