IDP Chair Mark Smith: “Tonight, Senator Ernst cast a critical vote to enable the Supreme Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act and end coverage protections for pre-existing conditions”

Tonight, eight days before Election Day and two weeks before the Supreme Court hears the Ernst-backed GOP lawsuit to end coverage protections for pre-existing conditions, Senator Joni Ernst officially broke her promise to Iowans and cast a critical vote to confirm an anti-ACA nominee.

Following the vote, Iowa Democratic Party Chair Mark Smith released the following video statement:

“Tonight, Senator Ernst cast a critical vote to enable the Supreme Court to strike down the Affordable Care Act and end coverage protections for pre-existing conditions. This is something she’s tried and failed to achieve throughout her six years in Washington.

“And as Senator Ernst enthusiastically put Iowans’ health care at risk amid a pandemic, she’s done nothing as Mitch McConnell shut down bipartisan negotiations on Phase 4 COVID-19 relief. Senator Ernst’s partisan politics as Iowans face the worst crisis in a generation are inexcusable and outrageous. As voters cast their ballots over these final days, they will remember how Senator Ernst left us behind when she went to Washington.”

Senator Ernst’s “supreme hypocrisy” has been widely condemned across Iowa. 20 Iowa doctors and health care professionals wrote to Ernst demanding that she oppose Judge Barrett’s confirmation based on “Barrett’s previous comments and judicial writings [that] suggest she could cast a decisive vote” to strike down the ACA. Additionally, 150 law students and faculty from Drake University and the University of Iowa called on Ernst to “keep your promises and give Iowans a voice in this critical appointment before the seat is filled.”

Ernst’s hypocritical rush to confirm a lifetime appointment also met strong rebuke from leading editorial boards and opinion-makers across Iowa:

Dubuque Telegraph Herald Editorial Board: “There is nothing like a Washingtonian moment of déjà vu to provide a clear view of politicians’ integrity.

Cedar Rapids Gazette Editorial Board:”Ernst promised Iowans she’d fight corruption in Washington. Instead, she’s enabled it.”

Des Moines Register Editorial Board: “Profiles in hypocrisy: Grassley, Ernst sidestep previous positions on Supreme Court nominees.”

The Storm Lake Times’ Art Cullen: “Ernst had no choice but to tack with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell… McConnell keeps the checkbook.

Cedar Rapids Gazette’s Todd Dorman: Ernst’s “decision to back McConnell’s confirmation drive should cement the idea that the only people she’s really made squeal in six years are her constituents.”