West Virginia Senate honors retiring senators Michael Woffel and Charles (Charlie) Clements

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Senate adopted two resolutions recognizing long-serving members and paused to present flags and remarks to outgoing senators.

The clerk read Senate Resolution 67 recognizing the "dedicated public service of the honorable Michael Andrew Woffel." Senators praised Woffel for leadership roles and committee service; the resolution was adopted by the Senate. "I rise today to urge my colleagues to pass Senate Resolution 67 recognizing the service of our colleague and the minority leader, Senator Woffel," said the Senator from Harrison.

Later the chamber considered Senate Resolution 68 honoring Charles Houston Clements of Cabell County. The clerk read the resolution and members took turns delivering extended personal tributes, citing his committee work on transportation and infrastructure, mentorship of newer members, and institutional knowledge. "He's been a true statesman," one senator said; another recalled Clements's role in passing major bills and his devotion to constituents. Senator Clements responded from the floor with gratitude and family remarks, calling "gratitude" the "word of the day." The Senate adopted the resolution by roll call (33 yays, 0 nays, 1 absent).

The body recessed briefly so the chamber could present flags and resolutions to the outgoing senators before returning to legislative business.

(Attributions are to the senators who spoke on the floor as recorded in the session transcript.)