Sioux City Times

Joni Ernst, a U.S. Senator, recently took to social media to address issues related to government spending and inefficiencies. Her series of tweets highlight concerns over union subsidies and the maintenance of vacant government properties.

In a tweet posted on June 16, 2025, Senator Ernst criticized the practice of taxpayer-funded union time, which she described as an "absurd policy" allowing federal employees to engage in union activities instead of serving the public. She stated that this practice "costs taxpayers more than $160 million every year."

Further addressing government inefficiencies, another tweet from June 16, 2025, pointed out the potential revenue from selling certain assets. Senator Ernst mentioned that "selling just six of these buildings would generate around $400 million."

Additionally, Senator Ernst emphasized the financial burden of maintaining unoccupied government facilities in a tweet on the same day. She highlighted that "maintaining thousands of vacant government buildings and empty offices costs billions every year!"

These statements reflect ongoing discussions about fiscal responsibility within federal operations.