Earlier this year, my family discussions about the future increased in frequency, and I looped in a small group of immediate family, friends and senior staff, ultimately deciding in mid-summer that I would not seek another term. Frankly, I never planned on serving, voters permitting, more than 5 or 6 terms in the U.S. Congress. I'm now serving my seventh term. In 2014, my seniority on the House Appropriations Committee elevated me to the rank of subcommittee chairman or "Cardinal" -- a much coveted position in the House and one that carries great responsibility. Additionally, I was selected to serve as Chairman of the House Ethics Committee, the only Committee that requires bipartisan cooperation to act, for the 2015-16 Congress. Sitting at the Chairman's table was an honor and it gave me an opportunity to have a direct hand in shaping the direction of the 114th Congress.