Joni Ernst

ICYMI in the New York Post: Ernst, Harrigan Call on Congress to Stand Up for U.S.-Allied Warriors | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Ernst and Harrigan call on Congress to formally recognize the contributions of allied Special Operations Forces and oppose what they characterize as politically motivated retroactive prosecutions of allied soldiers for actions taken during combat operations in Afghanistan.

WASHINGTON – As King Charles III visited the United States this week, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), who both served in combat, penned an op-ed announcing their resolution that recognizes the longstanding contributions of allied Special Operations Forces and condemns any political weaponization against the service of those who had the backs of our men and women in uniform. New York Post | Stand up for US-allied warriors against political lawfare from their own governments By: Sen. Joni Ernst and Rep. Pat Harrigan Australian authorities this month arrested Ben Roberts-Smith, the most decorated soldier in his country’s history. They accused him of war crimes tied to special operations he conducted in Afghanistan 15 or more years ago — charges he has repeatedly, consistently denied. Meanwhile, Britain’s elite Special Air Service is being dragged through a parallel process of government-commissioned inquiries and retrospective legal proceedings that its members never could have imagined when they volunteered to serve. Together, these cases reveal a pattern that’s spreading through the special operations forces of America’s closest allies. It’s hollowing out the very units that fought beside ours for more than two decades — and Washington has been far too quiet about it. We have both served in combat, and we understand the importance of special operations forces, elite units trained and equipped to execute the toughest missions on our nation’s behalf. That’s why we’re calling on Congress to acknowledge that what’s now happening to our allied warriors is as much a concern to the United States as protecting soldiers’ lives on an active battlefield. The United Kingdom lost 457 personnel in Afghanistan, while Australia lost 41. The special forces of both nations executed the hardest missions of that war at America’s request — under shared doctrine, against shared enemies. Of necessity, they often operated in conditions where the margin between a lawful kill and a catastrophic mistake came down to incomplete intelligence and a fraction of a second. What those men could not have anticipated is that their governments would later construct elaborate legal architectures to second-guess those decisions, with the benefit of years of hindsight and in the comfort of a hearing room. We wouldn’t stand for this kind of weaponization against our own forces, so we shouldn’t stand mute as our allies prosecute the warriors who had our soldiers’ backs on the battlefield. There’s an important distinction to draw here, and we want to draw it carefully: Accountability matters, and no uniform places a soldier above the law. But what we’re seeing today in both the United Kingdom and Australia is retroactive prosecution driven by domestic political pressure rather than by evidence, applied to men who acted in good faith under the rules their own governments established. These politicized legal proceedings risk corroding something that takes generations to build, and the confidence of allied forces that their countries will stand behind them. Now that confidence can be destroyed in a single political cycle. That corrosion is already showing up in the ranks. Elite units in both countries are quietly losing experienced operators who have weighed their options and decided the system will not protect them. Every departure sends the same message to whoever is still considering service: Your government will send you into the hardest fights, place you in legal grey zones of its own design, but abandon you to shifting political winds a decade down the line. Recruitment suffers, retention suffers, and so does the willingness to make the hard calls that difficult operations demand. Our resolution asks Congress to go on the record, formally, and declare that politically motivated and retrospective prosecutions of allied special operators damage the trust and interoperability that coalition warfare depends on. It also urges the Departments of Defense and State to engage London and Canberra directly to protect these processes from political interference. Alongside it, we are pursuing legislation to ensure American special operators cannot be subjected to the same treatment — because nothing in current US law forecloses it. King Charles III is visiting the United States this week to help celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, demonstrating to the world that alliances are strongest when they’re based on a shared understanding that runs deeper than any treaty. Part of this understanding recognizes that when soldiers fight side by side, their countries continue to support them long after the shooting stops. Our allies’ warriors have earned that from us — and, on behalf of the men and women who have backed our own soldiers on the battlefield, we owe them more than silence.

Ernst, Gillibrand Aim to Eliminate Federal Pensions for Sex Offenders | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senators Ernst and Gillibrand support legislation to eliminate federal pension eligibility for federal employees convicted of sex crimes, arguing that taxpayers should not fund pensions for convicted sex offenders.

