Rep. Pfluger hails DOD General Counsel confirmation, despite Democrat opposition

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Concho Valley Homepage) — U.S. Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, praised the Senate’s confirmation of Earl Matthews as the next general counsel of the Department of Defense, while sharply criticizing Democrats for opposing the nomination.

“I am thrilled that the Senate confirmed my dear friend Earl Matthews as the next General Counsel of the Department of Defense,” Pfluger said in a statement released Tuesday. “While I’m disheartened that every single one of my Democrat colleagues chose to politicize this confirmation by voting against a man of such caliber, Earl’s confirmation is nonetheless a testament to his proven leadership in national security and dedication to the safety of our nation.”

Pfluger, who represents Texas’ 11th Congressional District, said he worked closely with Matthews while serving on the National Security Council staff during the Trump administration. Pfluger credited Matthews with helping to lead the creation of the U.S. Space Force, calling it “one of the most visionary and transformative decisions for our national security.”

“From our time together on the National Security Council to his instrumental role in establishing the U.S. Space Force, Earl has consistently demonstrated that he is ready and equipped to take on this role,” Pfluger said. “I have no doubt he will serve the Department with excellence.”

Pfluger also formally introduced Matthews before the Senate Armed Services Committee earlier this year, expressing strong support for his nomination.

“It truly is an honor to introduce my dear friend and former colleague from the National Security Council staff, Earl Matthews,” he said during the hearing. “I wholeheartedly believe that he is the right person, at the right time, with the right skill set to fill this critical national security role, and I urge his swift confirmation.”

Pfluger described Matthews as a resilient leader shaped by a deep personal history of military service. Born in Philadelphia, Matthews lost his mother shortly after birth and was raised by his maternal aunt, Marietta, a retired Pennsylvania government employee.

“She is here today alongside her husband and so many of Earl’s family members and friends, and they are here to show their unwavering support,” Pfluger told the committee. “I can’t think of a more proud and affirming statement than to have your own family and your friends at a confirmation hearing of this importance.”

Pfluger concluded his remarks with strong personal praise: “There is no one more qualified or more deserving to serve as General Counsel at the Department of Defense than Earl Matthews, who has served with character, with integrity, and with dedication that is worthy of our great national security enterprise and the Department of Defense.”