U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley is well known for visiting all 99 counties in Iowa every year. Many of his annual stops are in small, rural towns often overlooked by politicians.

But Grassley, a Republican, is a farmer who knows all about life in rural communities because he has lived it. He combines his own knowledge with what he learns from everyday folks in rural Iowa and goes to Washington well-prepared to introduce legislation to support rural health care, broadband service, relief following natural disasters, and economic development, among many other things.

His steadfast support of rural communities has recently been recognized by a national group.

He recently received the Congressional Champion Award from the Rural Community Assistance Partnership.

That group supports rural communities with assistance for economic development, finances and compliance with rules and regulations. It places special emphasis on rural water systems, providing training for the people who operate them.

The organization said it bestows the award on ”policymakers who have gone above and beyond in supporting policies that support small communities and take actions to make it a reality.”

We believe that is a very good description of U.S. Sen, Charles Grassley.

Congratulations on the award, senator.