Senator Chuck Grassley was hospitalized yesterday, January 16th, 2024, to receive treatment for an infection. His office announced the news in a statement, saying that he is “receiving antibiotic infusions at an area hospital.”
The 90-year-old senator, who is the oldest member of the Senate, is reportedly in good spirits and is expected to make a full recovery. His office did not provide any additional details about the nature of the infection or how long he is expected to remain in the hospital.
Grassley’s hospitalization comes just a few months after he underwent surgery to repair a fractured hip. He returned to the Senate a few weeks later, but has been using a wheelchair to get around.
Grassley is a Republican from Iowa and has been in the Senate since 1981. He is the chairman of the Judiciary Committee and is a ranking member on the Budget Committee.
His hospitalization is sure to have an impact on the Senate, as he is a key player in many important issues. It is unclear who will take over his duties on the Judiciary Committee while he is out, but Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) is the next most senior Republican on the committee.