[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 22 (Thursday, February 3, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                          TRIBUTE TO GARY KELLY

 Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I want to recognize and 
congratulate Gary Kelly, the CEO of Southwest Airlines, as he hands 
over the reins of this great Texas-based company and transitions to a 
new role as executive chairman.
   Southwest is a remarkable success story that captures the spirit of 
Texas--bold, innovative, and unafraid to take risks, while also warm, 
hospitable, and focused on people. Those words describe Southwest, and 
they equally describe the company's devoted leader, Gary Kelly.
   Gary is a seventh-generation Texan who has served the people of 
Southwest in various capacities since 1986, including nearly two 
decades as CEO. Looking back on those years, it is incredible to recall 
the many storms Gary and the people of Southwest navigated--years of 
depressed travel demand following the September 11 attacks, the great 
recession, and now a global pandemic. Through it all, Gary provided 
steadfast leadership and support to the airline's more than 56,000 
employees and countless beloved customers.
   I've been proud to work with Gary and his incredible team over the 
years, most notably on the Payroll Support Program, which protected the 
jobs of airline employees during the most turbulent days of the 
pandemic. Throughout its 50-year history, Southwest has never laid off 
employees--a point of great pride for the airline's people-focused CEO. 
It's abundantly clear that the love flows both ways. I remember 
visiting Southwest's headquarters in Dallas and seeing the admiration 
on employees' faces as they spoke about their dedicated and talented 
leader.
   Congratulations to Gary Kelly on nearly two decades as the CEO of 
Southwest Airlines. As he transitions to a new leadership role, I have 
no doubt that he will build upon his legacy of dedicated service to 
Southwest and its employees.

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