Charles Ernest Grassley is an American politician who has been serving as the senior United States senator from Iowa since 1981. First elected in 1980, Grassley has been reelected seven times. He holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Republican in Congressional history and the sixth-longest-serving U.S. senator overall.
September 17, 1933: Birth of Charles Ernest Grassley
Charles Ernest Grassley was born in New Hartford, Iowa on September 17, 1933.
1948: U.S. Interference in 1948 Italian Election
Grassley referenced the U.S. interference in the 1948 Italian election as an example of the United States' own history of meddling in foreign elections.
1951: High School Graduation
Grassley graduated from New Hartford Community High School in 1951.
August 22, 1954: Grassley Marries Barbara Ann Speicher
Chuck Grassley married Barbara Ann Speicher on August 22, 1954. They went on to have five children.
1955: Bachelor of Arts Degree
Grassley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1955 from Iowa State Teachers College, now known as the University of Northern Iowa.
1956: Master of Arts Degree
In 1956, Grassley obtained a Master of Arts in political science from Iowa State Teachers College, which is now the University of Northern Iowa.
1959: Beginning of Service in the Iowa House of Representatives
Chuck Grassley's service in the Iowa House of Representatives began in 1959.
1967: Start of Teaching Position at Charles City College
Grassley began teaching at Charles City College in 1967.
1968: End of Teaching Position at Charles City College
In 1968, Grassley stopped teaching at Charles City College.
1975: Beginning of Service in the United States House of Representatives
In 1975, Grassley started serving in the United States House of Representatives.
1976: Grassley Begins Efforts to Increase Taxes on Americans Abroad
Starting in 1976, Senator Grassley began introducing legislative measures that sought to increase taxes on American citizens residing abroad, including proposals for retroactive tax hikes.
1980: First Election to the Senate
Grassley was first elected to the Senate in 1980, defeating Democratic incumbent John Culver.
November 1981: Support for David Stockman
In November 1981, Grassley was among 32 senators who showed their support for David Stockman, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, by signing a letter to President Reagan.
December 1981: Grassley Votes for Proposed Abortion Amendment
In December 1981, Senator Chuck Grassley voted in favor of a proposed constitutional amendment that would grant both Congress and individual states the authority to prohibit or regulate abortion.
1981: Beginning of Senate Service
Chuck Grassley began his service as a senator in 1981.
1981: End of Service in the United States House of Representatives
Grassley's time in the United States House of Representatives ended in 1981.
1981: Grassley Begins Annual 99-County Tour in Iowa
Since assuming office in 1981, Senator Chuck Grassley has made it a practice to hold public meetings in all 99 counties of Iowa every year. This commitment to connecting with constituents has continued even after the loss of honorarium payments for these meetings in 1994.
August 1982: Amendment to Radio Marti Bill
In August 1982, Grassley, along with Senators Roger Jepsen and Edward Zorinsky, sought an amendment to the bill that aimed to create a radio station for broadcasting to Cuba.
October 1983: Vote Against Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Grassley voted against establishing a legal holiday to commemorate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday in October 1983.
November 1, 1984: Citation of Contempt of Congress Against Attorney General William French Smith
On November 1, 1984, Grassley signed a citation of contempt of Congress against Attorney General William French Smith for not handing over files related to a Navy shipbuilding investigation.
1986: Reelection to the Senate
Grassley won reelection to the Senate in 1986 against Democratic nominee John P. Roehrick.
May 1987: Defeat of Amendment to Hasten Farm Subsidy Payments
The Senate Appropriations Committee rejected Grassley's attempt in May 1987 to speed up payments of corn and feed grain subsidies.
October 1987: Grassley Criticizes Reagan Administration and Bork Nomination Opponents
In October 1987, Senator Chuck Grassley publicly criticized the Reagan administration's handling of Robert Bork's Supreme Court nomination, going as far as accusing President Reagan of being "asleep at the switch." He also condemned groups lobbying against Bork's nomination, drawing parallels to McCarthyism and accusing them of spreading lies.
