Senator Joni Ernst’s call for an EPA grant freeze exposes a potential $1.6 billion spending spree as the Biden administration winds down.
At a Glance
- Sen. Ernst demands EPA halt new grant awards until Trump administration takes office
- EPA accused of rapidly distributing $1.6 billion in taxpayer money before Biden leaves
- Ernst seeks transparency on grant funding decisions and communication with incoming administration
- Concerns raised about potential fraud, citing $280 billion in COVID-19 funds allegedly lost to fraudsters
- Ernst criticizes $50 million grant to Climate Justice Alliance, questioning their political stance
Ernst Sounds Alarm on EPA’s Last-Minute Spending Frenzy
In a bold move to ensure fiscal responsibility, Senator Joni Ernst is demanding the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) put an immediate halt to its grant-awarding process as the Biden administration prepares to leave office. The Iowa Republican’s call for action comes amid concerns that the EPA is rushing to distribute taxpayer funds before the Trump administration takes the reins.
Ernst, known for her commitment to government efficiency, has accused the EPA of engaging in a spending spree that could waste billions of taxpayer dollars. The senator’s concerns are not unfounded, as she points to a staggering $1.6 billion recently awarded through the Community Change Grants program—a significant jump from the $325 million distributed since the program’s inception.
I’m calling on President Biden to immediately grant an #E15 waiver.
His @EPA’s ruling punted implementation until 2025 and overlooked the expensive summer driving season.
There must be no more delay – Iowa drivers, farmers, and families deserve certainty! pic.twitter.com/V0XNcWADEb— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) March 6, 2024
Demanding Transparency and Accountability
As chair of the Department of Government Efficiency caucus, Ernst is not just calling for a freeze on grants but also demanding detailed information about the EPA’s funding decisions. Her request includes preserving records related to recent legislative acts and providing insight into the agency’s grant negotiation processes.
“Biden’s bureaucrats are in a race against each other to see who can shovel more money out the door in the final days of his administration,” Ernst stated. “No matter who wins, you can be sure that taxpayers will lose. I am partnering with DOGE to put an end to the ‘spend now, think later’ mentality in Washington that has created the $36 trillion debt.”
The senator’s concerns extend beyond just the EPA. Ernst draws parallels to similar rapid spending issues in other departments, such as Commerce, highlighting a broader pattern of questionable financial management as the administration changes hands.
Fraud Concerns and Questionable Grants
Ernst’s call for scrutiny is not without precedent. She points to the alarming $280 billion in COVID-19 funds allegedly captured by fraudsters as a stark reminder of the potential for abuse in hastily distributed government funds. This history of mismanagement underscores the need for careful oversight and transparency in all government spending.
The senator has also raised eyebrows over specific grant allocations, particularly a $50 million award to the Climate Justice Alliance. Ernst criticized this decision, noting the organization’s failure to condemn a Hamas attack on Israel, questioning whether taxpayer dollars are being funneled to groups with questionable political stances.
