Wilhelm wins passage of measure to honor Norman Borlaug

State Senator Mary Jo Wilhelm of Cresco has won passage of a bill to place a statue of Howard County native Dr. Norman Borlaug in the United States Capitol Building.

Each state is allowed to honor two of its residents with a statue in the U.S. Capitol building. States are allowed to replace the statues if a resolution to do so is approved by a state's legislature and governor. Iowa's current statues depict Civil War era leaders Samuel Kirkwood and James Harlan.

"Dr. Norman Borlaug is an example of Northeast Iowans at their best," Wilhelm said. "His work as the father of the 'Green Revolution' improved agriculture around the world and bettered the lives of countless millions of people."

Borlaug, who died earlier this year at age 95, conducted groundbreaking work in breeding varieties of wheat to feed starving populations across the globe. He was internationally recognized for his work, receiving a Nobel Peace Prize, a Presidential Medal of Freedom and a Congressional Gold Medal.