Update: Senator Grassley confirmed Tuesday evening that he had tested positive for COVID-19.
Since 1993, each of the 8,927 times the Senate has been called to vote, Iowa’s Chuck Grassley has been in the chamber to cast a vote on behalf of Iowans. That record streak came to an end Tuesday as the Senator awaited COVID-19 test results following a possible exposure to the virus. That last missed vote in 1993 came as Grassley toured flooded areas of Iowa with President Bill Clinton.
Grassley announced earlier Tuesday that he had been exposed to the virus and was quarantining under his doctor’s orders as he awaited test results. He said he is not experiencing symptoms.
“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. “While I await the results of my coronavirus test, I’m continuing to work for Iowans from home. 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.”
The missed vote was a cloture motion on the nomination of Judy Shelton to the board of the Federal Reserve. The vote failed, preventing the nomination from moving to a final vote in the Senate.
Grassley broke the Senate voting streak record in 2016, according to a release from the Senator’s office. The record was previously held by former Wisconsin Senator William Proxmire.
