Speaking at the April 14 Economic Outlook Conference held at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Conference Center, U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodlands, announced he will retire after completing his current, 13th term in the U.S. Congress. Brady's 8th District includes all of Montgomery County as well as portions of Walker, Houston, San Jacinto and several surrounding counties.

Brady previously led The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, the group sponsoring the economic conference, and he resides in the area.

"I have an announcement, and I can’t think of a better place to make it than right here at the chamber I led, in the community I live, and to business and community leaders I admire and consider friends," Brady said at the close of his statements at the conference. "I am retiring as your congressman. This term, my 13th, will be the last."

Brady recounted some of his accomplishments, including becoming the third Texan in history to chair the House Ways & Means Committee.

He also spoke of his optimism for the political process in Washington, D.C.

"And after 25 years in the nation’s capital, I haven’t yet seen a problem we can’t solve or move past. Not one," Brady said. "Especially when we put our best ideas and intentions together."

Among the legislation and other accomplishments in his career, he listed working on the US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, reforming America’s retirement system, ending the Affordable Care Act individual mandate and signing a national ban on surprise medical bills.

Brady said he will not be able to chair the Ways & Means Committee in the next session.

"Did that factor in? Honestly, some. But as I see it, our committee leader term limits ensure lawmakers who work hard and effectively have the opportunity to lead, to bring fresh ideas to our committee work. In my view, it’s a good thing. And the great news is that our Ways & Means Committee is incredibly talented. I’m confident about its future."

Brady said he is optimistic about the future of the country.

"We remain the most charitable nation on the planet. We are a nation so valued that a million military men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and opportunity," he said in his statements and in emailed remarks. "And look at yourself, look around at your friends and our community: We come together every day voluntarily to feed the hungry, house the homeless, rescue our veterans, race to help our neighbors in a natural disaster, and more."

Brady's term expires in 2022.