[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3807-S3808]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                               Mark Esper

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, first this morning, I want to express 
my gratitude for Acting Secretary Pat Shanahan, whom we learned 
yesterday will soon be leaving the Department of Defense. The Acting 
Secretary has served in a crucial post during challenging times and 
difficult circumstances. His deliberate leadership and steady focus on 
implementing the national defense strategy served the Nation, the 
Pentagon, and the men and women of the Armed Forces very well.
  I respect his decision to withdraw his candidacy, and I hope it will 
bring to an end the media's scrutiny of his family.
  It is unfortunate that this news means we are no closer to having a 
Senate-confirmed Secretary of Defense. As the Senate considers the NDAA 
this week, the many challenges facing our Nation are top of mind.
  We need to modernize our military to meet the challenges posed by 
Russia and China. We need to stay assertive against local terrorism 
organizations like ISIS and al-Qaida until they are decisively 
defeated. We need to continue to reform and enhance critical 
partnerships from NATO to the Middle East, to the Indo-Pacific. Of 
course, we face an urgent need to deter and defend against Iranian 
aggression.
  These challenges and opportunities demand strong leadership. While 
the Senate still looks forward to considering a nominee to formally 
serve as the Secretary of Defense, we should take heart in President 
Trump's choice for the next Acting Secretary, Mark Esper, our current 
Secretary of the Army.
  Mark Esper is no stranger to the Senate. Among the many impressive 
stops on his resume, he served with the Foreign Relations Committee and 
later as national security advisor to then-Majority Leader Bill Frist. 
Many of us remember his calming demeanor and his professionalism.
  He served in several capacities at the Pentagon as well, including as 
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense. Immediately prior to becoming 
Secretary of the Army, he had also built a successful career in the 
private sector. All of

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this came after Mr. Esper's own decorated military service. His 
graduation from West Point was followed by Army Ranger training, which 
then led to serving in the Gulf war with the storied 101st Airborne.

  Given the precarious international situation and challenges facing 
our Nation, I am encouraged that an experienced, tested, and capable 
leader such as Secretary Esper will be at the helm in the Pentagon. I 
look forward to working closely with him to defend America and advance 
our interests.