January 1989
In January 1989, as the Senate considered a proposed pay increase for its members, Senator Grassley questioned how senators could justify accepting a raise while simultaneously advocating for cuts to federal programs.
1989: Grassley Authors Whistleblower Protection Act
In 1989, Grassley authored the Whistleblower Protection Act. This landmark legislation aimed to protect individuals who come forward to report wrongdoing within government agencies and organizations.
January 1991: Grassley Opposes Gulf War Resolution
In January 1991, Senator Grassley was one of only two Republican senators to vote against the resolution authorizing the use of military force in the Persian Gulf War, which aimed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait.
August 1991: Grassley Joins POW-MIA Committee
In August 1991, Senator Grassley was appointed to the Senate Select Committee on POW-MIA Affairs. The committee was tasked with investigating the fate of American service members who were listed as prisoners of war or missing in action during the Vietnam War.
1992: Grassley Authors EPACT 1992, Establishing Federal Wind Energy Tax Credit
In 1992, Chuck Grassley authored the Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPACT 1992), a significant piece of legislation that led to the creation of the federal wind energy tax credit. This initiative marked a pivotal step in promoting renewable energy sources within the United States.
1992: Reelection to the Senate
In 1992, Grassley was reelected to the Senate, defeating Democratic State Senator Jean Hall Lloyd-Jones.
July 1993: Grassley Tours Flood Damage with President Clinton, Continuing Voting Streak
In July 1993, Senator Chuck Grassley's commitment to his voting record was evident when he continued his streak of consecutive votes cast despite touring Iowa with President Bill Clinton to assess flood damage. This dedication to both his constituents and his Senate duties is noteworthy.
1994: Grassley Loses Honorarium Payments for 99-County Tour
In 1994, Senator Chuck Grassley stopped receiving honorarium payments for his annual 99-county tour of Iowa. Despite this, he has continued to hold these public meetings, demonstrating his dedication to his constituents.
July 1998: Grassley Praised for Role in IRS Reform
In July 1998, President Bill Clinton acknowledged Senator Grassley's contributions to the passage of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act, a significant piece of legislation that aimed to overhaul the IRS.
1998: Reelection to the Senate
Grassley was reelected to the Senate in 1998, defeating former State Representative David Osterberg.
February 12, 1999: Grassley Votes to Convict Clinton
On February 12, 1999, Senator Grassley voted in favor of convicting President Bill Clinton on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the Monica Lewinsky scandal.
2000: FBI Issues Internal Report on Agent Misconduct
In 2000, the FBI conducted an internal review that uncovered 107 instances of serious or criminal misconduct committed by its agents over a 16-year period. The report, later released by Senator Grassley, raised concerns about the FBI's oversight and accountability measures.
May 2001: Grassley Works on Bipartisan Tax Cut Deal
In May 2001, Senator Grassley, in his role on the Senate Finance Committee, collaborated with Democratic Senator Max Baucus to try and reach a bipartisan agreement on tax cut legislation proposed by the Bush administration.
August 2002: Grassley Investigates United Way Finances
In August 2002, Senator Grassley initiated an investigation into the financial practices of the United Way of America and its affiliates following allegations of financial mismanagement.
2003: Grassley Supports End-of-Life Counseling Coverage
In 2003, Senator Chuck Grassley demonstrated support for covering end-of-life counseling by voting in favor of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act. This act included provisions for evaluating beneficiaries' needs for pain management, hospice care, and counseling regarding end-of-life issues.
2003: Grassley Receives Honorary Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa
In 2003, the University of Northern Iowa, Grassley's alma mater, awarded him honorary membership into Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.
February 2004: Grassley Releases Report on FBI Misconduct
In February 2004, Senator Grassley made public an internal FBI report from 2000 that detailed numerous cases of serious misconduct by FBI agents. The report revealed instances of rape, child sex crimes, attempted murder, and drug offenses, prompting Grassley to question the FBI's handling of these cases.
