Watch Kennedy’s full statement here.

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), today bid Michael Wong a farewell from the Senate floor. Wong served Louisiana as a staff member in the U.S. Congress for over 16 years, and most recently, as State Director for Kennedy.

Key excerpts of Kennedy’s statement are below:

“I say it's a sad day for me because Michael is stepping down from government. It's a happy day because he's going to pursue some very exciting opportunities in the private sector.

“Michael has been working for the American people and the people of Louisiana for 16 years.”

. . .

“Michael has been my state director every single day that I've been a United States Senator, and let me tell you it's a tough job, and it's one of the most important jobs, as you know, Mr. President. 

“We are here in Washington. Our people are back home. A state director has got to make sure that their needs are being addressed back home, their concerns are heard.”

. . . 

“In Michael's case, he's also a valuable source of policy advice. I'm going to miss that every day. Michael has one of the best, maybe the best, political minds in Louisiana.” 

. . . 

“I've talked about his policy expertise. I've talked about his political acumen. I've talked about the fact that he cares about people, and, as an aside, a wise person once told me, ‘People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care’—Michael understands that.

“I mentioned Michael's beautiful family. He's also always made time for his kids and for Jamie, and I know there have been times when it's been difficult. But let me tell you one particular attribute, among many, with respect to which I most respect Michael: He'll do the right thing.”

. . .

“I'm going to miss Michael. I’m going to miss him every single day. I mean, he's not dying or anything. He's going to be around, okay? And, I know that, and I'm still going to call him and say, ‘What do you think about this? What's going on?’”

“But I wanted to rise today, Mr. President, and thank Michael Wong and thank Jamie, and thank Thomas and thank Julia for their years of service to the people of Louisiana. And, I wish them godspeed.” 

Kennedy’s full statement is available here.