[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 12, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S2213]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                      Nomination of Brian Birdwell

  Mr. CORNYN. Madam President, this week, the Senate adopted the 
resolution allowing for the consideration of another block or package 
of nominations, and I want to take a moment to highlight two of these 
exceptional nominees that President Trump has asked to help him lead 
portions of the Federal Government.
  Of course, we wouldn't be in a position of having to introduce 
nominations en bloc or en masse if our Senate Democrats would allow us 
to vote on these nominees on a timely basis, but Trump derangement 
syndrome is real which means they won't cooperate with even the 
smallest courtesies that we used to extend to one another, recognizing 
that eventually the majority will get its way.
  Former State Senator, Texas State Senator Brian Birdwell who has been 
nominated by President Trump to be Assistant Secretary of War for 
Sustainment is one of Texas' finest sons and one of America's true 
heroes.
  On September 11, Brian was working at the Pentagon when American 
Airlines Flight 77 deliberately crashed by terrorists into the building 
just yards from his office. Brian was critically injured, as you might 
imagine, and yet he survived after enduring 39 surgeries and 
unimaginable pain.
  He turned that survival into a lifetime of service. He served in the 
U.S. Army for 20 years. And for the past 16 years, he has represented 
the Texas State Senate District 22 with distinction and honor.
  We will miss Brian in the State Senate, but the Nation is gaining a 
proven leader at the Pentagon. I congratulate Brian and his wife Mel. I 
thank them for continued service, and I look forward to continuing to 
working with him now in this new capacity at the Department of War.