2004: Co-Sponsorship of Posthumous Award for Martin Luther King Jr.
Grassley co-sponsored legislation in 2004 to give Martin Luther King Jr. a posthumous award.
2004: Reelection to the Senate
Grassley secured another term in the Senate by defeating former State Senator Arthur A. Small in 2004.
2004: Grassley's Oversight of FDA Reforms
Grassley played a key role in overseeing legislative reforms and enhancing accountability within the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004. This work was later recognized with the Health Policy Hero award in 2009.
June 28, 2005: Grassley Authors Tax Title of EPACT 2005 and Votes in Favor
On June 28, 2005, Chuck Grassley, then chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, authored the tax title of the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT 2005) and subsequently voted in favor of the bill.
June 28, 2006: Grassley Proposes Legislation to Combat Sex Trafficking
On June 28, 2006, Senator Grassley introduced legislation aimed at curbing sex trafficking and sexual slavery in the United States. His proposal sought to use tax laws more rigorously, such as requiring pimps and other employers of sex workers to file W-2 forms for each individual.
2006: Grassley's Amendment Increases Taxes on Americans Abroad
In 2006, an amendment put forward by Senator Grassley was enacted, leading to higher taxes for Americans living abroad. This amendment targeted housing and living allowances provided by foreign employers, making them subject to federal taxes even though the individuals were not living in the United States.
May 17, 2007: Grassley Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from National Whistleblower Center
On May 17, 2007, the National Whistleblower Center honored Grassley with a lifetime achievement award. This recognition highlighted his longstanding commitment to protecting whistleblowers and encouraging accountability within government.
June 19, 2007: Grassley Supports Expansion of Alternative Energy Tax Incentives
On June 19, 2007, Chuck Grassley played a key role in expanding tax incentives aimed at promoting the production of energy from alternative sources. These incentives encompassed various renewable energy sources, including ethanol, wind, biomass, and biodiesel.
June 21, 2007: Grassley Votes for Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007
Chuck Grassley voted in favor of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 on June 21, 2007. This act sought to bolster energy independence and security through a multifaceted approach, including extending and expanding various energy tax incentives until 2013.
July 2007: Grassley Releases Report on Farm Subsidy Misuse
In July 2007, a report commissioned by Senator Grassley revealed that over US$1 billion in farm subsidies had been improperly distributed to deceased individuals, highlighting issues of waste and fraud within the program.
November 5, 2007: Grassley Launches Investigation into Tax-Exempt Ministries
On November 5, 2007, Grassley initiated an investigation into the tax-exempt status of six prominent ministries. As chair of the Senate Finance Committee, he sought financial records to ascertain if funds were being appropriately managed.
December 6, 2007: Deadline for Ministries to Respond to Finance Committee
By December 6, 2007, only three out of the six ministries under investigation had complied with the Senate Finance Committee's request for financial information. This lack of full cooperation prompted further scrutiny.
March 11, 2008: Senate Asserts Right to Investigate Ministry Finances
On March 11, 2008, Grassley and Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus sent follow-up letters to the non-compliant ministries. These letters emphasized the Senate's authority to investigate their finances under federal tax laws.
2008: Grassley Questions APA on Drug Industry Funding
For the first time in 2008, Grassley requested the American Psychiatric Association (APA) to disclose the extent of its financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry. This request aimed to shed light on potential conflicts of interest within the organization.
2008: Grassley Investigates Unreported Payments to Physicians
In 2008, Grassley spearheaded a Congressional investigation that uncovered undisclosed payments from pharmaceutical companies to prominent university psychiatrists who had promoted psychoactive drugs. The investigation revealed violations of federal and university regulations.
