What’s in store for the 116th Congress?

     A new year is a good time to take stock of what’s in store for the next 12 months. Like many Iowans, I take time to count my blessings. Representing Iowans in the U.S. Senate is an honor I don’t take for granted. And when the 116^th Congress opened for business on Jan. 3, I was especially grateful to receive a unanimous vote in the United States Senate to serve as the 91^st Senate President pro tempore. This is one of only three constitutional offices designated by the nation’s founders. Its primary duties include presiding over the daily business of the U.S. Senate. Other duties include upholding the rules, processes and institutional customs of the Senate, administering oaths and implementing orders jointly determined by the majority and minority leaders. Only one other senator from Iowa in history has been tapped to serve in this leadership position, Senator Albert B. Cummins, from 1919-25. It is a big honor for me and for Iowa. It is an opportunity to deliver results and stand up for the principles that make the Senate the world’s greatest deliberative body.

     I will work as hard as ever for Iowans and use this platform to promote principles I strive every day to uphold, including oversight, transparency and government accountability. After four years serving as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I will move to the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, where I will hold the gavel for the next two years.