LeMieux Warns of 'Single Greatest Threat' in Senatorial Farewell

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, Florida Sen. George LeMieux delivered his farewell speech on the U.S. Senate floor.

Gov. Charlie Crist appointed LeMieux to fill the last 16 months of Sen. Mel Martinez's term after Martinez resigned.

During the 15-minute speech, LeMieux took the opportunity to express what has been "weighing on his mind."

"The single greatest threat to the future of our republic and the prosperity of our people is this Congress' failure to control its spending," he said.

He lamented a future where his children -- the oldest now 7 -- would come to him and say they would find an opportunity in another country instead of staying in the United States where opportunities weren't as good. But, he says, at the current rate of government spending, that concern won't wait for his children to grow up.

At age 41, LeMieux will be one of the youngest to retire from the U.S. Senate. He is expected to try to come back in his own election in 2012. He has made clear his intentions to run, but has yet to make the decision final.