Senator Ernst Condemns Democrats for Playing Politics with Funding for Military

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) today released the following statement after voting in favor of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2017, which was blocked by Senate Democrats:

 “At a time when our country faces increased threats from ISIS and our adversaries continue to test our strength around the world, it is outrageous that Senate Democrats would block necessary funding for our national defense.  It’s truly astonishing that they would have the gall to block a bill to fund our military while our troops – and servicemembers I served beside – are currently out on our front lines.

“This was a bipartisan bill. The Senate version cleared the committee by a vote of 30-0. In addition, this legislation takes important steps to ensure we are being fiscally responsible.

“But now, Democrats are playing politics at the expense of all of our safety. We cannot afford to delay any longer on passing a bill so critical to our national security. It is our job to pass this appropriations bill, and I’m so disappointed that Senate Democrats are refusing to do their job.”