(Updated/Griswold, Iowa) Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst, from Red Oak, drew a reporter-estimated crowd of about 100 people during stop in Griswold, Tuesday afternoon. Speaking at the Griswold Community Center, Ernst answered questions from those who submitted them in advance. She skipped her traditional opening statements and went directly to the Q&A for about an hour. One of the first questions she was asked, came from Nathan Berg, of Atlantic, who said he understands Ernst and Governor Reynolds were in favor of bringing 13,000 Afghan refugees to Iowa. Ernst that amount was incorrect. He also asked about the vetting process for those refugees.

She said Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds had suggested about 2,000 refugees would come to the State. Refugees are already arriving at Ft. McCoy, Wisconsin. According to reports, as many as 22,000 refugees may be dispersed among three sites across the country. Ernst referenced another time, when Governor Robert Ray allowed mass amounts of refugees into Iowa.

Those arriving now, or soon in Iowa, started their process of vetting, “months and months ago,” according to Ernst. Ernst said there is no way they can get all Americans out of Afghanistan before the Taliban’s August 31st deadline. The Special Immigrant Visa program started in 2009. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation and proof they were employed to support U.S. government activities in Afghanistan. Refugees with these visas are now being flown to other countries before their arrival in the United States. According to the Department of Defense, they’re undergoing biometric screening, which means checking palm or finger prints or using facial recognition software to confirm the person’s identity. President Biden, Tuesday afternoon said that the U.S. is on track to complete its evacuation mission by the 31st, and he does not plan to have American troops in the country past that date.

Another question had to deal with what Ernst thought the final changes would be to estate taxes, particularly with regard to how it will affect farmers.

Ernst said any changes made now to the next reconciliation package, may not work, because democrats will likely make them retroactive. She describes the issue as “A train wreck waiting to happen.” Karen Bagshaw, of Massena, asked why Republicans can’t use the 25th Amendment to remove President Biden (who Bagshaw said was “Not my president”) from office?