PMA Statement on Retirement Announcement of U.S. Senator Pat Toomey

October 5, 2020 — (Harrisburg, PA) The following statement can be attributed to David N. Taylor, President & CEO of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association:

“U.S. Senator Pat Toomey is one of America’s greatest champions of economic freedom and pro-growth public policy. Since his election to the U.S. House from Allentown in 1998, Pat has led the way in fighting for a prosperity agenda for the people of Pennsylvania and the nation. Already a successful businessman before entering the political arena, Pat never needed a government job and never intended to be a career politician. Having honored his three-term pledge of service in the U.S. House, it is not surprising that Senator Toomey would choose to return to private life upon completion of his second term in the U.S. Senate.

“Pat Toomey’s leadership demonstrates important qualities that are sorely lacking in public life. First, rising above the chest-thumping and divide-widening rhetoric of partisan cheerleading, Pat’s approach of ‘persuading by explaining’ shows respect for the citizenry by recognizing that their consent is required. Furthermore, attempting to persuade by explaining elevates the conversation, makes policy goals clear, and presents the reasoning behind Toomey’s recommended actions. Agree or disagree, one is always sure of what Senator Toomey believes and why.

“Senator Toomey also takes seriously the responsibility of governing. Even as he stands firm for his clearly stated convictions and policy goals, Pat knows that leaders must find the common ground and ensure government fulfills its duties to the American people. To the extent that areas of agreement can be established, Pat works diligently to ‘get what is get-able’ with other legislators, including people with sharply different worldviews like Senate Minority Leader Schumer. The U.S. Congress is in desperate need of a return to ‘regular order’ and an end to government-by-Continuing-Resolution. Senator Toomey’s commitment to responsible governance is worthy of emulation.

“Pennsylvania’s manufacturing employers are grateful for Senator Toomey’s outstanding service and look forward to working with him through the remainder of his term.

“We send our very best wishes to Pat, his wife Kris, and their children Bridget, Patrick, and Duncan.”

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Founded in 1909 by Bucks County industrialist Joseph Grundy, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association is the Harrisburg-based statewide nonprofit trade organization representing the people who make things in our commonwealth. To learn more about PMA and its work, visit www.pamanufacturers.org