On the Heels of Visiting Troops in Kuwait and Afghanistan, Ernst Calls for Congress to Support Servicemembers
The Iowa Senator, who commanded troops in Kuwait and Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, continues to push for passage of the annual defense authorization bill
WASHINGTON—The first female combat veteran elected to the Senate, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) once again called on Congress today to support servicemembers and come together to pass the annual defense authorization bill, as well as defense funding for this next fiscal year.
On the heels of her recent bipartisan, bicameral Congressional delegation visit to Kuwait and Afghanistan, Ernst outlined the importance of ensuring our servicemembers, like the ones she commanded during Operation Iraqi Freedom and those she visited in the Middle East just last week, have the necessary resources to carry out their mission of protecting the homeland. The Senator and combat veteran said in part: “Our men and women overseas are serving our purpose abroad…now it’s time for Congress to serve their purpose.”
Click here or on the image above to watch Senator Ernst’s remarks.
Background:
Before Thanksgiving, the Senator traveled to Kuwait and Afghanistan to meet with soldiers and commanders station there, including Iowans of the Des Moines-based 103rd Sustainment Command. She also participated in several other meetings with dignitaries and officials to receive extensive military briefings on the region.
Congress has yet to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), annual legislation that normally receives wide bipartisan support nearly every year.
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