url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-bill-to-hold-the-atf-accountable/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Bill to Hold the ATF Accountable",2023-12-20,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and their Republican colleagues in reintroducing the ATF Accountability Act of 2023 to provide transparency at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for gun owners and manufacturers across America. The ATF engages in a secretive classification review process where the agency makes decisions about whether a particular firearm is regulated by the National Firearms Act. Decisions and justification for decisions are often only made available to manufacturers in private correspondence. This causes uncertainty for both gun-owning Americans and firearm manufacturers, especially in combination with the ATF’s refusal to make public rules regarding classification final. “Every day, people in Wyoming responsibly use their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms,” said Senator Barrasso. “For far too long, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) has had regulations that keep responsible gun owners and manufacturers in the dark. Any attempt to stop law-abiding citizens from appealing unfair rulings must be stopped dead in its tracks. I will continue to stand up against any policies that threaten our Second Amendment rights.” “D.C. bureaucrats cannot be allowed to criminalize law-abiding gun owners with the stroke of a pen behind closed doors,” said Senator Lummis. “Protecting the Second Amendment has never been more important after Senate Democrats attempted to jam through an assault-weapons ban just last week. The ATF Accountability Act strengthens the people of Wyoming’s constitutional right to bear arms by creating a pathway to legally challenge any new restrictive regulations.” “American gun owners and manufacturers have been left in the dark for far too long with closed-door rule changes by the ATF,” said Senator Braun. “Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights shouldn’t be the last to know the classification status of firearms, or what licenses or tax stamps they need to avoid running afoul of the law. The ATF needs accountability and transparency, which this bill accomplishes.” The ATF Accountability Act: • Creates an appeals process following a ruling by ATF with specific regular timeframes • Permits gun manufacturers to appeal the legal status or classification of any product by filing with the Director of Industry Operations with jurisdiction. After which, the appeal is directed to an administrative law judge This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Rick Scott (R-Fla.). Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-the-nomination-of-judge-kelly-rankin-for-u-s-district-court-of-wyoming/,Barrasso Statement on the Nomination of Judge Kelly Rankin for U.S. District Court of Wyoming,2023-12-19,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement on the announcement of Judge Kelly H. Rankin as the nominee to serve as the United States District Court Judge for the District of Wyoming. “Judge Kelly Rankin is an outstanding choice to serve as the U.S. District Court Judge for Wyoming. He has dedicated his career to serving the people of Wyoming and upholding the Constitution. Judge Nancy Freudenthal leaves an incredible legacy that is hard to follow, but I’m confident Judge Rankin is up to the challenge. “As Chief Magistrate, Kelly has issued hundreds of opinions and regularly assists the 10th Circuit with their caseload. He is well-versed in the issues that will come before the court. Kelly will bring years of valuable experience to the federal bench on day one. With his impressive record of public service and bipartisan support, the Senate should waste no time in approving his nomination.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lujan-bill-helps-improve-efficiency-of-988-suicide-and-crisis-lifeline/,"Barrasso, Luján Bill Helps Improve Efficiency of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced bipartisan legislation to improve the routing of calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to local call centers. Currently, calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed to a call center based on a phone’s area code. This process can result in a call center mismatch, as over 80 percent of the calls are from cell phones that may not be in the same geographic location as their area code. The 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023 is a critical step in evaluating and planning for the most appropriate ways to route calls to local call centers. Local call centers are better equipped to assist those in need through a better understanding of the community and local resources. In addition, local call centers can more efficiently dispatch emergency services to a caller in need. “The enactment of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has helped save lives in Wyoming and across the country. Our focus should always be on finding ways to provide timely and helpful resources for Americans when they need them the most,” said Senator Barrasso. “Right now, callers are patched through to call centers based on their phone’s area code, not their physical location. Our bipartisan legislation is a critical step toward sending 988 calls to local call centers. This will enable callers to receive care from professionals who understand their surroundings and a quicker response from dispatch emergency services for those in need. In Congress, we are committed to helping the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline be an effective and reliable solution for Americans seeking help.” “Having a simple phone number to call when you are in crisis and have nowhere to turn can be the difference between life and death. The 9-8-8 hotline is a vital resource for New Mexicans facing mental health crises and has saved lives nationwide,” said Senator Luján. “In times of emergency, it’s critical that Americans are able to get help locally from those who are best positioned to provide resources. Supporting those in a mental health crisis is critical. This bipartisan legislation is an important step in getting resources more quickly to the people that need it most. “ This legislation is supported by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), CTIA, and Vibrant Emotional Health. “Nationwide availability of 988 has provided us with a once in a lifetime opportunity to reimagine how we respond to people in mental health crisis. NAMI is grateful that the 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023 would start the task of identifying the unique privacy and legal challenges associated with transmitting geolocation information with calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline so we can ensure caller privacy but also best help people seeking in-person support.” – Hannah Wesolowski, Chief Advocacy Officer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness “We commend Senators Barrasso and Luján for their bipartisan introduction of the 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023 and their focus on ensuring Americans in need can access the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network. The wireless industry is committed to ensuring those seeking life-saving mental health services are connected to the 988 Lifeline and its affiliated crisis centers, and this legislation recognizes the importance of getting geo-routing right. We look forward to working with Congress on our shared goal of making sure Americans can access this vital resource when they need it most.” – Kelly Cole, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, CTIA Background: The 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023 would: Establish a multi-stakeholder advisory committee tasked with studying policy, legal, technical, and financial challenges associated with transmitting location information of calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Require the committee to submit a report to Congress within one year with a detailed summary of the findings and recommendations for legislation and administrative actions. Direct the committee to evaluate the most appropriate location implantation methods, including call routing to local call centers. Direct the committee to examine the policy implications regarding the privacy of the caller with respect to including dispatchable location information with calls to 988. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-ndaa-makes-wyoming-and-america-safer/,Barrasso: NDAA Makes Wyoming and America Safer,2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Includes Barrasso’s bill to increase Wyoming uranium production, key Air Force priorities for Wyoming, and a significant pay raise for American troops WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement regarding final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2024. “The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) ensures America has a strong military to keep us safe in an increasingly dangerous world. Americans can rest easier knowing our military will continue to have the resources it needs to confront growing threats from China, Russia and other adversaries. I’m proud to vote to give our brave service members a much-deserved pay raise. “The NDAA secures big investments in Wyoming’s military readiness. There is $183 million in funding for projects at Cheyenne’s F.E. Warren Air Force Base, it maintains our ICBM force and it prioritizes nuclear modernization. The NDAA also includes bipartisan legislation I’ve championed to ensure we have a robust C-130 aircraft inventory providing airlift across the globe. “Energy security is national security. The NDAA includes my legislation to counter Russia’s energy monopoly. My bill ensures our nuclear fuel supply chain begins with American uranium and ends with American fuel. Wyoming energy workers are ready to deliver. “Republicans secured key provisions that strike directly at certain woke Pentagon policies. We also right a wrong by forcing the Pentagon to compensate service members who were wrongly discharged due to the Biden administration’s misguided COVID-19 vaccine mandate. “I’m proud to support Wyoming’s men and women in uniform by voting for the NDAA.” Key Barrasso Provisions Included in NDAA: Barrasso-Klobuchar Amendment #302: requires the Air Force to maintain at least 271 C-130 aircraft and refurbish and maintain no fewer than 150 LGM-35A Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missile silos. Barrasso Amendment #999: The Nuclear Fuel Security Act directs the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize activities to increase domestic production of low-enriched uranium (LEU) for existing reactors and accelerate efforts to ensure the availability of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for advanced reactors. Barrasso Amendment #1042: requires the administration to combat “Blood Batteries” by establishing a global cooperative framework to end human rights abuses, forced labor and exploitation of child labor related to critical mineral mining around the world. Other Barrasso-Supported Provisions Included in NDAA: Secures a 5.2% pay raise for service members. Requires DOD to provide compensation for anyone who re-enlists following an involuntary separation for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Includes the FINISH IT Act to force the Biden administration to use leftover border wall panels for border security purposes. Requires the Pentagon to submit a plan to counter cartels’ human and drug trafficking on the border. Includes the MERIT Act to require that all DOD recruitment and promotion actions are based on merit and performance, not demographic quotas. Creates a Special Inspector General for Ukraine to ensure U.S. resources are being used wisely and effectively. Click HERE to learn about additional wins in the NDAA. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-the-scope-scale-and-seriousness-of-the-biden-border-crisis-is-accelerating/,"Barrasso: The Scope, Scale, and Seriousness of the Biden Border Crisis is Accelerating",2023-12-13,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo) spoke today on the Senate Floor about how America’s wide-open Southern Border presents a national security risk that must be addressed in any national security bill that goes to President Biden’s desk. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “Last week, Senator Schumer put a national security bill on the floor. The problem is, it lacked serious border security policy changes – things that we need in this nation. “Republicans opposed it because we know that national security starts with border security. “We will stand firm until serious changes are made. “Since last week, the scope, scale, and seriousness of the Biden border crisis has accelerated. “One week ago, an all-time record-high of over 12,000 illegal immigrants crossed the southern border illegally. “To put that number in perspective, President Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, said in 2019 that 1,000 encounters a day would overwhelm the system. “Let‘s be clear about why this crisis is happening. President Biden gambled with Americans’ safety and security. “The border is now a hotspot for terrorism and trafficking like we’ve never seen before in this country. “This body heard what FBI Director Christopher Wray told the Judiciary Committee last week. “Director Wray said, ‘Post October 7, you’ve seen a veritable rogues gallery of terrorist organizations calling for attacks against us.’ “He continued, ‘I see blinking lights everywhere.’ “Were any of the Democrats in this Senate listening to him? “Director Wray isn’t the only person to warn us that the threat of terrorism aimed against Americans is increasing. “Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said, ‘We are definitely in a heightened threat environment.’ “President Biden would have us believe that the border is ‘safe, orderly, and humane.’ “I don’t think he’s been there in a long time, because that’s not what I witnessed just a few weeks ago when I went down there with a group of senators. “The reality? President Biden has created the deadliest, most dangerous, and most disastrous border crisis in our nation’s history. “Democrats’ definition of ‘border security’ is to expedite illegal entry into our country. “Illegal immigrants ought to be turned away. Democrats are waving them through in record numbers. “Why is this happening? “It is happening because the Biden administration is manipulating the law. “The administration hides behind terms such as ‘asylum’ and ‘parole’ to process and resettle migrants by the thousands. “Our laws no longer determine who gets in and who stays. The illegal immigrants themselves do – simply by showing up on our border. “Joe Biden waves them all though – that’s the policy of the Democrats in this body. “They utter a few magic words and are released into the country. “Under President Obama, about 21,000 people per year requested asylum. “Under President Biden, Border Patrol agents see that same number every two days. “It’s absolutely preposterous to argue that all of those people qualify for asylum. “We know they don’t. The American people know it; the president ought to know it. The members of this body ought to know it. “10,000 illegal crossings per day quickly adds up to 10 million during four years of the Biden administration. “President Biden is allowing it to happen – and Senate Democrats are encouraging him. “This administration has turned a notice to appear into a license for illegal immigrants to disappear into the homeland. “The payment for Biden’s breakdown of law and order is now coming due. “The blinking lights – as the head of the FBI said – are everywhere. “If the Senate finally acted to secure our border, America would be safer. “That is indisputable. “Where can the Senate start? “Here’s an idea: let’s fix our broken parole and asylum system. “Republicans want border enforcement, border security, and real policy changes to keep our communities safe. “The American people don’t have that today. So it’s no surprise that they’re angry and afraid. “That must change. “Real border security is a top national security need. “Republicans don’t need another record-breaking day to understand that this crisis requires swift, serious, and substantive action. “Republicans have solutions to make our communities and country safer. “The president and the Democrats in this body must include these measures in any national security bill. Otherwise, there will not be a national security bill.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bidens-border-policies-are-the-deadliest-most-destructive-and-most-disastrous-in-american-history/,"Barrasso: Biden’s Border Policies are the Deadliest, most Destructive, and most Disastrous in American History",2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"“This is a deadly serious situation. Real border security is a top national security need. Republicans have solutions to make our communities and country safer. These measures must be included in any national security bill going to the president’s desk. Without them, there will be no national security bill.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks Washington D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo) spoke Wednesday on the Senate Floor about how America’s wide-open Southern border is a clear and present national security danger that must be addressed in any national security bill that heads to President Biden’s desk. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “National security starts with border security. “The senior senator from Kansas and I were just meeting with other Republican members of the Senate to review yesterday’s numbers at the southern border, the number of illegal encounters, illegal immigrants coming into this country, an all-time record high of over 12,000 illegal immigrants coming into this country from all over the world. “That’s the crisis that people all across the country who tune in their TV’s, see what’s happening at the southern border, see what is happening in our nation and to our nation. “So here we are on the floor of the Senate. And Senator Schumer, the Majority Leader, wants to vote on $100 billion in national security assistance. And he wants to do it today and we’re going to do it today. That request lacks serious and significant changes that are needed to secure the southern border. “Without serious and significant changes, this bill will not pass. Mark my words, Republicans will vote against it. “Republicans and Democrats have opposing views of what is needed at the border. Republicans want to stop the flood of illegal immigrants. Democrats want to wave them through. “Republicans want border enforcement, border security, and real policy changes to keep people out and our communities safe. We don’t have that today in Joe Biden’s-run America. “What do Democrats want to do? Oh, they want lots of money for sanctuary cities. Big slush funds, give it to the mayor of Chicago, give it to the mayor of New York. And of course, they want guaranteed benefits for illegal immigrants. That’s what they’re asking for. “Republicans know that border security must be a key element of any bill focused on national security. For my colleagues who ask why – let me clarify. Our southern border is now the most dangerous border crossing in the world. Under President Biden, the border is a magnet for criminals, smugglers, and terror suspects. “The Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are warning us – Democrats may want to cover their ears and not want to the hear any of these warnings, but we are being warned by the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, and the FBI director said it yesterday in the Senate. “Cartels are smuggling fentanyl in from Mexico, it’s killing hundreds of Americans every day. The number coming on the terrorist watch list continues to increase. The head of the FBI yesterday said since October 7, all lights are flashing red for a terrorist attack in America. “Biden’s border policies are the deadliest, the most destructive, and the most disastrous in American history. The cost of this crisis is too large to bear for families, for communities, and even for law enforcement. “That’s why Republicans are focused on border security. “Democrats have not put a single bill on the floor of the United States Senate this year that would stop the flood of illegal immigrants. Democrats seem to welcome the national security crisis at our southern border. “That is wrong. It must change. “The Biden administration hides behind terms, terms such as ‘asylum’ and ‘parole,’ and they use those to release millions and millions of people onto our streets, into our communities, into our neighborhoods. And they’re bringing with them drugs and crime. And they’re killing Americans. The Biden administration wants to turn the other way. “Every single American feels the harmful impacts of these policies. “Here’s what’s happening thousands of times each and every day on our southern border: Individuals enter the U.S. Illegally, and they immediately turn themselves in to Border Patrol. These are the ones that aren’t trying to get away. There’s over a million of those, too. And what they do when they give themselves up, they claim they’re in danger at home, and then what happens? Well, they’re released into the streets of the United States. ‘Okay, you may be in danger? Oh, you got the magic words? Okay, you come right on in.’ “10,000 times a day, 12,000 times yesterday. And Joe Biden allows it to happen – and the Democrats encourage him! “Some Democrats have finally started to admit that the Biden’s policies are harmful to America. “President Obama’s Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, told his fellow Democrats that the manipulation of our asylum laws is one of the root causes of illegal immigration. At one time Jeh Johnson said 1,000 per day would be overwhelming. Well, it was 12,000 yesterday! Why aren’t the Democrats waking up? “Senator Schumer’s hometown mayor, Eric Adams, says that the flood of illegal immigration is “destroying” New York City. Destruction of New York City and Democrats stand by. Now, they do want to give a lot of money there, but they sure don’t want to enforce it the law at the border. “Chicago is another one of these cities. Democrats are fearful of having next summer’s Democrat National Convention in Chicago. Wonder how many members of this body are actually going to go? Because Democrats across the country are afraid of doing it because Chicago is being overrun right now with illegal immigrants – overrun and overwhelmed. “If we want to make our country safer – and Republicans do; I’m not so sure about Democrats at this point for the way they’re behaving with regard to the border – we need to pass serious border security policy changes. Republicans know we must end the incentives that are fueling the Biden border crisis. “And more money to these sanctuary cities and more government benefits to illegal immigrants is not solving the problem; it is inviting more illegal immigrants to come. “This is a deadly serious situation. I’m not so sure the Democrats who were in the secure briefing yesterday, all understood that. I’m not sure the Senate Majority Leader understands that. Real border security is a top national security need.” “Republicans have solutions to make our communities and country safer. These measures must be included in any national security bill going to the president’s desk. “Without them, there will be no national security bill.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-the-second-amendment-is-freedoms-safeguard/,Barrasso: The Second Amendment is Freedom’s Safeguard,2023-12-06,2023,2023-12,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"“Almost every single page of this bill adds new restrictions and new burdens on people who follow the law. It tells you what you can buy and what you cannot buy. It bans more than 205 popular rifles, shotguns, and pistols by name. I oppose any policies that jeopardize the Second Amendment rights of the people of Wyoming and across the country.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today blocked an attempt by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to ban so-called “assault weapons.” Senator Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor on the need protect Americans’ Second Amendment rights. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “Americans have a Constitutional right to own a firearm. “Every day, people across Wyoming responsibly use their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. “Today is about defending those rights against those who would take them away. “Democrats are demanding that the American people trade in their liberty. The Democrats’ legislation takes away a right, and does not provide Americans security. “Democrats want Washington to ban rifles and pistols because of the way they look. To do this, they describe semi-automatic rifles as “assault rifles.” They aren’t. “Any farmer, rancher, or outdoorsman in Wyoming can tell you. These rifles work the same way as popular shotguns and other rifles used for hunting and personal protection. “Instead of facing these facts, Democrats stick to a demonizing rifles and disrespecting gun owners. “Democrats’ ban on “assault weapons” is an assault on lawful gun owners. “There is a contradiction at the center of the gun control debate: Democrats want to enact new laws on law-abiding citizens. At the same time, they ignore lawbreakers. “Almost every single page of this bill adds new restrictions and new burdens on people who follow the law. It tells you what you can buy and what you cannot buy. It bans more than 205 popular rifles, shotguns, and pistols by name. Republicans reject these unconstitutional, unjustified restrictions. “Democrats’ bumper-sticker solution to ban guns is not about safety. It is about restricting lawful gun ownership. It is about trying to label responsible gun owners as criminals. “Democrats are the party of defunding the police and disarming the American people. “None of this makes our streets safer. “None of this slows the crime wave in America. “None of this solves the mental health crisis in our country. “The focus should be on mental health, school safety, and stricter enforcement of current laws. “We want Americans to be safe in their communities, their homes, and their schools. The legislation before us today goes beyond that. “I oppose any policies that jeopardize the Second Amendment rights of the people of Wyoming and across the country. “The Second Amendment is freedom’s essential safeguard. Without it, there can be no liberty and no security.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:56:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-americans-know-bidenomics-is-not-working-for-them/,Barrasso: Americans Know Bidenomics Is Not Working For Them,2023-11-29,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"“President Biden is disturbingly out of touch. According to NBC News, President Biden is baffled that the American people are unhappy with the state of the economy. It is not baffling; it is the definition of ‘Bidenomics.’” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) spoke on the Senate floor Tuesday about how under Bidenomics, Americans barely have enough money to pay their bills, let alone save for the future. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “President Biden has a message for all of these people who are wincing as they fill up, who are worried about the cost of groceries, and who are raiding their savings accounts. Joe Biden’s message to them is just this. He says: Don’t believe your lying eyes. “The president will be in Colorado, and he is going to say some things that the American people just will not believe. “He will say inflation is getting better. He will say Bidenomics is working. He will say that anyone who believes anything other than that is just a victim of misinformation. “Well, that is not what the families of America are feeling. Americans know that they are subjected day in and day out to incredibly high prices, and they know that Joe Biden is the President of high prices. “Before Thanksgiving, we got new inflation data, and prices went up again. Prices are now over 17 percent higher today than they were the day Joe Biden took office. “In real terms, families are paying over $900 each and every month more now for their cost of living than they were for the same things the day Joe Biden came into office. “As prices continue to go up, people are falling further and further behind when it comes to trying to pay their bills. Bidenomics is forcing three out of every five Americans to live paycheck to paycheck. “Let’s look at personal debt. Credit card debt now exceeds $1 trillion. This is a record high in the history of the United States. “Let’s look at interest rates. Americans are maxing out their credit cards just to get by, and they are having to do it at higher interest rates just to pay their bills, so their debt number continues to go up. “Under Bidenomics, Americans barely have enough money to pay their bills, let alone save for the future. “President of the United States Joe Biden is disturbingly out of touch. According to NBC News, President Biden is baffled that the American people are unhappy with the state of the economy. “It is not baffling; it is the definition of ‘Bidenomics.’ Americans are unhappy with the economy because they don’t like paying 20 percent more for food, $1 more for a gallon of gas, or 8 percent mortgage rates. “On issue after issue after issue, President Biden’s actions have made matters worse. “He keeps attacking our affordable, available, reliable American energy, and my home State of Wyoming is America’s energy breadbasket. He has pursued the costliest regulatory burden in American history. The regulations coming out of this administration are penalizing and punishing and are costing the American people a lot. “Let there be no confusion that the policies of Joe Biden and the Democrats are why families have suffered the worst inflation in 40 years. Democrats have done nothing to correct course or steer the economy in the right direction. “Instead of working to cure inflation, Senate Democrats tell Americans to endure it. They are pushing policies that increase spending and choke off American energy–policies that keep driving prices and costs higher. “Republicans have solutions to get the country back on track. Our solutions will lower the cost of living, will increase wages, will reduce Washington red tape, will unleash American energy, and will end our nation’s dependence on China. “In this Congress alone, Republicans have put forward legislative solutions–workable, meaningful solutions–to restore a strong economy. We have introduced bills to reverse these political mandates and eliminate these punishing regulations. “We have introduced bills to end America’s dependence on China, reduce dependence for manufacturing, reduce dependence for medicines, and to promote our own manufacturing. “We have introduced bills to increase America’s production of oil, gas, coal, and critical minerals. That would immediately lower the cost of energy and groceries for families all across America. “Under Joe Biden and the Democrats, America is heading in the wrong direction, and by overwhelming numbers, the American people will tell you that. “Republicans have solutions to make a difference–to lower prices, to unleash American energy, to secure the southern border, and, in time, to get America back on track. “The time to act is now.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-shares-thanksgiving-dinner-with-wyoming-troops-in-south-korea/,Barrasso Shares Thanksgiving Dinner with Wyoming Troops in South Korea,2023-11-23,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Sen. Barrasso in South Korea with WY service members and their families. PYEONGTAEK, SOUTH KOREA – On Thanksgiving Day, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) shared a Thanksgiving meal with Wyoming service members and their families stationed at USAG Camp Humphreys in South Korea. They’re attached to United States Forces Korea (USFK). “This Thanksgiving, Wyoming has a lot to be thankful for, including our brave men and women in uniform who are serving our country. We have service members from all across Wyoming stationed thousands of miles away in South Korea. They’re our first line of defense against an increasing threat from a dangerous and emboldened North Korea,” said Senator Barrasso. “I made sure they knew everyone back home is thinking of them and their families over the holidays. Wyoming is so proud of their service and the sacrifice they’re making to defend our safety and security abroad.” The service members Barrasso visited with are from Casper, Cheyenne, Thayne, Sheridan, Rock Springs, and Lander. Sen. Barrasso shares Thanksgiving dinner with WY troops stationed in South Korea. Barrasso sat down for dinner with service members in the base’s Chow Hall and received a briefing from military officials on security challenges in the region. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-cuts-washington-red-tape-for-wyomings-ranchers/,Barrasso Bill Cuts Washington Red Tape for Wyoming’s Ranchers,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to make it easier for ranchers to make range improvements on federal land. The Ranching Without Red Tape Act streamlines the permitting process and ensures a timelier response from federal agencies for America’s ranchers. Under current law, ranchers who hold a grazing permit on federal lands must renegotiate their permit to make range improvements not outlined in their original agreement. Range improvements can vary from structural changes to fixing a fence, all of which are critical to managing livestock and increasing production. Renegotiating permits is a lengthy and complicated process that delays production and work on ranches. By removing this restriction on ranchers, this legislation would allow our nation’s producers to continue conducting their operations in a timely manner while still protecting our lands from major, unapproved changes. “In Wyoming, ranching is a long-standing tradition and a way of life. Our ranchers are proud stewards of our land,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our hardworking ranchers shouldn’t have to waste time and resources trying to navigate burdensome and unnecessary Washington red tape. The Ranching Without Red Tape Act will make it easier for Wyoming’s producers to make much-needed range improvements so they can go back to focusing on keeping their operations running strong.” This legislation has received support from the Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Wyoming Farm Bureau. “The Ranching Without Red Tape Act provides a desperately needed tool for ranchers to install and maintain simple resource improvements that contribute to the success of the ranch while fostering enhanced resource conditions on the public lands.” – Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association “The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation appreciates Senator Barrasso’s commitment to the agricultural industry in Wyoming. This legislation is a good first step toward providing common sense solutions for issues facing federal lands ranchers.” Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). Background: The Ranching Without Red Tape Act would: • Allow permittees to carry out minor range improvements within a short timeline if their request is approved by USFS or BLM, and allow permittees to make improvements if the agencies do not respond within that timeframe. • Instruct USFS and BLM to respond to applicable larger improvement requests within an accelerated period. • Expedite the process of federal agencies making improvements by using all administrative tools and authorities available to them, including categorical exclusions. