WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement after the announcement that Senator James “Jim” Inhofe would be retiring from the Senate at the end of the current Congress:

“Senator Jim Inhofe is an absolute legend. Jim has given a lifetime of faithful service to this country, including as a member of the U.S Army, state representative, state senator, mayor, U.S. Representative, and U.S. Senator.

“I have come to know Senator Inhofe best as a leader of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, where I am proud to serve with him.

“As he will tell anyone who asks, he is committed first and foremost to ensuring our nation is the freest, strongest, and most prosperous nation on earth. He has had a powerful position from which to advocate for our men and women in uniform and for the infrastructure projects that form the foundation of our economic engine. He has accomplished all of this while remaining one of the staunchest conservatives I have ever known.

“At a time when our nation is facing greater threats from abroad, Senator Inhofe has provided strong leadership and direction for the Senate Armed Services Committee to follow. I look forward to working closely with him through the end of the year to renew our national defense.

“I know that he is looking forward to finishing out this Congress strong for the people of Oklahoma and spending more time with the love of his life, Kay.

“Today is a day to salute Jim. Next week, he’ll be back to work.”