Mr. President, I am sorely disappointed today that we were not able to pass this commonsense legislation. And we have seen, time and time again, actual examples being put forth in this body to demonstrate the grift of these scammers. And, unfortunately, we are not able to pass what is bipartisan legislation--a package of bills that has passed through many of the various committees here in the U.S. Senate--again, a bipartisan package that stops the grift and the scamming of the Federal Government.
2026 MidtermsOpen SeatR+13$2.0M raised
Joni Ernst
Senator · Iowa · Republican
Joni Ernst
Senate Floor
Recent comments in the Senate
Mr. President, while hard-working Americans are struggling to afford basic necessities, there is one class of people who have never had it better: fraudsters. Scammers are stealing more than $1.4 billion from taxpayers every day. Yesterday, I released a list of con artists who each fraudulently billed government programs for $1 billion or more. These billionaire bandits looted programs for the elderly, poor, disabled, and veterans to lavish themselves with million-dollar mansions, Rolex watches, expensive jewelry, and luxury cars. One fraudster brags: I had everything.
We had the Cy-Hawk game just 2 weekends ago. Unfortunately, my Cyclones fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes. But God bless Coach Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes. It was another great game for all of Iowa. Mr. President, I am here today to talk a little bit more about our national and economic security of the United States. This has really been the focus of my career--protecting that national and economic security.
Biography
Joni Ernst, a former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, was elected as the U.S. Senator from Iowa in 2014. Drawing on her military experience, she focuses on strengthening national security, supporting Iowa farmers, and advocating for government accountability. Ernst authored the "Squeal Act," targeting wasteful government spending, and serves on key committees including Armed Services and Agriculture. She is known for her pragmatic approach and for amplifying rural voices in Washington, consistently engaging with constituents to address their concerns.
Education
- M.P.A., Columbus State University, Columbus, GA1995
- B.S. in Psychology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA1992
Professional History
U.S. Senator
2015–PresentSenator from Iowa. 2 terms.
Member, Iowa Senate
2011–14Auditor, Montgomery County
2005–11
Policy Focus
Government Operations and Politics12%
Commerce6%
Armed Forces and National Security5%
Health4%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Joni Ernst's record in Congress.
Combatting Sexual Assault in the Military
Co-led the passage of the Military Justice Improvement and Increasing Prevention Act to reform how the military handles sexual assault cases.
E15 Year-Round Sales
Secured EPA approval for year-round sales of E15 ethanol fuel, supporting Iowa’s corn and biofuels industries.
Support for Veterans
Championed the HAVEN Act, protecting veterans’ disability benefits during bankruptcy proceedings.
Flood Disaster Relief Funding
Helped secure federal disaster relief funding for Iowa communities impacted by severe flooding in 2019.
Committee Assignments
View details →- Senate Committee on Small Business and EntrepreneurshipChairman
- Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry
- Senate Committee on Armed Services
- Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
Sen. Joni Ernst FAQ
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