Chuck Grassley: Oldest Republican senator, 87, tests positive for Covid

‘I’m feeling good + will keep up on my work for the ppl of Iowa from home’

Griffin Connolly

Washington

Tuesday 17 November 2020 20:49 EST

Comments

Mr Grassley's departure leaves the path open for Mr Graham to take over his seat (Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

Support Now

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Senator Chuck Grassley, the oldest Republican in the chamber, has tested positive for Covid-19, he tweeted on Tuesday.

“I've tested positive for coronavirus,” the Iowa Republican wrote. “I’ll [be] following my doctors’ orders/CDC guidelines & continue to quarantine. I’m feeling good + will keep up on my work for the ppl of Iowa from home. I appreciate everyone’s well wishes + prayers &look fwd to resuming my normal schedule soon.”

Mr Grassley announced earlier on Tuesday he would quarantine after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.

That decision caused him to miss Senate votes for the first time in 27 years, when he was unable to attend several vote series due to flooding in his home state.

His positive test results makes him one of millions of Americans who have contracted the coronavirus in recent weeks as the US experiences a surge in cases.

The Iowa Republican, 87, is the second-longest-serving senator behind Vermont Democrat Patrick Leahy, having represented his state since 1981. Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein, the oldest senator, is less than three months older than Mr Grassley. Both were born in 1933.

Covid-19 has killed nearly 250,000 Americans since it landed on these shores last winter.

It disproportionately kills older people, medical researchers have found, although therapeutics for people who catch it have greatly improved over time.

Mr Grassley was talking with reporters at the Capitol as recently as Monday evening.

On Tuesday, he became the second Republican senator within the last week to announce he was going into isolation after possible Covid-19 exposure.

Florida Senator Rick Scott is still in isolation, though he has not announced a positive test result.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies