Chuck Grassley visited Mediapolis High School Thursday, taking questions from students during a 45-minute discussion that covered topics ranging from trade and agriculture to prescription drug costs and political polarization.
Grassley, who has represented Iowa in the U.S. Senate since 1981, told students that while partisanship has grown, bipartisan work still happens behind the scenes, particularly in committees. He pointed to his own record of cooperation and cited recent bipartisan efforts on issues like prescription drug costs, while also criticizing pharmacy benefit managers for contributing to high prices.
Students asked about tariffs, third parties, and agriculture policy. Grassley said he supports free trade and warned tariffs can raise consumer costs, while also expressing skepticism about third-party movements. On agriculture, he said programs like carbon credits may offer opportunities but could come with challenges for Midwestern farmers.
