Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican representing Iowa, recently addressed several issues on her social media account. Her posts covered concerns about foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, government spending on animal research, and support for anti-abortion measures in Iowa.

On July 28, 2025, Ernst posted about foreign investment in American agriculture: "It is alarming that China and other foreign adversaries are quietly buying up U.S. farmland. My FARMLAND Act strengthens reporting and empowers the U.S. to block or unwind shady land deals that threaten our national security." This statement comes amid ongoing debate over the role of foreign entities in U.S. agricultural assets and efforts by lawmakers to address potential risks associated with such investments.

Later the same day, Ernst criticized federal funding for animal testing: "Wasteful research seems to have nine lives in Washington, but enough is enough. Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for cruel experiments on cats and dogs. Thank you @WhiteCoatWaste for continuing to shine a light on this." The White Coat Waste Project is an advocacy group focused on ending taxpayer-funded animal experiments.

On July 29, 2025, Ernst praised Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds for recent actions related to abortion policy: "An incredible win for life. Thank you, @IAGovernor, for standing up for the unborn!" The message reflects continued political activity surrounding reproductive rights at both state and federal levels.

Foreign ownership of U.S. farmland has been under scrutiny from lawmakers who cite national security concerns as justification for tighter regulations and reporting requirements regarding these transactions. In recent years, bipartisan proposals have sought to limit or review purchases by individuals or entities connected to countries considered adversarial by the United States.

The issue of federally funded animal testing has also attracted attention from both legislators and advocacy organizations such as White Coat Waste Project. These groups argue that public funds should not support practices they consider unethical or unnecessary.

Debate over abortion laws remains highly polarized across the country; states like Iowa have moved forward with legislation restricting access following changes in federal legal precedent.