Sen. Joni Ernst joked about her choking episode Thursday afternoon, blaming it on Democrats’ “woke policies.”

In response to an X post revealing that Sen. Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican, administered the Heimlich maneuver to the Iowa Republican during their weekly lunch, Ms. Ernst thanked Mr. Paul.

“Can’t help but choke on the woke policies Dems are forcing down our throats. Thanks, Dr. @RandPaul!” she wrote.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, South Carolina Republican, told reporters, “God bless Rand Paul. I never thought I’d say that.”

The senators’ lunch today was hosted by Ms. Ernst, who had meat brought in from the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association.

• Mallory Wilson can be reached at mwilson@washingtontimes.com.