Sen. Chuck Grassley Tests Positive Amid Senate Fight Over Safety Precautions

Grassley said in a statement that a test he took Tuesday morning “came back positive for the coronavirus” after announcing earlier in the afternoon that he was exposed to the virus and would self-isolate as he awaited results.

Grassley said he “still feels fine” and that he will “be keeping up on my work for the people of Iowa from home,” adding, “I look forward to resuming my normal schedule when I can.”

Reporters noted that Grassley was in the Senate as recently as Monday, with CNN’s Manu Raju reporting he “spoke on the floor as well, removing his mask as he spoke” HuffPost’s Igor Bobic tweeting he “spoke with reporters.”

Grassley was also seen on video standing close by Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va), who he gave a pat on the back, the Washington Post reported.

The news comes against the backdrop of a fiery debate over mask-wearing in the Senate chambers, with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) calling Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) a “complete ass” for admonishing Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) when he failed to mask up while presiding over a session Monday.

But Republicans are far from alone in shirking coronavirus precautions: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) was seen on video huddled with advisers without a mask, while Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) fist-bumped Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) as she stood closely with Sens. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.).