by Ben Nuelle
Republican Senators failed to override President Obama?s veto on a bill eliminating the Waters of the U.S. rule. The senate was eight votes shy of getting 60 of overriding President Obama?s veto. Democrats blocked the measure 52-40 Thursday. Iowa Senator Joni Ernst spoke on the Senate floor before the vote.
?We can stand with our farmers, ranchers, small businessmen, manufacturers, our homebuilders or we can stand with an overreaching federal agency that is committed to expanding its reach to over 97% of our land in Iowa,? Ernst says.
Enst says even though she is disappointed with Thursday?s outcome she will continue to fight for Iowans who are negatively impacted by the WOTUS rule.
?I know what I am going to do. I am going to stand with my constituents. I am going to stand with Iowans who have told me time and time again that their voices weren?t heard in this process and that their livelihoods are being threatened,? Ernst says.
She says this issue is not about clean water.
?We all want clean water. That is not disputable. I have continuously emphasized the water we drink needs to be clean and safe. However, this rule is not about clean water. It is a regulatory power grab that harms our farmers, our ranchers, small businesses, manufacturers and home builders,? Ernst says.
Supporters missing from Thursday?s vote include presidential candidates Ted Cruz, Rand Paul, and Marco Rubio. Democrat presidential candidate Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders opposed the measure in November. He was not there either.
