Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) reportedly saved Sen. Joni Ernst’s (R-IA) life on Thursday after administering the Heimlich maneuver.
The choking incident occurred while the lawmakers were having a Senate GOP lunch at the U.S. Capitol. According to attendees, Ernst was choking on food but is now okay.
Whoa: Rand Paul used the Heimlich maneuver on Joni Ernst at Senate lunch today, she was choking on some food, per attendees. She’s OK, senators say
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) November 30, 2023
According to Fox News Senior Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) revealed that “it was Ernst who provided the lunch: steak from the IA Cattlemen’s Assn.”
GOP KY Sen Paul performed the Heimlich Maneuver on GOP IA Sen Joni Ernst today. She choked on some food at the Senate GOP lunch. Ironically, Grassley indicates that it was Ernst who provided the lunch: steak from the IA Cattlemen's Assn
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 30, 2023
Rand Paul used the Heimlich maneuver on Joni Ernst who was choking in senate lunch, according to senators, and is now getting unusual praise from his colleagues. “God bless Rand Paul,” said Sen Lindsey Graham. “I never thought I’d say that.”
— Liz Goodwin (@lizcgoodwin) November 30, 2023
Enrst has publicly acknowledged the incident on social media, writing, “Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul!”
Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul! https://t.co/OJDdqpQXjR
— Joni Ernst (@SenJoniErnst) November 30, 2023
Notably, Paul is an ophthalmologist and doctor and stands as one of four physicians in the Senate, which includes Sens. John Barrasso (R-WY), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), and Roger Marshall (R-KS).