Joni Ernst Quotes

Powerful Joni Ernst for Daily Growth

About Joni Ernst

Joni Kay Ernst (born July 1, 1970) is an American politician, farmer, and military veteran who serves as the junior United States Senator from Iowa since 2015. Born in Red Oak, Iowa, Ernst grew up on a farm and developed a strong connection to rural life. She attended Iowa State University and later Simpson College, earning degrees in business administration and psychology respectively. Ernst's military career began in 1987 when she joined the Iowa Army National Guard. In 2004, she was mobilized for active duty in Iraq as a company commander in the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Her experiences in the military have significantly influenced her political views and speeches. In 2010, Ernst ran for Iowa State Auditor but lost to incumbent Dave Vaudt. However, she successfully challenged Democrat Bruce Braley in the 2014 U.S. Senate election, becoming Iowa's first female Senator. Ernst is known for her conservative political stance and her focus on agriculture, national security, and rural issues. She has been an outspoken critic of government overreach and a strong advocate for veterans, military families, and farmers. Notable quotes by Ernst include: 1. "I'm not going to Washington to join the club; I'm going there to fight the club." 2. "If freedom only survives in the letters of our Constitution, then we will have lost a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and we will have no America." 3. "I believe that when the government takes care of everything, they take away your freedom to do so for yourself." 4. "When it comes to national security, I'm not afraid to ask tough questions, challenge conventional wisdom, or make the hard calls to keep our country safe." 5. "Our farmers and ranchers are the backbone of rural America and the lifeblood of our economy." Ernst continues to represent Iowa in the U.S. Senate, advocating for conservative policies and promoting her vision for a strong, secure, and free America.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"I'm not a perfect woman, I'm a work in progress."

This quote by Joni Ernst emphasizes her understanding that personal growth and self-improvement are ongoing processes, rather than finite achievements. She acknowledges that she is not flawless but is continuously working towards becoming the best version of herself. It's a testament to the human capacity for change, resilience, and the importance of humility in our personal journeys.


"When you have strong values and principles, people will listen to what you say."

This quote by Joni Ernst emphasizes that having a clear set of values and principles is essential for gaining the attention and respect of others. By standing firm on one's beliefs and demonstrating integrity, individuals are more likely to be listened to and taken seriously. In other words, strong character and consistent values serve as a powerful foundation for effective communication and leadership.


"We need to make sure that our military is ready for the 21st century threats."

This quote emphasizes the importance of modernizing the U.S. military to effectively counteract emerging challenges in the 21st century. The "threats" likely refer to cyberattacks, terrorism, space warfare, and other non-traditional threats that require advanced technology and adaptability. Upgrading the military's capabilities is crucial for national security and peacekeeping efforts in today's rapidly evolving world.


"I believe in the American Dream, and I'm fighting every day to ensure it's accessible for everyone."

The quote by Joni Ernst expresses her firm belief in the American Dream - a concept that embodies equality of opportunity for all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. She is committed to working tirelessly to make this dream attainable for every individual, fostering an inclusive society where each person has a fair chance to achieve their goals and prosper.


"You can have a job, a family, and still be committed to your community."

The quote suggests that it is possible for individuals to maintain personal responsibilities such as employment and family obligations while simultaneously being actively involved in their community. It implies that being dedicated to one's community is not mutually exclusive with other life commitments, reinforcing the idea of a balanced lifestyle where work, family, and community coexist harmoniously. This quote encourages people to engage in their communities while also fulfilling their personal obligations.


It's not enough to be a woman. You have to care about women's issues. And women's issues here in Iowa are that we have a strong economy. We have jobs that our sons and daughters can go off to someday. We have a great educational system. And women want strong national defense. We want to know that our families are going to be safe.

- Joni Ernst

Strong, Here, Iowa, National Defense

In the fields of southwest Iowa, my parents and grandparents worked and sacrificed. Like so many Iowans, the American Dream for them was never about wealth or fame. Their dream was to leave their children and grandchildren a better life, with greater opportunity, than their own.

- Joni Ernst

Own, Iowa, Southwest, Better Life

Growing up, I had only one good pair of shoes. So on rainy school days, my mom would slip plastic bread bags over them to keep them dry. But I was never embarrassed. Because the school bus would be filled with rows and rows of young Iowans with bread bags slipped over their feet.

- Joni Ernst

Feet, Bus, Bags, Slip

I am deeply concerned for the safety of our people brought by a lack of a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIL.

