WASHINGTON, DC – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement on the retirement announcement of Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-GA):

“Saxby has been a strong and courageous voice in the United States Congress for the people of Georgia, and a steadfast defender of freedom for all Americans.  He’s one of my best friends, and always will be.  I wish him and Julianne the very best as they prepare to write a new chapter in their life together.”

NOTE: Boehner and now-Sen. Chambliss became friends during the 1990s when they served together on the House Agriculture Committee, and have remained close friends ever since.