We need to preserve programs like Social Security and Medicare for our seniors of today and tomorrow. But we need to strengthen both Social Security and Medicare to make sure these programs are still available for future generations. Joni Ernst More Quotes by Joni Ernst More Quotes From Joni Ernst I do believe in the right to carry, and I believe in the right to defend myself and my family -- whether it's from an intruder, or whether it's from a government, should they decide that my rights are no longer important. Joni Ernst government rights believe I grew up castrating hogs on an Iowa farm, so when I come to Washington, I'll know how to cut pork. Joni Ernst iowa cutting yale I have a beautiful little Smith & Wesson, 9 millimeter, and it goes with me virtually everywhere. Joni Ernst littles beautiful As a veteran, I believe we have a responsibility to take care of all our men and women who have served - and I will fight to fix the crisis at the Veterans Administration caused by negligent leadership in Washington. Joni Ernst fighting responsibility believe You don't need to come from wealth or privilege to make a difference. Joni Ernst making-a-difference differences needs You just need the freedom to dream big and a whole lot of hard work. Joni Ernst hard-work dream needs What's right for New York or California, is not necessarily right for Iowa. Joni Ernst iowa california new-york In the U.S. Senate, in the short term we need to reduce the tax burden on hard working individuals, families, and small businesses. Joni Ernst small-business hard-work needs In the Iowa senate, I helped pass the largest tax cut in state history - returning over four billion dollars in savings and putting more money back in the pockets of hard-working Iowa families. Joni Ernst iowa cutting hard-work As a soldier and combat veteran, I believe American military forces should only be used in the defense and furtherance of our nation's vital interests. Joni Ernst military soldier believe We need to repeal and replace Obamacare. It is the largest tax in U.S. history, has proven to be a job-killer, and has driven up the cost of healthcare. Joni Ernst obamacare jobs needs I worked the morning biscuit line at Hardee's. Joni Ernst biscuits lines morning Iowans are feeling the pinch of a big federal government, and elected officials like Bruce Braley keep championing the over reaching bureaucracy. Iowans know what is best for Iowa more than Washington politicians and bureaucrats do. Joni Ernst iowa government feelings I grew up working for the minimum wage at Hardee's and knows first hand how important the minimum wage is. I support a state based minimum wage so every state can set their own minimum wage based on their cost of living. Joni Ernst cost-of-living support hands Healthcare costs are rising due to Obamacare. Joni Ernst obamacare rising cost Over the longer term, we need to work toward a pro-growth tax code that is fairer and simpler than what we have now. Anything that meets those criteria is going to be better than the failing and dysfunctional tax code we have today. Joni Ernst growth today needs It will take hard work, but doing nothing on Social Security, for example, simply makes sure the system will go broke. It's time to make some reforms. Joni Ernst reform hard-work example Healthcare should be about market driven solutions, not government mandates. Joni Ernst healthcare driven government We need to balance the budget and force Washington to stop spending more than it takes in. Joni Ernst spending balance needs When we do go to combat, it should be with a defined mission and a plan for withdrawal. Joni Ernst missions withdrawal should