Q: What’s new on your plate in the U.S. Senate in the 119th Congress?

A: Voters in the 2024 elections delivered a fresh mandate to Washington, D.C., returning President Trump to the White House and putting Republicans in control of both houses of Congress. That means the U.S. Senate will be led by a Republican Majority in the 119th Congress, where Sen. John Thune of South Dakota will serve as Majority Leader and I will resume chairmanship of the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the committee’s helm, I’ll work to uphold the independence of the federal judiciary, a vital lever of government accountability in our system of checks and balances. One of the original standing committees in the U.S. Senate, the Judiciary Committee has broad legislative jurisdiction, including issues related to immigration, crime, controlled substances, civil liberties, antitrust, intellectual property and more. Iowans know I place a high priority on congressional oversight and strengthening whistleblower protections; this platform will empower me to conduct rigorous oversight over the Department of Justice and various federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security. In addition, the Judiciary Committee manages all Article III judicial nominations, including nominees to district and circuit courts, as well as the Supreme Court.

On Jan. 3, I was sworn in as President pro tempore in the Senate, a position customarily filled by the most senior member of the Senate Majority party. Having served in this leadership role during the 116th Congress, I appreciate what an honor it is for Iowans. I look forward to carrying out the responsibilities of this office, one of only three legislative officers named in the Constitution. The only other Iowan to ascend to this constitutional office was Sen. Albert B. Cummins, who served as President pro tempore for four Congresses in the early 20th century.

A: One of the top priorities of the incoming Trump administration is border security. During the Biden-Harris administration, more than 10 million illegal immigrants broke federal laws to enter our country without permission, overwhelming social services in communities across the country, empowering dangerous cartels to exploit the border crisis, expand illicit drug and human trafficking networks and imperil American sovereignty. With gavel in hand on the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m eager to roll up my sleeves and work with my colleagues to secure the border and tackle violent crime on behalf of the American people. I’ll also continue serving on the Senate Finance, Budget and Agriculture Committees. From these policymaking tables, I’ll work to deliver on extending the Trump tax cuts before they expire at the end of 2025. Those efforts will include preventing a $4 trillion tax increase that would hit most families and small business owners, including family farmers, as well as a $1,700 tax hike for a typical family of four, restoring pro-growth business provisions, including bonus depreciation and full expensing for research and development costs. I’ll also continue pushing to cut drug prices and hold the pharmaceutical industry accountable, put more farm in a new five-year Farm Bill; and, restore regular order to the federal budget process. Americans are fed up with massive spending bills that drive up deficit spending and saddle the next generation with debt. As always, my door is open. I encourage Iowans to keep in touch and share your views and concerns.

U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley represents Iowa.