Sioux City Times

Senator Joni Ernst, a Republican representing Iowa, has recently posted a series of statements on her social media account addressing a range of national issues.

On October 21, 2025, Ernst called for accountability in a federal small business program, stating, "The American people deserve answers about the stunning allegations of fraud in the @SBAgov's 8(a) program. I fully support @SBA_Kelly in getting to the bottom of this, recouping any misused funds, and ensuring @SBAgov programs support small businesses not fraudsters."

The following day, Ernst addressed the ongoing government shutdown, posting on October 22, 2025: "The Schumer Shutdown must end. Democrats can join us TODAY to reopen the government for the people."

Later that same day, she commented on immigration enforcement under the previous administration: "From child predators to murderers, President Trump has deported the worst of the worst illegal immigrants. Americans are safer because of it."

The Small Business Administration's (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program is intended to help socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs gain access to federal contracting opportunities. In recent years, the program has faced scrutiny over alleged fraudulent activities and calls for reform. Lawmakers have pushed for investigations into claims that some participants may have exploited loopholes to obtain contracts for which they were not eligible.

The reference to a "Schumer Shutdown" alludes to ongoing partisan disagreements in Congress that have led to lapses in federal funding and temporary closures of government operations. Such shutdowns disrupt federal services and often become points of contention between party leaders.

Senator Ernst's remarks about immigration reference policies enacted during President Donald Trump's administration, which prioritized the deportation of individuals with criminal records among undocumented immigrants. The impact and scope of these policies remain a subject of political debate.