WASHINGTON – Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), president pro tempore emeritus of the U.S. Senate, today received the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his significant work in strengthening relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the United States. The award, one of Japan’s highest honors, was presented to Grassley today at an event at the Japanese Ambassador’s residence in Washington. 
 
“The friendship between Japan and the United States spans decades, hemispheres and ideas. I’m honored to receive this recognition, especially from such great friends and allies. I work hard to break down trade barriers and find additional markets for the farmers in my state. That’s why I’m so grateful, that when I was Chairman of the Finance Committee, Japan and the United States completed a bilateral trade agreement. With our trade agreement in place, Iowa farmers have certainty with one of our largest trading partners. I look forward to continuing to foster the relationship between our two great countries,” Grassley said. 
 
Grassley, during his multiple stints as chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, has long been an advocate for robust trade between Japan and the United States, continually working to expand the partnership, especially for agricultural goods. The senator has met with and hosted Japanese diplomats for decades, including on tours of Iowa. 
 
The Order of the Rising Sun was established in 1875. The Grand Cordon is the highest award ordinarily bestowed by the government of Japan. Among the few past American recipients of the award are former Senate Majority Leader Mike Mansfield, Senate president pro tempore Daniel Inouye, Senator John McCain and Vice President Richard B. Cheney. 
 
 
 
H.E. Koji Tomita, Japanese Ambassador to the United States, confers Grand Cordon diploma to U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) at the Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C. 
 

 
U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) speaks at ceremony after receiving the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun from the Japanese Ambassador to the United States 
 
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