We’ve long known that U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley gets things done and done right in Washington, D.C.

Now, an organization led by professors from Vanderbilt University and the University of Virginia has recognized that fact and has announced it nationwide.

The non-partisan Center for Effective Lawmaking has named Grassley the most effective lawmaker for the recently concluded 115th Congress. He rose to first place in the study, climbing up from fifth most effective lawmaker in the 114th Congress.

This is the third time Grassley, a Republican, has scored first in the study.

The center’s staff based its scoring of representatives and senators on 15 measures, including the number of bills sponsored by each lawmaker, how far those bills go in the legislative process and how important those policy proposals are to the country.

The analysis listed 73 bills Grassley introduced on farm conservation, renewable energy, criminal and juvenile justice reform, prescription drug prices, student debt, foster care, drug addiction, mental health, school safety, rural health care, victims rights and veterans services.

The 115th Congress was in session in 2017 and 2018. During that time Grassley was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Under his leadership, the committee passed 60 bipartisan bills and reviewed 85 judicial nominees, including two U.S. Supreme Court justices.

The 116th Congress began in January. At that time, Grassley became Senate president pro tem. That’s a leadership role, that among other things, puts him third in line to the presidency, behind the vice president and the speaker of the House of Representatives.

He also again became chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. From 2001 to 2010, he served as either ranking member or chairman of that committee.

Grassley is an Iowa farmer at heart. He has the work ethic and integrity of an Iowa farmer and that’s why he gets things done in Washington, D.C.

His service should be an example to all in government. We’re proud that he’s one of our senators.