Sioux City Times

Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator from Iowa, used her social media platform on August 1, 2025, to share updates on legislative actions and her ongoing oversight efforts regarding federal spending and international organizations.

In a post made at 16:08 UTC, Ernst announced the progress of one of her legislative initiatives: "This week, my Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act passed through @HSGAC_GOP to identify over budget and behind schedule boondoggles, so we can claw back tax dollars!" The Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act is designed to increase transparency by requiring federal agencies to report large-scale projects that are significantly over budget or delayed. This measure aims to provide Congress with better tools for fiscal oversight.

Later the same day at 18:54 UTC, Ernst addressed concerns about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stating: "At least a dozen UNRWA staffers helped plan and carry out the horrific October 7th terrorist attacks that killed Americans. I have been calling to dismantle this rogue agency for years and glad to see the Trump administration take action." Ernst has previously criticized UNRWA's operations in Gaza and has supported efforts by past administrations to reconsider U.S. funding for the agency due to allegations of its employees' involvement in terrorism.

In another post at 19:27 UTC, Ernst commented on the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) and its funding practices: "I exposed that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting failed to vet editorial standards at NPR, PBS, and other “news” outlets before handing over millions of tax dollars for blatantly biased partisan propaganda. Bye bye bye" The CPB provides federal funding to public media organizations such as NPR and PBS but has faced criticism from some lawmakers who argue that it does not sufficiently ensure editorial neutrality before distributing funds.

Senator Joni Ernst is known for her advocacy of government accountability measures and has repeatedly called for stricter oversight of both domestic agencies receiving taxpayer money and international organizations linked with alleged misconduct.