Rand Paul to the rescue as Joni Ernst chokes during lunch

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, a Republican from Iowa, was choking on food during a luncheon Thursday when fellow Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky performed the Heimlich maneuver on her.

The incident occurred during a closed-door Republican lunch in the U.S. Capitol. Shortly after, Ernst posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, to thank Paul. Ernst joked that she was choking on “woke policies” from Democrats.

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

She was seen walking in the Capitol after the incident, and senators said they were grateful Paul was ready to help her. The Kentucky senator formerly worked as an eye doctor.

“It's a good thing he did,” said U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. “God bless Rand Paul.”