Unanimous Consent Request--H.R. 2069 (Executive Calendar)

Mr. President, during my 12 years in the Senate, I have exposed many outlandish examples of government waste. For example, I uncovered that Washington sent nearly $500 million to China to pay for everything from poetry projects to dangerous research on bats. Another $870 million of U.S. taxpayer…

Read in the Congressional Record

Recognizing Present Company

Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Present Company of Audubon County, IA, as the Senate Small…

Read in the Congressional Record

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Present Company

Named Present Company of Audubon County as Small Business of the Week.

“Present Company has been the gift that keeps on giving to Audubon for more than three decades”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Confronts Fauci Face-to-Face About His COVID-19 Cover-Ups and Shutdowns

Questioned Dr. Fauci at hearing about COVID-19 origins and criticized shutdown policies.

“Dr. Fauci, Americans haven't forgotten the tragic stories of people who lost loved ones during COVID, and those that were denied a chance to say goodbye to their family members that were in hospitals or residing in nursing homes because of the COVID-19 protocols.”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Presents Squeal Award to Dr. Fauci for His Unscientific Methods

Announced Squeal Award for Dr. Fauci and scheduled hearing on COVID-19 origins.

“The traditional scientific method involves asking a question, forming a hypothesis, then conducting experiments to find an answer to your question. That is how you follow the science, folks”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara’s Kitchen

Named Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen as Small Business of the Week.

“Winn’s Pizza & Steakhouse has been an outstanding addition to the Indianola community”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Fries Aren’t Free: Ernst Targets Fast Food Subsidies

Urged USDA and HHS to close loophole allowing SNAP benefits at fast-food restaurants.

“The scale of growth warrants closer review. Data shared with our offices indicates more than $524 million in SNAP benefits were spent at RMP-authorized restaurants across the nine participating states from June 2023 through May 2025.”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Targets Conflict-of-Interest Loopholes

Urged FAR Council to implement conflict-of-interest safeguards in federal contracting.

“We therefore request that the FAR Council provide a timeline by which the Preventing Organizational Conflicts of Interest in Federal Acquisition Act will be implemented. Please also provide an update on any remaining interagency coordination or review steps necessary for the implementation of the final rule”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Says Failing to End Government Grift Is the Greatest Fraud of All

Called for Congress to pass her Protecting American Taxpayers Act to combat government fraud.

“This Nigerian prince of fraud was outdone by California prison inmates, who collected about $1 billion in unemployment benefits using names like John Doe, John Adams and 'Poopy Britches”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Highway Robbery! Ernst Audits Discover Transportation Funds Paying for Empty Offices

Released audit findings showing $370 million in annual DOT spending on underutilized office buildings.

“Even after the Trump administration brought DOT back to work and began consolidating office space, nearly all the agency’s buildings remain largely unused”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Taylor’s Maid-Rite

Named Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshall County as Small Business of the Week.

“Taylor's Maid-Rite has truly maid their mark as a cornerstone of Marshalltown's business community”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Works to Hold Russian Oil Purchasers Accountable

Introduced bill to sanction Russian oil purchasers supporting Ukraine war.

“As Russia continues its needless bloodshed of innocent people and drags out peace talks, I am proud to join my colleagues in enacting crippling sanctions against them”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst, Baldwin Lead Bill to Expand Internet Access in Rural Communities

Introduced bipartisan bill to expand broadband access in rural communities by reducing regulatory burden on small providers.

“Reliable broadband is essential for Iowa families, farmers, students, and small businesses”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Cuts Red Tape, Clears the Way for Disaster Recovery

Pressed FEMA to update disaster recovery information for Iowa applicants.

“Hardworking entrepreneurs who lose their livelihoods in a natural disaster have no time to spare when it comes to rebuilding and recovery. Timely and efficient access to federal resources can make the difference between a business that reopens its doors and one that has to close up shop”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Delivers Fraudsters’ Day of Reckoning to the Senate Floor

Brought Protecting American Taxpayers Act to Senate floor vote to combat fraud.

“The American taxpayer is not a piggy bank for fraudsters, and it’s time Washington started acting like it”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst: Senate Committee Lears about Fraud from Nick Shirley

Ernst highlighted fraud at Minnesota child care center that received $10 million without serving children.

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mid-States Companies

Named Mid-States Companies as Small Business of the Week in Iowa.

“Mid-States Companies’ American entrepreneurial spirit steels the show with their dependable services to the agricultural industry in the heart of the Grain Belt”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Honors Senator Lindsey Graham

Honored late Senator Lindsey Graham's military service and Senate legacy.

“And it went something like this. ‘Marilyn, we love you. We love Joni. I know times are hard, but send money anyway, lindseygraham.com”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Statement on Passing of Sen. Graham

Released statement mourning the death of Senator Lindsey Graham.

“I am stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend, Senator Lindsey Graham”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Corner Market & Greenhouse

Named Corner Market & Greenhouse as Small Business of the Week.

“Corner Market and Greenhouse is an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies their un-be-leaf-able American entrepreneurial spirit by generously planting roots in the community through flower donations and greenhouse tours”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Champions Smarter Regulation

Introduced bill to modernize federal energy efficiency standards for heating and cooling equipment.

“There’s no reason heating and cooling equipment should be treated differently from virtually every other product”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, ShinyTop Brewing

Named ShinyTop Brewing of Webster County as Small Business of the Week.

“When they are not slinging ales, the McCubbin brothers can be found crafting up a sense of belonging for its community members through various initiatives”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Delivers Remarks at 2026 Entrepreneur Expo

Delivered remarks at 2026 Entrepreneur Expo at Iowa State University.

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst Adds Fraudsters to the No Fly List

Introduced bill requiring fugitive fraudsters to surrender passports and abstain from international travel.

“Fraudsters who rob taxpayers shouldn't get a vacation abroad while awaiting trial”

Read on ernst.senate.gov

Ernst: Senate Republicans Delivering Farm Bill for Rural America

Praised Senate Farm Bill draft for addressing Iowa farmers' challenges and rural priorities.

“I am encouraged to see Chairman Boozman release a Farm Bill draft that builds on many of the priorities Senate Republicans fought to secure in the Working Families Tax Cut Act.”

Read on ernst.senate.gov