Congressman Cicilline prepares for new role as CEO at Rhode Island Foundation

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Wednesday marked Congressman David Cicilline’s last day serving Rhode Island in the House of Representatives.

Cicilline will now serve as the CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. The Rhode Island Foundation is the largest funder of state nonprofit organizations.

“It is my last day serving in Congress and I feel a tremendous sense of gratitude to the people of Rhode Island who have given me this extraordinary opportunity, really the opportunity of a lifetime, to represent Rhode Island for the last 12 years,” said Cicilline.

As Cicilline concluded his last day in Congress he took a look back on the accomplishments he is most proud of.

“The work I lead on human rights and equality both passing the respect for marriage act, the equality act in the house awaiting finally for passage in the senate one day soon I hope.  But also the work I have done on the foreign affairs committee to promote human rights around the world,” explained Cicilline.

Wednesday was a big night in Washington as lawmakers voted on the nation’s debt ceiling bill. It was also Cicilline’s final vote as a representative for the Ocean State.

“My staff and I have been studying this agreement. I think the president was able to accomplish a lot in this agreement. Not everything I like but I am going to have these final conversations with my staff and colleagues. I am leaning towards a yes vote,” said Cicilline.

Cicilline told ABC 6 News he plans to hit the ground running with his new role, saying, “It is a great team of folks, lots of work underway, and I look forward to doing all I can to build on the success of the Rhode Island Foundation and do even more and have an even greater impact in our state.”

The Democrat said he hopes Rhode Islanders will remember him as a leader who delivered real results for the state.