[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 26 (Thursday, February 29, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S1447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    SENATOR THURMOND APPOINTS ROMIE L. BROWNLEE AS NEW SENATE ARMED 
                      SERVICES COMMITTEE DIRECTOR

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I compliment the chairman of the Armed 
Services Committee, Senator Thurmond, for his selection of Col. Les 
Brownlee as the new staff director of the Armed Services Committee. 
Colonel Brownlee has served me with extraordinary professionalism for 
12 years. He brings to this position a record of significant 
achievement as a highly decorated career military officer for his valor 
in combat, service with the Army Secretariat, special assistant to the 
undersecretary of the Army, and many other qualifications.
  I wish to compliment the chairman for the selection of Colonel 
Brownlee, who, although he has been in my employ, so to speak, for a 
dozen years, now will owe his total allegiance to the chairman and all 
other members of the committee. I was so pleased when Chairman Thurmond 
consulted me on this nomination that he had in mind some days ago. Of 
course, I strongly recommended Colonel Brownlee, and I am pleased that 
the chairman did select him from the strong field of candidates to 
become the staff director.
  Colonel Brownlee is well known throughout the Senate and the staffs. 
He has worked here by my side and by the side of many others, including 
Senators Tower, Goldwater, Nunn, and many members of the committee, in 
the preparation of our legislative responsibilities, which have been 
discharged here on the floor through these many years. I would like to 
think that the men and women in the Armed Forces on active duty today, 
and, indeed, the retired military, will receive with pride the news 
that one of their own, one who has distinguished himself so well in 
uniform, as well as in service to the committee, has been selected to 
this very, very important post.
  I add, Mr. President, the fact that while Colonel Brownlee had not in 
any way actively looked at outside opportunities because he is a strict 
adherent to the rules of conflict of interest here, it was clear to me 
in our conversations that, in all probability, having spent 12 years on 
the committee and having many years before him of useful and productive 
life, thoughts were given to the more lucrative opportunities that are 
frequently offered by the private sector. But he clearly decided, once 
again, on the offer to serve his Nation, serve this Senate, and indeed 
serve the Armed Forces of the United States. The call came, and he 
responded unhesitatingly.
  I ask unanimous consent that the press release accompanying the 
announcement by Chairman Thurmond be printed in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

                  Thurmond Appoints New SASC Director

       Washington, Feb. 27. 1996.--Chairman of the Senate Armed 
     Services Committee Strom Thurmond (R-SC) today appointed 
     longtime committee staff member Romie L. Brownlee as the new 
     Staff Director for the Committee.
       Brownlee, a retired Army Colonel, has worked on defense 
     issues in the Senate since 1984, when he began his career in 
     the Legislative Branch as a National Security Assistant to 
     Senator John Warner (R-VA), and then joined the Committee in 
     1987 as the Deputy Staff Director for the Minority. Before 
     being named Staff Director, Brownlee was responsible for 
     handling issues related to the Army and Marine Corps land 
     forces, Special Operations Forces, and drug interdiction.
       ``Les Brownlee is extremely well qualified to serve as 
     Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, as he 
     is a man with a keen intellect and proven abilities,'' said 
     Thurmond. ``He is widely respected by senior members of the 
     armed forces, by Senators serving on the Armed Services 
     Committee, and by his fellow staffers. We are fortunate to 
     have him as our new Director.''
       A native Texan, Brownlee was commissioned a Second 
     Lieutenant of Infantry following his 1962 graduation from the 
     University of Wyoming. Brownlee served two tours in Vietnam, 
     including one as a Company Commander with the 173rd Airborne 
     Brigade. During his career, Brownlee earned a number of 
     decorations including two Silver Stars, three Bronze Stars, 
     and a Purple Heart. In subsequent years, Brownlee would hold 
     postings that included serving as Commander of the 3rd 
     Battalion, 36th Infantry, and at the Pentagon as the 
     executive officer for the Under Secretary of the Army. He 
     earned a Master's of Business Administration from the 
     University of Alabama, graduated from the Army War College, 
     is a distinguished graduate from the Army's highly demanding 
     Ranger Course, and is an Honor Graduate of both the Infantry 
     Officer Advanced Course, and the Command and General Staff 
     College.
       Brownlee is replacing retired Brigadier General Richard 
     Reynard, who is resigning from his position as Staff Director 
     to return to the private sector.

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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