[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 27 (Friday, February 12, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S702-S703]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO GARY HERBERT

 Mr. ROMNEY. Mr. President, I rise to congratulate my friend 
Gary Herbert on a career of esteemed public service. Gary's steady hand 
of leadership as the 17th Governor of Utah guided our State closer to 
fulfilling its promise of safety, security, and prosperity for all 
Utahns.
  A son of Orem, UT, Gary faithfully answered his call to service in 
his early life and career. From his missionary service for The Church 
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to his military and civil service 
as a staff sergeant in the Utah Army National Guard, to elected office, 
Gary's unwavering early commitment to public service earned him the 
respect and experience necessary for future success.

[[Page S703]]

  Gary Herbert's unique ability to articulate sound public policy on 
behalf of his community earned him a seat on the Utah County 
Commission, where he demonstrated principled leadership for 14 years. 
Soon after, Herbert was elected to serve as lieutenant governor, 
overseeing multiple statewide commissions and the State electoral 
office. Four years later, Utahns reaffirmed their State's leadership 
with a record reelection victory for Governor John Huntsman Jr. and 
Lieutenant Governor Herbert.
  Governor Herbert assumed the mantle of leadership and gubernatorial 
responsibilities on August 11, 2009, following the resignation of his 
predecessor. For the next decade, the Governor approached significant 
challenges with a sharp focus and principled decision making. He 
surrounded himself with impressive public servants and exemplified a 
compassionate and nuanced approach to good governance. Through an early 
economic crisis and a myriad of complex public policy challenges 
relating to civil liberties, faith, education, infrastructure, and 
public health, Governor Herbert's legacy reflects his impressive 
caliber of personal character and leadership in difficult 
circumstances.
  Gary's lifetime of public service is sustained by the devotion he 
shares with former First Lady Jeannette Herbert and their children and 
grandchildren. Our great State owes Gary Herbert and his family an 
abundance of gratitude for years of integrity and virtue as Utah's 
chief public servant. Utah will continue to shine as the brightest star 
on our American flag.

                          ____________________