Grassley said he was pleased to have the opportunity to work for Iowa agriculture on the ag committee again. He plans to immediately address concentration issues that adversely affect the family farmer and value-added agriculture.
"I've always been a loud, clear voice for the family farmer and rural Iowa. Now, I'm looking forward to having a seat at the table again," Grassley said. "As the only working family farmer in the United States Senate it's important that I'm able to work for Iowa's rural interest through both the Finance and Agriculture committees."
Grassley previously served on the committee from January 1992 through January 1995. To accommodate new senators following the 1994 election, committee assignments were redistributed according to seniority. At that time, Sen. John Warner, of Virginia, opted for the last available GOP slot on the Agriculture Committee and prevented Grassley's return to the panel. At the first opportunity, Grassley regained a seat on the Ag Committee and served from October 1995 through Dec. 2000.
In January 2000, Grassley had to give up his committee assignment when he became chairman of the Senate Finance Committee in 2001 because of a rule that restricted the ability of chairmen of major committees from serving on three major committees. The rule has since been changed and Grassley petitioned to be placed back on the Agriculture Committee at the earliest possible time.
Grassley will also be able to promote agriculture as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over all agricultural and estate taxes, rural health care, and international trade matters.
In addition, Grassley is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, where he has led the effort to ensure a competitive environment for family farmers from transportation to marketing.