Sen. Chuck Grassley has returned to the Senate on Monday after clearing an asymptomatic case of the coronavirus.
Grassley, 87, tested positive for the virus earlier this month.
The Iowa Republican serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore, fourth in line to the presidency, and is also chairman of the Finance Committee.
In a statement, Grassley said he worked from home during quarantine and was cleared to return to D.C. by his doctor.
“I did not experience symptoms, but more than a thousand Americans are dying every day, and many more are hospitalized,” Grassley said in a statement. “This means we all have to do our part and help protect our friends, family, and fellow Americans. I will continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing.”
Grassley praised “promising vaccine news … that makes staying vigilant in the coming months all the more important.”
Grassley called on Congress to end a monthslong partisan stalemate and pass a new round of coronavirus aid.
Grassley’s temporary absence broke a streak of nearly 9,000 consecutive votes in the Senate, going back to 1993.
