Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1783-E1784]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE TERRY BRANSTAD, GOVERNOR OF IOWA
_____
HON. DAVID YOUNG
of iowa
in the house of representatives
Friday, December 11, 2015
Mr. YOUNG of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate
Governor Terry Branstad for his service to Iowa. On December 14, he
will break a 200 year-old record, set by Revolutionary War General and
New York Governor, George Clinton, becoming the longest-serving
Governor in American history.
Born and raised in a small town in rural Iowa, Governor Branstad's
roots in our state run deep. He has spent his life immersed in Iowa
politics and elected office. His storied political career stretches
back five decades. It began in 1973, when he was first elected to the
Iowa House of Representatives. Governor Branstad served in the Iowa
House until 1979, and then a single term as Lieutenant Governor before
winning the gubernatorial election in 1982, at the age of 36.
Governor Branstad served four consecutive terms and guided Iowa
through one of the
[[Page E1784]]
toughest times in our state's history--the 1980's Farm Crisis. During
this time, Governor Branstad worked to diversify Iowa's economy. Today,
Iowa's economic strengths include agriculture, advanced manufacturing,
renewable energy, technology, and financial services, among other
things. By the time he left office in 1999, Iowa's unemployment rate
was at an impressive low of 2.2%.
After leaving office, Governor Branstad entered the private sector,
becoming President of the Des Moines University in 2003. In October
2009, displeased with the condition of the state, Governor Branstad
felt called to serve once more. He won the 2010 election, and got to
work balancing the state budget, lowering the unemployment rate,
improving Iowa schools, increasing government transparency and
accountability, and enhancing opportunities for Iowans.
Governor Branstad has dedicated his life to serving Iowans. He
unapologetically promotes Iowa and he is a true leader--willing to make
tough decisions and fighting for what he believes is best for our
state. He is a man of integrity and keeps his promises to Iowans.
Governor Branstad's strong work ethic, down-to-earth demeanor, and
accessibility are reasons Iowans admire him. Since he was first elected
Governor of Iowa, he has visited all 99 counties in our state, every
year, to hear directly from Iowans about their concerns.
Mr. Speaker, Governor Branstad has dedicated his life to improving
the lives of Iowans. It is with great honor I recognize him for
reaching this historic milestone. I ask my colleagues in the United
States House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Governor
Branstad for this outstanding accomplishment and in wishing him nothing
but continued success.
____________________