March 2009: Grassley Makes Controversial Remarks about AIG Executives
During a scandal involving large bonuses paid to AIG executives following a taxpayer-funded bailout of the company, Senator Grassley made controversial remarks suggesting that these executives should resign or commit suicide, referring to the 'Japanese example.' He later dismissed these comments as rhetoric.
May 2009: Grassley Cosponsors Flag Burning Amendment
In May 2009, Senator Grassley joined as a cosponsor of a resolution to amend the US Constitution to prohibit the burning of the American flag.
August 12, 2009: Grassley Voices Concerns Over Health Care Reform
On August 12, 2009, during a meeting in Iowa, Senator Chuck Grassley expressed his opposition to the proposed health care reform bill, particularly the provision mandating health insurance. He also raised concerns about the bill's end-of-life counseling provisions, arguing that they could lead to government intervention in end-of-life decisions.
December 2009: Grassley Votes Against Affordable Care Act
In December 2009, Senator Chuck Grassley voted against the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare. Despite proposing modifications to the bill, Grassley ultimately opposed its passage.
2009: Grassley Receives Health Policy Hero Award
The National Center for Health Research honored Grassley with the Health Policy Hero award in 2009. This award recognized his significant contributions to legislative reforms and accountability within the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2004.
January 2010: Grassley Raises Concerns Over TSA Nominee
In January 2010, Senator Chuck Grassley joined six other Republican senators in expressing concerns about the nomination of Erroll Southers as Director of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). They cited conflicting accounts provided by Southers regarding his past access of databases for personal reasons.
December 2010: Grassley Votes Against New START Treaty
Senator Chuck Grassley voted against the ratification of the New START treaty in December 2010. This treaty, aimed at nuclear arms reduction between the United States and Russia, was opposed by Grassley and 25 other senators.
2010: Sixth Senate Term
Grassley ran for his sixth term in the Senate in 2010.
2010: Grassley Receives "A" Rating from NRA-PVF
In 2010, Chuck Grassley received an "A" rating from the National Rifle Association's Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF), indicating a strong alignment with the organization's stance on gun rights.
2010: Grassley and Baucus Named Hardest-Working in Congress
In 2010, The Hill recognized Grassley and Max Baucus as the most dedicated and hardworking members of Congress, highlighting their commitment to legislative duties and public service.
2010: OpenSecrets Report on Grassley's Campaign Contributors
In 2010, the nonpartisan organization OpenSecrets released a report analyzing Grassley's campaign contributions throughout his political career. The report revealed the industries and corporations that had provided the most significant financial support.
July 2012: Grassley Maintains Near-Perfect Voting Record
As of July 2012, Senator Chuck Grassley had only missed 35 votes throughout his entire Senate career, underscoring his commitment to fulfilling his senatorial duties.
April 2013: Grassley Proposes Alternative to Gun Control Amendment
In April 2013, Senator Chuck Grassley opposed a gun control amendment put forth by Senators Joe Manchin and Pat Toomey. As an alternative, Grassley proposed legislation to enhance prosecution efforts related to gun violence and improve mental health data reporting in background checks.
2013: Energy Tax Incentives Extended through 2013
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which Grassley supported, successfully extended other energy tax incentives through the year 2013.
April 2014: Grassley Announces Plans for Senate Whistleblower Caucus
In April 2014, Grassley announced his intention to establish a dedicated caucus within the Senate focused on strengthening protections for whistleblowers. This further demonstrated his ongoing commitment to this issue.
2014: Grassley Receives 'Taxpayer Super Hero' Award
In 2014, Senator Grassley was recognized by the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste for his efforts to reduce government spending and promote fiscal responsibility. He earned a perfect score from the organization.
March 9, 2015: Grassley Signs Letter Opposing Iran Nuclear Deal
On March 9, 2015, Senator Chuck Grassley was among 47 senators who signed a letter to Iran expressing disapproval of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. This letter, spearheaded by Senator Tom Cotton, aimed to convey opposition to the nuclear deal.
