Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), 87, on Tuesday afternoon announced that he tested positive for COVID-19, hours after he learned that he had been “exposed to the coronavirus” and “immediately” quarantined as he awaited his test results.
I’ve tested positive for coronavirus. I’ll b 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
— ChuckGrassley (@ChuckGrassley) November 17, 2020
In his statement issued Tuesday morning confirming that he had learned of being exposed to COVID-19, which prompted him to “immediately” quarantine as a precaution as he awaited his test results, Grassley said he was “feeling well and not currently experiencing any symptoms.”
“But it’s important we all follow public health guidelines to keep each other healthy,” Grassley said on Tuesday morning.
Grassley’s office said that the Republican senator, who is the second oldest member in the chamber, will continue work virtually at his home in Iowa.
Grassley, who is the Senate pro tempore, has not missed a vote since 1993.
Grassley’s decision to quarantine comes as three Senate Republicans have come out against Trump’s controversial Federal Reserve Board of Governors nominee, Judy Shelton. Shelton’s final vote to join the Fed is expected Tuesday.
Last week, Rep. Don Young (R-AK), a 24-term congressman who recently won re-election and is the oldest member of Congress at 87, announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 amid a growing outbreak among Trump’s orbit.