BURLINGTON, Vt., Nov. 15 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) issued the following statement Monday after Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) announced his retirement from the U.S. Senate:

“I know I speak for all Vermonters in expressing the deep gratitude we feel for the extraordinary role that Pat Leahy has played in representing Vermont in the U.S. Senate for the last 46 years.

“He has been a towering figure as chairman of the Agriculture Committee, the Judiciary Committee, and the Appropriations Committee. He leaves a unique legacy that will be impossible to match. Jane and I wish him and Marcelle a wonderful and well-earned retirement.”