Rep. Norm Dicks, the ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, announced today he is retiring at the end of the year.

“After 18 terms representing the people of the 6th Congressional District of Washington, preceded by eight years on the Staff of Senator Warren G. Magnuson, Suzie and I have made the decision to change gears and enjoy life at a different pace,” the Democrat said in a statement.

Dicks has had a seat on the powerful Appropriations panel since his first term, after being elected in 1976. He eventually became a subcommittee chairman in 2007 after Democrats reclaimed power and then ranking member after former Chairman David Obey (D-Wis.) retired and Democrats lost control of the House in 2010.

In his statement, Dicks cited his work protecting the waters of Puget Sound and Hood Canal, maintaining a strong military, and supporting Boeing Co., which employs “tens of thousands of Washington workers.”

Dicks hasn’t had a close race since 1980. His coastal 6th district changed little in redistricting, and Democrats are expected to hold it with ease.

Dicks is the 22nd House Member to announce outright retirement this cycle and the second one this week, following Rules Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.). With 18 terms served, Dicks and fellow Democrat Dale Kildee (Mich.) are the senior-most Members retiring this cycle. To see who else is leaving, check out our Casualty List.