WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11) released the following statement applauding the Senate's confirmation of his dear friend and former colleague, Earl Matthews, to be the next General Counsel of the Department of Defense.
The General Counsel of the Department of Defense serves as the chief legal officer for the Pentagon, advising on all legal matters affecting the U.S. military.
"I am thrilled that the Senate confirmed my dear friend Earl Matthews as the next General Counsel of the Department of Defense," said Rep. Pfluger. "While I'm disheartened that every single one of my Democrat colleagues chose to politicize this confirmation by voting against a man of such caliber, Earl's confirmation is nonetheless a testament to his proven leadership in national security and dedication to the safety of our nation. From our time together on the National Security Council to his instrumental role in establishing the U.S. Space Force, Earl has consistently demonstrated that he is ready and equipped to take on this role. I have no doubt he will serve the Department with excellence."
Earlier this year, Rep. Pfluger had the honor of introducing Earl in front of the Senate Armed Services Committee ahead of his confirmation hearing.
You can also read the full introduction below:
"Thank you, Chairman Wicker, Ranking Member Reed, and all the distinguished members of this committee, for allowing me to be here today.
It truly is an honor to introduce my dear friend and former colleague from the National Security Council staff, Earl Matthews. Earl is President Trump's nominee to be the next General Counsel of the Department of Defense. I wholeheartedly believe that he is the right person, at the right time, with the right skill set to fill this critical national security role, and I urge his swift confirmation.
I've known Earl for six years now, and we first met when he was the senior director for defense on the National Security Council, and he took a chance on hiring me. Do not let that in any way cloud your judgment on him.
He is a great person, and during this time, I witnessed Earl's successful leadership capabilities firsthand as he led a hand-picked 11-person team of civilian and military professionals charged with advancing the President's defense policy agenda through the interagency. In fact, Earl was instrumental in establishing the U.S. Space Force, one of the most visionary and transformative decisions for our national security. Despite facing significant resistance within the Pentagon bureaucracy, Earl led the charge on behalf of President Trump to make this vision a reality.
Earl's story is one of resilience, one of dedication and service. Born in Philadelphia into a family with a proud generational tradition of military service. He faced adversity early in life when he lost his mother shortly after his birth. He was raised by his maternal aunt, Marietta, a retired Pennsylvania government employee whose guidance and support undoubtedly shaped the man he is today. She is here today alongside her husband and so many of Earl's family members and friends, and they are here to show their unwavering support. They're directly behind us.
I can't think of a more proud and affirming statement than to have your own family and your friends at a confirmation hearing of this importance. I can say without a reservation that there is no one more qualified or more deserving to serve as General Counsel at the Department of Defense than Earl Matthews, who has served with character, with integrity, and with dedication that is worthy of our great national security enterprise and the Department of Defense.
Chairman, Ranking Member, thank you for allowing me to introduce my good friend, someone who is incredibly qualified to fill this position. I yield back."
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