[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF GOVERNOR TERRY BRANSTAD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROD BLUM

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. BLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Iowa Governor Terry 
Branstad, who yesterday became the longest serving governor in the 
history of the United States, surpassing former Vice President George 
Clinton from New York.
   Governor Branstad has now served 7,642 days as governor. I salute 
and congratulate him on his dedication to the state of Iowa and his 
passion for public service.
   Born and raised on a farm in Northern Iowa, Governor Branstad's life 
has been dedicated to the advancement of the state of Iowa. After a 
tenure in the United States Army, he served three terms in the Iowa 
House of Representatives and was subsequently elected as the Lieutenant 
Governor.
   In 1982, at the age of 35, he was elected as the youngest governor 
in Iowa history. After his first four terms in office, Governor 
Branstad refocused his boundless energy on continuing to serve the 
state as the President of Des Moines University. He returned as 
governor in 2010 and is currently serving his sixth term.
   During his administration, Iowa has seen record low unemployment 
rates, as well as an admirable budget surplus. His endless energy and 
strong work ethic inspires all of us who serve in elected office to 
constantly strive to improve our performance on behalf of all Iowans.
   Thank you, Governor Branstad, for all that you have done for the 
great state of Iowa and your nearly twenty-one years of service.