“I have worked and I believe with every bone in my body, every fiber in me and every ounce of blood that I have to preserve the bipartisan foundation of the Senate and that’s the 60 vote threshold of the filibuster,” he said, speaking on the floor of the Senate on Tuesday.

The outgoing West Virginia senator emphasized that bipartisan bills have been passed as a result of the powerful legislative tool.

“Each of these victories required senators to come together from both sides to find solutions. These were bills that just made common sense, and when each side could take a little step to find common ground, powerful things happen,” he said, speaking to the over 30 senators inside the chamber to watch him speak for the final time from the floor.

Senate Democrats under President Joe Biden sought to transform the legislative filibuster and had considered proposals to eliminate it or create loopholes for specific issues like federal voting rights, abortion access and gun control. 

Manchin has served as a roadblock to prevent the erosion of the 60-vote threshold to end debate that gives the minority party the power to block legislation. Manchin joined forces with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), who is also retiring, to prevent the weakening of the filibuster in 2022 when Democrats wanted to pass sweeping voting rights legislation.

The former West Virginia governor-turned-senator ultimately decided not to run for reelection last year after it became clear that he’d be facing a formidable challenge against current Gov. Jim Justice (R-WV). Earlier this year, Manchin left the Democratic Party and registered as an independent amid speculation about his political future and long-shot third-party runs for other offices, which ultimately did not happen. Justice will replace Manchin in the Senate next Congress.

“I’ve had my share of tough votes, and at times I felt like, I feel like, the whole Senate was united in being upset with me,” Manchin said.

The 77-year-old senator said he vows to keep his Washington-based houseboat “Almost Heaven” in the nation’s capital at least through 2025, describing memories of when the boat became a unifying anchor.

Manchin recalled a time when he offered up the boat to be used as a negotiation space for former Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) and Ted Cruz (R-TX). 

“By the end of the day, the next day, they started working on some amendments together and doing legislation,” he said, “That’s the power of sitting down and listening and getting to know each other.”

“We need more of that in Washington. I hope you all make an effort to visit with each other, spend a little bit of time. I’m not going anywhere. Gang, the boat is still going to be there,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) explained some of the “happiest times I had in the Senate were on Joe Manchin’s boat.” 

 “He would bring in great Italian food, and then he’d turn on his sound system and we’d all be singing — Democrats and Republicans — hits from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s,” he said in a floor speech on Tuesday. 

Schumer reflected on his negotiations with the West Virginia senator who often attempted to demonstrate his independence from the Biden administration. The two worked for over a year to produce the Inflation Reduction Act, which fell far short of the sweeping of Democrats’ initial effort to put together a climate and social program law, known as the “Build Back Better Act.” Manchin eventually agreed to support the pared-down Inflation Reduction Act in exchange for a deal on energy permitting reform. 

“Under our majority, even though we had lots of disagreements and a few fights — not physical; he would’ve clobbered me in those — Joe Manchin has been an invaluable partner, a dedicated public servant, and a dear friend until the end,” Schumer said.

Manchin wrapped up his speech by urging his colleagues to work, keeping the intentions of their constituents at the top of mind.

“To my colleagues, I’ll leave you with this challenge every day. Ask yourself, What have I done for my country today? Not for your party, not for your donors, but for your country,” he said.