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Representative Osborne urges civility, defends free speech in emotional farewell
Summary
Rep. Osborne delivered a lengthy farewell address to the House, thanking staff and colleagues, defending broad free-speech principles, urging the chamber to 'do good,' and calling on members to welcome dissent and public service.
Representative Osborne delivered an extended farewell on the House floor, thanking colleagues, staff and family, and using the occasion to urge lawmakers to prioritize public service and civil disagreement. "That's why we're all here. We're here to serve," Osborne said, framing his remarks around service and relationships built during his tenure.
In his speech Osborne defended freedom of expression and warned against government actions that, in his view, suppress criticism or dissent. He invoked the First Amendment and said lawmakers should be wary of erosion of free speech. He also argued that the United States is a nation of immigrants and urged colleagues to remember the country’s history and impulse to welcome newcomers.
Osborne closed by urging colleagues to welcome dissent, resist easy answers and work collaboratively: "What if we just simply focused on doing good today," he said. He thanked legislative staff, bill drafters and the OSBI cold-case team and ended his remarks with the signature close, "Osborne out."
Next steps: the address was ceremonial; no formal legislative actions accompanied this portion of the session in the provided transcript.
