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Branstad approved by U.S. Senate as ambassador to China, will resign Wednesday

Gov. Terry Branstad

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today voted to confirm Iowa Governor Terry Branstad as U.S. ambassador to China.

Governor Branstad will resign as governor of Iowa on Wednesday, May 24, 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.

Governor Branstad released the following statement after receiving approval from the U.S. Senate to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China:

Gov Branstad and President Xi of China in a 2015 photo

“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.”

Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds

Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds released the following statement after Gov. Branstad was confirmed with 82 votes by the U.S. Senate to become the next U.S. Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China:

“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 Senator Grassley spoke on the Senate floor in favor of Governor Branstad’s nomination prior to the vote, saying, “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.”

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