Iowa’s United States senators now hold some very influential positions as the Congress begins its new session.

Sen. Charles Grssley, a Republican, is the Senate’s president pro tempore. That means he presides over the chamber when the vice president of the United States, who also serves as president of the Senate, isn’t present.

Being president pro tempore also puts Grassley in the line of succession to the presidency, behind the vice president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

Grassley will additionally be chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he led from 2015 to 2019.

“I’m honored to lead the Judiciary Committee once again,” Grassley said in a written statement. “As chairman, I’m tasked with defending the Constitution, our nation’s most cherished document, and upholding the strength and independence of the federal judiciary. The Judiciary Committee will play a major role in securing our border and restoring the rule of law. It’s a serious responsibility, and I’m eager to get to work.”

That panel will soon hold hearings on the nomination of Pam Bondi to be attorney general.

Grassley will also serve on the Agriculture, Budget, and Finance committees.

Sen. Joni Ernst, also a Republican, will serve as chairwoman of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee.

She will also serve on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, Agriculture and Armed Services committees.

“In this new Republican majority, I’m ready to hit the ground running to serve Iowans,” Ernst said in a written statement “Through my work on these committees, I will continue fighting for a Farm Bill that prioritizes our farmers, supporting our small businesses, keeping Iowans safe at home and abroad, slashing government spending and overreach, and making Washington squeal.”

U.S. Senate Committee Assignments

Sen. Charles Grassley

President pro tempore

Committees:

Judiciary, chairman

Agriculture

Budget

Finance

Sen. Joni Ernst

Committees:

Small Business and Entrepreneurship, chairwoman

Agriculture

Armed Services

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs