Lawmakers: Senators honor retiring rules chairman on Day 33

Senators honored retiring Senate Rules Chairman Jeff Mullis (R-Chickamauga) on Tuesday with a resolution and long tribute.

The resolution commended Mullis for his “valuable contributions on behalf of the citizens of Georgia,” and wished him well in the future.

Mullis is the longest-serving active member of the Senate. He has been a state senator since 2001.

Senators from both sides of the aisle praised Mullis for his work ethic and commitment to the state legislature.

“Sometimes we are very partisan," Sen. Lester Jackson (D-Savannah) said. "But friendship is one thing we can always have in this chamber. And Jeff has been a friend to everyone in this chamber. He has been fair to everyone in this chamber. And Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you for your service, but more importantly I want to thank you for your heart. And your sense of giving, and your sense of understanding everybody’s views.”

Mullis thanked the chamber tearfully. He was given a framed copy of the resolution.

“I love serving here," he said. "I love this chamber, I love the people I’ve met on my journey to today, and I simply love you all."

Mullis announced he would not seek reelection in early March after 21 years in the Senate.