[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 124 (Tuesday, July 23, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S4984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      NOMINATION OF MARK T. ESPER

  Mr. McCONNELL. Madam President, in the meantime, this body has other 
significant business to complete for the American people. Most 
immediately, in just a few hours, we will be confirming a new Secretary 
of Defense. The vote to advance Dr. Mark Esper's nomination yesterday 
afternoon came in at 85 to 6. That is precisely the kind of 
overwhelming bipartisan vote that is called for in this circumstance.
  The nominee is beyond qualified. His record of public service is 
beyond impressive. His commitment to serving our servicemembers is 
beyond obvious. The need for a Senate-confirmed Secretary of Defense is 
beyond urgent. I urge every one of my colleagues to vote to confirm our 
next Secretary of Defense later today.

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