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.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3B7B5BA8-4455-41B6-B02C-75B71F759ACA,Bill to Double Size of Black Hills Veterans Cemetery Passes Senate,2017-12-23,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) issued the following statements after the Senate passed their bill, the Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act (S. 35), legislation that would facilitate a permanent land transfer of approximately 200 acres of Bureau of Land Management land to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery outside of Sturgis, South Dakota. A companion version, which was introduced by U.S. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.), passed the House Representatives earlier this year. I applaud the Senate for passing this legislation to expand the Black Hills National Cemetery, said Enzi. Since Wyoming is one of the few states that does not have a VA National Cemetery, it is important that surrounding states have the capacity to ensure an honorable resting place for Wyomings veterans for years to come. That is why it is critical that Black Hills National Cemetery can continue to serve the region for decades as a place for military families to honor their loved ones. Im glad the Senate unanimously approved this commonsense legislation that will allow the Black Hills National Cemetery to continue being a place for military families to remember and honor loved ones who have served, said Thune. By expanding the cemeterys boundary, we can ensure that our military heroes will have a place to rest in peace for generations to come. We still have some work ahead us, and Im hopeful well be able to get this bill to the president as soon as possible. It is important for South Dakotas veterans to know that the Black Hills National Cemetery willhave space forthem for generations to come,said Rounds. Im glad our legislation to expand the cemeterys boundary passed the Senate and look forwardtorectifying our bill with the House-passed version so we can get it to the presidents desk in a timely manner. Under current law, the Federal Land Policy and Management Act limits transfers like this one to a lifespan of 20 years. The Black Hills National Cemetery Boundary Expansion Act would make this particular transfer permanent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletter-archives?ContentRecord_id=4067924E-EE21-4D97-B7A2-BA997D74002C,The Enzi Update - December 2017 Newsletter,2017-12-22,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Merry Christmas and happy holidays! It's been a busy month in Washington, but we were finally able to bring meaningful tax reform to provide relief for hardworking Americans. I was excited to work as a member of the joint Senate-House conference committee to finalize the tax reform bill, which both chambers passed earlier this month andPresident Trump signed into law Friday morning. This reform makes critical and long overdue changes to our tax code that will jumpstart the economy and, most importantly, lets families decide how more of their hard-earned money should be used. Diana and I send our best wishes to all our Wyoming friends at this special time of year. We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season! Where ever you are celebrating, we hope you are thankful for the blessings of the year and look forward to a bright new year. Senate approves far-reaching tax reform to help hardworking families and boost America's economy The U.S. Senate approved the joint House-Senate conference report for the tax reform bill, which is the culmination of efforts by Congress to help hardworking Americans by lowering taxes across the board and helping grow the economy. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the bill is the most sweeping change to our nations tax system in more than 30 years and will help boost Americas economy, create more jobs, and leave more money in peoples paychecks. The goal of this bill is to help improve the lives of millions of hardworking American families, including the residents in my own state of Wyoming,Enzi said.This legislation includes meaningful changes that will help individuals and families struggling to move up the economic ladder. The tax plan includes reforms that will help grow the economy, create more jobs, and simplify taxes. It provides American workers and families with an across-the-board tax cut and will put more money in peoples pockets. Learn more Enzi, Carper introduce bipartisan legislation to help physician assistants provide hospice care Enzi and U.S. Senator Tom Carper, D-Del.,introduced the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act, which would allow physician assistants to provide and manage hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries. In rural and other medically under-served communities, physician assistants may be the only health care professional available for hospice care. But under current Medicare law, physician assistants are not allowed to serve as a hospice attending physician. Learn more Local businesses help make the holidays special Wyoming communities are special; this is proven true time and time again during the holiday season. From Gillettes Festival of Lights to Santas helicopter arrival in Powell, communities all over our state celebrate Christmas in their own unique ways. Local businesses help make it possible.Read more here",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C19E9ED5-4BBD-4930-806F-E8A2DD2AF9CD,Barrasso Statement on Passage of Historic Tax Reform Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement regarding his vote to support the final Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Today, Congress passed a once-in-a-generation tax relief bill that will allow people in Wyoming and across the country to keep more of their hard-earned money. Americans will now have a simpler, fairer tax code that will grow our economy, increase wages, and create jobs. In addition to lowering the rates Americans have to pay, the bill doubles the child tax credit, allows more medical-expense deductions and keeps tax relief for retirement savings, charitable giving and mortgage interest. It nearly doubles the standard deduction to let folks keep more of their paychecks and save time when they file their taxes. It also repeals one of the most unfair parts of Obamacare the individual mandate tax. This means Americans will no longer pay a penalty if they decide that overpriced Obamacare insurance is not right for them. I have always believed the best way for Washington to give Americans the most value for their money is to let them keep it at home. This bill does that, while making American businesses more competitive and unleashing the full potential of our economy. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/tv-appearances?ContentRecord_id=408F8CC8-C850-4159-BF1A-4395BF38681B,Barrasso on FOX News with Sandra Smith about Tax Bill,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Search Offices Services Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Menu About John Biography Official Photo Wyoming State Facts Wyoming Links Services Legislation Newsroom TV Appearances News Releases Photo Gallery Second Opinion Reports Students Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Search Privacy Policy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=CB3CC11A-DB12-44C1-A644-6169E0F9E757,Senate Approves Far Reaching Tax Reform to Help Hardworking Families and Boost Americas Economy,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The United States Senate today approved the joint House-Senate conference report on tax reform legislation, which is the culmination of efforts by Congress to help hardworking Americans by lowering taxes across the board and helping grow the economy.Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the bill is the most sweeping change to our nations tax system in over 30 years and will help boost Americas economy, create more jobs, and leave more money in peoples paychecks. The goal of this bill is to help improve the lives of millions of hardworking American families, including the residents in my own state of Wyoming, Enzi said. This legislation includes meaningful changes that will help individuals and families struggling to move up the economic ladder. The tax plan includes reforms that will help grow the economy, create more jobs, and simplify taxes. It provides American workers and families with an across-the-board tax cut and will put more money in peoples pockets. Most importantly, it lets American families have a greater say as to how to use their hard-earned money. Enzi noted that under the plan, Americans will reap tax savings from reduced tax rates, a higher standard deduction (which creates a larger zero tax bracket for low-income individuals and increases many peoples tax refunds). It also includes a child tax credit that doubles in size to $2,000 to help struggling families. The bill would do this while preserving important deductions for medical expenses, charities, homeowners and state and local taxes. Our farmers and ranchers will receive stronger protections from the reach of the death tax to help them more easily pass on their businesses to future generations. Businesses small and large will benefit from a range of tax breaks, including lower tax rates, expanded opportunities to expense the purchase of capital assets, a new 20% deduction for many unincorporated businesses, and international tax reforms to give U.S. headquartered multinationals a strong competitive footing in the global marketplace. Click here for a summary and highlights of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=D5F0AAFE-DF57-43A8-AD18-22BAEF9478EC,Senate Floor Consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-20,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Statement of Sen. Michael B. Enzi Senate Floor Consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Tuesday, December 19, 2017 Mr. President, we stand today on the precipice of the most sweeping change to our nations tax system in over 30 years. This is a historic moment, as this distinguished deliberative body begins final consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax reform that will help boost Americas economy, create more jobs, and leave more money in peoples paychecks. The last time we considered tax reform similar of this magnitude was 1986. To help remind us how much our country, its economy, and people have changed since that time, lets review some of the events of that year. In 1986, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at 1,895; it now stands at over 24,000. A gallon of gas cost just 89 cents, today its close to $2.50. We still used land lines to phone our loved ones. Iconic movies such as Top Gun and Aliens opened, Americans were watching TV shows like Dynasty and Hill Street Blues. The Associated Press chose NBA star Larry Bird as one of the athletes of the year. And President Ronald Reagan signed into law the Tax Reform Act of 1986, which ushered in deep tax rate cuts for American families and an overhaul of our complicated tax code. When he signed the bill, Reagan commented on the length of the journey and noted that some people thought it would never happen. Today too, some have asserted that tax reform either cannot or should not happen. But as our strongly optimistic president said in 1986, and as I continue to believe, the American people haven't made this the freest country and the mightiest economic force on this planet by shrinking from challenges. Reagan noted: This country was founded on faith in the individual, not groups or classes, but faith in the resources and bounty of each and every separate human soul. Our Founding Fathers designed a democratic form of government to enlist the individual's energies. For that reason I want to remind my colleagues about the hard work that brought us here. Its a journey that has been years in the making, under the leadership of both sides of the aisle. Its one that we started and will finish for the benefit of the American people and the health of the U.S. economy. Im proud of the work of the Finance and Budget Committees, and Ive had the honor to play a role with both. The Finance Committee held more than 70 hearings on how the tax code can be improved and streamlined to work better for all Americans. Almost three years ago, Finance Chairman Hatch and Ranking Member Wyden convened bipartisan tax reform working groups to analyze challenges of our outdated tax code, and develop policy recommendations for comprehensive tax reform. The conclusions reached by these groups helped identify the issues for reform and shape the contours of the legislation that we are considering now. It is worth nothing that the entire fiscal year 2018 budget reconciliation process has been open, transparent, and subject to regular order, starting with the passage of the Senate budget resolution. The Senate Budget Committee marked up the budget over two days and accepted amendments from both sides of the aisle to make the resolution stronger. In fact, for the first time ever, the minority received a copy of the Chairmans Mark five days prior to the start of our markup. According to many of my colleagues, it was one of the most transparent budget resolution markups in history. The budget resolution, complete with the adopted reconciliation instructions, was then debated on the floor. This was an open floor process that allowed every Senator the opportunity to offer and vote on amendments to improve the resolution before its final passage. Last month, the Senate Finance Committee held a four-day markup before approving tax reform legislation designed to modernize our tax code. The markup lasted 23 hours and 34 minutes over the course of those four days. Of the more than 350 amendments filed, 69 were considered in committee. Amendments offered by both Democrats and Republicans were adopted. Since then both chambers of Congress have passed similar versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, and over the past two weeks conferees worked tirelessly to resolve and bridge the differences between the two bills and come to agreement on a final piece of legislation. In this chamber, the legislation reflects the outstanding work and leadership of Finance Chairman Hatch and Energy Committee Chairman Murkowski in developing legislative recommendations that adhere to the budget resolutions reconciliation instructions, and I thank them for their efforts. I also thank my Senate colleagues who earlier this month supported Senate passage of the Tax Cuts and Job Act and whose advice and consent during the conference has shaped the final bill. The legislation is truly a reflection of the broad range and consensus of members who engaged with this process. Throughout my work on this bill, I have carried with me the many lessons Ive learned from when I owned and operated a small business, or worked as an accountant. I have been led by one singular purpose to help improve the lives of millions of hardworking American families, including the residents in my own state of Wyoming. I am pleased with the outcome of our work, because I believe it includes meaningful changes that will help individuals and families struggling to move up the economic ladder. The tax plan includes reforms that will help grow the economy, create more jobs, and simplify taxes. It provides American workers and families with an across-the-board tax cut and puts more money in peoples pockets. It lets Americans have a greater say as to how to use their hard-earned money. The changes will help small businesses in our communities thrive, and encourage the largest multinational companies to remain in the United States investing profits here instead of overseas. Not a bad wish list for Santa. Under the plan, Americans will reap tax savings from reduced tax rates, a higher standard deduction (which creates a larger zero tax bracket for low-income individuals and increases many peoples tax refunds). It also includes a child tax credit that doubles in size to $2,000 to help struggling families. All this while preserving important deductions for medical expenses, charities, home owners and state and local taxes. Our farmers and ranchers will receive stronger protections from the reach of the death tax to help them more easily pass on their businesses to future generations. Businesses small and large will benefit from a range of tax breaks, including lower tax rates, expanded opportunities to expense the purchase of capital assets, a new 20% deduction for many unincorporated businesses, and international tax reforms to give U.S. headquartered multinationals a strong competitive footing in the global marketplace. These are changes you can take to the bank. Now it is time for us to act. Its time for us to modernize our outdated tax code so that our nation can remain competitive in a 21st century economy. The code as it stands now hurts American workers and hampers economic growth. Along with reforms to the code, this bill will also promotes economic growth. For too long some have accepted the presumption of a U.S. economy that wont grow as strongly as it has in the past. As a supporter of this bill, I reject that false narrative. Better tax policy will boost the value of everything we produce, and this will mean more revenue for the federal government. Im tired of the accusations that Republican budget Hawks - and that definitely includes me - are willing to throw in the towel and accept a trillion and a half dollar deficit over the next 10 years. Im still a deficit hawk. And heres why: claims to the contrary that this tax bill will go unpaid for are based on an incomplete analysis of the tax bill. We have a Congressional Budget Office tasked with impartially evaluating any legislation that we do. Unfortunately its evaluations are tied to static scoring. That means its evaluated without considering the underlying economic effects of the changes we are making. The problem really isnt how much revenue well have under the new tax bill. I believe it will increase revenue as the tax cut did in the 1980s. The problem is spending. We never make cuts to budgets. In Washington, a cut in the budget brings screams if an agency or program doesnt get as much as it requested even if it but gets more than it ever had before. That is not a budget cut, but thats how it works in Washington. If we continue this way we wont ever get our spending in line. For years Ive tried to institute the Penny plan where we just cut one percent in real cuts from where weve been. It gets lip service but not votes! Its a lot easier to give away money than it is to take away money. So we need a new approach. We need to grow the economy. We need businesses to do well so more tax money will come in. We need individuals to make more so more tax money will come in. Thats been done before with tax cuts. Unfortunately, when the tax cuts performed to provide more revenue, we spent twice what we brought in. So heres what Ive done as Budget Chairman. A good economy brings in more tax money. Our economy has been limping along, last year it grew at a mere 1.6 percent GDP. GDP is private sector growth - not government growth. The norm for the United States is 3.2 percent GDP - NOT like what we saw during the past 8 years when GDP remained below 3 percent. In fact, since this President got elected, the GDP has been 3.2 percent already! And for the fourth quarter of 2017 we may almost hit 4 percent. Every 10th of a percent increase in GDP brings in $273 billion in taxes over 10 years. If we could raise that anemic 1.9 percent to a mere 2.4 percent GDP, we can recover the deficit effect from the tax cuts. If we can bring up our productivity in the private sector, thats GDP, to its norm, we will pay down significant debt over the ten-year window. Some 130 economists have agreed with me. They say 2.4 percent is way too low and 3.2 GDP is much more reasonable. Some even predict 4 percent growth of our economy. Thats how you can be a deficit hawk and cut taxes. You just have to bet America can do better. Actually we are just betting we can be as good as we used to be. Our American spirit should say, We can do a lot better than that! The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help our economy expand. It will provide tax relief to hardworking Americans and make the changes to our tax code that businesses large and small need to boost the economy and create jobs. But ultimately, we know that increased revenues alone are not going to solve all our long-term budget and debt problems because Washingtons real problem isnt revenue Washington has a spending problem. I urge my colleagues today to finish the task before us. Lets pass this bill to make critical and long overdue changes to our tax code that will jumpstart our economy. Our country needs it. Hardworking American families need it, and they deserve to have the opportunity to make more choices about how their hard earned money should be used. In closing, I again remind my colleagues of the words of President Reagan: Let's not let this magnificent moment slip away. Tax relief is in sight. Let's make it a reality.We can do it. And if you help, we will do it this year. Thank you, Mr. President.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheney-applauds-house-passage-hr1-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,"Congressman Liz Cheney Applauds House Passage of H.R.1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Liz Cheney's statement on House passage of H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ""Today the House of Representatives passed important legislation to cut taxes and simplify our out-of-date tax code. I'm pleased Congress seized this historic opportunity to provide tax relief for Wyoming families and job creators. Allowing Wyoming families and businesses to keep more of their hard-earned money will encourage additional investment in our economy and help our local businesses expand, generating economic growth and creating new jobs for Wyoming. The final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubles the standard deduction for individuals and families, expands the child tax credit, and eliminates significant fraud by requiring every child claimed have a valid social security number. We doubled theexemption for the estate tax,cuttaxes for all income levels, as well as lowered our corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. This bill will encourage businesses to invest in the United States, creating jobs and economic growth. I'm also pleased the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act repeals Obamacare's individual mandate, an unconstitutional and unjustified provision requiring individuals to purchase insurance they dont want at prices they cant afford. This is a critical step towards rescuing our health care system from the train wreck of Obamacare. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act goes a long way towards ending the massive government overreach of the last eight years and will provide much-needed relief for families and communities across Wyoming.