Federal News Service Transcript - Nomination of Eduardo Aguirre to be Director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

Federal News Service

SECTION: CAPITOL HILL HEARING

HEADLINE: HEARING OF THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE
 
SUBJECT: NOMINATION OF EDUARDO AGUIRRE TO BE DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

SEN. CHAMBLISS: All right. We will move to the first panel, which is our two—two of our distinguished colleagues from the great state of Texas, my former House colleague, Ms. Sheila Jackson-Lee, and my good friend and classmate, Senator Cornyn.

Senator Cornyn, we look forward to hearing from you—any comments you have about Mr. Aguirre.

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R-TX): Thank you, Mr. Chairman. It's good to be here today on this side of the table here in this committee—subcommittee hearing, of which I'm a member, a proud member. And I appreciate your calling this hearing today and providing me an opportunity to testify on behalf of a great American, a great Texan, and I'm pleased to say, great friend.

It's my pleasure to introduce to the committee Mr. Eduardo Aguirre, Jr., nominated to serve as the first director of the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the new Department of Homeland Security. Mr. Aguirre understands deeply how important a role immigrants have played in our nation's history. As a fellow Texan, I'm proud of his contributions that he's made to the state of Texas and to this country, and that he will continue to make if confirmed by the Senate for this position, as he surely should be.

As Senator Kennedy has already noted, at an early age of 15, Eduardo Aguirre fled Cuba in search of a better life. His life story is a success story and a valuable reminder to all of us that immigrants epitomize the hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and thirst for liberty that embodies the American dream.

As you know, the Department of Homeland Security's Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services provides the services to immigrants that were once provided by the former INS. The BCIS has a daunting mission in front of it—to eliminate substantial backlogs and improve immigration services for all who come to this country in search of a better life. As acting director of BCIS since February, Mr. Aguirre is already aware of the daunting challenges faced by this new bureau, and he's done an excellent job in leading and managing it.

Mr. Aguirre has already enjoyed an impressive career in management, both in the private and public sectors. And of course, management experience is precisely what is called for, especially at this particular agency and at this particular time. He comes to the Department of Homeland Security most recently from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, where he served as vice chairman and chief operating officer. He was confirmed to that post in December 2001 by the unanimous consent of the United States Senate. Mr. Aguirre served as the bank's acting chairman until December 2002. In that capacity, he guided the bank through its most recent five-year congressional reauthorization and shaped it into a more customer-service and results-oriented organization. Before moving to Washington, Mr. Aguirre enjoyed a 24-year career with the Bank of America, including service as president of international banking. He's also served as chairman of the Board of Regents of the University of Houston system, where he brought clarity of purpose and direction to the four- university system and its approximate 50,000 student body.

Mr. Aguirre is not only a leader in government and business, but also a civic leader. He's founding chair of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Go Tejano Committee, further empowering Houston Hispanics with access to college scholarships. He's served on numerous professional and civic boards, including the Texas Children's Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, the Center for Excellence in Education, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade, and the Houston chapters of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Named one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the nation by Hispanic Business Magazine, Mr. Aguirre has traveled extensively in Latin America, Europe and Asia promoting economic growth, international trade and business opportunities. He's represented the United States in meetings with heads of state, cabinet ministers and other high-ranking government officials and private-sector executives in discussions related to trade financing.

If confirmed, Mr. Aguirre will face important and challenging responsibilities. As director of the BCIS, Mr. Aguirre will build upon his excellent record of leadership, management and service on behalf of all of our nation's immigrants and indeed on behalf of this entire nation.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.