Chuck Grassley Mocked Over Complaint About Missing Family Reunion: ‘Retire’

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa has been taken to task on Twitter after lamenting that Senate business would force him to miss a “Grassley family reunion” for a second consecutive year.

Grassley tweeted on Friday that Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York had, for the second year running, decided on a Senate schedule that will force him to miss his family reunion. The Iowa Republican said that he would need to remain in Washington, D.C., to “fight” the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act instead, although the bill is expected to pass regardless of Republican opposition due to united support from Democrats.

“Each Dec Schumer puts out schedule for Senate I set Grassley family reunion based on schedule,” Grassley tweeted. “For 2nd yr in row I won’t be at reunion I’m in DC to fight Dems irresponsible tax&spend bill. Need a Republican majority to hv schedule we can count on & A RESPONSIBLE FISCAL AGENDA.”

Reactions to the tweet were largely negative, with many commenting that a large number of workers are regularly forced to miss family events due to work obligations. Some also urged the 88-year-old senator, who is running for reelection this year, to retire.

“Sen @ChuckGrassley tweets the people’s business keeps him from a family reunion,” tweeted Admiral Michael Franken, Grassley’s Democratic opponent in the November 8 election. “What a travesty! The horror!! Try deploying for a year in inhospitable places doing the Nation’s business. Try telling your 4YO you’ll see her after kindergarten graduation. Try retiring.”