Photo courtesy of Sen. Ernst’s Office
U.S. Senator, Joni Ernst, says it is likely Democrats are going to continue moving legislation through the House and Senate with limited Republican input if the latest coronavirus relief bill is any indication. Members of the GOP have balked at the $1.9 trillion price tag on President Biden’s proposed package, and the Democrat-controlled Senate narrowly passed a budget resolution last week that laid the groundwork for the stimulus bill to move forward without the possibility of a filibuster. A few Republican-backed amendments, which include holding off on federal minimum wage or tax increases, made it into the resolution, but Ernst believes it is unlikely the GOP will have much say on what is in the final version. On Feb. 1, 10 Republican senators visited the White House to discuss their proposal, a much leaner $600 billion relief package. Ernst says the initial impression from her colleagues was that Biden appeared willing to reach across the aisle on some issues.
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Ernst was not a part of the discussions at the White House last week but did attend Biden’s inauguration on Jan. 20. She says his message of unity is not manifesting the way she had hoped.
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She uses the Biden administration’s stance on the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule as an example.
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Ernst also cites an executive order that would transition the federal government’s fleet to all electric vehicles, which she says would have far reaching impacts on Iowa’s economy. Ernst made her comments Saturday while at Whiterock Conservancy near Coon Rapids as part of her annual 99-county tour. Carroll Broadcasting will bring you more from the senator in upcoming newscasts.