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WEEK IN REVIEW
Dear Friend –
This week, we had the opportunity to consider adding another woman to the highest Court in the land. As a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I continued to carry out my duty to evaluate Judge Amy Coney Barrett as the president’s nominee for the United States Supreme Court.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
During my questioning this week, I gave Judge Barrett the opportunity to discuss her judicial philosophies and offer advice to young women, like my daughter Libby.
While the late Justice Ginsburg and Judge Barrett may have different judicial philosophies, they are and were both trailblazers and amazing working moms. This diversity of thought and ability to pursue their dreams was exactly what women leaders of the past – like the suffragettes – fought for.
Here are some of the highlights from other items I’ve been working on this week:
Sexy Topic: Agency Rulemaking
On October 12th, our nation recognized National Farmers Day to thank our hardworking farmers and producers for all they do to provide for us – and in the Senate, I’ve been continuing to fight for Iowa’s agriculture community.
Iowa farmers and producers know that I’ve been a relentless advocate for them when it comes to upholding the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). So, it may come as no surprise that, for the first time ever at a Supreme Court hearing, I brought up the RFS.
Click here or on the image above to watch my remarks.
Like I said, it’s not a sexy topic, but during my questioning of Judge Amy Coney Barrett, I asked her about agency rulemaking and interpretation of the law, including the RFS and the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule.
Whether it’s the RFS, WOTUS, or another issue that has a direct impact on Iowans, I’ll continue working to ensure our agencies follow the law.
As a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, I’m also urging the Environmental Protection Agency to modernize their rulemaking for biogenic carbon emissions. This common-sense clarification would help boost the U.S. bio economy, which ultimately helps Iowa, and all of rural America.
Rural Health Care Providers Need More Certainty
Building on my efforts to support rural health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, I joined my colleagues to urge the Department of Health and Human Services to reconsider changes to reporting requirements that could disadvantage rural and safety net hospitals.
Click here or on the image above to read the letter.
The agency’s recent changes to the Provider Relief Fund could create financial hardships and uncertainty for hospitals in Iowa and across the country. That’s why, in the midst of COVID-19, I’m working to ensure our health care providers are provided with more certainty, not less.
BONUS READ
As I said earlier this week, we don’t have to choose a narrow definition of womanhood. We can build our lives as we choose. Judge Barrett said so herself: “I’ve made distinct choices. I’ve decided to pursue a career and have a large family. I have a multiracial family. Our faith is important to us. All of those things are true, but they are my choices."
Click here or on the image above to read my op-ed.
Most importantly, this week Judge Barrett presented a compelling case that she would be a thoughtful, restrained and wise Supreme court justice who would defend the Constitution. I’m grateful that the American people have had the opportunity to get to know her. Because Amy Coney Barrett truly shows what a mom can do.
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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