U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) issued a statement following President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address, reflecting on her previous experience and ongoing priorities.
“After my first State of the Union, I was honored to deliver the Republican response. That evening eleven years ago, I focused on priorities for the new Senate Republican majority, including affordability, security, and getting Washington to work for the people. But ultimately, I told my story of growing up in Iowa and how an ordinary Iowan like me was given an extraordinary opportunity to serve.
“Tonight, President Trump shared how he is delivering on those priorities and creating a stronger, safer, and more prosperous America, so more ‘ordinary’ Americans have extraordinary opportunities. From securing our border and crushing the threat of fentanyl, to slashing gas prices, delivering the largest tax cut in history, and declaring war on fraud, I have been proud to partner with him to deliver results for hardworking folks. As commander in chief, he is standing up to our adversaries and showing that he has our servicemembers’ backs, so the sacrifices of our heroes like Iowan Staff Sgts. Howard and Torres-Tovar will always be honored.
“As we approach the historic 250th anniversary of our great nation’s founding, I’m inspired by President Trump’s strong vision for our future, and I look forward to continuing to work alongside him as we usher in the Golden Age of American greatness for every American.”
Senator Ernst hosted Arianna Howard—a Gold Star wife from Iowa—as her guest at this year’s address. This gesture followed the deaths of Iowa National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Nate Howard and Staff Sgt. Torres-Tovar while serving abroad.
In 2015, Ernst became notable as the first freshman senator to deliver a Republican response to a State of the Union address.
Ernst serves as a U.S. Senator representing Iowa within the federal legislative branch according to her official website. She leads several committees including Small Business and Entrepreneurship while also participating in Armed Services; Agriculture; Nutrition and Forestry; as well as Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs as detailed online. Her office handles constituent services such as casework across all regions of Iowa and offers assistance with public inquiries. Elected in 2014, Ernst became both Iowa’s first woman senator and its first female combat veteran in that chamber per official records.