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=852CB1CC-D8C0-4244-8ABF-7C6FCE3D279A,Congress is Set to Pass Historic Tax Relief Bill,2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"It saves people money, it saves them time, it gives them more freedom. Click here to watch Sen. Barrassos remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how Congress is set to pass a historic tax reform bill that allows Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money. Excerpts of Senator Barrassos remarks: As I come to the floor, the Senate is approaching one of our most important votes in years. The tax relief legislation that well be voting on will be great for America, great for the American people, and do a lot for the future of our great country. Its been a long process, theres been a lot of discussion, and years of preparation waiting for todays vote. The Finance Committee has held over 70 hearings on this subject over the last six years. When we were debating it on the floor, we had about 285 amendments offered to this legislation. There have been a lot of changes over the past few weeks, to include as many good ideas as possible. After all that, it is understandable that there may be some confusion about what the legislation does. So I want to speak today about various ways that this legislation is good for hard-working Americans like the people in my home state of Wyoming. First, most people are going to pay lower tax rates. For a couple who makes between $19,000 and $77,000 a year, their rates are going to drop from 15 percent to 12 percent. So a family might see their tax bill drop by more than a thousand dollars just from this one part of the Republican tax relief plan alone. The second thing I want to point out is that this legislation roughly doubles the standard deduction. It goes up to $12,000 for a single person who files and $24,000 for a married couple. People wont have to pay federal income tax on all of that money. If we combine that with the lower rates, thats even more money people are going to be able to keep of their own money instead of having Washington spend it. Not only that, their taxes might be a lot simpler to figure come April 15th. A lot of people are looking around trying to find deductions that they can take and save a little money on their taxes. They gather up receipts, fill out extra forms. Under this tax relief plan, they can choose to just take this much higher standard deduction and make tax filing a whole lot simpler for lots and lots of Americans. Today about 70 percent of people who fill out their tax form choose the standard deduction. Under this plan, we expect maybe even more that nine out of ten Americans are going to be able to use this simplifying filling out the tax forms. Theyre going to see its a really good deal for them. Millions of people are going to save money and have an easier time filling out their tax return. They wont have to save receipts, and fill out extra forms, and they dont have to worry that theyre going to be audited by the IRS for trying to keep more of their hard-earned money. Theyll be able to keep more of their money and use their time doing something else that they actually enjoy doing. Thats another way Democrats are trying to confuse people. They want people to think that tax relief is somehow taking away options. Its expanding the standard deduction that a lot of people already use, and many more people will be able to use it under the Republican plan. That brings me to another important point I want to make about this tax relief plan. We did work hard to keep a lot of the deductions that are important to some Americans. In some cases, we even made them better. For people who still come out ahead by itemizing their deductions, theres another way they can keep more of their money. People who still take a deduction if they donate to charity. People can still save money on their retirement savings through an IRA or through their retirement plan at work. If someone has children, we actually double the tax credit they get to $2,000 per child. They dont even have to itemize their taxes to get that $2,000 per child tax credit its just a straight tax cut on top of the other cuts that they get under this Republican plan. They still get to set up an account to save for their childrens education if they like. For people who have high medical expenses, this tax relief plan actually saves them even more money on their taxes than the old way. Republicans understand that medical costs have gotten out of control in this country. There were a lot of policies that the Democrats and President Obama put in place that raised the cost of medical care for people all across the country. Republicans are working hard at getting rid of those policies and bringing down the cost of care across the country. Until we get that completely done, this tax relief plan makes it easier for people to deduct their higher medical costs. Today, someone can get tax relief if their medical expenses are more than 10 percent of their income, under the old law. We drop that threshold to 7.5 percent so more people will qualify. That gives people additional relief while we keep working on ways to reduce the cost of care. That brings me to another way that this tax relief legislation is going to save a lot of people money. The Republican plan effectively repeals, eliminates, the Obamacare individual mandate tax. This was the outrageous tax penalty that made Obamacare a mandatory program by sending the IRS after someone if they didnt have Washington-approved health insurance. Were eliminating that tax completely. In my home state of Wyoming, over 16,000 people ended up being hit with that fine, hit with that tax. Over $6 million collected from the fine people of my state who couldnt afford Obamacare insurance. On average, this Obamacare mandate tax is about $700. Our legislation says that the tax will in the future be zero. It takes Obamacare from being a mandatory program and turning it into a voluntary program. More than six million people paid that tax in the United States this past year. These people will now get a tax break under the Republicans plan. It doesnt take away anyones insurance as Democrats have claimed. It just says that nobody should have to pay an extra tax just because they decide that overpriced Obamacare insurance isnt right for them. So those are just some of the ways that this Republican tax plan legislation is good for Americans. It saves people money, it saves them time, it gives them more freedom. All together, its about $1.5 trillion in tax savings over the next 10 years. Thats money that families, and small businesses, and large employers wont have to send to Washington. They can use that money any way they want. Last week Nancy Pelosi was talking about this Republican tax relief plan. She said: This is who they are. This is what they came here to do. She probably meant it as an insult but she stumbled upon the real difference between Republicans and Democrats like herself. Republicans believe in cutting peoples taxes, letting people keep more of their hard-earned money because we believe that hard-working Americans should be able to make the decisions about what money they save, spend or invest. Its their money. Its not the governments money, which is the way Nancy Pelosi looks at all of this in terms of ways that she can grow the government. Republicans look at this and say, how can we give people more freedom? Thats what this legislation does its very simple. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=17A36B3D-E4CF-46AB-8EDB-60477222EFFB,"As Congress prepares to pass tax reform, Enzi praises bill for helping American families",2017-12-19,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As the Senate started its final deliberations on a historic tax reform bill today, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., urged his colleagues to vote for the legislation that he said would boost Americas economy, create more jobs and leave more money in peoples paychecks. Throughout my work on this bill, I have carried with me the many lessons Ive learned from when I owned and operated a small business and worked as an accountant, Enzi said. I have been led by one singular purpose to help improve the lives of millions of hardworking American families, including the residents in my own state of Wyoming. I believe this bill would provide help for individuals and families to move up the economic ladder. Speaking on the Senate floor, Enzi noted that the legislation would allow Americans to reap tax savings from reduced tax rates. It would double the child tax credit to $2,000 and preserve important deductions for medical expenses, charities, students, home owners and state and local taxes. Farmers and ranchers would also receive stronger protections from the reach of the death tax to help them more easily pass on their businesses to future generations. According to Enzi, Americans would also see benefits from the tax changes for businesses, small and large, that would help grow the economy. International tax reforms in the bill would also encourage American companies to keep jobs at home while helping them compete overseas. Lets pass this bill to make critical and long overdue changes to our tax code that will jumpstart our economy, Enzi said. Our country needs it. Hardworking American families need it, and they deserve to have the opportunity to make more choices about how their hard earned money should be used. Enzi said he was tired of accusations that Republican budget hawks, including himself, are willing to throw in the towel and accept that the tax bill will add $1.5 trillion to the federal deficit. For years, Enzi said that he has tried to cut spending, but Congress seems to fail almost every time, so an additional effort is needed one that helps grows the economy to bring in new revenues, but is also paired with spending cuts. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help our economy expand. We need businesses to do well so more tax money will come in. We need individuals to make more so more tax money will come in, Enzi said, But ultimately, we know that increased revenues alone are not going to solve all our long-term budget and debt problems because Washingtons real problem isnt revenue Washington has a spending problem. The Senate is expected to pass the bill later today. The president will need to sign the bill before it becomes law. Click here for a summary and highlights of the legislation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-cheneys-december-15th-newsletter,Congressman Cheney's December 15th Newsletter,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"The Week's Round-up Natural Resources Committee This week in the Natural Resources Committee, the members of the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held an oversight hearing to examine the consequence of Americas growing dependence on foreign minerals, such as uranium. I focused my remarks on Wyoming's uranium production. The United States used to be a global leader in this area, but we are now on track to hit levels that we have not seen since about 1952. When you consider how crucial uranium is, both from an energy security as well as a national security perspective, leaving us in a situation where we are dependent upon foreign sources, and in particular sources like Russia and Kazakhstan, I think should give us all grave concern. Watch my full remarks here: We also held a mark-up in the full committee of several pieces of legislation including H.R. 4465, a bill that I am a cosponsor of. H.R. 4465 maintains funding for the Upper Colorado and San Juan fish recovery programs through the year 2023. This bill gives authority to state and local entities to recover four endangered fish species so that the Upper Colorado River operations can continue. We also held a mark-up for H.R. 1675, a bill that establishes a national program to identify and reduce losses from landslide hazards, which our state has a high risk for. Two other bills the Natural Resources Committee marked up were H.R.200, the Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act, a bill that empowers states to manage their fisheries and reduce unnecessary regulation and H.R. 4568, a bill that promotes geothermal energy exploration on federal lands. I voted against one of the bills offered by a Republican colleague that would open up our wilderness areas to mountain bikes and other vehicles. While I believe we need to do all we can to provide access to our public lands, our wilderness areas are special and those who enjoy these pristine lands, including our guides and outfitters, should not have to worry about mountain bikes and other vehicles on our wilderness land and trails. House Armed Services Committee Im proud President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act this week. The NDAA authorizes badly needed resources for our armed forces, including a long overdue and well-deserved pay raise. I was honored to serve as a conferee on the NDAA Conference Committee and able to include amendments in the final bill that are beneficial to Wyoming. The NDAA is an important step towards rebuilding our military and reversing the damage done over the past eight years. Read my full statement here: https://goo.gl/C4kavn Rules Committee This week the Rules Committee reviewed and sent H.R.1638, the Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act and H.R.4324, the Strengthening Oversight of Irans Access to Finance Act to the floor where both bills passed the House. H.R. 1638 requires the Secretary of Treasury to provide to Congress a list of the estimated funds and assets held by senior Iranian Politicians and H.R. 4324 requires a report of the military leaders and transactions authorized for financial institutions in connection with the export or re-export of aircraft to Iran to be submitted to Congress. While this is a start to combating the full range of threats from the Iranian regime, we need action, including additional sanctions, that address the wide range of ongoing Iranian violations of the Obama nuclear agreement and their UN obligations. Net Neutrality This week the FCC Commission voted to restore the framework that allowed the Internet to thrive since its inception. ""Net neutrality"" is a complicated issue and it's important to be informed with accurate information. The FCC decision will protect Internet consumers/users while also ensuring there is a framework to encourage the kind of innovation we need. We thought it would be useful to see some of the questions and answers the administration has provided on this issue. MYTH: This is the end of the Internet as we know it. FACT: The Internet was free and open before the Obama Administrations 2015 heavyhanded Title II Internet regulations, and it will be free and open after they are repealed. MYTH: Startups will not be able to compete without Title II regulations. FACT: Entrepreneurs starting new businesses online thrived long before Title II regulations, and they will continue to flourish with more opportunities to innovate once those regulations are repealed. Indeed, companies like Google, Facebook, Netflix, and Twitter all started and experienced tremendous growth under the previous light-touch rules. MYTH: Internet service providers will block you from visiting the websites you want to visit. FACT: Internet service providers didnt block websites before the Obama Administrations heavy-handed 2015 Internet regulations and wont after they are repealed. Any Internet service provider would be required to publicly disclose this practice and would face fierce consumer backlash as well as scrutiny from the Federal Trade Commission, which will have renewed authority to police unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive practices. MYTH: Investment has flourished under the current regulatory framework. FACT: Following the adoption of the Obama Administrations 2015 heavy-handed Internet regulations, broadband investment has fallen for two years in a rowthe first time thats happened outside of a recession in the Internet era. MYTH: Broadband providers will charge you a premium if you want to reach certain online content. FACT: This didnt happen before the Obama Administrations 2015 heavy-handed Internet regulations, and it wont happen after they are repealed. MYTH: This will result in fast lanes and slow lanes on the Internet that will worsen consumers online experience. FACT: Restoring Internet freedom will lead to better, faster, and cheaper broadband for consumers and give startups that need priority access (such as telehealth applications) the chance to offer new services to consumers. Around Town I want to thank Wiley Jones, Senior Officer Bill Miller, and Senior Officer Roxane Perruso of the Power Company of Wyoming and TransWest LLC for stopping by my office to discuss the Chokecherry and Sierra Madre Wind Energy Project and it progress. Its always a pleasure to meet with area experts and get the opportunity to learn about the recent developments in their projects. I want to thank everyone who attended the veterans breakfast in Cody. It was a privilege to meet with so many who have defended our nation and have the opportunity to discuss developments in Congress and at the VA. Congratulations to the graduates of the Cowboy Challenge Academy and thank you to state representative Landon Brown for an inspiring commencement address. The Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy provides at-risk youth with the resources and learning environment for success. Im proud of this years graduates and excited to see what they can accomplish. It was an honor to meet Ray Padre Johnson, the highest decorated Navy chaplain from the Vietnam War and a celebrated painter. Johnsons artwork is displayed at United Nations building. I had a wonderful time celebrating WWII veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor Clarence Varos 100th birthday in Cheyenne over the weekend. It was an honor to celebrate with you and your family. Thank you for your dedication and service to our great nation. Local Literary Here are a couple of articles -- one from the Cody Enterprise and one from the Powell Tribune-- about my stop in Cody to meet and talk with community veterans about a wide range of topics including health care and the GOP tax plan. Cheney said a choice between adding to the deficit or keeping the cuts is unnecessary. I dont anticipate that thats ever going to be a choice, she said. And I think the economy really takes off once were able to get peoples taxes lower. Cheney said she hopes some elements from the Senate bill, like the elimination of the individual mandate to buy health insurance, are kept in a final bill. Read the full article here: https://goo.gl/qUpvec In 2018, Cheney pledged that Republicans will continue their efforts to reform the countrys health care system. An effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act better known as Obamacare passed the House but failed in the Senate earlier this year. The issues around health care reform, we are going to turn back to them after the beginning of next year, Cheney said. ... Its crucially important that we do, and I certainly know that and thats one of the big issues that were working on making sure that we dont say, Well, we werent able to get it done in the Senate, so therefore were going to move away from it. Read the full article here: https://goo.gl/jaSekN",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=54777032-EB86-4DB1-9EFC-254F5DC40BEC,Senate-House committee releases final tax reform bill,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate-House conference committee tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill released its legislation today. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, a senior member of the Finance Committee and a member of the conference committee, said the legislation is an historic effort to help hardworking Americans by lowering taxes across the board and helping grow the economy. After years of tax reform debate and months of negotiating, Congress is closer than ever to passing meaningful tax reform that will let folks in Wyoming and across the country keep more of their hard-earned money, Enzi said. That is what tax reform should be about giving a helping hand to those individuals and families who might be struggling to move up the economic ladder. Our bill would help grow the economy, encourage job creation at home and, in turn, drive up wages. This is legislation designed to help people at every level. Click here for a summary and here to seethe final tax bill that senators and representatives are expected to vote on next week. The bill will also need to be signed by the president before it becomes law.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=629301CF-42CF-4EEB-88A8-2501584B342D,Local businesses help make the holidays special,2017-12-15,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The holiday season in Wyoming is an extraordinary time of year, and small businesses around the state help to make it even more special. From the capital to the small communities and everywhere in between, you can find unique holiday events made possible by local businesses who keep the spirit of the holidays close to home. Many towns kicked off the season with holiday events the weekend after Thanksgiving. Rock Springs offered free carriage rides and gift wrapping in their downtown area. Sheridans Christmas Stroll was a success with more than 100 businesses participating. After the community Christmas tree was lit in Thermopolis, a local theater offered free showings of a special holiday movie with each donation of a canned good or Christmas gift. From downtown open houses to Santa arriving in a helicopter (which happens in Powell), theres no shortage of unique activities and events throughout the state. In Cheyenne, the iconic trolley takes riders through the best decorations and lights in town. Folks can also enjoy ice skating with free skate rentals at the Depot Plaza throughout the season thanks to local sponsors. The Basin Chamber hosts Little Shoppers, where children can shop for just $1 per gift no parents or grandparents are allowed. A Wyoming bank fills their Christmas trees in Lander and Riverton with hundreds of little angels, each representing a local child in need. Gillette has become well known for its Festival of Lights, where more than one million lights brighten up Cam-Plex Park. The displays are sponsored by businesses around the community and feature Santas toy factory, 12 Days of Christmas and choreographed music. Children can even write letters to Santa and receive responses thanks to several volunteers and a mailbox donated by a local shop. Seeing this incredible display makes one feel like they are in a Christmas Hallmark movie. Towns big and small hold holiday-themed parades. Countless small businesses spend time decorating intricate floats and participating in these community parades. Laramies Whoville Christmas parade had 30 entries, with several Grinches whose hearts grew three sizes making appearances. People celebrated the season at Greybulls Holidazzle parade, which spread holiday cheer far and wide. Auctions, especially Festivals of Trees, are popular all around Wyoming, including in Evanston, Casper, Gillette, Cheyenne, Riverton and Saratoga. Earlier this month, Worland hosted their annual auction and showed holiday spirit through decorations and generosity. Festive trees, wreaths and Christmas items were sold to raise money for charities many of these donated or decorated by small businesses throughout the community. Ive always believed Wyoming has the best communities, and this is proven true time and time again during the holiday season. Our state is special in the way that we care for each other. During this most wonderful time of year, its great to see the spirit of generosity and kindness keeping our state warm and bright. I encourage you to check out the events in your area; maybe one can become a family tradition.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=B84D6B3D-AC28-4F8F-A813-FAD60A304D59,Barrasso: Economists Expect Strong Growth from Tax Relief,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Four out of five studies agree – the Republican tax plan will deliver the kind of economic growth that the American people want and that the American economy needs. A strong, healthy, and growing economy.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how an overwhelming majority of economists agree that the Republican tax plan will grow our economy by more than 3 percent. