Ernst, Joni [R-IA]
Republican · IA · 66 bills sponsored
Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act
# Small Business Innovation and Economic Security Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill, sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), aims to strengthen small businesses' ability to innovate and compete while protecting U.S. technology from foreign threats. The legislation creates new lending and funding programs through the Small Business Administration (SBA) to help small companies develop advanced technologies and bring them to market. It also includes measures to safeguard intellectual property and prevent sensitive technology from being transferred to countries like China, addressing concerns about economic security and competition. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions** The bill primarily benefits small business owners seeking funding for research and development in advanced technology fields. Key provisions likely include new SBA loan programs and grants for tech innovation, requirements to assess technology risks, protections against foreign acquisition of sensitive U.S. technology, and mechanisms to track how government-funded research is commercialized. The bill also appears to address cybersecurity and identity theft risks related to technology development. **Current Status** As of the information provided, the bill has **passed the Senate** and is moving through the legislative process. It would need House approval and the President's signature to become law. The bill reflects broader congressional focus on supporting American small business competitiveness while protecting national economic interests.
National STEM Week Act
# National STEM Week Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The National STEM Week Act would designate one week each year as "National STEM Week" to promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. During this week, schools (from elementary through college level), families, and STEM industries would be encouraged to participate in STEM-related activities. Companies in STEM fields would be asked to support education by offering mentorship programs, site visits, guest lectures, and funding to schools. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill primarily affects students, educators, schools, and STEM-related businesses. The National Science and Technology Council's Committee on STEM would be responsible for organizing and promoting the week each year and must submit annual reports to Congress on the activities conducted. The bill has no major funding requirements—it mainly coordinates existing educational outreach efforts rather than creating new programs. **Current Status** The bill passed the Senate and is currently moving through the legislative process. As an awareness and coordination measure rather than a funded program, it faces minimal opposition and is designed to increase visibility and engagement with STEM education across the country.
A bill to terminate the ability of eligible telecommunications carriers in certain States to use State eligibility determination processes in place of the National Verifier to determine the eligibility of consumers for Lifeline service.
# Summary of S 3954 **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would require all states to use a single, federally-run system (called the "National Verifier") to determine who qualifies for Lifeline service—a federal program that provides discounted phone and internet service to low-income Americans. Currently, some states are allowed to use their own eligibility verification processes instead of the National Verifier. This bill would eliminate that option and standardize the process nationwide. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily impacts telecommunications companies offering Lifeline service and low-income consumers applying for the program. It would also affect state governments that currently manage their own eligibility determinations, as they would lose that responsibility. **Current Status:** S 3954 is currently in committee and has not yet advanced to a floor vote. The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) in the 119th Congress. No further action has been taken at this time.
SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act
# SBA Fraud Enforcement Extension Act Summary **What the Bill Does** This bill would extend the Small Business Administration's (SBA) authority to investigate and prosecute fraud cases. The SBA is a federal agency that helps small business owners access loans and other support. The bill appears focused on giving the SBA stronger or longer-lasting tools to pursue cases where people illegally obtain SBA loans or benefits through deception—a significant problem, especially after pandemic-relief programs revealed widespread fraud. **Who It Affects** The bill would primarily affect small business owners (by protecting legitimate SBA programs), federal investigators and prosecutors working on fraud cases, and potentially individuals who commit SBA-related fraud. Legitimate small business borrowers could benefit from a more secure lending system with fewer fraudulent claims competing for resources. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. No specific provisions are detailed in the available information, so the exact nature of the enforcement extension is unclear.
A bill to provide for auditable financial statements for the Department of Defense, and for other purposes.
# Summary of S 3902 **What It Would Do** This bill aims to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to produce financial statements that can be independently audited and verified. Currently, the Pentagon struggles to pass comprehensive financial audits, meaning there's limited external verification of how the massive defense budget is spent. The bill would establish standards to make DoD accounting more transparent and accountable to Congress and taxpayers. **Who It Affects and Key Details** This bill primarily affects the Department of Defense and its financial management practices. By requiring auditable statements, it would impact how defense officials track and report spending across the military services and defense agencies. The legislation aims to improve fiscal accountability without necessarily changing defense spending levels—it's about better documentation and oversight of existing funds. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This is an early stage in the legislative process, and many bills in committee never advance further.
Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act
# Iowa National Guard Heroes Commemoration Act (S 3837) - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** This bill would establish a way to officially commemorate and honor members of the Iowa National Guard who have died in service. While the specific details about the type of commemoration (such as a memorial, monument, or designation) aren't specified in the available information, the bill is designed to recognize the sacrifice and service of Iowa National Guard personnel. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily honors deceased Iowa National Guard members and their families. It would also affect Iowa as a state, potentially establishing a lasting tribute within the state. **Current Status:** As of now, S 3837 is in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. The bill was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). Since it remains in the committee stage, it has not advanced to broader consideration by Congress.