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-senate-designates-november-16-as-national-rural-health-day/,Senate Designates November 16 as National Rural Health Day,2023-11-16,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of the many dedicated rural health care providers and our nation’s patients that depend on their services, the U.S. Senate has declared November 16, 2023 National Rural Health Day. The bipartisan resolution was introduced by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), co-chairs of the Senate Rural Health Caucus. The resolution passed the Senate unanimously and expresses a continued commitment to advancing policies that improve health care access and affordability for rural communities across the country. “As a doctor from a frontier state, I know firsthand how important it is for all patients to have access to high-quality care wherever they live,” said Senator Barrasso. “Rural health clinics and frontier hospitals throughout Wyoming have a long record of ensuring our rural communities receive primary care close to home. Our resolution honors the hard work of these providers and reinforces Congress’ bipartisan support of the work they do to serve patients in Wyoming and across rural America.” “Health care comes up with nearly every person I meet in rural communities across Greater Minnesota,” said Senator Smith. “Small towns and rural places are resilient, but they shouldn’t have to jump through a bunch of hoops just to get the care they need. Everyone deserves access to affordable, high-quality health care no matter where they live.” “Ninety-three percent of Tennessee is rural, making rural health care a critical aspect of our state’s economy. Through my bipartisan Rural Health Agenda, I have worked tirelessly to ensure access to quality and affordable health care in rural areas,” said Senator Blackburn. “Recognizing November 16th as National Rural Health Day will bring attention to the importance of rural health care while also acknowledging the challenges we still face in this critical sector.” “I hear repeatedly about the challenges rural communities face accessing health care,” said Senator Bennet. “As Co-Chair of the Rural Health Caucus, I’m working to address these barriers and make it easier for Americans in rural communities to access care. With this resolution, we are making a bipartisan commitment to ensure Coloradans who live and work in rural communities can get the health care they need.” This resolution is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jerry Moran (R-Kans.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), and Martin Henrich (D-N.M.). Full text of the resolution can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-and-lummis-join-senate-gops-demand-that-dod-rescind-abortion-travel-policy/,Barrasso and Lummis Join Senate GOP’s Demand that DOD Rescind Abortion Travel Policy,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and 24 other Republican senators in sending a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin denouncing the department’s policy of using taxpayer dollars to pay for travel expenses for servicemembers and dependents seeking abortions. In the letter, the senators highlight how the Department of Defense does not have the authority to issue this policy and demand it be rescinded immediately. “You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy…,” the senators wrote. “Congress never authorized the Department to expend funds to facilitate abortions and, until the Policy was issued, the military never facilitated abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother would be endangered if the unborn child were carried to term. Now taxpayers—many of whom have deeply-held religious and moral objections to abortions—are on the hook to facilitate the very abortions they fundamentally oppose.” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Secretary Austin: You have broken your promise to the American people not to politicize the military, and your actions have harmed and threaten to further harm institutional norms within our democracy. On June 28, 2022, four days after the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, you issued a memorandum to senior leaders in the Department of Defense (“Department”) stating that the Department is authorized to pay for government funded, official travel for active duty personnel to receive abortions outside of the state in which they are stationed. On October 20, 2022, you issued the memorandum Travel for Non-Covered Reproductive Health Care Services, properly referred to as the Department’s abortion travel policy (“Policy”), which directed the Department to pay travel expenses not only for active duty personnel to receive abortions, but for their dependents to receive abortions as well. Importantly, on July 19, 2023, at a hearing on the Department’s abortion travel policy, the Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness confirmed that this policy extends to late term abortions. All legislative power is vested in Congress, and the Executive branch is responsible for implementing and enforcing the law. While the Department may issue regulations, it can only do so under the laws authorized and enacted by Congress. But, Congress never authorized the Department to expend funds to facilitate abortions and, until the Policy was issued, the military never facilitated abortions except in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother would be endangered if the unborn child were carried to term. Now taxpayers—many of whom have deeply-held religious and moral objections to abortions—are on the hook to facilitate the very abortions they fundamentally oppose. Indeed, a Marist poll in January 2023 found that 60% of Americans strongly oppose the use of taxpayer dollars to pay for an abortion, consistent with polls taken throughout recent years. Rather than respect the Supreme Court’s decision, you decided to engage the Department, and our men and women in uniform, in a policy debate properly reserved for the legislature. You did so by claiming that Dobbs had “readiness, recruiting, and retention implications for the Force.” By your own officials’ admissions, however, the Department has no data to support that claim, and few servicemembers or dependents have utilized the Policy. After multiple inquiries from Congress on this question, the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness finally confirmed that “The Department does not have any data on women being deterred from joining the military for fear of being stationed at an installation or base in a state or nation that has restrictive abortion laws.” Finally, a recent letter from the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee revealed that only 12 women have taken advantage of the Policy since its inception, which undercuts your argument that Dobbs has significant recruiting and retention implications. Our men and women in uniform deserve Senate-confirmed leadership but the current situation began with your original sin of promulgating the Policy. Much has been made in the press about one Senator’s decision to try and stop your egregious wrongs, without acknowledging the Senate Majority Leader’s refusal to bring general and flag officer nominations to the floor until forced to by Republicans. Seeking to circumvent the Senate prerogative of the informal “hold” practice without addressing the underlying causes—the novel Policy and the subsequent refusal of the Majority to bring these nominees to the floor—will not ultimately reconcile this matter. It could create a toxic precedent with lasting negative effects on future military nominations. Your decision to issue the Policy politicized the military and placed the wants of a few over the needs of the entire nation. Do the right thing. Rescind the Policy now. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-discusses-telehealth-services-for-wyomings-seniors/,Barrasso Discusses Telehealth Services for Wyoming’s Seniors,2023-11-15,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently questioned medical professionals about telehealth services for Wyoming’s seniors on Medicare at a Senate Committee on Finance hearing. Specifically, Senator Barrasso spoke about the outsourcing of previously direct patient services to telehealth services and the impacts of this on patients in Wyoming. He also discussed the technology systems required to provide telehealth and the benefits of remote patient monitoring for chronic care. The Senate Committee on Finance’s Health Care subcommittee held the hearing titled, Ensuring Medicare Beneficiary Access: A Path to Telehealth Permanency, earlier this week. On Outsourced Telehealth Services in Wyoming: “I want to talk a little about telehealth in Wyoming. It’s an important access point for care. It really helps our Medicare beneficiaries receive specialty services. “In 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reported that 29 percent of Medicare telehealth services in Wyoming were provided by an out of state provider. “Which is of concern if you are in some where you actually need hands-on care. HHS stated the high rate of outsourcing was ‘likely reflecting shortage and availability of specialists…,’ which is exactly right. “I am concerned about relying too heavily on telehealth. It’s important, it helps us but I worry about these issues. “Given the challenges we face in Wyoming how are you dealing with it from the standpoint of workplace shortages?” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on outsourced telehealth. On Systems Required to Provide Telehealth: “Dr. Mehrotra, in your opening statement you talked about how five percent of physicians have closed their physical doors to become full-time telehealth providers. “I believe there is real value as well in having telehealth, but also the direct hands-on patient care component. “It’s interesting, having practiced orthopedic surgery for 24 years I feel like I can go back and do the surgery – I’m not sure I could do the computer work, the technical aspects. “The latest estimates are that doctors now spend 20 percent of their time inputting patient information into electronic medical records. Our office did medical records before it was a thing – we wanted to be on top of things. “In the Economist’s Annual Health Barometer, one of the greatest barriers they identified was that: ‘solutions are not always designed with the needs of clinicians and patients in mind.’ “I find this especially true of the increasingly complex and fragmented systems required to provide telehealth. “What existing telehealth services do you think serve more as barriers rather than solutions?” Follow-up: “If they are spending that much time wondering how to fill this out, it is time they are not in direct patient contact doing what they want to do. If they are still trying to get home to be with family, friends, or do other activities and not feel overwhelmed and burnt out – it’s a key part of it.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on systems required for telehealth services. On Treating Chronic Care Remotely: “Dr. Wallace, you and I are both invested in improving patient care and outcomes. “There’s 60 of us in the Senate who co-sponsored the bipartisan CONNECT for Health Act – Senator Schatz from Hawaii is the original sponsor. A number of us have co-sponsored. “It addresses patient care and outcomes and allows for remote patient monitoring for people with chronic conditions. “Remote patient monitoring is one of the most innovative and cost-effective solutions to chronic care management. “As someone who specializes in the treatment of chronic conditions, can you discuss how using remote patient monitoring for your Medicare patients would impact your ability to treat them? Follow-up: “If you have that kind of a decrease across the board of systolic pressure, you don’t know how many strokes you have prevented as well in the process, which is an added effect.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on treating chronic care. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-express-concern-over-cms-nursing-home-staffing-rule/,"Barrasso, Lummis Express Concern Over CMS Nursing Home Staffing Rule",2023-11-09,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) sent a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) regarding the agency’s proposed minimum staffing standards in nursing homes. Specifically, the senators disapprove of the administration’s one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for the needs of rural states, such as Wyoming. Should the proposed rule become a requirement, it will result in nationwide nursing home closures due to provider shortages, financially devastate facilities in Wyoming, and leave vulnerable individuals in rural communities without care. The letter urges CMS to rescind the proposal and work with Congress, states and key stakeholders on alternative solutions. “Across the country, Long-Term Care (LTC) facilities face dire workforce shortages. The United States is projected to have a 10 to 20 percent shortage of nurses in the coming years,” the senators wrote. “If the proposed rule is implemented, many LTC facilities will be forced to hire additional Registered Nurses (RNs). Additional RNs will cost facilities in Wyoming at least $500,000 in annual salaries or more should they be forced to hire travel nurses to supplement their permanent workforce.” “CMS estimated the proposed rule would cost $40.6 billion over ten years. It stated, ‘LTC facilities would be expected to bear the burden of these costs, unless payers increase rates.’ Many LTC facilities will be unable to take on these staggering new costs. We are concerned that facilities may decide it is no longer economically viable to accept government insurance, resulting in our nation’s most financially and physically vulnerable individuals being turned away from care,” the senators continued. “We are willing to work with your agency on proposals to improve LTC for patients and providers. The best way to accomplish this goal is by working with Congress, key stakeholders, and states to ensure federal mandates do not exacerbate the serious challenges already facing facilities across the county.” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Administrator Brooks-LaSure: We write to express our serious concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) unprecedented nursing home staffing mandate proposal. Throughout the pandemic, our nation, along with this administration, applauded the incredible work done by health care providers in long-term care (LTC) facilities. We must continue to support their efforts to provide seniors with high quality care. However, this administration’ proposed rule will result in nationwide closures and leave many individuals without care. It will be devastating to struggling facilities and communities in Wyoming. For these reasons, we urge you to rescind this proposed rule and instead commit to working with Congress and states on alternative solutions. In Wyoming, there are 36 LTC facilities that care for nearly 2,000 residents. As our state confronts challenges in meeting the needs of our aging population, we are determined to find solutions that are community driven and patient focused. We support initiatives that provide the flexibility needed for nursing homes, especially in rural and underserved areas. We are concerned the proposed rule is not tailored to meet the unique needs of our state. Subjecting rural states to a one-size-fits-all regulation is unwarranted. Across the country, LTC facilities face dire workforce shortages. The United States is projected to have a 10 to 20 percent shortage of nurses in the coming years. Wyoming’s LTC facilities have tried to mitigate the current shortage by actively recruiting from our state’s nursing schools and offering competitive financial benefits. However, there are not enough nursing graduates to meet the demand from our state and others facing similar shortages. If the proposed rule is implemented, many LTC facilities will be forced to hire additional Registered Nurses (RNs). Additional RNs will cost facilities in Wyoming at least $500,000 in annual salaries or more should they be forced to hire travel nurses to supplement their permanent workforce. As Wyoming’s LTC facilities struggle to meet current staffing requirements, several facilities have been unable to fill an RN position for over a year. These facilities have supplemented their workforce by hiring Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Under the proposed rule, LPNs are excluded from the RN staffing ratio formula. If LPNs are not included in the staffing ratio formula, facilities will be forced to hire additional RNs to comply with the rule. CMS estimated the proposed rule would cost $40.6 billion over ten years. It stated, “LTC facilities would be expected to bear the burden of these costs, unless payers increase rates.” Many LTC facilities will be unable to take on these staggering new costs. We are concerned that facilities may decide it is no longer economically viable to accept government insurance, resulting in our nation’s most financially and physically vulnerable individuals being turned away from care. It is irresponsible for the administration to impose mandates resulting in nationwide closures and then expect hardworking taxpayers to foot the bill. With a national debt of over $33 trillion and the current state of the Medicare and Medicaid Trust Funds, the federal government should not be adding regulatory burdens that increase these kinds of costs. While this proposed rule offers a “hardship exemption,” the requirements to qualify are burdensome. Our facilities have struggled to meet the existing reporting requirements imposed since 2020. The proposed requirements to report “good faith efforts to hire and retain staff” are poorly defined and create unnecessary administrative burdens. Additionally, many facilities in Wyoming expressed concerns that they would need to hire additional administrative staff to fulfill these reporting requirements. We recognize and value the role CMS plays in preventing health and safety problems, protecting seniors, and providing solutions to mitigate harm. We are willing to work with your agency on proposals to improve LTC for patients and providers. The best way to accomplish this goal is by working with Congress, key stakeholders, and states to ensure federal mandates do not exacerbate the serious challenges already facing facilities across the county. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-joins-legislation-countering-threats-from-chinese-spy-bases-in-cuba/,Barrasso Joins Legislation Countering Threats From Chinese Spy Bases in Cuba,2023-11-07,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) joined U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) in introducing the Countering Espionage and Surveillance Entities in Cuba (CEASE) Act. This legislation would impose sanctions on any foreign person who has engaged in a significant transaction or provided support to or for Chinese military or intelligence facilities in Cuba. “The Chinese Communist Party has proven time and time again it is willing to lie, cheat, and steal to advance its economic and military strength. Now China is teaming up with a Cuban dictator to establish spy bases only miles away from our border,” said Senator Barrasso. “This legislation is a critical step in safeguarding our country from these serious security threats.” “The Chinese Communist Party’s deepening military and intelligence partnership with Cuba directly threatens U.S. national security,” said Senator Risch. “The fact that China has multiple intelligence facilities in Cuba less than 100 miles from our shores and in close range to a U.S. military base proves there is no ‘thaw’ in relations with either of these malign actors. The CEASE Act will provide the tools necessary to counter these urgent threats.” The CEASE Act: Authorizes financial and visa sanctions on foreign persons providing significant material support to or for Chinese military and intelligence facilities in Cuba. Requires a State Department report on diplomatic engagement between China and Cuba, on the military and intelligence activities of China in Cuba, and on any progress verifiably closing Chinese military and intelligence facilities in Cuba. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-travels-to-southern-border-for-update-on-bidens-border-crisis/,Barrasso Travels to Southern Border for Update on Biden’s Border Crisis,2023-11-03,2023,2023-11,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently traveled to Texas with his Senate Republican colleagues to tour the Rio Grande Valley and receive a firsthand update on Biden’s Border Crisis. The senators met with Customs and Border Patrol agents for briefings, did a midnight patrol, joined Border Patrol on a horseback ride-along, and inspected the border wall. Senator Barrasso was joined by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah). “National security starts with border security and under President Joe Biden, our country is a lot less safe because our southern border is wide open,” said Senator Barrasso. Barrasso and his colleagues made it a priority to thank Border Patrol agents for the sacrifices they make each day to protect our country and secure our border. “The Border Patrol agents across our southern border are heroes. They put their own lives on the line every day for the benefit and safety of our country. They have a tough job, but the Biden administration is making it a lot tougher,” said Barrasso. “Border Patrol knows what they need to do to solve the problem: enforce the law, bring back the Remain in Mexico policy, and finish the wall. Joe Biden won’t let them do any of this.” “If you talk to Border Patrol, they will tell you terrorists and criminals are coming in record numbers from around the world,” said Barrasso. “There are thousands of got-aways each and every day. They are taking advantage of the significant increase in the flow of illegal immigrants over our border to infiltrate our cities.” Once again, Barrasso called on President Biden to visit the southern border in person and hear directly from Border Patrol agents. “President Biden needs to finally show up to the southern border to see firsthand the humanitarian, criminal and national security crisis he has created. He needs to hear directly from Border Patrol agents and give them every resource they need to secure our border,” said Barrasso. “The people of Wyoming and around the country want a safe and prosperous nation with a secure border. Senate Republicans are committed to protecting the homeland and will restore safety and security in our nation’s communities.” Click HERE to watch a YouTube video of Sen. Barrasso’s trip to the border. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:49:58Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-cosponsor-legislation-pushing-back-on-radical-electric-vehicle-mandate/,"Barrasso, Lummis Cosponsor Legislation Pushing Back on Radical Electric Vehicle Mandate",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) joined their colleagues in introducing the Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act to push back on the Biden administration’s radical Green New Deal agenda and executive overreach by preventing the implementation of a proposed rule that limits the people of Wyoming’s choices when purchasing a car. “Democrats are trying to force-feed Wyoming drivers expensive electrical vehicles – vehicles that we don’t need, want, and most families can’t afford,” said Barrasso. “Farmers and ranchers count on vehicles that are affordable and reliable. In Wyoming, with our cold winters and vast distances, electric cars are neither. The CARS Act will put Wyoming drivers – not Joe Biden – back into the driver’s seat when it comes to deciding what type of vehicle works best for them.” “From day one, this administration has been strangling the people of Wyoming with restrictive red tape and eroding their freedoms,” said Lummis. “The Biden administration’s latest executive overreach is a thinly-veiled attempt to force the people of Wyoming into driving expensive electric vehicles at a time when they’re already struggling to keep up with soaring inflation rates. Wyoming families—not the federal government—are the ones best suited to choose a vehicle that meets their needs, and I’m joining Senator Crapo to preserve consumer choice.” BACKGROUND: On April 12, 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft rule called “Multi-Pollutant Emission Standards for Model Year 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles,” which sets stringent emissions standards for criteria pollutants and greenhouse gases for certain vehicles. This is the most egregious tailpipe emissions proposal ever crafted and is basically a de facto mandate for mass production of electric vehicles (EVs). If finalized, the EPA estimates more than two-thirds of all new vehicles could be electric by 2032. The average price for an EV costs an additional $17,000 more than its average gas-powered counterpart, according to data from Kelley Blue Book. This administration’s aggressive push for EVs not only willfully ignores the financial limitations and personal preferences of everyday Americans, but it costs American autoworkers their jobs and increases our dependence on foreign adversaries like China. The Choice in Automobile Retail Sales (CARS) Act: • Would prohibit the EPA from finalizing, implementing or enforcing its proposed emissions rule; • Would prohibit the use of authority under the Clean Air Act to issue regulations that mandate the use of any specific technology or that limit the availability of new motor vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine type. This includes any regulation prescribed on or after January 1, 2021; • Would require the EPA to update any regulations since January 1, 2021, that result in the limited availability of new vehicles based on that vehicle’s engine within two years; and • Would end the EPA’s radical agenda, which is driving up costs for people and handing the keys of America’s auto industry to China. Full text of the bill can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-vote-to-ban-federal-mask-mandates/,"Barrasso, Lummis Vote to Ban Federal Mask Mandates",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., praised the U.S. Senate for passing Senator JD Vance’s (R-Ohio) amendment to the Senate minibus appropriations bill prohibiting the Department of Transportation from using any federal funds to enforce mask mandates. The amendment, which passed the Senate by a vote of 59-38, bans mask mandates on passenger airlines, commuter rail, rapid transit buses, and any other transportation program funding through Fiscal Year 2024. “Today, the Senate took an important step in protecting the freedoms and rights of all Americans,” said Senator Barrasso. “The federal government has no business mandating Americans wear masks on airlines or public transit. Thanks to Senator Vance’s leadership, this amendment ensures people in Wyoming and across the country won’t be forced to follow impractical Washington mandates. Senate Republicans will continue fighting to end unreasonable, one-size-fits-all rules from the federal government.” “We cannot expect the people of Wyoming to forgo their personal freedoms for misguided and ineffective mask mandates,” said Senator Lummis. “The passage of this commonsense amendment is a big win for states’ rights and I am glad we are one step closer to shielding the people of Wyoming from D.C. bureaucrats’ unfounded and heavy-handed federal mandates.” Background: Barrasso and Lummis are original co-sponsors of Senator Vance’s Freedom to Breathe Act. This legislation would prevent the government from imposing new federal mask mandates for domestic air travel, public transit systems, and in schools. The senators also joined Senator Vance and Senate Republicans this fall in a press conference supporting the Freedom to Breath Act. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-thune-introduce-bill-to-reform-indian-health-service-2/,"Barrasso, Thune Introduce Bill to Reform Indian Health Service",2023-10-25,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) reintroduced legislation to address persistent failures and increase accountability at the Indian Health Service (IHS). Consistent shortcomings, unmet staffing needs, lack of oversight and longstanding deficiencies at the IHS have resulted in significant gaps in tribal citizens accessing high-quality care. The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2023 (S. 3130) addresses the many issues recipients of IHS care face by improving patient access to safe and reliable health services. “The failures across the Indian Health Service (IHS) are appalling, heartbreaking and unacceptable,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our legislation brings much-needed accountability and transparency to the IHS. Tribal leaders, citizens and health care providers deserve a voice in how to improve and increase their access to high-quality care. The steps laid out in our bill will help ensure Native American patients in Wyoming and across the country receive the health care they need and deserve.” “Native American patients, families, and communities in South Dakota must have access to reliable, quality health care,” said Senator Thune. “This bill would make critical improvements to the delivery of care at IHS facilities in South Dakota and around the country. We must hold IHS accountable to Congress and, more importantly, the patients they serve.” Co-sponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). Background: The Restoring Accountability in the Indian Health Service Act of 2023 will improve transparency, oversight and accountability by: • Imposing a robust Tribal culture and history competency requirement for employees. • Requiring the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to issue best practices for Area offices and governing boards. • Establishing a compliance assistance program for underperforming facilities. • Assisting facilities in adopting more suitable quality and performance metrics. • Requiring IHS to develop standards to measure the timeliness of care. • Directing CMS to conduct and make public surveys of hospitals and skilled nursing facilities. • Improving information-sharing between IHS and state medical boards regarding a provider’s history of violations and any ongoing investigations. • Creating an Office of Patient Advocacy to assist patients in resolving facility complaints and granting patients the right to a medical chaperone. • Strengthening whistleblower protections. • Requiring a GAO report on patient harm events and denials of care. • Requiring HHS to provide annual reports on spending across IHS facilities. This legislation also addresses staff recruitment and retention shortfalls by: • Requiring IHS to establish a competitive pay system for IHS health care personnel based on VA health care professional pay scales. • Expanding eligibility for the Indian Health Service Loan Repayment Program. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-reintroduces-legislation-to-improve-water-quality-certifications/,Barrasso Reintroduces Legislation to Improve Water Quality Certifications,2023-10-23,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) recently introduced the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2023. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Steve Daines (R-MT), and Pete Ricketts (R-NE). The bill amends section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The legislation makes several key clarifications to existing law about the appropriate scope of review for a water quality certification. It would also place procedural guardrails and requirements on states as they process requests for certification to prevent future abuses. “Environmental extremists are hijacking the water quality certification process to delay critical energy projects across the country,” said Sen. Barrasso. “In Washington state, they’re abusing this system to block Wyoming coal exports. East coast states are using this same playbook to block important natural gas pipeline projects. Make no mistake, this is about politics, not water quality. It only weakens our economy and makes America even more dependent on foreign energy. The Water Quality Certification Improvement Act will ensure the water quality certification process is used only to protect America’s water, not advance extreme political agendas.” “The Section 401 certification process has been plagued with uncertainty and unnecessary delays that has created a system environmental extremists have weaponized to block projects they’re opposed to for purely political reasons,” said Sen. Lummis. “Instead of picking winners and losers in the energy industry off of politics, the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act ensures the certification process is about water quality only. I’m pleased to partner with Senator Barrasso and my colleagues to clarify this regulatory nightmare.” “Section 401 of the Clean Water Act has been repetitively used by activist states like New York and Washington to block energy infrastructure under the guise of water quality,” said by Sen. Cramer. “By expanding Section 401 beyond direct water quality effects, they have obstructed interstate commerce for energy producing states like North Dakota. The Water Quality Certification Improvement Act places common sense procedural guardrails and requirements on states to prevent abuse without removing any water quality protections.” The Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2023 would: • Clarify that the scope of a section 401 review is limited to water quality impacts only; • Clarify that states, when evaluating water quality, can only consider discharges that would result from the federally permitted or licensed activity itself – not from other sources; • Require states to publish clear requirements for water quality certification requests; • Require states to make final decisions on whether to grant or deny a request in writing based only on water quality reasons; and • Require states to inform a project applicant within 90 days whether the states have all of the materials needed to process a certification request. Read the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2023 here. Background Information: On August 16, 2018, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a “Hearing to Examine Implementation of Clean Water Act Section 401 and S. 3303, the Water Quality Certification Improvement Act of 2018.” On October 4, 2018, Barrasso, Daines, Inhofe, Capito, and Enzi sent a letter to Andrew Wheeler, Environmental Protection Agency then-Acting Administrator, regarding the implementation of Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. In the letter, the senators asked Wheeler to provide implementation direction to federal agencies regarding Section 401, in light of recent abuses by certain states. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-jack-lew-is-the-wrong-person-for-u-s-ambassador-to-israel/,Barrasso: Jack Lew is the Wrong Person for U.S. Ambassador to Israel,2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned Jack Lew, President Biden’s nominee to be U.S. Ambassador to Israel. Senator Barrasso discussed Mr. Lew’s previous work as Secretary of Treasury during the Obama Administration and the role he played in negotiating the flawed Iran nuclear deal. He also questioned Mr. Lew on the 31 Americans killed by Hamas in Israel and President Biden’s refusal to sanction Iran’s energy resources. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee held Mr. Lew’s nomination hearing today. Excerpts from Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “Israel is one of our nation’s strongest allies. Since October 7, the world has seen the terror and violence inflicted by Hamas. “All of us strongly condemn Hamas’ invasion of Israel, which involved killing and wounding thousands of Israeli civilians. “Americans were also among those injured and killed and taken hostage by Hamas. As Israel fights these terrorist attacks, the United States remains unwavering in our commitment to Israel’s security. “With the incredible challenges facing Israel, it is vital we have the right person serving as U.S. Ambassador to Israel. It is especially true in light of President Biden’s repeated failed policies in the region. “Today’s nominee seems to be the wrong person for this important job. “As Secretary of Treasury in the Obama Administration, he helped negotiate the disastrous Iran nuclear deal. In fact, he went around bragging about the flawed deal to the American people. “As Secretary of Treasury, he unlocked a lot of Iranian assets and let them have their money. He was the ATM to the Iranian Ayatollah. “No one will forget the pallets of cash going to Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism. We know how they used the money. “As Secretary of Treasury, he helped orchestrate $1.7 billion in cash to be flown in an unmarked cargo plane to Iran. “He also oversaw the $400 million ransom payment to Iran in exchange for American hostages. The massive influx of cash was ultimately a direct deposit into Iran’s terrorism accounts. “Additionally, in 2016, he defended the Obama Administration’s unwillingness to veto UN Security Council Resolution that was seen as an anti-Israel resolution. “Congress, in a bipartisan way, disagreed with that position of the administration. In fact, we overwhelmingly passed a bipartisan resolution objecting to it and demanding it be repealed. “These decisions and actions have serious consequences. I believe they have emboldened terrorist organizations around the globe. “The American people and the Israeli people both deserve something different.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s opening remarks. On Killed and Missing American Citizens in Israel: “Mr. Lew, Hamas soldiers have reportedly been found with documents detailing their plans to target schools, target civilians during their raid. “Another document directed Hamas units to ‘kill as many as possible as well as ‘capture hostages.’ “Over 4,000 people are dead. 31 Americans are among those killed, others taken hostage. “We’ve had the debate about how to best get them home. “In terms of the American citizens, who is responsible for the 31 Americans who have died in this conflict?” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on American citizens in Israel. On Iranian Energy Resources: “The failure of this administration to enforce the Iranian oil sanctions helped finance Hamas and other Iranian proxies. “This administration has allowed a lot of money to get there. “Iran is the home of the world’s third largest reserves of crude oil. “It uses the revenue from its oil exports to support its repression and terrorist activities. “The more money they have, the more activities we’re going to see, in spite of all efforts to block it along the way. “I have repeatedly raised concerns about the impact of this administration refusing to enforce existing sanctions on the energy sector. “In an attempt to convince Iran to rejoin this terrible Iranian nuclear deal, it seems that the president did relax sanctions enforcement on Iran to the point that Iran generated about $80 billion in oil revenue under this administration. “Oman and Iran have signed a variety of deals in the oil and gas sector. “China’s state-owned refineries and private companies are buying up to 1.2 million barrels of Iranian oil every day. We’re allowing that to happen. “The Iranian regime is getting hundreds of billions of dollars to fund Hamas, Hezbollah and other terrorist proxies. “Why has this administration failed to fully enforce sanctions on entities involved in these illicit transactions with Iran, given the fact that every dollar they make, they’re going to use in a bad way?” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso remarks on Iranian energy resources. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-lee-romney-urge-blm-to-withdraw-outrageous-land-grab-proposal-in-wyoming/,"Barrasso, Lummis, Lee, Romney Urge BLM to Withdraw Outrageous Land Grab Proposal in Wyoming",2023-10-18,2023,2023-10,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., were joined by U.S. Senators Mike Lee and Mitt Romney, both R-Utah, in a letter urging the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to immediately withdraw its misguided Rock Springs Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP). On August 17, 2023, BLM announced that over 1.8 million acres of land in Wyoming, managed by the Rock Springs Field Office, would be given special designation as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). The proposal ignores more than a decade’s worth of local input and would reduce the land to single-use. If enforced, it will inevitably end grazing, critical transmission line improvements, and gas production that powers the region. “The 1.8 million-acre designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) included in this RMP will have a negative impact on those who live, work, and recreate here. It will also present economic and environmental impacts for the greater American West region,” the senators wrote. “We urge the BLM to fully consider the impact that this proposed designation will have on Wyoming and Utah communities. Over a decade’s worth of Wyoming input should not be scrapped for a broad Washington mandate” Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Director Stone-Manning, We write to express our strong concerns with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Rock Springs Draft Resource Management Plan (RMP). On August 17, 2023, the BLM announced their Draft Resource Management Plan Revision (RMP) and accompanying Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the 3.6 million acres of surface land managed by the Rock Springs Field Office. Given the outsized impact this policy change will have on communities across the nation and the lack of local support, it is imperative that the BLM withdraw this RMP draft entirely. Over the past 12 years, Wyoming has diligently worked to ensure a proposed RMP would be efficient, practical, and successful for the land and surrounding communities. Various public meetings, stakeholder engagements, and technological and scientific advancements have taken place to ensure that an RMP best serves the 3.6 million acres of BLM land. This draft RMP unfortunately falls short of including over a decade’s worth of time, knowledge, and input. The 1.8 million-acre designation of Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) included in this RMP will have a negative impact on those who live, work, and recreate here. It will also present economic and environmental impacts for the greater American West region. This ACEC designation, if enforced, will inevitably end grazing, critical transmission line improvements, and gas production that powers the region. Under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act (FLPMA), which governs the BLM’s policies regarding land usage, these 1.8 million acres will be reduced to a single use. Multiple use, which this area has historically been utilized for, could be ended in the quick publishing of a federal rule if public comments are not thoroughly considered. Further, this designation creates more ambiguity around the BLM’s use of ACECs. The BLM national office has no accurate database of ACECs. There is no standard format for reporting information about ACECs within the agency or to the public. The BLM in recent years has used ACECs to restrict recreational demands, obliterate grazing rights, and hinder economic development in lower-income communities. The absence of a standardized format of ACEC data, while the BLM pushes for more land to be designated as ACECs, is already leading to a growing delta of distrust of what this draft RMP could mean for future BLM land decisions. This designation must incorporate rigorous input to ensure a collaborative plan is created. We urge the BLM to fully consider the impact that this proposed designation will have on Wyoming and Utah communities. Over a decade’s worth of Wyoming input should not be scrapped for a broad Washington mandate. We request that this draft as written, including the impractical choice of Alternative B as the agency’s preferred alternative, be completely withdrawn. We urge you to consider drafting a new proposal that takes into consideration stakeholders and local partners in Wyoming and Utah. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:43:12Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-vote-to-keep-government-open/,"Barrasso, Lummis Vote to Keep Government Open",2023-09-30,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., issued the following statements after voting for the short-term funding bill to keep the government open. “Keeping the government open is the right thing to do for Wyoming,” said Barrasso. “This legislation bridges the gap to pay our troops and keeps our National Parks open. One issue that many people in Wyoming are concerned about is pay cuts for our wildland firefighters. This bill stops this pay cut so firefighters can focus on protecting forests and communities across Wyoming. It also ensures a government that is open and working for the American people. Getting this bill passed puts the focus back on President Biden’s failures at the border and with runaway inflation.” “I voted to avert the government shutdown to ensure our service men and women continue getting a paycheck, our national parks, which keep Wyoming’s economy strong, remain open and federal services that people in Wyoming rely on remain open as Congress continues work on appropriations bills,” said Lummis. “Throughout my time in Congress, I have been a fierce budget hawk, consistently opposing bloated spending bills and working to reform entitlements to set us on a sustainable fiscal path. During the next 45 days I will do everything in my power to push Congress to use this opportunity to get our fiscal house in order, cut spending to stop the out-of-control inflation harming the people of Wyoming and secure our southern border.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-keeps-sheep-and-goat-import-ban/,Barrasso Bill Keeps Sheep and Goat Import Ban,2023-09-26,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to stop the Biden administration from lifting a ban on imports of sheep and goat products until accurate studies show the possibility of contamination or transmission of diseases have been completely eliminated. In 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) implemented a final rule to remove BSE-related import restrictions on sheep and goats and their products. The Stop and Study Sheep and Goat Import Ban will stop this rule from taking effect and require updated, thorough research before exposing the sheep and goat industry, and ultimately U.S. consumers, to possible contaminations. “In Wyoming, the sheep and goat industries have been a part of our ranching way of life since statehood. We know we can rely on American producers to provide families with safe, reliable, and healthy meat products,” said Senator Barrasso. “Imported sheep and goats are at a higher risk of being contaminated or diseased. It’s critical that we keep the ban on imported sheep and goats in place until we can prove they are free of any possible diseases or contaminations.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). This bill has received support from Wyoming Wool Growers and the American Sheep Industry Association. “This bill sheds light on one of the most critical challenges facing the American sheep industry, the large volume of imported sheep and goats (and products derived from sheep/goats). The sheep industry has faced price volatility and unpredictability for decades and a steady decline of sheep inventory across the country for decades. There are many causal factors and a stop and study on importation of these animals and derived products will hopefully lead to conversations on best solutions for all parties involved in the American sheep industry and our markets.” – Alison Crane, Executive Director of Wyoming Wool Growers “The American Sheep Industry Association greatly appreciates the leadership of Senator Barrasso on this important legislation. It has been over 20 years since USDA has looked at the impacts of increased imported lamb on our domestic market. ASI has continued to ask successive administrations to prioritize export opportunities for U. S. producers, before allowing additional imports. The necessary legislation introduced by Senator Barrasso in the Senate will provide the domestic sheep and lamb industry the information we need to assess the potential impacts of importing and exporting lamb products and inform the conversation going forward.” – Brad Boner, President of American Sheep Industry Association Background: The Stop Sheep and Goat Import Ban will: Direct the Secretary of Agriculture to conduct a study on the potential costs and benefits of the delayed rule. Require the Secretary’s study to research: the estimated amount of sheep and goat meat imported into the United States as a result of the implementation of the rule. the estimated increase in the number of live sheep and goats imported into the United States as a result of the rule. the estimated demand for sheep and goat meat in the United States during the 10-year period beginning on the date of the enactment of the bill. the impact of the COVID–19 pandemic on the economic data and market conditions for imports of sheep and goat meat and live sheep and goats. any negative impacts that could result from the implementation of the rule. Require the Secretary to submit the study to respective committees in the House and Senate no later than one year after this bill is signed. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-sinema-introduce-bill-to-increase-access-to-broadband-on-federal-land/,"Barrasso, Sinema Introduce Bill to Increase Access to Broadband on Federal Land",2023-09-20,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) introduced legislation to increase access to high-speed internet on federal land. Permitting for broadband projects and telecommunications infrastructure on federal land can take up to 48 months, causing significant impacts on rural communities. These delays jeopardize broadband projects, increase costs, and limit access to high-speed internet and vital telehealth services. The CLOSE THE GAP Act will modernize and streamline the permitting process to help expand access to high-speed internet and close the digital divide in rural communities. “Access to fast and reliable internet is critical to keeping rural communities, small businesses and emergency services running smoothly. In Wyoming, half of the land is owned by the federal government. There is a significant gap in internet service and in some cases no service at all,” said Senator Barrasso. “It shouldn’t take years for internet service providers to get approval to install or make simple repairs on federal land. Streamlining the permitting process is a vital step in closing the digital divide in rural communities in Wyoming and across the West.” “Streamlining the permitting process for broadband infrastructure allows Arizona to deploy high-speed internet services using historic funding I secured in my bipartisan infrastructure law more efficiently and effectively – connecting loved ones, making education and telehealth more accessible, and fueling economic opportunities for small businesses,” said Senator Sinema. This legislation has received support from Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr, NTCA – The Rural Broadband Association, NCTA – The Internet & Television Association, USTelecom, CTIA, Competitive Carriers Association, WTA – Advocates for Rural Broadband, The Permitting Institute, T-Mobile, DISH Network, and The Fiber Broadband Association. “I want to applaud Senator Barrasso and Senator Sinema for their strong leadership and smart set of permitting reforms that would accelerate high-speed Internet builds across rural and remote parts of the country. For too long, a cumbersome and outdated permitting process has delayed and deterred broadband builds on Federal lands—areas where installing Internet infrastructure is vital to reaching those communities that remain on the wrong side of the digital divide. I have had the chance to visit with broadband builders in Wyoming and hear directly from them about the broadband infrastructure projects that are laying fallow due to a slow and opaque process for building on federal lands. This legislation would end these delays by streamlining and modernizing this permitting process. I hope this legislation becomes law soon considering the billions of dollars that are now available to deploy broadband to unserved areas—funds that would otherwise get caught up in red tape.” – Federal Communications Commissioner Brendan Carr Background: In order to streamline the permitting process for broadband infrastructure, The CLOSE THE GAP Act: • Requires federal land management agencies to issue new regulations that would streamline the process for broadband applications on federal land. • Promotes online application tracking for broadband infrastructure projects through the existing Permitting Dashboard established under the FAST Act. • Improves public safety on federal land by directing the establishment of categorical exclusions for improvements to existing infrastructure that would improve public safety capacity. • Provides exemptions from NEPA for broadband infrastructure that resides on land that has previously received an approved permit to install broadband infrastructure. • Provides exemptions from NEPA and NHPA requirements for projects that involve collocation of new radios on existing towers, and removal or replacement of radios on existing towers. • Establishes online portals for submission of Standard Form-299 applications. • Establishes a special account at Treasury for each land management agency to deposit cost recovery fees for their own use related specifically to broadband deployment. • Establishes a working group between each federal land management agency to periodically meet to coordinate and expedite the review of applications. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-burgess-bill-protects-medicare-part-b-patients/,"Barrasso, Burgess Bill Protects Medicare Part B Patients",2023-09-13,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced a bill to protect access to care for vulnerable Medicare patients being treated with Part B covered drugs, including treatments for cancer and other serious diseases. In their reckless tax and spending bill, Democrats included a price-fixing scheme for certain Medicare Part B physician-administered drugs that would cut reimbursements for health care providers issuing life-saving medication. As a result, patients will struggle to find the care they need in their local communities. Barrasso’s bill, the Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act, would lower reimbursements for providers and require drug manufacturers to send rebates directly to the government for the difference in costs. It will save medical practices instead of putting providers in the middle at no extra cost to the government. “By cutting reimbursements for doctors, Democrats are making it extremely difficult for patients with cancer and other chronic diseases to find care in their local communities. This price-fixing scheme will raise costs for our seniors on Medicare,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bill will keep physician reimbursements stable and not cost the government a dime. Congress must pass this bill so cancer patients don’t become collateral damage as a result of the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree.” Congressman Michael Burgess (R-Texas) is introducing companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “The Inflation Reduction Act slashed the physician reimbursement rate for Part B payments significantly, threatening care for 60 million Medicare beneficiaries,” said Rep. Burgess. “The 2023 Protecting Patient Access to Cancer and Complex Therapies Act safeguards access to personalized care for patients with complex conditions and ensures the highest quality care for American patients, including those with cancer and other serious and complex conditions such as rheumatologic, autoimmune, and inflammatory conditions; those living with blinding eye diseases, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and rare diseases; and those living with serious mental illness. This legislation removes physicians from the center of pricing determinations involving CMS and manufacturers, all the while preserving patients’ vital access to treatments and therapies they need.” This bill has received support from the Infusion Providers Alliance, the Digestive Health Physicians Association (DHPA), the Large Urology Group Practice Association (LUGPA), “We commend Senator Barrasso and Representative Burgess for introducing this critical legislation, which is a top priority for the IPA due to the massive cuts to health providers that could result when price negotiations commence on Part B drugs. This bill is cost-neutral, preserves patient access, keeps cost effective infusion providers whole and stops the drive to the more expensive hospital setting, where Medicare pays twice as much for drug administration.” – Doug Ghertner, President of the Infusion Providers Alliance “An unintended consequence of the Inflation Reduction Act was that reimbursements to physicians were cut significantly, making it difficult to provide certain medications that our patients with chronic illnesses desperately need. This legislation protects our ability to provide these complex therapies in our practices for patients with Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis and other chronic conditions, while still achieving the same savings for the Medicare program. We hope Congress can advance this bill without delay.” – Dr. Scott Ketover, President and Board Chair of DHPA “This bill takes physicians out of the middle of pricing decisions by CMS and manufacturers and preserves patient access to critically important physician-administered drugs.” – Dr. Evan Goldfischer, President of LUGPA “Senator Barrasso and Rep. Burgess’s bill achieves the same savings to the Medicare program by replacing a reimbursement cut with a rebate from manufacturers while making sure physicians at the front lines of patient care are not collateral damage.” – Dr. Mara Holton, Chairman of Health Policy for LUGPA Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-backs-no-budget-no-pay-act/,Barrasso Backs No Budget No Pay Act,2023-09-12,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) cosponsored Senator Mike Braun’s (R-Ind.) bipartisan “No Budget No Pay Act.” “If we’re going to stop this out-of-control spending, Congress must do their job and pass a responsible budget now,” said Barrasso. “I’ve been a proud cosponsor of the ‘No Budget, No Pay’ Act for more than a decade. This important bill stops lawmakers in Washington from getting paid if a budget is not passed every year. In business, you don’t get paid for a job that you don’t do. Congress shouldn’t be any different. Washington needs to follow Wyoming’s lead and pass a responsible budget that cuts spending and provides certainty to American job creators.” The No Budget No Pay Act states that if Members of Congress don’t fulfill their basic job requirements and pass the annual budget resolutions and appropriations bills by the start of the fiscal year (October 1), they will not receive pay until they do. The bill also prohibits retroactive pay for the period. Barrasso has cosponsored the No Budget No Pay act every Congress since it was initially introduced in 2011. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-colleagues-in-introducing-cra-to-overturn-bidens-newest-student-loan-scheme/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Colleagues in Introducing CRA to Overturn Biden’s Newest Student Loan Scheme",2023-09-08,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined 15 of their colleagues in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn President Biden’s income-driven repayment (IDR) rule, which would allow student loan borrowers to forgo paying back even the principal on their loans at the taxpayers’ expense. “President Biden continues to push his unconstitutional student loan forgiveness scheme. Even after the Supreme Court ruled against the president, he is still trying to force billions of dollars of debt onto hardworking taxpayers. He is determined to insult every American who played by the rules and worked hard to responsibly pay off their own debt,” said Senator Barrasso. “At a time when prices are still on the rise, the last thing Wyoming families need is another unfair financial expense. This CRA will hold the administration accountable and make sure no taxpayer in Wyoming, or across the country, is stuck paying off someone else’s student loans.” “President Biden’s continued pursuit of this student loan payback scheme shows just how separated he is from reality. People in Wyoming who did not pursue a college degree, paid back their own loans or worked hard to pay for their education should not be responsible for someone else’s voluntary financial decisions. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to protect people in Wyoming from this unfair policy,” said Senator Lummis. Click here for a one-pager on the IDR rule. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-stops-bidens-attack-on-school-hunting-archery-programs/,"Barrasso Bill Stops Biden’s Attack on School Hunting, Archery Programs",2023-09-07,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced the Allowing for Recreational Resources for Outdoor Wellness (ARROW) Act to stop the Biden administration from blocking funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs. This legislation would clarify that the prohibition of the use of federal education funds for certain weapons does not apply to the use of funds for sports clubs, teams, trainings, or related activities provided for students. “The Biden administration continues its attack on our constitutional rights and Wyoming values,” said Senator Barrasso. “Now, President Biden’s Department of Education is blocking funding for schools with hunter education and archery programs. These important programs help students learn proper firearm instruction and archery safety. These valuable programs decrease firearm-related injuries and accidents. They also connect our students to the long-standing heritage and traditions of America and the West. Our legislation will stop any attempts to block funding for schools with hunter education and archery programs and keep Washington politics out of Wyoming’s schools.” This bill has received support from the Wyoming Department of Education, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, the National Rifle Association, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Safari Club International, and the National Shooting Sports Foundation. “As Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction, I know how critical these programs are to students in Wyoming and across the country, and this action by the Biden Administration is an attack not only on our important education programs but our way of life. I applaud Senator Barrasso and Senator Lummis for their leadership on this important bill and for fighting to protect our school hunting and archery programs.” – Megan Degenfelder, Wyoming State Superintendent of Public Instruction “We thank Senator Barrasso for his introduction of the ARROW Act and to ensure that archery, hunting and shooting sports programs remain unaffected in Wyoming schools. These programs play a vital role in fostering conservation ethic in our state’s youngest citizens and play a valuable role in teaching our youth the value of wildlife and safety.” – Brian Nesvik, Wyoming Game and Fish Director Co-sponsors of this bill include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Kennedy (R-La.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska). Background: Senator Barrasso led 18 Republican colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging the administration to withdraw any plans to block funding for schools with hunting and archery programs. Every year, more than 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses. These programs have decreased hunting accidents by over 50 percent. According to the National Archery in Schools Program (NASP), 1.3 million students in over 8,000 schools across the country participate in archery programs each year. Nearly 40 percent of these students who participate have reported being more engaged in the classroom. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-effort-to-ban-federal-mask-mandates/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Effort to Ban Federal Mask Mandates",2023-09-07,2023,2023-09,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined U.S. Senator JD Vance (R-Ohio) in introducing legislation to prevent the government from imposing new federal mask mandates for domestic air travel, public transit systems, and in schools. The Freedom to Breathe Act would also prevent air carriers, public transit authorities, and all educational institutions from refusing service to those who choose not to wear face masks. On Thursday, Senate Democrats blocked the legislation from being passed unanimously on the Senate floor. “The Freedom to Breathe Act is a commonsense step in protecting individual liberties and preserving states’ rights,” said Senator Barrasso. “It is not the role of the federal government to mandate masks on airlines, transit authorities, or in schools. This important legislation ensures people in Wyoming and across the country aren’t forced to follow an impractical, unreasonable mask mandate. The rights of every American must be protected from one-size-fits-all Washington mandates.” “If this administration is uninterested in defending the American people’s individual liberties and states’ rights from misguided and ineffective federal mask mandates, then it is up to Congress to preserve these sacred rights,” said Senator Lummis. “I’m proud to cosponsor this commonsense legislation which shields the people of Wyoming from unfounded mandates handed down from out-of-touch D.C. bureaucrats.” Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:35:26Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-blast-blms-proposed-land-grab-in-wyoming/,"Barrasso, Lummis Blast BLM’s Proposed Land Grab in Wyoming",2023-08-17,2023,2023-08,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., blasted the Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s Rock Springs Draft Resource Management Plan (RPM) it released today. In the announcement, the BLM stated that over 1.8 million acres of land in Wyoming, managed by the Rock Springs Field Office, would be given special designation as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). “The Biden administration continues to attack our Wyoming way of life. The latest hit job from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to take control of 1.8 million acres of land in Wyoming. This blatant land grab completely dismisses practical solutions proposed by local land managers, local agencies and the people who live and work on this land,” said Senator Barrasso. “I encourage everyone to make your voice heard through the public comment period. There is still time for us to force the BLM to turn this outrageous proposal around and strike a balanced approach that puts Wyoming, not Washington, in the driver’s seat.” “The Biden administration’s proposal to lock up even more federal lands willfully ignores more than a decade of thoughtful systems designed by local experts and Wyoming-based stakeholders at our state’s expense,” said Senator Lummis. “While I am not surprised by this misguided decision, I am disappointed this administration is prioritizing unnecessary red tape over well-designed policies established by our experts on the ground.” The BLM has opened a 90-day public comment period, closing on November 16, 2023. For those interested in leaving a comment, information can be found at the following link: https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/13853/510. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-leads-letter-calling-out-bidens-attack-on-school-hunting-archery-programs/,"Barrasso Leads Letter Calling Out Biden’s Attack on School Hunting, Archery Programs",2023-08-11,2023,2023-08,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led 18 Republican Senate colleagues in a letter to President Biden urging his administration to withdraw its outrageous plans to block funding for elementary and secondary schools with hunting and archery programs. The letter condemns the Biden administration’s purposeful misinterpretation of last year’s gun control bill to justify blocking funding for schools with these outdoor recreation programs. More than 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses each year. These important programs help students learn how to handle firearms safely — in turn, decreasing firearm-related injuries and accidents. In the letter, the senators urge President Biden to withdraw this guidance immediately and support hunter education and archery programs in schools across the country. “While the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect. These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety,” the senators wrote. “By including hunter education in schools, students are given the tools to be safe and responsible hunters. It is now clearer than ever that the Biden Administration will use the bill to attack the constitutional rights of Americans.” Co-signers of the letter include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). Full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear President Biden, We write to express our deep concern about the Biden Administration’s attempt to use the gun control bill passed last year to block funding for elementary and secondary schools. In April, the U.S. Department of Education provided a guidance prohibiting Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) funds for hunter education and archery programs. Since the guidance was issued, there have been reports of schools canceling plans to include archery or hunting education in their curriculum. We write to urge the administration to immediately reverse this misguided decision and ensure funding for these vital programs is not withheld. While the administration claims to be eliminating dangerous activities, this guidance will, in fact, have the opposite effect. These programs provided thousands of students with the opportunity to learn proper instruction for firearm and archery safety. Over 500,000 students participate and are certified through hunter education courses each year. Learning to safely handle firearms results in a decrease in firearm-related injuries and accidents. In fact, hunter education programs have decreased hunting accidents by over 50% since the program’s development over 50 years ago. By including hunter education in schools, students are given the tools to be safe and responsible hunters. We voted against the gun control legislation. It is now clearer than ever that the Biden Administration will use the bill to attack the constitutional rights of Americans. Hunting and archery are strongly connected to the traditions and heritage of America. This outrageous overreach is an attack on hunters and outdoor recreation that must be addressed. The Biden Administration’s purposeful misinterpretation of the gun control bill is attempting to take away valuable programs from students across the country. Hunter education and archery programs are beneficial to students both in rural and urban areas. We call on the Biden Administration to immediately withdraw the guidance and support these essential programs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-american-families-need-relief-from-persistent-and-painful-high-prices/,Barrasso: American Families Need Relief from Persistent and Painful High Prices,2023-08-10,2023,2023-08,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement after the July 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation accelerated last month and has risen 16.8% since President Joe Biden took office. “American families need relief from persistent and painful high prices. Joe Biden signed the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree into law one year ago. He claimed more spending would bring down prices. Once again, he was wrong. Prices are still going up. Americans are facing sky-high prices at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and while back-to-school shopping. They’re digging into their dwindling savings just to keep up.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:30:18Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-the-sale-of-jackson-hole-mountain-resort/,Barrasso Statement on the Sale of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort,2023-08-04,2023,2023-08,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement after the Kemmerer family announced the sale of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort to local buyers. “Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is regularly named one of the best ski resorts in North America. This is in no small part due to the decades of work and investment that the Kemmerer family has committed to make the resort and the Jackson community a world-class destination. We continue to invite people from around the world to enjoy Wyoming’s natural wonders and beautiful landscapes. While the mountain is most famous for its skiing, it also offers outstanding summer activities including hiking, mountain biking, fly fishing and more. I’m glad this iconic Wyoming resort will remain family-owned and in capable, local hands.