Bipartisan legislation would cut off taxpayer-funded pensions from sex criminals WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) are working together to end taxpayer-funded pensions for convicted sex offenders. Under current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their pensions, even from a jail cell. The senators introduced new legislation to ensure the federal government is a place where sexual predators are shut out, not shielded. “There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” said Senator Ernst, a survivor of sexual assault. “Allowing proven predators to continue collecting their pensions on the taxpayer’s dime only serves to greenlight unacceptable behavior, and I won’t stand for it. My commonsense, bipartisan bill imposes consequences for sex offenders, prevents abuse in the workplace, and safeguards taxpayer dollars.” “It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”

Ernst Pushes Pentagon to Pass Clean Financial Audit | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senator Ernst advocates for her RECEIPTS Act to improve financial accountability and traceability at the Pentagon, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the need for the department to pass a clean financial audit.

Her RECEIPTS Act would improve financial accountability within the Pentagon WASHINGTON – During today’s Senate Committee on Armed Services hearing, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) followed up on her long-time push for the Pentagon to pass a clean financial audit and highlighted her RECEIPTS Act to account for every cent spent at the department. During the hearing, Ernst also recognized General Randy George’s accomplishments and thanked him for his decades-long service. Watch Senator Ernst’s remarks here. “Fiscal responsibility at the department has been a priority of mine for a very long time, and I think it's time that we build on that momentum. It’s extremely important. And that's why I'm pushing for my RECEIPTS Act in this year's NDAA. It’s focused on improving financial traceability and accountability across the department,” Ernst said and asked about the department’s efforts to be accountable to taxpayers. Secretary Hegseth reiterated that this is a “priority for the department” and committed that “at every level and through this budget it’s a focus” to pass a clean audit by Fiscal Year 2028.

Ernst-Led Bill to Send Scammers to the Slammer Passes Senate | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Legislation to extend the statute of limitations for prosecuting pandemic fraud advances WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed Senate Small Business Committee Chair Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-Iowa) SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act to extend the window for holding COVID fraudsters accountable and recover taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars. For years, Ernst has worked to expose widespread fraud in Small Business Administration (SBA) COVID relief programs, emphasizing that weak oversight opened the door to an estimated $200 billion in fraud that must be clawed back. On April 26, 2026, the statute of limitations started to expire, allowing COVID fraudsters that have not been held accountable yet to get away with their crimes and theft of taxpayer dollars. Watch Ernst call for the passage of her bill. Watch Ernst celebrate its final passage. “COVID fraudsters stole at least $200 billion, but time is now running out to hold every single one accountable. Starting this week, crooks who defrauded pandemic relief programs are getting away. “Both Republicans and Democrats should be working around the clock to send a clear message to fraudsters past, present, and future: there are real consequences to stealing from taxpayers. “But Democrats have wanted to press snooze on passing my SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act. “This is the third day, fraudsters who stole millions in COVID relief funds have been able to escape justice. “You heard me right, folks, swindlers who took advantage of SBA COVID relief programs are already escaping justice. “Every day that passes, another gets away. “The clock is ticking and the countdown is on. “My bill simply gives investigators and prosecutors flexibility to do their jobs by extending the statutes of limitation for defrauding the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program and the Restaurant Revitalization Fund by five years. “Congress has already passed an extension of the statutes of limitation for SBA’s other COVID relief programs with bipartisan support. “This body came together against fraud, and we need to again. “Pandemic program fraud investigations have already uncovered $57 billion in fraud and issued 1,200 indictments. “The SBA is currently conducting a manual review of over $3 billion in Restaurant Revitalization Fund awards, but in this program alone, more than $9.5 billion of awards still require review. “We can’t allow swindlers, scammers, and con artists to run out the clock. “Because for fraudsters, time flies when you’re having fun. “Look no further than Rapper Chris Brown, who exploited the SVOG program to pay for his lavish $80,000 birthday party and paid himself $5.1 million in the process. “And multi-location franchise CoreLife Eatery that ignored location limits to feast on $7.8 million in taxpayer funds. “Make no mistake, when it comes to fraud and abuse, this is just the tip of the iceberg. “Thorough investigations take time, and investigators must be able to continue conducting this vital work on behalf of the American taxpayers. “That’s why I’m urging my colleagues to support the SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act, so fraudsters know the days of getting away with their scams are numbered. “But if Congress continues to press snooze, taxpayers are the ones who lose – billions!” Ernst celebrated unanimous passage: “This is a major win for taxpayers who had their hard-earned money stolen by fraudsters. “Now the investigators have been given the time they need to track down the thieves who stole taxpayer dollars and to build strong, prosecutable cases. “Today’s action also sends a clear message to fraudsters: you will be held accountable. “You will not get away with your crimes. “This is critical to ensure that this blatant fraud is stopped in its tracks. “I look forward to working with the SBA, the IG, and the Department of Justice to track down every single crook who defrauded our taxpayers.”

