US CONGRESS · SITTING

Joni Ernst

Senator for Iowa · Republican · United States

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

“Whether providing a young person with their first job, supporting a local cause, or creating a place where neighbors can gather, Truett, Sheena, and their employees continue to give back to the community that has supported Ludlow's over the past two decades.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize and outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize North Lumber & Home Center of Decatur County, IA, as Senate Small Business of the Week.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“Their generosity has even reached beyond Iowa, including a donation supporting a Lamoni livestock relief effort bound for Oklahoma in March 2026. I am pleased to recognize Sally, Tony, and the teams at North Lumber & Home Center and Southern Iowa Building Center for their generosity and commitment to helping Decatur County grow.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Ludlow's Steakhouse of Wayne County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗

“For Heidi, the Bread Board remains deeply rooted in family. Growing up next door to her grandparents, some of her fondest childhood memories came from baking alongside her grandmother. The original bread board Heidi used with her grandmother remains in the shop today. Heidi's own family has also become an important part of Bread Board.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗

“More than 120 years after Joe Piper first opened his grocery store, Piper's continues to bring together history, entrepreneurship, and community. Jill and her team have preserved the traditions that made Piper's a Chariton institution while adapting the business to serve a new generation of customers.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗

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“Their generosity has even reached beyond Iowa, including a donation supporting a Lamoni livestock relief effort bound for Oklahoma in March 2026. I am pleased to recognize Sally, Tony, and the teams at North Lumber & Home Center and Southern Iowa Building Center for their generosity and commitment to helping Decatur County grow. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize and outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize North Lumber & Home Center of Decatur County, IA, as Senate Small Business of the Week. For more than four decades, North Lumber & Home Center has helped provide the materials and supplies that keep homes, farms, and businesses across southern Iowa running.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗
“Whether providing a young person with their first job, supporting a local cause, or creating a place where neighbors can gather, Truett, Sheena, and their employees continue to give back to the community that has supported Ludlow's over the past two decades. I am pleased to recognize Truett and Sheena Pershy and the entire Ludlow's Steakhouse team for their dedication to Corydon and Wayne County. I look forward to seeing their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Ludlow's Steakhouse of Wayne County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. For more than two decades, Ludlow's Steakhouse has been a staple of the Wayne County community.”
Senate29 September 2026Source ↗
“More than 120 years after Joe Piper first opened his grocery store, Piper's continues to bring together history, entrepreneurship, and community. Jill and her team have preserved the traditions that made Piper's a Chariton institution while adapting the business to serve a new generation of customers. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Jill Kerns and the entire Piper's team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Lucas County. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Piper's Grocery and Homemade Candies of Lucas County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Piper's has been a fixture of downtown Chariton for more than a century. Joe L.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“These accolades and involvement are a testament to how Jessica has touched the lives of many Iowans. It is with profound gratitude that I recognize Jessica Wilson of Lone Arranger for her longstanding dedication to Adams County. I look forward to all she will achieve and wish her success and happiness in her future ventures. ____________________”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Lone Arranger of Adams County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. For over 28 years, Lone Arranger has served the community as a florist and gift shop, offering products for every occasion and providing customized decorating services.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“For Randy, the people he serves are what make the business special and continue to bring energy and purpose to his work after all these years. The entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to quality, and dedication to community demonstrated by Henningsen's Meat Processing embodies the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Randy Henningsen and the entire Henningsen's Meat Processing team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Cass County and southwest Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued success. ____________________”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Henningsen's Meat Processing of Cass County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. After years of working in construction, Randy Henningsen decided to return home to Atlantic to be closer to his father and brother.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Five Sons Landscape & Design of Madison County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. The idea for Five Sons began with a shared dream between Eric Pugh and his oldest son Brady to start their own landscaping company.