EARLY LIFE
Chuck Grassley was born September 17, 1933, on a farm in Butler County, Iowa, where he continues to farm today. Coming of age on the heels of the Great Depression instilled principles of conservationism and fiscal conservatism. He was also brought up in a household that valued hard work and civic engagement. His mother, Ruth, was one of the first four women in Iowa to cast a vote following the ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment.
Grassley studied political science at the University of Northern Iowa, and frequently returns to his alma mater to root for the Panthers at athletic events.
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CAREERS & EXPERIENCES
GRASSLEY'S EXTRAORDINARY WORK ETHIC AND PASSION
for civic engagement is hardwired for public service. He began growing corn and soybeans at an early age and is one of only two active farmers in the Senate today. While farming, he also worked on various factory floors over a span of two decades, and was a member of the International Association of Machinists. Grassley also spent several years as an adjunct professor teaching government courses. His diverse work experience and rural background guide his policymaking in Washington.
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PUBLIC SERVICE
GRASSLEY IS THE LONGEST SERVING U.S. SENATOR IN IOWA HISTORY.
His seniority, experience and respect earned over years of service ensures Iowans have an influential seat at the policymaking table.
Grassley was first elected to the Iowa state legislature in 1958 and served there until Iowans sent him to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1974. In 1980, Grassley was elected to the U.S. Senate, where he's developed a reputation for bipartisanship and pragmatism. This approach to legislating consistently earns Grassley high marks as one of the Senate's most effective and collaborative lawmakers. In each post, serving Iowans has always been Grassley's guiding light and primary objective.
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FAST FACTS
BORN
September 17, 1933 in New Hartford, Iowa
FAMILY
Married Barbara Speicher 1954
Five children: Lee, Wendy, Robin, Michele, Jay
EDUCATION
B.A. 1955, M.A. 1956 Political Science
University of Northern Iowa
Ph.D. work, University of Iowa
OCCUPATION
Farmer (son, Robin, currently helps run family farm);
Sheet metal shearer 1959-1961
Assembly line worker 1961-1971
Adjunct government professor 1960s & 1970s
Elected to Iowa Legislature 1958
Elected to U.S. House of Representatives 1974
Elected to U.S. Senate 1980