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “I come to the floor today to talk about the tax-relief, tax-reduction legislation that the conference committee is currently working on. “To me and to all Americans, this is a very important piece of legislation. “I think it’s going to get even better as the House and the Senate work to hammer out the differences to help lower the tax rates for American families. “When you look at this legislation, there are so many policies that will help to make America’s economy grow. “Families across the country will get a tax break – it’s what they need – it’s what they’ve been looking for, for a long, long time. “Main Street businesses will also get a tax break. “When people get a raise like that, they invest in their families and they invest in their communities. “They create jobs, wages go up, the economy grows, and our nation gets stronger. “You don’t have to take my word for it. “Respected, mainstream economists are saying exactly the same thing. “They agree that our economy needs to grow – and they agree that the legislation we’re working on will – that passed the Senate, passed the House, being joined together – will deliver the growth that our nation needs. “In October, the Council of Economic Advisers put out a report looking at some of the ideas for tax relief. “This is a group that advises the president on economic issues. “Their report found that the tax plan like the one Republicans wrote will grow the economy between 3 percent and 5 percent. “That’s real growth, it’s strong growth, and it’s good news for America. “There was another study that came out in October. “That was by a group of economists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Boston University. “They did their own calculations, used their own numbers, and they found the exact same good news for the American economy. “Just like the other report, this one said that the Republican tax plan would grow the economy by between 3 and 5 percent. “A third study came out in November – it was by the Tax Foundation. “Again, it’s a respected group of economists who study this kind of thing for a living. “They looked specifically at the legislation as it was introduced in the Senate Finance Committee. “This group found that the plan would increase the size of the economy by 3.7 percent. “Then there was a fourth analysis, by one more group of nine respected, independent economists. “This group wrote about their conclusions in a letter to the Treasury Secretary on November 26. “They wrote that they expect this tax relief plan to boost the economy by 3 percent over the next 10 years. “So we have four different entities, four different estimates, four different groups of prominent economists. “They looked at the tax relief plan – looked at it different ways. “They all found that it would grow America’s economy by very similar amounts – all by at least 3 percent. “Now, there was one other study out there that some people have been talking about. “This was an estimate by a group called the Joint Committee on Taxation. “This group predicts that growth under the Republican plan will increase, but by just 0.8 percent over the next 10 years. “That works out to roughly eight one-hundredths of 1 percent a year. “All of these other groups say at least 3 percent – maybe 5 percent – and this other group says less than 1 percent over a decade. Hard to believe. “So why is this group, that is being quoted often by the Democrats, so far out of line, out of the mainstream of what other economists are saying? “The reason they reach such a different conclusion is that they did their analysis very differently from the other groups. “This committee combines a few different economic models into their estimate. “When we look closely at the models they combine, we find that they counted the most pessimistic models much more heavily than they did of more realistic models. “So of course they’re going to come up with an overly pessimistic conclusion. “I think that it can be useful to take these more negative numbers into view, and take them into account. “Nobody thinks that we should just pick from the rosiest scenario – or base our policies on one prediction. “That’s not what’s happening here. “Here we have four different groups of economists that predict strong growth of at least three percent. “This one outlier, much more cautious. “Another thing to remember is that even this very cautious estimate says that our economy will get bigger because of the Republican plan than if we did nothing at all. “Even the pessimistic group says yes, the economy will grow under the Republican plan. And they say that it will reduce deficits by an additional $400 billion over the next 10 years. “I think we’re going to do a whole lot better than that – because our economy is going to grow much faster. “Under President Obama and Washington Democrats, we had eight years of policies that held back our economy, and caused it to grow at a very tepid, slow pace. “Economists looked at these policies and they said that if things continue on that path we can expect the economy to grow by about 1.8 percent we’ve been seeing throughout the Obama administration. “With Republicans setting the agenda, those policies are history – and so is the slow economic growth that had been created during the Obama years. “Look at what’s just happened in the past two economic quarters of this year. “Over these six months, our economy grew at a pace of more than three percent. “The economy has created more than 2 million jobs since President Trump was elected a little over a year ago. “The economy is responding to the policies that Republicans have been talking about and what we’ve been doing. “When we pass legislation like this tax relief act, it will give businesses confidence that we’re keeping our promises. “It gives them confidence that they can keep hiring, keep investing, and keep creating more jobs. “So when someone comes out with an estimate about economic growth and they don’t account for all of these different things, I think that maybe they’re living in the past. “I think maybe they got so used to the anemic growth that we had in the Obama years, that they’re still expecting that to continue into the future. “They’re not taking into account that things are different now that Republicans are passing our economic plans and that the burdensome regulations and red tape has been cut. “They’re not taking into account that President Trump is in the White House. “Those things make a very big difference when it comes to sustaining this progress that we’ve seen over the past year. “Four out of five studies agree – the Republican tax plan will deliver the kind of economic growth that the American people want and that the American economy needs. A strong, and healthy, and growing economy.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=40E0BD25-B38F-48B7-8976-2C56E9E07D6A,Enzi: Time to get tax reform over the finish line to help hardworking Americans,2017-12-13,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"During a conference committee meeting today between the Senate and House to finalize tax reform legislation, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R –Wyo., applauded the work that has already been done but stressed the importance of getting the bill over the finish line to help hardworking Americans. “This is an important day, as we take another step closer toward enacting historic tax reform legislation that will help boost America’s economy,” Enzi said. “Our efforts here and over the past two months are focused on moving Congress toward tax reform that will make the system simpler and fairer and put more money in people’s pockets. This will also help grow the economy, create more jobs and raise wages for hardworking families.” Enzi noted it has been roughly 30 years since America last reformed its tax code and said globalization, the emergence of new technologies and the changes in our labor force make it necessary to modernize our code to meet these changes. “It is past time for us to act to modernize our tax code so that our nation can remain competitive in a 21st century economy,” Enzi said. “Our current code is an outdated mess that is hurting American workers and holding our economy back. That is why we need tax reform that will ensure the competitive footing of our businesses, make our system simpler and fairer, and allow people to keep more of what they earn.” As a former small business owner, accountant, Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee — which was charged with writing the Senate tax reform bill — Enzi said he had confidence that tax reform would help Wyoming families. “Our country needs tax reform and, most importantly, hardworking American families need it. They deserve to have the opportunity to make more choices about how their hard-earned money should be used,” Enzi said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to help pass a final bill that will not only benefit hardworking Americans but would make our economy and country stronger.”  For more information on what was included in the Senate passed tax reform bill, click here.  To see Senator Enzi's comments, click here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-trump-signing-ndaa,Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on Trump Signing NDAA,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on President Trump signing the bipartisan FY18 National Defense Authorization Act. ""I'm proud President Trump signed the National Defense Authorization Act today that authorizes badly needed resources for our troops, including a long overdue and well-deserved pay raise. Congress has no higher responsibility than to provide the funding necessary for the men and women in uniform who defend our nation. I was honored to serve as a conferee on the NDAA Conference Committee. I was also pleased the final bill included amendments I added that are beneficial to Wyoming and the maintenance of a strong nuclear triad, including an amendment that ensures our current fleet of deployed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles remains at or above 400.  The NDAA is an important first step in towards rebuilding our military and reversing the damage done over the past eight years. Now both the House and Senate should move forward to provide the appropriations consistent with the NDAA. I applaud President Trump's commitment to protecting and supporting our military.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=3702C130-4E93-44B9-A5C8-7EDE657F34D1,"Enzi, Carper introduce bipartisan legislation to help physician assistants provide hospice care",2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Tom Carper, D-Del., introduced the bipartisan Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act today, which would allow physician assistants to provide and manage hospice care for Medicare beneficiaries.  In rural and other medically under-served communities, physician assistants may be the only health care professional available for hospice care. But under current Medicare law, physician assistants are not allowed to serve as a hospice attending physician. This can create an access problem for patients, especially for individuals who already receive their primary care from a physician assistants and must give up that provider when they elect hospice care. “Patients in need of hospice care should not have to worry that they will be unable to receive quality care because of unnecessary regulations,” Enzi said. “The Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act would make a common sense change in order to provide patients with more options for hospice care, especially for rural communities like those in Wyoming.” “The Medicare Patient Access to Hospice Act gives Medicare patients better access to high-quality, compassionate care as they seek to make the best choices possible about their treatment options,” Carper said. “This bill is the right thing to do, and it’s an example of how Democrats and Republicans can work together to strengthen Medicare and make its benefits accessible to all the program’s beneficiaries.” Enzi and Carper also introduced this legislation in 2015.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=B3BC6030-1B71-4D05-B40D-DCE4A4572A4D,Enzi announces 2018 nominations for U.S. service academies,2017-12-12,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., nominated 26 Wyoming students for the United States service academies for 2018. Today, he announced his choices for the U.S. Air Force Academy, the Merchant Marine Academy, the Military Academy, and the Naval Academy.   “Every year, Wyoming students demonstrate their patriotism and willingness to serve their country by applying to our service academies,” said Enzi. “Apart from a quality education, the service academies open doors and provide a unique set of experiences that graduates will carry with them throughout their careers. It’s an honor to nominate these Wyoming students.”   Nominees are selected with the aid of an academy selection committee put together by Enzi. Receiving a nomination is the first step in the process of seeking an appointment to an academy.  Once the nomination process is complete, each academy will make a final selection.  Nominees may also be considered for admission under other categories.      Enzi’s nominees include: Air Force Academy: Daniel Beaudrie - Cody  Wyatt Fornstrom - Pine Bluffs Ryan Leach - Cheyenne Tom Lubnau - Gillette Christian Moody - Wheatland Haiden Moody – Wheatland Jon Nyberg - Cheyenne Aeriana Roth - Sheridan Cooper Thompson - Cody Military Academy: Samuel Boyles - Sheridan Forrest Bucholz - Alpine Isabel Fleischli - Cheyenne  Wyatt Fornstrom - Pine Bluffs  Tom Lubnau - Gillette Christian Moody - Wheatland Haiden Moody - Wheatland Bodi Morris- Jackson Josie Olson - Upton Shelby Schainost - Yoder  Dalton Stoddard - Cheyenne  Merchant Marine Academy: Lane Mosteller - Carlile George Nykun – Cheyenne Brianna Thompson - Shoshoni Naval Academy: Samuel Boyles - Sheridan Forrest Bucholz - Alpine Daniel Childers - Albin Wyatt Fornstrom - Pine Bluffs Ethan Frank - Casper Drayson Hladky - Gillette Ryan Leach - Cheyenne Tom Lubnau - Gillette Dylan Miller - Cheyenne Christian Moody - Wheatland Lane Mosteller - Carlile Jonathan Nyberg - Cheyenne George Nykun - Cheyenne Josie Olson - Upton Pippin Robison - Sheridan Reese Romero - Cody Aeriana Roth - Sheridan Dalton Stoddard - Cheyenne  Hannah Tallerico - Etna",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-cheneys-december-8th-newsletter,Congressman Liz Cheney's December 8th Newsletter,2017-12-08,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Week's Round-up This week, the House passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, a bill I am proud to cosponsor. This legislation will ensure that the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding folks in Wyoming will not be infringed upon when they cross state lines. Law-abiding citizens should not have to fear criminal prosecution for exercising their Second Amendment rights.  I spoke on the House floor in support of the H.R. 38. Below is an excerpt from my speech: “Mr. Speaker, those traveling through or living on the border of a state that does not recognize their home states laws could have their gun rights stripped when they cross state lines. That is wrong, Mr. Speaker, this puts otherwise law-abiding citizens in a situation where they may be criminally liable for simply carrying out their constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The Constitutional rights of United States Citizens should not chance or end at state lines…” Read and watch my full speech on the House floor here: https://goo.gl/H2f2sP This week the House also passed the resolution to send the GOP tax bill to a House/Senate conference. I’m please we are one step closer to sending a tax cut bill to President Trump’s desk for signature. I joined letters to the conferees urging that they (1) maintain the Senate language repealing the Obamacare mandate; (2) maintain the House language repealing the death tax; and (3) maintain the House language ending the Alternative Minimum Tax.  I will continue working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to ensure the tax bill provides the kinds of cuts and simplification people in Wyoming deserve.  This week the House also approved a continuing resolution to continue to fund the government through December 22.  Before agreeing to support this continuing resolution, I worked with House leadership to ensure that we can get the Defense Department out from under the constraints of further continuing resolutions. I believe we need to send a Defense Appropriations Bill to the Senate no later than December 22 that will provide the resources our men and women in uniform need to defend the nation.   Natural Resources Committee This week the Natural Recourses Committee held a hearing on reorganizing the Department of Interior. I support Secretary Zinke’s view that the department can operate more efficiently and cost-effectively if key elements are located outside of Washington, DC.  I also support the President’s decision, announced this week, to significantly reduce the size of national monuments in Utah. While Wyoming is exempt from federal monuments declarations, many other states across the West suffered under the last eight years of Obama administration land grabs.  This week’s decision by President Trump is an important step in beginning to undo the damage of those misguided policies.   House Armed Services Committee This week we held several briefings and hearings in the Armed Services Committee covering topics including, developments in North Korea with the Commander of U.S. Forces Korea General Brooks and status of the administration’s Nuclear Posture Review. Rules Committee In addition to our work on bills headed to the floor, this week the Rules Committee met with Secretary of Labor Alex Acosta.  It was an excellent opportunity to discuss the major and historic progress that is being made in the Labor Department and across the government in the area of deregulation.  I also participated in a meeting with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to discuss a range of issues including: plans for moving the tax bill through the Senate, making progress on our appropriations bills, and ensuring our military is fully funded.   Thursday was National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and I had the privilege to speak on the House Floor honoring Mr. Clarence Varos, a WWII vet and Pearl Harbor survivor who will celebrate his 100th birthday this weekend. Watch my remarks here: https://goo.gl/t1MBsj Around Town   This week I met with Speaker of the Puerto Rican House of Representatives Johnny Mendez, Federal Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Jose Aponte, Rep. Jose Mendez, and Rep. Jose Perez. We discussed different strategies regarding ways we can improve and help rebuild Puerto Rico from the devastating damage from the hurricane. It was great to join Senators Enzi and Barrasso at The Louisa Swain Foundation benefit.  Louisa Swain is a terrific non-profit organization committed to educating and preserving the legacy of the first democratically cast electoral ballot by a woman. The foundation is dedicated to promoting the importance of democracy and suffrage in our state’s communities. I want to thank Executive Director Weldon Tuck and everyone for making this event possible. It’s important to honor the women who made history in Wyoming. Read more about the foundation here: https://goo.gl/z6b1UP I enjoyed meeting with Air Force Secretary Dr. Heather Wilson and several of my Republican women colleagues who serve on the Armed Services, Appropriations and Ways and Means Committees.  Secretary Wilson, a former member of Congress, is doing an excellent job for our Air Force and we look forward to hosting her soon at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.    I enjoyed the opportunity to discuss Wyoming forest management issues with our state forester Bill Crasper. I also had productive discussions with Bridger Teton Forest Supervisor Tricia O'Connor. My district staff joined Commissioner Ellis, Commissioner Wolski, Chairman Rupp, Clerk Kenyon at the Goshen County Commissioner meeting on Tuesday. The meeting covered important topics such as the county's fiscal stewardship and the hard work of Goshen county residents who take care of their aging population and their hope to develop an independent living space. This week I had an informative meeting with USDA Wyoming State Director for Rural Development Chad Rupe. We discussed the importance of the development and delivery of our state’s programs. I was also able to meet with Millennium Bulk Terminals to discuss obstacles they are facing in securing permitting and local approval for coal export terminals in Washington state.  We need to ensure liberal local governments on the west coast can’t continue to infringe on Wyoming’s interstate commerce rights by prohibiting us from exporting our coal. Local Literary I’m glad the EPA will be holding an additional hearings on repealing the Clean Power Plan in Gillette. This is an important and necessary step in reversing the harmful Obama-era policies that targeted our coal industry.  Read more about their plans below.  “The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will hold three additional public listening sessions on the proposed repeal of the Clean Power Plan in Gillette, Wyo. as well as in San Francisco, Calif. and Kansas City, Mo. Dates and specific locations will be released in coming weeks; please see the EPA's website for details. All persons wanting to speak are encouraged to register in advance. “Due to the overwhelming response to our West Virginia hearing, we are announcing additional opportunities for the public to voice their views to the Agency,” said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt.” Read more here: https://goo.gl/tnEn1u",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheney-honors-wwii-vet-pearl-harbor-survivor-house-floor,"Congressman Liz Cheney Honors WWII Vet, Pearl Harbor Survivor on House Floor",2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Liz Cheney gave the following speech on the House floor in honor of Mr. Clarence Varos's 100th birthday and service to our country: ""Mr. Speaker on this historic day in this chamber where President Roosevelt appeared the day after the Pearl Harbor attack, I rise to honor a World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor, Mr. Clarence Varos, who will turn 100 this weekend. Born on December 10th, 1917, Mr. Varos has served our country and state in many ways. As a member of the US Navy, Mr. Varos fought through and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor. He risked his life in the defense of freedom as a gunner on the U.S.S. Hyde, transporting Marines in the Pacific theater. After bravely serving our nation in uniform, Mr. Varos went on to dedicate 30 years of his life to the Union Pacific Railroad. I want to thank Mr. Varos for all he has contributed to our great nation and state. His sacrifice, bravery, and grit are an example to us all and I look forward to congratulating him in person at a celebration in his honor this weekend in Cheyenne. I would like to say happy birthday to Mr. Varos and thank him for his service.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=B4992FAC-C150-4BA4-A967-B2E743C9704D,Senators Release Joint Statement Following White House Meeting on Renewable Fuel Standard,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), John Kennedy (R-La.), and Mike Lee (R-Utah) today issued a joint statement following their meeting with President Trump regarding jobs threatened by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS): “We had a productive meeting today with the President to discuss how to fix the RFS compliance problem in a way that protects both refinery workers and corn farmers. We look forward to working with our colleagues representing Midwest states to find a win-win solution.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D12CB630-94D6-4432-8644-1609F77968DB,Enzi named to joint Senate-House conference committee to finalize tax reform bill,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Leadership appointed U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and a senior member of the Finance Committee, to the conference committee that is tasked with negotiating a final tax reform bill. The House and Senate have each passed their own respective versions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but a final bill must pass both chambers of Congress before it can be sent to the president to be signed into law. Enzi was honored to be named to the committee and looks forward to helping finalize a bill he believes would lower taxes for hardworking Americans, grow the economy, create more jobs and modernize our tax code. “I am excited to join my colleagues on this conference committee to move tax reform legislation to the next step. I believe it will help millions of people across the country by letting them keep more of the money they earn,” Enzi said. “Our job will be to find the best parts from the tax reform legislation already passed by the House and the Senate and put it all together. Both bills include great ideas to grow the economy, encourage companies to invest their money in the United States, create jobs and raise wages.” Enzi cautioned that efforts to significantly alter, add or make changes that were not part of either the House or the Senate package would make the conference committee’s job harder and therefore passage of the final bill more difficult. He said Congress will continue to work on other tax measures even after passage of this legislation. Other Republican senators selected for the conference committee include Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, John Cornyn, R-Texas, John Thune, R-S.D., Rob Portman, R-Ohio, Tim Scott, R-S.C., and Pat Toomey, R-Penn. Members of both the House and the Senate have said they would like to have tax reform legislation signed into law before the end of the year.