[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 26, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S1844]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                       Nomination of Aaron Reitz

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, it is a distinct honor for me to speak today 
on behalf of Aaron Reitz as he continues through the confirmation 
process to serve as the Assistant Attorney General for the Office of 
Legal Policy at the U.S. Department of Justice.
  Throughout his career, whether in law, government, or on the 
battlefield, Aaron has earned the respect and the admiration of all who 
have had the privilege of working with him.
  I have worked closely with Aaron day-to-day, and I can attest to his 
exceptional career, unrelenting commitment, and strong moral values. He 
is an ideal candidate for this position.
  The Office of Legal Policy is integral to the Department of Justice. 
It is the cornerstone of the Department's most significant policy 
initiatives and serves as a key driver of its legislative and 
programmatic agendas. OLP plays a critical role in facilitating the 
relationship between the executive and the legislative branches, 
particularly regarding legislation, regulations, policies, and judicial 
appointments.
  Aaron possesses the vision, the experience, and the leadership needed 
to excel in this role, and I have no doubt that he will lead the office 
with the same dedication he has shown throughout his career.
  But before diving into his professional credentials, it is important 
to highlight that Aaron is more than just an outstanding legal expert. 
He is a dedicated family man. He is blessed and fortunate to have his 
wonderful wife Meredith and four beautiful children. All of them have 
much to be proud of.
  Allow me to share a few highlights from Aaron's distinguished career, 
which demonstrates why he is so well-qualified for the position.
  Aaron graduated magna cum laude from Texas A&M University, where he 
earned the role of Regimental Commander at the Corps of Cadets. 
Following his education, Aaron served with distinction as an officer in 
the U.S. Marine Corps. During nearly 5 years of Active Duty, he 
deployed to Afghanistan's Helmand Province, where he worked alongside 
the Afghan National Army, leading logistics in one of the world's most 
challenging environments. He didn't merely oversee operations from 
behind a desk; he led from the front, ensuring mission success and 
safeguarding the lives of our troops in a combat zone.
  Aaron then attended law school at the University of Texas, where he 
served as President of the Federalist Society's student chapter, and he 
also served as the editor in chief of the Texas Review of Law and 
Politics, and then he clerked at the Texas Supreme Court.
  After completing his military service in law school, Aaron continued 
his leadership in the legal and public policy fields, working in 
private practice and later as deputy attorney general for legal 
strategy in the Office of the Attorney General of Texas. While serving 
in the Texas Attorney General's Office, Aaron was instrumental in 
shaping the State's most important legal and policy initiatives.
  Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron stands out for his 
ability to build consensus, unite people, and navigate complex 
situations with poise and effectiveness.
  I have witnessed this firsthand while he served as my chief of staff 
here in the Senate. Aaron's contributions have been indispensable in 
advancing my legislative agenda, which includes securing the U.S.-
Mexico border, protecting children from online harm, and expanding our 
economy through investments in semiconductor manufacturing and tech 
infrastructure. He also played a key role in the efforts to build 
critical bridges across the Rio Grande River, and he was instrumental 
in shepherding the Justice for Jocelyn Act. His deep involvement with 
my Judiciary Committee team will serve him well when he is confirmed 
for this position.
  Now to the heart of why Aaron is the best candidate for Assistant 
Attorney General for the Office of Legal Policy. OLP is vital to the 
Department of Justice, as it shapes and executes the Department's most 
important priorities. Leading this office requires someone with 
experience managing complex, cross-departmental initiatives, and a 
proven ability to get things done at the highest level. That is Aaron.
  Aaron has a demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate efforts that 
have meaningful, measurable impacts, whether in the courtroom, on 
Capitol Hill, or within a broader policy landscape. His extensive 
experience across legal, governmental, and political sectors, combined 
with his exceptional team-building skills, make him very well-qualified 
for this role.
  But beyond his professional qualifications, what truly sets Aaron 
apart is the strength of his character. He is a man of faith, family, 
and unwavering principles. He stands firm in his commitment to doing 
what is right, even when faced with challenging circumstances. His 
integrity is evident in all his actions.
  With his leadership, Aaron will be an invaluable partner to Attorney 
General Pam Bondi. I have every confidence that OLP will continue to 
advance the Department's most important policy priorities under his 
guidance, ensuring that they are grounded in justice, fairness, and the 
rule of law.
  I strongly support Aaron Reitz's nomination. He is the right person 
for this critical role, and I am confident that he will bring the same 
dedication, leadership, and integrity to the Office of Legal Policy 
that he has demonstrated throughout his career.
  I urge my colleagues to support his nomination, and I look forward to 
the outstanding work Aaron will continue to do in continued service to 
our Nation.