Last night, Iowa Senator Jonah Ern had the electrifying experience of attending the State of the Union address, and she couldn’t help but share her excitement about it. As a prominent figure in Washington, not only as the chair of the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, but also serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Ern has seen a fair number of these addresses. However, she boldly declared that this one, delivered by President Donald J. Trump, was the best yet. With a mix of pride and a touch of hilarity, she noted that many in the room had a sleepy look in their eyes from staying up late, but the buzz of the evening was hard to ignore.
Senator Ern highlighted how President Trump did not shy away from celebrating the achievements that America and its citizens have accomplished over the past year. With a tone of optimism, she remarked on how the president made it a point to honor everyday Americans who faced significant challenges and triumphed through sheer American spirit. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary, the president’s message seemed to resonate strongly with those in attendance, as he celebrated the resilience and greatness of the United States.
One of the standout moments of the night was when Trump tackled the hot-button issue of illegal immigration and border security. This topic, a true unifier across party lines, has prompted discussions among a broad spectrum of Americans, from Democrats to Republicans. Ern explained that when President Trump touted the country’s efforts to secure the border, it didn’t excite the Democratic members of Congress quite as much as one would hope. In fact, many were noticeably quiet, perhaps feeling the weight of the unflattering realities behind the issues at hand.
Among the guests in the audience was a family whose tragedy stems from the consequences of illegal immigration. Scott Root and his son Scotty attended as guests of Congressman Randy Fenstra. With hearts heavy from the loss of their daughter and sister, Sarah Root, who was killed by an undocumented migrant, their presence underscored the real-life stories behind these policy debates. While some Democrats may have chosen to sit on their hands, for many Americans suffering similar fates, the need for a secure border was an emotional matter, one that President Trump addressed with both conviction and clarity.
Despite the serious nature of the evening, Ern couldn’t help but comment on the antics displayed by some members of Congress during the speech. With humor, she recalled incidents of Democratic representatives behaving in a less-than-dignified manner, from heckling the president to attending the event with pins expressing an anti-ICE sentiment. The senator held firm that regardless of differing political views, there’s an expectation for respect towards the office of the president—something that, in her view, was sorely lacking that night.
Through it all, Senator Ern left the address feeling empowered and optimistic about the direction of the country. She wrapped up her reflections by positing that while the political landscape may seem divided, true patriotism and respect for the office of the president can transcend those boundaries. In her vibrant recounting of events, one could almost picture the electric atmosphere, the serious discussions surrounding crucial issues, and the moments that brought laughter, thinking how valuable it is to keep a sense of humor while navigating the complexities of politics. After all, amidst the debates and disagreements, it is the spirit of America that shines the brightest.