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=CB90EE3A-48F1-4F83-91E6-0591F4FA2496,How the Senate tax reform bill could change your life,2017-12-07,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"If you were to wish for a tax reform bill, would you want lower taxes across the board and more money in peoples pockets? Would you want reforms that simplify taxes? Reforms that help grow the economy and create more jobs? Help small businesses in our communities thrive? Encourage companies to create jobs in America instead of going overseas? And for companies that do business around the world, get them to invest their money back in the United States? The Senates tax reform proposal does all this and more.That is not what you might be hearing from critics who are afraid passage of the pro-growth bill could hurt them politically, and unfortunately some opinion leaders across the country and in our state seem to have bought into this negative narrative. I encourage you to take a closer look for yourself. This legislation would finally modernize our outdated tax code. And all of these important changes are really part of one singular purpose to help improve the lives of millions of hardworking American families. If you are a couple in Gillette, married with two kids, you might say, That sounds great and all, but what does that really mean to me? Well, according to the last analysis of the bill by the Tax Foundation, it could mean tax savings of 20 percent, or $2,254 each year. That means more money to spend on what your family needs. The Senate bill does this by reducing taxes on average in every tax bracket, almostdoubling the standard deduction (which creates a larger zero tax bracket for low-income individuals and increases many peoples tax refunds), doubling the child tax credit to $2,000 to help struggling families and many more helpful changes. That does not even include the benefits a family might see from a stronger economy, which would boost wages. Along with individual tax relief, this bill would provide tax relief to American businesses to help them thrive. Businesses are the economys job-creating engines, and a recent survey of roughly 200 CEOS found that 82 percent of them said tax reform would lead to increased hiring and capital spending. Moreover, the Senate bill would deliver tax relief to tens of thousands of small businesses in Wyoming, who provide most of the jobs in our communities. Some may ask why did this happen so quickly? Well actually, the Senate has been working on updating our tax code for a long time. The Senate Finance Committee has held more than 70 hearings on improving the tax code over the last six years, and in the previous Congress, the Finance Committee organized working groups of Republicans and Democrats to propose changes to the tax code. We began planting this crop a long time ago, but many lawmakers, even some who helped us in the field, are now complaining that the harvest appeared overnight and isnt to their liking. Whenever you cut taxes, which is essentially the source of the governments revenue, you would expect that the government would take in less money, which raises fears of an increased federal deficit or debt. Our debt is already more than $20 trillion a fact we cant ignore. But we dont live in a vacuum. When you give taxes back to people, they spend that money, and that helps grow the economy, which can help increase government revenue.Recently,a group of more than 130 economists said: The enactment of a comprehensive overhaul complete with a lower corporate tax rate will ignite our economy with levels of growth not seen in generations. But ultimately, we know that increased revenues are not going to solve all our problems because Washingtons real problem isnt revenue Washington has a spending problem. Tax reform can help create a stronger economy, but without fiscal restraint we are never going to control our debt. Washington is the only place where if an increase in spending over the last year isnt as big as requested, it is considered a cut, even though they get more money. Whenever you are working to change the way Washington works, especially when it comes to money, you are going to have those in opposition supporting their own agenda and special interests. But no matter how loudly people yell or how many times other people repeat their talking points, it doesnt make them right. So to be clear, the Senate bill does not cut Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security or education funding. It does not just help the rich. It does not throw 13 million Americans off their health insurance. Furthermore, SenateDemocrats were not cut out of the process. And under the Senate bill, teachers deduction for classroom expenses is not cut its actually doubled and taxes would not be raised on graduate students tuitions. Currently, the Senate and the House are working together to iron out the differences between their tax reform proposals. But I am confident that under the final bill, people can expect to see more money in their pockets and a stronger economy. The legislation is truly about making a better future for our country. It is rooted in the ideal that Americans, not the federal government, know best how to spend their hard-earned money.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheney-s-statement-hr-38-passing-house,Congressman Liz Cheneys Statement on H.R. 38 Passing the House,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Liz Cheney’s (WY-AL) statement on the House passing H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. “I’m proud the House passed H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. This legislation, which I co-sponsored, will ensure that law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights are not infringed when they cross state lines. Folks in Wyoming deserve to know the constitutional carry rights we enjoy at home won’t be threatened when we cross into other jurisdictions. Law-abiding citizens shouldn’t have to fear criminal prosecution for exercising their Second Amendment rights. I am proud the House passed this important bill that will protect our citizens’ individual constitutional right to keep and bear arms.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=1DACADD0-AA09-46EB-9939-0647CFB20E17,Barrasso: Republicans Are Delivering on Regulatory Relief,2017-12-06,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“President Trump and Republicans in Congress are cutting regulations, and the economy is growing at 3 percent. That’s the kind of change that’s possible under Republican pro-growth policies.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how President Trump and Republicans in Congress are growing the economy by cutting unnecessary regulations. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “About a year ago, the American people voted for fundamental change in this country. “Last week, Republicans in the Senate continued to deliver. “We passed a plan to give Americans substantial tax relief. “This legislation is exactly what people were asking for last November – and it’s exactly what this country needs now. “Because of this Republican plan, people will be able to keep a lot more of their hard-earned money. “They’re going to be able to find that their taxes are going to be simpler and fairer. “They’re going to see our economy getting stronger and healthier. “That’s good news for our country – and it’s certainly good news for the American people. “This legislation was an important promise that Republicans made, and it’s a promise that Republicans have kept. “It’s just the latest Republican accomplishment that is helping Americans. “Another thing that’s been going on has been the tremendous relief from Washington regulations that Republicans are providing. “I think a lot of people lost track of exactly how much damage Democrats and the Obama administration had been doing to the American economy. “The Obama administration added 285 major regulations during the course of the previous administration. “Every one of them imposed a burden on Americans. “The total cost of these is $122 billion per year. “That’s both the direct cost in terms of the money, and also counting the time needed to fill out paperwork created by these rules. “Twenty-one of these rules were actually finalized after the 2016 presidential election. “That’s after the American people had spoken, and said that they wanted change. “President Obama went right ahead piling more regulations onto people’s backs anyway. “So one of the first things that Republicans in Congress did this year was to start striking down unnecessary, burdensome, costly regulations from the Obama years. “Republicans wiped 15 of these major rules off the books. “A major rule is a rule that costs over $100 million in terms of the compliance cost, the actual cost, the time cost. “That’s going to save Americans as much as $36 billion over time. “One of these rules was an important part of President Obama’s war on coal. “It was called the stream buffer rule. “It was designed to shut down a lot of the coal mining that’s going on in this country. “It would have destroyed up to a third of coal mining jobs in America. “So we passed a congressional resolution that protected coal mining jobs, and protected American energy independence. “We struck down 14 regulations like this one in the first few months of this year. “In October, Republicans blocked a 15th rule. “That was a new regulation from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. “The rule was written during the Obama administration, and Obama appointees at the agency finalized it last summer. “This is the agency that’s been in the news recently because it’s so out-of-control. “Republicans in Congress had to step in and get rid of an unnecessary rule that was really just a payoff by the Democrats to trial lawyers. “So Republicans have saved Americans $36 billion by getting rid of rules and regulations – Democrats, on the other hand, cost the American people $122 billion a year in costs due to rules and regulations. “Republicans in the Senate also took a major step in this tax relief legislation by repealing the Obamacare insurance mandate tax. “It’s going to save a lot of Americans a lot of money. “In 2015, there were 6.7 million Americans who paid this tax. “The average tax penalty by the American people this year has been $700. “It’s a big deal to give American families relief from that tax burden. “It’s also a big part of rolling back this idea that Washington knows best what works all across the country. “The Obamacare insurance mandate is more than a tax – and the damage it does is more than just the paperwork, and the money that people have to pay. “It’s an outrageous and an unfair requirement that people have to buy something that isn’t right for them and their family, but the government says they have to buy. “When Republicans struck down this mandate, we gave people back the freedom to decide for themselves – and to make their own choices. “So Republicans in Congress have been very busy saving Americans from the burdens and the injustice of these Obama regulations. “I can tell you that we have a very strong ally in the form of the Trump administration. President Trump has been the Deregulator in Chief. “Since his very first day in office, he’s been rolling back the regulations that people had been straining under for the previous eight years. “He froze action on nearly 2,000 Obama administration rules that hadn’t taken effect yet. “He wrote a new rule for his administration – one new rule in, two go out. “This said that for every significant new regulation, his administration would offset it by getting rid of two other rules. “That’s how you make a difference in Washington. “That’s how the president was able to remove 860 ineffective, duplicative, and obsolete regulations in just his first six months in office. “That’s a very big difference from what Democrats in Washington did – and we’ve already started seeing the results. “The American economy has created two million jobs since President Trump was elected a little over a year ago. “Our economy grew at a rate of 3.3 percent last quarter. “The unemployment rate has dropped to 4.1 percent. “Last Friday, the Washington Post had two items on one page of the paper. “The first one said that consumer spending had increased in October, and incomes grew. “The article says, ‘The October rise indicates that consumer spending, which accounts for 70 percent of economic activity, began the fourth quarter with healthy momentum.’ “The second article, same day, Washington Post, Friday noted that weekly applications for unemployment aid fell for the week. “It said that when the number of unemployment applications are low like this, it’s a sign that hiring is healthy. “It’s a sign that employers are confident enough to keep workers on the payroll. “During the Obama years, Washington Democrats piled on all of these regulatory impacts on the economy. “Because of them, economists said that they expect future growth to be around 1.8 percent. “President Trump and Republicans in Congress are cutting regulations, and the economy is growing at three percent. “That’s the kind of change that’s possible under Republican pro-growth policies. “That’s why we’re confident that we’re on the right track. “It’s why we’re confident that the economy is going to continue to accelerate under the tax relief that we passed this past week. “It’s why we’re confident that America will continue to thrive when we give people relief from the Washington regulations – and start to unwind the red tape. “That’s what the American people voted for a little over a year ago. “That’s what Republicans are delivering – in Congress, and in the White House.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/tv-appearances?ContentRecord_id=721EE345-D585-48A1-8E87-A18CA9DD0BF5,"Barrasso on FOX News ""America's Newsroom"" with Sandra Smith",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Search Offices Services Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Menu About John Biography Official Photo Wyoming State Facts Wyoming Links Services Legislation Newsroom TV Appearances News Releases Photo Gallery Second Opinion Reports Students Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Search Privacy Policy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=224B21C6-F23D-44D5-B698-76C9FD94A584,"INHOFE, ENZI INTRODUCE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING U.S. PARTNERSHIP WITH ETHIOPIA",2017-12-05,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Sen. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) and Sen. Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) introduced a resolution today recognizing the important and vital partnership between the United States and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia: “Ethiopia is a strategic partner for the United States in East Africa,” Inhofe said. “We have a long and respected history of working together to promote peace and stability throughout the region. As Ethiopia continues to improve its governance as a growing power in the region, it is appropriate for us to reaffirm our security commitment to Ethiopia with training and assistance to counter terrorism and violent extremism throughout Africa.”  “Our vital strategic partnership with Ethiopia is grounded in a long history of cooperation,” Enzi said. “It is important, as Ethiopia continues to play an essential role in the peace and stability of the region, we reaffirm our security commitments and will continue to work with our partner to promote the values of peace and democracy.” View the resolution here.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-house-passing-motion-establish-conference,Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on the House Passing a Motion to Establish a Conference Committee for the GOP Tax Plan,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on the House passing a motion to establish a conference committee for the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ""I'm pleased the House passed a motion to establish a conference committee for the Republicans' tax plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tonight. We are now one step closer to providing Wyoming citizens with the tax cuts they deserve. Congress has a historic opportunity to pass legislation that ensures families in our state can keep more of what they earn, while we create jobs, and promote economic growth.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/facebook?ContentRecord_id=420DEDFF-6538-4480-9777-73E8D9B632B1,The Senate passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today,2017-12-04,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,Press alt + / to open this menu,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C5AC6642-6339-4265-AE22-F9EC235D9CA5,"On Fox News Sunday, Barrasso Discusses Tax Cuts and Jobs Act",2017-12-03,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso. WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) appeared on “Fox News Sunday” this morning to talk about the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.  Below are key excerpts of the interview: On What’s in the Bill: “Let me take a step back to say a year ago the American people voted for fundamental change in this country, and tax reform is a very big part of it. People wanting to keep more of their hard-earned money. That's what you see in the bills that passed both the House and the Senate. Absolutely there are some changes that still need to be made in conference to work these things out. “The other thing that you haven't mentioned - the big difference is that the Republican bill in the Senate eliminates the mandate of Obamacare. It takes Obamacare from being a mandatory program to a voluntary program. “And yes, I like the idea of taking away the death tax entirely. The other thing that we’re doing in terms of helping stimulate the economy: President Trump talks about energy dominance for America. We allow more energy exploration in an area of Alaska that has been off-limits for a long time. And I hope those are included. On the Differences Between House and Senate Bills: “There is going to be a conference committee. Members from the House and Senate will get together to look for the best solutions. But we are not that far apart. Fundamentally for the American public, we double - double - the standard deduction. Double the child tax credits. We will lower the rates. And in terms of investing in America and an America-first economy, we lower tax rates for Main Street businesses all across the country, as well as corporations to make us much more competitive internationally, so investments are made in America and not overseas. On the Corporate Tax Rate: “We have 20 percent in both the House and the Senate. That's the number that I would like to see. President Trump came to our policy lunch on Tuesday. I thought he did a wonderful job explaining how important this is because once we get tax reform done and he's ready and willing to sign the tax relief for the American people, the tax reductions and tax cuts that people are desperately looking for to get the economy growing even faster, he said then we can go onto additional things, infrastructure, all the important things. “Everybody is going to have to decide for themselves how they would vote. My preference is 20 percent. I think we have a very good bill out in the Senate. The House has some components. I think this is a major step forward for the American public, we are going to get this to the president's desk for his signature before the end of the year. On the JCT Report: “Two things. One, the good news is this group tends to be wildly pessimistic, has actually said that there will be economic growth as a result of the things we were proposing with this tax relief bill. They are wildly pessimistic. Economists across the board believe that we will do much, much better. “Just take a look at the current economy. These are all based on 1.8 stagnant Obama numbers. We don't have to do much to get up to much higher numbers because the last two quarters, we've had over 3 percent economic growth in this country and we had two million new jobs already created since the day President Trump was elected, and a lot of that has to do with the reform of regulations. When you do regulatory relief as well as tax relief, I think we are going to have an accelerated growth of the economy way beyond what people are predicting. On Major Companies and Tax Savings: “When we take our tax rates, the corporate rates from one of the highest in the world to now one of the lower tax rates in the world, we have a global economy, money will come rushing into the United States to invest here. I expect to see incredible amounts of investment from around the world. We live in a global economy even though the Joint Committee on Taxation really doesn't look at it that way when they do their evaluation and assessments. On Funding and Keeping the Government Open: “I think we need to keep the government open. To me, that's what a mature, responsible governing group does. You're right, it does require bipartisan participation. I thought it was incredibly childish for Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi to not go to that White House meeting that they were scheduled to go to with President Trump. I thought it was irresponsible on their part because we need to work together to keep the government open. I would like to move that date into either January or February. We need to fund the government and do it competently. On Possible DACA Fix: “The Democrats have threatened to shut down the government over dealing with illegal immigrants. People that are in the country illegally, I think that's the wrong way to go. We had Democrats speak to that effect and I think that that recent result in that case and that verdict points to the impact that illegal immigration has had in our country to a detrimental effect.”                                                                                                     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=91B2A4F2-1F9C-4728-B107-AC65561C438E,Barrasso Statement on Senate Passage of Tax-Reform Bill,2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement regarding his vote to support the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “It has been more than 30-years since Congress enacted major tax relief. Today, the Senate voted to give Americans the tax relief they have been waiting for. This bill delivers on our goal of a simpler, fairer tax code that grows our economy, creates job opportunities and increases wages. “It also repeals one of the most outrageous and unfair parts of Obamacare, the individual mandate tax. People in Wyoming will no longer have to pay a tax if they decide that overpriced Obamacare insurance isn’t right for them. “Families in Wyoming and across the country will soon be able to keep more of their hard-earned money. I look forward to working with the House of Representatives to pass a final bill that will make tax reduction a reality for all Americans.”  ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C1CF2209-F964-4FB1-AE3A-B847F02590C4,"Senate passes historic tax reform bill that lowers tax rates, puts more money in peoples pockets",2017-12-02,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today, which lowers tax rates on average for Americans in every tax bracket. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., praised the passage of the bill and said it will boost the economy, create jobs, simplify the tax code and provide meaningful tax relief to hardworking Americans. “This tax reform bill has been years in the making. After more than 70 hearings on taxes and an open legislative process, we have a bill before us that will bring relief to millions of Americans,” Enzi said. “This important pro-growth tax reform bill will put money back in the pockets of middle-class families and make our country globally competitive. This legislation is truly about making a better future for our country. It is rooted in the ideal that Americans, not the federal government, know best how to spend their hard-earned money.” According to a preliminary analysis by the Tax Foundation, the bill, as passed by the Senate Finance Committee, would create 1,796 jobs in Wyoming and raises after-tax income for middle-income families in Wyoming by an average of $2,544. Enzi said senators made some changes to the bill while it was being considered on the Senate floor, but he believes job opportunities and the incomes of most Wyoming families would be significantly increased under the tax proposals.   “I believe this bill will not only give a financial boost to most American families, but it would put our country in a better position financially as we see the economic gains I believe this legislation will make possible, especially if we enact sensible federal spending restraints,” Enzi said. The bill also included a provision to open up a small area of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil and gas exploration and development. The Senate Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Lowers taxes on average in every income group. Doubles the standard deduction. Doubles the child tax credit to $2,000. Provides tax relief for more than 41,000 taxpayers who own small businesses in Wyoming, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Scales back the estate tax. Repeals the Obamacare individual mandate, which in Wyoming mostly affects people making less than $50,000 a year. Doubles the deduction for educator expenses. Encourages American companies to create jobs and invest in the U.S. Levels the playing field for U.S. companies in the global marketplace. Maintains a waiver for graduate students’ tuition. Those making more than $100,000 would pay 78.8% of the federal income taxes, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-liz-cheneys-december-1st-newsletter,Congressman Liz Cheney's December 1st Newsletter,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Week's Round-up Natural Resources Committee This week the House Natural Resources Committee reviewed, voted on, and passed H.R. 1778, a bill I introduced earlier this year. H.R. 1778 ensures there will be no future moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands without approval from the House and Senate. Coal is a national treasure and for far too long President Obama's war on coal did real damage to the livelihoods of the people and communities in our state. I'm proud this legislation passed the Natural Resources Committee so we can begin to undo that damage brought upon by burdensome Obama-era energy policies. Watch my opening statement here: https://goo.gl/sEBPVN Wyoming County Commissioner Jim Willox, a member from Douglas testified before the Natural Resources Committee this Wednesday regarding the National Environmental Policy Act. He did an incredible job representing Wyoming and it's damaging effects on our state. Watch his testimony here: Armed Services Committee This week the committee held several important briefings regarding the readiness of our military and the growing threat we face from North Korea. We also met with King Abdullah of Jordan to discuss the ongoing fight against ISIS, the expanding role of Iran and Russia in the Middle East, and the important relationship between the U.S. and Jordan. On Wednesday, Speaker Paul Ryan signed the bipartisan FY18 NDAA that will now head to President Trump's desk for a signature. I'm honored that I was able to serve as a conferee and speak on the House Floor and at the Rules Committee in support of this crucial bill. This bill provides a much needed and deserved pay raise for the troops and begins to undo that damage caused by the Obama Administration's misguided policies and the Budget Control Act. Most importantly, the FY18 NDAA included crucial amendments that I added that will benefit and support F.E. Warren. Rules Committee This week I managed the rule for HR 3017 the Brownsfields Enhancement, Economic Redevelopment, and Reauthorization Act of 2017 and a structured rule for H.R. 3905, Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act on the House floor. H.R. 3017 would amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) to reauthorize the EPA's Brownsfield programs that would allow abandoned sites that may be contaminated by prior use to be cleaned up. This bill would benefit communities across the nation by putting money back into local economies. Towns across Wyoming have benefited grants through the Brownfields program. I spoke several times on the House floor this week about tax reform and the skyrocketing premiums that hard-working families are facing and gave real-world examples of the extreme increases people in Wyoming are facing for health insurance. It's crucially important that the Senate return to addressing this important issue so we can provide real reform and relief to the people of Wyoming. Read my statement from one of my House floor speeches below. My Democrat colleague was asserting that the Democrats just want to work together to get things done. My response is below: ""It's awfully hard to claim you are dedicated and committed to that concept and then you don't even have leaders who show up to the key meetings. I would also point out Mr. Speaker, my colleague has called our bills and our process here ridiculous and extreme. I can't help but note what is truly ridiculous and extreme, Mr. Speaker, are the massive increases in [insurance] premiums that my constituents all across Wyoming are now facing. My constituents are now facing a significant increase because of this health plan that was supposed to provide coverage for everybody, low-cost coverage for everybody, that was supposed to guarantee access, guarantee if you liked your doctor you could keep him or her, guarantee that you would be able to afford health care. My constituents are now facing premiums that will bankrupt them. They are now receiving bills that demonstrate that their premiums, next year for example, for a retired married couple of two, the lowest amount that they can pay under the Obamacare bronze plan is $2,700 a month. Now that is absolutely unsustainable and that is what is ridiculous and extreme."" I also gave a statement on the House floor about Congress putting the people before government. For the first time in many years, I'm proud to say members of the House and Senate are putting the people first regarding health care, tax reform, and defense spending legislation. Read and watch my full statement on the House floor here: (Link) Constituent Visits   I want to thank all the students from Kaycee High School for stopping by this week and walking around the Capitol with me. The students got a chance to watch me represent Wyoming on the House floor and tour a television studio with me. It's was great to meet all of you. Around Town Senators Enzi and Barrasso and I  were honored to be a part of this year's Wyoming Stock Growers Association's Natural Resource Rendezvous that took place in Casper. It was an honor to speak with over 500 ranchers, elected Conservation District Board members, and resource practitioners about the issues that are affecting the farming communities in our state. Thank you for having us. District staff made it out to the Carbon County Commissioners meeting this week with Chairman Johnson, Glode, Espy, and jones. The meeting tackled numerous issues such as the Secretary of State Clerk Association task force to replace voting machines and the Gateway West Transmission Line project. Congratulations to everyone who took the oath in Gillette to become a naturalized United States Citizen. Local Literary Congratulations to UW Cowboys for making it to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho. ""Wyoming football's 13th and final game of the 2017 season will be played at the same location as its seventh game, according to a report from Brett McMurphy. McMurphy wrote in an article on The Score that the Cowboys will play in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in Boise, Idaho."" Read more here: https://goo.gl/9hhJZ3",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheney-proud-put-people-first-congress-after-years-democrats,Congressman Liz Cheney Proud to Put the People First in Congress After Years of Democrats Putting the Government First,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) gave a statement on the house floor about the importance of putting the people before government in Congress. ""Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues for their work on these important bills. I want to thank my colleague, Mr. McGovern. I'm glad to hear him say that they want to put people first. That's exactly what we're doing, Mr. Speaker, whether we're talking about our tax bill, which is going to put money back in people's pockets; whether we're talking about repealing and replacing Obamacare, which we've passed through this House; whether we're talking about defense spending that's going to protect the people of this nation. All across Wyoming, Mr. Speaker, I know my constituents are very grateful that we are now suddenly putting people first after years of putting the government first. We're not doing that anymore, Mr. Speaker. It's true, this is the People's House, and in this House we ought to always live by and remember the words of Alexander Hamilton: 'Here, sir, the people govern.' And in this House, Mr. Speaker, we are charged with carrying out the obligations of the people who elected us.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=0C237166-C47D-47E0-A42E-A82E71799635,Statement of Senator Mike Enzi Regarding the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-12-01,2017,2017-12,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. President, I rise today to speak about the important legislation we are now considering. Earlier this week I explained some of the reasons the Senate needs to consider tax reform legislation and gave a general overview of the bill.  Today I want to talk about some of the specific provisions of the bill. First, I want to talk about the relief this bill provides to hardworking Americans. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces tax rates for individuals, almost doubles the standard deduction, and doubles the child tax credit.  This will allow families to keep more of the money they earn in their pockets.  The independent Tax Foundation estimates that this will amount to about $2,500 more in after-tax income for a middle income family in Wyoming. This bill also will provide relief to small, family-owned businesses that currently employ the majority of the private sector in Wyoming.  The bill cuts taxes for these businesses while enhancing deductions that are important to them, like the section 179 deduction that promotes business investment.  The Tax Foundation believes changes like this will add more than 1,700 full time jobs in my home state. While these individual tax code provisions are important to so many Wyomingites and small businesses in my home state, I am also especially proud of the international tax provisions in this bill, which I worked on with Senator Portman and Chairman Hatch.  Right now our tax rules are written so that many businesses could be better off if they are headquartered outside of the United States!  Those rules, which were written in the 1960s, are completely outdated.   Many of the United States’ major trading partners, including Canada, Japan, and the UK, have moved to what are called “territorial” tax systems.  Those systems tax the income generated within their borders and exempt foreign earnings from tax.  The United States, on the other hand, taxes the worldwide income of U.S. companies and provides deferral of U.S. tax until the foreign earnings are brought home.  Deferring the tax incentivizes companies to leave their money abroad and invest it there.  That’s certainly not a recipe for U.S. growth and U.S. job creation. The dominance of U.S.-headquartered companies in the global marketplace is waning.  In 2000, 36 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies were headquartered in the United States.  In 2009, that number dropped to 28 percent.  In 2017, we are down to 26 percent.  Clearly, America is losing ground, and our international tax rules are part of the problem.  I’ve been working to change that since the 112th Congress, when I introduced the United States Job Creation and International Tax Reform Act.  My goal then was to incentivize American companies to create jobs in the United States while leveling the playing field for U.S. companies in the global marketplace.  I believe the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act achieves that goal.  This bill would reform and modernize the rules for taxing the global operations of American companies. These reforms, along with reducing our corporate tax rate, would help make America a more attractive location to base a business that serves customers around the world.   With these provisions in law, families would hear fewer stories about how U.S. companies are moving their profits to tax haven countries and avoiding U.S. tax on those earnings.  Families would hear fewer stories about how U.S. multinational companies set up post office boxes in the Cayman Islands and Switzerland without an employee or officer of the company anywhere in sight and attribute a significant portion of their foreign earnings to these jurisdictions. Instead, families would hear more stories about how U.S. companies are generating the ideas and inventions of tomorrow right here in America.  The international tax rules are not easy or simple, and a lot of work went into these provisions.  I want to again thank Senator Portman and Chairman Hatch for their work with me in this area. I look forward to continuing to work with them and the rest of my colleagues to pass this bill that our country desperately needs. Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheney-s-legislation-preventing-ban-coal-leasing-passes-natural,Congressman Liz Cheneys Legislation Preventing Ban on Coal Leasing Passes Natural Resources Committee,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on the Natural Resource Committee passing H.R. 1778. ""I'm pleased H.R. 1778, a bill I introduced to ensure no future moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands can be imposed without Congressional approval, passed the House Natural Resources Committee today. For far too long Obama-era energy policies attacked our state's fossil fuel industry. Coal is a national treasure and President Obama's war on coal did real damage to the livelihoods of the people and communities in our state. This overdue legislation will protect jobs in my state, prevent future unnecessary drags on economic growth, and ensure continued access to affordable energy for homes and businesses across the United States."" Background: H.R. 1778 (Rep. Liz Cheney, R-WY) requires congressional approval of any order by the Interior Secretary imposing a moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands. Congress must act within 30 legislative days after the proposed order is received by Congress. The Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources, of which Representative Cheney is a member, held a hearing on H.R 1778 today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4252D0CC-7182-4DD1-B470-5D714EFB7AE1,Senate Passes John P. Smith Act to Improve Safety on Tribal Roads,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"John Smith when he testified before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs in April of 2015. WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) praised the U.S. Senate for passing his legislation to increase the safety of roads throughout Indian Country. The John P. Smith Act (S. 302), cosponsored by Senator Mike Enzi (R-WY), streamlines the permitting process for tribal road safety projects and requires the Department of the Interior to work closely with tribes to complete permitting and approval processes in a timely manner. The bill is named after the late John P. Smith, former director of the Department of Transportation for the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes of the Wind River Reservation. “Tribal roads are some of the most dangerous and deadly in the country. With the Senate passage of the John P. Smith Act, we’re now one step closer to fixing these neglected roads and ultimately saving lives,” said Barrasso. “This legislation couldn’t have a better namesake. Wyoming’s John Smith was a life-long advocate for transportation safety who earned respect across the country—including at the White House. John brought tribal, state and local leaders together to improve safety on the Wind River Reservation. We couldn’t have passed this bill without John’s support and expert testimony before the Senate in years past. I look forward to the House passing this bill soon and adding to John Smith’s already impressive legacy of improving lives across Indian Country.” Background Nationwide, just 17 percent of tribal roads were deemed acceptable by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 70 percent of tribal roads remain unpaved, and 14 percent of bridges are structurally deficient. The Centers for Disease Control lists motor vehicle crashes as the leading cause of death for Native American children. On April 22, 2015, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an oversight hearing on the issue titled: “Tribal Transportation: Pathways to Safer Roads in Indian Country.” During his time as chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Barrasso championed tribal road safety in the Senate. The highway law, passed in December 2015, included provisions from the John P. Smith Act (formerly known as the TIRES Act) that substantially increased funding for the Tribal Transportation Program through fiscal year 2020. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/tv-appearances?ContentRecord_id=74992BBF-3AF5-4AFB-AADB-BF1DFC5A821F,Barrasso on FOX News with Bill Hemmer about Tax Reform Bill,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Search Offices Services Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Menu About John Biography Official Photo Wyoming State Facts Wyoming Links Services Legislation Newsroom TV Appearances News Releases Photo Gallery Second Opinion Reports Students Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Search Privacy Policy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/facebook?ContentRecord_id=41592FF9-D6A5-48BA-BFBA-1D106F8FA95E,Congress is one step closer to passing concrete reforms to the broken U.S. tax code as the full Senate took up consideration of tax reform legislation earlier today.,2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,Press alt + / to open this menu,1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=E30A45EA-9710-401A-8CAC-026375DD0E71,"Senator Enzi, Congressman Duffy introduce bicameral legislation to rein in CFPBs pay structure",2017-11-30,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., and Congressman Sean Duffy, R-Wis., introduced bicameral legislation this week to rein in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s rates of pay. Specifically, the legislation requires the CFPB’s Director to set the basic rates of pay for employees in accordance with the Federal Government’s General Schedule. The new rates of pay would be in effect for all employees 90 days after the enactment of the bill. “The need for Congress to bring accountability to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is long overdue and the bureau’s lavish spending on employee salaries is a key example of why,” Enzi said. “There are hundreds of employees at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau making more than governors, Supreme Court justices and senior White House Staff, and Congress lacks the usual constitutional checks to rein in this behavior. Although it might just sound like common sense, this bill would ensure the bureau is keeping employees’ salaries in line with the regular government pay scale. Hopefully this is the start of many needed reforms.”  “The CFPB is dangerously unaccountable to the American people because Democrats intentionally designed it that way,” Duffy said. “As a result, they can act as a bully to small banks and credit unions, push a far-left agenda, and spend lavishly on bureaucrat salaries that are obscenely higher than the vast majority of public servants. The agency must be reined in and held accountable, and the Pay Fairness Act, which sets basic pay rates in accordance with the federal government’s General Schedule, is an important step in giving the American people a say in how this rogue agency functions.” Click HERE for a copy of the bill.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=93FA1E2E-A973-46EA-8267-917723B6D640,Barrasso: Tax Reform Bill Repeals Obamacares Individual Mandate,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Families ought to be able to make decisions about what they want to buy and what works for them –not the government. I believe if people don’t want to buy the Obamacare insurance, they shouldn’t have to pay a tax penalty to the IRS.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how under the Senate tax relief plan, people would no longer have to pay a tax penalty if they don’t want, or can’t afford, expensive health insurance. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “This week we’re debating the Republican tax relief plan. There’s a lot to like in this legislation. “It gives tax cuts to hard-working American families. It makes taxes simpler, and fairer. “It makes American businesses more competitive around the world. It makes our economy stronger here at home. “Well that’s all good news for our country – and for the American people. “There’s other good news in this legislation, and it’s something I continued to hear about at home over the Thanksgiving recess in Wyoming, is that it wipes out the Obamacare insurance mandate tax. “This is the tax penalty that the Obama health care law forced on the American people. “Under the Republican plan, people would no longer have to pay a tax penalty to the IRS if they didn’t want the Democrats’ expensive health insurance – or if they just couldn’t afford it. “We’ve seen health insurance premiums skyrocket over the past few years in this country, and it’s because of the way Democrats wrote the health care law. “The costs as well as the deductibles are so high that many people find that even if they have paid for the expensive insurance, the deductible is so high, that they still can’t afford to get the care they need. “The law says that no matter how expensive the insurance gets, or how unusable it is for that individual, people by law, still have to buy it or pay a tax. “Families ought to be able to make decisions about what they want to buy and what works for them –not the government. “I believe if people don’t want to buy the Obamacare insurance, they shouldn’t have to pay a tax penalty to the IRS. “A single woman would have to pay a tax of either $695 or two-and-a-half percent of her income, whichever is higher. “If it’s a couple, the tax could be double that. “If it’s a family with kids, they pay additional tax for each of the children. “A majority of Americans say that they don't even have enough savings today to cover a $500 emergency expense if one came up. “So who actually pays? “Of these over 16,000 people in Wyoming who paid the penalty –these are hardworking men and women. “Across the country, we see over six million people who were hit with this extra tax. “The Obamacare insurance mandate tax is a direct tax on the working people of this country. “I think it’s not right. The Republican Party members of the Senate think it’s not right. “Washington should not make people pay higher taxes just because they can’t afford expensive Obamacare insurance. “People shouldn’t be forced to buy a product that’s not the right choice for them and their family. “The Congressional Budget Office says that if we get rid of the insurance mandate tax, 13 million people will eventually decide not to have insurance. “These people don’t view it as a good benefit for them. “They don’t view it as worth the money. “Republicans want to give all of these people a tax cut. “Democrats want to make sure that people still have to pay the tax penalty. “There’s a lot that I want to change about how America’s health care system works. “I want to repeal the entire health care law that Democrats wrote a few years ago. “I haven’t given up on trying to get that done – because we need to make health care better in this country. “In Wyoming, we’re down to just one insurer willing to sell these policies. And that’s happening more and more around the country. “That’s left many people at the breaking point. “I got an email from one man in Sheridan Wyoming. “He talked about the fact that his monthly premiums are going up by more than $700 a month next year. “That’s for two adults, no children, and a deductible of $6,000. “He and his wife are stuck in a position where they’ll have to pay more than $2,400 a month for insurance – or pay an extra tax. “Another woman, from Park County Wyoming, wrote to me that her family had to switch insurance plans a couple of years ago. The coverage they had before was canceled. “This lady writes about the incredible increase in the costs. She said, ‘what are we supposed to do?’ “I’ve heard from all corners of the state of Wyoming, what are they supposed to do? “I don’t believe that these people should face a choice between paying sky-high insurance premiums or a sky-high tax penalty to the IRS. “The people of Wyoming, people around the country, they want to buy insurance that’s affordable, that works for them and fits the needs of them and their families. “They just don’t want to be forced to buy the insurance that Washington tells them they have to buy. “People want the coverage that they need, so they can go to the doctor that they want at lower costs. “I wanted to point out also, that the cost of the insurance isn’t the only problem that we’re looking at right now. “There are other parts of the health care law that may actually be harming patients. “As a physician, I receive multiple medical journals, and there was a new study out. And the conclusion of Journal of the American Medical Association, their cardiology journal, that looked at Medicare patients who are hospitalized with heart failure. “There’s a program in the health care law that started to penalize hospitals if that Medicare patient was readmitted to the hospital within 30 days after they had been released from the hospital. “There are a number of reasons that may happen, but the goal was to penalize hospitals, and the laudable goal was to give patients better treatment. “But that’s not what happened. “This is the problem, the Democrats wrote this into the law—and then with the regulations that came out—they did this in a way that really had no evidence that this policy would actually help patients and save money at the same time. “It turns out, and this is a study in the American Medical Association, a well-respected journal, their cardiology journal, that say the death rate actually went up after hospitals faced this new requirement. “The study was over 400 hospitals, 110,000 patients and the study found that an extra 5,400 people are dying every year – just among heart failure patients because of the way the federal government has chosen to penalize hospitals around the country when patients are re-admitted. “The Wall Street Journal had an editorial about it last week. “They concluded that if you were doing a drug trial, on a drug that you were working on inventing to improve the lives of people, and they had the same results like this with 5,400 people dying, they would have shut it down long ago.’ “There is a deadly, unintended consequence here of the Obama health care law. “The insurance mandate tax was supposed to keep premiums from rising, premiums have gone up anyway. “Another unintended consequence of the law. “We should repeal the entire law. “Until we can do that, we should do what we can to help the American people who are struggling to deal with this expensive insurance, and what I believe is an unfair tax and fine that they must pay if they don’t buy the insurance because they can’t afford it, because it’s not a good deal for them, or it doesn’t work for them or their family. “It took away people’s choice, and force them to buy expensive insurance that wasn't right for them. “It’s time for the insurance mandate to go away. “We know it’s a bad idea. “We need to give people relief from this terrible tax. “The people of Wyoming – and the people of this country – simply can’t afford to wait any longer. It is time to repeal the mandate of the health care law.