Thank you,Chairman Corker, ranking member Senator Cardin, and members of the Foreign Relations Committee. It is an honor to appear here today with Senator Ernst. And it’s an even greater privilege to introduce my good friend, Terry Branstad.
As many of you know, Governor Branstad is the longest serving governor in U.S. history. He’s a lifelong Iowan who has devoted his life to public service. After more than 22 years as my home state’s chief executive, Governor Branstad is nominated to serve our country as the next U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. I’m proud to support Governor Branstad’s nomination
His nomination should come as no surprise to the people of Iowa. We have long known and benefited from the relationship Governor Branstad has with the people of China. A sister-state relationship in 1983 has grown into a successful trade partnership that has benefited Iowa farmers and businesses.
Perhaps most notably, Governor Branstad enjoys a 30-year friendship with President Xi. Their first meeting took place in 1985 when Xi was then a local provincial official who led an agriculture delegation to Iowa. President Xi visited Iowa again in 2012, when Governor Branstad was back at the helm in his fifth term. Their relationship reflects genuine goodwill and mutual respect.
Governor Branstad has never stopped working to expand Iowa’s trade, investment and economic partnerships on the world stage, including with China. He will bring Midwestern humility and level-headed leadership to the job. He is a work horse who is unafraid to get in the trenches to get the job done.
If he’s confirmed, I’m confident that Governor Branstad will bring to bear his tireless commitment to solve problems and always move the ball forward. Although his heart will always be in Iowa, I know that Governor Branstad will throw himself into this job whole-heartedly.
Governor Branstad is uniquely qualified to help strengthen the trade, economic, cultural and geo-political relationship between our two countries. I’m pleased that he’s now been called to serve as Ambassador to China. I have every confidence that he will represent the United States well and excel just as he has throughout his career. Without reservation, I support this nomination.
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