KENNEDY CLOSES CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE

Newton, MA -- Congressman Joe Kennedy III today released a thank you letter to the constituents of the 4th Congressional District.  After serving MA-4 for four terms, Kennedy ends his service today. 

Originally posted on social media, the letter is pasted in full below: 

To the 4th District: 
 
This is simply a note to say thank you.
 
It has been the honor of my professional career to represent you in Congress for the last eight years.
 
There have been the big moments: Watching President Obama sign my very first bill into law. Getting to deliver the Democratic response to President Trump’s first State of the Union from Diman Voc-Tech here in the 4th District. Working with heroes of mine like John Lewis and Dolores Huerta. Traveling to new places, giving big speeches, meeting some of the most incredible and inspiring people you can imagine.
 
But what will stick with me most are the small moments, the personal ones.  Like the first time I ever gave a speech on the House floor. It was to honor the late Dr. Irving Fradkin, a tireless education advocate from Fall River. I was nervous. I spoke too fast. (I always speak too fast!) But it was where I understood, maybe for the first time, what an incredible platform this job affords you, and how you can use it to shine light where light is most needed or deserved.
 
There were all of the late, unremarkable nights with my staff in our messy office, hammering out the details of some complex legislative puzzle and wondering how I got so lucky to do this work day in and day out with people I respect and love.
 
And all the memories here at home, in the 4th. Donning waders and getting knee-deep in the cranberry bogs. Touring the ships at Battleship Cove. Getting my fill at Morin’s or Zaftig’s or Portugalia or Oliva’s or Off Broadway. Walking in your 4th of July parades, visiting your schools, meeting your families… all of that political work that maybe sounds cliché, but means so much to those of us serving. It’s how we stay connected, how we understand what you and your community need. It’s what makes this work so unbelievably worthwhile.
 
This isn’t always an easy job. It’s a lot of time on airplanes, a lot of time away from home and family -- there were plenty of late nights in some crowded committee room on the Hill where I’d wonder why the heck I was here and not home with Lauren, Ellie and James.
 
But you reminded me. Every single day, you reminded me. When you walked into my Washington office and shared your most vulnerable stories, to explain why a piece of legislation was so important. When you pulled me aside at the Whole Foods across the street from our Newton office while grabbing lunch, or the Dunks in Taunton to say thank you. When you showed up at my office hours in your city or town -- maybe to ask for help, maybe to give me hell for a vote you didn’t agree with, but often just to talk.
 
I’m going to miss that. I’m going to miss our talks and visits, my weekly drives up and down Route 24. (Being stuck in endless traffic at the I-93 split? Not so much.)
 
But of course, this isn’t good-bye. I’m excited to be home more. I hope I’ll see you often. I’m counting on us staying in touch.
 
Thank you for the trust you put in me. I didn’t take one minute of it for granted.
 
With gratitude,
  
Joe Kennedy III
# # #