U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) was recently chosen as chair for the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities for the 115th Congress.
Ernst’s responsibilities as chair include overseeing hearings and policy decisions pertaining to intelligence, counterterrorism, and homeland security. Additionally, the subcommittee has jurisdiction over counter-narcotics operations, technology base and special operations.
“… The threats of ISIS and other radical groups continue to grow, all while our nation faces increasing state threats like an aggressive Russia and Iran,” Ernst said. “We must utilize our international partnerships and allies as we confront these challenges; they too share the responsibility of improving global stability. Additionally, our military must be prepared to address the threats we currently face, as well as any potential future threats.”
As chair, Ernst also has jurisdiction over specific U.S. Department of Defense offices including Under Secretary of Defense (Intelligence), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Homeland Defense), Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict), and the Assistant Secretary for Defense for Research and Engineering.
“Each aspect of this subcommittee is of critical importance to our men and women in uniform as well as the safety and security of our nation,” Ernst said.