Washington, DC -- Congressman Eliot Engel (D-NY17) issued the following statement after Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) announced that he will not seek another term in 2012.

“Joe Lieberman has been a dedicated public servant for decades, including four terms in the United States Senate.  Joe Lieberman has never been afraid to speak his mind, no matter how popular or unpopular the position.  He has been a champion of LGBT rights, a woman’s right to choose, environmental protection, a strong national defense, and other important issues.  He has been a leader in the Senate in protecting the relationship between Israel and the United States, and has been a great partner to me with issues relating to Jewish Americans and the state of Israel. 

“I am sure he will be very active in the next two years in the Senate, protecting the American people from much of the legislation that will come from the Republican House, beginning with the ill-advised repeal of the Affordable Care Act today.  I wish Joe the best of luck in his next endeavor.  He has been a good friend of mine and will always remain one. The Senate, and the American people will certainly miss him.”

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