Posted on 05/22/2017 3:02:34 PM PDT by iowamark
A broad majority of senators voted Monday to install President Trump's choice to be the U.S. ambassador to China in his first term.
Gov. Terry Branstad, R-Iowa, was supported by several Democrats in the final vote, but that didn't spare him completely from the partisan gamesmanship that has dominated Trump's nominees' path through the Senate. Republicans faulted Democrats for slow-walking his nomination, despite their approval of the pick.
"It's been disappointing to see so much pointless obstruction by our friends across the aisle," Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said on the Senate floor. "And they've done so not to change the result, but simply to eat up floor time that could be used for legislation to help our constituents."
Branstad was approved unanimously by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee two weeks ago, but Democrats declined to allow Republicans to expedite his confirmation vote. "Our Democratic colleagues tactics really have little to do with the nominees themselves, they're just delaying for delay's sake," McConnell said.
Branstad is a much-needed reinforcement for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who has had to travel to China once already to discuss the burgeoning threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Branstad will be tasked as well with helping confront China's assertion of sovereignty over the South China Sea, one of the most vital shipping lanes in the world, while also helping manage the U.S. economic relationship with the Asian power.
"I will work tirelessly to represent America and her citizens to the best of my ability," Branstad told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his confirmation hearing. "I will champion American interests in China with as much fervor and dedication as I have championed Iowa's interests during my more than 22 years as governor."
He hopes that those efforts will benefit from his experience hosting Chinese president Xi Jinping, who traveled to Iowa with an agriculture delegation in 1985.
"A connection was made and a friendship was founded," Branstad said. "To this day, President Xi still speaks fondly of Iowa and the hospitality he enjoyed there so many years ago. If confirmed, I hope to use my unique position as an "old friend" of President Xi and a trusted confidant of President Trump to positively influence the U.S.-China relationship."
Final vote 82-13. I will post the roll call.
Corn dogs for everyone in China!!
Is Branstad the current GOV of Iowa?
“”Gov. Branstad releases statement after receiving overwhelming support from the U.S. Senate
(DES MOINES) – Today, Gov. E. Terry 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.” “”
Until Wednesday.
When does he get sworn in? Do you know who is next?
Mitch makes it seem like the majority has absolutely no power. What a fickle tool he is
Well La De Freaking Da !
#thesenateactuallydoingsomething
The bums all slow - walked this. Great “leadership”, you absolute tools.
https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=115&session=1&vote=00133
“NAYs -—13
Baldwin (D-WI)
Blumenthal (D-CT)
Booker (D-NJ)
Brown (D-OH)
Duckworth (D-IL)
Gillibrand (D-NY)
Hirono (D-HI)
Markey (D-MA)
Peters (D-MI)
Sanders (I-VT)
Schumer (D-NY)
Stabenow (D-MI)
Warren (D-MA)
Not Voting - 5
Alexander (R-TN)
Harris (D-CA)
Isakson (R-GA)
Lee (R-UT)
Murkowski (R-AK)”
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