[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 63 (Tuesday, April 13, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S1887-S1888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                  Tribute to Commander Andrew L. Pate

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I rise this afternoon to say thank you and 
farewell to a member of the Commerce Committee staff who is leaving the 
Senate soon. Commander Andrew L. Pate--Andy, as we know him--is 
completing his 2-year assignment as senior policy adviser and Coast 
Guard congressional fellow on the Senate Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation.
  For those who are not aware, the Coast Guard's congressional fellows 
program is a highly competitive program that assigns Coast Guard 
officers to congressional offices and committees as detailees. This 
elite program brings the Coast Guard's ``cream of the crop'' to 
Washington. These officers uphold the Coast Guard's core values of 
honor, respect, and devotion to duty. These special assignments serve 
to educate Coast Guard officers on the inner workings of Congress. The 
Coast Guard benefits from this program by bringing its unique 
perspective to the process of drafting and passing legislation, as well 
as gaining leaders within its own ranks who deeply understand the 
legislative process. And, of course, the Congress gains immensely from 
the obvious leadership and intelligence and work ethic of these great 
men and women.
  Andy Pate was an obvious choice for this fellowship--not once but 
twice. In July of 2008, not long after I arrived in the Senate, then-
Lieutenant Pate joined my office to serve as my first Coast Guard 
fellow, where he set a high bar for those who would come after him.
  Following his departure, Andy completed tours as a commanding officer 
of Coast Guard cutters around the world. His operational assignments 
have focused on search and rescue, counternarcotics, migrant 
interdiction, homeland security, defense operations, and living marine 
resource protection programs spanning the North Atlantic, the Equator, 
Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Arabian Gulf.
  Andy also served as strategic analyst in the Commandant's Advisory 
Group at Coast Guard headquarters and as a transition team member for 
the 25th Commandant of the Coast Guard. He went on to become the Coast 
Guard's international security fellow at the Center for Strategic and 
International Studies.
  Since rejoining my team in 2019, Andy has had a significant impact on 
the Commerce Committee. His expertise as a cutterman and senior officer 
has meaningfully informed the committee's efforts, culminating in the 
enactment of the Elijah E. Cummings Coast Guard Authorization Act--the 
service's 2-year comprehensive reauthorization.
  Additionally, Commander Pate championed a key Coast Guard provision 
in the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and 
Benefits Improvement Act. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, 
Congress extended lease protections for servicemembers in residential 
or vehicle

[[Page S1888]]

leases impacted by ``stop movement'' orders. However, the original bill 
unintentionally omitted the Coast Guard. The small but important change 
Andy initiated has had a positive impact on thousands of his fellow 
Coast Guard members and their families.
  This is an exciting moment for Andy. Soon, he will assume command of 
the Coast Guard Cutter Mohawk in Key West, FL. I know the Mohawk and 
the Coast Guard will benefit from Andy's steadfast spirit and 
determination.
  I salute Andy's service and leadership in our Nation's armed 
services, and I thank him for all of his hard work. I have been blessed 
with many fellows. I rise to speak for fellows really only when they 
come for two tours in my office.
  Andy's presence on the Commerce Committee will be missed, but his 
colleagues and his country are grateful for his dedication and 
diligence. I know Kristen, Aidan, Karissa, and Alexander are proud of 
him also.
  On behalf of the American people, I extend my deepest gratitude and 
wish Andy Pate the best of luck in his future endeavors.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant 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.