Iowa Ag Connection - Branstad New Ambassador to China; Reynolds to be Sworn In

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Branstad New Ambassador to China; Reynolds to be Sworn In
Iowa Ag Connection - 05/23/2017

Gov. Terry Branstad will resign as governor of Iowa on Wednesday and immediately be sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. The U.S. Senate confirmed Branstad late Monday afternoon by a vote of 82-13.

Shortly after Branstad's resignation, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will be sworn in as Iowa's 43rd governor in a ceremony at the Iowa State Capitol Building in Des Moines.

Reynolds said, "I want to congratulate Gov. Branstad on receiving overwhelming support to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. For over 22 years, Iowans have had a man with a servant heart working tirelessly on their behalf and for a state he loves dearly. His heart to serve has led him to accept a new calling, to serve our state and our country as Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. He is uniquely qualified and is the right person for the right time, and we are proud to have him take our Iowa values to the world stage. Kevin and I wish Gov. Branstad and the First Lady our very best in their new mission."

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said, "It is great news for Iowa and for the nation that Governor Branstad is now confirmed and will soon be in place as Ambassador to China. Governor Branstad is uniquely qualified to serve in this critically important position and will vigorously support our nation's interests. Through his hard work promoting Iowa products around the world, the Governor has built strong relationships with Chinese President Xi and numerous leaders and officials across the country that will serve our nation well. I want to thank Gov. Branstad for his service to our great state as Governor and I wish him all the best and look forward to continuing to work with him in this new and important role."

Branstad released the following statement after receiving 82 votes from the U.S. Senate to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the People's Republic of China:

"I want to thank President Trump and Vice President Pence for nominating me to be the United States Ambassador to the People's Republic of China. I also want to thank Chairman Corker, Ranking Member Cardin, and the United States Senate for the confidence they have placed in me. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that a boy from a small farm in Leland, Iowa, would one day have the opportunity to represent my country and my state on the world stage, working closely with one of the world's most influential countries and one of America's largest trading partners. None of this would have been possible without the dedicated love and support of my wife Chris and my family.

While I'm temporarily leaving the state I love and have governed for over 22 years, I know I'm leaving Iowa in great hands with Kim Reynolds as governor. I look forward to working with both my friend President Donald Trump and my old friend President Xi Jinping for the mutual benefit of both of our countries and the rest of the world."

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