ORLANDO, Fla. – After more than four decades of public service, Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) delivered his final address on the floor of the U.S. Senate on Wednesday.
Nelson, 76, has held the seat since 2000.
He lost his bid for a fourth term in the Senate last month, losing to current Florida Gov. Rick Scott in a close election that required a recount.
During his speech Wednesday, Nelson reflected on his accomplishments, as well as his eventual launch on the space shuttle Columbia in 1986.
Nelson also urged his Senate colleagues and future lawmakers to avoid putting party over country and to return to civility.
"What has happened? What in the world has happened to civility and humility in our nation's public discourse? Where are our servant leaders who seek to serve instead of being served?" Nelson said.
His final day in office will be next month.