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=EA1E9918-0E2A-4AC6-90D2-585DDDB1F96E,"Enzi says we are one step closer to passing tax reform that strengthens economy, country",2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Congress is one step closer to passing concrete reforms to the broken U.S. tax code as the full Senate took up consideration of tax reform legislation earlier today, according to U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. Speaking on the Senate floor, Enzi said this bill would help grow the economy, create jobs and ensure that Americans are not missing available tax relief. “We need tax reform that will make our system simpler and fairer and allow people to keep more of what they earn,” Enzi said. “This bill before us would do that.” He said the bill would provide relief to small and family-owned businesses, which currently employ the majority of the private sector in Wyoming. “This tax plan is an investment in hardworking Americans – one that would produce a stronger and more competitive American economy,” Enzi said. Enzi helped pass a budget earlier this year that would offset tax cuts by relying on economic growth and sensible fiscal restraint. Enzi highlighted that if the economy reached 3.2 percent growth on average under the new tax plan, part of the debt would be paid down from the extra revenue generated. The legislation includes language to advance American energy security by opening up a small section of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) for potential oil and gas exploration. Enzi noted that while the ANWR region is the size of South Carolina, the potential area for oil exploration included in the bill is smaller than the airport in Fargo, North Dakota. Enzi also refuted claims that the process for passing the bill had not been open and transparent. He emphasized that along with following regular order in committee and an open amendment process that allows senators to offer changes, the Senate Finance Committee has held 70 hearings on improving the tax code over the last six years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=A5AB47AF-17E5-41FA-8734-D01440CA0473,Senator Enzi Senate Floor Consideration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-29,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. President, this is a historic day, as the Senate begins consideration of tax reform that will help boost America’s economy, create more jobs, and leave more money in people’s paychecks. The House and Senate passage last month of the fiscal year (FY) 2018 budget resolution marked an important first step toward tax relief for American families and job-creators that will jumpstart economic growth. The resolution gave the Senate Finance Committee the head-room to come up with comprehensive tax reform and instructed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee to save $1 billion. Finance Committee Chairman Hatch and Energy Committee Chairwoman Murkowski both deserve praise for developing legislative recommendations that comport with the budget resolution’s reconciliation instructions, and I thank them for their efforts. Yesterday, the Senate Budget Committee took the next step by combining the legislative recommendations from the Finance and Energy and Natural Resources Committees and reporting the combined bill to the full Senate for consideration. This put our nation one step closer to real tax reform while advancing American energy security. It is past time for us to act.  A lot of things have changed since the last major tax reform in 1986, and unfortunately, our tax code hasn’t kept pace with those changes.  It is an outdated mess that is hurting American workers and holding our economy back. That is why we need tax reform that will make our system simpler and fairer and allow people to keep more of what they earn. The bill before us will do that. It will help grow the economy, create jobs, and ensure that hardworking Americans aren’t missing available tax relief. This bill also will provide relief to small, family-owned businesses. We want to make sure that small businesses, which currently employ the majority of the private sector in Wyoming and are the backbone of our communities, have the opportunity to grow and provide more jobs. If you care about jobs, if you care about American companies staying here and being able to compete globally, then you should also care about reforming our business tax system. America has the fourth highest corporate tax rate in the world. We need to encourage companies to bring back their overseas money to increase the number of jobs here in the United States. Lowering our uncommonly high and uncompetitive business tax rate would be one of the quickest ways to solve the problem. It’s time we make America a more inviting place to invest, do business, and create jobs. We heard a lot of rhetoric yesterday in our committee meeting to report this bill, and I expect we will be hearing a lot more of the same arguments over the next couple of days.  So I want to address some of the claims made by my colleagues on the other side of the aisle yesterday. Several members complained that there have been zero hearings on this reconciliation legislation and that this has been a rushed process – nothing could be farther from the truth. The entire FY 2018 budget reconciliation process has been open, transparent, and subject to regular order, starting with the passage of the Senate budget resolution. The Senate Budget Committee marked up the budget over two days and accepted amendments from both sides of the aisle to make the resolution stronger.  In fact, for the first time ever, the minority was given a copy of the Chairman’s Mark five days prior to the start of our markup.  According to many of my colleagues, it was one of the most transparent budget resolution markups in history The budget resolution, complete with the reconciliation instructions being used this week, was then debated on the floor in an open process that allowed every Senator the opportunity to offer and vote on amendments to improve the resolution before its final passage. This set in motion the instructed committees’ process for producing recommendations. Over the last six years, the Senate Finance Committee has held 70 hearings on how the tax code can be improved and streamlined to work better for all Americans. Earlier this month, the Senate Finance Committee held a four-day markup before finally approving tax reform legislation designed to modernize our tax code. The markup lasted 23 hours and 34 minutes over the course of those four days. Of the more than 350 amendments filed, 69 were considered in committee. An additional 35 amendments, offered by both Democrats and Republicans, were included in the final bill reported out of committee. On November 2nd, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held a hearing to receive testimony on the potential for oil and gas exploration and development in the so-called “1002 [Ten-Oh-Two] Area” of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, or ANWR.  And on November 15th, after adopting a bipartisan amendment, the Committee approved with bipartisan support legislation authorizing responsible development in the Ten-Oh-Two area and meeting the $1 billion reconciliation deficit reduction target.  Let me explain what we are talking about here, Mr. President: ANWR is 19.3 million acres – about the size of South Carolina.  The Ten-Oh-Two Area is 1.57 million acres – about the size of Delaware.  And the area within Ten-Oh-Two that we are talking about for development, just 2,000 acres, is smaller than the Fargo, North Dakota airport. When the Budget Committee met yesterday, consistent with our responsibility under the Congressional Budget Act, we were only allowed to combine the recommendations of these two committees and reported the combined bill to the full Senate.  As provided by law, no amendments were allowed because under the Budget Act, our committee is prohibited from substantively changing either committee’s approved recommendations.  Now that this bill is on the floor, however, it will be subject to an open amendment process. For reconciliation bills like this, the amount of amendments that can be offered is unlimited. Several members yesterday accused us of no longer caring about overspending and the debt. Again – this is completely false.  Better tax policy will boost the value of everything we produce, and this will mean more revenue for the federal government. The cost of this bill that you will hear my colleagues on the other side of the aisle argue assumes the bill has little effect on the economy.  That assumption is based on the sluggish growth we’ve had recently: in 2016, annual GDP growth was 1.6%.    But Mr. President, our historical average growth is 3.2%, and under this President’s efforts and the hope he’s brought to working Americans, our economy has grown at more than 3% the last two quarters.  If we only get to 2.4% growth in the private sector, this bill will be paid for.  And if we reach 3.2% growth, part of the debt will be paid down from the extra revenue that will be generated! This reconciliation bill will make concrete reforms to the broken U.S. tax code and put the American economy back on a growth track. This tax plan is an investment in hardworking Americans – one that will produce more jobs, higher wages and a stronger and more competitive American economy. I look forward to working my colleagues to help pass this bill that will not only benefit hardworking Americans, but will make our economy and country stronger. Thank you, Mr. President, I yield the floor.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/tv-appearances?ContentRecord_id=F65DE3B9-2194-4DF3-B70E-CDDD9B5B2E57,Barrasso on FOX News with Dana Perino about Tax Reform,2017-11-28,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Search Offices Services Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Menu About John Biography Official Photo Wyoming State Facts Wyoming Links Services Legislation Newsroom TV Appearances News Releases Photo Gallery Second Opinion Reports Students Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Search Privacy Policy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7A0E5CC2-2A39-41E8-B80A-EBC059D005B3,President Trump to Attend Senate GOP Policy Lunch,2017-11-24,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, announced today that President Trump will address Republican senators at their weekly policy lunch on Tuesday November 28.   “We look forward to welcoming President Trump to the Senate again next Tuesday,” said Barrasso. “This is a historic opportunity for our conference and the president to build on our momentum to give Americans the tax relief they’ve been waiting for.”   DETAILS:   WHAT:           President Trump to join the Senate Republican policy lunch   WHEN:           Tuesday Nov. 28 at 1 p.m.   WHERE:        The Mansfield Room, U.S. Capitol   WHY:             To discuss tax reform legislation and the fall legislative agenda   Media logistics to follow.   ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=95EE678C-54DE-439F-AC42-CE08B5DDACF9,Barrasso Spends Thanksgiving with Wyoming Troops in Kuwait,2017-11-23,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"KUWAIT – U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) shared Thanksgiving dinner with Wyoming National Guard troops serving in Kuwait.   Barrasso visited with members of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 187th Airlift Squadron who are stationed at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. The 187th supports airlift operations across the Middle East region.   “Sharing Thanksgiving with Wyoming troops overseas is always an honor,” said Barrasso. “There are 106 members of the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 187th Airlift Squadron serving in Kuwait. They are a long way from home and it was nice to bring a little bit of Wyoming to them for the holidays. So much of our gratitude goes to these brave men and women who are doing an incredible job keeping America and our allies safe. As we take time to count our blessings this holiday season, please remember the sacrifice that our service members and their families make every day.”   In addition to sharing Thanksgiving dinner with the troops, Barrasso toured workstations, aircraft and was briefed by military leaders on the status of their mission.                                                                                        ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-liz-cheneys-november-17th-newsletter,Congressman Liz Cheney's November 17th Newsletter,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Week's Round-up I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours. We have so much to be grateful for in the United States and I hope everyone has a blessed holiday. Natural Resources This week Majority Leader McCarthy and I met with Interior Secretary Zinke and a number of other members of Congress to discuss royalties on soda ash. These royalties are now at 6% and should be much lower.  I also sent a letter to the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration this week to address an area in northeastern Wyoming that lacks a National Weather Service radar system. This system provides folks in our state with critical information in order to keep their families safe, properly manage their land, and ensure the safety of our miners, the backbone of our state. A 2009 Radar Feasibility Study determined a ""significant radar coverage gap exists"" in our state and the NOAA has been unwilling to address this safety hazard until a comprehensive report is sent to Congress, which was due on October 15. I'm urging the NOAA to review the 2009 Feasibility Study and take immediate action to address this serious safety concern. House Armed Services Committee This week the House and Senate both passed the bipartisan FY18 National Defense Authorization Act. I was honored to serve as a conferee. I was able to speak on the House Floor and at the Rules Committee, in support of the final NDAA bill and the damage the Budget Control Act has done to our armed forces.  The most important responsibility of Congress is to provide the resources necessary for our armed forces to defend the United States. The NDAA will begin to undo the significant damage done by the Obama Administration's misguided policies and the Budget Control Act.. The Funds authorized in this NDAA will enable the United States to modernize our strategic forces, increase and improve our missile defense, and restore other critical readiness gaps. The bill also provides a needed and deserved pay raise for our troops. The final bill included crucial amendments that I added including Section 1674, that ensures our current fleet of deployed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles remains at or is about 400, a crucial leg of the nuclear triad. Rules Committee Tax Reform I voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today because it is critically important we provide tax relief for hard-working families in Wyoming. The bill will lower rates, simplify our out-dated tax code, and completely repeal the death tax. By letting Americans keep more of their own money, this bill will generate economic growth and create jobs. It will provide businesses, large and small, with certainty and relief. I have heard from folks all across Wyoming, in every sector of our economy that they want relief from the overly burdensome and far too complicated tax code. I strongly support tax cuts for all Americans and I call on the United States Senate to do its job and pass the kind of comprehensive tax reform our economy needs and the people of Wyoming deserve. Congress must seize this historic opportunity to provide tax relief for Wyoming families and job creators and send comprehensive tax reform legislation to President Trump for his signature. Around Town Thanks to the Wyoming Livestock Roundup for the photos from the Douglas School Board Meeting honoring the donors of the ""Farm to Plate"" Pilot Project, supported by State Senator Brian Boner and State Superintendent Jillian Balow. I applaud all the donors for contributing livestock to such an incredible project. Great work!   This week Lance Corporal Tagen Schmidt was presented a flag that was flown over the United States Capitol at my request in honor of his service for the U.S. Marine Corps. Corporal Tagen showed incredible courage despite suffering from severe injuries and will continue to dedicate his life to protecting our country. Thank you for your bravery and service. Local Literary Check out this article about an amendment I added to the SECURE Act that clarifies the Migratory Bird Protection Act and would help ensure federal agencies don’t abuse the act. ""The congresswoman has introduced an amendment to that effect in the SECURE Act, a sweeping piece of legislation that would, among other things, allow for more state control of oil and gas activities on federal land. It passed in the House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday."" Read the full article here: https://goo.gl/nGKVnz I encourage everyone to read this article about the need to modernize our nation's intercontinental ballistic missiles, including those at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. ""For Cheney, the GBSD program and the greater nuclear weapon modernization program is part of a larger priority to upgrade the entire United States military. Cheney has opposed defense spending caps imposed under federal sequestration and repeatedly emphasized the need to grow the military following what she says was a steady reduction in capability during the Obama administration."" Read the full article here: https://goo.gl/PRKh4f",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=08A24840-C627-482D-B221-4091DA016C1E,Barrasso on Passage of National Defense Authorization Act,2017-11-17,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement regarding his vote to support final passage of the conference report to accompany H.R.2810, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “America relies on our men and women in uniform to keep us safe. With the passage of the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act, our troops will receive a well-deserved pay raise and will have the tools they need to continue to protect our nation and our allies. This bill also includes provisions to reimburse states for fire suppression costs, and to provide funding for important projects at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne. “On the Bells of Balangiga, we can thank Congresswoman Cheney for her amendment to protect the memorial. While Senate conferees weakened her amendment in conference, it was only because of her leadership that the bill retains some protection against their removal. As a delegation, we are united to protect it.” Some Key Provisions included in NDAA: • Authorizes the Department of Defense to reimburse states for costs resulting from fires caused by military training on state-owned military training facilities. • Conveys land for the Quebec #1 Peacekeeper ICBM Missile Alert Facility to the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. • Authorizes $62 million in military construction to replace security forces helicopter operations facility at F.E. Warren Air Force Base.                                                                                        ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-vote-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on Vote For the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release: Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on her vote in support of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that passed today. ""I voted in favor of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act today because it is critically important we provide tax relief for hard-working families in Wyoming. The bill will lower rates, simplify our out-dated tax code, and completely repeal the death tax. By letting Americans keep more of their own money, this bill will generate economic growth and create jobs. It will provide businesses, large and small, with certainty and relief. I have heard from folks all across Wyoming, in every sector of our economy that they want relief from the overly burdensome and far too complicated tax code. I strongly support tax cuts for all Americans and I call on the United States Senate to do its job and pass the kind of comprehensive tax reform our economy needs and the people of Wyoming deserve. Congress must seize this historic opportunity to provide tax relief for Wyoming families and job creators and send comprehensive tax reform legislation to President Trump for his signature.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=17311238-A76A-433E-8BA0-C9D39925BE93,Enzi applauds Senate committee passage of tax reform bill,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., applauded the Senate Finance Committee’s passage of a tax reform proposal today. Enzi said it would help put more money back in people’s pockets in every tax bracket. “Tax reform is about letting people keep more of what they earn in order to help grow the economy and create jobs in Wyoming. This tax bill would do just that,” Enzi said. “It would provide tax cuts for lower and middle-income hardworking American families. When people have more money, that helps grow the economy, create more jobs and that will help raise wages. Small businesses would also see changes to help lower their tax rate so they can invest more of what they earn back into the community.” Enzi is a member of the Senate Finance Committee, which has been debating and voting on amendments to the tax reform proposal, known as the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act”, throughout the week. Along with reducing taxes on average in every tax bracket, the tax reform bill would double the standard deduction, creating a larger “zero” tax bracket for low income individuals, and it would double the child tax credit to $2,000 to help struggling families. Enzi’s long-time legislative priorities on international tax reform are also in the bill, including efforts to encourage U.S.-headquartered, multinational companies to bring their money back to the U.S. and create a level playing field for American companies to grow at home.  The proposal would eliminate the Obamacare tax that is imposed on people who can’t afford to buy health insurance, known as the individual mandate. This fine mostly hits people who make less than $50,000. Enzi said the bill would not take away anybody’s health insurance or premium tax credits. It would just take away the tax penalty. The Senate as a whole is expected to take up the Finance Committee legislation after Thanksgiving. The House passed its own version of the legislation today.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=49CADC47-3844-4EF5-AF7F-1AA551CB702D,Congressional Award celebrates its 38th anniversary,2017-11-16,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Congressional Award, founded by Wyoming Senator Malcolm Wallop and the highest honor the U.S. Congress bestows on youth civilians, celebrates its 38th anniversary today. The Congressional Award encourages American youths to become involved in their local communities. Since its founding, participants nationwide have contributed 8.1 million hours of service to their communities. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., congratulated Congressional Award participants on their accomplishments over the years, noting that young people in Wyoming have excelled in the program, especially when compared to other states.   “I support and encourage the young people of Wyoming to look into this program every chance I get,” Enzi said. “Wyoming has led the pack for Congressional Awards. More than 900 Wyoming students have received Congressional Awards and nearly 600 are actively participating. Last spring, only California and Florida had more Gold Medalists.” The Congressional Award is attainable to any young person ages 14 – 24, regardless of ability or circumstance. Participants earn Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Certificates and Bronze, Silver and Gold Congressional Award Medals. The award is not designed to recognize past achievements but instead encourages young people to set personally challenging goals for their immediate future.  To learn more, visit www.congressionalaward.org.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-passage-fy18-ndaa,Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on the Passage of FY18 NDAA,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release: Washington, D.C. – Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL), who served as a conferee on the NDAA Conference Committee, Statement on the Passage of FY18 NDAA. ""I was proud to vote for the bipartisan FY18 National Defense Authorization Act, which passed the House today. Congress has no higher obligation or responsibility than to provide the resources necessary for our men and women in uniform to defend the nation. The NDAA will begin to undo the significant damage done over the last eight years by misguided Obama policies and the devastating Budget Control Act. The Funds authorized in this NDAA will enable the United States to modernize our strategic forces, increase and improve our missile defense, and restore other critical readiness gaps. The bill also provides a needed and deserved pay raise for our troops. The final bill also includes critical amendments I added, including an amendment that ensures our current fleet of deployed Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles remains at or is about 400, a crucial leg of the nuclear triad. This FY 2018 NDAA is an important first step towards rebuilding our military. We will not be able to do what must be done, however, until Congress appropriates the funds authorized and fully and completely repeals the Budget Control Act.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=36586694-AE6B-4389-93A9-4D274AAE88DF,Barrasso: Keep American Families Thriving through Tax Cuts,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how the Senate is working to give tax relief and create jobs through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “The Senate Finance Committee is working this week on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. “This is a Republican plan to give tax relief to the American people. “Just like the names of the legislation says, it actually addresses both issues – tax cuts and jobs. “First of all, the legislation will cut the taxes for American workers. “One of the biggest cuts in the plan is that it roughly doubles the standard deduction that people take. “Right now, the standard deduction for a married couple is about $12,000. “If we double it, people won’t pay any federal income taxes at all on the first $24,000 that they earn. “That’s a big tax cut, and it’s aimed squarely at lower-income, middle-income families in this country. “A lot of people will decide to take this deduction instead of going through the painstaking process of itemizing deductions on their income tax returns. “That saves people a lot of time. “It also saves them the cost of accountants and lawyers who help them figure out the complicated taxes that they end up paying in this country. “Republicans are also working to preserve other deductions that are important to American families. “When we put all of these together, we’re going to cut taxes for people and put money back in their pockets, instead of sending it to Washington. “The second thing to know about this tax relief legislation is that it’s going to be a big boost for jobs in America. “In fact, it will help America create more than 900,000 new jobs. “It’s also going to lead to higher pay. “That’s because the legislation will cut the taxes that small businesses have to pay. “Small businesses create most of the jobs in America. “If we let them keep more of their money, they can hire more people, help grow their businesses. “They can also give their workers a raise, or offer them better benefits. “When Washington takes less, and businesses can keep more, workers are better off – every time. “Republicans also want to bring down the rates that Washington charges other businesses. “A lot of people work for small businesses, but a lot of people also work for larger businesses as well. “If we’re able to cut taxes for those businesses, then those workers can get the same raise. “How much more money are we talking about? “According to the Tax Foundation, it amounts to about $2,600 for a typical middle-income family. “That’s what you get when you combine the tax cut and the pay raise that people will see across the country. “For that family, an extra $2,600 is going to be a very big deal. “A majority of Americans say that they don't have enough savings today to cover a $500 emergency expense if one came up. “Millions of American families will be far better off because of the tax relief that Republicans are working on this week. “It boosts the economy, it helps individual workers, it helps their families. “This is about tax cuts and it’s about jobs. “That’s how you keep the economy growing. “That’s how we keep American families thriving.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=91780822-CEC5-4AEE-AD68-DFF1FCB6CD49,Barrasso: Keep the Bells of Balangiga in Wyoming,2017-11-15,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on the Bells of Balangiga veterans memorial at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne and its significance to veterans in Wyoming and across the country. Barrasso also outlines why he opposes a provision in the conference report to accompany the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act that would allow the secretary of defense to dismantle veteran memorials like the Bells of Balangiga and move them to a foreign nation. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “I also want to speak today about an issue that is very important to our veterans in Wyoming and across the country. “The 2018 National Defense Authorization Act conference report includes a provision that allows America’s veterans memorials to be used as political bargaining chips. “I think it’s a very bad idea. “There’s a specific provision in this report that allows the secretary of defense to dismantle a veteran memorial and move it to a foreign nation. “We have one of these memorials at the F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming. “This memorial honors American soldiers who were massacred more than one hundred years ago in a town called Balangiga, in the Philippines. “On September 28, 1901, a group of 400 Filipino insurgents armed with machetes attacked American soldiers in Company C, of the 9th Infantry. “It was a sneak attack while the Americans were mostly unarmed and having breakfast. “The insurgents signaled their attack by ringing the bells of the local church. “Company C had 75 soldiers – and 48 of them were killed in this attack, or died of their wounds, or went missing in action. “It was the worst defeat for the American Army since the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876. “These bells were used in an act of war against American soldiers. “The Army legally brought the bells back to America to honor the troops of Company C who were lost in this massacre. “The 11th Infantry Regiment brought them to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and today the Bells of Balangiga are part of the memorial at F.E. Warren Air Force Base. “Over the years, the Department of Defense and the State Department have tried a few times to move these bells to the Philippines. “In 2012, President Obama’s Department of Defense even tried to cover up the fact that it was secretly making plans to move the bells. “I have opposed these efforts every step of the way. “The majority of veterans in Wyoming oppose dismantling this veteran memorial. “The Wyoming Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion have both passed resolutions against moving the bells. “The American Legion has also taken a stand on the national level. “It has opposed the removal, and encouraged Congress to pass legislation to protect veteran memorials. “During the confirmation hearing for Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, I asked him specifically about the Bells of Balangiga. “He made a commitment to me that he would include Congress and our veteran organizations in any conversations regarding war memorials. “I recently received a letter from the State Department and they say they are unaware of any plans to move the bells to a foreign country. “We need to make sure that no plans ever develop. “This conference report will take away any lines of communication between the administration and the Congress on this issue. “America needs to make clear that we will never stop honoring our war dead – no matter where, or when, they sacrificed. “To dismantle this memorial would be an insult to the memory of the men who were massacred that day in the Philippines. “Wyoming has a strong tradition of honoring our veterans – especially those who gave their lives. “The United States should not be using our veteran memorials as bargaining chips to negotiate with foreign nations. “For this reasons, I oppose Section 2864 of the conference report on the National Defense Authorization Act. “I will continue my work to protect our veteran memorials. “I will continue to use my voice for the soldiers of Company C who have no voice of their own.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=7093EF9C-86D7-4328-BA8C-5CB3D0EC8A4F,Enzi challenges senators to do more than just complain about tax bill,2017-11-14,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., challenged members of the Senate Finance Committee to offer improvements rather than simply try to sink a tax reform proposal being offered by the GOP.  “This isn’t my first time legislating,” Enzi said. “I was in the Wyoming Legislature for 10 years and clear back then I discovered that it’s easier to kill a bill than it is to pass one…If you can create a little confusion, you can kill a bill. But to pass a bill, you have to get a positive vote at every [step]...We will see through the amendments whether it is an attempt to kill the bill or whether it is an attempt to improve the bill.” This is the second day of the Senate Finance Committee’s consideration of a bill to fundamentally reform the U.S. tax code, something that has not been done since 1986. Under the proposal, Wyoming would see 1,792 new jobs and a middle-income family on average would see their after-tax income increase by $2,544, according to an analysis by the Tax Foundation. The Tax Foundation also found the plan would also lead to a 3.7 percent increase in the country’s economy over the long term and 2.9 percent higher wages.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-cheneys-november-13th-newsletter,Congressman Cheney's November 13th Newsletter,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Weekly Round-up Natural Resources Committee This week the Natural Resources Committee marked up three bills: H.R. 3905, the Minnesota's Economic Rights in the Superior National Forest Act, H.R. 4239 the SECURE American Energy Act, and H.R 2907 the Planning for American Energy Act, of which I'm a proud cosponsor. The Planning for American Energy Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to develop and establish an all-encompassing federal onshore energy production strategy to meet domestic energy needs and I'm very pleased that the Natural Resources Committee passed this crucial bill. The SECURE American Energy Act is the result of multiple hearings within the House Natural Resources Committee. This bill encourages allows states to establish their own regulatory and permitting processes for oil and gas operations on federal lands. The federal 'one-size-fits-all' regulatory and permitting process is insufficient in meeting the needs of Wyoming and has resulted in egregious APD delays and redundant regulations. This bill also ensures that operations occurring on private land and accessing less than 50% of federal minerals do not require a federal permit, a provision that would be crucial for folks in Wyoming. H.R. 4239 also included my language from the States Mineral Revenue Protection Act which returns a 2% ""administrative fee"" that the federal government has been keeping from our state. These funds are crucial for our schools, and I am pleased that we are one step closer to making sure they return to the state. Finally, this bill included my amendment which clarifies the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to ensure oil and gas operators, wind operators, home-builders, and folks performing every-day activities are not held criminally liable for the accidental take of a bird. The Natural Resources Committee also held a hearing to discuss federal assistance to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of the damage caused by Hurricane Maria. House Armed Services Committee The Conference Committee for the annual National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) completed its work this week. As the representative for the Natural Resources Committee on the NDAA Conference Committee, I was pleased to sign off on the final report which is the culmination of months of work to authorize programs necessary to support our troops and defend the nation. The final conference report included three amendments I added to the bill to ensure we have the ICBMs necessary to defend the nation and deter attacks from our adversaries, prepare for a potential Russian violation of the New START Treaty, and strengthen our deterrence posture in the Asia-Pacific region to address increasing threats from North Korea. The bill also contains a number of provisions that are important to our state. These provisions include language that: gives the Department of Defense authority to reimburse states for the costs of fighting wildfires caused but DoD actions such as the 2012 fire at Camp Guernsey; ensures the needed replacement of the Vietnam-era Huey helicopters defending the missile fields in Wyoming remains on schedule; prevents the immediate return of the Bells of Balangiga to the Philippines; and supports efforts to modernize our ICBM force. Rules Committee The House Committee on Rules met several times to discuss and set parameters for floor considerations for a number of bills that were considered such as, H.R. 3411, the Save Local Business Act. J.R. 3043 Hydropower Policy Modernization Act, and H.R. 2201 Micro Offering Safe Harbor Act.   Tax Reform The House has continued to work on legislation aimed to reform our code and cut taxes. The current tax code, put in place in 1986, is overly complicated and burdensome. We need a tax code that lets people across Wyoming and the nation keep more of their hard-earned money. As conservatives and Republicans, we know that people know better how to spend their money than the federal government does. We have an obligation to reform our code and cut taxes for everyone and I will continue to work on this issue as the House bill comes up for consideration in the coming days and weeks. A big congratulations to Lois Van Mark for her appointment as Wyoming's Farm Service Agency State Executive Director and to Chad Rupe for his appointment as USDA Wyoming State Director for Rural Development. I'm very pleased President Trump appointed two terrific individuals from Wyoming who have real on the ground experience.  I'm looking forward to working with Lois and Chad to change the policies from the past eight years that have adversely affected our state. Read more here: https://goo.gl/8Aocx4 Constituent Visits This week Wyoming State Legislator Bill Henderson from Cheyenne stopped by my office and we got a chance to discuss our state's workforce development, infrastructure, and the Healthy Forest Initiative.Thanks for the great discussion. NOLS Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Director Aaron Bannon from Lander, NOLS Operations Director Deborah Nunnik and I had a great meeting. As a NOLS parent I know the important and life-changing work of this group. We discussed our state's outdoor recreation industry, access legislation, and recreation permitting. I want to thank Chris Taggart from Cody and National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors for coming by to talk about the impact of tax reform and the impact of legislation on folks in Wyoming. Thanks for sharing stories of families who have achieved financial and retirement security. It was a pleasure meeting with Air Force Veteran Dick Shuptrine from Jackson and the National Parks Conservation Association. We were able to address the National Park Services maintenance backlog and address potential solutions to solve the problem. Around Town United States Secretary of the Navy Richard V. Spencer from Wilson was nominated by President Trump and sworn in by the Senate this year. Today, I got a chance to catch up with him. It's always a pleasure to spend time with our Nation's and Wyoming's finest. It was an honor to speak at the Cowboys Against Cancer Sparkles & Spurs 23rd Benefit and Banquet fundraiser in Sweetwater. Cowboys Against Cancer is an incredible charitable organization that raises and provides funds to county residents who have been diagnosed with cancer. Thank you for putting on an amazing event and keep up the great work! Local Literary Check out this article from the Casper Star-Tribune about the need to modernize F.E. Warren Air Force Base's intercontinental ballistic missiles system. ""But despite the increased efficiency of the weapons, proposals to improve the ICBM force call for maintaining the current number of missiles: 400. Wyoming's U.S. House Rep. Liz Cheney successfully inserted an amendment into a defense spending bill in Congress earlier this year that requires the military to maintain at least that many ICBMs, a move that helps maintain F.E. Warren's important role in Cheyenne's economy."" Read the full article here: https://goo.gl/JRiZdX",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FA59902E-D378-4B05-92A7-6E6611B7451D,Barrasso Statement on Announcement of Alex Azar to Lead HHS,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s nomination of Alex Azar for United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary. “It’s critically important that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is led by an experienced and thoughtful individual. Alex Azar is a proven health care leader who has served at the highest levels of HHS. The Senate needs to quickly move forward with Mr. Azar’s confirmation process and let him get to work making health care more affordable for American families.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=EC3847A0-0ED1-4332-8CAA-6A9D53F9DB27,Support neighborhood businesses on Nov 25,2017-11-13,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Our ties to home grow stronger each year during the holiday season. Family and friends return home and people come together to celebrate the joy this time of year brings. While we gather with loved ones and remember all the things to be thankful for, we should also remember to thank our local businesses that help shape our communities. Over the last several years, more and more consumers are realizing and appreciating the effects of supporting small businesses during the holidays. Tucked between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is one of the most important shopping days of the year: Small Business Saturday. For the eighth year in a row, the Senate passed a resolution designating the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. This designation is intended to draw attention to the local businesses that create jobs, drive our economy and sustain our communities. I am a proud cosponsor of this resolution and encourage you to show your appreciation for the small businesses in your community by shopping locally on November 25. Local spending and business growth directly benefits the local economy. Independent stores return more than three times as much money per dollar to the local economy than their chain competitors. This revenue helps drive employment opportunities and can provide funding for needed projects – anything from road maintenance to technology updates in schools. Last year, an estimated 112 million consumers reported shopping at local retailers on Small Business Saturday. This is a 13 percent increase from 2015. At a time when consumers are increasingly choosing to shop online, it is great to see that many still prioritize supporting small businesses on this day. Hopefully this year even more Americans will turn out to support their communities and experience all their local manufacturers and risk-taking entrepreneurs have to offer. Small, locally-owned businesses are an integral part of our communities, so let’s get out there and show our appreciation.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-mark-klaassens-us-attorney-senate,Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on Mark Klaassen's US Attorney Senate Confirmation,2017-11-10,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release: Washington D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's statement on Mark Klaassen's Senate confirmation to serve as Wyoming's US Attorney. ""I am pleased the Senate has confirmed Mark Klaassen to serve as the U.S. Attorney for the District of Wyoming. President Trump recognized Gillette native Klaassen’s experience and ability when he nominated him for this position. Klaassen has served for nearly a decade as an assistant U.S. Attorney in Wyoming. Prior to that, he served in the Department of Homeland Security. Klaassen will continue to work effectively  with law enforcement and the court system to continue to keep the communities in our state safe.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=5F6FB8E8-226D-4A68-84E2-D8F8BCF37606,Enzi praises Senate Finance Committee for releasing tax reform plan,2017-11-09,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Senate Finance Committee released a tax reform proposal today to help boost America’s economy, create more jobs and leave more money in people’s paychecks. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, applauded the release of the proposal and emphasized the importance of passing meaningful tax reform to help hardworking Americans. “A lot of things have changed since 1986, but unfortunately our tax code isn’t one of them. It is an outdated mess that is hurting American workers and holding our economy back,” Enzi said. “That is why we need tax reform that will not only make the system simpler and fairer, but also put more money in people’s pockets. This will help grow the economy, create more jobs and raise wages. I look forward to working with my colleagues to help pass tax relief to not only benefit hardworking Americans, but make our economy and country stronger.”   The Senate proposal, called the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, would provide fiscally responsible middle-class tax relief by cutting tax rates across the board, reducing the tax burden on American job creators and modernizing the tax system. The proposal will also reduce the tax burden on small businesses and put American companies on a level playing field with their foreign competitors in order to grow the economy and create more jobs at home. The Senate Finance Committee is expected to debate the legislation next week before it will be sent to the Senate floor. Senators from both parties will be allowed to offer amendments. The Finance Committee has held 70 hearings on the tax code over the past six years to prepare for this process. In October, Congress passed a budget led by Enzi, who is Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, that provided the Senate and House tax committees with the tools they need to focus on enacting tax reform to grow America’s economy and strengthen families and small businesses.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-amendment-added-secure-american-energy-act,Congressman Liz Cheney's Amendment Added to SECURE American Energy Act,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release: Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's statement regarding an amendment that was added to SECURE American Energy Act: ""My amendment clarifies congressional intent with respect to the migratory bird treaty act, the MBTA was enacted in 1918 to protect migratory bird populations from over-hunting, poaching, and illegal sales but ambiguous language within the MBTA has caused confusion to as to whether otherwise lawful activities are also prohibited simply because they potentially result in the unintended or incidental death of birds. This ambiguous language has lead to overzealous BLM guidance and regulations on energy operators in my state. It's not just oil and gas, this is also hindering our wind turbine operators as well as home builders and coal mines. The guidance now delays or restricts routine maintenance from occurring, can lead to completely unjustifiable delays or in permits being denied altogether. Our operators take multiple precautions to ensure migratory birds, as well as other wildlife, are not injured during operations but if these precautions fail, the current language could impose criminal liability for the taking of the bird even though it's accidental. The amendment, I offer today, Mr. Chariman, does not change the law, it simply clarifies congressional intent so that individuals, companies, and agencies, have the benefit of knowing that the law does not and was not intended to criminalize otherwise lawful activities that may result in accidental or incidental bird deaths. Therefore, Mr. Chairman, I urge adoption of this commonsense amendment.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=0439CD25-C82D-4C38-B8D8-E67283609150,Barrasso: Keep Growing the Economy With Tax Cuts,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Every dollar a family doesn’t have to send to Washington in taxes is a dollar that they can use for something better…It’s another dollar a small business can use to pay its workers more, or reinvest in the business and help to grow the economy in that community.