Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley said on Tuesday he tested positive for coronavirus and would quarantine at home, ending a 27-year streak of voting in every Senate roll call — a record 8,927 in all — since 1993.
“I’m disappointed that I wasn’t able to vote today in the Senate but the health of others is more important than any record,” said Grassley, 87, in a statement. A member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Grassley chairs the Finance Committee and as Senate president pro tempore, is third in the line of succession for the presidency.
“I’ll b following my doctors’ orders/CDC guidelines & continue to quarantine,” said Grassley on social media. He went into quarantine earlier in the day after learning he had been exposed to the virus. “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.”
Grassley said: “I’m feeling well and not currently experiencing any symptoms, but it’s important we all follow public health guidelines to keep each other healthy.”