[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20123]
[From the U.S. 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 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.

                          ____________________