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:31:44Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-introduces-small-business-growth-act/,Barrasso Introduces Small Business Growth Act,2023-07-27,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) introduced pro-growth legislation to help small businesses, farmers, and ranchers purchase the equipment and supplies they need to build their operations and support their employees. The Small Business Growth Act (S. 2609) will reduce tax bills for business owners looking to purchase equipment—including farming equipment, office furniture, manufacturing tools, machinery, commercial vehicles, and more. This will free up resources to go toward employee salaries, materials, and other critical business expenditures. “Small businesses are the backbone of Wyoming’s economy. We want to make sure they have every opportunity to succeed,” said Barrasso. “Right now, they face an uphill battle with record high inflation and a mountain of new regulations. The Small Business Growth Act will go a long way in helping Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and small businesses expand their operations, better compete and hire more workers.” Cosponsors of this legislation include Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mike Braun (R-IN), and James Risch (R-ID). The Small Business Growth Act has received support from the Wyoming Farm Bureau, Wyoming Stock Growers Association, Wyoming Bankers Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, National Federation of Independent Business, Small Business Association, National Association of Manufacturers, American Farm Bureau, Small Business Investor Alliance, National Restaurant Association, Associated General Contractors of America, American Hotel & Lodging Association, National Roofing Contractors Association, National Tooling and Machining Association, S-Corp Association, American Rental Association, American Mold Builders Association, Forging Industry Association, North American Die Casting Association, Precision Machined Products Association, and Precision Metalforming Association. “The Wyoming Farm Bureau Federation appreciates Senator Barrasso’s commitment to helping ease the tax burden on the agriculture industry in Wyoming and across the nation,” said WY Farm Bureau Executive Vice President Ken Hamilton. “It’s important to help maintain the profitability in agriculture to ensure Americans continue to benefit from abundant food. The provision to expand Section 179 of the US Tax Code would allow farmers and ranchers, and all small businesses, to write off the cost of equipment and machinery with a larger threshold for greater deductibility. In times of high inflation and other input challenges, it’s measures like these that help our nation’s farm and ranch families remain financially viable into the future.” “The Wyoming Stock Growers Association commends Senator Barrasso for recognizing the value of the Sec. 179 exemption in enabling agricultural producers to make investments that are critical to the continued viability of their operations,” said WY Stock Growers Association Executive VP Jim Magagna. “Passage of the Small Business Growth Act will encourage the engagement of the next generation in Wyoming farming and ranching.” “NFIB appreciates Senator Barrasso’s leadership in introducing the Small Business Growth Act, which would increase the thresholds and phaseouts for Section 179 small business expensing,” said Kevin Kuhlman, Vice President of Federal Government Relations, National Federation of Independent Business. “Section 179 small business expensing is a true small business tax incentive, encouraging small businesses to invest and grow by deducting the full cost of qualifying purchased, leased, or financed products and services. NFIB looks forward to working with Senator Barrasso on this and other important small business tax provisions.” Background: Currently, Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code allows small businesses and farms to deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment, or certain depreciable business expenses. Under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), the deduction cap for Section 179 was lifted to $1 million from $500,000, which helped small businesses get the equipment they need to expand their operations. The Small Business Growth Act will build on this success by lifting the deduction cap to $2.5 million with an increased phaseout threshold of $4 million. An expansion of Section 179 will ensure more taxpayers can utilize full and immediate expensing while Congress seeks to reverse the phaseout and expiration of bonus depreciation under Section 168(k) – one of TCJA’s most powerful provisions. With the uncertainty of Section 168(k), it’s important to keep the cost of capital low for Main Street America and our nation’s farmers. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-arrington-lead-bicameral-letter-to-biden-admin-on-mexico-undermining-usmca-energy-commitments/,"Barrasso, Arrington Lead Bicameral Letter to Biden Admin on Mexico Undermining USMCA Energy Commitments",2023-07-21,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) and U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX), along with a bipartisan, bicameral group of legislators recently sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai regarding the Government of Mexico’s pursuit of discriminatory policies that favor Mexican state-run energy companies and directly undermine United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) commitments. The letter demands Representative Tai swiftly establish a USMCA dispute settlement panel to address Mexico’s discriminatory policies across the energy sector. “The United States has given Mexico more than enough time to rein in its discriminatory actions toward American energy producers,” said Sen. Barrasso. “Seventy-five days of consultations under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement have stretched on for nearly a year with little meaningful progress. It’s time to convene a dispute resolution panel and put an end to these unfair practices once and for all.” “The USMCA agreement was negotiated in good faith to ensure freer markets, fairer trade, and robust economic growth in North America. Mexico’s actions in undermining American energy companies betray the historical bipartisan trade agreement,” said Rep. Arrington. “The energy producers in the food, fuel, fiber capital of the world are relying on the administration to settle this dispute, continue the commitment to fair trade made in USMCA, and ensure all parties are upholding their part of the deal.” The American Petroleum Institute said, “Mexico’s escalating pursuit of discriminatory policies that favor state-run energy companies violate the country’s commitments under USCMA and directly threaten the prosperity of U.S. companies and their workers. The US has given Mexico several opportunities to fix its problematic policies, including last year’s consultations request, but Mexico has made little effort to fix them. We welcome the efforts of trade leaders in both the House and Senate to address these alarming polices and support their request for the establishment of a dispute resolution panel.” In addition to Barrasso, Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tim Scott (R-SC), James Lankford (R-OK), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Todd Young (R-IN), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) signed the letter. Full letter text below: July 20, 2023 The Honorable Katherine Tai U.S. Trade Representative Office of the U.S. Trade Representative 600 17th St. NW Washington D.C. 20006 Dear Ambassador Tai: We write in regard to the Government of Mexico’s pursuit of discriminatory policies that favor state-run energy companies and directly undermine United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) commitments. We strongly support your July 20, 2022 request for consultations—an important initial step to enforce USMCA for U.S. energy workers and families. However, consultations under USMCA are designed to last only 75 days before a Party may request a dispute settlement panel to review the matter. The Biden Administration has afforded Mexico nearly a year—and yet there remains a lack of any meaningful progress. Consequently, we urge you to pursue full enforcement action against the Government of Mexico to address its energy policies that hinder U.S. investment in Mexico’s energy sector. These discriminatory policies exist throughout Mexico’s energy sector, including natural gas and oil exploration and production, electricity generation including solar and wind power, and retail sales. Mexico’s unfair actions threaten over $10 billion in U.S. investment that have already been made and clearly run afoul of Mexico’s USMCA obligations. Ensuring there is a reliable market for U.S. energy production and infrastructure will help strengthen energy supply chains in North America and lower energy costs for consumers as Americans continue to feel the impacts of volatile energy markets. Extending the period of consultations has not yielded results. Robust enforcement action is necessary—not just in the renewable energy sector, but across the entire energy sector. Establishing a dispute settlement panel for these troubling energy issues will demonstrate that the United States is serious about enforcing USMCA to provide Americans the benefits that the we bargained so hard to achieve in USMCA negotiations.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-biden-rule-will-put-wyoming-oil-and-gas-workers-on-the-unemployment-line/,Barrasso: Biden Rule Will Put Wyoming Oil and Gas Workers on the Unemployment Line,2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) released a statement regarding a proposed rule issued by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). The proposal codifies provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act that intentionally raised the price of leasing federal lands for oil and gas production. BLM is doubling down by adding costs to each individual well, further restricting where development can occur on federal lands and adding burdensome requirements on permits. “President Biden’s assault on affordable, available and reliable American energy knows no bounds. With the stroke of a pen, the Biden administration will put Wyoming oil and gas workers on the unemployment line,” Barrasso said. “The president has vowed to end drilling on federal lands. This rule confirms it’s a vow he intends to keep. Last year, the onshore oil and gas leasing program returned more than $43 to American taxpayers for every dollar spent. This destructive and punitive rule will end up costing the taxpayers far more than it helps them.” Background Information: On December 13, 2022, ranking member Barrasso questioned Tommy P. Beaudreau, the deputy secretary of the Interior, about the Department of the Interior’s implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Specifically, he pushed the administration to explain how it would impact oil and gas leasing programs on federal land. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-senate-declares-july-22-the-national-day-of-the-american-cowboy/,Senate Declares July 22 the National Day of the American Cowboy,2023-07-20,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – In honor of the hardworking men and women that established the American West, the U.S. Senate has declared July 22, 2023 as the National Day of the American Cowboy. U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., introduced the bipartisan resolution with their colleagues. The resolution passed the U.S. Senate unanimously. Started in 2005 by U.S. Senator Craig Thomas, the National Day of the American Cowboy traditionally coincides each year with Cheyenne Frontier Days. The resolution honors the culture, traditions and values of the American Cowboy way of life that are still alive today. “In Wyoming, we commit to following the Cowboy Code: living a life of honesty, hard work, and integrity. The American Cowboy is a time-honored embodiment of our way of life,” said Senator Barrasso. “Washington could benefit from following the cowboy’s commitment to the values treasured most by the people of Wyoming. I look forward to celebrating our cowboys and cowgirls with the rest of the Cowboy State on this special day.” “The values of hard work, integrity and honoring your word were established by the cowboys settling Wyoming,” said Senator Lummis. “Cowboys have a legendary history and thriving culture today thanks to the modern ranchers, ropers and riders who saddle up each day and carry on the tradition. The people of the Cowboy State have long celebrated the important contributions of the men and women of the west and I welcome the rest of the country to join us in honoring the cowboy spirit.” Other co-sponsors of the resolution include U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:18:03Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-boozman-host-wyoming-farm-bill-priorities-roundtable/,"Barrasso, Lummis, Boozman Host Wyoming Farm Bill Priorities Roundtable",2023-07-17,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., recently hosted a Wyoming Farm Bill Priorities Roundtable with Senator John Boozman (R-Ark.), the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Senator Boozman is one of the primary authors of the upcoming Farm Bill. The senators were joined by members of the Wyoming State Legislature and more than 30 representatives of Wyoming’s agriculture industry to discuss the Farm Bill and the impacts it will have on Wyoming. “Wyoming agriculture is at the heart of our communities and is a critical part of our state’s economy,” said Senator Barrasso. “As Congress debates the new Farm Bill, I wanted to bring one of the key authors of the bill, Senator Boozman, to Wyoming so he could hear directly from the people who provide food and fiber to our nation. I look forward to continuing my work with Senators Lummis and Boozman and agriculture groups across the state to ensure Wyoming’s priorities are front and center.” “The Farm Bill is critically important for Wyoming ranchers, and I was thrilled to host Senate Agriculture Committee Ranking Member John Boozman in Casper so he could see firsthand the unique needs Wyoming producers face,” said Senator Lummis. “Sen. Barrasso and I are committed to ensuring Wyoming is well represented in the Farm Bill and will continue to work with Sen. Boozman to ensure Wyoming priorities are not forgotten.” “It is important to get out of Washington and visit with stakeholders as we move forward with the Farm Bill process. I appreciate the invitation from Senators Barrasso and Lummis to join them in Wyoming to hear from their farmers and ranchers who utilize vital Farm Bill programs,” said Senator Boozman. “We had a very informative roundtable and an excellent site visit that gave us a great deal to consider as we move forward with writing the next Farm Bill.” More than 30 representatives of Wyoming’s agriculture industry participated in the Farm Bill Roundtable. The groups attending included: Wyoming Stock Growers, Wyoming Wool Growers, Wyoming Farm Bureau, Wyoming Department of Agriculture, Wyoming State Forestry, Wyoming Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wyoming Association of Conservation Districts, the University of Wyoming, Rural Housing and Economic Development, Farm Service Agency, Wyoming Wheat Growers, Sugar Beet Growers, the Wyoming Chapter of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, Torrington Livestock Auction, Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Association of Rural Water Systems, Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, Wyoming Food Bank, Jones Land Surveying, Inc., and the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. Following the roundtable discussion, Senator Boozman participated in a tour of Miles Land and Livestock just outside of Casper. Miles Land and Livestock owners, Chad and Jamie Harkins, showed Senator Boozman their cattle operation and highlighted some of the conservation projects they’ve installed throughout their ranch. Senator Boozman tours Miles Land and Livestock just outside of Casper. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-senators-introduce-bill-to-rename-shoshoni-post-office-after-former-postmaster-dessie-bebout/,Senators Introduce Bill to Rename Shoshoni Post Office After Former Postmaster Dessie Bebout,2023-07-12,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined Senator Tom Carper, D-Del., in introducing a bipartisan bill today to honor former Shoshoni Postmaster Dessie Bebout by naming the local post office after her. Bebout, a WWII veteran, passed away earlier this year at age 102. Bebout’s career with the U.S. Postal Service began in 1962. She rose to Postmaster for Shoshoni, Wyoming where she served for 13 years with distinction. Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. “Dessie was a trailblazer for women in Wyoming. She was a patriot, and one of the first women in Wyoming to enlist in the U.S. Navy during WWII,” said Barrasso. “As the former Shoshoni Postmaster, Dessie earned the ‘Order of the Vest,’ the highest award given to postmasters. We are all so grateful for her years of service to our nation and her incredible contributions to communities across Wyoming. Naming the Shoshoni Post Office after Dessie will ensure her legacy carries on for future generations of Wyoming men and women.” Click here to watch Sen. Lummis’ remarks. “Dessie Bebout dedicated her life to serving this country and helping others,” said Senator Lummis. “From enlisting in the military following Pearl Harbor to serving as the Postmaster of the Shoshoni Post Office, I can’t think of a more fitting person to name the Shoshoni Post Office after.” Click here to watch Sen. Carper’s remarks. “Dessie dedicated her life to service as one of the first enlisted women in the military after the attack on Pearl Harbor,” said Senator Carper. “As a fellow Navy veteran, I want to honor the sacrifice she made for our country, and I’m proud to co-sponsor this bill in her memory. I want to thank Senator Barrasso for his efforts to name this post office so that Dessie’s memory lives on in her community.” After graduating from Fremont County Vocational High School in Lander, Bebout worked for the Fremont County Extension Service and at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, Bebout enlisted in the U.S. Navy as part of the “Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service” or WAVES program. In addition to her career in the U.S. Postal Service, Bebout served as a Fremont County Election Judge, Shoshoni Chamber of Commerce, Shoshoni PTA, Wyoming Women’s Commission, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Women’s Auxiliary and on the Riverton Hospital Board among many other organizations. As a result of her military and civic service, she was awarded the Wyoming Women of Distinction award from the Wyoming Council for Women’s Issues. She also received the Medal of Honor from the Daughters of the American Revolution. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-joins-fox-news-sunday-with-shannon-bream-to-discuss-china-nato-and-ukraine/,"Barrasso Joins Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream To Discuss China, NATO, and Ukraine",2023-07-09,2023,2023-07,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) appeared on Fox News Sunday with Shannon Bream to discuss the Biden administration’s approach to China and the president’s upcoming trip to the NATO Summit. They also discussed Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and providing Ukraine with the support they need. Below are key excerpts from the interview: On the Biden Administration’s Approach to China: “Joe Biden is playing right into the hands of communist China. Never again can we allow ourselves as a nation to be dependent on them for anything. “To see Secretary Yellen bowing down repeatedly in China is embarrassing and it’s emblematic of this administration. Just before she got there, they choked off the supply of key minerals we need for semiconductors, for solar panels. These people are stealing our trade secrets, buying up our farmlands, and killing our citizens with fentanyl. “This foreign policy is a national security disaster. We ought to be less dependent, we need to be diversifying our supply chain. “Instead the president is making it worse. He is shutting off mining for critical minerals in the United States while forcing people to buy expensive electric cars. He is making us poorer, he is making China richer, and will get worse next week when he sends John Kerry to China to continue this surrender. “China is watching closely what we do on all fronts, but specifically in Ukraine. China and Putin said there are no limits to their friendship and both view the president as weak and indecisive. China is gearing up and looking at Taiwan. Taiwan needs weapons and technology to porcupine themselves. Show strength, not this slow surrender that I see from this administration.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on China. On President Biden’s Trip to the NATO Summit: “First and foremost, this is what the president needs to do with NATO: hold their feet to the fire. “500 days into the war, of all the money that has been contributed, the United States doubled what other NATO countries have done combined. Of the 30 nations, only seven are meeting their commitment to 2% of gross national product and that number has dropped since Joe Biden has come to office. “It is important for the president to point out all those countries are closer geographically to Putin, therefore much more vulnerable to him. Putin is not going to stop until he is stopped. The president needs to say that loud and clear at NATO this week.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on NATO. On Getting Ukraine Weapons They Need: “I think it is important that NATO stay together and that we act in unity. And I think NATO has to be held accountable and do more, we cannot shoulder this burden alone, nor should we. There is lots of support in Congress for Ukraine, and it’s for technology, weapons, and information, it’s not for troops. “The best thing we can do now is step up. I see the president doing that now with the cluster bombs. I support those. This should have happened long ago. Russia has been using those for a long time. It just seems to me there is so much delay in the activity of this administration and ultimately getting to Ukraine what they need, but it is taking too long. “The president has this misguided fear that any time we send anything to them, it will add to escalation in ways that Putin will then attack more. The Economist magazine this week reported in the last year, the Russians, Putin, have fired 10 million, an astonishing number, of shells into Ukraine and so many of these delays that we’ve had in this administration, I think have just prolonged the war and added to increased death.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on Ukraine. On Providing Cluster Bombs to Ukraine: “I voted against that bill back in 2009. I support the use of these weapons. Russia has been using them all along, I think this fills a gap that the folks need in Ukraine in their battle. I wish they would have had them sooner. “Right now, Congress, the House and the Senate are debating National Defense Authorization Act and that discussion will probably be part of those debates as we vote in Congress again.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on cluster bombs. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:25:20Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-supreme-court-ruling-against-biden-student-loan-scheme/,Barrasso Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Against Biden Student Loan Scheme,2023-06-30,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement after the United State Supreme Court ruled the Biden administration lacked authority to use executive action to cancel student loan debt. “Today’s decision is a victory for every American who played by the rules and worked hard to pay off their own debt. Senate Republicans warned that President Biden’s student loan scheme was unconstitutional. This decision confirms that. We will block any attempt by President Biden and Congressional Democrats that continues this executive overreach and reckless spending. The 87% of Americans with no student loan debt should never be forced to pay off the debt of the 13% who do.” Background: Senator Barrasso joined 43 Republican Senators on an amicus brief calling on the United States Supreme Court to rule against the Biden administration’s student loan cancellation program. Senator Barrasso is an original cosponsor of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution overturning the student loan cancellation program. The Senate passed the resolution on June 1, 2023, by a vote of 52-46. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-cardin-introduce-bill-to-protect-american-taxpayers/,"Barrasso, Cardin Introduce Bill to Protect American Taxpayers",2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Ben Cardin (D-Md.), both members of the Senate Finance Committee, introduced the bipartisan Taxpayer Privacy and Notification Act (S. 2111) to give additional protection to taxpayers by providing more transparency from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Current law requires the IRS to notify taxpayers before contacting third parties – such as banks or employers – when investigating whether or not a person owes taxes, but does not require the IRS to disclose to taxpayers what specific information they are seeking. The Barrasso-Cardin legislation would require the IRS to disclose exactly what information it is seeking from third parties and give taxpayers 45 days to provide that information directly to the IRS themselves. “Wyoming taxpayers shouldn’t have to worry about the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) soliciting personal financial information behind their backs without first having an opportunity to provide it themselves,” said Senator Barrasso. “By providing that opportunity, our bipartisan bill will safeguard the reputation of taxpayers and small business owners across the country. It will also force the IRS to be as transparent as possible when it comes to the privacy of hardworking Americans.” “Following the recommendation of the National Taxpayer Advocate, our bill provides taxpayers greater transparency and, most importantly, time to correct inadvertent errors or omissions in filings,” said Senator Cardin. “The IRS works to ensure taxpayers pay their fair share. Congress can provide appropriate tools that allow the IRS to operate efficiently while also protecting taxpayer rights.” Background: • This bill amends section 7602(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. • This bill would give taxpayers no less than 45 days (or more, if requested for reasonable cause) to respond with the requested information. • The current 45-day requirement for notification of third-party contact would be changed to 60 days. • The National Taxpayer Advocate has included this proposal in its 2023 Purple Book: Compilation of Legislative Recommendations to Strengthen Taxpayer Rights and Improve Administration as Legislative Recommendation #62. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-defend-second-amendment-rights-of-wyoming-citizens/,"Barrasso, Lummis Defend Second Amendment Rights of Wyoming Citizens",2023-06-22,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-Wyo.), voted to protect the Second Amendment rights of the people of Wyoming. The senators joined U.S. Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) and their Republican colleagues in voting for a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) of the Biden administration’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) pistol brace rule. “People across Wyoming responsibly use their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms every day. President Biden wants to use this unconstitutional rule to turn law-abiding citizens and disabled firearm owners into criminals,” said Senator Barrasso. “We cannot allow this administration to impose the largest government gun registration and confiscation program in history. Senator Lummis and I will continue to fight against this policy and others that jeopardize the Second Amendment rights of the people of Wyoming and across the country.” “Stabilizing braces were designed and manufactured to assist disabled combat veterans in shooting larger pistols that were otherwise too difficult for a gun owner with a disability to use,” said Senator Lummis. “The Biden administration’s decision to criminalize law-abiding Wyoming gun owners for simply using a pistol brace tramples all over the Second Amendment. I voted to undo this clear violation of the Constitution.” The anti-Second Amendment ATF rule reclassifies pistols as short-barreled rifles if they have a stabilizing brace attachment. Many disabled veterans and other Americans rely on these braces to use their firearms. This rule would result in otherwise lawful gun owners facing up to 10 years in jail and thousands of dollars in fines if they fail to register pistols with stabilizing braces with the ATF. If they do not register their firearms, they would have to destroy it, surrender it to the ATF, or remove the brace in a way that it cannot be reattached. The Congressional Review Act can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated. Background: Earlier this year, U.S. Senators Barrasso and Lummis joined their Republican colleagues in introducing a set of bills to safeguard Second Amendment rights: The SHORT Act, introduced by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), rolls back a new ATF rule barring Americans with disabilities from using pistol braces to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act introduced by U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), would allow law-abiding gun owners with concealed carry permits in their own states to continue to lawfully carry their weapons in other states with concealed carry laws. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-08T00:08:25Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-expands-access-to-broadband-in-national-parks/,Barrasso Bill Expands Access to Broadband in National Parks,2023-06-15,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine), chair of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee, introduced legislation to increase broadband and cellular service at U.S. National Parks. The Connect Our Parks Act will direct each National Park to assess where broadband service is needed and develop a plan to increase access to internet and cellular service. Increased cellular access inside our Parks is a crucial component of public safety. Further, broadband access has been identified as a barrier to hiring and retaining qualified employees for the National Park Service, a current crisis within the agency. “Wyoming is home to the most incredible national parks in the country,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our national parks host millions of visitors and employees every year. We want to make sure everyone in the park has access to life-saving emergency services. The Connect Our Parks Act will provide Park Rangers, employees, and visitors with high-speed, reliable broadband to keep our parks safe and accessible at all times.” “America’s National Parks provide great opportunities to enjoy nature, but when emergencies happen, visitors should have modern connections to receive help,” said Senator King, chair of the Senate National Parks Subcommittee. “The Connect Our Parks Act is a commonsense effort to improve access to emergency services, assist Park Rangers responding to crises, and expand growing digital services like park navigation. I appreciate Senator Barrasso’s leadership on this issue and look forward to our continued partnership to improve America’s great outdoors.” Cosponsors of this bill include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). This Connect Our Parks Act specifically: Directs each of the National Parks to assess where service, both internet service and cellular service, is lacking within the park. For broadband, areas of study should include housing, administrative facilities and related structures, and campgrounds. For cellular service, areas should be identified that would increase the public’s access to emergency services and would increase the communications capabilities of Park Rangers. Requires each park to develop a plan to increase broadband and cellular service based on the results of the assessment. Requires the plan to provide minimal disruptions to viewsheds, land, and wildlife. Requires each park to utilize public-private partnerships to install and provide the telecommunications service. Requires parks to consult with relevant stakeholders, plan in a technology-neutral way, and provide a minimum internet service speed of 100/20 Mbps. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-leads-effort-to-lower-prices-at-the-pump/,Barrasso Leads Effort to Lower Prices at the Pump,2023-06-13,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) introduced legislation to lower energy prices for American families by repealing the $10.5 billion “Superfund Tax” on American energy production. The bicameral Pay Less at the Pump Act (S. 1942) will repeal the “Superfund Tax” on crude oil and imported petroleum products that was reinstated in the Democrats’ reckless tax and spend bill. This tax leads to higher prices for families and businesses. Upon reinstatement of the long-expired tax, the tax was raised from its original 9.7 cents per barrel to a new rate of 16.4 cents per barrel. Additionally, the tax was indexed to inflation, meaning higher tax burdens in future years. “Hardworking families in Wyoming are paying the price for the Democrats’ war on American energy. Across the country, Americans are feeling the pain every time they go to fill up their gas tanks,” said Senator Barrasso. “Reckless and out-of-touch taxes like this make already skyrocketing energy costs even higher, at a time when Americans can least afford it. We must repeal this tax and put forward proposals that unleash American energy and lower costs for Wyoming families.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.). U.S. Congressman Mike Carey (R-Ohio) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill has received support from the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers, and the American Petroleum Institute. “Wyoming producers already face some of the highest tax rates in the country. Further increasing the tax burden on Wyoming producers hurts businesses from the well pad to main streets across the state. We appreciate Senator Barrasso’s work to repeal this misguided policy and bring common sense solutions to reduce energy costs.” – Pete Obermueller, President of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming “Any measures government can take in this inflationary environment to eliminate unnecessary taxes that needlessly raise the cost of manufacturing gasoline and diesel in the United States should be pursued. We appreciate the leadership of Senator Barrasso in elevating this matter and prioritizing affordable, competitive American energy and manufacturing. We hope this legislation and its companion bill in the House receive swift consideration and passage.” – Aaron Ringel, Vice President Government Relations, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers “Increasing taxes on American energy places additional burdens on the U.S. natural gas and oil industry’s ability to meet growing global energy demand. We welcome Sen. Barrasso’s efforts to repeal this ill-conceived policy and instead focus on legislation that will foster investment in affordable and reliable American energy.” – Amanda Eversole, Executive Vice President & Chief Advocacy Officer, American Petroleum Institute Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-rosen-barrasso-baldwin-fischer-introduce-bipartisan-legislation-to-expand-access-to-palliative-care-improve-quality-of-life/,"Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin, Fischer Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Access to Palliative Care & Improve Quality of Life",2023-06-08,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV), John Barrasso (R-WY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), co-chairs and co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, introduced the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act to provide comprehensive palliative care services much earlier in the course of illness, helping improve both the quality of care for patients and their families and the outcomes of treatment. This bipartisan bill would create a demonstration project within Medicare to allow palliative care to be covered concurrently with curative treatment for patients with serious illness or injury. “Having stepped away from my career to care for my parents and in-laws as they aged, I am aware of the challenges that caretakers and patients face when trying to access palliative care services,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m introducing bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to help ensure patients are provided comprehensive palliative and health care services much earlier in the course of their illness. As a co-founder of the Senate’s Comprehensive Care Caucus, I’ll always find ways to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.” “As a doctor, I have seen firsthand how important palliative care is for the comfort of patients and their families,” said Senator Barrasso. “Making sure patients have access to this care as soon as possible is critical to their quality of life. Our bipartisan bill ensures patients who need this care in Wyoming and across the country continue to receive the highest quality of care they deserve.” “Having served as the primary caregiver for my grandmother as she got older, this issue is personal to me,” said Senator Baldwin. “Every American should be able to rest easy knowing that their loved ones are getting the high-quality care they need at a price they can afford. I’m proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to grow and sustain our palliative and hospice care workforce and in turn, improve the quality of life for the growing number of patients who need treatment for serious illnesses or end-of-life care.” “Palliative care is a service that many families are using to improve quality of life and outcomes for their loved ones,” said Senator Fischer. “Our legislation would ensure more of the public has affordable access to this vital care option sooner in their health care journey. I’m proud of the work our bipartisan caucus continues to do, and look forward to continuing to advocate for the needs of patients and their families.” “There are many benefits in allowing patients to seek palliative support through early referrals. Our hospice and community-based palliative care providers are uniquely positioned to deliver this model of care. Their long standing expertise in advance care planning, pain and symptom management, interdisciplinary care and more, make these organizations ideal entities to deliver a model of care in support of people and families dealing with serious illness at home,” said Ben Marcantonio, COO and Interim CEO of National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization. “Thank you to the Comprehensive Care Caucus for the bi-partisan support in prioritizing this critical service and introducing the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act.” “We continue to applaud the work of our allies in the U.S. Senate, particularly Senators Rosen, Barrasso, Baldwin and Fischer, who are again pushing for better approaches to provide more community-based palliative care, including assessment, care coordination, the use of team models, and advance care planning,” said John Broyles, CEO of the Coalition to Transform Advanced Care (C-TAC). “Their bill, the Expanding Access to Palliative Care Act, is another example of the leadership they have shown in assisting individuals with serious illness and their family caregivers, and in tackling the challenges of providing higher quality care that will produce savings from reduced emergency room visits and hospitalizations.” Senator Rosen, as co-chair and co-founder of the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus, has been leading the way on efforts to improve access to palliative care services. Senator Rosen previously led a bipartisan letter with her colleagues urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation to support concurrent palliative and curative treatment for beneficiaries with serious illness or injury. Senator Rosen also introduced the bipartisan Provider Training in Palliative Care Act to update the National Health Service Corps program to include palliative care medicine as an eligible primary care service. