Floor SpeechUrgent2026-04-13

TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES

EnvironmentForeign PolicyDefenseVeteransInfrastructure

Context

On 2026-04-13, Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES" in the Senate. The speech addressed the environment and also covered foreign policy, defense. It referenced legislation: S1709.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1709] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Haynes. As an Air Force Senate legislative liaison officer, from 8 December 2023 to 30 June 2026, Josh performed his duties without reservation supporting the 118th and 119th Congresses. A 23-year veteran who rose from an enlisted Security Forces specialist to a master nuclear and missile operations officer, Josh has consistently proven his exceptional airmanship. He served as the coalition coordination cell chief during his deployment to Qatar last year, where he responded to an Iranian ballistic missile attack. Disregarding all personal risk, his immediate and decisive warning ensured U.S. and coalition partners found shelter, saving countless lives. He then orchestrated the post- attack explosive ordnance disposal response, which resulted in zero casualties and a swift return to full operational capability for the base. Lieutenant Colonel Haynes further distinguished himself through his professionalism and dedication by serving as an Air Force legislative liaison to the Senate. In this role, he advised Department of the Air Force senior leaders and helped develop strategic engagement opportunities to advance U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force priorities. His leadership facilitated seamless collaboration across 64 congressional offices, serving as the principal Air Force liaison to 21 Senators and their respective staffs. He supported 219 engagements and delegations for 10 members of the Senate Armed Service Committee and their staff to showcase the Department's equities within the United States and abroad. Notably, Josh spearheaded initiatives within the Air Force's headquarters to effectively bridge the information gap between Members of Congress and the service branch. Josh's direct support led to the successful execution of countless Senate confirmations, posture, and subcommittee hearings, all while managing 138 congressional requests and 21 briefings that shaped and advanced legislative priorities. Additionally, Josh's commitment to enhancing global partnership was evident during 17 congressional and staff delegation trips planned and executed under his leadership. These trips supported the Air Force Caucus, State delegations, key Senate committees, and our allies and partners. Through these interactions, he strengthened international collaboration and cultivated relationships crucial for advancing shared defense priorities while showcasing select Department of the Air Force equities. His involvement and oversight enabled Members of Congress to make informed decisions to equip our warfighters with the necessary authorities and resources from the Department of the Air Force. Finally, Josh organized engagements with Congress and international partners, driving congressional representation at Poland's inaugural $4.6 billion F-35 rollout, strengthening U.S.-Poland partnerships, and supporting NATO defense cooperation. He led briefings and operational visits that resulted in legislation for improved missile defense and Indo-Pacific power projection. Josh's efforts led to numerous successful engagements between this body, current and former administration officials, senior military leaders, industry executives, technology innovators, and thought leaders. These interactions helped Senators and their staff advance our shared goal of peace through strength. Next, Lieutenant Colonel Haynes will move on to serve as the commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Josh and his wife Amanda have instilled a legacy of service for their three children: Morgan, Bridger, and Landrey. They have sacrificed much as a family in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Josh's service--along with his work with my office and the Senate--over the past 2 years. Please join me in saluting this American patriot's many contributions to our great Nation. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 64 (Monday, April 13, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S1709] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOSHUA HAYNES Mrs. FISCHER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Joshua Haynes. As an Air Force Senate legislative liaison officer, from 8 December 2023 to 30 June 2026, Josh performed his duties without reservation supporting the 118th and 119th Congresses. A 23-year veteran who rose from an enlisted Security Forces specialist to a master nuclear and missile operations officer, Josh has consistently proven his exceptional airmanship. He served as the coalition coordination cell chief during his deployment to Qatar last year, where he responded to an Iranian ballistic missile attack. Disregarding all personal risk, his immediate and decisive warning ensured U.S. and coalition partners found shelter, saving countless lives. He then orchestrated the post- attack explosive ordnance disposal response, which resulted in zero casualties and a swift return to full operational capability for the base. Lieutenant Colonel Haynes further distinguished himself through his professionalism and dedication by serving as an Air Force legislative liaison to the Senate. In this role, he advised Department of the Air Force senior leaders and helped develop strategic engagement opportunities to advance U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force priorities. His leadership facilitated seamless collaboration across 64 congressional offices, serving as the principal Air Force liaison to 21 Senators and their respective staffs. He supported 219 engagements and delegations for 10 members of the Senate Armed Service Committee and their staff to showcase the Department's equities within the United States and abroad. Notably, Josh spearheaded initiatives within the Air Force's headquarters to effectively bridge the information gap between Members of Congress and the service branch. Josh's direct support led to the successful execution of countless Senate confirmations, posture, and subcommittee hearings, all while managing 138 congressional requests and 21 briefings that shaped and advanced legislative priorities. Additionally, Josh's commitment to enhancing global partnership was evident during 17 congressional and staff delegation trips planned and executed under his leadership. These trips supported the Air Force Caucus, State delegations, key Senate committees, and our allies and partners. Through these interactions, he strengthened international collaboration and cultivated relationships crucial for advancing shared defense priorities while showcasing select Department of the Air Force equities. His involvement and oversight enabled Members of Congress to make informed decisions to equip our warfighters with the necessary authorities and resources from the Department of the Air Force. Finally, Josh organized engagements with Congress and international partners, driving congressional representation at Poland's inaugural $4.6 billion F-35 rollout, strengthening U.S.-Poland partnerships, and supporting NATO defense cooperation. He led briefings and operational visits that resulted in legislation for improved missile defense and Indo-Pacific power projection. Josh's efforts led to numerous successful engagements between this body, current and former administration officials, senior military leaders, industry executives, technology innovators, and thought leaders. These interactions helped Senators and their staff advance our shared goal of peace through strength. Next, Lieutenant Colonel Haynes will move on to serve as the commander of Air Force ROTC Detachment 600 at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. Josh and his wife Amanda have instilled a legacy of service for their three children: Morgan, Bridger, and Landrey. They have sacrificed much as a family in service to our Nation. I am thankful for Josh's service--along with his work with my office and the Senate--over the past 2 years. Please join me in saluting this American patriot's many contributions to our great Nation. ____________________