June 2015: Grassley Introduces Legislation to Address Alleged IRS Abuses
In June 2015, Senator Chuck Grassley introduced legislation in response to alleged misconduct by Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees. The bill, intended to safeguard taxpayers, faced opposition from Democrats.
September 2015: Grassley Receives "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" Award
In September 2015, Chuck Grassley was honored with the Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award by the Iowa Wind Energy Association. This recognition highlighted his longstanding dedication and support for the development and growth of wind energy in Iowa.
November 2015: Grassley Reaches 12,000 Votes Cast in Senate Career
By November 2015, Senator Chuck Grassley had cast an impressive 12,000 votes during his tenure in the Senate. This milestone reflects his consistent participation in Senate proceedings.
2015: Grassley Criticizes Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
Following the landmark Supreme Court ruling in 2015's Obergefell v. Hodges, which declared same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional across the United States, Chuck Grassley issued a statement reiterating his belief that marriage should be exclusively between a man and a woman. He criticized the court for not leaving the decision on this matter to individual states, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and the role of the federal government in social policy.
2015: Explanation for Vote Against Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In 2015, an aide explained that Grassley's 1983 vote against the King holiday was based on economic considerations.
2015: Grassley Opposes Bipartisan Senate Bill on Medical Cannabis
Chuck Grassley expressed his opposition to a bipartisan senate bill in 2015 known as the Compassionate Access, Research Expansion, and Respect States Act. This bill aimed to reschedule cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule II, potentially paving the way for states with existing medical cannabis laws to prescribe it legally and facilitating more extensive research into its medicinal benefits.
January 2016: Grassley Sets Record for Consecutive Votes Cast
In January 2016, Senator Chuck Grassley achieved the record for the longest period without missing a roll-call vote in the Senate. His streak began in July 1993, highlighting his dedication to his responsibilities.
2016: Grassley Receives "A+" Rating and Endorsement from NRA-PVF
Chuck Grassley's rating from the NRA-PVF increased to an "A+" in 2016. He also received endorsements from the organization during this election cycle, further solidifying his position as a staunch supporter of gun rights.
2016: Grassley Supports Blocking Garland's Nomination, Citing Need for Public Voice
During 2016, Senator Chuck Grassley aligned with Senate Republicans in refusing to consider President Obama's nomination of Merrick Garland to the Supreme Court. He argued that the decision should be delayed to allow the "American people" to have a voice in the process, emphasizing the significance of the nomination.
2016: Russian Interference in the 2016 Election
Grassley and Graham's recommendation to charge Christopher Steele stemmed from the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.
2016: Seventh Senate Term
Grassley pursued and won his seventh term in the Senate in 2016.
2016: Grassley Proposes Gun Legislation Following Orlando Nightclub Shooting
One month after the tragic Orlando nightclub shooting in 2016, Chuck Grassley put forth legislative proposals to enhance state-to-state access to background check data and criminalize the sale of firearms to criminals by government officials during sting operations. However, both of his proposals faced rejection in the Senate. Additionally, he voted against the Feinstein Amendment, a Democratic-led initiative to prevent individuals on the terror watchlist from purchasing guns, and a Republican-backed bill that sought to increase funding for background checks. These stances further illustrate his complex and often controversial positions on gun control.
2016: The Steele Dossier and the 2016 Election
The events surrounding the Fusion GPS interview and the Steele Dossier unfolded during and after the 2016 US presidential election. The dossier, which alleged connections between Trump and Russia, became a significant point of political contention.
February 2017: Grassley Downplays Russian Election Interference
During a February 2017 statement, Chuck Grassley downplayed the significance of Russian interference in U.S. elections. While acknowledging that such interference was "bothersome," he argued that the United States had its own history of meddling in foreign elections, citing the example of interference in the 1948 Italian election.
