[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 115 (Tuesday, July 10, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO A BORDER SECURITY EXPERT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 10, 2018

  Mr. McCAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the professional 
achievements and service of my go-to border security guy and friend, 
Mr. Paul Anstine.
  Paul has a long history of putting his country first. He served over 
seven years as a United States Marine, completing two tours in Iraq. 
But his service did not end there.
  Paul found his way to the House of Representatives in 2007 with a 
determination to make this country safe from those who seek to do us 
harm. Paul spent the past eleven and a half years working in the halls 
of Congress, starting as a scheduler for my former colleague, Candice 
Miller of Michigan. Paul eventually worked his way up to become the 
Staff Director for the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Border 
and Maritime Security, also known as BMS, a position which he has 
masterfully held for the past seven and a half years.
  Paul's role as Staff Director transcended beyond his leadership in 
conducting oversight of the Department of Homeland Security and 
crafting thoughtful, pragmatic legislative solutions. Paul's positive 
demeanor, data-driven mindset, and work ethic made his presence not 
only a valued component of the committee but also in my day-to-day role 
as Chairman. Paul served as a subject matter expert, confidant, and 
trusted senior advisor whose counsel I always held in the highest 
regard.
  His expertise helped to inform new Committee members and elevate 
discussions at briefings and hearings. Paul's talents were most notably 
on display in his role crafting countless border and maritime security 
bills. Paul was also the lead author for over ten bills that were 
signed into law, including the first ever authorization of Customs and 
Border Protection (CBP) and the critical Visa Waiver Program 
Improvement and Terrorist Prevention Act. During his tenure, he also 
coordinated numerous trips overseas and to the southwest border where 
he provided contextual information and expert analysis of the complex 
situation at the border to Members and Congressional staff.
  Paul has left an outstanding legacy on the Committee especially with 
Steven Giaier, Jason Miller, Chad Carlough, Matt Coughlin, Keith 
Robinson, Mary Rose Rooney, Kris Ensley, Emily Trapani, Kris Carlson, 
Steve Roth, and Matthew Fournier, who he affectionately refers to as 
``Team BMS''. Paul's quick wit, political savvy, and ability to see 
humor in all things will be missed profoundly.
  Today, I am honored to be able to put the spotlight on him. I am 
hopeful that Paul's next chapter will allow him to spend more time with 
his wife, Rosella, and his two young boys, Alexander and Lucas. I know 
Paul's friendship and counsel will remain constant, and that his 
service to this Nation does not end here.
  I thank Paul for everything, and I am excited to see what he will 
accomplish next.

                          ____________________