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“In turn, Stacy and Ron remain committed to strengthening communities that have supported their business, generously contributing their time, resources, and floral arrangements to local fairs, youth programs, and educational initiatives. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by The Farmer's Daughters embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Stacy Burgoin-Burge, Ron Burge, and their entire team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to southwest Iowa. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize The Farmer's Daughters of Fremont County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Stacy Burgoin-Burge's vision for The Farmer's Daughters began in 2014 with small antique pop-up shops at events including Vintage & Made Fair and Junkstock.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success. ____________________”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“For Heidi, the Bread Board remains deeply rooted in family. Growing up next door to her grandparents, some of her fondest childhood memories came from baking alongside her grandmother. The original bread board Heidi used with her grandmother remains in the shop today. Heidi's own family has also become an important part of Bread Board. Her mother is always willing to lend a hand, her husband has been by her side since the bakery's earliest days, and now her son and daughter are pitching in too, making the Bread Board a true family affair. The entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to community demonstrated by the Bread Board embody the very best of Iowa small businesses. I want to congratulate Heidi Rozenboom, her family, and her entire team for their hard work, dedication, and exceptional service to Marion County.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize the Bread Board of Marion County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Heidi Rozenboom grew up baking fresh bread with her grandmother, always using the same bread board that would eventually inspire her business' name.”
Senate28 September 2026Source ↗
“1721) to direct the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a study on the feasibility of manufacturing in the United States products for critical infrastructure sectors, and for other purposes. There being no objection, the committee was discharged, and the Senate proceeded to consider the bill. Ms. ERNST. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“But you can't fix vulnerabilities you can't see, which is why my bill gives Congress and the executive branch the visibility necessary to identify gaps and then close them. I am grateful to Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks for introducing the House version of this bill, and for the House of Representatives passing the bill unanimously. Now it is time for the Senate to act and send this bill to the President's desk. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1721 and that the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Thank goodness President Trump, his administration, and Congress have been taking steps to put us on the right track and bring back the manufacturing capabilities we need here at home. My bipartisan Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act builds on these efforts. My bill, which has already passed the Senate unanimously, directs the Secretary of Commerce to identify critical goods that are currently being imported and find ways to help domestic producers manufacture them in the rural areas and shovel-ready industrial sites. Rural Iowans are ready to roll up their sleeves and build the factories and processing facilities we need to secure our supply chains. We can and need to make things here.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Today, we have only one active facility producing cannon barrels. Today, we rely 100 percent on foreign sources for 12 critical minerals essential to our military and our economy. During COVID, we saw what happened when supply chains are strained. There was a global shortage of microchips, which upended manufacturers' ability to make everything from cars to computers. At the same time, moms in the Midwest had to worry about finding baby formula due to supply chain issues at both the production and shipping levels. Put simply: We have lost the ability to make what we need right here at home. In the event of a conflict with one of our near-peer adversaries, supply chains will be challenged, and the United States will have to make what it needs.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“This has really been the focus of my career--protecting that national and economic security. In 1940, the United States became the ``Arsenal of Democracy,'' and our country came together to quickly accelerate production of weapons, vehicles, food, and supplies that enabled the allies to defeat the axis powers. Americans in factories, farms, small businesses, and across the country did what was necessary to make what was needed. Instead of internalizing the lesson that our ability to make these critical items in the United States led to great success, we spent much of the last 50 years off-shoring our jobs and our manufacturing capabilities. This is something China, Russia, and other nefarious actors around the world have been all too happy to accommodate and to take on themselves.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, I want to thank my colleague from Delaware for bringing up our Iowa State Cyclones and our University of Iowa Hawkeyes. We had the Cy-Hawk game just 2 weekends ago. Unfortunately, my Cyclones fell to the Iowa Hawkeyes. But God bless Coach Kirk Ferentz and his Iowa Hawkeyes. It was another great game for all of Iowa. Mr. President, I am here today to talk a little bit more about our national and economic security of the United States.”
Senate23 September 2026Source ↗
“That is a win for everyone, especially our taxpayers. Let's send this bill to the President today so it becomes law. Mr. President, notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Bureaucrats, however, have been hiding tens of billions of dollars distributed through secret spending arrangements known as other transaction agreements, or OTAs, by not publicly disclosing these expenditures on USAspending.gov. With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why. In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov, just like all other government spending. Last month, the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta. Democrats and Republicans in both the House and Senate agree that Washington needs to finally end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every year.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, taxpayers deserve to know how the money they send to Washington is being spent. For 20 years now, the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act has required unclassified government spending to be put online in a searchable public website, USAspending.gov. This allows taxpayers to review the receipts for themselves.”
Senate7 August 2026Source ↗
“I do hope in the future that, between the Senate Republican leadership and the House Republican leadership, we can come together on these issues because it is not good for the American people when we have this infighting on good, solid pieces of legislation. We can do better.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“I can appreciate the dilemma that many of us are in as we debate these very important bills, and they are very important bills. So what I have in front of me here at my desk is a list of 59 House bills that have been passed this Congress. They are H.R. bills. They are H.J. Res. 140; H.R. 7147--59 House bills that have already passed through the Senate in this Congress. Now, I understand that we all have ways that we have to use leverage. I completely understand that. As a matter of fact, the bill that I had passed through this Chamber, you know, I would love to have it as an S. bill, a Senate bill, and I would love to see my name at the top of the bill rather than a House bill. The companion bill was passed by the House. So, again, I would love to see my name at the top of the bill and it listed as a Senate bill.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“As if in legislative session and notwithstanding rule XXII, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of H.R. 2069, which was received from the House. I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“Earlier today, I attended the meeting of the Vice President's Task Force to Eliminate Fraud at the White House, and the success of this effort depends on being able to track how dollars are being spent. Unfortunately, some Governors are impeding anti-fraud efforts by blocking access to spending information about how tax dollars from Washington are being spent in their own States. We can't stop what we can't see, but we can do our part by passing the Stop Secret Spending Act today. This bill will end the secrecy about how tens of billions of dollars are being spent every single year. There are no excuses for delaying sending this bill to the President today to become law. In fact, the only reason to oppose the Stop Secret Spending Act is if you have something to hide.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“I very much appreciate Senators Peters and Hassan, whose support was critical for making this happen. I was also delighted last month when the House approved the bipartisan companion bill introduced by Representatives Moore and Panetta, which is now at the desk here in the Senate. We all know Congress can't agree on very much these days, so it makes a very powerful statement when folks on both sides of the aisle and from both Chambers come together by passing this transparency bill to hold Washington accountable for how Americans' tax dollars are being spent. With fraudsters stealing $1.4 billion every single day, we need this information now so we can account for who is taking tax dollars and why they are taking them.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“We recently learned that NIH's new ARPA-H biomedical research contracts are being processed as OTAs through the Interior Department. This means if you want to know the details behind NIH's biomedical research contracts, you practically have to be a data wizard and know where to look deep in the Department of--where did I say?--Department of the Interior's databases. I know, it makes no sense. As we witnessed last week, we can't get answers from Dr. Fauci about what NIH has been funding because he is hiding behind the Fifth Amendment. Taxpayers deserve to know how their dollars are being spent in Washington, and we have an obligation here to show them. In June, the Senate unanimously passed my bipartisan Stop Secret Spending Act to require OTAs to be publicly disclosed on USAspending.gov just like all other government spending.”
Senate5 August 2026Source ↗
“Present Company's ongoing investment in their community demonstrates the important role locally owned small businesses play in strengthening Iowa's rural communities. I am pleased to recognize Telia Carter and the team at Present Company for their dedication to Audubon County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate4 August 2026Source ↗
“Madam President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Present Company of Audubon County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1990, Present Company opened its doors as a home decor boutique. The business quickly became a destination for quality home furnishings and unique gifts for the Audubon community.”
