Republican Senator Joni Ernst met with the acting director of the EPA this week to discuss expanding ethanol sales. The EPA is closed because of the government shutdown, so there's concern rules to allow summertime sales of fuel with a higher blend of ethanol will not be adopted in time. "That's … [Read more...]
Ernst says physical barrier not needed along some areas of border
Republican Senator Joni Ernst says now that there's divided government in Washington, it's up to President Trump and Democratic congressional leaders to find a border security solution that ends the partial government shutdown. "I would tend to agree that not all areas of our border needs a … [Read more...]
Iowa delegation reaction to president’s Oval Office speech
Members of Iowa's congressional delegation say it's time to end the partial government shut-down, but their responses to President Trump's Oval Office address vary, based on their political affiliation. Republican Senator Joni Ernst said Democrats in congress "are playing games with the safety and … [Read more...]
Ernst touts Pentagon requirement to track, treat soldiers’ brain injuries
Republican Senator Joni Ernst, a combat veteran, says one of her top legislative accomplishments this past year was a collaboration with one of the Senate's most liberal Democrats. "That measure in the National Defense Authorization Act to raise awareness and to treat traumatic brain injury, that … [Read more...]
Vilsack casts doubt on success of ‘make ’em squeal’ mantra
Former Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack is not closing the door on the idea he might run for the U.S. Senate in 2020, but Vilsack today said the more immediate task for Iowa Democrats is to be "well-prepared" with the right questions for what he referred to as the "onslaught" of presidential candidates … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst hopeful partial government shutdown won’t happen
A partial federal government shutdown will happen Friday if lawmakers fail to resolve an impasse -- and Republican Senator Joni Ernst says it's unclear what may happen this week. "Most of the government -- the larger, lion's share of the government -- is currently funded. We were able to get a … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst touts the passage of Farm Bill, rollback of WOTUS rules
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she is pleased to see the five-year Farm Bill passed even though there are some compromises in the bill. The Republican from Red Oak voted for the bill, while fellow Senator Chuck Grassley voted against it. "I know that Senator Grassley had his own concerns and the … [Read more...]
Iowa’s two U.S. senators split vote on Farm Bill
Iowa's two U.S. Senators parted ways in Tuesday's approval of a new five-year Farm Bill. Joni Ernst voted in favor of the compromise bill, which now goes to the House. Chuck Grassley was one of just 13 Republicans voting against the bill. "It's the small and medium-sized farmers that needs the help … [Read more...]
Senator Ernst running again in 2020, welcomes any challengers
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, says there is no doubt she will seek a second term in 2020. Ernst says, "I am running again, so to anyone who would like to step up and enter into that race, I say 'bring it on.'" Ernst became the first woman elected to Congress from Iowa in 2014 … [Read more...]
Iowa lawmakers chide Veterans Administration for GI Bill benefit payment problems
It's unclear when or even if veterans who've been short-changed on their "Forever GI Bill" benefits may get what they're owed. Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican who is a combat veteran, is among those who've asked the Veterans Administration for an explanation. "Someone from the VA had indicated … [Read more...]