Services Committee

Floor Speech

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Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Phil MacNaughton for his many years of dedicated service to the House Armed Services Committee.

After 17 years, this is Phil's last week on the committee. Phil joined the committee staff in 2009 and has been the Democratic lead for the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee since 2011. He has made indispensable contributions to the committee's work and the security of our Nation, spearheading reforms to improve safety, readiness, and effectiveness of naval forces; laying the legislative foundations for the landmark AUKUS agreement; collaborating with the defense industrial base to strengthen our submarine and shipbuilding capacity and workforce; working tirelessly to ensure our Sailors and Marines had the necessary authorities, weapon systems, and capabilities; and leading efforts to secure the most significant acquisition reforms in a generation. Phil exemplifies the qualities of the best professional staff members--bipartisan, collaborative, deeply knowledgeable, politically astute on legislative and executive branch politics; and committed to working diligently with Members on both sides of the aisle to achieve the best outcome. He has modeled the virtues of service, leadership, and dedication.

Phil's outstanding work on the House Armed Services Committee is but one chapter in a lifetime of remarkable service to our Nation. Phil graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000, serving on active duty until 2009 and continuing to serve in the U.S. Navy Reserves until 2021, retiring at the rank of Commander.

It has been a privilege working with Phil, and I thank him for his service to the House Armed Services Committee. His departure will be deeply felt, and I wish Phil and his family the best as they embark on this new chapter.

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