[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S6180]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING GOVERNOR DAVE HEINEMAN

  Mr. JOHANNS. Madam President, I rise today to honor the service of a 
dedicated leader in my home State of Nebraska.
  Governor Dave Heineman has guided our State during the past 10 years 
with vision and with laser-like focus on efficient government, economic 
vibrancy, education, and protecting our families.
  Under his leadership and careful management, our State held strong 
through the economic downturn. During that time, the national spotlight 
shown very brightly on Nebraska as one of the healthiest States, guided 
by Dave Heineman's very steady hand, to ensure we remain debt-free and 
fiscally sound. But the Governor did far more than hold the line on 
spending and balancing the books of our great State. He provided 
historic tax relief, bolstered education in our State, and he sent a 
signal worldwide that Nebraska welcomes new business through enhanced 
economic development incentives. It is not surprising that Nebraskans' 
enthusiastically elected and then reelected Dave Heineman to the post, 
giving him the proud distinction of being our longest serving Governor 
in the history of our State.
  I had the privilege of working side by side with Dave Heineman back 
in my days as Governor of Nebraska. I was so proud to have him as my 
Lieutenant Governor in my second term, and I was always grateful for 
the job he did directing the State's homeland security efforts.
  We would have to flip the history books back to 1990, nearly 25 years 
ago, to see when he was first elected to public office as a member of 
the Fremont, NE, city council. Four years later, he was elected to his 
first statewide office to serve as our State treasurer. I was mayor of 
the city of Lincoln at the time, and I enjoyed watching Dave step onto 
the statewide stage with enthusiasm and determination. He wanted to get 
things done.
  Nebraskans would nod their head in agreement with the assertion that 
he remains as determined today, in the last days of his time in office, 
as the very first day he walked in.
  I should note he first served the public as a member of our Armed 
Forces, having spent 5 years in the U.S. Army after graduating from the 
U.S. Military Academy at West Point. As anyone can tell you, it is easy 
to spot those West Point influences even today. All of those 
experiences prepared him so well to serve as our Governor. I had 
absolutely no doubt about his ability to step into the role when I was 
confirmed as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. I passed the baton to 
Dave with immense confidence, and indeed he took the helm and never 
missed a beat. It is difficult to believe that was 10 years ago. I 
think both of us have a lot more gray hair to show for it, but we also 
have something more valuable than gold: the honor of having been 
entrusted to lead and to serve the best State of the United States. I 
know Governor Heineman has worked each day to prove worthy of that 
trust, as I have also. His nearly 25 years of distinguished service 
required strength of character and fortitude.

  Throughout that service and long before it began, Dave has had a 
wonderful partner in his life, Sally Ganem. Our First Lady is 
impressive and accomplished. She is a woman in her own right, having 
served as principal of an elementary school and now leading numerous 
volunteer and literacy efforts. She has supported Dave every step of 
the way on a public service journey that offers a shining example for 
others to follow. Thus, it is fitting that we have never before had a 
Governor whose service spans 10 years, and we may never have that 
again.
  On behalf of a grateful State and a grateful nation, I offer my 
sincerest gratitude for the dedicated leadership Governor Heineman has 
provided to our great State of Nebraska.
  I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. INHOFE. I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum 
call be rescinded.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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