[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 64 (Thursday, April 19, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2297-S2298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing

  I would like to deviate just a little bit, though, and remind people 
that this is April 19, the anniversary of what could be characterized 
as the greatest domestic terrorist attack in history. It was in our 
State of Oklahoma at the Alfred P. Murrah office building, and 168 
people were killed--many of those were very close personal friends of 
mine--and 850 others were wounded. I remember so well being there at 
the time.
  Second Corinthians reminds us not to lose heart in times of struggle 
and tragedy. Instead, through our inherent strength and selflessness, 
Oklahomans united together to support our neighbors and rebuild our 
city--``Oklahoma Standard.''

[[Page S2298]]

  Today, we remember the victims, thank the first responders, and 
continue to pray for Oklahoma and the families and friends who lost 
loved ones.
  I agree wholeheartedly with the comments that have been made about  
Jim Bridenstine. I was on the committee that went through his 
confirmation. I have never heard so many things. The one thing they all 
had in common was that none of them knew  Jim Bridenstine. My colleague 
talked about a smear campaign. I have never seen a smear campaign like 
that. I have never seen so much hatred, and for no reason at all. The 
two of us know  Jim Bridenstine well. In fact, he holds the 1st 
Congressional District seat in the State of Oklahoma. That was my seat. 
I held that seat for 8 years. Of course, I have gotten to know him very 
well since that time, and the things that have been said about him--
again, the one thing they have in common is they just don't know him 
and didn't want to know him.
  So we will have an Administrator who I think is going to do a good 
job.
  The best thing I can do now, because I think Senator Lankford said it 
better than I could, is just mention two quotes, one of which is from 
the 2015 SpaceNews. They named him as one of five space leaders making 
a difference.
  Mention was made of Buzz Aldrin. There is no one who is better known 
in that community than Buzz Aldrin. So I want to use his statement. 
This is Buzz Aldrin speaking:

       We heartedly support the president's nomination of Mr. 
     Bridenstine as the next NASA administrator, wish him Godspeed 
     during the Senate confirmation process. We encourage you to 
     join us in uniting the space community and our nation behind 
     this nominee so NASA can return to its job of boldly 
     exploring the final frontier.

  I couldn't have said it better than that.
  So I leave my colleagues with that recommendation from Buzz Aldrin, 
and I look forward to his confirmation and the vote today.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Minnesota.