April 2017: Grassley Co-Sponsors Israel Anti-Boycott Act
In April 2017, Chuck Grassley lent his support to the controversial Israel Anti-Boycott Act (s. 720) as a co-sponsor. This legislation proposed making it a federal offense for Americans to endorse or engage in boycotts targeting Israel and Israeli settlements located in the West Bank as a form of protest against actions undertaken by the Israeli government.
May 2017: Grassley Tells Critics of Trump Administration to "Suck it Up and Move On"
Following President Trump's controversial decision to fire FBI Director James Comey in May 2017, Chuck Grassley made headlines with his blunt advice to those harboring suspicions about the Trump administration: "Suck it up and move on." This dismissive remark sparked outrage among critics who viewed it as dismissive of legitimate concerns regarding potential abuses of power.
July 2017: Grassley Criticizes Republicans for Failure to Repeal ACA
In July 2017, Chuck Grassley didn't hold back his criticism of his fellow Senate Republicans for their inability to fulfill their promise of repealing the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He expressed deep concern that this failure could jeopardize their majority in the upcoming 2018 elections, signaling the high political stakes surrounding healthcare reform.
August 2017: Judiciary Committee Interviews Fusion GPS Co-founder
In August 2017, the Senate Judiciary Committee, on which Grassley served, conducted a ten-hour interview with Glenn Simpson, co-founder of Fusion GPS, the firm that produced the Steele Dossier. This interview became a point of contention later on, in January 2018, due to the handling of the transcript's release.
October 31, 2017: Grassley Ignores Reporter Questions on Indictments
On October 31, 2017, as a group of Republican lawmakers faced persistent inquiries from reporters regarding recent indictments, Chuck Grassley chose to remain silent. He made a swift exit from the room, evading the questions altogether. This incident raised eyebrows and fueled speculation about potential attempts to avoid scrutiny.
2017: Grassley Supports Expanded Firearms Access for Mentally Disabled Individuals
In early 2017, Chuck Grassley sponsored legislation aimed at expanding access to firearms for individuals with mental disabilities. He argued that the existing ban on mentally ill individuals purchasing guns unfairly discriminated against disabled Americans. Following the Las Vegas shooting in 2017, Grassley expressed doubts about the likelihood of gun law changes, citing the Republican majority in Congress. A day after the tragic shooting at Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, he acknowledged that the government had fallen short in its efforts to prevent individuals with mental illness from obtaining firearms.
2017: Report Reveals Grassley Received Grain Commodity Subsidies
A 2017 report by the Environmental Working Group revealed that Chuck Grassley had received $367,763 in grain commodity subsidies over a span of 21 years. This information sparked discussions about agricultural subsidies and their implications.
2017: Grassley Expresses Concerns Over Paris Agreement
In 2017, Chuck Grassley voiced his concerns regarding the Paris Agreement, an international accord aimed at combating climate change. He argued that the agreement's terms were unfair to the U.S. economy, putting it at a disadvantage while giving a pass to large economies such as China and India. Grassley also criticized the lack of a Senate vote on the agreement.
January 2018: Grassley Supports Modernizing NAFTA
In January 2018, Grassley joined 35 other Republican senators in signing a letter to President Trump advocating for the preservation and modernization of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Their aim was to adapt the agreement to the 21st-century economy.
January 2018: Grassley Condemns Feinstein's Release of Simpson Transcript
In January 2018, Senator Dianne Feinstein released the full transcript of an interview with Glenn Simpson, co-founder of Fusion GPS, which had been conducted by the Senate Judiciary Committee in August 2017. Grassley, along with other Republicans on the committee, had refused to release the full transcript. Simpson had requested the transcript's release, alleging that Republicans had selectively leaked portions to conservative media.
January 2018: Grassley and Graham Recommend Charges Against Christopher Steele
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election, Chuck Grassley and Senator Lindsey Graham made the unprecedented move of issuing a criminal referral to the Department of Justice in January 2018. They recommended that charges be brought against Christopher Steele, a former British intelligence officer who had compiled a dossier alleging connections between the Trump campaign and Russia. Grassley and Graham asserted that they possessed evidence suggesting Steele had lied to federal authorities during the course of the investigation.
