Led by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY), the Iowa Senator was also joined by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR), Mike Rounds (R-SD), and Representative Andy Barr (R-KY).
During their trip, the lawmakers met with U.S. troops, military leaders and political leaders to review regional issues and the counter-ISIL campaign. In addition to visiting with soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines from their respective states, the Members met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, KRG President Masoud Barzani, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah.
“The trip has been invaluable to gather the Ground Truth,” said Senator Ernst. “I have been able to visit with national leaders, as well as servicemen and women – including three of Iowa’s own – in countries facing extremist groups. Following this trip, I have great hope we will continue to be strong partners with these nations.”
