-9999

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, this week, the Senate adopted the resolution allowing for the consideration of another block or package of nominations, and I want to take a moment to highlight two of these exceptional nominees that President Trump has asked to help him lead portions of the Federal Government.

Of course, we wouldn't be in a position of having to introduce nominations en bloc or en masse if our Senate Democrats would allow us to vote on these nominees on a timely basis, but Trump derangement syndrome is real which means they won't cooperate with even the smallest courtesies that we used to extend to one another, recognizing that eventually the majority will get its way.

Former State Senator, Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell who has been nominated by President Trump to be Assistant Secretary of War for Sustainment is one of Texas' finest sons and one of America's true heroes.

On September 11, Brian was working at the Pentagon when American Airlines Flight 77 deliberately crashed by terrorists into the building just yards from his office. Brian was critically injured, as you might imagine, and yet he survived after enduring 39 surgeries and unimaginable pain.

He turned that survival into a lifetime of service. He served in the U.S. Army for 20 years. And for the past 16 years, he has represented the Texas State Senate District 22 with distinction and honor.

We will miss Brian in the State Senate, but the Nation is gaining a proven leader at the Pentagon. I congratulate Brian and his wife Mel. I thank them for continued service, and I look forward to continuing to working with him now in this new capacity at the Department of War.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source