U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) resumed the role of Senate president pro tempore.
The person who is the longest-serving senator in the majority party holds that position. Grassley was sworn in Friday, according to kcci.com.
Grassley, who has served in the Senate since 1981, previously held the position from 2019 through January 2021, when Democrats took control of Congress.
U.S. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.)has held the position since 2023, after former U.S. Sen. Patrick (D-Vt.) retired from Congress.
Leahy had the post from 2012 to 2015 and from 2021 to 2023.
Grassley said in a news release last month that he plans to focus on issues like passing the farm bill and ensuring federal government is accountable and efficient.
“In the New Year, I’ll hit the ground running to advance legislative efforts to secure the border, lower the price of prescription drugs, pass a five-year Farm Bill and curb wasteful spending,” Grassley said. “Congress has a long to-do list.”
This makes Grassley third in the presidential line of succession, per usa.gov.
The top 10 are:
- Vice President
- Speaker of the House
- President Pro Tempore of the Senate
- Secretary of State
- Secretary of the Treasury
- Secretary of Defense
- Attorney General
- Secretary of the Interior
- Secretary of Agriculture
- Secretary of Commerce
