WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee voted in support of President Trump’s nominee to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the People’s Republic of China, Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.
Governor Branstad’s nomination now heads to the Senate floor.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst issued said “As we saw evidenced in his confirmation hearing last week, Governor Branstad will exemplify the same leadership, thoughtfulness, and dedication in his role as Ambassador to China on behalf of the United States as he has for the people of Iowa. I congratulate Governor Branstad on his approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee today, and I hope that the full Senate will move quickly to confirm Governor Branstad for this important role.”
“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,” Senator Charles Grassley said. “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 21st 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.”
Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds will take over as Governor for Branstad.
U.S. goods and services trade with China totaled an estimated $648.2 billion in 2016, according to the U.S. government. Exports were $169.3 billion; imports were $478.9 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with China was $309.6 billion in 2016. China is currently our largest goods trading partner with $578.6 billion in total (two way) goods trade during 2016. Goods exports totaled $115.8 billion; goods imports totaled $462.8 billion. The U.S. goods trade deficit with China was $347.0 billion in 2016. China was the United States’ 3rd largest goods export market in 2016. U.S. goods exports to China in 2016 were $115.8 billion, down 0.3% ($297 million) from 2015 but up 115.7% from 2006. U.S. exports to China are up 504% from 2001 (pre-WTO accession). U.S. exports to China account for 8.0% of overall U.S. exports in 2016.
…finally “Braindead” is on his way…now if we can just get his “shadow” to go with him!!!