March 13, 2019 - Issue: Vol. 165, No. 45 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 1st Session
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Tribute to Christian Cook (Executive Session); Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 45
(Senate - March 13, 2019)
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[Pages S1812-S1813] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] Tribute to Christian Cook Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I rise to recognize a gentleman by the name of Christian Cook. Christian Cook has been a vital member of the staff on the Senate's Select Committee on Intelligence for the last 8 years and has been my personal designee on the committee for the majority of that time. Throughout Christian's career, he has continuously put his country above himself and has been tirelessly dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of his work across the national security spectrum. His passion to serve first led him to become a special agent for the U.S. Secret Service, where he expertly conducted investigations of violations of Federal criminal law and threats against the President and Vice President. He worked diligently to ensure that the safety and security of the President, the Vice President, and numerous foreign heads of state were without question. Christian also served a pivotal role in the design, preparation and execution of the security plan for the 2005 Presidential Inaugural Parade. Christian's focus on supporting national security efforts continued when he transitioned to the private sector. While working with Booz Allen Hamilton, he skillfully developed time- sensitive and complex tactical solutions for classified U.S. intelligence clients. With The Cohen Group, Christian provided strategic insights that enabled key clients to meet their evolving global security needs. At the USIS, he also seamlessly managed complex, classified programs for the U.S. intelligence community and for Federal law enforcement Agencies, substantially strengthening their counterterrorism capabilities. Christian subsequently joined the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. It is hard to know where to start to list his many accomplishments. In the last 8 years, he has done everything, and he has done it all to his own exceedingly high standards. He initially served with the audits team and was intricately involved in the committee's oversight of the U.S. intelligence community's 17 intelligence Agencies. By conducting thorough reviews of specific intelligence programs, his expert knowledge and deep insight enabled the committee to identify items of concern and outline proposals for their improvement. It quickly became clear to me that Christian had an unsurpassed capability to conduct intelligence oversight but also a unique ability to analyze complex challenges and identify solutions. At that time, I personally selected him to be my designee on the committee. As my designee, he expertly analyzed and advised me on the myriad of threats across the intelligence landscape. He also flawlessly facilitated the development, passage, and implementation of critical intelligence-related legislation in this body. Several of Christian's colleagues have had the privilege to work with him for years. When asked what words best describe Christian, numerous clear themes resound, such as dedication, his passion for our Nation and its security, [[Page S1813]] very high standards, devotion to mission, and for always ensuring that the trains run on time. Without fail, Christian is the person all staff goes to for insight, for guidance, and assistance with getting their job done. His colleagues appreciate his honesty, his integrity, and his ability to disarm anyone with a laugh and a warm word of appreciation. When I became chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Christian was my clear choice to serve as my senior policy adviser and deputy staff director. In these critical roles, Christian expertly led the development and implementation of the strategic direction for the 15 Members of the U.S. Senate who sit on this committee and the committee staff. Regularly arriving at the office long before sunrise, he directed the day-to-day planning and execution of the committee's key oversight functions, to include establishing and managing the committee's complex open and closed hearing schedule, facilitating the confirmation process for numerous Presidential nominees, and managing the ongoing interactions between members of the committee and the leaders of 17 intelligence Agencies. He also adeptly coordinated the collaboration with other congressional committees and managed the daily activities of the committee's professional staff and administrative staff. Separately and concurrently, Christian also continued to serve as my intelligence and national security advisor, providing keen insight and valuable advice on the full range of national security challenges. Throughout my time as chairman of the committee, I have always known I could count on Christian to provide me with critical background and sage advice on every issue, without fail, thanks in part to his uncanny ability to call to mind any facts he picked up in the last 8 years. I note for the record the length of this list of responsibilities reflects Christian's hard work, long hours, and dedication. It also highlights the value he brings to me and to the committee. Christian has the foresight to anticipate problems, the instinct to pick the right time to drive forward, and the superior judgment to know the path right ahead. Christian's tireless service was made possible not just because of his own dedication and character but because he was confident in the love and support of his wife Christina and the adoration of three young and precious sons--Casson, Callen, and Caulder. For their own sacrifice and for their willingness to share Christian with the committee, we are indebted to them. I might say, on a personal note, at times he could, on weekends or breaks, be home with his three boys and his wife, instead he has been on an airplane with me flying somewhere around the world that nobody would consider a vacation site--traveling halfway around the world and back in less than 3\1/2\ days, and that was done regularly. Now he will have an opportunity to get some normalcy to his life. Christian's unwavering support to me has been impeccable. I am delighted to have the opportunity to publicly thank him and to note my personal appreciation for his dedication. He has earned our deepest respect, our admiration, and we will miss his devotion and his friendship. His positive impact on U.S. national security and his legacy within the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence will remain for years to come. I know I join the other 14 members in publicly saying to Christian that we wish him great success in the next chapter of life. We hope this one gives him the opportunity to see his children grow and to grow his relationship with his wife. I yield the floor. I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll. Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
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