WASHINGTON DC (September 17, 2019) — Senator Charles "Chuck" Grassley today released an informational guide for Iowans to learn more about a historic leadership position of the US Senate.
As the longest-serving current Republican lawmaker in the US Senate, Sen Grassley in January was sworn in as the 91st Senate President pro tem (PPT) for the 116th Congress, a constitutional office third in line to the presidency.
“Today is Constitution Day. As only the second Iowan to serve in this constitutional office of the Senate, it’s a great honor to hold this position on behalf of Iowans,” Sen Grassley said. “This platform gives me another opportunity to elevate dialogue and civic education. Our nation’s founders foretold the best mortar-mix needed to cement our system of self-government for posterity. And that is an informed and active citizenry.”
Sen Grassley has prioritized civic engagement throughout his time in public office, including keeping a commitment to meet with Iowans in each of Iowa’s 99 counties, at least once, every year since he was elected to the Senate in 1981. In August, Sen Grassley completed his 39th consecutive year meeting with Iowans across the state. What’s more, Sen Grassley frequently holds Q&As with school students in person and online. A prolific social-media user, Iowa’s senior senator regularly keeps in touch with younger generations by making it a priority to meet with thousands of students who visit the nation’s capital throughout the year in Washington DC.
“Many Iowans ask about partisanship and the lack of civility in politics,” Sen Grassley continued. “It’s more important than ever for people, especially younger generations, to study American history and civics. Bridging the ideological and philosophical divide won’t work without a fundamental understanding of the Constitution and respect for opposing points of view. Demagoguery and apathy throw sand in the gears of our constitutional republic.”
A federal lawmaker with a love of history, Grassley called upon the words of Thomas Jefferson, “If a nation expects to be ignorant and free in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be. If we are to guard against ignorance and remain free, it is the responsibility of every American to be informed.”
Last year, Sen Grassley hosted a youth summit in Cedar Rapids attended by more than 100 students and educators from 20 schools throughout Northeast Iowa. As then-chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen Grassley worked to foster a better understanding of the federal judiciary among the next generation and encourage young people to engage in civic life in their communities.
Throughout his service in the Senate, Sen Grassley also has welcomed nearly a thousand college-age Iowans to participate in his internship program where they gain valuable work experience and learn more about representative government. Applications are being accepted for the next session that starts in January.
