Sen. Ernst addresses disruption in D.C.

By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Sen. Joni Ernst took the time last week to talk to and answer questions from Iowa reporters on a variety of topics: The nominations and hearings for President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos; the lack of cooperation in Washington, D.C. among Democrats and Republicans; and the President’s Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.

Party lines in Washington

     Unfortunately, Ernst said she sees the disconnect in Washington continuing.

     “We (Republicans) will continue to move ahead because they (Democrats) choose not to show up for work,” she promised. “This is not a reason to shut down the Senate. We do have a number of cabinet positions that need to be filled. We need to move on those and our other business that needs to be attended to as well. We will keep working for our constituents, making sure that their voices are heard. We can’t simply shut down the Senate because they (Democrats) disagree with how the election turned out in November.”

     Ernst stressed that it’s an unfortunate situation right now in D.C. with both sides pitted against each other.

     “They’ve (Democrats) have banned together and decided they’re not showing up for committees/subcommittees anymore,” she said.

     “We do have a new President. He is President for all of our states. He represents all of us in the White House. I think it’s important we recognize that,” she concluded.

Betsy DeVos

     Ernst acknowledged the fact that there is a lot of talk out there regarding the President’s nomination of Betsy DeVos.

     “But the bottom line is, what we all agree on is, that our children deserve a chance at success regardless of where they come from, what walk of life they come from, where they were born, and situations that their families might face,” she said.

     She said DeVos has 30 years of experience supporting “families in their efforts to provide the absolute best education possible.

     “She also understands that those that are closest to our students (teachers, administrators) know what is best for those students. We know what is best for our children. She has pledged to fight for all students regardless of what obstacles they might face. And that is true for those attending public, private and charter schools.”

     Ernst also has hope that DeVos’ nomination will be confirmed, albeit a close vote.

Judge Neil Gorsuch

     Ernst wants to see the Supreme Court, “the highest court in the land,” uphold the Constitution. She said that she feels Gorsuch “will demonstrate an unwavering to interpret the law that’s written rather than legislating from the bench.”

     Ernst offered that the Senate previously confirmed Gorsuch with unanimous support.

     “It’s time for Washington to work together as our constituents expect us to do,” she said.

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