As I come to the end of my service in the United States Congress and begin a new chapter in my life, I want to publicly thank my family, my constituents and my staff for the support that they have given me over the last 24 years.

My family for their support and the sacrifices they have made which have allowed me to serve and be away from them in Washington and on so many nights and weekends here at home, my constituents for giving me the opportunity to represent them in Congress and my incredible staff for their hard work and loyalty to me and the people of our district.

It has been a privilege and honor to serve in the Congress for nearly 25 years. While it has been very difficult at times and not an easy life, it has been rewarding to know that I have been able to play a role in shaping public policy at the national level while helping tens of thousands of people here at home to resolve problems that they were facing and to improve their quality of life.

As they say, it has been a great ride.

As I begin the next chapter in my life, I hope to continue to play a role in shaping public policy at the national, state and local level working with elected officials and the business community.

Again, thank you very much.

Jerry F. Costello

Member of Congress

Belleville