[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 45 (Wednesday, March 13, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1812-S1813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Tribute to Christian Cook

  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I rise to recognize a gentleman by the name 
of Christian Cook.
  Christian Cook has been a vital member of the staff on the Senate's 
Select Committee on Intelligence for the last 8 years and has been my 
personal designee on the committee for the majority of that time. 
Throughout Christian's career, he has continuously put his country 
above himself and has been tirelessly dedicated to achieving excellence 
in all areas of his work across the national security spectrum.
  His passion to serve first led him to become a special agent for the 
U.S. Secret Service, where he expertly conducted investigations of 
violations of Federal criminal law and threats against the President 
and Vice President. He worked diligently to ensure that the safety and 
security of the President, the Vice President, and numerous foreign 
heads of state were without question. Christian also served a pivotal 
role in the design, preparation and execution of the security plan for 
the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Christian's focus on supporting 
national security efforts continued when he transitioned to the private 
sector.
  While working with Booz Allen Hamilton, he skillfully developed time-
sensitive and complex tactical solutions for classified U.S. 
intelligence clients. With The Cohen Group, Christian provided 
strategic insights that enabled key clients to meet their evolving 
global security needs. At the USIS, he also seamlessly managed complex, 
classified programs for the U.S. intelligence community and for Federal 
law enforcement Agencies, substantially strengthening their 
counterterrorism capabilities.
  Christian subsequently joined the Senate Select Committee on 
Intelligence. It is hard to know where to start to list his many 
accomplishments. In the last 8 years, he has done everything, and he 
has done it all to his own exceedingly high standards. He initially 
served with the audits team and was intricately involved in the 
committee's oversight of the U.S. intelligence community's 17 
intelligence Agencies. By conducting thorough reviews of specific 
intelligence programs, his expert knowledge and deep insight enabled 
the committee to identify items of concern and outline proposals for 
their improvement.
  It quickly became clear to me that Christian had an unsurpassed 
capability to conduct intelligence oversight but also a unique ability 
to analyze complex challenges and identify solutions. At that time, I 
personally selected him to be my designee on the committee. As my 
designee, he expertly analyzed and advised me on the myriad of threats 
across the intelligence landscape.
  He also flawlessly facilitated the development, passage, and 
implementation of critical intelligence-related legislation in this 
body.
  Several of Christian's colleagues have had the privilege to work with 
him for years. When asked what words best describe Christian, numerous 
clear themes resound, such as dedication, his passion for our Nation 
and its security,

[[Page S1813]]

very high standards, devotion to mission, and for always ensuring that 
the trains run on time.
  Without fail, Christian is the person all staff goes to for insight, 
for guidance, and assistance with getting their job done. His 
colleagues appreciate his honesty, his integrity, and his ability to 
disarm anyone with a laugh and a warm word of appreciation.
  When I became chairman of the Senate Select Committee on 
Intelligence, Christian was my clear choice to serve as my senior 
policy adviser and deputy staff director. In these critical roles, 
Christian expertly led the development and implementation of the 
strategic direction for the 15 Members of the U.S. Senate who sit on 
this committee and the committee staff. Regularly arriving at the 
office long before sunrise, he directed the day-to-day planning and 
execution of the committee's key oversight functions, to include 
establishing and managing the committee's complex open and closed 
hearing schedule, facilitating the confirmation process for numerous 
Presidential nominees, and managing the ongoing interactions between 
members of the committee and the leaders of 17 intelligence Agencies. 
He also adeptly coordinated the collaboration with other congressional 
committees and managed the daily activities of the committee's 
professional staff and administrative staff.
  Separately and concurrently, Christian also continued to serve as my 
intelligence and national security advisor, providing keen insight and 
valuable advice on the full range of national security challenges. 
Throughout my time as chairman of the committee, I have always known I 
could count on Christian to provide me with critical background and 
sage advice on every issue, without fail, thanks in part to his uncanny 
ability to call to mind any facts he picked up in the last 8 years.
  I note for the record the length of this list of responsibilities 
reflects Christian's hard work, long hours, and dedication. It also 
highlights the value he brings to me and to the committee. Christian 
has the foresight to anticipate problems, the instinct to pick the 
right time to drive forward, and the superior judgment to know the path 
right ahead.
  Christian's tireless service was made possible not just because of 
his own dedication and character but because he was confident in the 
love and support of his wife Christina and the adoration of three young 
and precious sons--Casson, Callen, and Caulder. For their own sacrifice 
and for their willingness to share Christian with the committee, we are 
indebted to them.
  I might say, on a personal note, at times he could, on weekends or 
breaks, be home with his three boys and his wife, instead he has been 
on an airplane with me flying somewhere around the world that nobody 
would consider a vacation site--traveling halfway around the world and 
back in less than 3\1/2\ days, and that was done regularly. Now he will 
have an opportunity to get some normalcy to his life.
  Christian's unwavering support to me has been impeccable. I am 
delighted to have the opportunity to publicly thank him and to note my 
personal appreciation for his dedication. He has earned our deepest 
respect, our admiration, and we will miss his devotion and his 
friendship. His positive impact on U.S. national security and his 
legacy within the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will remain 
for years to come. I know I join the other 14 members in publicly 
saying to Christian that we wish him great success in the next chapter 
of life. We hope this one gives him the opportunity to see his children 
grow and to grow his relationship with his wife.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.