Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-16

HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA

TaxesAgriculture

Context

On 2026-09-16, Representative Zachary Nunn (R-IA-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H5961] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA (Mr. NUNN of Iowa asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, today, the people of Iowa remember a great farmer, a great friend, and a great American, Ray Gaesser. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray Gaesser of Corning, Iowa, who died in a farm accident on September 5. Ray started farming at only 15 years old. After his father passed away, he had to step up and become the farm lead for the home. In 1977, he and his wife, Elaine, started with a few hundred acres outside Corning and built it to what it is today, now over 5,000. He led the Iowa Soybean Association. Then he led the American Soybean Association, and he carried the priorities of Iowa's farmers with him on trade missions around the world. We had the privilege to call him a friend. He was the first on our call list whenever it came to agriculture and the farm bill. He answered, and he made sure that Iowa's agriculture was always first. This week, I am introducing a resolution in Ray's honor for all he did for Iowa's agriculture and to recognize National Farm Safety Week, which begins this Monday. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him and join Kelly and me as we pray for Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and everyone who knew and loved Ray. Iowa has lost a champion, and we will all dearly miss him. From Randy, myself, the entire Iowa delegation, and from all of Iowa, may he rest in peace. ____________________

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HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 146 (Wednesday, September 16, 2026)] [House] [Page H5961] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RAY GAESSER OF CORNING, IOWA (Mr. NUNN of Iowa asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) Mr. NUNN of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, today, the people of Iowa remember a great farmer, a great friend, and a great American, Ray Gaesser. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ray Gaesser of Corning, Iowa, who died in a farm accident on September 5. Ray started farming at only 15 years old. After his father passed away, he had to step up and become the farm lead for the home. In 1977, he and his wife, Elaine, started with a few hundred acres outside Corning and built it to what it is today, now over 5,000. He led the Iowa Soybean Association. Then he led the American Soybean Association, and he carried the priorities of Iowa's farmers with him on trade missions around the world. We had the privilege to call him a friend. He was the first on our call list whenever it came to agriculture and the farm bill. He answered, and he made sure that Iowa's agriculture was always first. This week, I am introducing a resolution in Ray's honor for all he did for Iowa's agriculture and to recognize National Farm Safety Week, which begins this Monday. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring him and join Kelly and me as we pray for Elaine, Chris, Jennifer, and everyone who knew and loved Ray. Iowa has lost a champion, and we will all dearly miss him. From Randy, myself, the entire Iowa delegation, and from all of Iowa, may he rest in peace. ____________________