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-senate-vote-to-raise-the-debt-ceiling/,Barrasso Statement on Senate Vote to Raise the Debt Ceiling,2023-06-01,2023,2023-06,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement after voting against legislation that would raise the debt ceiling without meaningful spending reforms: “Since January, I have been clear that any legislation to raise the debt ceiling must make substantive changes to how this country spends money in the future. This bill falls short. “This legislation is an important first step away from the Democrats’ reckless spending agenda. It cuts funding for new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents, claws back billions in unspent COVID funds, and adds work requirements for welfare programs. “It does not do enough to match the seriousness of the moment and the dangerous debt crisis our country is facing. “This is a missed opportunity to get government growth under control and put our nation on a sustainable fiscal path. Much more needs to be done if we’re serious about tackling the debt and beating back inflation.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:15:57Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-supreme-courts-ruling-in-sackett-v-epa/,Barrasso Statement on Supreme Court’s Ruling in Sackett v. EPA,2023-05-25,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) today released the following statement in response to the United States Supreme Court ruling in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency. The ruling narrowed the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the federal government in regulating “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. “The Supreme Court ruled once again to rein in an out-of-control Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Court confirmed what we’ve been saying for years. EPA’s overreach in defining the ‘waters of the United States’ (WOTUS) to include any piece of land it wants to regulate is unconstitutional. This ruling is a big win in our fight to stop federal overreach and protect Americans’ private property rights.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-joins-effort-to-make-tax-relief-for-small-businesses-permanent/,Barrasso Joins Effort to Make Tax Relief for Small Businesses Permanent,2023-05-19,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) joined U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.), in introducing legislation to make tax relief for small businesses permanent. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act will support small businesses, help create jobs, and strengthen our economy. The tax is set to expire at the end of 2025 if Congress does not act to make it permanent. “Small businesses are the backbone of Wyoming’s economy. Burdensome tax regulations make it harder for owners to grow their business and create more job opportunities,” said Senator Barrasso. “Providing this much-needed tax relief will give small businesses certainty and avoid massive tax hikes that threaten the future of these businesses.” This legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.), Jim Risch (Idaho), Bill Cassidy (La.), Roger Marshall (Kan.), Katie Britt (Ala.), Mike Braun (Ind.), Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Tim Scott (S.C.), Ted Cruz (Texas), Roger Wicker (Miss.) and Kevin Cramer (N.D.). Background: • Pass-through businesses represent 98 percent of all businesses and employ approximately 50 percent of American workers. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act would help grow the economy and provide much needed certainty for small business job creators by making permanent the 20 percent pass-through deduction. Absent congressional action, these businesses will face a massive tax hike and will likely be forced to reduce wages or eliminate jobs. • The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created Section 199A of the Internal Revenue Code, which allows pass through businesses to deduct up to 20 percent of qualifying income. The deduction is currently slated to expire at the end of 2025. Through making this deduction permanent, this legislation ensures that millions of Main Street businesses continue to maintain tax parity with large corporations. • The bill has received significant support from over 130 stakeholder groups, including the National Association of Manufacturing, S Corporation Association, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA), the Independent Community Bankers Association of America and the National Beer Wholesalers Association. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-honors-wyoming-officers-during-police-week/,Barrasso Honors Wyoming Officers During Police Week,2023-05-15,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following video honoring Wyoming officers who serve in the Wyoming Highway Patrol, as well as sheriffs and local police across the state. “As we remember the fallen during National Police Week, I want to thank all of the officers serving in the Wyoming Highway Patrol, our sheriffs and local police who provide the law and order to keep our Wyoming communities safe,” said Barrasso. Barrasso also recently cosponsored the Back the Blue Act. The legislation would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves. “Everyone involved with law enforcement knows there is no routine call or traffic stop. When officers in our community put on their uniforms, they know that at any time during their shift, they could walk into harm’s way,” said Barrasso. “Without hesitation, they still put their uniform on every day. This speaks to their bravery, professionalism and commitment to the people of Wyoming.” National Police Week is May 14 through May 20, 2023. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-introduces-legislation-to-promote-resilient-rangelands-and-effective-grazing-management/,Barrasso Introduces Legislation to Promote Resilient Rangelands and Effective Grazing Management,2023-05-12,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) reintroduced the Resiliency for Ranching and Natural Conservation Health (RANCH) Act. This legislation will promote resilient and healthy rangelands and effective grazing management across the West. “Livestock grazing plays a critical role in Wyoming in maintaining rangeland health and supporting ranchers’ livelihoods,” said Senator Barrasso. “The RANCH Act promotes robust rangeland for Wyoming’s livestock and creates healthy habitats for Wyoming’s wildlife. This bill will provide critical assistance to ranchers during natural disasters, so they can continue working. It also gives our ranching communities the certainty and stability they need by extending permits and preserving grazing rights.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), and Jim Risch (R-Idaho). The RANCH Act is supported by The Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Public Lands Council and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “The Wyoming Stock Growers Association commends Senator Barrasso for undertaking common sense solutions to challenges that have faced the public land ranching industry in Wyoming and elsewhere in recent years. The RANCH Act will provide badly needed access to emergency pasture in a timely manner when our ranchers are faced with the loss of the use of their normal public land allotments. Far too often, when both the permittee and the rancher agree on the need for these responses, regulatory burdens have kept them from being available. The establishment of the Rangeland Resiliency Fund will foster collaborative improvements that benefit both livestock and wildlife while enhancing management of the public resource. Finally, the authorization of the use of categorical exclusions for permit renewals where appropriate will enable the land agencies to address the overwhelming burden of timely permit renewal.” – Jim Magagna, Executive Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association “Throughout the west, livestock producers are facing increasingly challenging conditions due to drought, wildfire, and flooding. The RANCH Act would provide much needed flexibility for permittees to ensure they are able to keep their livestock and landscapes safe and healthy. We appreciate the bill’s focus on landscape resiliency through investment in range improvements and in the enhancements made to the permitting process which will ensure cattle and sheep can remain the conservation powerhouses of the American west. The Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association thank Senator Barrasso for his continued focus on the priorities of public lands ranchers.” – Kaitlynn Glover, Executive Director of the Public Lands Council and NCBA Natural Resources The full text of the legislation can be found here. Background: The RANCH Act will: 1. Allow temporary utilization of vacant grazing allotments during extreme events/disasters; 2. Allocate funding for rangeland health and resiliency projects and public access agreements to land-locked public lands for co-benefits to hunting and recreation; 3. Extend the period of grazing permits/leases for up to 20 years, when certain conditions are met; and 4. Provide responsive and nimble management through the use of a categorical exclusion for renewal of certain grazing permits/leases and for certain actions during extreme events/disasters. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-introduces-bill-to-repeal-book-minimum-tax-2/,Barrasso Introduces Bill to Repeal Book Minimum Tax,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) reintroduced legislation (S. 1559) to repeal the largest tax hike from the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending bill. The reckless tax and spend bill’s book minimum tax is an arcane tax on U.S. job creators investing in America. The tax claws back longstanding provisions to help promote economic growth and investment, while creating loopholes for special interest groups. The Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act will unwind this harmful provision and stop unelected bureaucrats from manipulating tax policy to benefit their favorite industries. “Companies in the United States need to be focused on creating more American jobs and unleashing American energy. Reckless and complicated taxes like this undermine our supply chain, threaten our energy security, and send jobs and investment overseas,” said Senator Barrasso. “Businesses looking to build our economy and invest in Wyoming don’t need more punishing taxes. They especially don’t need unelected bureaucrats to have more control of U.S. tax policy. We need to repeal this once-failed tax once and for all.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), and Mike Braun (R-Ind.). This bill is supported by the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Mining Association, the American Institute of CPAs, the Independent Petroleum Association of America, the Western Energy Alliance, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Petroleum Institute. “The Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act will help ensure that the next manufacturing dollar is spent in America and enable the growth of family-supporting manufacturing jobs. We thank Senator Barrasso for his support of the manufacturing sector and urge Congress to pass this important legislation.” – Chris Netram, Managing Vice President, Tax & Domestic Economic Policy, National Association of Manufacturers “Senator Barrasso continues to show that he understands the challenges facing Americans and the American economy with commonsense legislation that recognizes the economic rollercoaster this country has been on over the last few years. With energy inflation recently touching levels not seen in four decades – instead of raising taxes and adding to the financial burden of job creators – we need to focus on reshoring our supply chains, ramping up production of American energy and materials, and strengthening our economy through solid job creation in foundational industries.” – Rich Nolan, President and CEO, National Mining Association “The AICPA continues to oppose the corporate AMT, which increases tax code complexity and risks interfering with accounting rule making and financial reporting. We are grateful to Senator Barrasso for his leadership on this issue.” – Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA, President and CEO, American Institute of CPAs “Raising taxes on energy means raising costs for working families. IPAA applauds Senator Barrasso’s efforts to keep energy reliable and affordable for all Americans.” – Jeff Eshelman, President and CEO, IPAA “The book minimum tax was specifically designed to target the oil and natural gas industry even though America needs more domestically produced energy to keep prices affordable for consumers, not less. Congress significantly increased costs on American energy producers in the inaptly named Inflation Reduction Act, thereby ensuring energy inflation continues well into the future. Senator Barrasso’s bill to reverse the book minimum tax would correct bad policy designed to harm producers of the energy that meets over 70% of Americans’ needs. All forms of energy are necessary to ensure our society functions properly, but IRA was ill-conceived to disadvantage the very sources of energy that supply the vast majority of American energy while favoring intermittent sources that provide a small fraction. We urge Congress to pass the Book Minimum Tax Repeal Act.” – Kathleen Sgamma, President of Western Energy Alliance Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-epas-latest-attack-on-americas-power-plants-and-energy-workers/,Barrasso Statement on EPA’s Latest Attack on America’s Power Plants and Energy Workers,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), released the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s new proposed rules for power plants. “Last year, the Supreme Court threw out the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) overreaching mandates on power plant emissions. The Court rightfully confirmed Congress, not the EPA, has the authority to create environmental policy. Nothing has changed since then to give the unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats at the EPA this authority. “The EPA’s new proposed rules would kill jobs in Wyoming and raise energy costs for families across the country. We can protect the environment and unleash clean, affordable, and reliable American energy at the same time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-the-end-of-title-42-and-the-need-to-secure-the-border/,Barrasso Statement on the End of Title 42 and the Need to Secure the Border,2023-05-11,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement on the growing crisis along the Southern Border ahead of the end of Title 42 today. “We have a dangerous and deadly national security crisis unfolding at our Southern Border. The crisis is soon to become a catastrophe. “This has Joe Biden written all over it because on his first day in office, he started rolling out executive orders. He rolled out the red carpet for illegal immigrants to come to the United States – to the point that now five million illegal immigrants have come. And [on Tuesday] over 10,000, which is the highest number ever. “I’ve been to the border many times. It is now worse than ever before. With rolling back Title 42, the president is essentially sending engraved invitations saying, ‘Come to America.’ It’s a catastrophe. The caravans are lining up at the border, and it is going to be an invasion like we have never seen in the history of this country. “[The president] ought to start listening to the Border Patrol because they know what works. They have been telling us. It is follow the law, finish the wall, and finally bring back the ‘Remain in Mexico’ policy.” CLICK HERE to watch Senator Barrasso’s full remarks. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:55:44Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-democrats-refuse-to-cut-spending-even-though-the-nation-has-blown-past-its-limit/,Barrasso: Democrats Refuse to Cut Spending Even Though the Nation Has Blown Past Its Limit,2023-05-10,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement after the April 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation accelerated last month and has risen nearly 16% since President Joe Biden took office. “Democrats’ runaway spending continues to fuel today’s high prices. Rising inflation is forcing all Americans to rein-in their own everyday spending as prices climb each month. President Biden and Democrats aren’t doing the same. They refuse to cut spending even though the nation has blown past its limit. Families are worn out by Washington Democrats’ nonstop spending and worried about making ends meet. ” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-capito-unveil-comprehensive-permitting-and-environmental-review-reform-legislation/,"Barrasso, Capito, Unveil Comprehensive Permitting and Environmental Review Reform Legislation",2023-05-04,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources (ENR) Committee and Shelley Moore Capito, Ranking Member of the Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, introduced two pieces of legislation to substantively reform the nation’s broken permitting and environmental review processes, which are currently delaying key energy, infrastructure, and transportation projects across America. Ranking Member Barrasso’s bill, the Spur Permitting of Underdeveloped Resources (SPUR) Act, covers key reforms in ENR’s jurisdiction, including provisions to increase domestic energy and mineral development, ensure federal lands remain open to productive uses, and streamline permitting of energy infrastructure. Ranking Member Capito’s bill, the Revitalizing the Economy by Simplifying Timelines and Assuring Regulatory Transparency (RESTART) Act, covers key reforms in EPW’s jurisdiction, including provisions to streamline the agency review process with enforceable timelines, implement time limits to prevent endless legal challenges, and modernize current laws while maintaining environmental protections. “American energy can no longer be held hostage. That’s exactly what’s happening under the Biden administration. Environmental extremists are manipulating a broken permitting process. The bills Senator Capito and I are introducing will fix this problem,” ENR Ranking Member Barrasso said. “We need to lower prices for American families and unleash American energy. The way to do that is to impose strict deadlines and stop endless litigation. We must also block the administration from hijacking the permitting process to kill worthy projects. Our current system stifles development and undermines American energy security. Americans still know how to build things. Today’s broken process won’t allow it. That must change.” “The current permitting and project review process slows the construction of roads and bridges, discourages domestic energy production, and minimizes investments made in our nation’s infrastructure, all of which has resulted in fewer jobs and higher prices for Americans,” EPW Ranking Member Capito said. “The two bills Senator Barrasso and I are introducing fix this broken system with substantive changes that cut red tape, modernize and streamline the permitting process, and prevent endless delays that have plagued job-creating projects across the country. As the Ranking Members of the EPW and ENR committees, we’re introducing both of these bills to underscore the need to approach permitting reform the right way, which is through the proper committees of jurisdiction here in Congress. I’m confident we can find bipartisan consensus and accomplish real permitting reform, which will create jobs, boost energy production, lower prices for consumers, and make it easier to build in America.” Ranking Member Barrasso’s SPUR Act is cosponsored by Capito and every Republican member of the ENR Committee, including Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), John Hoeven (R-ND), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), and Josh Hawley (R-MO). For bill text of the SPUR Act, click here. For a section by section of the SPUR Act, click here. For a one pager on the SPUR Act, click here. Ranking Member Capito’s RESTART Act is cosponsored by Barrasso and Republican members of the EPW Committee including Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), John Boozman (R-AR), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), and Lindsey Graham (R-SC). For bill text of the RESTART Act, click here. For a section by section of the RESTART Act, click here. For a one pager on the RESTART Act, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-republicans-are-united-in-restoring-americas-energy-dominance/,Barrasso: Republicans Are United in Restoring America’s Energy Dominance,2023-05-03,2023,2023-05,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke on the Senate floor today about how our country can restore its energy dominance and lower the cost of living for American families. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “It is a joy and privilege to join my colleague from West Virginia, Senator Capito on the floor today to talk about legislation that we’ll be introducing tomorrow. “It’s about permitting. I come to the floor to talk about ways to lower prices for American families and restore our country to energy dominance. “Of course, the way to achieve this is by fixing our broken permitting process. There is a lot of work to be done, there is bipartisan support to do it. “So she’ll be introducing along with me our legislation tomorrow, and this legislation is going to streamline a very complicated permitting process. “It’s going to speed up American infrastructure, energy, as well as mining projects. “Taken together, this legislation will address fatal flaws in today’s federal permitting process. “The current system moves in very slow motion. Too often, as Senator Capito said, there’s no motion at all. Things are stopped in their tracks. “Today’s process forces project developers to endure a maze of regulations, mountains of paperwork, expensive studies, and bureaucratic foot-dragging. “It takes an average of four-and-a-half years now just to complete an Environmental Impact Statement for one single project. “In some cases, it can take a decade or more to get final approval for a project. Even if a project makes it through, the regulatory roadblocks to get a permit, will inevitably will be challenged in court. “Project opponents are skilled at exploiting our broken permitting process to stop all progress. Litigation can drag on for years and cost millions and millions of dollars. “In my home State of Wyoming, activists are suing to cancel hundreds of federal oil and gas permits. These permits were issued after years of environmental reviews. “They’re frivolous the lawsuits, but they’re happening all across the country. The longer it takes to get a permit, the more a project costs. “The more it costs, the more a likely developer will either pull the plug, or give up before even starting. The result is that energy prices go up. People feel the pain. “That’s because investments aren’t made, jobs don’t materialize, and projects of national importance “Don’t get built. I’m talking about projects like oil and gas wells, pipelines, transmission lines, wind and solar farms, power plants, roads, tunnels, bridges, and mines. “To see what I mean, take a look at this chart from The Economist, they call it ‘Cancel Culture.’ “It shows that for the past several years, more miles of interstate gas pipelines have been cancelled than have been built. Let me repeat that, this shows [over] the past several years more miles of interstate gas pipelines have been cancelled than have been built. “We used to be able to build things in this country. Not anymore. It’s not that we don’t know how. It’s that we’re not being allowed it shouldn’t take longer to permit a project than to actually build it. In too many instances, it does. “The American people inevitably lose when that happens. The permitting process must change so we can lower costs for families and unleash American energy. “We can’t keep today’s broken process and expect to stay ahead of rivals like China. “Taken together, the legislation that Senator Capito and I are introducing is going to streamline the permitting process while preserving environmental standards. “This will put America back in the lead. Project developers need to expect a system that is predictable, and delivers a timely answer. “Our legislation will do that by sticking to four basic principles. First, real reform must benefit the entire country, not a narrow range of special interests. “Our bills are technology and fuel neutral. By that we mean we don’t put a thumb on the scale for politically-favored technologies. “This is going to help expedite projects from both conventional and alternative energy sources. We need all the energy here in America. Second, our legislation includes enforceable timelines with specific time limits on environmental reviews. “Third, we place time limits on legal challenges to prevent endless litigation, intended solely to kill new energy projects. “Finally, our legislation prevents the executive branch from hijacking the process to meet its own policy preferences. “The energy bill that I’m going to introduce focuses on streamlining improvements to produce more American energy and more American mineral resources. “It’s going to lower costs for families, it’s going to enhance America’s energy security. It’s going to reduce reliance on China, Russia, and other adversaries for energy as well as key minerals. “A key aspect of my energy bill is to resume federal onshore and offshore oil and gas lease sales. “The Biden Administration has tried from day one to block access to federal lands and waters—regardless of the law. “We cannot allow any administration to deny, defy, and disregard the law. “My bill also will speed up the production of critical minerals used in renewable and battery technologies. “Our country is blessed with large mineral deposits. Some in your home State. My home state in Wyoming, in particular. “We have large reserves of coal, uranium, rare earths, and other minerals. “Yet it often takes over ten years in the United States to get a mining permit. Our competitors in China move much faster, as do our northern neighbors in Canada “Unlocking domestic mining means we will no longer have to rely on China and Russia for critical minerals. Finally, my bill will ensure the affordability and reliability of our electric grid. “We will have American energy that is affordable, that is reliable, and that is available. The House recently passed the ‘Lower Energy Costs Act.’ The Senate now has an opportunity to pass our own legislation. “We can pass bipartisan legislation that unleashes American energy, boosts our international competitiveness, creates jobs, and lowers prices. “This starts with today, fixing today’s broken permitting process. Democrats said last year that this reform is necessary. Senator Capito and I are bringing solutions to the table. “If Democrats are serious about fixing the broken process, meaningful reform is possible.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:07:47Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-working-to-undo-bidens-green-tax-on-truckers/,"Barrasso, Lummis Working to Undo Biden’s ‘Green Tax’ on Truckers",2023-04-27,2023,2023-04,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) voted in support of a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Biden administration’s egregious rule regarding emission standards for heavy-duty trucks. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates the cost to install the new required technology will be up to $8,304 per vehicle, which would be detrimental to the trucking industry people in Wyoming rely on for everyday goods and services. “The Senate voted to stop more of the Biden administration’s federal government overreach,” said Senator Barrasso. “The president wants to continue choking hardworking Americans with Washington red-tape. Now, he’s coming after the trucking industry and small business owners that move our economy. Families across Wyoming cannot afford higher food prices and more supply chain delays in exchange for Biden’s green dream. The president needs to stop trying to impose this misguided rule on America’s truckers and small businesses.” “The government’s top priority right now needs to be finding ways to lower costs and a massive Green New Deal tax on truckers is going to do the exact opposite,” said Senator Lummis. “How on earth is an independent trucker in Wyoming supposed to afford an $8,304 surprise bill from President Biden? This tax is especially brutal for people in rural Wyoming who rely on trucks to bring them groceries, gas and supplies because a price hike on truckers means a price hike on consumers.” In February, Barrasso and Lummis cosponsored this CRA resolution led by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE). Last November, the senators also signed a letter pushing the EPA to avoid implementing such harsh emissions regulations to preserve Wyoming’s crucial trucking industry and keep our supply chain intact. Background: • The rule’s new standards cover nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other air pollutants including particulate matter (PM), hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide (CO). • The rule also would change requirements regarding emission control systems and emission-related warranties. • The EPA estimated the technology required to meet the new rule’s standards will cost between $2,568 and $8,304 per vehicle. • Existing regulations on trucks have already resulted in a decrease in NOx emissions between 98% and 99% compared to models from the late 1990s. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:44:29Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-protect-wyoming-outdoorsmens-access-to-traditional-ammo-and-tackle/,"Barrasso, Lummis Protect Wyoming Outdoorsmen’s Access to Traditional Ammo and Tackle",2023-04-20,2023,2023-04,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis (both R-WY) cosponsored legislation introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) to prohibit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) from banning the use of traditional lead ammunition or tackle on public lands unless such action is supported by the best available science and state wildlife and fish agencies. Currently, there is no clear scientific evidence that such a ban would have any environmental impact. “The Biden administration is once again attacking our Wyoming way of life,” said Senator Barrasso. “Now they want to bring back an Obama-era ban on traditional bait and tackle and ammunition Americans use every day on our public lands. Hunting and fishing are not only popular activities many enjoy in Wyoming, they are a vital piece of our economy as well. Senator Lummis and I will continue to fight to stop this overreaching rule in its tracks.” “Attempts to ban traditional lead ammo and tackle are activist driven nonsense with no scientific basis,” said Senator Lummis. “Hunters and anglers have been feeding their families off the land since before Wyoming was a state and they do not need activists who have never baited a hook or fired a gun telling them how to do it. Hunting and fishing play a critical role in conservation and a sweeping ban would have serious unintended consequences.” Read the full bill text here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:02:19Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-american-families-are-left-footing-the-bill-for-bidens-inflation-failures/,Barrasso: American Families are Left Footing the Bill for Biden’s Inflation Failures,2023-04-12,2023,2023-04,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Casper, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued a statement after the March 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen 15.4% since President Joe Biden took office. Inflation has remained above 5% for 23 consecutive months. “The President’s anti-American energy, anti-growth, and pro-spending agenda has caused inflation to soar. American families are left footing the bill. Americans are forced to make tough choices as they juggle sky-high grocery, gas, and energy bills. For people across Wyoming, the American dream feels further and further out of reach. Senate Republicans are working to lower costs for all Americans. This means stopping reckless spending, cutting red tape, and unleashing American energy.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:02:19Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-epa-rule-would-increase-prices-help-china/,Barrasso: EPA Rule Would Increase Prices & Help China,2023-04-12,2023,2023-04,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), commented on the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed rule on emissions for vehicles, trucks, and tractors. “First President Biden came for our gas stoves. Now he wants to ban the cars we drive. His misguided policies are hurting American families while helping China. The president’s disastrous energy transition is making us more reliant on our enemies while driving up prices for Americans. The ‘electrification of everything’ is not a solution. It’s a road to higher prices and fewer choices.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:02:19Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-effort-to-permanently-repeal-the-death-tax/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Effort to Permanently Repeal the Death Tax",2023-04-05,2023,2023-04,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., recently joined U.S. Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) and their Republican colleagues in reintroducing legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, known as the death tax. The Death Tax Repeal Act would end a purely punitive tax that has the potential to hit family-run farms, ranches and small businesses as a result of the owner’s death. “Many family-run farms, ranches, and small businesses across Wyoming are passed on from generation to generation. Too many families have to make the tragic decision to give up generations of hard work just to pay the death tax,” said Senator Barrasso. “I am proud to join the effort to protect our hardworking farmers, ranchers and business owners in Wyoming from this burdensome and unfair tax.” “The last thing a family needs when a loved one passes away is a hefty tax bill from the federal government,” said Senator Lummis. “Wyoming ranchers are disproportionately impacted by this tax, and it makes it harder to pass down the legacy of family ranching to future generations. In order to protect the Wyoming way of life, we need to eliminate this burdensome and unfair tax.” “Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota’s economy,” said Senator Thune. “For years I have fought to protect farm and ranch families from the onerous and unfair death tax. Family-owned farms and ranches often bear the brunt of this tax, which makes it difficult and costly to pass these businesses down to future generations. I will continue to do everything in my power to remove these roadblocks for family businesses and repeal the death tax once and for all.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T18:02:19Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-introduce-legislation-to-improve-rural-airports/,"Barrasso, Lummis Introduce Legislation to Improve Rural Airports",2023-03-30,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., recently introduced legislation to help small, rural airports unfairly affected by burdensome regulations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that put their federal funding at risk. Many small, rural airports across the country have been forced to reduce air service and have not been able to meet federal mandates to continue receiving grants from the FAA. These airports use these federal funds for important safety enhancements, efficiency improvements, facility upgrades, and equipment and air service infrastructure projects. This legislation would create a temporary exemption for small airports that previously qualified for funding but have now lost eligibility due to the lingering effects of COVID-19 lockdowns, pilot shortages, and regional airline closures. It would save these small airports from losing thousands of dollars that help improve air service in many rural communities. “Rural airports across Wyoming are critical for many residents needing to travel across the state and around the country. They’re also vital to our state’s economy since they make Wyoming’s iconic tourist attractions more accessible to visitors from around the world,” said Senator Barrasso. “This bill will ensure rural airports across Wyoming – from Evanston to Gillette and Cheyenne to Cody – continue to receive the resources they need to improve air service.” “During the past few years, rural airports throughout Wyoming have struggled due to the pandemic and a lack of pilots. Without access to Airport Improvement Program grants, rural air service would suffer even more,” said Senator Lummis. “This commonsense legislation will allow for Wyoming airports to flourish and for our economy to benefit from additional visitors to our state.” Full text of the legislation can be found here. Background: Currently, the FAA requires a 10,000 enplanement threshold in order for airports to receive the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants. Pilot shortages and market conditions have also caused some airlines to pull out of communities completely reducing enplanement numbers that determine an airport’s eligibility for grants. If passed, this legislation will allow airports to use the number of enplanements during 2019, 2020, and 2021 (whichever had the highest number of enplanements) if the airport does not reach the 10,000 threshold in order to continue receiving AIP grants. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-ends-u-s-taxpayer-handouts-to-china/,Barrasso Bill Ends U.S Taxpayer Handouts to China,2023-03-29,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) reintroduced legislation that would end handouts to China funded by American taxpayers. The Ending China’s Unfair Advantage Act, would prohibit any American taxpayer dollars from funding the Montreal Protocol, a United Nations treaty, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) until China is no longer defined as a developing country. Currently, China is defined as a developing nation under the Montreal Protocol and the UNFCCC. This allows China to abide by a different set of rules and access funding – including American taxpayer dollars – from the multilateral funds. “As the world’s second-largest economy, China is no longer a developing country. Despite this, the United Nations continues to let China play by a different set of rules at the expense of American taxpayers,” said Sen. Barrasso. “China’s unfair advantage must end now. This bill forces the United Nations to stop these U.S.-funded handouts to China once and for all.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), JD Vance (R-Ohio), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Full text of the legislation can be found here. Background: • Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, developing countries are eligible for financial assistance through a special multilateral fund. The U.S. is the largest contributor to the fund, giving almost $1 billion. • China has received nearly $1.4 billion from this multilateral fund over the years, due to their being defined as a developing country under the Montreal Protocol. • The U.S. is required to phase down production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, by 85 percent by 2036 and China has until 2045 to reduce HFC use by 80 percent. China is given an extra decade, under the Kigali Amendment, to produce HFCs. It is also allowed an extra 5 percent in HFC production and consumption. • Last year, Senator Barrasso introduced an amendment that would have conditioned Senate approval of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on the removal of China being defined as a developing country. • On September 21, 2022, the Senate passed Senator Sullivan’s amendment by a vote of 96-0. It declared that China is not a developing country and the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations should not treat China as such. It also conditioned the Senate’s ratification on the administration submitting a proposal to remove China as a developing country before the next meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. • Senator Barrasso originally introduced this bill in the 117th Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-vote-to-overturn-wotus-rule/,"Barrasso, Lummis Vote to Overturn WOTUS Rule",2023-03-29,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-WY, voted to overturn the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval. Overturning the WOTUS rule is critically important to Wyoming farmers, ranchers, landowners and builders. “Wyoming doesn’t need the federal government telling us what to do with our water, farms, ranches, and land. But the Biden administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule puts Washington in control of everything from ponds to prairie potholes,” said Sen. Barrasso. “The Senate voted to stand with Wyoming’s farmers, ranchers and landowners by striking down this misguided and overreaching rule. WOTUS was a terrible idea during the Obama administration and it certainly hasn’t improved with age. President Biden needs to put hardworking Americans first and keep this rule buried in the past.” “Our farmers and ranchers do not need the federal government telling them what they can and cannot do on their private land. An irrigation ditch is not a navigable water and should not be under the jurisdiction of the federal government,” said Sen. Lummis. “I’m proud to vote to protect Wyoming landowners from this clear overreach, and to protect our water, one of our most valuable resources, without overbearing regulations from the federal government.” The CRA passed by a vote of 53-43. For full text of the resolution, click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-presses-hhs-secretary-on-improving-health-care-in-rural-communities/,Barrasso Presses HHS Secretary on Improving Health Care in Rural Communities,2023-03-23,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently questioned U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra on protecting the hospice industry from bad actors and improving health care in rural communities. Sen. Barrasso reiterated the need for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide a plan to ensure new Alzheimer’s therapies reach rural and tribal communities. He also questioned Sec. Becerra on when CMS will provide a clarification for Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) applications that are being inappropriately rejected or blocked due to lack of policy regarding the RHC location requirements. Sen. Barrasso also spoke on stopping waste, fraud and abuse in the hospice care industry. Secretary Becerra testified at the Senate Committee on Finance hearing this week. Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s full exchange with Becerra. On Stopping For-Profit Hospice Providers: “As a physician, I know the importance of protecting Medicare for future generations. Stopping waste, fraud and abuse are critical for all of us. It’s a bipartisan priority. “Late last year, I was joined by my colleagues on the Senate Comprehensive Care Caucus in sending a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The purpose was to point out the proliferation of new for-profit hospice providers. “I think about the hospices in Wyoming, like Central Wyoming Hospice that I’m very involved with in Casper, and we have some around the state of Wyoming. Community involvement, people volunteer, go to events, raise money – they are amazing centers that provide care and comfort and compassion. “Most troubling, is that your own data showed a proliferation of these new for-profit hospices – they are sharing the exact same addresses. I am trying to figure out exactly what is going on here and why this is happening. “Do you share my concern in this pattern of sudden growth of these Medicare-certified hospices in certain parts of the country? “What are you finding out? Are there bad actors out there and are there things we can do to curb them to prevent some of this waste, fraud and abuse?” Follow-up: “I’d like to point out there is a bipartisan group on this committee that want to assist you and help you and share the information you come up with so we can put an end to this.” Click here to see Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on for-profit hospice providers. On Access to New Alzheimer’s Treatments in Rural Communities: “Rural health remains a top priority for me. I met today with the Wyoming Alzheimer Association and there are a number of people here in the audience today listening to you testify wearing the sashes representing family members and others with Alzheimer’s. “I am encouraged there is a new class of Alzheimer’s treatments. It is giving families some hope they will have more quality time with their loved ones before the disease takes hold. It’s not a cure – but there’s hope there. “We just need to make sure what’s available in certain locations can also be made available to our tribal communities and to our rural beneficiaries. “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a policy for coverage with evidence development. “It is requiring additional clinical trials and/or registries that could create logistical challenges for people in rural areas as well as providers who are trying to take care of them because they are not all eligible based on where you are. “How is CMS planning to ensure that those with Alzheimer’s in rural settings and tribal communities gain access to therapies which are currently FDA approved?” Follow-up: “Specifically, with FDA approved drugs, unless you are part of this next generation follow through, it is harder to get those – can’t actually get them – in rural communities, tribal communities based on your location even though it is FDA approved.” Click here to see Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on access to Alzheimer’s therapies in rural communities. On Rural Health Clinics: “Over 5,200 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)-certified Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) provide outpatient services all across the country. “The Census Bureau no longer defines ‘urbanized areas,’ previously defined as urban areas of 50,000 or more. “But the RHC statute requires that RHCs must be located in areas that are not urbanized area, as defined by the Census Bureau. So they don’t define them anymore. “So there is a lack of policy and what we are seeing is RHC applications are currently being either inappropriately rejected based on assumptions of what the new policy is or simply blocked by states waiting for a clarification from CMS. “I know you are aware of this, can you just hold forth on that?” Click here to see Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on Rural Health Clinics. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-ends-lending-to-china-from-world-bank-and-asian-development-bank/,Barrasso Bill Ends Lending to China from World Bank and Asian Development Bank,2023-03-22,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led 21 senators in introducing bipartisan legislation to end lending to the Chinese Communist Party from multilateral development banks, including the World Bank and Asian Development Bank. The World Bank and the Asian Development Bank were created to promote economic growth in developing countries and eliminate extreme poverty. Despite having access to capital and being the second-largest economy in the world, China is still receiving loans and assistance from both banks. Since meeting the criteria for graduation from lending in 2016, the World Bank approved $9.6 billion in projects to China. The Asian Development Bank provided China with $10.6 billion in loans and $2.4 billion in non-sovereign commitments in China during that same timeframe. “China is the world’s second-largest economy, yet it continues to profit off World Bank and Asian Development Bank loans largely funded by American taxpayers,” said Senator Barrasso. “While China obtains subsidized loans, it is engaging in predatory lending to developing countries across the world. As the largest contributor to these banks, the United States has a duty to make sure our money and resources are going to countries that need it most, not China. It’s time to stop sending Americans’ hard-earned tax dollars to the Chinese Communist Party. This legislation will put an end to lending to China and help refocus the development mission of the multilateral development banks.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S Senators Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Summary: This bill requires the Secretary of Treasury to instruct the U.S. Executive Director at each of the multilateral banks to oppose any loan, extension, or technical assistance by the bank to China and to end lending to countries that exceed the criteria for graduating from lending. The legislation creates an annual report to Congress: • Assessing the status of China’s borrowing from the multilateral development banks, • Describing China’s voting power, shares and representation at the banks, and • Listing countries exceeding the graduation discussion income at each bank, • Listing countries that have graduated from assistance from each bank, and • Describing U.S. efforts to end lending to countries once countries exceed the eligibility requirements. Background: On September 21, 2022, the Senate, in a 96-0 vote, approved an amendment declaring that China is not a developing country and should not be treated as such by the international community. On October 26, 2021, Senator Barrasso questioned Brent Neiman, President Biden’s nominee to be the Deputy Under Secretary of the Treasury for International Finance and Development, on ensuring the administration takes action to stop multilateral development banks from lending to China. Senator Barrasso secured provisions to end funding for China at the World Bank and Asian Development Bank in the Strategic Competition Act of 2021. On June 8, 2021, the language was included in S. 1260, which passed the Senate on June 8, 2021 (Sec. 3219D and Section 3219E). Senator Barrasso originally introduced this legislation in the 117th Congress. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-questions-sec-blinken-on-china-border-crisis-and-energy-security/,"Barrasso Questions Sec. Blinken on China, Border Crisis, and Energy Security",2023-03-22,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) questioned U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on how to stop China and Russia from taking advantage of our nation and American taxpayers. Senator Barrasso pressed Sec. Blinken on China being labeled as a developing nation, resulting in American taxpayers footing the bill for multilateral development bank loans to the Chinese Communist Party. Earlier today, Senator Barrasso led 21 senators in introducing legislation to end lending to China from multilateral development banks. He also questioned the secretary on what is being done to stop the flow of fentanyl from China coming across our southern border, and the need to increase American energy exports to our European allies to help them escape their dependence on Russian energy. Secretary Blinken testified at today’s Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on the U.S. State Department’s FY 2024 budget request. Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s full exchange with Sec. Blinken. On China Being Labeled as a Developing Country: “Today, I led a bipartisan group of 21 senators in introducing legislation to end lending to China through the multilateral development banks. “Since 2016, China has received almost $23 billion from the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank. “American taxpayers are the largest contributor to these banks. It is completely unacceptable for Americans to be subsidizing loans to China. “The administration continues to allow American taxpayer dollars to go to the Chinese Communist Party. I believe it needs to end. Not another dime should be approved. ‘These banks are designed to assist developing countries. China is no longer a developing country. It was years and years ago when these international organizations were put into place. But the designation hasn’t changed. “China is the second-largest economy in the world. It clearly has the financial resources and the access to capital to meet its own needs without the assistance from the international community. “But the Chinese Communist Party continues to exploit this outdated label as a developing country to get preferential treatments and loans. “As a ‘developing country,’ China also receives funds from international bodies mostly paid for by American taxpayers. China just got $1.4 billion from the multilateral fund at the Montreal Protocol – which is from back in the 1980s. “Let’s be clear – this money moving from America to China is making China stronger and America weaker. “This is at a time when China is blatantly flying spy balloons over the nation, stealing intellectual property, sending fentanyl and other opioids into the U.S., increasing military aggression, we have the whole list. “It seems that China is playing the international community as well as our own administration as fools. Their goal is simple: they want to be the world’s dominant power. “Do you believe that China still qualifies as a developing country? Why should American taxpayers be supporting lending and financial assistance that goes to China?” Follow-up: “We are giving subsidized loans to a country that then turns around and can use this money to engage in predatory lending to the developing nations, as you described.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on China. On European Energy Security: “Europe has learned some hard lessons following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. None are clearer than the need to have access to an affordable and dependable supply of energy. Not renewable. Affordable, available, reliable energy. “Russia has demonstrated over and over again its willingness to use energy as a weapon. The world has seen Russia threaten our allies and our partners with natural gas. “Europeans understand the crucial importance of increasing U.S. oil and natural gas production and exports to them from here. Unfortunately, President Biden has not necessarily followed that path because of his approach on the issue of climate and carbon. “Do you support increasing exports of American liquefied natural gas to help our allies and partners escape this dependence on Russia?” Follow-up: “So you agree Europe is much better off buying energy resources from the United States than having to buy it from our adversaries?” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on energy security. On Fentanyl Precursors into Mexico: “I want to talk about fentanyl. “I’m from Wyoming, you would think how much fentanyl could be going there, it’s not close to the border. But every state is a border state. “Wyoming is seeing an astronomical increase in the amount of deaths related to fentanyl. “At the same time, the amount of fentanyl in Wyoming is at an all-time high. “Our Division of Criminal Investigation just in 2020, seized about 1,600 ‘dosage units.’ “This past year, 13,000 units seized – a 13-fold increase and that was only for three quarters of the year. “What can we be doing more to work with the government of Mexico to stop the importation of fentanyl precursors from China?” Follow-up: “Last week, the U.S. Border Patrol Chief Ortiz testified before the House Homeland Security Committee hearing in McAllen, Texas. “He was pointedly asked whether or not the Department of Homeland Security has operational control of the border. “And the chief of the U.S. Border Patrol said, ‘No, sir.’” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on the border. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-reintroduces-bipartisan-bill-to-benefit-wyomings-outdoor-recreation-economy/,Barrasso Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Benefit Wyoming’s Outdoor Recreation Economy,2023-03-20,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources (ENR), joined ENR Chairman Joe Manchin (D-WV) in introducing America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023. This bipartisan legislation will expand outdoor recreation opportunities in Wyoming and across America, while improving infrastructure and driving economic growth in rural communities. “Wyoming is home to some of the most incredible national parks and public lands in the country,” said Barrasso. “Our bipartisan bill will increase and improve outdoor recreation opportunities. It will modernize public campgrounds, establish shooting ranges on federal forests, and ensure increased access to public lands. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act will benefit everyone who enjoys the outdoors in Wyoming and across the nation.” “Wyoming is proud of the world-class outdoor recreation opportunities we have for our citizens and visitors – they improve the quality of life in our state and enhance the economy. We applaud the work being done on this federal legislation to expand and enhance outdoor recreation through increased collaboration between state, local and federal land managers,” said Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon. “Wyoming has endless opportunities to recreate outdoors. The added use on Wyoming’s public lands requires that we work collaboratively to educate recreationists on ways to reduce their impact, disperse them away from the busiest corners of our state, and concentrate them into landscapes that can withstand increased visitation. With increased coordination between the federal government and our state, we can leverage Wyoming’s natural resources and stunning beauty to deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors while providing lasting benefits for our communities. Senator Barrasso’s legislation will help us deliver on this mission for Wyoming and America’s recreating public who visit our great State.” said Darin Westby, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. “Wyoming welcomes more than seven million visitors per year to experience the high quality outdoor recreation offered through our public lands,” said Diane Shober, executive director of the Wyoming Office of Tourism. “We support this legislation as it continues to promote accessibility and destination development throughout Wyoming.” “By giving outfitters and public land agencies new tools and resources to improve access and the permitting process, we can all focus on what’s really important: building people’s connections with our greatest resource, the shared American landscape. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act bolsters the outdoor recreation economy and opens the doors for outfitters new and old to provide ample and affordable guided opportunities to folks from all walks of life,” said Aaron Bannon, Executive Director, America Outdoors Association and resident of Lander, Wyoming. “The members of the Wyoming Outfitter and Guides Association support and urge passage of America’s Outdoor Recreation Act. Wyoming’s outdoor recreation industries are a huge part of our state’s economy and WYOGA whole heartedly supports the act,” said the Wyoming Outfitters and Guides Association in a statement. “The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation works to ensure the future of elk, other wildlife, their habitat, and our hunting heritage. Federal lands are an important resource for outdoor recreation, including hunting and target shooting, but an array of red tape and fees can limit people’s recreational opportunities and access. America’s Outdoor Recreation Act brings common-sense solutions to the regulatory and informational barriers that many of our members have experienced. These include establishing shooting ranges so hunters have safe places to practice, identifying where and when vehicles can be used on forest roads, utilizing all the parts of animals taken from cull hunts within parks, allowing hunters to document and share their experiences on video, and streamlining outfitting and guiding permits. Passage of America’s Outdoor Recreation Act will be a benefit for all outdoors enthusiasts,” said Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Read a summary of the Outdoor Recreation Act of 2023 here. Background Information: On May 3, 2022, ENR unanimously advanced America’s Outdoor Recreation Act out of committee. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive recreation package includes a host recreation legislative priorities, including the three bills mentioned below. It is supported by numerous outdoor recreation associations, agencies, and enthusiasts. On November 18, 2021, Barrasso and Manchin introduced the Outdoor Recreation Act. Among others, Governor Mark Gordon, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources, and Southwest Wyoming Off-Road Trails support it. On September 29, 2021, Barrasso introduced the CAPE Act. This bill provides discretion to the National Park Service to donate the cape, hide, horn, and antlers obtained from non-native species during wildlife management activities to volunteers or others authorized by the park service. It has been endorsed by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, the Wild Sheep Foundation, the Boone and Crockett Club, and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department. On May 13, 2021, Barrasso introduced the FILM Act. This legislation will modernize film permitting on public lands to keep pace with changing technology and social media. It eliminates an unconstitutional permitting scheme that currently requires permits and fees for some types of filming and photography content, but not others. With passage of the FILM Act, outdoorsmen and women will be able to share their adventures without having to deal with burdensome red tape. The Wyoming Office of Tourism supports this bill, among others. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-leads-letter-to-sec-yellen-on-the-administrations-latest-attack-on-american-energy/,Barrasso Leads Letter to Sec. Yellen on the Administration’s Latest Attack on American Energy,2023-03-16,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Senators condemn administration for its proposal to weaponize the tax code against U.S. energy producers WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) led 21 of his colleagues in sending a letter to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen condemning the Biden administration’s latest attempt to weaponize the tax code against U.S. energy producers. The letter is in response to President Biden’s budget request for Fiscal Year 2024. Specifically, the letter focuses on the $100 billion in targeted tax increases on energy, including the production of oil, gas, and coal. The senators highlight how these taxes will crush jobs, raise energy prices for American families and give our adversaries, including Russia, the upper hand in the global energy markets. “Unbelievably, the administration would willingly suppress domestic energy production knowing it means fewer jobs and higher prices for the American people. These crushing tax proposals, paired with the administration’s heavy handed regulations and mandates, would threaten American families’ access to affordable and reliable energy, while giving our adversaries the upper-hand in the global energy markets,” the senators wrote. “America is fortunate to have abundant energy resources. Our nation needs to be focused on unleashing American energy and innovation instead of throwing away one of our biggest economic and geopolitical advantages.” Cosigners of the letter include Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and U.S. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Cornyn (R-Texas), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Boyd Britt (R-Ala.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Kennedy (R-La.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Ted Cruz (R-Texas). The full text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Secretary Yellen: We write with grave concern regarding the administration’s continued hostility towards American energy production. Currently, working families and small businesses are facing immense challenges including high energy prices. At the same time, our allies and partners across the globe are asking for reliable American energy resources to escape their dependence on Russian energy and to deal with the energy crisis. Instead of increasing U.S. energy production, the administration is focused on increasing energy taxes. The administration has once again doubled down on weaponizing the tax code against U.S. energy producers. The Department of Treasury’s General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2024 Revenue Proposals (Green Book) is filled with crippling tax hikes on the production of oil, gas, and coal. The latest Green Book calls for $4.7 trillion in new tax increases, which will fall on a wide range of industries, as well as workers. These tax hikes alone will deliver a heavy blow to energy production while simultaneously suppressing growth in numerous sectors of the economy. The administration decided to go even further in imposing additional burdens on energy producers by deleting virtually every longstanding tax provision in the Internal Revenue Code designed to support traditional energy production. Specifically, the Green Book calls for more than $100 billion in targeted tax increases on fossil fuels. What is most troubling is that the administration explicitly acknowledges its intention to chill investment in conventional energy production, stating, “These oil, gas, and coal tax preferences distort markets by encouraging more investment in the fossil fuel sector than would occur under a neutral system. This market distortion is detrimental to long-term energy security and is also inconsistent with the administration’s policy of supporting a clean energy economy, reducing our reliance on oil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.” It is alarming that the administration believes utilizing our nation’s abundant natural resources will be detrimental to long-term energy security. Unbelievably, the administration would willingly suppress domestic energy production knowing it means fewer jobs and higher prices for the American people. The Green Book proposals are neither policy neutral nor do they give proper consideration to the fact that fossil fuels are the highest taxed industry in the world, and pay relatively high rates of tax to the federal government – as well as state and local governments. Many of the President’s targeted tax hikes would repeal cost recovery provisions and deny necessary and ordinary deductions which give energy producers parity with other sectors of the economy. One example of this is the proposed repeal for the expensing of Intangible Drilling Costs (IDCs), which are widely utilized by independent producers to deduct expenses related to drilling. These expenses include labor, site preparation, repairs, equipment rentals, and survey work. Often times these items represent between 60 and 80 percent of total production costs. Another important cost recovery mechanism the administration seeks to eliminate is Percentage Depletion. This is a type of depreciation for mineral-based assets that allows for a deduction from taxable income to reflect the declining production of reserves over time. Percentage Depletion is in line with standard depreciation for other assets and is necessary to recover costs associated with maintaining production on marginal wells, mines, and deposits. The entities benefitting from Percentage Depletion are often independent and family-owned production companies, as well as farmers and ranchers who may rely on small royalty payments. There are more than a dozen other related energy tax provisions in the crosshairs of the administration’s tax plan, all of which pale in comparison to the lavish subsidies afforded to the renewable energy industry. These proposals undermine the very industry responsible for providing 80 percent of the nation’s energy needs. The administration is attacking the industry providing our allies with an alternative to relying on and lining the pockets of dictators in Russia, Iran, and Venezuela. These totalitarian regimes do not produce, or refine, with the same environmental standards we see with American-made energy. America is fortunate to have abundant energy resources. Our nation needs to be focused on unleashing American energy and innovation instead of throwing away one of our biggest economic and geopolitical advantages. When facing a whole-of-government assault, American energy producers cannot continue to make long-term investments, which provide stability and energy security both at home and overseas. These crushing tax proposals, paired with the administration’s heavy handed regulations and mandates, would threaten American families’ access to affordable and reliable energy, while giving our adversaries the upper-hand in the global energy markets. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-wy-delegation-blasts-biden-administration-for-excluding-wyoming-from-wildfire-defense-strategy/,WY Delegation Blasts Biden Administration For Excluding Wyoming from Wildfire Defense Strategy,2023-03-15,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Sens. John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis and Rep. Harriet Hageman, all R-Wyo., sent a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Forest Service Chief Randy Moore criticizing their agencies for failing to protect Wyoming from the increased threat of catastrophic wildfire. In the letter, the delegation notes how Wyoming is the only western state to be omitted from the USDA and Forest Service’s 10-year strategy to combat wildfires across the American West. The delegation also admonishes the agencies for excluding Wyoming membership from the recently formed, Congressionally-mandated wildfire commission. “According to recent Forest Service estimates, more than four million acres in Wyoming are at either ‘high’ or ‘very high’ risk to catastrophic wildfire,” the delegation wrote. “These acres harbor and neighbor wonderful communities, pristine national treasures like Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, majestic wildlife, and crucial infrastructure and energy resources. They also contain important watersheds that are part of the headwaters of the Colorado River. . . The longer the Forest Service and USDA delays the urgent work needed to restore high-risk acres to good health, the longer our people and resources remain dangerously susceptible to catastrophic fire.” Click here for a copy of the letter. