(Radio Iowa) – Iowa Senator Joni Ernst says she will support Pete Hegseth’s nomination to lead the U-S Defense Department. Ernst issued a written statement of support after Hegseth appeared yesterday (Tuesday) at a hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Ernst says our country’s next commander-in-chief selected Hegseth to serve in this role. And after speaking with Hegseth and hearing from Iowans, she will vote to confirm him as Secretary of Defense.

Senator Joni Ernst. (photo from Armed Services Committee video)

Ernst, a Republican from Red Oak, is the first female combat veteran elected to the U-S Senate and she initially raised concerns about Hegseth’s views on women in the military. Yesterday, Hegseth told senators he supports women serving in combat roles as long as they meet the same standards as men.