Rand Paul uses Heimlich maneuver on Joni Ernst
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Combination images of Sens. Rand Paul and Joni Ernst. Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images; Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) thanked Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) for rushing to her aid when she choked at a Republican conference lunch on Thursday.
The big picture: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) used the Heimlich maneuver on Ernst, Politico first reported and Ernst confirmed in an online post that joked about the situation.
What they're saying: "Can't help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul!" Ernst said in response to a post to X by Politico journalist Burgess Everett that reported senators saying she's OK after the incident.
Of note: Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) had earlier posted on X about the meal that senators have every Thursday, featuring food from their home states:
Zoom out: This is not the first time a senator has received the Heimlich maneuver during a lunch.
- In 2018, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) performed the Heimlich maneuver on former Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) and cracked her rib while doing so, according to CNBC.
