Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Senate President Pro Tempore
“Anniversary of the Senate Convening for the First Time”
Wednesday, March 4, 2026

VIDEO

 

…As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this year, I want to acknowledge the anniversary of the Senate convening on this day, 237 years ago.

On March the 4th, 1789, the U.S. Senate convened for the first time at New York City's Federal Hall.

However, this body didn’t reach a quorum, so it couldn’t do business until April the 6th, 1789, when the 12th member arrived.

The Senate began convening in January instead of March in 1935 because the Congress and the state legislatures ratified the 20th Amendment.

The Senate was designed by the Constitution’s writers to protect states with smaller populations from being silenced by larger states.

So, obviously, [having] two senators from each state does that. And remember, until 1913, senators were selected by their state legislatures.

Now, 237 years later, this body’s size has grown to 100 and how senators assume office, by popular election, has changed, but the role of the Senate as a deliberative body has not changed.

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