Ernst Picked to Deliver GOP Response to State of the Union

Freshman Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) will be the voice of the GOP in response to President Obama’s State of the Union address on Tuesday.

Ernst, who defeated Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) in November for the seat of retired Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), is the swing state’s first female senator and first female combat veteran in the upper chamber. The 44-year-old is a lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“I am truly honored to deliver the Republican address. It’s a long way from Red Oak, Iowa, to Washington, D.C.,” Ernst said in a statement. “But now that I am here, I am excited to get to work in order to craft and implement real solutions as we chart a new path forward for our great nation.”

“During this Congress, we must help grow a vibrant economy, see to it that our veterans receive promised quality care and that our military has the tools to defend our nation’s security, and ensure the federal government begins to run more effectively and efficiently.”

Among her assignments in the 114th Congress, Ernst serves on the Armed Services and Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committees.

“Sen. Ernst brings a unique perspective to the Senate,” Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said. “She is a mother, a soldier, and an independent leader who serves in Washington because Americans voted for change in the last election, and Joni understands that middle-class Americans want Congress to get back to work and that they want Washington to get refocused on their concerns, instead of those of the political class.”