A Conversation with Rep. Mac Thornberry on Defense Policy

U.S. Congressman, Texas; Ranking Member, House Armed Services Committee

Speaker:

Rep. Mac Thornberry

Friday, September 6, 2019  |  12:15 - 1:45 pm  |  Bass Lecture Hall, The LBJ School

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Congressman Mac Thornberry is a fifth-generation Texan and lifelong resident of the 13th District of Texas, which he represents in the U.S. House of Representatives. Mac is currently the Ranking Member (top Republican) of the House Armed Services Committee.  He served as Chairman of the Armed Services Committee from January 2015 to January 2019, the first Texan of either party to hold this position. In a time of unprecedented security challenges, he is committed to ensuring that the United States has the military capability and agility to protect the nation and our interests around the world.  He believes that the men and women who serve deserve to have the best training, equipment, and support that our country can provide. Widely respected as an innovator and strategic thinker, Mac has consistently been on the leading edge of critical national security issues, has written widely on defense matters, and appeared on all major cable and network television channels providing congressional insight on national security issues.

Mac previously served in the Reagan Administration as Deputy Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs, as a Chief of Staff on Capitol Hill, and practiced law in Amarillo, Texas.  Mac’s family has been ranching in the 13th District since 1881 – a family business in which he continues to participate. Mac graduated from Texas Tech University and received a law degree from the University of Texas. His wife, Sally, is also a native Texan. They have two children.