Prospectus Modernization Act of 2026
# Prospectus Modernization Act of 2026 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Prospectus Modernization Act of 2026 would update federal rules governing prospectuses—the detailed documents that companies must provide to investors before selling securities (stocks, bonds, etc.). By modernizing these disclosure requirements, the bill aims to make investment documents clearer and more relevant to today's investors, potentially reducing outdated or unnecessary information requirements. **Who It Affects:** This bill would primarily impact public companies seeking to raise capital through securities offerings and the investors who review these materials. It could also affect securities regulators, financial advisors, and the SEC, which oversees prospectus requirements. **Current Status:** As of now, the bill is in committee (S 3789, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet advanced to a full Senate vote. It was sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). *Note: Limited details are publicly available about specific provisions in this bill. For a complete understanding of what changes it proposes, you would need to review the full legislative text.*
Putting an N to Learing about Fraud Act
# Summary of S. 3727: Putting an N to Learing about Fraud Act **What the Bill Would Do:** Based on the information available, the specific details of this bill are limited in the public record. The title suggests it relates to addressing fraud, though the full legislative text and provisions are not clearly documented in standard sources. The bill appears to be in the early stages of the legislative process. **Current Status:** This bill (S. 3727) is currently in committee and has not advanced to a floor vote. It was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). With limited public information available, it's unclear what stage of committee review it's in or what its prospects for passage are. **Note:** To get accurate details about what this bill would specifically do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I'd recommend checking Congress.gov or Senator Ernst's official website, where the full text and any amendments would be publicly available. The title's wording appears unusual, which may indicate it's either a newly introduced bill or the title may have transcription issues.
Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025
# Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Made in America Manufacturing Finance Act of 2025 would create or expand federal lending and loan guarantee programs to support manufacturing businesses in the United States. The bill aims to make it easier for manufacturers—particularly small businesses—to access financing for operations, expansion, and equipment purchases. By backing loans with government guarantees, the bill would reduce lenders' risk, potentially making loans more available and affordable for qualifying manufacturers. **Who It Affects** The primary beneficiaries would be American manufacturing companies and small manufacturers seeking capital. The bill could also indirectly affect workers in manufacturing sectors, communities that depend on manufacturing employment, and lending institutions that would participate in the guarantee programs. **Current Status** As of now, the bill (S 1555) remains in committee and has not been voted on by the full Senate. This means it's still in the early stages of the legislative process and would need committee approval and broader congressional support before becoming law.
Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act
# Modernizing Agricultural and Manufacturing Bonds Act (S 2100) - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would create or expand tax-advantaged bonds to help finance agricultural equipment, machinery, and farming operations, as well as manufacturing facilities. These bonds would likely allow investors to earn income that is excluded from federal taxes, making them more attractive investments. The revenue from selling these bonds could be used by farmers and manufacturers to purchase equipment, build facilities, or make other capital improvements. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets farmers, agricultural businesses, and manufacturing companies looking to finance equipment and facility upgrades. It would also affect investors who purchase these bonds, and potentially impact federal tax revenue. The bill appears designed to help these industries manage costs in an inflationary environment. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2100, 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), who represents Iowa, a major agricultural state. No significant action has been taken as of this summary.
Where’s WALDO Act
I appreciate your request, but I'm unable to provide a summary of this bill because the information available is incomplete. The congressional record you've provided only shows basic metadata (bill number, sponsor, status) but doesn't include the actual text, legislative summary, or stated purpose of the "Where's WALDO Act." To give you an accurate summary, I would need access to: - The bill's full text or official summary - What "WALDO" stands for (an acronym) - The specific provisions and policy changes proposed **I'd recommend:** - Checking **Congress.gov** (the official source for all federal legislation) - Searching for S. 3553 to find the complete bill summary, sponsor's statement, or any available descriptions If you can share the bill's text or a more detailed description, I'd be happy to explain it in plain language.
Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025
# Summary: Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act of 2025 **What It Does** This bill requires federal agencies to report to Congress about government projects that have gone significantly over budget or behind schedule. Specifically, agencies must report annually on projects that are either more than five years delayed or have cost overruns of at least $1 billion. The reports would include project descriptions, reasons for delays or cost increases, original versus current timelines and budgets, and changes to what the project was supposed to accomplish. **Who It Affects and Why** The bill primarily affects federal agencies that manage large-scale projects (like infrastructure, defense, or research programs) and Congress, which would receive these reports for oversight purposes. Taxpayers are the ultimate focus, as the legislation aims to increase transparency about how government money is spent on major projects that haven't gone as planned. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate and is now awaiting consideration in the House. It's sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is focused on government accountability and transparency rather than partisan policy changes.
Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act
# Delivering On Government Efficiency in Spending Act (S 1991) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill, sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA), aims to improve government spending efficiency by establishing new requirements around how federal agencies manage their bank accounts and financial deposits. The legislation focuses on government record-keeping and information management systems related to financial accounts and capital management. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily affects federal government agencies and departments that handle taxpayer money. Indirectly, it could impact taxpayers by potentially changing how federal finances are tracked and reported. **Current Status:** As of now, S 1991 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. The bill has not advanced to become law. *Note: The specific detailed provisions of this bill were not fully accessible in the provided information. For complete details on exact requirements and mechanisms, you would want to review the full bill text on Congress.gov.*
Stop 8(a) Contracting Fraud Act
# Stop 8(a) Contracting Fraud Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to prevent fraud in the federal government's 8(a) Business Development Program, which helps small businesses—particularly those owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals—win government contracts. The legislation would strengthen oversight and auditing requirements to catch and punish companies that misuse this program through fraudulent practices or misrepresentation. **Who It Affects** The bill primarily affects small business owners participating in the 8(a) program, federal agencies that award contracts, and taxpayers. It would also impact the Small Business Administration (SBA), which administers the program. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. As of now, it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. The bill was sponsored by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and addresses concerns about fraud in federal contracting—a topic with bipartisan interest in preventing waste of taxpayer money.
FAIR Leave Act
# FAIR Leave Act (S 3321) Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The FAIR Leave Act is a proposed federal law currently being reviewed in the Senate. Based on its title and sponsorship, it appears designed to address leave policies, though specific details about its exact provisions are not available in the information provided. The bill would likely create or modify federal requirements related to employee leave benefits. **Who It Affects:** The legislation would primarily impact workers and employers across the United States, as well as federal agencies that administer leave policies. The scope of impact—whether limited to federal employees or extending to private sector workers—cannot be determined without more detailed information about the bill's contents. **Current Status:** As of now, S 3321 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. This early stage indicates the bill has not advanced significantly through the legislative process. To learn more about the specific provisions and proposed changes, you would need to consult the full bill text through Congress.gov or contact the bill's sponsor, Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA).
McSCUSE ME Act of 2025
# McSCUSE ME Act of 2025 – Summary I don't have access to the specific details of this bill (S 3240) in my current information. To provide you with an accurate summary covering what it would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need to review the bill's actual text and legislative details. **What I can tell you:** The bill is currently in committee stage, meaning it's under review and hasn't yet been voted on by the full Senate. It was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA). **To get the information you need**, I'd recommend: - Visiting **Congress.gov** and searching "S 3240" for the full bill text and official summary - Checking Senator Ernst's official website for her office's description of the bill's purpose - Looking at recent news coverage for context on the bill's goals If you can share the bill's text or a summary, I'd be happy to explain it in plain language!
RECAPTURE Act
# RECAPTURE Act Summary I don't have access to the specific details of S. 3259 (the RECAPTURE Act) from the 119th Congress in my current information. To provide you with an accurate, factual summary including what the bill would do, who it affects, and its key provisions, I would need to review the actual bill text. I'd recommend checking these official sources for the most current and accurate information: - **Congress.gov** (congress.gov) - Search for "S 3259" to see the full bill text, summary, and status - **Senator Joni Ernst's official website** - Often includes sponsor statements about their bills - **Senate committees** - The relevant committee holding the bill may have additional details This approach will ensure you get accurate, authoritative information rather than a summary based on incomplete data.
Ending Subsidies for Political Junk Mail Act
# Ending Subsidies for Political Junk Mail Act – Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill aims to eliminate federal subsidies for political mail sent through the U.S. Postal Service. Currently, certain types of mail—including political campaign materials—qualify for discounted postage rates. This bill would remove that discount, requiring political campaigns, parties, and organizations to pay the full standard postage rate for their mailings, similar to what commercial businesses pay. **Who It Affects** The primary impact would fall on political campaigns, political parties, and advocacy organizations that currently use direct mail as part of their outreach efforts. These groups would face higher costs to send campaign materials and fundraising letters to voters. Conversely, the U.S. Postal Service could potentially see increased revenue from the higher postage fees. **Current Status** As of now, this bill remains in committee and has not advanced further in the legislative process. This means it has been referred to the appropriate Senate committee for review but has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate.
