Sioux City Times

Joni Ernst, U.S. Senator from Iowa, recently posted a series of statements on her Twitter account addressing topics ranging from military service to government accountability and animal research.

On August 27, 2025, Ernst shared her experience meeting with members of the military stationed abroad, stating, "Great to spend time with Iowa servicemembers at Al-Udeid Air Base. Our nation is forever grateful to these brave men and women who protect our freedoms."

The following day, August 28, 2025, Ernst commented on the issue of federal spending on animal research. She wrote, "Wasteful animal research seems to have nine lives in Washington, but enough is enough. I commend the Navy for stopping harmful research on dogs and cats and I’m proud to lead efforts to end this doggone waste at other federal agencies like the NIH as well." In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny over the use of animals in federally funded experiments. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other agencies have faced calls from lawmakers and advocacy groups to reduce or eliminate certain types of animal testing.

Later that same day, Ernst addressed concerns about government fraud involving unemployment benefits. She stated, "I have uncovered thousands of bureaucrats stealing millions of dollars by receiving unemployment benefits while collecting their taxpayer-funded paychecks. If double dippers want to claim they’re unemployed, let’s make their wish come true." During the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, cases emerged nationwide where individuals were found collecting both unemployment insurance and regular salaries from public sector jobs—a practice often referred to as "double dipping." Efforts have since been made by lawmakers to strengthen oversight and enforcement in response.

Senator Joni Ernst has been vocal about issues relating to government transparency and efficiency throughout her tenure in Congress.