Joni Ernst had been seen as a key hurdle to Pete Hegseth’s confirmation. She approached her questions firmly but without confrontation Tuesday.

Sen. Joni Ernst revealed she is officially supporting Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense after Tuesday's hearing.

Joni Ernst pressed Pete Hegseth about ... “A priority of mine has been combating sexual assault in the military and making sure that all of our service members are treated with dignity and ...

By Karoun Demirjian Reporting from Washington Senator Joni Ernst ... for female service members and was a leading G.O.P. voice agitating for changes to how the military handles sexual assault ...

Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) during his confirmation hearing ... ongoing ability for women to serve in combat as part of their military service. “Yes, women will have access to ground combat roles ...

Joni Ernst of Iowa on the first ... excessive drinking and views on women in the military. A former Army National Guard lieutenant colonel, Ernst initially appeared cool to Hegseth's nomination.

um I appreciate your service to our nation ... Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican, questioned Hegseth on his beliefs on whether women in the military should be allowed to serve in combat.