Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator from Iowa and chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, posted a series of messages on March 16, 2026, addressing government transparency and accountability as part of Sunshine Week.
In her first post at 17:17 UTC, Ernst wrote: “Happy Sunshine Week! While our days are getting brighter, Washington is trying to keep you in the dark about how your tax dollars are being spent. Our hardworking taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going, which is why I will be shining a light on wasteful”.
Later that day at 18:44 UTC, she expressed support for a colleague: “Susie is a fierce fighter, and I’m thankful for her leadership and work on behalf of President Trump. Join me in praying for a full and speedy recovery.”
At 18:47 UTC, Ernst continued her focus on transparency by stating: “The Trump administration continues to crack down on fraudsters! No better time than Sunshine Week to expose waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal government. The American people deserve accountability for every stolen cent of taxpayer dollars and sunshine is the best”.
Senator Ernst operates within the federal legislative branch as Iowa’s representative in the U.S. Senate and provides constituent services across the state (official website). Her office handles casework inquiries and assists constituents with federal agencies. Elected in 2014 as both the first woman from Iowa to serve in the U.S. Senate and its first female combat veteran (official website), Ernst also serves on several key committees including Armed Services; Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry; Homeland Security; and Governmental Affairs.
