Senator Ernst: “Trade Is Key”

(IARN) — “I am thrilled to report that our economy is the best it has been. …the state of our union is stronger than ever before,” declared President Donald Trump. The President issued this statement Tuesday evening during his State of the Union address.

U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) spoke to Iowa reporters about the State of the Union Address. Senator Ernst felt President Trump’s remark “provoked a renewed sense of optimism,”while adding she looks forward to “building on these successes.”

President Trump rattled off multiple accomplishments, including: “Moving rapidly to revive the U.S. economy (by) slashing a record number of job-killing regulations, enacting historic and record setting tax cuts and fighting for fair and reciprocal trade agreements.” Ernst believes trade is key when it comes to ensuring farm production remains a viable option for Iowans.

“The key is making sure we have trade to engage in. Farmers prefer trade, not aid,” Ernst said. “As we’ve negotiated trade agreements with various countries, our farmers were put in a tight position. Most of the farmers I’ve talked to say we’re doing the right thing.”

Moving forward, Ernst would like to see additional support for research and science.

“We have had changes in biotechnology over the years, and old trade agreements didn’t support all of the advances we’ve had in that area. We’ve had the opportunity to work that out and have included that (biotechnology) in these trade agreements.”

Story courtesy of the Iowa Agribusiness Radio Network.

Photo from KIWA Image Archives