Recognizing Doug Mcmillon

Floor Speech

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Mr. WOMACK. Mr. Speaker, I also offer my personal thanks and congratulations to my dear friend, Steny Hoyer, on the announcement that he has made today. We wish him the very best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great friend and fellow northwest Arkansan, Doug McMillon, who steps away at the end of this month from a 12-year run as chief executive officer of Fortune 1, Walmart, in Bentonville, Arkansas.

Doug's is a story of incredible American success. Much like the company he has led, his journey started with humble beginnings.

At 16, Doug's family moved from Jonesboro, Arkansas, to Bentonville. The eldest of three children, Doug was a guard on the Bentonville High School Tigers basketball team. I had the privilege of watching him play high school sports with no way of knowing where his dreams and ambitions would take him.

He began his career at Walmart as an hourly associate in 1984, picking orders and unloading trailers in the warehouse. He attended the University of Arkansas and worked part time at the Bank of Bentonville. Later, he enrolled in the MBA program at the University of Tulsa.

He later became an assistant manager at Walmart Store 894 in Tulsa, and that launched a career with the Nation's leading retailer, with promotions to CEO of Sam's Club in 2005, Walmart International in 2009, and finally CEO of the entire enterprise in 2014.

With a market cap of $195 billion, under his tenure Walmart's value has increased by more than 350 percent and a current market cap of around $900 billion. His leadership in the company's digitization and strong e-commerce platforms was a major shift for the company from that as a brick-and-mortar company to an omnichannel retailer.

Supply chain automation in warehouses and major pay increases for hourly associates were instrumental in his visionary leadership and success.

Mr. Speaker, I could speak volumes about Doug McMillon's legacy. Suffice it to say, his quiet and patient demeanor, his bold and innovative leadership, and his commitment to the shareholders and associates of Walmart make him one of America's true success stories, and not only that, but his spirit of charity and funding opportunities for young entrepreneurs and in healthcare for fellow citizens.

I am proud of what he has accomplished and the inspiration he has given to thousands of people who have had the privilege of serving under his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I know Doug McMillon well enough to know that he would be embarrassed by all of this fuss that we are making about him. That is who he is, but this tribute is well deserved. Few among us have lived the American Dream like he has, and what a difference he has made.

Mr. Speaker, I say to Doug and Shelley: Well done. I know I speak for a lot of people. I thank him for his example of selfless service and his commitment to helping his fellow man. Godspeed and may he enjoy a well-earned retirement.

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