Ernst Pushes to Reduce Fertilizer Costs for Farmers | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senator Ernst supports eliminating tariffs and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco to reduce input costs for farmers.

New bill would eliminate duties on Moroccan phosphate fertilizer. WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) took action to lower the cost of fertilizer for Iowa farmers by joining her colleagues to introduce the Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act. Mirroring her previous recommendations to the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2020 and 2023, this legislation would eliminate tariffs and countervailing duties on phosphate fertilizer imports from Morocco, delivering direct relief to farmers facing rising input costs. “There is no substitute for the invaluable work our farmers do to feed and fuel the world,” said Senator Ernst. “From securing the addition of phosphate and potash to the U.S. Critical Minerals List to pushing for research on the fertilizer market, I’ve consistently put Iowa farmers first. By joining Senator Marshall’s Lowering Input Costs for American Farmers Act, I’m proud to once again stand up for our agriculture community to drive down fertilizer costs and make life more affordable for both farmers and consumers.” After leading her colleagues in calling for the reinstatement of potash and addition of phosphate to the U.S. Critical Minerals List, Ernst continued her calls to action until both key fertilizer ingredients were added. Ernst has also worked to bring more clarity and certainty on fertilizer prices for Iowa farmers through the Fertilizer Research Act.

Ernst Uncovers Biden Admin Cover-Up Funneling $90 Million to Top Abortion Provider | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senator Ernst opposes federal funding to Planned Parenthood and alleges the Biden administration improperly concealed PPP loan records through use of coded language, calling for a Department of Justice investigation into potential violations of the Federal Records Act.

Demands investigation into how codeword “Benghazi” disguised Planned Parenthood loan discussions WASHINGTON – After years of being stonewalled by Biden’s Small Business Administration (SBA), U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) finally gained access to agency communications and uncovered a potential cover-up obscuring $90 million in taxpayer funds Biden officials gifted to Planned Parenthood. Ernst’s oversight revealed that Biden officials, seemingly at the direction of the top lawyer at the SBA, used the codeword “Benghazi” to reference internal communications about how Planned Parenthood qualified for small business COVID-era Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. The use of an unrelated codeword would have effectively hidden information related to these programs from any congressional or public record requests – which, if proven, would be a violation of the Federal Records Act and a federal crime. “What does Benghazi have to do with Planned Parenthood? It appears the Biden SBA used it as a codename to hide the $90 million in taxpayer funds they gifted to the abortion provider,” said Senator Ernst. “I’ve already exposed the Biden administration’s blatant disregard for transparency, but this potential cover-up demands answers. I’m calling for a DOJ investigation to determine if Biden officials were illegally concealing federal records over their egregious handout to Planned Parenthood.” In a new letter to the Department of Justice, Ernst demands accountability and calls for an investigation of any potential concealment of federal records. “Recipients and respondents in the SBA email chains knew Planned Parenthood was not in or even remotely related to Benghazi, yet by continuing the email chain and scheduling meetings, it appears several Biden political appointees, and some SBA employees, were knowingly concealing or attempting to conceal their records relating to Planned Parenthood,” Ernst wrote. “With the records detailed here, and many more I’ve obtained, perhaps now we know why the Biden administration did not want to share its Planned Parenthood records with Congress.” Senator Ernst already exposed how Planned Parenthood unlawfully received millions of dollars in funding from the PPP and had at least 34 loans forgiven by the Biden administration.

