Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst announced on Apr. 17 the Senate’s passage of the bipartisan Investing in All of America Act, led by Senator Roger Marshall. The legislation aims to expand access to capital for small manufacturers and businesses in rural communities, low-income areas, and critical technology sectors.
The bill increases investment in the Small Business Investment Company program, seeking to drive private capital toward small businesses across the country. Supporters say this measure will help strengthen America’s manufacturing workforce. Having already passed the U.S. House of Representatives, the legislation now awaits action from President Trump.
“As chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I’ve worked to ensure small manufacturers and businesses have the tools they need to build America’s industrial future here at home,” said Senator Ernst. “By expanding access to capital in rural communities, we can strengthen local economies and grow our manufacturing workforce. Thank you, Senator Marshall, for championing this solution, and I look forward to President Trump signing it into law.”
Senator Marshall also commented on the importance of investing in underserved areas: “America doesn’t win when rural and low-income communities are left on the sidelines,” he said. “This bill drives investment where it’s needed most — fueling job creation, strengthening local Kansas economies, and ensuring that the next wave of American growth reaches every corner of this country, not just the coasts. I’m proud to send this legislation to President Trump’s desk.”
Ernst has a long record of public service; she assists Iowans with federal agency matters such as Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard—achieving lieutenant colonel rank—and commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official website. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where values like hard work were emphasized according to her official website, Ernst became Iowa’s first woman elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website.
She holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s in public administration) according to her official website. Ernst is recognized as both Iowa’s first female combat veteran elected senator—and as an advocate for fiscal responsibility—serving on multiple Senate committees while continuing more than two decades of military service according to her official website.
Observers will watch closely as President Trump considers signing this legislation into law—a move supporters believe could spur economic growth beyond urban centers.
