PrairiePundit

 Daily Signal: Federal small business grants intended for national defense technology have gone to create mobile apps for gay men, “transgender” women, and LGBTQ+ parents, and have funded other diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Senate Small Business Committee Chairwoman Joni Ernst , R-Iowa, has proposed the Investing in National Next-Generation Opportunities for Venture Acceleration and Technological Excellence Act , or the INNOVATE Act, to reform certain grant programs by eliminating DEI considerations or awards. The focus would shift to expand funding to small businesses in rural America. “Your tax dollars should never be wasted on nonsense , especially when they are supposed to be spent on America’s national security,” Ernst told The Daily Signal in a statement. ... DEI is a mistake.  People should be selected for jobs based on merit and not on what they look like or who they love. 

Washington Examiner: The Republican Party toned down partisan rhetoric in its official response to the President Obama’s State of the Union speech Tuesday night, focusing on the party’s plans and ideals instead of directly responding to the administration’s agenda. Newly elected Sen. Joni Ernst, a no-nonsense conservative from Iowa who delivered the rebuttal, portrayed a compassionate GOP that understands — and will address — the concerns, anxieties and pains of average Americans. “Rather than respond to a speech, I’d like to talk about your priorities,” Ernst said. “I’d like to have a conversation about the new Republican Congress you just elected, and how we plan to make Washington focus on your concerns again. “We heard the message you sent in November — loud and clear. And now we’re getting to work to change the direction Washington has been taking our country.” Ernst touched on potential areas of bipartisanship, saying there’s a lot Congress can achieve “if we work together,” s...