WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) issued the following statement on U.S. Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-Okla.) decision to leave the Senate at the end of the year:

“Nearly twenty years ago, my friend Tom Coburn felt called to leave his life as a private citizen in selfless service to the people of Oklahoma. Dr. Coburn brought refreshing honesty, decency and determination with him to Washington. Every Senator, regardless of party, has found themselves inspired by Dr. Coburn's principled leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of hard working taxpayers in Oklahoma and across the country.

“I am blessed to call Tom one of my closest friends, and I am grateful for the counsel he has offered me over the years – from difficult decisions in the Senate to our weekly Bible Study. His spirit of courage and common sense builds upon our founding fathers’ vision for America. Tom has set a strong example of what it truly means to make the tough choices necessary today, so that tomorrow – and every day thereafter – our children and grandchildren can live in an America that provides them the opportunity to dream big and pursue those dreams.

“I know I speak for my colleagues and all Oklahomans when I say we are grateful for Tom Coburn. He continues to embody Oklahoma’s motto, ‘Labor conquers all things,’ and we are fortunate to have one more year with his fearless voice in the Senate. When he retires in 2015, Tom will truly be missed, but we take heart knowing that our loss is his family's gain.”  

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