BOONE, Iowa—Iowa Senator Joni Ernst held a public townhall meeting at the Central Iowa Expo Building Friday afternoon. Ernst responded to a number of questions and was frustrated that congress failed to pass the bipartisan border legislation earlier this month. Ernst said she supported the legislation because for the first time in decades, a change to enhance the Asylum Law was on the table. However, she voted against the bill, as did Senator Charles Grassley, because of the outcry from constituents demanding they not support the border bill. Ernst described the opposition as a result of misinformation. She said she doesn’t expect a successful opportunity to improve the Asylum Law any time soon.

When asked about debt reduction Ernst said there are two parts of the budget, discretionary spending and mandatory spending. She said discretionary spending alone won’t be enough and since mandatory spending includes Social Security and other benefits it will be very difficult to move forward. With funding decisions expected on some appropriations next week or continuing resolutions to avoid any government shut downs, Ernst said budgeting needs to return to what she called “Regular Order”. She said Senate Appropriations has already approved a dozen bills in a bipartisan fashion, but none are being brought to the floor of the Senate. Ernst said that usually results in an Omnibus Bill which will end up including wasteful spending.

Ernst also pointed out to those attending the Town Hall that there continues to be real issues with the federal workforce in Washington. She has been critical of federal agencies allowing employees to take advantage of the system by working remotely.