Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican representing Iowa, used her social media platform on August 25, 2025, to highlight her ongoing efforts against government waste and inefficiency. In a series of posts, Ernst discussed federal spending practices and recent policy changes within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

In her first post at 16:20 UTC, Ernst stated: "For far too long, waste, fraud, abuse have run rampant in Washington while taxpayers are stuck with the bill. My crusade against waste has already racked up billions in savings this year, and I am just getting started."

Later that day at 18:27 UTC, she addressed the Department of Veterans Affairs' use of taxpayer funds for union activities: ".@DeptVetAffairs subsidized federal employee union activity more than any other agency. Bravo, @SecVetAffairs for ending the absurd practice of taxpayer-funded union time, and using the dollars to serve veterans. This needs to be replicated across government!"

In a separate post at 19:15 UTC referencing her home state, Ernst wrote: "Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa."

Ernst's comments come amid ongoing debates over federal budget priorities and government accountability. The issue of taxpayer-funded "official time," which allows federal employees to conduct union business during work hours while being paid by the government rather than their unions, has been contentious in recent years. Critics argue that it diverts resources from core agency missions—such as serving veterans—and increases costs for taxpayers.

The Department of Veterans Affairs had previously faced scrutiny for its level of support for official time compared to other agencies. Recent administrative actions have aimed to reduce or eliminate such practices within the VA and redirect funds toward direct services for veterans.

As a member of the Senate since 2015 and an advocate for fiscal responsibility in Congress, Ernst has frequently focused on reducing what she characterizes as unnecessary or inefficient government expenditures.