July 2018: Grassley Praises Kavanaugh's Supreme Court Nomination
In July 2018, following President Donald Trump's nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, Senator Chuck Grassley expressed strong support for Kavanaugh. He lauded Kavanaugh's qualifications and suggested that critics should not be overly confident in predicting his judicial decisions based on his past rulings.
August 2018: Grassley Co-Sponsors Legislation on Preexisting Conditions
In August 2018, Chuck Grassley joined nine other Republican senators in co-sponsoring legislation intended to safeguard provisions within the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that protect individuals with preexisting conditions. However, health policy experts raised concerns that the bill lacked sufficient teeth to prevent insurers from finding ways to exclude coverage for such individuals, highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding healthcare access and affordability.
2018: Concerns About Potential Loss of Republican Majority in 2018 Elections
Grassley's criticism of fellow Republicans for their failure to repeal the ACA stemmed from his concern that this could lead to a loss of their majority in the 2018 elections.
2018: OpenSecrets Reports Grassley's Net Worth
In 2018, OpenSecrets reported that Chuck Grassley's net worth was over $7.5 million.
2018: Grassley Sparks Controversy with Comments on Women in Judiciary Committee
In 2018, Senator Chuck Grassley caused controversy when he suggested that the lack of women on the Senate Judiciary Committee was due to the demanding workload. He later attempted to clarify his remarks, stating that he welcomed more women on the committee and praising their intelligence and work ethic, which only fueled further debate.
2018: Passage of the 2018 Farm Bill
The 2018 Farm Bill, which included conservation measures, was passed. Senator Chuck Grassley later advocated for the implementation of these measures.
January 3, 2019: Senate's Most Senior Republican and President Pro Tempore
Upon the retirement of Orrin Hatch on January 3, 2019, Grassley became the Senate's most senior Republican and its president pro tempore.
April 2019: Grassley Urges USDA to Implement Conservation Measures
In April 2019, Senator Chuck Grassley, along with six other senators, signed a letter urging United States Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to implement conservation efforts outlined in the 2018 Farm Bill. They specifically advocated for a department-wide National Water Quality Initiative.
October 1, 2019: Grassley Defends Whistleblower in Trump-Ukraine Scandal
Breaking with his party on October 1, 2019, Grassley publicly defended the whistleblower who brought to light the Trump-Ukraine scandal. He stated that the whistleblower deserved to be heard and protected, acknowledging their adherence to whistleblower protection laws.
December 2019: Grassley Co-Sponsors SECURE Act of 2019
In a significant move towards addressing retirement security concerns, Chuck Grassley emerged as one of the lead Senate co-sponsors of the SECURE Act of 2019. This landmark legislation, which was ultimately signed into law as part of the fiscal year 2020 federal appropriations bill in late December 2019, aimed to encourage greater retirement planning, expand the range of options accessible to savers, and enhance access to tax-advantaged savings programs, including 529 plans.
December 19, 2019: Grassley Criticizes EPA Over Biofuel Policy
On December 19, 2019, Chuck Grassley publicly criticized the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for withdrawing a new Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) rule. He accused the agency of "playing games" and not supporting President Trump's efforts to assist farmers, highlighting his ongoing concerns about the impact of EPA regulations on the agricultural industry, particularly regarding biofuels.
2019: Grassley Co-Sponsors Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act
Senator Chuck Grassley demonstrated his anti-abortion stance in 2019 by co-sponsoring the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This act reflects his commitment to advancing legislation aligned with his pro-life views.
2019: Grassley Introduces Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act
In a notable shift in his stance on cannabis-related legislation, Chuck Grassley joined forces with Democratic Senators Dianne Feinstein and Brian Schatz in 2019 to introduce the Cannabidiol and Marijuana Research Expansion Act. This bipartisan bill signaled a growing consensus on the need for more comprehensive research into the potential medical applications of marijuana.
