The U.S. Senate ratified the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement today, cementing a major new trade deal that's been years in the making. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, says this is a vital pact with our neighbors to the north and south and promises a tremendous boost for … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst says Iran General Soleimani brought to justice
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst says America and the world is safer after the military strike that killed Iran's top general. Ernst, a Republican, is the only member of Iowa's congressional delegation who has released a statement on the operation. Ernst said Qassem Soleimani orchestrated heinous and … [Read more...]
Hamburg levee fight sparks Ernst and Axne bills seeking Corps changes
A bipartisan group of lawmakers who represent Iowa and Nebraska are joining to sponsor legislation that would help communities like Hamburg that are fighting federal rules about making temporary levees permanent. Iowa Congresswoman Cindy Axne of West Des Moines, a Democrat, said additions to a … [Read more...]
As expected, party-line split in Iowa delegation on impeachment vote
The three Iowa Democrats serving in the U.S. House voted to impeach President Trump tonight. Congressman Steve King, the only Iowa Republican in the delegation, opposed it. He said earlier this afternoon that Democrats were trying to undo the results of the 2016 election. "They brought this case … [Read more...]
Ernst says she favors speedy trial for ‘political exercise’ of impeachment
Republican Senator Joni Ernst today said she favors a "speedy trial" if -- as expected -- the House sends articles of impeachment against President Trump to the Senate. "Obviously, we all are paying attention to impeachment," Ernst said, "and I have not seen anything that has come out of the … [Read more...]
Pro-impeachment rallies held in six Iowa cities on eve of House vote
Supporters of impeachment held outdoor rallies in six Iowa cities tonight. A few hundred gathered near the steps to the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines, chanting and singing songs. Kristin Peyton of Ames came with a hand-made sign. "I dropped everything to be here," Peyton said. "I'm here for the … [Read more...]
Senate Judiciary Committee holds hearing on opioid crisis
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst leading a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee today on the opioid crisis. Illinois Senator Dick Durbin is on the committee and questioned how the federal Drug Enforcement Agency determines how many painkillers are produced. He cited a southeast Iowa county as an … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst says USMCA approval delayed by Democrats
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says there could be a push for the leader of the Senate to bring up a vote on the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement before the end of the year -- but she says the timing doesn't look good. "The likelihood of that happening is very, very, slim. It is hard to get unanimous … [Read more...]
Iowans see positive development on USMCA ratification
Iowa politicians, commodity groups and Iowa's business community are celebrating news of a deal that will lead to U.S. House ratification of a new trade agreement to replace NAFTA. Passage of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement will close out 2019 with a win for farmers who've had a difficult year, … [Read more...]
Ernst and Senate’s Democratic leader feud over Violence Against Women Act
Republican Senator Joni Ernst and the top Democrat in the senate are hurling accusations at one another over a bill to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. Ernst accuses New York Senator Chuck Schumer of blocking Democrats from supporting the bill to hurt her bid for re-election. Schumer … [Read more...]