Tom Rooney Has Warm Words for Bill Young

U.S. Rep Tom Rooney, R-Fla., had kind words for fellow congressman Bill Young, R-Fla., who announced Wednesday he would not seek re-election in 2014 and would be retiring instead:

Bill Young is without question the leader of the Florida delegation in Congress. His wealth of knowledge and experience has served our entire state well, and has made him a mentor to many others in Congress, myself included. I have often looked to Bill for guidance, because you can always count on him to do the right thing for our state, our country, and our troops and veterans.

As chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee, Bill has fought to keep our nation safe and to provide the best support possible for our troops and their families. Throughout his long career, he has been a leader in bringing economic development and jobs to Southwest Florida. Bill is a true statesman and an unwavering voice of reason and respect, and his service will be deeply missed. It has been an honor to serve with him, and I wish him and his family all the best.