Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said she has a list of more than a "trillion dollars worth of ideas ripe for a trim" as the federal government shutdown continues. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Her letter comes as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and most Senate Democrats have remained steadfast in their opposition to the GOP’s short-term funding extension.
"Schumer’s Shutdown has provided a golden opportunity to slash waste, fraud and abuse in Washington," Ernst said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "There is no one more fitting to lead the charge than Russ Vought."
"I have compiled a comprehensive list of more than $2 trillion of nonessential government expenditures that should be put on the chopping block to put taxpayers first, make Washington squeal and deliver a more efficient government," she continued.
GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN SPARKS GOP PLAN TO PENALIZE LAWMAKERS WITH NEW SALARY TAX
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N. Y., speaks during a news conference at the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Kent Nishimura/Getty Images)
"This is by no means an exhaustive list, and I will be providing many more recommendations soon," Ernst wrote in the letter. "My team and I stand ready to help you make some prime cuts during this Schumer Shutdown."
Meanwhile, there appeared to be no off-ramp in sight to end the now three-day government shutdown.
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Senate Democrats are also unfazed by Vought and President Donald Trump’s desire to target their states and cities with cuts, with many arguing that the administration was already carrying out those tactics.
Still, Senate Republicans hope that enough Democrats peel off and vote to reopen the government. So far, three members of the Democratic caucus have done so — Sens. John Fetterman, D-Pa., Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Angus King, I-Maine.
Alex Miller is a writer for Fox News Digital covering the U.S. Senate.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ernst-demands-2t-federal-cuts-urges-trump-team-make-dc-squeal-amid-shutdown-fight