Grassley sworn in as Senate President Pro Tempore for the 119th Congress

WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) was sworn in as President pro tempore of the Senate. The President pro tempore is a constitutional office customarily bestowed on the longest-serving member of the Senate majority party. As President pro tempore, Grassley is now the second highest-ranking official in the Senate—behind the Vice President, who serves as President of the Senate—and follows the Vice President and Speaker of the House in the line of presidential succession. 

“It’s once again a privilege for me and for Iowa to serve as President pro tempore of the Senate. Additional responsibility won’t change the work ethic I learned as a boy on our Butler County farm. I’ll bring the same Iowa values of hard work, decency and common sense to this role as I have throughout my time in public service,” Grassley said. “I look forward to continuing to foster civic engagement and upholding the Senate’s reputation as the greatest deliberative body in the world.” 

The U.S. Constitution established the office of the President pro tempore, meaning President “for the time being,” to preside over the Senate in the Vice President’s absence. Duties of the President pro tempore include:

● Convening the Senate;

● Recognizing senators desiring to speak on the Senate floor;

● Deciding points of order;

● Enforcing decorum;

● Administering oaths required by the Constitution;

● Signing legislation that has passed both chambers of Congress – known as “enrolled bills” – before they are delivered to the White House for the President’s signature;

● Recommending appointments of various congressional officers, certain commissions, advisory boards and committees. 

The President pro tempore is one of three legislative officers specifically named in the U.S. Constitution. Grassley is the 91st senator to serve as President pro tempore. He previously served as President pro tempore from 2019 to 2021. The only other Iowan to hold this office was Sen. Albert Cummins from 1919 to 1925. 

Grassley's comments:

Yesterday, I was honored to be sworn in once again as President pro tempore of the United States Senate. I previously held the position from 2019 to 2021.This constitutional leadership role is traditionally held by the most senior member of the majority party and places me third in the line of presidential succession, following the Vice President and Speaker of the House.

I’m only the second Iowan in history to serve as President pro tempore, following in the footsteps of Senator Albert B. Cummins, who served in this role from 1919 to 1925. Iowa is number one in the Senate as a result of my leadership. I’m looking forward to delivering for our great state as President pro tempore and Senate Judiciary Chairman this Congress.