Boehlert assumed the chairmanship of the Science Committee in 2001. Under House Republican rules, which limit Members to three terms as chairman of a committee, he would have been required to relinquish his gavel at the end of 2006 even if he remained in Congress.

In announcing his retirement, Boehlert said, "When I reflect on these 24 years in Congress I, to use the language of the House in which I serve, identify with the words of the distinguished gentleman, Roger Clemens who, when asked about retirement said '...when I shut it down, I'll be walking away with a smile on my face. There will be no regrets because I feel like I've done it the right way.' Those are my sentiments. I do feel like I've done it the right way."