Republican Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) delivered the English-language response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night, but there was no mention of immigration reform.

The GOP finally touched upon the issue of immigration, but it was only when Rep. Carlos Curbelo delivered his own rebuttal in Spanish.

Ernst emphasized national security and Curbelo stressed his experience working on education issues. He was also hopeful that Republicans would be able to work with Obama on immigration reform.

Both lawmakers, new to Washington, shared similar stories of commitment to hard work and strong family backgrounds. They also discussed the GOP Congress plans for the coming term, but the lack of mention of immigration by Ernst highlighted the deep rift among Republicans on the topic.

In his campaign, Curbelo promised to work for immigration reform. He was part of a coalition of about a half dozen House Republicans who voted against all or part of a bill that would strip away immigration policy changes made by Obama. He also supports the Dream Act, which would allow young undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to become eligible for U.S. citizenship if they go to college or serve in the U.S. military.

Ernst's views on immigration are in alignment with those of fellow Iowan Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa), a vocal opponent of immigration reform. During her campaign, whenever the issue of immigration was raised, it was generally a criticism of Obama for his use of executive powers to change immigration policy.

Curbelo said both views reflect a blend of the party's priorities and ideas, "and then some of our own priorities and ideas, too," he added, according to the Washington Post.

Curbelo defended his decision to include a mention of immigration, saying the issue "is important to me. It's important to a lot of members of the House Republican Conference. So that's why I mentioned it."

Curbelo noted that while President Obama has expressed support for strengthening the economy and reforming the immigration system, Republicans seek his collaboration to achieve those goals.

Later, Ernst and Curbelo both talked about the economic rift that is causing some Americans to feel they're being left behind.

"We see the hurt caused by cancelled health-care plans and higher monthly insurance bills. We see too many moms and dads put their own dreams on hold while growing more fearful about the kind of future they'll be able to leave to their children," said Ernst.

"Today, health insurance is more expensive for many families and the cost of insurance has increased. Like my wife and I, many parents worry about the future of their children. But when the American people have sought solutions from Washington, the government has responded with broken politics that has made the divide between the rich and poor greater," Curbelo said.

Both lawmakers discussed the GOP priority to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline, stressing its bipartisanship and minimal effect on the environment.

They also mentioned support for strategies to confront threats posed by Al Qaeda, ISIL and those radicalized by them.

Towards the end, both made reference to repealing the Affordable Care Act.

"We'll also keep fighting to repeal and replace a health care law that's hurt so many hardworking families," Ernst said, while Curbelo echoed her sentiments.