Senate4 August 2026Source ↗
“Their entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to excellence, and dedication to serving others embody the qualities that make Iowa's small businesses exceptional. It is my honor to recognize the Nguyen family and the entire team behind Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate29 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Winn Nguyen and his family's restaurants Winn's Pizza & Steakhouse and Winn & Sara's Kitchen of Warren County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Winn Nguyen spent more than 13 years at Best Steakhouse, mastering every aspect of the restaurant business.”
Senate29 July 2026Source ↗
“I ask for the yeas and nays.”
Senate23 July 2026Source ↗
“Specifically, my Protecting American Taxpayers Act will stop handing out quick cash with no questions asked, trigger automatic investigations when there are sudden and suspicious spikes in payment claims, ban convicted fraudsters from receiving taxpayer dollars, take back the money that was already stolen, and send scammers to the slammer. If enacted, this bill would save $240 billion. The choice is quite simple: Give this money to fraudsters or return it to the taxpayers. The bill is now before the Senate, and every day we delay in passing it, grifters are getting away with stealing another $1.4 billion. Allowing that to continue is the greatest fraud of all. I yield the floor.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“Congress decides how much of your paycheck must be sent to Washington, and it writes the laws determining exactly how every one of those dollars is spent. But the haste to spend trillions of tax dollars as quickly as possible is resulting in outrageous amounts of waste, fraud, and abuse. From fake childcare centers in Minnesota to convicts collecting unemployment checks, fraudsters are blatantly getting away with treating the National Treasury like their own personal piggy bank. At the request of Majority Leader Thune, I have compiled a comprehensive package of proposals put forth by our Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to end fraud once and for all.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“Every single day, folks, $1.4 billion fraudsters are making off with. If grift were a government agency, the ``Department of Fraud'' would be the fifth largest. The $521 billion going to fraud every year exceeds the individual annual budgets of the Departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Transportation, Homeland Security, State, and Justice. That is right, folks. Fraudsters are being better taken care of than our veterans and our farmers. While hard-working Americans are struggling to make ends meet, fraudsters are living large on the loot that they are taking from the Treasury. Government grift and graft are endless, and so are the excuses for not stopping it, but the public's patience isn't. So who is responsible for allowing fraud to continue? Folks, the buck stops right here with Congress.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“That representative was caught and is being held responsible for shaking down our disabled veterans. The problem in most of these cases is the money is going out the door before verifying if the recipient is legitimate. If fraud is later detected, then the government has to decide if it is worth trying to recover the stolen money. This pay-and-chase system makes it way too easy for scammers to take the money and run. It is like giving the cash advance and your bank routing number to the Nigerian ``Prince'' who promised you a financial reward for your help only for you to realize, later, you have been ripped off. Good luck getting any of your money back. It is the grift that keeps giving. As a result, fraudsters are getting away with stealing more than $1.4 billion in taxpayer money every single day.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“Over the years, I have documented countless examples of government employees who have been caught with their hands in the cookie jar--embezzling millions of dollars and abusing their positions for personal gain. As a veteran, one particular example that really makes my blood boil involves a service representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs who was shaking down disabled veterans for bribes to ``grease the wheels'' to speed up the approval of backlogged claims. A $3,385 kickback paid to him via Venmo was listed on the memo line as ``crooked shit.'' I apologize for my language, but that is what the Venmo actually said. We had to modify our chart today. So a VA representative was shaking down disabled veterans. This actually happened.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, we have all received that email from a wealthy Nigerian ``Prince,'' asking us to wire him some money with promises that he will return the favor with a huge reward as soon as he can access his fortune, or we have gotten that phone call from an unknown number claiming to be the IRS, warning that an arrest warrant will be issued if we don't immediately pay off our outstanding tax debt, and, of course, everyone has been told that our extended vehicle warranty is about to expire unless we renew immediately. Folks, we all know these are scams, and we aren't being fooled. Yet, somehow, government bureaucrats are being bamboozled by even less sophisticated schemes, except they are not giving out access to their own bank accounts but, rather, to taxpayer dollars and the U.S. Treasury. Folks, I am not making this up.”