Ernst, Colleagues Call for Passage of Anti-Fraud Package | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senator Ernst and colleagues are calling for passage of a comprehensive anti-fraud package consisting of 17 bills designed to recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and hold fraudsters accountable.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) brought her colleagues together and built consensus to create a comprehensive, anti-fraud package that includes 17 commonsense bills that would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop fraudsters. After the widespread fraud in Minnesota and beyond exposed that $1.4 billion is stolen from taxpayers each day, Ernst led 12 senators in standing up for every Americans’ hard-earned dollars! See what members are saying: “The fraud stops here, folks! After massive schemes in Minnesota and beyond were exposed, I’m putting an end to scammers treating the federal government like a personal piggy bank,” said Senator Ernst. “Many politicians and lenient, liberal judges look the other way while criminals steal more than $1 billion from taxpayers every day. I’m stepping up to the plate and bringing my colleagues together to end this theft. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act not only stops fraud before it happens and holds those responsible accountable, but it returns stolen dollars to taxpayers. This overdue legislation will soon be brought to a vote to put every senator on the record on whether they stand with swindlers or taxpayers.” “Americans must know their tax dollars are put to good use,” said Senator Ricketts. “Continual cases of waste, fraud, and abuse cannot go ignored. This package fights to protect our taxpayers. Included bills, like my Improper Payments Transparency Act, make sure government spending is transparent and the data is accessible. Senate Republicans have been working since day one to protect hardworking taxpayers and this package continues that work.” "Fraud doesn’t stop at state lines — grifters follow the money, and right now, federal loopholes are rolling out the welcome mat,” said Senator Marshall. “I'm proud to join Senator Ernst on this legislation and glad to see my WALZ Act included in the package. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act closes those gaps before the next billion-dollar theft happens — because Kansans work too hard to watch their money disappear into the pockets of criminal fraud rings." “For years, I’ve led efforts to root out fraud and uncover wasteful spending in our government, from exposing $10,000 toilet seats at the Pentagon to billions in fraud and improper payments in Medicare and Medicaid,” said Senator Grassley. “I’m glad to join Senator Ernst in introducing this comprehensive package to crack down on fraud, protect taxpayer dollars and curb wasteful spending. This legislation, which includes my Expanding Whistleblower Protections for Contractors Act, shows how Republicans are standing up for the rule of law and stopping brazen criminals from stealing Americans’ hard-earned money. “Congress must do more to protect innocent Americans who are being defrauded left and right while crooks and illegal migrants profit,” said Senator Cornyn. “I’m proud to join my colleagues on this package of legislation, which includes my VSAFE Act to protect veterans from scams, to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly, scammers are held accountable, and fraud is rooted out once and for all.” “For too long, fraud has been allowed to run rampant in our country—costing taxpayers and taking advantage of innocent Americans,” said Senator Husted. “Senate Republicans are working to root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and this package reflects that commitment. I’m especially proud it includes my Preventing Deep Fake Scams Act, which cracks down on identity theft and fraud driven by artificial intelligence. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act helps stop fraud before it happens, returns stolen taxpayer dollars, and holds bad actors accountable, and I’m looking forward to working to get it across the finish line.” “I came to Washington as an outsider with a focus on rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse within the federal government,” said Senator McCormick. “I’m proud to support the Protecting American Taxpayers Act to restore fiscal discipline and rebuild Americans’ confidence that their hard-earned tax dollars are being spent responsibly and that we root out sources of fraud.” "Making the government more efficient isn't a partisan issue, it's an American issue,” said Senator Lankford. “Loopholes in the law let fraudsters get away with billions in COVID recovery payouts while forcing taxpayers to foot the bill. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act closes those loopholes, by clawing back more than $65 billion in unspent COVID funds to make sure COVID criminals do not escape accountability simply because the clock ran out. I have spent years documenting Washington's Federal Fumbles, and I am proud my Recover Fraudulent COVID Funds Act is included in this package. The decades of government waste must come to an end." “The American people expect accountability when the government spends their hard-earned tax dollars," said Senator Cramer. "Grifters have been defrauding Americans and taking advantage of lax oversight for far too long. Our Protecting American Taxpayers Act roots out waste, fraud, and abuse throughout the government and saves taxpayers billions.”

Ernst Unveils Legislative Package to Stop Fraud | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Position: Senator Ernst advocates for the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a legislative package designed to prevent federal fraud, recover stolen funds, and return savings to taxpayers through 17 initiatives.

New effort is projected to return $240 billion to taxpayers WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) led her colleagues in unveiling a comprehensive anti-fraud legislative package that would recover stolen funds, protect taxpayer dollars, and stop fraudsters. Ernst has led the fight in Washington against waste, fraud, and abuse for years. After being tasked by Leader John Thune in January to ensure the fraud uncovered in Minnesota never happens again, Ernst took action and has worked with her colleagues to put together the Protecting American Taxpayers Act, a bill that is projected to save $240 billion. “The fraud stops here, folks! After massive schemes in Minnesota and beyond were exposed, I’m putting an end to scammers treating the federal government like a personal piggy bank,” said Ernst. “Many politicians and lenient, liberal judges look the other way while criminals steal more than $1 billion from taxpayers every day. I’m stepping up to the plate and bringing my colleagues together to end this theft. The Protecting American Taxpayers Act not only stops fraud before it happens and holds those responsible accountable, but it returns stolen dollars to taxpayers. This overdue legislation will soon be brought to a vote to put every senator on the record on whether they stand with swindlers or taxpayers.” The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Jim Banks (R-Ind.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.). The package includes 17 initiatives spearheaded by both Democratic and Republican senators: To stop fraudsters and hold them accountable: Read the bill here and one pager here.

Ernst Announces Consolidation of Federal Buildings | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) joined U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Administrator Edward Forst and U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Director Scott Kupor to announce that the two agencies are merging under one roof, reducing unused buildings, and putting more federal office space to work. Download photos from the press conference here. “For years, I’ve been working to literally downsize government by selling off Washington’s unneeded, unused, and deteriorating real estate, and today we are taking action,” said Senator Ernst. “By consolidating two agencies under one roof, GSA and OPM are putting more office space to work. As the Trump administration puts taxpayers first, I’ll continue to make sure every square foot and tax dollar are being used wisely.” “GSA and OPM are taking unprecedented action by coming together to fortify America’s real estate portfolio and tackle the delinquent maintenance and vacancies that have plagued it for decades,” said GSA Administrator Edward C. Forst. “We built a roadmap for federal agencies to operate under one roof and deliver what the American people expect—results that respect their tax dollars.” ”This move reflects our commitment to being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars while ensuring OPM employees have modern, efficient space to support their mission," said OPM Director Scott Kupor. "By consolidating under-utilized office space and partnering with GSA on long-term facility improvements, we are reducing unnecessary costs and focusing resources where they matter most, delivering results for the American people." GSA will temporarily relocate to OPM’s headquarters, the Theodore Roosevelt Federal Building, starting in July, while GSA’s 1800 F St. headquarters goes through a renovation. In December 2023, Ernst exposed how federal office buildings were virtual ghost towns with her naughty list that showed not a single federal agency was occupying even half its office space. In 2024, Ernst released her “Out of Office” report revealing the cost and extent of abandoned and underutilized government buildings. Ernst has led the call to sell off empty and expensive Washington buildings, and her FOR SALE Act would put six pieces of prime properties in the nation’s capital on the auction block to generate $400 million or more in revenue, while also canceling costs, including $2.9 billion for overdue maintenance. Her DISPOSAL Acteliminates regulatory hurdles to fast-track the sale of unneeded federal buildings. Last month, Ernst joined GSA Administrator Edward Forst to announce that GSA’s Regional Office Building in D.C. has been sold, saving taxpayers over $700 million.

Ernst Applauds Senate Passage of Bipartisan Manufacturing and Rural Investment Bill | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa

Legislation expands access to capital for small manufacturers and strengthens U.S. workforce WASHINGTON – Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) celebrated the Senate passage of Senator Roger Marshall’s (R-Kan.) bipartisan Investing in All of America Act, which expands access to capital for small manufacturers and small businesses in rural communities, low-income areas, and critical technology sectors. The bill increases investment in the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) program and helps drive private capital to small businesses nationwide, bolstering America’s manufacturing workforce. The legislation has also passed the U.S. House of Representatives and now heads to the president’s desk. “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.” “America doesn't win when rural and low-income communities are left on the sidelines,” said Senator Marshall. “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.”