Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley hospitalized with infection, oldest member of Senate

Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley, 90, hospitalized with infection. Will return to work soon. Oldest senator, known for daily runs.

Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who is currently the oldest member of the U.S. Senate, has been hospitalized in the Washington area due to an infection and is receiving antibiotic infusions, according to his office. At 90 years old, Grassley is expected to return to work as soon as possible, following his doctor's orders, and is said to be in good spirits. Although no additional details about his condition were provided, Grassley has been known for his resilience, having undergone hip surgery last year and briefly using a scooter to get around. Despite these challenges, the eight-term senator, who was previously known for his daily early morning runs, has appeared otherwise healthy in the halls of Congress.

As the current top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, Grassley has been a prominent figure in the Senate since he was first elected in 1980. He previously held the position of president pro tempore of the Senate until 2021, when Democrats took control. The president pro tempore presides over the chamber, opens proceedings every day, and is third in the line of presidential succession. Grassley's political career began in 1956 when he was elected to the state Legislature at the age of 23. He then served 18 years at the Statehouse before being elected to the U.S. House in 1974.

Last fall, Grassley became the oldest senator after the death of Democratic Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, who was three months his senior. Despite his age and recent health concerns, Grassley has remained a resilient and influential figure in the Senate, continuing to serve his constituents and fulfill his duties as a public servant.