Former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates lamented the retirements of what he calls “bridge-builder” lawmakers in office that were successful at working across the aisle.
Gates, speaking at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on Friday, listed former Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Sam Nunn (D-GA), and other lawmakers who were known for moderation and sometimes working with members of the opposing party.
“What has bothered me a great deal over the last 25 years or so is [these] people have nearly all quit,” Gates said.
Gates also cited House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon (R-CA), who announced his plans to retire earlier in the week.
“And then you have guys like Buck McKeon,” Gates said. “It’s those people that have gotten things done and it’s the way they treat people that makes a difference.”
