Chairman Ernst Works to Ensure U.S. Military is Fully Equipped to Defend Against A Growing Array of Threats

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), the first female combat veteran elected to the Senate and chairman of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities (ETC), is working to ensure our military is appropriately resourced, equipped, and postured to defend the nation against a growing array of threats, including China and Russia.

During an ETC Subcommittee hearing that she chaired this week, Ernst outlined the importance of the oversight component of the committee to ensure proper implementation of the National Defense Strategy. 

To watch Chairman Ernst’s opening remarks, click here or on the image above.

Chairman Ernst questioned Commander of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM), Admiral Craig Faller, on SOUTHCOM’s efforts to combat the expansion of Chinese, Russian, and other external state actors’ influence into Latin America.

In addition, Ernst called attention to the drivers of migration, including violence, corruption, and poverty, which place significant strain on fragile democracies and can engender regional instability. These not only impact our Southern border, but also provide additional flashpoints for nefarious actors to exploit.

To watch Senator Ernst’s questioning, click here.

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