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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend -
Every day is National Iowa Day in my book, but today is another reminder of what a blessing it is to represent the best state in the nation. To every Iowan, across all 99 counties, Happy National Iowa Day!
I hope you enjoy the day and celebrate all the great things our state has to offer. But first, I wanted to give you an update on a few things I’m working on for Iowans in Washington.
The Senate Needs to Come Together and Work on Behalf of the American People
After hearing testimony from more than a dozen witnesses, being presented with over 28,000 pages of documents, and listening to the full arguments from both sides through the fair Senate trial, this week I voted “no” on both articles of impeachment against President Trump. Now, it’s time to move on and come together and continue our work for the American people.
Click here on the image below to watch my full remarks on the Senate floor regarding my decision.
Working to End Horrific Abuse Against Women and Girls
Nearly three million girls across the globe are at risk of being subjected to female genital mutilation (FGM) each year. We must do more to protect young women from enduring this grotesque practice. Last Thursday, on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, I called for eliminating FGM and fully denounced the harmful practice globally as a violation of human rights of women and girls.
Click here or on the image above for a video on Senator Ernst’s efforts to end FGM.
The resolution I put forward with a number of my female colleagues builds off a bill I’m working on to ensure successful future prosecution of those who perpetuate this practice.
The State of the Union
On Tuesday, we heard from President Trump at his third State of the Union Address. During his remarks, the president laid out a strong vision for the country that focuses on the issues affecting the lives of Iowans.
From our booming economyincluding critical trade deals and historic-low unemploymentto securing our border and maintaining a strong military; and from fighting for paid parental leave and quality child care, to lowering the cost prescription drugs, President Trump laid out a clear plan for supporting American workers and families. I’m excited to build on these successes and continue fighting alongside this president on behalf of all hardworking Iowans.
Click here or on the image above for a video on my reaction to the State of the Union Address.
Calling for Answers as Reports of Sexual Assault Spike at Military Academies
Following an alarming spike of reports of sexual assault at our military academies, I’m leading a bipartisan group of senators in calling for answers from the Department of Defense (DoD).
In a letter to Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper, along with Senators Thom Tillis (R-NC), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), and Kelly Loeffler (R-GA), I’m seeking a briefing on the report along with a meeting with Pentagon officials to discuss its findings and what actions the Pentagon plans to take.
Stars and Stripes covered my efforts:
For more updates on what's happening in Washington, D.C. and Iowa, be sure to 'Like' my Facebook page, follow me on Twitter @SenJoniErnst, and subscribe to my YouTube channel.
Thank you!
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