Senate22 July 2026Source ↗
“The restaurant famously celebrates Marshalltown High School football victories by providing free malts after every home win. If the team captures a State championship, players are rewarded with free Maid-Rite sandwiches and malts. Taylor's Maid-Rite's continued investment in Marshalltown reflects the same entrepreneurial spirit that inspired Cliff and Emma Taylor nearly 100 years ago. I am pleased to recognize the Taylor family and the employees of Taylor's Maid-Rite for their dedication to Marshalltown and Marshall County. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate21 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Taylor's Maid-Rite of Marshalltown, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. In 1926, Fred Angell created the Maid-Rite sandwich in Muscatine, IA, out of the need for a convenient, affordable meal that could be assembled quickly, customized with a variety of toppings, and still deliver great taste.”
Senate21 July 2026Source ↗
“I am pleased to recognize Nate and Todd McCubbin along with the entire team at ShinyTop Brewing for their dedication to the Fort Dodge community. I look forward to their continued success and wish them the very best in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗
“Through individual and group efforts, these entrepreneurs are looking to positively impact their community. By partnering with local organizations, the brewery has fostered meaningful engagement while supporting local initiatives, strengthening neighborhood connections, and contributing to the overall growth and well-being of Fort Dodge. In the spirit of supporting the area, ShinyTop has partnered with the Fort Dodge Fine Arts Association, Serving our Servants, Fort Dodge Firefighter's Association, and has collaborated with other local organizations. More recently, the brewery has introduced its Giving Tuesday initiative in which 10 percent of its sales are donated to a partnering charity or organization. ShinyTop and the McCubbins continue to prove their generosity and enthusiasm to give back to the area.”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗
“The business is proud to be members of the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, the American Institute of Steel Construction, the Nevada Economic Development Council, the Grain Elevator and Processing Society, and the Associated General Contractors of America. Through their local engagement and contributions, Mid-States is a remarkable example for small businesses across the country. It is with great enthusiasm that I recognize Kevin, Shelley, Randy, Austin, Riley, and the team at Mid-States Companies for their continuous dedication to Story County. I am excited to see everything they will accomplish and wish them success in the years ahead. ____________________”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗
“Mr. President, as chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to honor Mid- States Companies of Story County, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. Founded in 2001 by Kevin and Shelley Vier, Mid-States Companies is a group of businesses that provides premier grain handling, engineering, fabrication, crane, and trucking services.”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗
“His contributions to conflict resolution went well beyond the United States. Just days ago, Lindsey was in Ukraine meeting with President Zelenskyy and standing with a nation fighting for its survival because he believed at his core that American leadership was the difference between peace and oppression. Lindsey Graham was tough, he was funny, and he loved this country. To the people of South Carolina and to Lindsey's family and, most especially, to his sister Darline and all who loved him, we are all mourning together. As a Christian like Lindsey, I know God will bring comfort where there is fear, strength where there is shock, and hope where there is loss. Lindsey, we miss you, and this Chamber will never be the same without you. Godspeed, my dear friend, and thank you for your service. I yield the floor.”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗
“He was always working the phones--phone call after phone call--whether it was President Trump or my mom back in Iowa. He was always certain that presence was power. I had the privilege of traveling many times over with Lindsey. The very first codel, which is a congressional delegation trip, that I took in the U.S. Senate was with Lindsey. It was to the Munich Security Conference in Germany. The other Senators on that trip were former Senator Joe Lieberman, a dear friend of his; Senator John McCain, who was his deepest and truest friend; and Senator Kelly Ayotte. We had a wonderful trip together. And it was such a great experience for me to see him on the world stage, easily moving from conversation to conversation with some of the world's most important and powerful leaders, and to see how much they deeply respected Senator Graham.”
Senate14 July 2026Source ↗

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