- Joni Ernst

Concerned, Brought, Am, Our People

I grew up in southwest Iowa, on a farm north of Stanton, Iowa, which is a tiny little town, a farming community. I went to Iowa State University and joined Army ROTC while I was there and just have had such a phenomenal life. I am a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

- Joni Ernst

University, Iowa, Southwest, Little Town

As a young girl, I plowed the fields of our family farm. I worked construction with my dad. To save for college, I worked the morning biscuit line at Hardees.

- Joni Ernst

College, Young, Young Girl, Family Farm

It's time to stop spending money we don't have and balance the budget.

- Joni Ernst

Spending Money, Spending, Budget

I believe that wholeheartedly - that we have to maintain a strong national defense.

- Joni Ernst

Strong, National Defense, Wholeheartedly

Our fighters would be nowhere if they didn't have the support coming from folks like those that served with me.

- Joni Ernst

Like, Nowhere, Our, Fighters

It was only by luck and the blessings of God that my soldiers did not encounter an assault, that we did not run over an IED. And to dishonor our service by saying we're not worthy of being called combat veterans is insulting to the majority of men and women who serve their country honorably.

- Joni Ernst

Country, Veterans, Assault, Dishonor

I can tell you that the Iowa way - the Iowa way is to find out that there is a problem and acknowledge it and address it head-on.

- Joni Ernst

Problem, Iowa, Acknowledge, Head-On

Cleaning up the mess in Washington is gonna take a whole lot of Iowa common sense.

- Joni Ernst

Cleaning, Lot, Take, Common Sense

We are way overstepping bounds as federal legislators.

- Joni Ernst

Way, Bounds, Federal, Legislators

Those that have received care here in Des Moines at the VA center or the VA hospital here have said that they do receive good care. However, it's getting into the system - the wait periods. We have to do something about that. The care here has been good. We're not seeing that in other states.

- Joni Ernst

Wait, Here, However, VA

I say scrap the IRS. Let's start all over again.

- Joni Ernst

Over, Again, Scrap, IRS

I am very proud of my service, and by law, I am defined as a combat veteran.

- Joni Ernst

Law, Proud, Very, Defined

The push for 'Meatless Mondays' in our military is misguided at best and goes against dietary guidelines. Our men and women in uniform should have the option to consume the protein they need, including meat, on a daily basis.

- Joni Ernst

Best, Against, Consume, Guidelines

I believe that businesses will do what is best for their business. I don't know that the government needs to be stepping in and telling them, 'This is what you will do.'

- Joni Ernst

Business, Needs, Telling, Businesses

Let's shut down the EPA.

- Joni Ernst

Down, Shut, EPA

I do believe that we need to lower taxes on our hard working Iowans immediately.

- Joni Ernst

Need, Lower, Hard Working, Lower Taxes

I don't know the science behind climate change. I can't say one way or another what is the direct impact, whether it's man-made or not.

- Joni Ernst

Change, Behind, Another, Man-Made

Americans have been hurting, but when we demanded solutions, too often Washington responded with the same stale mindset that led to failed policies like Obamacare. It's a mindset that gave us political talking points, not serious solutions.

- Joni Ernst

Political, Policies, Been, Hurting

The state knows best how to protect resources.

- Joni Ernst

Best, How, Resources, Protect

There's a lot we can achieve if we work together.

- Joni Ernst

Work, Achieve, Lot, Work Together

You have to be committed to expand rights and opportunities for all women.

- Joni Ernst

Rights, Committed, Expand, All Women

We have to have somebody that will express conservative views, of course, and I'm looking for somebody that is very Reaganesque. Someone that can reach all aspects of our voting population here in America.

- Joni Ernst

Conservative, Here, Very, Views

I have a beautiful little Smith & Wesson, 9 millimeter, and it goes with me virtually everywhere. But I do believe in the right to carry, and I believe in the right to defend myself and my family - whether it's from an intruder or whether it's from the government, should they decide that my rights are no longer important.

- Joni Ernst

Believe, Decide, Smith, I Believe In

I do not support a federal minimum wage. I think every state has a different economy, a different cost of living. I don't believe that's the role of the federal government.

- Joni Ernst

Think, Cost, I Think, Federal

I am a woman and, second, I have been to war. I am a combat veteran. This is not a war on women, and anytime Democrats use the word 'war,' they need to do it to honor our servicemen and women.

- Joni Ernst

Woman, Democrats, Been, Anytime

We want Iowa to remain red. We have worked so hard to get here. We will not be a purple state: we will be a red state.

- Joni Ernst

Red, Here, Iowa, Purple

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