Grassley Statement on Branstad’s Unanimous Committee Approval to be Ambassador to China

WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa made the following statement on Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad’s unanimous approval by the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to be the U.S. ambassador to China. Grassley, along with Sen. Joni Ernst, introduced Branstad at his nomination hearing last week.

“Governor Branstad’s bipartisan, unanimous approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee should come as no surprise considering how well he did during his hearing. His significant experience working with the Chinese government on behalf of Iowans and the personal friendships he has developed with Chinese leaders over the years make him uniquely prepared to be the next U.S. ambassador to China. Iowans have benefited firsthand from Governor Branstad’s relationship with China, and if he’s confirmed by the full Senate, as expected, the United States as a whole will benefit. The relationship between the United States and China may prove to be more important than any other bilateral relationship in the 21^st century. Americans will be fortunate to have Governor Branstad leading that relationship. I look forward to voting to confirm Governor Branstad to serve the nation in this new role.”

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