[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                          Tribute to Carl Mica

  Mr. CRUZ. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a true servant of 
Texas, Carl Mica.
  For over 10 years, Carl has worked in my office, starting as my 
regional director and now ending his career as my deputy chief of staff 
and State director.
  For over three decades, Carl has dedicated his life to public 
service, the ``Lone Star State,'' and this Nation.
  So today, I would like to share part of his story, his work, and the 
legacy he leaves behind as he enters retirement.
  Carl is known for his exemplary character, quality leadership, and 
genuine compassion. He is someone who inspires others through 
integrity, empathy, and a clear vision of what is possible.
  Carl has led not by relying on authority or titles but by setting an 
example of accountability, respect, and dedication. But most 
importantly, Carl has always been committed to uplifting those whom we 
serve, driving collective success while nurturing trust, collaboration, 
and a shared sense of purpose.
  Carl's career has been defined by steady leadership, a commitment to 
service, and an unwavering devotion to the people of Texas and the 
United States. Throughout his storied career, Carl has served in roles 
that placed him at the intersection of policy, people, and crisis 
response.
  As my deputy chief of staff and State director, he has overseen 
operations in Washington, DC, and across Texas, serving more than 31 
million Texans and leading a team of more than 60 staff members across 
the country. His position demanded poise, strategic judgment, and 
compassion, qualities he has consistently demonstrated.
  Carl has been at the forefront of the most pivotal and challenging 
moments in recent Texas and American history. He helped guide statewide 
responses and engagement following hurricanes and floods and tornadoes 
and wildfires and community crises, including the crisis at our 
southern border for the 4 years of the Biden administration.
  And like all of us, he navigated the uncertainty brought by the 
COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring Texans remained informed and connected to 
Federal resources. These were not moments for the faint of heart. They 
were moments that required steady, empathetic leadership, and Carl was 
there. Time and again, he stepped forward to help communities heal, to 
support elected officials in crafting responses, and to ensure that the 
voices of Texans were heard in Washington.
  But Carl's influence extends far beyond crisis management. His career 
has been a master class in forging relationships and strengthening 
institutions. During his time at the University of Texas system, he 
helped launch the Chancellor's Centurions Program, cultivating future 
leaders in education and healthcare. He also served as the UT system's 
chief liaison to business organizations nationwide, bolstering 
partnerships, and supporting growth for one of the State's most 
important institutions.
  Prior to working at UT, Carl built his foundation in public service, 
working with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, my predecessor, rising from 
an assistant to her regional director.
  And while Carl has dedicated his career to public service, he has 
also invested deeply in his community. He has served on the Austin 
Club's board of directors, contributed to the Austin Chamber of 
Commerce, supported the Texas Exes, and remained active in 
organizations that celebrate Texas history, education, and civic 
engagement.
  In every chapter of his life, Carl has embodied the values we 
cherish: integrity, commitment, loyalty, and leadership. He has been a 
bridgebuilder, a steady hand in times of crisis, a mentor to many, and 
a servant leader to all. Carl's career reflects both accomplishments 
and character. His career is a testament to what one person can achieve 
when they lead with purpose, humility, and heart.
  When Carl's colleagues reflect on his leadership, one theme rises 
above all others: His heart. They describe someone who cared deeply for 
his team, who held high expectations but met them himself every single 
day, and whose Texas pride and loyalty ran as steady as his 
professionalism.
  Beneath his attention to detail was a genuine sentimental spirit that 
shaped this office in ways he never fully realized.
  They reflected on how Carl walked with them through every walk of 
life, through celebrations, through grief, and through the mundane.
  There are countless stories I could share about Carl, but they all 
show the mark of a true servant leader. He inspired excellence. He 
opened doors. He changed lives.
  Carl's legacy is written not just in the work he accomplished but in 
the people he lifted along the way.
  So, Carl, while your departure from this team is bittersweet, I want 
to say congratulations on an extraordinary legacy, and I also want to 
say thank you, thank you for changing lives.
  And in recognizing such leadership, it is equally important to thank 
his incredible wife Tara, whose support and service alongside him made 
his contributions possible and even more meaningful.
  I will also note that Carl is known throughout the State of Texas for 
having the most impeccable head of hair that could possibly grace a 
fellow. And when he comes to DC and walks the hallway, he is regularly 
greeted with ``Senator,'' ``Senator,'' as everyone he meets is 
convinced, I am sorry to say, that he is one of us. I have wondered, 
sometimes, if Carl has come down to the Senate floor and cast a vote. I 
feel confident that the clerk would record the vote and assume he must 
be a Senator, and there must have been a new special election that they 
missed.
  Carl, you have been a dear friend to me and my wife Heidi for 
decades, and I can speak to everyone when I say: You will be missed.
  Your retirement is greatly deserved, and I look forward to continuing 
our friendship in this next chapter of life.
  I yield the floor.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The senior assistant executive clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. Moreno). Without objection, it is so 
ordered.