Chuck Grassley's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Chuck Grassley.

Chuck Grassley is a prominent American politician and the senior United States Senator from Iowa, a position he has held since 1981. A Republican, he currently serves as the president pro tempore of the Senate, a role he also previously occupied. As the 'dean' of the Senate, he is its longest-serving member. Grassley's extensive tenure reflects a significant career in American politics.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1980: Elected to the Senate

In 1980, Grassley was first elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic incumbent John Culver.

1986: Re-elected in 1986

In 1986, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic nominee John P. Roehrick. He won 98 counties, losing Wapello County.

1989: Author of the Whistleblower Protection Act of 1989

In 1989, Grassley authored the Whistleblower Protection Act. Since then, he has campaigned to increase protection and provide support for whistleblowers.

1992: Re-elected in 1992

In 1992, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating Democratic state senator Jean Hall Lloyd-Jones. He won all 99 counties.

1998: Re-elected in 1998

In 1998, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating former state representative David Osterberg, who won the Democratic nomination unopposed. He won all 99 counties.

2003: Honoris Causa Membership in Omicron Delta Kappa

In 2003, Grassley's alma mater, the University of Northern Iowa, selected him for honoris causa membership in Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society.

2004: Re-elected in 2004

In 2004, Grassley was re-elected to the Senate, defeating former state senator Arthur A. Small. He won all 99 counties.

May 17, 2007: Lifetime Achievement Award from National Whistleblower Center

On May 17, 2007, Grassley received a lifetime achievement award from the National Whistleblower Center.

2009: Health Policy Hero Award

In 2009, the National Center for Health Research gave Grassley the Health Policy Hero award for his 2004 oversight of legislative reforms and accountability of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

2010: Named Hardest-Working Member of Congress

In 2010, The Hill named Grassley and Max Baucus the hardest-working members of Congress.

2014: Taxpayer Super Hero

In 2014, Grassley was called a "Taxpayer Super Hero" by the council for Citizens Against Government Waste. He received a 100 percent rating from the group that year and has a lifetime rating of 78 percent.

September 2015: Received 'Friend of Iowa Wind Energy' Award

In September 2015, Grassley was presented with the Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award from the Iowa Wind Energy Association in recognition of his support for wind energy development in Iowa.

January 2016: Set Record for Most Consecutive Roll-Call Votes Without a Miss

In January 2016, Grassley set a record for the most times without a missed roll-call vote, not having missed one since July 1993.

2016: Received 'A+' Rating and Endorsement from the NRA

In 2016, Grassley received an "A+" rating and endorsement from the NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF). Splinter News reported he received $9,900 from the NRA during his 2016 election.

2016: Sought Seventh Term

In 2016, Grassley sought a seventh term in the Senate. He won his seventh term with over 60% of the vote as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump won Iowa with over 51% of the vote.

October 1, 2019: Defense of Trump-Ukraine Whistleblower

On October 1, 2019, Grassley defended the whistleblower in the Trump–Ukraine scandal, stating the whistleblower "appears to have followed the whistleblower protection laws and ought to be heard out and protected".

December 2019: Lead Senate Co-Sponsor of the SECURE Act of 2019

In December 2019, Grassley was one of the lead Senate co-sponsors of the SECURE Act of 2019. This bill became law as part of the fiscal year 2020 federal appropriations law.

2020: SECURE Act becomes law

In 2020, the SECURE Act of 2019, of which Grassley was a lead co-sponsor, became law as part of the fiscal year 2020 federal appropriations law. The bill incentivizes retirement planning, diversifies options for savers, and increases access to tax-advantaged savings programs, including 529 plans.