Interim U.S. Sen. Cowan Delivers Farewell Address

Interim U.S. Sen. William "Mo" Cowan is bidding goodbye to the Senate.

Cowan, who will continue to serve until Democratic Sen.-elect Edward Markey is sworn in, delivered a farewell address Wednesday.

Cowan, who was named to the office on a temporary basis by Gov. Deval Patrick, thanked his staff, family and Massachusetts residents for their support, noting he'd assumed the office without anyone voting for him.

He said despite Congress' reputation for rancor and division, he found the Senate a collegial chamber and was able to work across the aisle with Republicans, especially in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombings.

"We have each embraced the role of public servant, committed to improving the country we have pledged to support and defend," Cowan said. "And as I have discovered in my time here there is more opportunity for cooperation than the American public might believe."

He also noted that his presence in the chamber along with Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina marked the first time two African-Americans were serving in the Senate at the same time.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom