Ernst Honored for Service to State and Nation by Iowa Senate

WASHINGTON - Today, as U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) made her annual visit to the Iowa statehouse, she was honored by the Iowa Senate for her longstanding, dedicated service to her state and nation.

Led by Iowa State Sen. Dan Zumbach (R-Ryan), the chamber introduced a resolution commending Ernst for her 23 years of military service, her roots in local and state government, making history as the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office and the first female combat veteran in the United States Senate, and for working as a tireless champion to promote the voices and values of Iowans.

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"Answering the call to serve my nation and the great state of Iowa has been one of the greatest honors of my life," said Ernst. "While that service requires no recognition, I'm moved that the folks in the Iowa Senate, including many past colleagues and lifelong friends, took the time to say thank you in such a thoughtful and meaningful way."

Full remarks on the resolution delivered by Zumbach:

"Today, I am also very proud to introduce a dear friend of mine, and this person truly needs no introduction in this chamber. She is someone who has dedicated her life to public service. For more than twenty-three years, she served with distinction in the United States Army, notably as a company commander during Operation Iraqi Freedom and retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Iowa Army National Guard.

"She has broken historic barriers as the first woman from the State of Iowa elected to federal office and the first female combat veteran to serve in the United States Senate. Her tenure in public service, from Montgomery County Auditor to our very own Iowa State Senator, and now representing us as a United States Senator, has been defined by a steadfast commitment to fiscal responsibility, famously vowing to "Make 'Em Squeal" by eliminating government waste and protecting the hard-earned dollars of every taxpayer.

"She remains a tireless champion for Iowa's agriculture heartland, advocating for biofuels, the Renewable Fuel Standard, and the removal of heavy regulations to ensure that Iowa's farmers and small businesses may thrive.

"She continues to prioritize the safety of our nation and the well-being of those who defend it by modernizing our military, expanding rural telehealth care, holding the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs accountable, and providing vital resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

"She is a proud native of Red Oak and daughter of Montgomery County. She was raised with the strong Iowa values of hard work, service, and sacrifice, graduating at the pinnacle of her class at Stanton High School and continuing her education at Iowa State University.

"Throughout her career, she has remained a devoted defender of the sacredness of life, the Second Amendment, and the fundamental principles of local control in education, all while maintaining her home in Red Oak near her land and family. When serving alongside her in the Iowa Senate, she would always turn to her grandmother's tattered Bible that sat on her desk for guidance.

"Today, I would like to welcome back to the Iowa Senate, Senator Joni Ernst."

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