WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) released the following statement in response to President Obama’s final State of the Union Address: “First and foremost, my thoughts and prayers are with the U.S. Navy sailors in Iranian custody. While I am disappointed the President did not provide an update tonight, I am hopeful they will be safely released immediately. “Furthermore, unfortunately President Obama’s speech tonight failed to address the troubling reality our country finds itself in near the end of his presidency. While an overwhelming majority of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track, the President doubled-down on his failed policies of the past from ObamaCare to more burdensome regulations, to restricting law-abiding Iowans’ Second Amendment rights. “Although national security is a top concern for many folks across the country, our Commander in Chief yet again ignored an opportunity to outline a comprehensive strategy to destroy ISIS and fight terror at home and abroad. “As someone who served our nation at war, I believe President Obama owes it to the American people to be honest about the efforts necessary to defeat ISIS, and to match that honest assessment with a real strategy to accomplish the goal. “We must preserve the safety and security of the American people, which is why I will continue to urge President Obama to fully engage, defeat, and destroy ISIS wherever they are. “It is completely unacceptable that the President failed to present serious solutions to grow our economy and ensure that America remains a strong force around the globe. Americans deserve better.” ### |