Ernst to Host Final Entrepreneur Expo in Ames

Hosting final annual Entrepreneur Expo to connect Iowa small businesses with federal opportunities.

“This year’s theme is ‘Made in Iowa: Ready for the Mission’ to spotlight how Iowa small businesses can support our warfighters, advance U.S. national security, and contribute to a mission-ready America.”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Kendrick Forest Products

Named Kendrick Forest Products as Small Business of the Week in Iowa.

“Kendrick Forest Products is a re-bark-able example of the ambition and resilience of Iowa small businesses”

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Ernst Highlights Small Businesses’ Enduring Legacy

Delivered opening remarks on small businesses' role in American commerce and prosperity.

“I am grateful for our panel of witnesses for joining us today. I look forward to hearing from them about how their small businesses have contributed to Main Street America and how they will continue this legacy for generations to come.”

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Ernst Pushes for Accountability and Tackles Fraud

Called out $1.4 billion daily federal fraud and secured commitment to prevent taxpayer diversion.

“this was enabled by telework that went on during the Biden administration and that President Trump finally put an end to. But we had one woman that claimed she was working for TSA, for HUD, for FDA. Oh, and God bless her for her service, the Air Force Reserves. And she was working all of those jobs at the same time.”

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Ernst Statement on U.S.-Iran Agreement

Called for Senate review of U.S.-Iran agreement to ensure nuclear nonproliferation.

“While the full details of this agreement have yet to be released, a deal of this magnitude deserves thorough review. It is critical that the Senate has the opportunity to examine the details, ask tough questions, and ensure America's interests and those of our allies are protected.”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Gronen

Named Gronen of Dubuque County as Small Business of the Week.

“Gronen exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to strengthening local communities that make Iowa small businesses built to last”

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Ernst Increases Access to Child Care for Military Families and Transparency for Defense Spending

Secured provisions in FY 2027 NDAA for military child care access and defense spending transparency.

“Our men and women in uniform are our military’s greatest asset. As a combat veteran, I've made it my mission to ensure servicemembers have the resources they need to remain the most lethal fighting force in the world”

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Senate Unanimously Passes Ernst-led Bipartisan Bill to Stop Secret Spending

Senate unanimously passed Ernst-Peters bill requiring disclosure of secret Pentagon spending deals.

“Bureaucrats have been playing hide and seek with tax dollars for far too long”

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Ernst Introduces Senate Companion to the Stopping Fraudulent Payments Act

Introduced Senate companion bill to strengthen federal safeguards against fraud and improper payments.

“Washington has lost billions of taxpayer dollars to fraud and improper payments because the government too often pays first and asks questions later”

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Ernst Calls on SBA to Review Lenders Removed from USDA Loan Program

Called on SBA to review lenders removed from USDA loan program after bank failure.

“When a small community bank becomes a top SBA lender one year and fails the next, something went seriously wrong”

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Ernst Plays in Final Congressional Baseball Game

Played in final Congressional Baseball Game, helping Team GOP win 11-2.

“Whether I’m on the Senate floor or the baseball field, I’m always fighting to bring home wins for Iowa”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Leah Jean Boutique

Named Leah Jean Boutique as Small Business of the Week in Wright County, Iowa.

“Leah Jean Boutique is a wonderful example of the dedication and community spirit that has become tailored to Iowa small businesses”

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Ernst Cancels the Viral Fraud-Fluencers Scamming Taxpayers

Exposed social media personalities defrauding government programs and taxpayers.

“watch what y’all put on the internet because everything is not for the internet—and I learned that.”

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Ernst Cracks Down on Foreign Influence in National Security Contracting

Introduced bill to expand restrictions on Pentagon contracts with consulting firms advising foreign governments.

“Allowing firms with financial or operational ties to foreign adversaries to secure federal contracts and influence defense-related decisions creates an unacceptable national security risk”

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Ernst Helping Workers Climb Higher

Highlighted federal benefits cliffs harming workers and promoted the Upward Mobility Act pilot program.

“The values of hard work and self-sufficiency have defined who we are as a nation. By ending benefits cliffs through common sense solutions, we can ensure that workers across America are rewarded with increased opportunity on the merits of their labor.”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Fairfield Dental Clinic

Named Fairfield Dental Clinic as Small Business of the Week for Jefferson County.

“For nearly 40 years, Fairfield Dental Clinic has represented the professionalism, community spirit, and dedication that keep Iowa’s small business community smiling”

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Ernst Pushes to Increase Access to Child Care for Iowa Families

Introduced bill to expand child care access in rural communities through USDA programs.

“As a mother and grandmother, I know firsthand that access to dependable, high-quality child care is essential for working families and the strength of our rural communities across Iowa”

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Ernst Earns Bioeconomy Champion Award

Received Plant Based Products Council's inaugural Congressional Bioeconomy Champion Award.

“In Iowa, we have a unique understanding of the ways biobased innovation adds value to our communities and businesses”

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Ernst, Peters Designate May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Designated May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month through bipartisan Senate resolution.

“There is no better way to see the beauty of my home state than cruising up and down the rolling hills of southwest Iowa on a Harley”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Toploft Clothing

Named Toploft Clothing of Carroll County as Small Business of the Week.

“Toploft Clothing is a seamless example of the innovation, adaptability, and entrepreneurial drive that define Iowa small businesses”

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Ernst Reveals Infamous Quality Learing Center Received Financial Support from the SBA

Revealed SBA paid $231,000 to fraudulent center; directed OIG investigation.

“Fraud is not a small business. In fact, it’s a big business with scammers stealing $1.4 billion taxpayer dollars every single day”

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Ernst Exposes the Inside Jobs Enabling Fraud

Held hearing exposing fraud in government programs enabled by internal actors.

“Today’s hearing will assist that effort by providing insights from our witnesses into how to spot the warning signs of rip offs and cover-ups, so we can put the fraud-fluencers and government grifters out of business.”

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Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Mapleton Hometown Variety

Named Mapleton Hometown Variety as Small Business of the Week in Iowa.

“For nearly four decades, Mapleton Hometown Variety has woven into the fabric of the Mapleton community with quality products, personalized customer service, and a strong commitment to supporting local families”

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Ernst Celebrates National Police Week

Joined resolution celebrating National Police Week and honoring law enforcement.

“Our men and women in blue work hard to protect our Iowa communities and keep Americans safe every single day”

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Ernst Calls for E15 to Drive Down Prices at the Pump

Called on Senate to pass House legislation allowing year-round E15 fuel sales.

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