RED TAPE Act
# RED TAPE Act Summary **What It Would Do:** The RED TAPE Act would restrict how federal agencies evaluate new rules and regulations. Specifically, it would require agencies to only consider factors they can assign a dollar value to when analyzing whether a rule is beneficial or harmful. This means agencies couldn't factor in things like environmental quality, public health benefits that are hard to quantify, or other non-monetary impacts when deciding whether to create new rules. The bill also requires agencies to publicly share all their cost-benefit analyses and prevents the Office of Management and Budget from approving any analysis that includes unmeasured factors. **Who It Affects:** This bill would impact federal agencies across government, as well as businesses and the public. It could affect the regulatory process for everything from environmental protection to workplace safety to consumer protections. Supporters argue it would reduce unnecessary regulations and their costs on businesses. Critics contend it could limit agencies' ability to protect health, safety, and environmental values that are difficult to measure in dollars. **Current Status:** The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't advanced to a full Senate vote yet.
Prove It Act of 2025
# Prove It Act of 2025 - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Prove It Act of 2025 would require federal agencies to demonstrate that their regulations are necessary and beneficial before implementing them. Specifically, the bill appears focused on strengthening oversight of government rules and regulations, with particular attention to how they affect small businesses. The legislation would likely require agencies to provide evidence justifying new or existing regulations and create mechanisms for challenging rules that lack sufficient justification. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** This bill would primarily affect small businesses and the federal agencies that create regulations. The Small Business Administration would likely play a role in the process. While the full text details aren't specified here, bills with this title typically require agencies to conduct cost-benefit analyses, prove regulations serve a legitimate purpose, and potentially allow businesses to challenge rules they believe are unjustified or overly burdensome. **Current Status** As of now, the Prove It Act of 2025 is in committee review in the Senate, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full chamber. It was introduced by Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). The bill would need to pass out of committee and receive approval from both the Senate and House before being sent to the President for signature.
Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
# Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act Summary **What the Bill Does** The Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act would direct the federal government to study the feasibility of manufacturing critical infrastructure components domestically rather than relying on foreign suppliers. The bill focuses on understanding what it would take—in terms of cost, workforce, and logistics—to produce essential materials and equipment within the United States, particularly in areas related to infrastructure like water systems, power grids, and transportation networks. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects rural and industrial communities that could potentially host new manufacturing facilities, as well as federal agencies responsible for infrastructure. By studying domestic manufacturing capabilities, the bill aims to identify opportunities to strengthen supply chains and potentially create manufacturing jobs. The legislation emphasizes rural development, suggesting a focus on where new facilities might be located. **Current Status** The bill has passed the Senate (S 1872) and is currently moving through the legislative process. As a study and investigation bill, it does not immediately create new programs or spending but rather authorizes research to inform future infrastructure and manufacturing policy decisions.
Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act
# Returning Unspent COVID Funds Act - Summary **What the Bill Would Do** This bill would take back federal money that was allocated for COVID-19 relief but hasn't been spent yet. The funds come from six major COVID-relief packages passed between 2020 and 2021, including the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan. Instead of allowing agencies to use these unspent funds for their original purposes, the bill would redirect that money to reduce the federal deficit. However, the President could waive this requirement for specific programs by notifying Congress within 60 days of the bill becoming law. **Who It Affects and Current Status** This bill would primarily affect federal agencies that received COVID-relief funding and any programs or services that depend on those unspent dollars. The specific impact depends on how much money remains unobligated across these programs. The bill was introduced in the 119th Congress but has not yet advanced beyond the introduction stage, so it has not been passed into law.
Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025
# Stop Secret Spending Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What It Does** This bill would require federal agencies to publicly report spending on "other transaction agreements" (OTAs) on USAspending.gov, a government website where federal spending is tracked. Currently, OTAs—which are special contractual arrangements used mainly by defense and research agencies—are exempt from standard reporting requirements. The bill would close this gap by making OTA spending transparent and visible alongside regular federal contracts and grants. **Who It Affects & Key Provisions** The bill primarily affects federal agencies that use OTAs (particularly the Department of Defense and research institutions) and the Treasury Department, which would oversee the reporting system. It would require automatic transmission of OTA data to USAspending.gov and create a centralized view of this spending. In practical terms, this gives Congress, auditors, and the public better visibility into how billions of dollars in federal spending are allocated, addressing concerns that OTA spending has remained largely hidden from public scrutiny. **Current Status** The bill (S. 872) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
DISPOSAL Act
# DISPOSAL Act Summary Unfortunately, I don't have access to the detailed text of S. 3091 (the DISPOSAL Act) from the 119th Congress, so I can't provide you with specific information about what this bill would do, who it affects, or its key provisions. To get accurate information about this bill, I'd recommend: - **Congress.gov**: Search for "S 3091" at congress.gov to view the full text, sponsors, current status, and any committee actions - **Bill summary**: The site provides official summaries that explain the bill's purpose in accessible language - **Committee information**: See which committee it's assigned to and check for hearing details or reports Since this bill is still in committee (not yet voted on), you'll find the most current and reliable information through official congressional sources rather than secondary summaries.