[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1787]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  CONGRATULATING GOV. TERRY BRANSTAD ON BECOMING THE LONGEST-SERVING 
                      GOVERNOR IN AMERICAN HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PAUL D. RYAN

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the whole House, I 
extend heartfelt congratulations to Governor Terry Branstad on his 
7,642nd day in office. He is now the longest-serving governor in 
American history. And this day of recognition comes not a moment too 
soon because his principled leadership is a model for us all.
  Over the course of his 21 years in office, he has helped the people 
of Iowa overcome enormous challenges. He inherited a budget deficit; he 
now presides over a large surplus. When he came in, the state economy 
had gone bust; now it is booming. And through good times and bad, he 
has always stood four-square behind his values.
  People say he is good at retail politics, and that is certainly true. 
But his success is more than a testament to his skill. It is a 
testament to his devotion. Governor Branstad knows that a true public 
servant lives among the people. He visits all 99 counties of Iowa every 
year. He can tell you the ins and outs of everything in Iowa--from 
soybeans to livestock to insurance. He goes to every small event in 
every small town because he wants to be there. He listens because he 
cares.
  Asked what he wants his legacy to be, Governor Branstad has said he 
wants Iowa to be a place where young people want to stay--where there 
is opportunity for all. I could think of no better goal for every 
governor in the country.
  I also think it is fitting that the long-serving governor whose 
record he has surpassed was George Clinton, a man who left his state to 
become vice president. For Governor Branstad, national office would 
have been a step down. He knows his state. He loves his state. The 
people of Iowa are grateful for his service. I'm grateful for his 
friendship. And all of us in the House are grateful for his example.

                          ____________________