WASHINGTON – Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa confirmed Tuesday that he has tested positive for COVID-19, only hours after announcing he was in quarantine after being exposed to the novel coronavirus.
Grassley, 87, who is both president pro tempore and the most senior Republican in the chamber, said he will continue governing remotely from home, breaking a 27-year streak of not missing a single Senate vote, KCCI reported.
“I’m disappointed I wasn’t able to vote today in the Senate, but the health of others is more important than any record. My voting streak reflects how seriously I take my commitment to represent Iowans. Choosing not to potentially expose others to this deadly virus is obviously the right and responsible thing to do,” Grassley said in a statement prior to receiving his positive test results.
“After my quarantine ends, I’ll be back in the Senate to represent Iowans and vote on their behalf. I urge my fellow Iowans and all Americans to follow public health guidelines for their own sake and for the sake of their friends, families and communities,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., confirmed Saturday that he was isolating after coming into “contact with someone who subsequently tested positive for COVID,” followed Monday by news that at least two members of the U.S. House of Representatives tested positive for the virus and that a third was in isolation after possible exposure, CNN reported.
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