Legislation named after an Iowan killed in a drunk driving crash by an immigrant who was not legally authorized to be in the United States gained traction last week as the U.S. Senate moved forward Friday on a Republican-led immigration bill.

Ernst, an Army veteran and rape survivor, had previously expressed concerns over Hegseth’s past comments about women in combat roles and the allegations of sexual misconduct leveled against

Iowa Senator Joni Ernst announced that she would vote for Pete Hegseth to become Defense Secretary, making his path to Senate confirmation much easier.

GOP Sen. Joni Ernst, a key vote on Pete Hegseth's confirmation as secretary of defense, said Tuesday she is supporting his nomination.

The Iowa senator supports Pete Hegseth for Defense secretary, despite allegations of assault and drinking — but she doesn’t want to talk about it.

Barring a few exceptions, Senate Republicans on Tuesday largely deflected or altogether avoided questions about President Donald Trump’s broad clemency for over 1,500 defendants who stormed the U.S. Capitol on Jan.

Trump's got the bullhorn now to say, ‘MAGA nation is watching,’” said outgoing Dallas County Republican Party Chair Kelley Koch.

Sen. Joni Ernst’s support is a huge boost to Hegseth’s prospects, all but assuring his confirmation as defense secretary barring twists in the GOP-led Senate.

Joni Ernst reintroduced legislation that would require federal authorities to detain anyone unlawfully in the United States who has ... on Tuesday at the Iowa Capitol. (Cody Scanlan/Des Moines ...

Iowa GOP U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst reintroduced legislation that would require federal authorities to detain anyone unlawfully present in the United States who has been charged with a crime that ...

Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense is one step closer to receiving the GOP votes he needs to sail through his Senate confirmation process after Republican Sen. Joni Ernst – once a critical holdout in her support of Pete Hegseth – revealed Tuesday she would indeed give his nomination the green light.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) announced on Tuesday she will be voting forPresident-elect Donald Trump’s controversial pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete He