Floor Speech2026-06-02

CONGRATULATING COLONEL THOMAS MURPHY ON HIS RETIREMENT

Context

On 2026-06-02, Representative Bruce Westerman (R-AR-4) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING COLONEL THOMAS MURPHY ON HIS RETIREMENT" in the House.

Full Text

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E508-E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING COLONEL THOMAS MURPHY ON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN of arkansas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Colonel Thomas Murphy of the United States Army as he concludes a distinguished career of service to our Nation. As Chief of the Army's House Liaison Division, Colonel Murphy has been an invaluable partner to my office and a tremendous advocate for the priorities of the U.S. Army. Colonel Murphy's leadership and counsel have been instrumental in supporting critical national security interests in my home state of Arkansas and across the country. Notably, he worked with my office to ensure support for the Pine Bluff Arsenal. The Arsenal is the only active-duty Army installation in Arkansas and is a cornerstone of our defense industrial base, with a workforce of approximately 850 personnel and an economic impact of $141 million annually to the region. His efforts directly contributed to the recent landmark $1.3 [[Page E509]] billion investment to modernize the installation, securing its vital role for decades to come. Colonel Murphy also provided crucial support to the House Committee on Natural Resources, offering expertise on legislative matters where Department of War and Army interests intersected with the committee's jurisdiction over federal lands and resources. His insights were particularly valuable during a Congressional Delegation I led to Southeast Asia. His deep knowledge of the INDO-PACIFIC region, honed over years of service, provided essential context and clarity that greatly benefited the delegation. Colonel Murphy's exemplary career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our Nation. A native of Rockville, Maryland, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduating from Providence College. His record of service includes commanding the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, where he led the establishment of the Army's first Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery. He has served with distinction around the globe including three combat deployments in Afghanistan, two in Iraq, and in the INDO-PACIFIC, where he worked to deter aggression and build partnerships with the United States. Colonel Murphy embodies the highest qualities of military service. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the United States Army and our Nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Thomas Murphy, his wife, and his family for their sacrifice and commitment throughout his honorable career. I wish him all the best as he embarks on a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement and thank him for his service to our Nation. ____________________

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CONGRATULATING COLONEL THOMAS MURPHY ON HIS RETIREMENT Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E508-E509] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING COLONEL THOMAS MURPHY ON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. BRUCE WESTERMAN of arkansas in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Mr. WESTERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Colonel Thomas Murphy of the United States Army as he concludes a distinguished career of service to our Nation. As Chief of the Army's House Liaison Division, Colonel Murphy has been an invaluable partner to my office and a tremendous advocate for the priorities of the U.S. Army. Colonel Murphy's leadership and counsel have been instrumental in supporting critical national security interests in my home state of Arkansas and across the country. Notably, he worked with my office to ensure support for the Pine Bluff Arsenal. The Arsenal is the only active-duty Army installation in Arkansas and is a cornerstone of our defense industrial base, with a workforce of approximately 850 personnel and an economic impact of $141 million annually to the region. His efforts directly contributed to the recent landmark $1.3 [[Page E509]] billion investment to modernize the installation, securing its vital role for decades to come. Colonel Murphy also provided crucial support to the House Committee on Natural Resources, offering expertise on legislative matters where Department of War and Army interests intersected with the committee's jurisdiction over federal lands and resources. His insights were particularly valuable during a Congressional Delegation I led to Southeast Asia. His deep knowledge of the INDO-PACIFIC region, honed over years of service, provided essential context and clarity that greatly benefited the delegation. Colonel Murphy's exemplary career is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our Nation. A native of Rockville, Maryland, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Field Artillery upon graduating from Providence College. His record of service includes commanding the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, where he led the establishment of the Army's first Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Battery. He has served with distinction around the globe including three combat deployments in Afghanistan, two in Iraq, and in the INDO-PACIFIC, where he worked to deter aggression and build partnerships with the United States. Colonel Murphy embodies the highest qualities of military service. His leadership, integrity, and dedication have left a lasting impact on the United States Army and our Nation. I extend my deepest gratitude to Colonel Thomas Murphy, his wife, and his family for their sacrifice and commitment throughout his honorable career. I wish him all the best as he embarks on a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement and thank him for his service to our Nation. ____________________