Ernst: Fighting for Iowa’s Small Businesses in Washington

Small businesses are the lifeblood of Iowa’s economy, making up more than 99% of all businesses and employing 82% of workers.

These businesses mean so much more than the livelihoods they support and the jobs they create, they embody the American spirit and shape the culture of communities across our great state.

Iowa innovators drive our nation forward every day, and I’m proud to recognize their tremendous contributions this week by designating it “National Small Business Week.”

After harmful Bidenflation and the previous administration’s $1.8 trillion regulatory expansion, I have good news – Main Street is roaring back under President Trump and Senate Republicans’ pro-growth policies.

Access to capital is soaring with loans for small manufacturers up a whopping 74%.

Since day one of the Trump administration, I have worked to ensure that the federal agency tasked with serving small businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA), is doing just that.

SBA started fixing its workforce by ending work from home. They’ve been able to get bureaucrats out of the D.C. bubble and closer to the people they serve in field offices across the country – something I’ve long called for.

These significant steps have helped ensure that if a small business owner calls the SBA, someone is there to answer the phone and give them the help they need.

But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

As the leading advocate for small businesses in the Senate, I have been hard at work to usher in the Golden Age of America.

I’m fighting to permanently extend the Trump tax cuts and fully eliminate the cruel death tax. No one should worry about losing their livelihood at the same time they grieve the loss of a loved one.

I am also working to pass a pair of bills to slash red tape and lower costs by giving small businesses a voice in the federal regulatory process and eliminating outdated and unnecessary regulations.

Just last week, I announced a major new initiative to continue fueling the domestic manufacturing boom by giving Iowa small manufacturers more access to capital through SBA lending programs. This commonsense and bipartisan bill will provide the resources necessary for businesses to invest in new equipment, hire new employees, and most importantly, bring back “Made in America.”

I have also worked to ensure that tax dollars designated for small businesses do not end up in the hands of con artists. I am fighting to equip the Justice Department with the tools needed to catch all the criminals who stole more than $200 billion in COVID aid from taxpayers and to prevent convicted fraudsters from accessing SBA assistance. Those who broke the law must be held accountable instead of being rewarded.

During National Small Business Week, and always, I’m proud to fight for Iowa’s hardworking small businesses. As chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, I have the honor of elevating Iowans’ voices to the highest level and addressing their concerns—and I will continue to be their champion in Washington.

Joni Ernst, a native of Red Oak and a combat veteran, represents Iowa in the United States Senate.

Click here for an official portrait of Senator Ernst.

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