Joni Ernst

Senator Ernst strongly agrees that life begins at conception and should be protected at all stages. She believes abortion should be banned. She has supported an amendment to declare a fetus a person and asked Supreme Court to reconsider Roe v. Wade. Ernst's commitment to our values are revealed in her leading efforts to eliminate taxpayer dollars from going to the nation’s largest provider of abortions and standing up to block Democrats from preventing care for babies who survive an abortion attempt. "I have supported a number of measures to protect the sanctity of life…such measures include the introduction of legislation to redirect taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood - the single largest provider of abortions in our country - to other eligible providers of women's health care like community health centers and hospitals."

"I have supported a number of measures to protect the sanctity of life…such measures include the introduction of legislation to redirect taxpayer dollars from Planned Parenthood - the single largest provider of abortions in our country - to other eligible providers of women's health care like community health centers and hospitals."

Senator Ernst supports the Born Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act.

Senator Ernst believes that abortion should be allowed "in the case of life of the mother".

Senator Ernst does not believe that the government should provide everyone with a livable income.

Senator Ernst believes the free market is the greatest job creating machine ever built, but only when the government gets out of the way. We must eliminate rules and regulations which inhibit a strong free-market economy, and get spending under control. She supports rolling back Washington-created job-killing regulations that are crushing small business.  She voted for 2017 tax cuts. Senator Ernst strongly agrees that free enterprise and the right to private property turn mankind's natural self interest into the fairest and most productive economic system there is, and are the key to national prosperity.

"I supported a balanced budget which set the framework to cut out-of-control spending, putting Congress on the right path toward restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington. I have also opposed efforts by many in Washington to raise the debt limit and increase spending caps. I was proud to have sponsored the bipartisan Program Management Improvement and Accountability Act...This bill puts our federal government back on track by streamlining efforts and outlining strategies to correct widespread deficiencies, lax oversight and unnecessary cost overruns incurred by preventable delays in meeting stated program goals and deadlines."

Candidate’s position on this issue could not be determined by iVoterGuide research staff.

Candidate’s position on this issue could not be determined by iVoterGuide research staff.

Senator Ernst strongly disagrees that the government's responsibility is to be sure everyone has health insurance. She strongly agrees that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) should be repealed by Congress. Ernst supports replacing it with common sense, free-market alternatives that put patients first, and health care decisions back in the hands of each of us rather than Washington bureaucrats. She supports continued coverage for pre-existing conditions while replacing ACA.

"What I would like to see is more of that marketplace, larger (insurance) pools…but it would still be run by more of a private entity rather than the federal government…We certainly don't want the government running all of our health care."

"One of the bipartisan bills I supported, the CREATES Act, was passed successfully by the Senate and signed into law…This bipartisan legislation, which is now law, is designed to help drive down costs by increasing competition in the maretplace. The CREATES Act prevents brand-name pharmaceutical and biologic companies from purposely stifling competition by blocking the entry of lower-cost generic drugs into the market. I've also joined forces with my colleague...on additional legislation to lower prescription drug prices and bring transparency to the market. This bill, called the Lower Costs More Cures Act, also takes steps to protect folks with diabetes by lowering out-of-pocket costs for insulin in Medicare Part D and high-deductible plans."

"As a veteran, I understand the importance a strong national defense, and taking care of those soldiers who have laid their lives on the line for our freedom."

"As someone who has served in uniform in the Middle East, I believe strongly that we need to work with our partners to continue the fight against ISIS. Achieving an enduring peace and stability in the region is in our nation's interest."

"I would tend to agree that not all areas of our border need a physical barrier…If those are adequately patrolled by Border Patrol agents, if we have the technology to monitor those areas without having a physical barrier, and can adequately respond in a timely manner to illegal border crossings - we wouldn't need a barrier in that particular area. I do think it needs to be a comprehensive plan that allows us to make smart choices on how we spend our dollars on the border."

Ernst supports the continuation of ICE. "Abolishing ICE would turn the flow of illegal drugs across the border from a stream, into a monsoon. I…voice my support for the brave men and women of America's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)."

Senator Ernst supported the Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act and Kate's Law. This legislation would have removed funding from sanctuary cities.

Senator Ernst cosponsored the Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act. "E-verify is a proven, cost-effective way to ensure businesses are following our immigration laws and a tool to deter illegal immigration."

Senator Ernst believes as the cost of higher education continues to rise, we must ensure that students and families are aware of the tools and resources available to help budget and plan accordingly.  We also have to make sure student loans are accessible to students and families that finance their secondary education and that the interest rates are reasonable and affordable. She co-sponsored an act providing tax credits for contributions to scholarship funds that could be used for private school tuition. She voted to block Betsy DeVos' rule limiting debt relief for defrauded students.

Senator Ernst strongly agrees that Judeo-Christian values established a framework of morality.

Candidate’s position on this issue could not be determined by iVoterGuide research staff.

"I am a Christian. I have grown up in the Lutheran faith, worship in the church I grew up in, and continue to teach Sunday school in that very church. My faith ad beliefs continue to define who I am today as a mother, wife, soldier, state senator and community leader."

Senator Ernst was "an original cosponsor of the First Step Act".

"I do not believe stricter gun control for law-abiding citizens is the solution. Our efforts to prevent future tragedies must focus on enforcing current gun laws, community engagement, and advancing mental health treatment."

Senator Ernst does not support BDS.

Senator Ernst does not support the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Senator Ernst believes that reparations is a "complicated" issue but has not taken a formal stand regarding her beliefs.

Ernst supports maintaining the Electoral College.