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-biden-has-created-an-inflation-disaster/,Barrasso: Biden has Created an Inflation Disaster,2023-03-14,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Casper, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued a statement after the February 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen 15.01% since Biden took office. “President Biden’s reckless spending and far-left priorities have created an inflation disaster. Americans are dipping into their savings just to pay for gas and groceries. Yet, President Biden doubled down on his disastrous policies with his latest budget request. His radical, tax-and-spend wish list attacks American energy, wastes taxpayer dollars, and raises taxes on everyday Americans. This president isn’t doing anything to lower sky-high prices or make life more affordable. Democrats must stop their attacks on middle-class families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-hassan-introduce-the-bipartisan-local-radio-freedom-act/,"Barrasso, Hassan Introduce the Bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act",2023-03-09,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) and Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) led their colleagues in reintroducing the bipartisan Local Radio Freedom Act. The Local Radio Freedom Act is a bipartisan resolution that underscores the critical importance of locally owned radio stations to families, small businesses, and our communities. It also declares that Congress should not impose any new performance fee, tax, royalty, or other charges for locally-owned radio stations. “People across Wyoming depend on local radio stations for timely information, news, and programming that have a direct impact on their lives,” said Senator Barrasso. “For 100 years, radio stations and the recording industry have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship: free airplay for free promotion. If forced to pay a performance royalty, broadcasters will have to make cuts to important programming in order to make ends meet. I’m proud to join Senator Hassan in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation to block any new performance tax on broadcasters across the country.” “Granite Staters regularly tune in to their local radio station to catch up on the news around the state, listen to music and stories, and get weather and emergency alerts,” said Senator Hassan. “I am glad to stand with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in supporting listeners and broadcasters alike. We will keep working to ensure that our local radio stations are able to continue providing vital information and entertainment to communities across our country.” “America’s hometown broadcasters are grateful for the strong support of the LRFA in Congress, and we thank Sens. Hassan and Barrasso for leading the charge on this issue in the Senate,” said National Association of Broadcasters’ President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt. “A new job-crushing performance fee on local radio stations would hurt stations’ ability to provide their free, essential service in communities across the country. We appreciate the more than 150 members of Congress that have already signed onto this critical resolution this year and stood alongside broadcast radio and our tens of millions of listeners.” Cosponsors include U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Angus King (I-Maine), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.). Full text of the resolution can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-statement-on-bidens-bloated-budget-request/,Barrasso Statement on Biden’s Bloated Budget Request,2023-03-09,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement on President Biden’s FY2024 budget request to Congress. “President Biden’s bloated budget reveals how out-of-touch he is with families in Wyoming and across the country. This president wants to raise taxes on hardworking families so he can fund his reckless, radical spending. “Democrats’ reckless spending spree sent costs to a 40-year high. Record-high prices for gas and groceries have made it harder for families to keep up. Now, Joe Biden wants to spend even more. Instead of lowering costs, the president is raising taxes. Joe Biden is doubling down on the disastrous policies that are causing families to fall further and further behind. “Joe Biden and the Democrats must stop wasting taxpayer dollars. President Biden’s bloated budget is dead on arrival.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-introduce-bill-to-balance-debt-limit-increases-with-spending-cuts/,"Barrasso, Lummis Introduce Bill to Balance Debt Limit Increases with Spending Cuts",2023-03-08,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., introduced legislation to rein in out-of-control Washington spending. The Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act requires any increase or suspension of the debt limit to be balanced by equal or greater spending cuts over the next 10 years. “Democrats have used their reckless tax and spend process to add more money to our nation’s debt. We cannot continue to burden future generations with debt and interest for spending they’ll never see,” said Senator Barrasso. “Governing responsibly begins with budgeting responsibly. This legislation will help stop the Democrats’ out-of-control spending spree and put us back onto the path of financial stability.” “During record inflation, people throughout Wyoming are having to make hard decisions with their budgets. It’s time for Washington to do the same,” said Senator Lummis. “I’m proud to join my friend Senator Barrasso in introducing the Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act to get our nation’s spending under control.” The Dollar-for-Dollar Deficit Reduction Act specifically: • Requires the Secretary of the Treasury to provide a warning to the Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees on when the Secretary expects that we are 60 days from reaching the debt limit, absent the implementation of extraordinary measures. • Requires the White House to submit savings recommendations from the president equal to the amount of the proposed debt limit increase. • Lastly, in both chambers of Congress, it would not be in order to consider any bill, resolution, amendment, motion, or conference report that increases the statutory debt limit unless the bill contains net spending reductions over a 10-year period equal to the amount of the debt limit increase. Representative Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4) has introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-republicans-are-united-to-make-america-safer/,Barrasso: Republicans Are United to Make America Safer,2023-03-08,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) spoke on the Senate floor today about the soft-on-crime policies of Democrat led cities and how Republicans will vote to make Washington, D.C. a safer place for all Americans. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “I come to the floor to talk about the soft-on-crime policies of Democrats in Washington, D.C. “In 2020, Democrats all across the country started their movement to defund the police. Almost immediately, we saw burning cities across the country, from the east coast all the way to Portland, Oregon. “Democrat leaders turned their backs on police officers, all across the country. As a result, police officers began to retire or resign, and they did so in record numbers. The results were as painful as they were predictable. “Violent crime skyrocketed all across America. We saw the fastest murder rate increase in our history. Homicides rose to a 25-year high. “This is no surprise. If police officers are not able to do their jobs, then the streets of each town in America are not safe. “Well, today on the floor Senate Republicans are going to act to stop this recklessness. “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Hagerty, who’s leading our discussions and our efforts, Senate Republicans are going to vote to stop Washington, D.C.’s radical new legislation. “This legislation lets criminals get out of free. Senate Republicans are going to vote to make our nation’s capital a safer place to visit, a safer place to live, and a safer place to work. “Wyoming families ask me all the time if it’s safe for them to visit Washington, D.C. or if it’s safe for their kids to come to Washington, D.C. for something like history day, an opportunity to see the nation’s capital. “Imagine that. Many American families actually afraid to visit or have their children visit our nation’s capital. Liberal cities all across the country have become danger zones. “Families in Wyoming watch the nightly news. They can’t believe their eyes. They see smashed storefronts in New York and in Chicago. They see innocent people getting mugged on the streets. They see it in New York and they see it in Washington, D.C. The cities run by liberals are not safe. “Across the country, we have hit new records, madam president, for carjackers, for assaults. But instead of backing the blue, Democrats are turning cities into safe havens for criminals. That’s exactly what’s happened here in Washington, D.C. “So the city council here in Washington, D.C. recently voted to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for every crime except first-degree murder. There’s a value in mandatory minimum sentences. “It tells judges the bare minimum punishment for criminal behavior. Mandatory minimum sentence stops liberal judges from going soft and softer on crime. “It’s no wonder that Democrats have waged war on mandatory minimums for at least the last decade. The new D.C. law would also reduce maximum sentences for violent criminals, like carjackers. “For some gun charges, the maximum sentence would go from 15 years down to less than five. The new crime law in the District of Columbia would mean more violent criminals free to roam the streets of our nation’s capital and prey on innocent people. “Even the liberal ‘Washington Post’ has said that the bill that passed the D.C. City council is a bad idea. “Carjacking is already a major problem in Washington. We’re seeing it in liberal cities all across the nation. “Carjacking in D.C. has tripled since 2019, and we just heard on the floor of the Senate today that a carjacking has recently taken place right down the street from the capitol building. That’s today. “Under the new criminal code, the maximum sentence for armed carjacking would be cut almost in half. Why would the D.C. City council reward the criminals, the criminals who are creating this chaos in our nation’s capital? “These criminals and the liberal D.C. City councilmembers are driving away tourists from my home state of Wyoming who want to see their nation’s capital. “It’s a part of education for so many young people. Democrats in the House got behind the D.C. soft-on-crime policies when over 170 Democrats in the House voted to protect the criminals, not the citizens. So Joe Biden is now trying to hide his soft on crime record. “He just announced that he will now support our Republican position. This resolution we will soon be voting on will be a victory for every American who wants to feel safe when they visit their nation’s capital. “But Washington, D.C. is just one city. It shouldn’t stop here. Democrats’ soft-on-crime policies remain in effect in liberal-led cities all across America. “Democrat lawmakers, and especially Democrat mayors, need to take notice of this action by the United States Senate today. “It is time to start enforcing the law. It’s time to get rid of prosecutors who are weak and prosecutors who are woke. “They are not helping our country. We need to stand with law enforcement. We need to ensure police officers have the resources that they need to protect our communities. “The American people overwhelmingly reject the soft-on-crime policies of Democrats in Washington. America is based on the rule of law. Lawlessness should have no place in this nation. “It’s time to stop the crime. Time to stop the chaos. Chaos that we’re seeing in cities all across our country.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-backs-bill-to-stop-bidens-retirement-rip-off/,Barrasso Backs Bill to Stop Biden’s Retirement Rip-off,2023-03-01,2023,2023-03,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"Bipartisan Senate Votes to End Rule Politicizing Americans’ Savings Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks on the rule. WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) voted today to block the Biden administration’s rule jeopardizing the retirement savings of millions of Americans. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support, 50 to 46. “Republicans are committed to protecting the retirement savings of American families,” Barrasso said. “And Joe Biden is trying to veto our efforts – he is giving the middle finger to middle-class Americans who are concerned about the returns on their retirement funds.” In November of 2022, President Biden created a rule allowing managers of retirement plans to consider environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors when selecting investments and exercising shareholder rights. This rule replaces a crucial protection to ensure that financial decisions be made solely on getting the best returns for the 152 million Americans whose retirement plans are protected by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act. “The president is so committed to his climate change approach and pipe dreams that he is willing to crush the American dream of families who want to invest for the future,” Barrasso said. “We have these woke and weaponized bureaucrats at the Department of Labor and they came out with regulations to invest retirement money in far-left liberal causes.” ESG funds tend to have lower rates of return and plan participants can be unknowingly enrolled in funds that may not align with their political views. With this rule, the Biden administration is putting the retirement savings of hardworking Americans at risk in order to favor his political agenda. Under this rule, Americans can’t invest in things they might want to, including American energy. In reality, the investments Democrats want to mandate turn out to be worse for the American people. “We have to stop Joe Biden from strangling Americans’ retirement money. People deserve better and more freedom than this command and control we are seeing from this administration,” Barrasso added. The Congressional Review Act (CRA) can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated. The resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday and now goes to the president’s desk. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:54:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-bill-helps-nato-allies-escape-dependence-on-russia/,Barrasso Bill Helps NATO Allies Escape Dependence on Russia,2023-02-28,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) re-introduced legislation to enhance the energy security of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members by providing an escape from dependence on Russian energy. The Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe (ESCAPE) Act (S. 548) aims to quickly provide our allies with reliable and dependable American energy to stop Russia’s political coercion and manipulation in the region. In addition, the legislation mandates sanctions on Russian energy export pipelines. “In light of Russia’s year-long invasion of Ukraine, it is more important than ever to provide energy security to our allies in Europe. Putin continues to use Europe’s dependence on Russian energy as a geopolitical weapon to coerce and pressure our allies,” said Senator Barrasso. “The ESCAPE Act takes away Putin’s leverage through expanding American natural gas exports. The United States can help our allies obtain reliable American energy and loosen Putin’s political grip on the region.” Representative Carol Miller (R-WV-1) introduced the companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. “Energy security is national security and focusing on the expansion of American energy exports will prevent NATO’s reliance on unreliable energy from our adversaries,” said Congresswoman Miller. “This legislation reaffirms our commitment to providing more efficient energy to our allies and secure our ability to be energy independent and dominant which will reduce fear and concerns over Europe’s dependence on Russian energy.” Cosponsors of this legislation include U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Thune (R-S.D.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.). Full text of the legislation can be found here. Background Some of America’s European allies are increasingly dependent on Russian energy. Russia continues to undermine peace and security in Europe through a variety of mechanisms, including its use of energy as a geopolitical weapon. Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Months later, Russia cut off all gas supplies to Europe in response to economic sanctions imposed by the West. The Energy Security Cooperation with Allied Partners in Europe Act or the ESCAPE Act: Directs the U.S. permanent representative to NATO to work with NATO member states to address energy security for the organization’s members and partners in Europe and Eurasia. Calls for a comprehensive U.S. government transatlantic energy strategy that focuses on increasing the energy security of our NATO allies and partners and increasing American energy exports to those countries. Requires the Secretary of Energy to expedite approvals of natural gas exports to NATO allies, Japan, and any other foreign country where exports of natural gas would promote the national security interests of the United States. Authorizes mandatory U.S. sanctions on the development of Russian energy pipeline projects. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-introduces-bill-prohibiting-political-appointees-from-aiding-the-ccp/,Barrasso Introduces Bill Prohibiting Political Appointees from Aiding the CCP,2023-02-15,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Mike Braun (R-Ind.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today introduced the Cutting-off Communist Profiteers (CCP) Act (S. 442). This legislation would prohibit any U.S. political appointees from knowingly representing, aiding, or advising the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chinese military companies. This also includes entities knowingly receiving any assistance from the Government of China or the CCP. The penalties under this act would include one to five years of imprisonment and civil penalties of not more than $50,000 for each violation. “China has proven time and time again that it will stop at nothing to be the dominant world power. This includes using former American government officials as pawns to advance the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). At a time when the CCP is more emboldened than ever, we must do everything possible to protect our national security,” said Barrasso. “American political appointees should not be allowed to cash in their government secrets for a job with a Chinese company. The CCP Act will safeguard our national security by banning these government workers from going to work for Chinese companies.” “If the American people have learned anything during the last week, it’s that the Chinese Communist Party cannot be trusted. Political appointees serving in presidential administrations have access to some of the most sensitive information and should never work on behalf of our adversaries,” said Lummis. “I’m proud to join my friend Senator Barrasso in introducing this commonsense bill to prevent appointees from knowingly representing or aiding the CCP.” “It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the Chinese Communist Party is the greatest international threat to American sovereignty,” said Braun. “No American political appointee should ever be compromised by China — which is why I’m proud to support this bill that will help protect our nation from the influence of the CCP.” “Far too often, political appointees misuse their previous U.S. government service to the American people to turn around and lobby for the Chinese Communist Party,” said Hagerty. “That’s why I am pleased to join Senator Barrasso’s principled legislation to put an end to this practice for good.” Full text of the CCP Act can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-families-cant-afford-to-ignore-disastrous-impacts-of-democrat-policies/,Barrasso: Families Can’t Afford to Ignore Disastrous Impacts of Democrat Policies,2023-02-14,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the January 2023 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen 14.4% since Joe Biden took office in January 2021. “Record-high prices and rising interest rates are making it harder for families to keep up. A week ago, Joe Biden told Americans that prices aren’t actually high. He told us not to believe our lying eyes and empty wallets. Yet families can’t afford to ignore the disastrous impacts of Democrat policies. Senate Republicans are working to make life more affordable for all Americans. That means stopping reckless Democrat spending and cutting burdensome red tape.” Background: • Prices have gone up 14.4% since Joe Biden took office. • Americans’ personal savings rate is near a 15-year low at 3.4%. • The Fed has raised interest rates eight times in response to soaring inflation – the fastest rate hike in 40 years. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-china-benefits-from-bidens-war-on-american-energy/,Barrasso: China Benefits from Biden’s War on American Energy,2023-02-10,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) recently spoke on the Senate floor about how President Joe Biden’s radical energy policies are causing our country to be more dependent on China. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: On Biden’s War on American Energy: “I come to the floor today to talk about the Biden administration’s war on American energy. “Time and again, Joe Biden’s energy policies have hurt America and have helped China. On Joe Biden’s first day in office, he shut down the Keystone XL Pipeline, and I think he did it for spite. “It would have brought 800,000 barrels of oil to this country every single day. “Joe Biden then stopped all new energy leases on federal land, and in Wyoming we have a lot of federal land. “He did it in a way that was blatantly illegal. A federal judge actually ordered Joe Biden to follow the law, to sell energy leases. Follow the law. “Joe Biden also raised taxes on natural gas by billions of dollars. He raised taxes on coal by $1 billion as well. “As a nation today, we are still producing about 2 million barrels of oil less than was projected we would be producing every day, a number of years ago, before the pandemic. “With lower production and higher taxes, it is no wonder that energy prices have been painful for the American people–punishing for the American people–who are just trying to make ends meet. Working families have lost nearly $3,000 specifically because of Joe Biden’s radical leftwing energy policy. “We are paying a lot more than that for additional causes of inflation, but on energy alone, it has been about $3,000 more than they should have spent in a normal situation.” On China Benefitting from Biden’s Policies: “And who have been the big winners under all of this? Well, regrettably, it has been China. “We are really less independent, less competitive, and more dependent on China. “This is compared to the day that Joe Biden took office. I am going to give you a couple of examples. “First, Joe Biden ended America’s role in helping developing countries–other developing countries–explore for energy. “Many countries are very poor, but they do have massive energy resources. They just need some help in getting to use them. “Millions of people could have benefited and been lifted out of poverty if we had helped them use the energy that they already had. “ Joe Biden stubbornly refuses. As a result, now these countries that need money to develop their energy resources–what are they doing? “More debt to China means more control by China, overall, of these additional countries. Joe Biden won’t let us in the United States help these countries or help the World Bank or help other lending institutions lend to those countries–and we see it all over Africa–because Joe “Biden is too pure, and he doesn’t like their energy. So he just turns them right over to China for predatory lending. Joe Biden’s obsession with electric vehicles also is turning over American power and money to China. “The batteries in electric vehicles require a specific set of critical minerals–a specific set of critical minerals that goes into the batteries of electric vehicles. “Just in the past few weeks, Joe Biden has shut down proposed copper mines in Minnesota and in Alaska. “Well, where are we going to get the minerals for the electric vehicles that Joe Biden and the Democrats want us to buy? “China and countries under the influence of China. China produces three-quarters of all of the lithium-ion batteries. “China also has 70 percent of the world’s production capacity for the key parts of EV batteries. “All of these are necessary for the electric vehicles that the Democrats and Joe Biden say we must buy. Where are these going to come from? “There is only one place, and they won’t let us have it from America. They won’t let us use what we have here. “China now dominates copper and cobalt mining in places like the Congo. The conditions at many of these mines–and this has been widely reported–are inhumane: child labor, brutal conditions. “Young mothers often bring their babies with them to the mines. Not in the United States–oh, no, we are too pure here in the United States to be able to mine for the chemicals that are needed for the electric vehicles. “So Joe Biden wants mothers to take babies into the mines in the Congo for the minerals for the electric vehicles that he is mandating that we drive here in the future. “So what happens to these mothers and these babies? “Well, they inhale toxic cobalt all day long. According to a United Nations report, 40,000 children are scavenging for cobalt in the Congo, for the electric vehicles, so China can sell us the chemicals that Joe Biden and the Democrats will not let us get out of the ground here in the United States. “Most people would call this criminal. Women and children in Africa are inhaling toxic minerals so that the climate elites in San Francisco can drive their electric vehicles. “Then there is the bloodshed and brutality that China uses to make solar panels. Joe Biden loves solar panels as much as he loves wind turbines. Well, there is a shortage of solar panels in this country right now. “Why? Because of the law we passed 2 years ago to stop buying Chinese products made by forced labor. “Well, solar panels require something called polysilicon. Nearly half of the world’s polysilicon is made now by forced labor in China. “Democrats have to choose between their green energy fairy tales and upholding basic human rights. It seems like the church that they worship, the church of wind and solar and wishful thinking, is what they have chosen over human rights. “I hope the Democrats agree with me that we should not make a green transition on the backs of forced labor. The Democrats seem to feel more guilt about burning oil than about solar panels being made by slave labor. It is hard to imagine. “This is just another in a long line of Democrat delusions. As if this all weren’t enough, Joe Biden is even giving our tax dollars to China. “Two weeks ago today, the Department of Energy announced that Joe Biden was sending another $1.6 million to a green energy company with ties to China. “The company is called LanzaTech. It is a carbon capture company. Joe Biden has already given them $10 million. He gave them money right after they signed a partnership with China’s official energy company, Sinopec. “This company, LanzaTech, has disclosed that `the Chinese Government may intervene or influence our operations at any time.” So let’s get this straight. “Joe Biden is giving money to a company that says the Chinese Government “may intervene or influence our operations at any time.’ “What do we know about this company? Well, we know that it has some ties to the Democratic Party’s top donors–the top donors–the people who contribute to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, members of this body who go and ask them for more money. “Who is on the board? Well, former President Obama’s campaign manager is a member of the board. Is this just a coincidence that, then, Joe Biden would move money, U.S. taxpayer dollars, to that company? Maybe it is not.” On Biden Robbing the American People: “If we want carbon capture, it should come to Wyoming. They don’t need to put money in these companies. We do it in Wyoming. We have a School of Energy Resources. “We have a wonderful location. It is being done in the right way. They had a whole XPRIZE granted to the research being done at the University of Wyoming through the School of Energy Resources. “The administration, it seems, when it comes to energy, would much rather go to China than go to the United States. That is Joe Biden’s view of the world right now. “Wyoming is ready to do carbon capture better than anybody in the world. I am not sure why the administration turns to China rather than to America, just like I don’t know why they have gone to Iran, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela, or Russia in the past for energy rather than in America. “Joe Biden’s policies continue to rob the American people and pay off China. Joe Biden even sold 1 million barrels of oil from our emergency petroleum reserve to China. “Then he said he was doing all of us a favor because he was going to bring down prices. This is a President who has been wrong and wrong and wrong. “I have introduced legislation to ensure we never sell any of our emergency stockpile to China ever again. The House of Representatives has already passed legislation to do that. “The legislation was actually bipartisan. It got 100 Democrats who voted for it. Why doesn’t Chuck Schumer bring it to the floor of the Senate today? Why not? Why isn’t he here? “A hundred Democrats joined Republicans to say we shouldn’t do this. People in this body get it. The White House clearly doesn’t. The Department of Energy clearly doesn’t. The administration doesn’t. “Joe Biden is held hostage by the far left of his party. Our Strategic Petroleum Reserve is for us, not for our enemies. America’s energy policy is supposed to be for us, not for our enemies. “It is not what we have gotten from this president. “Next week, I am going to introduce legislation to ban administration officials from going to work for China. “For 2 years, Joe Biden has strangled American energy production; at the same time, he has made us more dependent on China for critical minerals and for so much of what this Nation needs. “It is time for Joe Biden and the Democrats in this body to remember whom we work for, and that is the American people.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-push-to-balance-washingtons-budget/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Push to Balance Washington’s Budget",2023-02-10,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) and their Republican colleagues in introducing a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This joint resolution would force the president and Congress to enact annual balanced budgets. The resolution proposes a constitutional amendment establishing requirements for the submission and approval of annual balanced budgets, including guidelines regarding exceeding spending caps and raising taxes. “Wyoming balances its budget every year – it’s time for Washington to follow our lead,” said Barrasso. “This amendment ensures Congress and the president are constitutionally obligated to avoid reckless overspending. At a time we are facing record-high inflation, it’s more important than ever to balance each and every budget coming out of Washington.” “We need to get our economy back on track, and that starts with responsible government spending. We must make the hard decisions now to secure a bright future for our children and grandchildren,” said Lummis. “During his time in the Senate, my friend and predecessor Senator Mike Enzi pushed repeatedly for a balanced budget amendment. I will continue to push for this amendment on behalf of future generations of people in Wyoming.” The joint resolution would amend the U.S. Constitution to require: • Require the President to submit a balanced budget. • Require Congress to pass a balanced budget. • Restrict federal spending to 18 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. • Require two-thirds majority votes in the House and Senate to raise taxes. • Require a new three-fifths majority vote in both houses of Congress to raise the debt limit. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-on-bidens-state-of-the-union-address-americans-have-had-enough/,Barrasso on Biden’s State of the Union Address: Americans Have Had Enough,2023-02-07,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement in response to President Biden’s State of the Union address: “Wyoming families have had enough of President Biden’s blame game. Tonight, we heard this president brag and boast about a record that is failing the hardworking men and women of our state. This president is causing crisis after crisis. “Yet, President Biden didn’t talk about these crises tonight. He ignored the pain and suffering of families across the nation. President Biden wants Americans to forget that his out-of-touch policies pushed prices to a 40-year high, crushed Wyoming energy production, and caused the worst border crisis in American history. Instead, he read empty words off of a teleprompter when struggling families need real solutions. “Unlike Joe Biden and the Democrats, Senate Republicans are focused on fighting for Wyoming families and for every American. We are working to stop his reckless spending, make life more affordable, unleash Wyoming energy, and secure the border. It’s time for Joe Biden to work with us to help Americans recover from the nightmare he caused.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T23:18:08Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-challenge-biden-rule-politicizing-americans-retirement-savings/,"Barrasso, Lummis Challenge Biden Rule Politicizing Americans’ Retirement Savings",2023-02-02,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined U.S. Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and all of their Republican colleagues in challenging President Biden’s new rule politicizing the retirement savings of millions of Americans through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval. In November of 2022, President Biden created a rule that explicitly allows managers of retirement plans to consider environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors when selecting investments and exercising shareholder rights. This rule replaces a previous mandate that financial decisions be made solely on getting the best returns for the 152 million Americans who depend on ERISA for their retirement. ESG funds tend to have lower rates of return and plan participants can be unknowingly enrolled in funds that may not align with their political views. With this rule, the Biden administration is putting the retirement savings of hardworking Americans at risk in order to favor his political agenda. “Wyoming families are already facing record-high prices at the hands of President Biden. He is now prioritizing a far-left political agenda over Americans’ savings,” said Barrasso. “Republicans will continue to push for policies that help Americans save for a more secure retirement – not bow to the interests of radical extremists.” “People in Wyoming want their 401(k)s to prioritize the best investments possible. The Biden administration’s attempt to politicize their retirement funds is short-sighted and is costing retirees their hard earned money that they rely on to retire,” said Lummis. “Fiduciary decisions should be made solely on investment returns, not woke priorities that leave retirement accounts less valuable and less stable. I’m glad to join my colleague Senator Braun in highlighting this important issue.” The Congressional Review Act can be used by Congress to overturn certain federal agency regulations and actions through a joint resolution of disapproval. If a CRA joint resolution of disapproval is approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President, or if Congress successfully overrides a presidential veto, the rule at issue is invalidated. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-wyoming-delegation-kicks-off-tele-town-halls/,Wyoming Delegation Kicks-off Tele-Town Halls,2023-02-02,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso, Cynthia Lummis, and Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, all R-Wyo., participated in their first Wyoming delegation tele-town hall of the 118th Congress Wednesday night. “While working together in Washington, it is critical we hear directly from people across Wyoming on issues directly impacting our state,” the delegation said. “Tele-town halls are an effective way to reach as many towns and people as possible around our great state. The best ideas come from Wyoming—not Washington. These calls are a great opportunity to hear how we can best serve the people of Wyoming. We look forward to regularly hosting them together throughout this Congress.” To add your phone number to the list and participate in the next tele-town hall, please call Senator Barrasso’s office at 1-866-235-9553. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-biden-turning-the-american-dream-into-a-nightmare/,Barrasso: Biden Turning the American Dream Into a Nightmare,2023-02-01,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) recently spoke on the Senate floor about how the reckless policies of the Biden administration are dragging down our economy and hurting American families. Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “I come to the floor today to talk about our economy. The President has been doing a lot of bragging these days about the economy. Last week, it was Virginia. Later this week, it is Philadelphia. “He is in New York City today. He is going to be here on Capitol Hill, down the hall, in the House, next Tuesday night, for the State of the Union. “You know, the American people that I talk to–and looking at statistics and poll numbers from around the country–the American people just don’t believe the President has anything to brag about, not when you look at the economy that is facing our Nation today. “Two-thirds of people in polls out this weekend say that they disapprove of the way Joe Biden is handling the economy–disapprove, doing a bad job, the country heading in the wrong direction. “And it is really a problem when 70 percent of the people think the country in which they live, the county they love, is heading in the wrong direction. “Why would they say it? Well, they took a look at their own personal situation, because the average American family has lost more than “$10,000 to higher prices since Joe Biden took office just 2 years ago, and, now, what we are seeing across the country is more and more signs of the economy slowing down. “Last week, we found out that the economy had slowed down at the end of last year. Last year, the economy grew at only a rate of 2.1 percent for the entire year. “The White House predicted that it would be 3.8 percent, so much below what the President and the White House had predicted. “Actually, they missed it by almost half. And this is just the latest in a long list of disappointments that have affected the people all across the country over the last 2 years. “We found out Friday that consumer spending has dropped again. This week, working families are now getting another punch to the gut. “Economists are predicting that the Federal Reserve is likely going to raise interest rates again in just 2 days. More rate hikes are going to make it even more expensive to borrow money. It is going to slow the economy down even further. “Over the last year, we have seen the largest rate hikes in 40 years. The average rate of new mortgages doubled since Joe Biden became President. “Credit card interest rates are at an all-time high. Higher rates, harder to buy a home, harder to buy a house, harder to pay off credit card debt–it is no surprise that mortgage applications recently hit their lowest level in 25 years. They say they can’t afford it at these rates. “This is very bitter medicine for the American people to take because they have been living through the worst inflation in 40 years. So why do we have the worst inflation in 40 years? “Well, it is obvious. It is the massive spending done by the Democrats on a strictly party-line basis and the fact that the Democrats shut down American energy. “You talk about a one-two punch–trying to kill the American energy industry and massive amounts of spending on top of it, inflation at a 40-year high, people suffering all around the country. “Now, economists are predicting another recession coming this year. What does that mean? Well, it means more pain for people, more punishment for families who are just trying to get by or trying to put food on the table, and food prices have skyrocketed again. “The American dream is moving further and further out of reach for many, many American families. According to the Gallup poll group, faith in the American dream recently hit an all-time low. “How could that happen? Record numbers of people, surprisingly, believe that their children will have a lower standard of living than they have had. “That is not the way my parents looked at me when I was growing up or your parents did, Mr. President, when you were growing up. “The American dream was about a better next generation. Parents today don’t see that for their kids because they see what they see going around their communities and this country. “Many young people are giving up on their hope to buy a home someday. Families trying to get ahead are having a harder time, and many are falling behind. ‘It didn’t have to be this way. Oh, no, this is the result of the decisions that Joe Biden made and the inflation that Joe Biden and the Democrats have brought about this country. “Remember, when Joe Biden took office just 2 years ago, inflation in this country was virtually nonexistent. A typical 30-year mortgage went for less than 4 percent. The lockdowns from the pandemic were coming to an end. The economy was ready to take off. “And then in March of 2021, with every Democrat voting for it and every Republican voting against it, Democrats printed $2 trillion and added it to the national debt. “Republicans warned the Democrats: Don’t do it. Don’t do this. Don’t print the money. Don’t spend the money. Don’t add it to the debt. “We said it would cause inflation, and it wasn’t just Republicans who were saying it. Democrats’ own economic experts warned them: Don’t spend the money. It is going to jazz up the economy to the point of more money in. Prices are going to go chasing it, and prices will go up. “Democrat advisers, like former President Obama’s advisers–Larry Summers, Jason Furman, and Steve Rattner, to just to name a few–Democrats in Washington, in this body, on this side of the floor, ignored the whole thing, refused to listen. “Nancy Pelosi and the Democrats in the House said we don’t want to hear it. They put their fingers in their ears. A month after President Biden signed the bill, inflation climbed. “We have been suffering the consequences ever since. President Biden said: No, no, it is transitory. No, it is not inflation. “He had a hundred excuses. It was here, and it was here to stay, and the Democrats caused it. To add problems on top of this, Democrats also raised taxes on nearly every tax bracket. Of course, this was a direct violation of the promises Joe Biden made to the American people. Democrats raised prices anyway. “Joe Biden went and gave an inaugural address where he talked like he was going to work together. It is not what happened. “He went to the White House and killed the Keystone XL Pipeline and went far, far to the left, raising taxes on American energy, raising taxes on natural gas. Natural gas powers about half the homes in the United States. “Taxes on coal went up a billion dollars. That means everybody is paying higher prices. It is strangling our economy. It is strangling our energy production. It is wrong for the Nation. “You look at Joe Biden. He is smiling away like things are going well, completely out of touch with the families all across the country. We are still producing a lot less oil today than we were before the pandemic, and gas prices have gone up about 40 cents already this year. “They are predicted to go to over $4 a gallon by March because of the attack on American energy by this administration and this President. Democrats have taken a sledgehammer to our economy on each and every side: higher taxes, higher spending, higher gas, less American energy. “It is a Democrat policy in a nutshell. That is the Democrat economic policy: higher taxes, higher spending, higher debt, less American energy. It is a policy for failure, a policy for pain for American families. “I guess that is why, right now, today, in the United States Joe Biden is the least popular Democrat President in the last 60 years–the least popular. “So instead of bragging, instead of going to New York and pounding his chest, as he did in Virginia and he is going to do in Pennsylvania–instead of bragging, he ought to be apologizing to the American people. He does owe the American people an apology for the damage and the destruction that he has inflicted because of his radical leftwing policies. “His policies caused higher prices, caused higher interest rates, caused slower growth, caused much pain and much stress. So the American people are taking a look right now at the Biden economy, and they are not liking what they see. “People want their money back. They want their future back. They want a future for their family. “So if Joe Biden won’t apologize, which is what he should do when he comes to Congress next week for the State of the Union, then he should at least announce that he is going to change course, try to make things better, announce that he is going to stop this reckless spending that has brought us these problems, announce that he is finally going to unleash American energy so energy is affordable, available, and reliable. “That is what the American public is asking for and demanding. Working families in this country cannot afford any less.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-leads-bill-to-modernize-rural-health-care/,Barrasso Leads Bill to Modernize Rural Health Care,2023-02-01,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) was joined by U.S. Senators Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) in introducing The Rural Health Clinic Burden Reduction Act to provide regulatory relief for rural health clinics. This bipartisan bill will provide necessary updates to modernize the 30-year old law governing rural health clinics across the country. It gives these clinics guidance regarding the use of nurse practitioners and physician assistants, improves the ability of rural health clinics to provide mental health services, and removes outdated lab requirements. “As co-chairman of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, one of my top priorities is improving health care in Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “Rural health clinics have faced outdated and burdensome regulations for far too long. Our bipartisan legislation provides the necessary updates to ensure providers are able to give patients the high quality care they deserve.” “When I meet with families, farmers, businesses and community leaders in greater Minnesota, one of the first issues that comes up is health care,” said Senator Smith. “This bipartisan legislation will help modernize outdated laws that hamstring rural health clinics and improve access to care in rural communities. I’ll keep working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this passed.” “As I meet annually with community leaders across all 95 counties in Tennessee, improving access to rural healthcare is consistently top of the discussion,” said Senator Blackburn. “This bill will update outdated federal regulation and remove regulatory burdens for our rural health clinics, bringing quality care closer to home for rural America.” “Coloradans across the state rely on rural health clinics to access care in their communities, but unnecessary and outdated regulations weigh down providers’ ability to deliver high quality, affordable health care,” said Senator Bennet. “This bill cuts three decades old red tape, modernizing a vital part of our nation’s health care system and allowing for trusted providers to improve and expand their services.” “This legislation would provide immediate cost-savings to our rural health clinic by removing outdated lab requirements and aligning RHC policies with state scope of practice laws. The RHC Burden Reduction Act of 2023 is a long overdue package of common-sense burden reduction policies that, if passed, will support a continued focus on our mission providing healthcare to rural, underserved populations.” – Jeff Mincy, CEO of Platte Valley Clinic in Saratoga, WY The legislation is also endorsed by the National Association of Rural Health Clinics, the National Rural Health Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Physician Associates. Full text of the legislation can be found here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-introduce-suite-of-bills-to-safeguard-second-amendment-rights/,"Barrasso, Lummis Introduce Suite of Bills to Safeguard Second Amendment Rights",2023-02-01,2023,2023-02,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Citing their commitment to defending the Second Amendment rights of Wyoming citizens, today, U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined their colleagues in introducing the Stop Harassing Owners of Rifles Today (SHORT) Act, the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to fight back against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives’ (ATF) recently announced federal registry for firearms with stabilizing braces. “Every day, people across Wyoming responsibly use their Second Amendment rights to keep and bear arms. President Biden’s unconstitutional rule threatens to turn law-abiding citizens into criminals,” said Barrasso. “We must stop the administration from imposing the largest government-initiated gun registration and confiscation program in history. Sen. Lummis and I will continue to fight against any policies that jeopardize the Second Amendment rights of the people of Wyoming and across the country.” “People in Wyoming responsibly wield firearms to protect and provide for their families, and they should be allowed to continue to do so,” said Senator Lummis. “This suite of bills pushes back on the far Left’s attempts to chip away at our Second Amendment rights, and I’m proud to join Senator Barrasso in continuing our efforts to ensure responsible Wyoming gun owners are protected.” The SHORT Act, introduced by Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS), rolls back a new ATF rule that bars Americans with disabilities from using pistol braces to exercise their Second Amendment rights. With this announcement, the ATF will now classify short-barreled AR rifles and similar firearms as pistols. AR-style firearms are used by roughly 60% of hunters and remain among the most popular firearm in Wyoming. The Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Bill Hagerty (R-TN), would allow law-abiding gun owners with concealed carry permits in their own states to continue to lawfully carry their weapons in other states with concealed carry laws. The Congressional Review Act would push back on the recently released ATF rule increasing requirements for the use of pistol braces. From the date of the announcement of the ATF rule, manufacturers, dealers, and individual owners have 120 days to register any “short-barreled” rifles or remove the stabilizing brace on the weapon. This will greatly impact Wyoming residents who choose not to follow this rule, as they could face a $250,000 fine and possible prison time. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:47:45Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-join-bill-to-stop-bidens-mass-debt-cancellation/,"Barrasso, Lummis Join Bill to Stop Biden’s Mass Debt Cancellation",2023-01-26,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.) in reintroducing the Debt Cancellation Accountability Act. This legislation would prevent the Biden administration from enacting an overreaching and irresponsible blanket cancellation of student loans. It requires the U.S. Department of Education to obtain an express appropriation from Congress to pay for any federal student loan debts the Department proposes to waive, discharge, or otherwise reduce whenever granted to two or more borrowers in an amount greater than $1,000,000, rather than on a case-by-case basis. “President Biden’s attempt to cancel millions of dollars in student loans undercuts hardworking Americans who are responsibly paying off their debt. The country is still feeling the pain of record high prices and these misguided proposals from the radical Democrats only make things worse,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our bill will hold the administration accountable and make sure no taxpayer in Wyoming or across the country is stuck paying off someone else’s student loans.” “It is lunacy that the Biden administration believes that people in Wyoming should fund his student loan bailout. It is unconstitutional and it is unfair,” said Senator Lummis. “Thank you to Senator Rick Scott for introducing this important legislation.” “Our nation is facing a staggering $31 trillion worth of debt and we have closed in on the debt ceiling, yet the Biden administration is still attempting to cancel millions of dollars in student loans. This is just another example of how far he will go to appease the radical left. The reality is, a blanket forgiveness of student loans only benefits a small percentage of the population at the expense of millions of other hardworking Americans,” said Senator Scott. “Those who have saved to pay for the education they chose to get, or have no debt at all because they chose a valuable career that doesn’t require a college degree, shouldn’t be on the hook to bail out folks that voluntarily took on debt and now want someone else to pay for it. That’s not how the real world works. Our legislation, the Debt Cancellation Accountability Act, will hold this administration accountable to American taxpayers by requiring Congressional approval for any mass cancellation of student debt. When I was governor of Florida, we focused on solving the real problem behind massive student loan debt: the rising cost of higher education. Biden should do the same.” Additional cosponsors include U.S Senators Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-we-need-more-american-energy/,Barrasso: We Need More American Energy,2023-01-25,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) recently spoke on the Senate floor about the need to unleash American energy to counter the Biden administration’s radical climate policies. Senator Barrasso also spoke about legislation he introduced this week to protect and prioritize America’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) and ban SPR sales to China. Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks Excerpts from Sen. Barrasso’s remarks: “I come to the floor today to talk about the need for more American energy. We are approaching the end of January. “Winter storms have been covering the country from Colorado to Connecticut. We are seeing it everywhere: Temperatures drop. Energy prices go up. “In a typical year, cold actually kills more Americans than extreme heat. This winter, millions of families are in danger of being left out in the cold because of the cost of energy. “We know that more than 20 million households in America, right now, have fallen behind on their ability to pay their energy bills. “Record-high inflation has robbed the American people of more than $10,000 for each and every family since Joe Biden has become President. “Just look at what people were paying for things before he came into office and what they are paying today. As a result, people are able to save less, and they are having to pay more. “We know that about two out of three American households are living paycheck to paycheck. Personal savings in this country is now at a record low; household debt is at a record high. People are having to borrow more money and put things on the credit card at higher and higher interest rates. “At the same time, energy prices are dramatically higher than they were the day Joe Biden took office. The cost of heating oil is up by two-thirds. Natural gas is higher now than in a long time. Electricity is up by 20 cents on the dollar. “As a result, there is actually the risk of people having their energy and their electricity shut off this winter. Some are doing it voluntarily because they don’t want the big bill that is going to come. It is hard to believe that it is happening here in the wealthiest country in the world. “We have enough energy to keep every American warm this winter. Some of it, they won’t let us get out of the ground, but we have it. “So it is an absolute disgrace, with the energy resources we have in this country, that Americans are facing brownouts and blackouts from an energy standpoint because of the Biden administration’s radical climate policies. … “Our petroleum reserve is for America. It is for emergencies. It is for natural disasters. It is for war. It is not for China. “This week, I am introducing legislation to make sure this never happens again. The House has already passed this legislation. The vote was completely bipartisan, more than 100 Democrats voted for it in the House. “There is no reason it shouldn’t be bipartisan here in the Senate as well. So I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in this effort. “The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is for us. It is not for our enemies. Joe Biden has promised to use our tax dollars—I mean, it is astonishing. He went to the United Nations and said he was going to give $11 billion a year to the United Nations for climate reparations—for energy we have used— giving away American dollars when Americans can’t afford to pay for energy costs here at home. “Why is he doing it? If you listen to his speech, it is because he wants to say he is sorry. That is what we have, a President who wants to apologize once again for America. “He wants us to feel guilty about the fact that we have built the strongest economy in the world by using oil, gas, coal—all of the energy resources that we have in this country. “The American people have nothing to apologize for. Joe Biden is wrong. We shouldn’t apologize for being an energy superpower. We shouldn’t apologize for using our energy resources. “If he wants to apologize, he ought to be apologizing to the people of the United States for the policies he has put in place that have driven up costs and caused pain for families all across America. “He should apologize for raising taxes on American energy. He should apologize for wasting tax dollars. The Secretary of Energy—his Secretary of Energy—has given more than $200 million in loans to companies in China. “The Secretary of the Treasury is going to China soon. She met with China’s Vice Premier recently in Switzerland. According to the Treasury Department, she agreed to ‘‘enhance cooperation [with China] on climate finance . . . as well as support for . . . developing countries in their clean energy transitions’’—in other words, more American taxpayer dollars for other people in other countries. “Again, the excuse for all of this is climate. The Democrats in Washington are utterly obsessed with the green dreams of the coastal elites who run the Democratic Party, who call the tune. “Again and again, the Democrats side with the climate elites over the common folks. I hear it in Wyoming. I hear it no matter where I travel in the country. … ”Last week, there was a large Democrat political rally held in Switzerland, at a place called Davos. The masters of the universe flew to Switzerland for the World Economic Forum. “From the television reports and the news reports, much of the conversation was about climate. The President’s energy/climate czar, John Kerry, was there. He gave a speech. You talk about somebody with smug superiority; he just thinks he knows better than anybody else. “Here is what he said. This is from John Kerry: It’s extraordinary that we, a select group of human beings . . . are able to talk about saving the planet. “Thank you, John Kerry. You are going to save us all. I can hardly wait. He added: If you say that to most people, they think you’re just a crazy, tree-hugging, lefty, liberal do-gooder . . . but that’s where we are. “Well, John Kerry, you are right. Most people—certainly, anybody in Wyoming—who would listen to you would say you are just a crazy, tree-hugging, lefty, liberal do-gooder. That is who we have got from the President of the United States doing his climate bidding in Switzerland. “This is exactly what people think about John Kerry and the climate crisis and the positions of this administration. “As if one failed Presidential nominee and candidate weren’t embarrassing enough, then we had a real Vice President who came to speak, a former Vice President named Al Gore. “Anyone watching Al Gore speak would say that, basically, he descended into an unhinged rant. About what? Well, climate of course. That is all he ever rants about. “The former Democrat Senator and Vice President said we are ‘‘boiling the oceans.’’ That is what we are doing, apparently, he said, if we don’t obey his energy policies. “Well, I am sure he and John Kerry have great times together. ‘‘Boiling the oceans.’’ He even said we are creating what he called ‘‘rain bombs.’’ He wants to save the planet as well, and I would say: What planet is he on? “That is what we are seeing coming out of this administration as their voice on the world stage. When it comes to energy, what are the Democrats offering? A fairytale, a fantasy, and a fraud. … “Wyoming is the energy breadbasket of the Nation. We have it. It is affordable. It is available. It is reliable. That is not good enough for Joe Biden. No. “He wants to go to Iran, go to Venezuela, go to Saudi Arabia, with hat in hand, and beg them to produce more and send it here. “It is interesting listening to the climate elites as they are fixated on renewable energy regardless of the costs and regardless of the consequences. The Democrats need to stop this science fiction. “It is long past time for America to unleash our energy and stop this foolishness coming from the administration that has us buying energy from our enemies instead of selling it to our friends. “We have an abundance of American energy, and the Democrats want to keep it buried in the ground. “For every American family who is struggling to make ends meet and is falling further behind because of the inflation caused by the Democrats’ spending, it is time to unleash American energy right now. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-lummis-hagerty-reintroduce-legislation-to-reverse-irs-invasion-into-americans-privacy/,"Barrasso, Lummis, Hagerty Reintroduce Legislation to Reverse IRS Invasion into American’s Privacy",2023-01-24,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Barrasso and Cynthia Lummis, both R-Wyo., joined U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and their Republican colleagues in reintroducing the Stop the Nosy Obsession with Online Payments (SNOOP) Act. This bill would strike the tax code provision inserted by the Biden administration in the so-called “American Rescue Plan” that requires third-party payment platforms to report businesses’ transactions volumes totaling more than $600 to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). Prior to this provision, payment providers were only required to report information when a payee had over 200 commercial transactions per year that exceeded $20,000. As a result of the new provision, thousands of small businesses will have to fill out 1099-Ks to provide their personal information to the IRS, despite the IRS’ poor history of safeguarding Americans’ personal data. “Joe Biden wants to give his supersized IRS a license to spy on hardworking Americans. Republicans will fight to stop Democrats from giving more power to an agency that can’t even keep tax records secure,” said Senator Barrasso. “Our legislation stops this power-grab dead in its tracks. It also ensures the government isn’t invading the privacy of law-abiding citizens in Wyoming and across the country.” “It is concerning to me that the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress are continuing to place heavier burdens on small businesses across Wyoming,” said Senator Lummis. “The IRS has a history of unfairly targeting businesses they find distasteful and leaving private consumer information vulnerable to bad actors. The last thing we should give them is access to more of our financial information. I am proud to reintroduce the SNOOP Act with my colleagues to push back on this government overreach.” “The Biden Administration has proven relentless in its attempt to invade the privacy of Americans’ lives and finances,” said Senator Hagerty. “It is regrettable that this Administration still insists on advancing their perilous and oppressive political agenda to the detriment of taxpayers’ privacy, heedless of their failed track record of protecting Americans’ confidential data and the deep concern of the American people that they serve. After Democrats ignored Republican efforts to repeal these new requirements for two years, the Biden Administration took a politically-timed step to save them from the consequences of their own actions, but merely delaying this intrusive provision is not enough; It is past time we stand up for our small business owners and put an end to this Administration’s egregious and unwarranted overreach for good.” Additional cosponsors include U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and James Lankford (R-Okla.). ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-biden-deserves-an-f-for-failing-the-american-people/,Barrasso: Biden Deserves an ‘F’ for Failing the American People,2023-01-20,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, today issued the following statement marking two years of the Biden presidency. “Halfway through President Biden’s term in office, he deserves an ‘F’ for failing the American people. Wyoming families can’t afford another two years of Joe Biden’s failures. “For two years Joe Biden has waged a war on Wyoming and American energy. He’s driven inflation to a 40-year high and borrowed trillions of dollars to pay off his liberal base. President Biden caused the worst border crisis in history. As commander-in-chief, he embarrassed the nation with his deadly surrender to terrorists in Afghanistan. The American people want more American energy, lower inflation, a strong military, a secure border, and safe communities. “Senate Republicans will continue to fight for the American people’s priorities every day. We will hold Joe Biden accountable for his failures. We will work to undo the historic damage Democrats have done in such a short time.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-tester-daines-hickenlooper-push-biden-admin-to-address-rural-nursing-home-staffing-shortages/,"Barrasso, Tester, Daines, Hickenlooper Push Biden Admin to Address Rural Nursing Home Staffing Shortages",2023-01-20,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), and colleagues today sent a letter to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure expressing concerns about CMS’ intent to issue additional staffing mandates for nursing homes. In the letter, the senators discourage CMS from taking a “one-size-fits-all” approach and instead address the significant workforce shortages affecting rural America. “We fear a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate would undermine access to care for patients, particularly in rural communities,” the senators wrote. “Instead, we urge you to work with Congress and rural stakeholders on tailored solutions that address the severe workforce challenges in our states’ underserved areas.” “Going forward, we recognize CMS as a crucial partner in identifying, mitigating, and preventing future health and safety problems in nursing homes,” the letter continued. “We stand ready to work with your agency on proposals to improve long-term care for patients. The best way to accomplish this goal is working with Congress and stakeholders to ensure any future actions do not further exacerbate the serious challenges already facing facilities in rural America.” The letter was also signed by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.). “I’m grateful for this bipartisan effort to push back on additional burden and complex rules for Wyoming nursing homes. Nursing homes across the state are already struggling with staffing shortages, and further prescribed staffing levels would put many of these important nursing homes in financial jeopardy. If additional staffing requirements are implemented, we could see the closure of many rural nursing homes, leaving vulnerable patients and large geographical areas without much-need services. I’m grateful to Senator Barrasso for his leadership on this issue.” – Eric Boley, President, LeadingAge Wyoming Text of the letter can be found here and below. Dear Administrator Brooks-LaSure, We write to express our concerns regarding the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) intent to issue staffing mandates for nursing homes. Like you, we understand the importance of ensuring beneficiaries of federal health care programs have access to safe and high-quality nursing care. However, we fear a one-size-fits-all staffing mandate would undermine access to care for patients, particularly in rural communities. Instead, we urge you to work with Congress and rural stakeholders on tailored solutions that address the severe workforce challenges in our states’ underserved areas. While we support evidence-based policies to improve beneficiary care in nursing homes, staffing mandates are not the only solution. First, sweeping staffing mandates do not account for individual facilities’ operational capabilities and local workforce conditions. For example, minimum staffing standards that establish strict staff-to-patient ratios and/or minimum hours per resident day requirements may not reflect optimal staffing levels given differences in patients’ needs and underlying conditions, as well as the skills of the personnel at-hand.[1] Additionally, blanket staffing standards may not provide enough flexibility to nursing homes in light of well-known and long-standing obstacles to the recruitment and retention of direct care workers, especially in rural and underserved areas. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that the health care sector is projected to have a shortage of nurses (10 to 20% based on a spring 2022 estimate) in the coming years. Finally, meeting staffing mandates will place nursing homes in financial jeopardy.[2],[3],[4] This could lead to the shuttering of facilities, especially in rural communities. There is no question such a scenario would only amount to a counterproductive regulatory environment that leaves vulnerable patients and their families with far less access to care. Going forward, we recognize CMS as a crucial partner in identifying, mitigating, and preventing future health and safety problems in nursing homes. We stand ready to work with your agency on proposals to improve long-term care for patients. The best way to accomplish this goal is working with Congress and stakeholders to ensure any future actions do not further exacerbate the serious challenges already facing facilities in rural America. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom-news-releases-barrasso-democrat-policies-mean-everybody-is-paying-more-for-less/,Barrasso: Democrat Policies Mean Everybody is Paying More for Less,2023-01-12,2023,2023-01,Republican,Senate,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,barrasso,https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/newsroom/news-releases/,scraper,"CASPER, WY – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, issued the following statement after the December 2022 Consumer Price Index (CPI) revealed inflation has risen 13.5% since Joe Biden took office in January 2021. “American families continue to suffer because of the reckless policies of the Biden administration. The cost of everyday goods has risen faster than paychecks for 21 straight months. Democrats’ out-of-touch policies mean everybody is paying more for less. Americans are worried about the future and need relief now. Senate Republicans are focused on making life more affordable for families in Wyoming and across the country.” Background: 1. Prices have gone up 13.5% since Joe Biden took office. 2. Inflation has outpaced wage gains for 21 months in a row. 3. Since Joe Biden took office, higher prices have cost families an additional $10,000. 4. According to a recent CBS poll, 70% of Americans are “pessimistic” about the high cost of goods and services. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T17:41:40Z