87-Year-Old Sen. Chuck Grassley Tests Positive for COVID-19

Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) said Tuesday evening that he’s tested positive for COVID-19, hours after he revealed that he’d been exposed to the virus and would be quarantining. Grassley, 87, wrote on Twitter that he was feeling well. “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,” he said. “I appreciate everyone’s well wishes + prayers &look fwd to resuming my normal schedule soon.” First elected in 1980, Grassley serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore—the longest-serving member of the majority party—making him third in line for the presidency. He is also chair of the Senate Finance Committee. His quarantine means Grassley missed his first Senate votes in 27 years, the longest current streak of any senator, according to The Washington Post’s Paul Kane.

Grassley is the second Republican senator this week to enter quarantine after coming into contact with someone who has tested positive. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) said he would begin quarantine on Saturday.