Wichita Falls’ congressman Mac Thornberry spotlighted for defense work

Trish Choate
For the Times Record News

U.S. Rep. Mac Thornberry, Wichita Falls’ congressman, took a turn in the spotlight Wednesday evening as winner of the Sam Nunn 2018 Prize.

U.S. Congressman Mac Thornberry

The award from the Center for Strategic and International Studies honors and supports leaders who put the United States’ national interests ahead of political considerations while addressing global challenges, according to a media release.

Long a respected voice in defense policy, Thornberry serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. 

“Our world is not getting any safer, and it is important that we continue to work together to strengthen our national security and support our troops,” Thornberry, R-Clarendon, said.

He delivered remarks at 6 p.m. Wednesday on “National Security and Policy in Turbulent Times” at the CSIS in Washington, D.C.

Ahead of his remarks, he said it was a great honor to win the prize and “join the company of those who stand together for our country and our armed services.”

As HASC chairman, Thornberry had a key role in shepherding the 2019 bill setting defense policy and troop numbers through both chambers more quickly and efficiently than in recent memory.

Signed into law by President Trump, the legislation garnered bipartisan support among lawmakers in these often divisive times.

When asked about whether he would push to remove Trump in light of the anonymous New York Times op-ed claiming to be penned by a senior White House official, Thornberry said he instead focuses on the job at hand.

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“I try to steer clear of the political drama that seems to fascinate some of the national media and stay focused on getting things done,” he said.

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Nunn served 24 years as a U.S. senator from Georgia. A Democrat, he served as chairman of the Senate Armed Services from 1987 to 1995.

Nunn works with a charity, Nuclear Threat Initiative, for preventing catastrophic attacks from nuclear, biological and biological weapons.