(Radio Iowa) – Iowa’s two U.S. Senators have joined their fellow Republicans in the U.S. House in voting for the bipartisan deal to avert a first-ever federal government default. The Treasury Secretary had warned the federal government would run out of money to pay its bills next week if congress didn’t raise the borrowing limit, or so-called debt ceiling. Republican Senator Joni Ernst said the entire Iowa delegation agrees the deal, while imperfect, will ensure the federal government spends less and reclaims billions of unspent COVID funds.

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley also voted for the bill last (Thursday) night, which now goes to the president for his signature.

The four Iowa Republicans who serve in the U.S. House voted for the bill earlier this week. The timing of last (Thursday) night’s vote in the U.S. Senate means Ernst will be able to return to Iowa in time to host eight G-O-P presidential candidates at her annual fundraiser on Saturday.