Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has tested positive for the coronavirus, adding Wednesday that he remains "symptom free."
Why it matters: Grassley is the second oldest member of the Senate at 87 years old, meaning he is at high risk for a severe infection, according to the CDC. The Iowa senator is the third in the line of succession to the presidency as president pro tempore of the Senate.
- The Senator was seen at the Capitol speaking to reporters Monday afternoon, per CNN.
- The announcement comes a week after Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), who is also 87, announced he had contracted the virus.
What he's saying: Grassley wrote that he is "feeling good" and will continue to quarantine. He did not specify how he was exposed.
- "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."
Worth noting: Grassley had not missed a Senate vote for 27 years until earlier Tuesday, when he wrote in a statement he would quarantine after being exposed to the virus. The Senate does not let members vote remotely.
