U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is poised to have increased influence in the 116th Congress. It was announced early this month that in addition to being part of the GOP leadership team in the Senate she will serve on five major Senate committees:

• Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry,

• Committee on Armed Services,

• Committee on Environment and Public Works,

• Committee on the Judiciary and

• Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.

In being selected to be a member of the Judiciary Committee, the Iowa Republican is making a bit of history. Never before have any Republican women served on this committee. Now there will be two — Ernst and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn. This change is a welcome development. Increased diversity in the Republican contingent on this crucial committee is long overdue.

The role the Judiciary Committee plays in the confirmation of Supreme Court justices and other federal judges makes this assignment for Ernst both vitally important and highly visible. U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, ended his chairmanship of this committee when the 115th Congress concluded. His outstanding leadership won widespread praise. We are confident Ernst also will be a thoughtful and constructive voice as the committee tackles its busy agenda.

Serving on the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is of enormous importance to the Hawkeye State. In continuing her role on this committee, Ernst will be able to make certain that the needs of Iowa’s agricultural community are given full consideration as future legislation is crafted. Likewise, Ernst’s service on the Committee on Environment and Public Works is very much in sync with concerns highly pertinent to our state.

Small businesses are at the heart of commerce all across our Iowa. Having Ernst continue to serve on the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship will help guarantee that federal government policies won’t compromise the ability of these enterprises to thrive.

As a combat veteran, Ernst has brought crucial firsthand experience to her role on the Committee on Armed Services. We are delighted that this input will continue in the new Congress.

“My Senate committees allow me to be a strong voice for Iowans on the issues that most impact the livelihood of folks across the state of Iowa,” Ernst said in announcing her committee assignments.

The Messenger agrees. We congratulate Ernst on her growing stature in the Senate. Her hard work and wise counsel are widely respected. The senator’s enhanced influence in Washington is good news for Iowa — and for the nation.