Senator Joni Ernst — SASC Emerging Threats Chair

**Joni Ernst** is Chairwoman of the SASC Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities — overseeing AI, hypersonics, directed energy, quantum, and special operations technology. Iowa Army National Guard Lt. Colonel (retired, 23 years). First female combat veteran in US Senate. Deployed Kuwait/Iraq 2003-2004, commanded 150 soldiers. Also chairs Small Business Committee. Has not announced retirement plans.