WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Mike Lee released this statement following the appointment of Rep. Tim Scott to the United States Senate to take the place of Senator Jim DeMint:

“I welcome the appointment of Rep. Tim Scott to the Senate and congratulate Governor Nikki Haley on a terrific choice,” said Lee. “Tim brings a strong record of fiscal conservatism to our caucus.  Today’s challenges require principled leaders like Tim who will fight to reform spending and protect individual liberty. Like many conservatives across the country, I was saddened by the retirement of Jim DeMint.  The appointment of Tim Scott ensures the movement to restore constitutionally limited government will not be diminished.”