Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst has used her social media platform to criticize what she describes as government inefficiency and to promote her legislative efforts. On October 20, 2025, Ernst announced her new legislative proposal, stating, "My Non-Essential Workers Transparency Act will expose the true cost of Democrats’ political stunt. It reveals how many positions within the bloated bureaucracy are truly “non-essential” and should be put on the chopping block to increase efficiency for taxpayers."

The following day, October 21, 2025, Ernst addressed the ongoing government shutdown and its effects on federal workers and taxpayers. She posted, "For the 15th straight 'work' day of the Schumer Shutdown, 750,000 non-essential federal employees are on a backpaid vacation and NOT WORKING. With a daily cost of $400 million, taxpayers are already on the hook for $6 billion thanks to Democrats’ political games."

Also on October 21, Ernst provided information to her constituents regarding service academy applications: "Attention Iowans interested in attending a service academy. The deadline to submit your application to my office is this Friday, October 24! Learn more below."

Joni Ernst is a U.S. Senator representing Iowa. She has previously focused on issues related to government spending and efficiency. The term "Schumer Shutdown" refers to Senator Chuck Schumer, who is the Senate Majority Leader, and is used by some Republican lawmakers to describe shutdowns they attribute to Democratic leadership in Congress. Federal government shutdowns occur when Congress fails to pass appropriations bills funding government operations and agencies.