2019: Grassley Condemns BDS Movement
Further demonstrating his stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Chuck Grassley joined 13 other Republican senators in 2019 to sign a letter spearheaded by Senator Marco Rubio. This letter explicitly condemned the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which advocates for economic and political pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.
November 2020: Grassley's Voting Streak Ends After 27 Years Due to COVID-19 Quarantine
In November 2020, Senator Chuck Grassley's remarkable 27-year streak of consecutive votes cast came to an end when he had to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19. Despite breaking Senator William Proxmire's record for the longest period without a missed vote, Proxmire retains the record for the most consecutive roll-call votes.
2020: Grassley Supports Prompt Vote on Trump's Supreme Court Nominee
In 2020, when a Supreme Court vacancy arose due to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's death, Senator Chuck Grassley advocated for a swift vote on President Trump's nominee. This stance contrasted with his previous position on delaying nominations during an election year, highlighting a shift in approach.
2020: SECURE Act of 2019 Becomes Law
The SECURE Act of 2019, co-sponsored by Grassley, officially became law as part of the fiscal year 2020 federal appropriations bill.
May 2021: Reelection Decision Postponement
Grassley decided to postpone his decision on running for reelection in 2022 until later in the year.
May 28, 2021: Grassley Votes Against January 6th Commission
On May 28, 2021, Grassley voted against the formation of an independent commission tasked with investigating the attack on the United States Capitol on January 6th. This decision positioned him against a significant portion of the political landscape.
July 2021: Abby Finkenauer Announces Candidacy
In July 2021, former U.S. Representative Abby Finkenauer announced her candidacy for Grassley's Senate seat.
September 2021: Announcement of Eighth Term Run
Grassley announced his decision to run for an eighth term in the Senate in September 2021.
October 2021: Grassley Introduces American Innovation and Choice Online Act
In October 2021, Senator Chuck Grassley, in collaboration with Senator Amy Klobuchar, introduced the American Innovation and Choice Online Act (S.2992). This legislation aimed to curtail the anti-competitive practices of major technology companies by preventing them from unfairly favoring their own products.
2021: Grassley Navigates Capitol Attack and Aftermath
During the 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters, Senator Chuck Grassley was present for the certification of the Electoral College vote count. He was evacuated to safety when rioters breached the building. In the aftermath, Grassley condemned the violence and criticized Trump's leadership, but stopped short of supporting impeachment, advocating instead for national unity.
November 8, 2022: Reelection to the Senate
Grassley won the general election on November 8, 2022, securing his eighth term in the Senate.
2022: Grassley Maintains "A+" Rating and Earns Endorsement from NRA-PVF
Chuck Grassley maintained his "A+" rating and earned another endorsement from the NRA-PVF in 2022, demonstrating his consistent support for gun rights advocacy throughout his political career.
2022: Grassley Expresses Support for Same-Sex Marriage, Yet Votes Against Respect for Marriage Act
In a surprising turn of events in 2022, Chuck Grassley publicly expressed his support for same-sex marriage, marking a significant shift in his stance on LGBTQ+ rights. However, he still chose to vote against the Respect for Marriage Act, citing concerns related to religious liberty and asserting that the legislation was unnecessary. This apparent contradiction sparked criticism and raised questions about the sincerity of his support for marriage equality.
2022: Grassley Applauds Overturning of Roe v. Wade
Senator Chuck Grassley expressed his approval of the Supreme Court's 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. He viewed this decision as a means to empower citizens, through their elected officials, to shape abortion policy.
2022: Potential Impact of Open Seat on Democrats
There was speculation that an open Senate seat in Iowa in 2022 could benefit the Democrats.
January 2023: Most Senior Member of the Senate
When Patrick Leahy retired in January 2023, Grassley became the most senior member of the Senate.