Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Homeland Security, Office of Management and Budget Nominations
FDCH TRANSCRIPTS
Congressional Hearings
Feb. 27, 2003
Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Holds Hearing on Homeland Security, Office of Management and Budget Nominations
CORNYN:
Madam Chairwoman, thank you for letting me appear here today with my senior senator and my good friend, Clark Ervin, on this day when he comes before you seeking Senate confirmation as inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security.
When I was attorney general for the four years preceding my service in the United States Senate, I recruited what I considered to be the best and brightest that our state had to offer when it came to my executive staff at the AG's office. And in that pursuit, I think I accomplished it, at least in part, when I convinced Clark to come to work with me as deputy attorney general, as general counsel and director of administration in my office before he was whisked away to Washington, D.C., to work at the State Department.
CORNYN:
While serving as my deputy attorney general, Clark tirelessly sought to ensure that taxpayer money was spent efficiently, effectively, and wisely. People that come into contact with Clark quickly realize, though, that he is more than just an excellent manager. Clark spent considerable time and effort helping make sure Texas is a better place to work and live for some of the most vulnerable in our state.
In one instance, Clark recognized that many very helpful government programs for children were not being utilized, particularly for children at risk. Parents, teachers, and other adults coming into regular contact with children were simply unaware of programs that existed to provide such necessary items as warm coats, dental services, and the like.
Clark was also the one who introduced me to then General Colin Powell's work in America's Promise, a wonderful organization that continues even today. And recognizing Clark's talents, as I say, he was whisked away by now Secretary of State Powell, who asked him to come to the Department of State as his inspector general.
Clark will be embarrassed to know that I will recount one story I remember of his meeting with then designee for secretary of state Colin Powell, when, after meeting Clark and being very impressed with him personally and professionally, General Powell asked him if he was married and pointed outor just dropped the idea that he happened to have two daughters that were not. It may have been just coincidence in that conversation, but Clark has since married someone else, and we're very happy and congratulate him, and I know he is happy as well.
As inspector general at the State Department, Clark supervised inspections for diplomatic posts around the world to determine whether policy goals were being achieved and to ensure the protection of our personnel, facilities, and intelligence information. Based on his dedication to public service, his love of this great country, and past success, the president has now nominated Clark for this very challenging position.
Everybody who knows Clark recognizes his can-do attitude, and I know that will serve him well as he works with Secretary Ridge to shape disparate organizations into a smooth, functioning whole, safeguarding the American people. I want to thank you, Madam Chairwoman, for giving me these few minutes to offer my enthusiastic and unequivocal support to this wonderful nominee, my friend, Clark Ervin, to serve as inspector general at the Department of Homeland Security.