Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, recently reflected on his experiences with parenting and public service in an opinion piece published in the Wall Street Journal. Grassley referenced Rahm Emanuel’s op-ed “Lessons From Modern Parenthood,” noting that despite party differences, he agreed with Emanuel’s perspective on family life.
“After years of policymaking and parenting, I agree that there’s no ‘secret sauce’ to raising a family. Good parenting isn’t partisan. My wife of 71 years and I agree with the Emanuels on the ritual of eating together as a family. The conversations around the table in my own childhood are seared in my memory—they prompted an interest in government that turned into my vocation,” Grassley wrote.
He acknowledged his wife Barbara’s role in their household during his time working in Washington: “When our five kids were growing up, I can’t pretend I was at every meal. I give Barbara credit for serving as commander in chief of our household, acting as mom, homework-helper, chore-taskmaster and more when I was in Washington. Yet there was no daylight between us in our approach to parenthood. We taught our kids to work hard and live by the Golden Rule. Farm chores and school work didn’t leave much time to waste on television.”
Grassley addressed contemporary challenges facing parents: “Raising kids today comes with new challenges, but the fundamentals haven’t changed. Our advice: Stick your nose in their business and keep strict boundaries. The internet poses risks beyond idleness and harm to mental health. Nefarious predators are targeting children with all manner of schemes.”
He also highlighted bipartisan efforts within the Senate Judiciary Committee: “As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I’m leading bipartisan efforts with Sen. Dick Durbin (D., Ill.) to combat online child exploitation and keep the next generation safe. Our reforms will help deter bad actors by revamping federal sentencing laws, targeting online criminal networks and cracking down on offenders who use child sex-abuse material to extort and coerce children.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee plays a significant role within the legislative branch by overseeing judicial nominations, reviewing legislation related to criminal justice and civil liberties, supervising law enforcement entities, and influencing public safety policies nationwide through its legislative duties (official website). The committee is led by a chairperson who oversees meetings involving senators from both major parties (official website).
Grassley concluded his reflection by emphasizing traditional values: “Barbara and I didn’t fall into helicopter- or tiger-parenting categories. Our Midwestern philosophy was handed down from our parents: Have faith in God and yourself; don’t worry about failure—it yields resilience—and remember that love guarantees you a permanent seat at the supper table.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee continues its longstanding influence over federal law and judicial oversight from its offices in Washington, D.C., maintaining responsibilities over legal matters that affect constitutional protections across the country (official website).
