WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, responded to President Joe Biden’s State of the Union address — citing the domestic and international crises facing the nation after one year under the Biden administration as reasons Iowans, Americans, and freedom-loving people across the world are questioning American leadership.
Ernst praised Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ response to Biden’s speech, noting she has found solutions to the problems hardworking families are facing under the “radical policies” of this administration—cutting taxes, expanding opportunity, and standing up for our students and families.
Watch her remarks above or read the transcript of her remarks below:
“Tonight, President Biden delivered his first State of the Union Address – after more than a year in office.
“In this last year, Iowans, Americans, and freedom-loving people across the world have wondered: what happened to American leadership?
“Here at home, families are facing the highest inflation in 40 years, broken supply chains, a crisis at our southern border, rising crime, and energy and heating costs that are through the roof.
“Abroad, our adversaries are emboldened—and on the march—and America is following instead of leading.
“President Biden abandoned American citizens and our allies in his haphazard withdrawal from Afghanistan—resulting in the death of 13 servicemembers—including Cpl. Daegan William-Tyeler Page of my hometown of Red Oak.
“Let’s make no mistake about it, the president’s disaster in Afghanistan, and his weakness as a leader, can’t be separated from what we’re seeing right now in Ukraine—Russia’s war of aggression and attack on freedom. President Biden’s doctrine of appeasement – and his bending to the demands of the Radical Left — have made the world less safe.
“But, amid all the crises, Iowa has been fortunate to have strong, compassionate leadership in our Governor Kim Reynolds.
“Governor Reynolds is cutting taxes, expanding opportunity, and standing up for our students and families.
“Throughout COVID-19, she worked to protect the health and safety of Iowans without shutting down our economy.
“She was one of the first governors in America to ensure our kids returned to in-person learning when it was safe to do so.
“And she’s pushed back on the Left’s woke agenda—banning Critical Race Theory and promoting learning, not discriminatory indoctrination.
“Governor Reynolds’ response stood in stark contrast to the first-year failures of the Biden agenda.
“She made the case for freedom and liberty, and held Iowa up as a shining example of what happens under strong, conservative leadership and a plan to put our families first.
“I’m thrilled Americans across the country were able to hear from Governor Reynolds—a leader who understands and has found solutions to the problems hardworking families are facing under the radical policies of the Biden administration.”
