[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 199 (Tuesday, December 18, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Page S7738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO JOHN KELLY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, bidding farewell to our departing 
colleagues is never easy. Neither is seeing off a number of colleagues 
beyond the Senate with whom we have had the privilege of working 
closely.
  For the past 2 years, America has been treated to a brilliant example 
of public service on one of its highest possible stages. First, as 
Secretary of Homeland Security, and then, as White House Chief of 
Staff, John Kelly has served the President and the Nation with great 
distinction, but this was far from the first chapter. His entire career 
and life have been utterly oriented around his deep patriotic 
commitment.
  John Kelly spent the better part of four decades in the Marine Corps, 
stationed far from Washington. As thousands of his peers waited to be 
drafted into military service, John took the initiative. He enlisted. 
Then he completed Officer Candidate School.
  He earned a reputation as a loyal brother in arms and an outstanding 
leader of marines. He commanded infantry units at Camp Lejeune, 
Quantico, and Camp Pendleton. He served at the Supreme Allied Command 
in Europe and as Commander in the U.S. Southern Command.
  He took on real hardship postings, like the House of Representatives. 
He served there in the Commandant's liaison office.
  When the call came, he led marines into combat in Iraq. As his 
marines would tell anyone, he leads with a confidence that comes with 
decades of dedicated preparation. He leads with a resolve that comes 
from deep-rooted patriotism, and he leads with an understanding--as 
personal and painful an understanding as could be possible--about the 
sacrifice that our freedom requires.
  General Kelly once said this to a gathering of his fellow Gold Star 
parents:

       Those with less of a sense of service to the nation will 
     never understand it when men and women of character step 
     forward and look danger and adversity straight in the eye, 
     and refuse to blink or give ground even to their own deaths. 
     The protected can't begin to understand the price paid so 
     they and their families can sleep safe and free at night.

  John Kelly and his family know that price. They have paid that price 
as fully as anyone has, but as is so often the case, it is those who 
have already given so much who seem the most willing to give even more.
  John's service as Secretary of Homeland Security and now as White 
House Chief of Staff reflected the values and instincts that made him 
such an effective leader of marines. It was only by working closely 
with him and his team that this Congress has been able to record so 
many substantial accomplishments for the American people.
  The Marine Corps is stronger for John Kelly's years of leadership. 
America is better for his distinguished career of service.
  As he departs the White House this month, I extend my deep gratitude 
for a job well done.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Arizona.
  Mr. KYL. Madam President, I just want to thank my colleague, the 
majority leader, for his comments about me.
  He asked if there were differences between the time that I served 
before and this most recent time, and I must say that the thing that I 
have noticed most is the kindness with which I have been treated by my 
colleagues and by staff--I am talking about colleagues and staff on 
both sides of the aisle--and by other people who work here at the 
Capitol, including, most especially, the Capitol Police.
  I never expected to be welcomed back with that degree of kindness, 
and I have commented that it might be a nice thing if we could extend 
that same degree of kindness to each other every day, rather than to 
just those who come back after a long absence.
  But I do very much appreciate your comments, Mr. Leader, and most 
especially your leadership and friendship over the years. Thank you 
very much.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Nebraska.
  Mrs. FISCHER. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. SCHUMER. Madam 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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