The Striking Parallels

Senator Joni Ernst's obstruction of the SBIR/STTR program extension bears remarkable similarities to partisan government shutdowns led by opposition parties. While Senate Republicans have historically criticized Democrats for holding the government hostage, Senator Ernst now employs the same tactics—blocking critical legislation that supports small businesses, national security, and American innovation.

Critical Question: Is Ernst too cozy with VCs and The Alliance, or is she too reliant on one senior staffer?

Side-by-Side Comparison

Schumer Shutdown

Democrat-led Government Shutdown

Forced the Government to shut down

Holding the Government and the American people hostage

Hurting the American people, US Service Members, Government employees, economy, and commerce

House passed a clean bill to keep the Government open

Majority support in the House as the bill passed with a majority vote

Shutdown is due to a single-party holdout

Claims things are getting better as the shutdown drags out

Supposed to be looking out for the American people but hurting them instead

Allegedly beholden to an interest group – the far left

Taking the "my way or the highway" attitude – refusing to negotiate to pass critical legislation

Ernst SBIR Expiration

Ernst-led SBIR/STTR Program Lapse

Forced the SBIR/STTR Program to lapse

Holding National Security, Department of Defense, Small Businesses, and US Innovation hostage

Hurting small businesses, national security, US defense posture, US economy and commerce

House passed a clean 1-year extension to keep the Program active

Majority support in the House; 4 out of 4 stakeholders supported the clean extension

Expiration is due to a SINGLE SENATOR hold-out

Apparently believes the SBIR program should end

Supposed to be looking out for US Small Businesses but hurting them instead

Allegedly beholden to an interest group – the China-backed VC Community

Taking the "my way or the highway" attitude – refusing to negotiate with the other 5 of 6 stakeholders