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how the Senate has an opportunity to cut taxes in a way that will actually help American families. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “One year ago, the American people went to the polls – the American people demanded a change. “They demanded a change from eight years of too little economic growth, and too much government control and regulation. “The effect was immediate, and the effect was incredible. “In the past year, we have gotten a lot of very good news about the American economy. “Right after the election, businesses became much more optimistic about the direction of our country, and they started hiring. “Last Friday, we learned that in the United States, we have created more than two million jobs since Election Day 2016. “Right now we have got the lowest rate of unemployment that we’ve had since the year 2000. “We’ve seen the economy grow at more than three percent for the past two quarters. “Consumer confidence has just reached the highest level in almost 17 years. “All of this is happening since President Trump was elected – and this is very good news for America. “We can’t stop now. “We have to do all we can to move the path toward a more prosperous country. “Americans are optimistic because they know that President Trump is focused on easing the regulations that have held our economy back for the last eight years. “The president has signed legislation that we passed in this Congress repealing one after another of the Obama administration’s rules, regulations, and restrictions. “President Trump has issued executive orders cutting back on excessive red tape. “President Trump has appointed very good people to important jobs, who are committing to reining in Washington’s out of control bureaucracy. “All of these things are important and critical to keeping our economy growing. “Another big part of this is what we’re trying to do now in terms of cutting taxes for the American people that they have been paying. “Here in the Senate we now have a once in a generation opportunity to cut taxes in a way that will actually help American families. “We can help families directly by raising their incomes – and we can help them indirectly by growing the economy. “Here’s how we can do both, because that needs to be our goal. “The first thing we can do is to give people a raise by doing things like doubling the standard deduction. “If we raise the deduction, people keep more of their hard-earned money, and it makes taxes simpler. “Right now, the standard deduction for a married couple is $12,000. “Two-thirds of Americans take that deduction. “If we roughly double it, people won’t pay any federal income tax at all on the first $24,000 that they earn. “That’s a big cut. “It means that a lot more people will decide to take this deduction instead of going through the painstaking process of itemizing their deductions on the tax return. “That saves them a lot of time –it saves a lot of headaches, and it saves them the costs of the accountants and the lawyers who have to help people figure out the very complicated taxes in this country. “So millions of families will be better off just from this one tax cut alone. “A second thing that the Republicans are looking to do is to reduce the tax rate for small businesses—the people who are creating jobs all across the country. “If someone owns a small business in my home state of Wyoming, she probably ends up paying the taxes on her personal tax return rather than on a separate business tax return. “If we cut her tax bill, that’s money that she can then use to give her workers a raise, to hire more people, to create more jobs in our community. “She can put money back into the business, and help to grow the economy as well. “You know, when you leave people with more money in their pockets, they get to decide how to use that money. What they decide to spend, what they decide to save, what they decide to invest. “Because people I believe, are much better at watching their own money, than the government ever is at giving people value for that money. “So we want to make sure that tax reform includes a break for small businesses. “Republicans also want to bring down the rates that Washington charges other businesses. “If we can cut the rate that businesses pay from 35 percent down to 20 percent, that could be an enormous boost to the economy. “The economists that look at this say it’s like giving the average American family a $4,000 a year raise. “That’s how much the average household’s income, they tell us, would go up. “It’s because workers actually bear most of the burden of the taxes that businesses pay. “Now, Democrats actually think that the money belongs to Washington. It doesn’t—it belongs to the people at home who earn it. “Democrats often think that if you give Americans even a single dollar in tax cuts, that you’re taking away Washington’s money. It’s not Washington’s money. The money belongs to the people at home. “We know that the exact opposite of what the Democrats believe is true. “Republicans know that giving Americans a tax cut is the same as giving them a raise. “Every dollar a family doesn’t have to send to Washington in taxes is a dollar that they can use for something better. “It’s a dollar that they can use for food, for shelter, for kids, for education – for the things that matter to that family personally. “It’s another dollar a small business can use to pay its workers more, or reinvest in the business and help to grow the economy in that community. “Tax cuts mean that people decide how to spend their own money – Washington doesn’t decide. “Families know how to use the money much better than Washington ever will. “As we debate these issues and ideas with regard to tax relief, we have an exciting opportunity to give the American people a raise, and to give the American economy a boost. “This is something that a lot of people have been working on for a long time here in the Senate. “Over the past six years, the Finance Committee, they have held 70 hearings on how to make our tax code better for all Americans. “Republicans are working – and we’re listening – to make sure that we get tax reform right that the American people and families need. “When it comes to tax cuts, I believe the more the better. “The more people who can get a tax cut, the better. “It’s about paychecks. It’s about jobs. It’s about prosperity. It’s about a strong and healthy economy for America. “That’s what we as Republicans are committed to. We cannot let this opportunity pass.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=89E973BA-647E-43D8-9D6A-84DBD76283B0,Barrasso Joins Bipartisan Bill to Safeguard National Security,2017-11-08,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) joined Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Richard Burr (R-NC) and others in introducing the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA). The bill modernizes and strengthens the review process by which the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) approves foreign investments in U.S. businesses. “Americans should be alarmed that CFIUS approved the sale of Uranium One to the Russian government despite evidence that Russian nuclear energy officials engaged in corrupt conduct. The investigation of what happened and who knew about it is ongoing. Today we can begin to actually reform the approval process and add much-needed transparency and accountability,” said Barrasso. “The Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act prevents the sale of critical U.S. technology to our foreign adversaries. It also requires CFIUS to disclose to Congress evidence of criminal conduct by foreign parties to a deal,” continued Barrasso. “This will add critical safeguards to prevent risky foreign takeovers of American businesses.” Background: The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) is a federal committee charged with reviewing the national security implications of foreign investments in U.S. businesses. Its members include the secretary of state, the attorney general and other heads of federal agencies. The CFIUS review process has not been modernized in nearly a decade. Gaps in the current process have allowed foreign adversaries to weaponize investments in U.S. companies and transfer sensitive U.S. technologies, many of which have potential military applications. This has jeopardized the United States’ ability to maintain our historical military advantage, and has weakened our defense industrial base. The Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA) would update the CFIUS review process to address 21st century national security concerns. The bill would expand the committee’s jurisdiction to include transactions that result in foreign control of U.S. technology that is essential to national security. Also, for each deal CFIUS reviews, the bill would require the committee to disclose to Congress (1) the national security implications of the deal, and (2) whether the foreign party has a history of complying with U.S. law. The Trump Administration Has Urged Reform of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States: • Secretary of Defense James Mattis: CFIUS is outdated and “needs to be updated to deal with today's situation.” • Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats: We should do “a significant review of the current CFIUS situation to bring it up to speed.” • National Security Agency Director and Commander of U.S. Cyber Command Michael Rogers: We need to reassess the CFIUS process and “make sure it's optimized for the world of today and tomorrow.” • Attorney General Jeff Sessions: “We have looked at that hard in the Department of Justice. I have talked with attorneys and agents who have investigated these cases. They are really worried about our loss of technology. We certainly need additional legislation. Just as you said, you can buy an interest in a company and gain access to the same type of technology. The CFIUS program is not able to be effective enough.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-liz-cheneys-statement-house-passing-legislation-improve-va-support,"Congressman Liz Cheney's Statement on House Passing Several Bills to Improve VA, Support Veterans",2017-11-07,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on House passage of several bills this week to improve the welfare of our nation's veterans. ""This week the House passed several important bills to improve the VA and support our nation's veterans. These include bills that strengthen mental health services, support telemedicine for rural veterans who may not have access to a nearby facility, and cut the red tape on the approval process for on-the-job training and apprentice programs. We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend the freedoms we enjoy as Americans. It is incredibly important that we provide our veterans with the benefits and care they have earned and deserve. These bills are an important step in fulfilling that commitment and I will continue working in Congress to ensure we improve the VA and provide our veterans the care they have earned.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-lois-van-mark-and-chad-rupes-usda-appointments,Congressman Cheney's Statement on Lois Van Mark and Chad Rupe's USDA Appointments,2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on Lois Van Mark's appointment as Wyoming's Farm Service Agency State Executive Director and Chad Rupe's appointment as USDA Wyoming State Director for Rural Development. ""I'm very pleased President Trump has appointed Lois Van Mark of Goshen County to serve as our state's USDA Farm Service Agency State Executive Director. There is no one better suited for this position than Lois. She has real on the ground experience and western values that will enable her to efficiently provide a crucial service to our state's farmers.  The same can be said for Chad Rupe, who was appointed by the Trump administration to serve as USDA Wyoming State Director for Rural Development. His extensive background working as a council member and Bank President in Douglas makes him uniquely qualified to serve and make real change. I'm looking forward to working with Van Mark and Rupe to change the policies from the past eight years that have adversely affected Wyoming, while we adopt new policies that will improve farm conservation, provide security for agriculture producers and improve stability for our state’s economy and rural communities."" Background: Louis Van Mark is a Wyoming native from Torrington who operates her family-owned farm, Van Mark Farms, Inc. Van Mark has previously served as the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association president, Goshen County commissioner, Torrington City Councilwoman, and was appointed by the Bush administration to serve as Wyoming's executive director of the Farm Service Agency where she held the position from 2001-2009. Chad Rupe served as Branch President of the Points West Community Bank for ten years and worked for the USDA Rural Development Office in Casper for the past two years. Rupe was a Douglas City councilman, board member of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, and served as an officer in the military for six years.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=6AA9C2BB-68AD-4AC9-8C7B-FCC81C9623DB,"Enzi, Barrasso Congratulate Wyomings Lois Van Mark and Chad Rupe on USDA Appointments",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., congratulated Torrington’s Lois Van Mark and Douglas’ Chad Rupe on their new roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA announced the appointment of Van Mark to be the USDA Farm Service Agency state executive director in Wyoming. Rupe was appointed to serve as Wyoming’s USDA state director for Rural Development. “I am glad that the Trump Administration is appointing qualified folks from the Cowboy State,” said Enzi. “Lois Van Mark has deep roots in the Wyoming agricultural community and already has a keen understanding of what it takes to serve as the Wyoming Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, having previously held the job. And Chad Rupe, appointed to be the next Wyoming State Director for the USDA Rural Development agency, not only has experience working within the agency itself, but understands the unique needs of our state having worked as a community banker for over 12 years.” “In Wyoming, our agriculture industries have a long and proud history. We know that if agriculture is strong, so are our western communities,” said Barrasso. “It’s critical that we have the right people in Wyoming working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both Lois and Chad have strong ties and experience in Wyoming’s rural communities. I know they will continue to represent our state well in their roles at the USDA.” Background: The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers farm commodity, crop insurance, credit, environmental, conservation, emergency assistance programs and farm loans for farmers and ranchers. In Wyoming, there are 17 county FSA offices throughout the state. Lois Van Mark is from Torrington and is the owner and operator of Van Mark Farms, Inc. Lois served as Wyoming’s executive director of the Farm Service Agency from 2001-2009, after being appointed by the Bush administration. She is also a former Goshen County commissioner, Torrington City councilwoman and former president of the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association and Goshen County Farm Bureau Association. Chad Rupe has served as a community programs specialist for the USDA Rural Development Office in Casper since 2015. From 2004 to 2015, he worked as branch manager and then president of the Points West Community Bank in Douglas. Chad spent nearly a decade as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, in both active duty and reserve capacities. After his honorable discharge in 2003, Chad served as a board member of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, as a Douglas City councilman, and as a volunteer for Wyoming’s hunter safety education program, among others.                                                                                                      ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=902052F7-59FB-4BAC-82C7-AA0D53D7A211,"Enzi, Barrasso Congratulate Wyomings Lois Van Mark and Chad Rupe on USDA Appointments",2017-11-06,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Today, U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., congratulated Torrington’s Lois Van Mark and Douglas’ Chad Rupe on their new roles within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA announced the appointment of Van Mark to be the USDA Farm Service Agency state executive director in Wyoming. Rupe was appointed to serve as Wyoming’s USDA state director for Rural Development. “I am glad that the Trump Administration is appointing qualified folks from the Cowboy State,” said Enzi. “Lois Van Mark has deep roots in the Wyoming agricultural community and already has a keen understanding of what it takes to serve as the Wyoming Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, having previously held the job. And Chad Rupe, appointed to be the next Wyoming State Director for the USDA Rural Development agency, not only has experience working within the agency itself, but understands the unique needs of our state having worked as a community banker for over 12 years.” “In Wyoming, our agriculture industries have a long and proud history. We know that if agriculture is strong, so are our western communities,” said Barrasso. “It’s critical that we have the right people in Wyoming working at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Both Lois and Chad have strong ties and experience in Wyoming’s rural communities. I know they will continue to represent our state well in their roles at the USDA.” Background: The USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers farm commodity, crop insurance, credit, environmental, conservation, emergency assistance programs and farm loans for farmers and ranchers. In Wyoming, there are 17 county FSA offices throughout the state. Lois Van Mark is from Torrington and is the owner and operator of Van Mark Farms, Inc. Lois served as Wyoming’s executive director of the Farm Service Agency from 2001-2009, after being appointed by the Bush administration. She is also a former Goshen County commissioner, Torrington City councilwoman and former president of the Wyoming Wheat Growers Association and Goshen County Farm Bureau Association. Chad Rupe has served as a community programs specialist for the USDA Rural Development Office in Casper since 2015. From 2004 to 2015, he worked as branch manager and then president of the Points West Community Bank in Douglas. Chad spent nearly a decade as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army, in both active duty and reserve capacities. After his honorable discharge in 2003, Chad served as a board member of the Douglas Chamber of Commerce, as a Douglas City councilman, and as a volunteer for Wyoming’s hunter safety education program, among others.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-liz-cheneys-november-3rd-newsletter,Congressman Cheney's November 3rd Newsletter,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Week's Round-up   On Thursday, H.R. 1, the Republican tax reform plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, was released. I'm encouraged by the proposed legislation and Congress' historic opportunity to provide much needed and overdue security for American families. For far too long our tax system has been overly complicated and placed a burden on the middle class, small businesses, and hindered economic growth. The bill will be marked up next week. I look forward to continuing to hear from folks at home as we finalize the House tax plan. Please don’t hesitate to contact our office with concerns or reactions to this plan. Read more here: https://goo.gl/Rh22Xr On Wednesday, I spoke in support of the Resilient Federal Forests Act, a bill I co-sponsored that will help begin to undo the damage of the last eight years. This year has been one of the largest wildfire years in our nation's history and we have seen lives, habitat, and property across the west threatened. These fires are being caused and worsened by federal mismanagement. During the past eight years, policies opposing proven methods of forest management have led to destruction of large parts of our national forests. I'm pleased this act passed with bipartisan support and is a significant step towards fixing and implementing proper and effective forest management strategies. Watch my floor speech here: https://goo.gl/j2poCi I voted in favor of, and the House passed, the reauthorized Children's Health Insurance Program, otherwise known as CHIP for five years. Millions of low-income children receive health care through the CHIP program and it's critically important their health care is secure and needs are taken care of. This bill also extends funding for community health centers for two years and delivers crucial Medicaid funding assistance in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands after the devastating hurricanes that impacted the area this year. On Thursday, I voted for H.R. 849, Protecting Seniors' Access to Medicare Act of 2017, to repeal the provisions of Obamacare that provided for the Independent Payment Advisory board (IPAB). IPAB was a regulatory board created by the Obama Administration that bypassed congressional authority and cut Medicare payments to health insurance providers. We need to protect Wyoming seniors' access to Medicare. IPAB was designed to undercut seniors' access to the healthcare they need and deserve. I'm pleased Congress voted to repeal this unconstitutional board of unelected Obama appointees. I'm proud of the overwhelmingly bipartisan votes in the House on bills that impose new sanctions on Iran's ballistic missile program and the terrorist group Hezbollah. Restricting Iran's ballistic missile program is just one of the many steps we must take to undo the damage of President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran. It is also critically important that we strengthen sanctions on Hezbollah, Iran's leading terrorist surrogate. I will continue to support President Trump and his efforts to address the many deficiencies with the President Obama’s deeply flawed nuclear deal, one of the worst deals the United States has ever made. I joined members of the House coal caucus in a meeting with Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. We discussed a range of important issues for Wyoming, including coal exports and rolling back guidelines imposed at the last minute by the Obama Administration. Along with other members of the Western Caucus, I met with President Trump’s OMB Director, Mick Mulvaney. We discussed the importance of balanced budgets and spending cuts, along with identifying ways to solve the fire borrowing problem facing the Forest Service in light of the fires they have been fighting across the west. On Monday, I joined several other House members from the Armed Services, Intelligence and Appropriations committees to meet with Secretary of State Tillerson. We had the chance to discuss threats facing our nation and the Trump administration’s actions to defeat those threats. Constituent Visits It was great to meet with UW's new Vice President for Research Dr. Edmund Synakowski, Carolyn Fuller, and Leslee Gilbert to learn more about the Universities' research priorities, that included energy, water, and Wyoming's Natural Center for Atmospheric Research. The Director of the Department of Environmental Quality Todd Parfitt and ECOS Executive Director Alex Dunn got a chance to sit down and talk with me this week about ECOS initiatives such as Cooperative Federalism 2.0, the EPA budget, and infrastructure. Most importantly, we discussed the issues impacting our state, like, the AML, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and the Biological Opinion for Coal mining related to the Stream Protection Rule.  It was great to meet with Bill Campbell from Sheridan and the National Association of Theatre Owners on Thursday, this week. We spoke about Americans with Disabilities Act drive-by lawsuits that have been occurring and the 40 hour work week Obamacare mandate. I want to thank Sharon Terhune from Lander, Georgia Foster from Sheridan, and Ted Lapis from Sheridan from the Friends Committee on National Legislation for stopping by this week. We were able to talk about ways Congress can pass a federal budget that protects funding that strengthens our communities. O'Ann Fredstrom from Jackson and the American Psychiatric Assembly stopped by my office on Friday this week and it was a pleasure to discuss Obamacare with her. Thanks for the engaging discussion. Around Town It was a delight to speak with all the folks who took part in my very first tele-phone town hall. It was great to get a chance to discuss the issues that are most important to you. During our tele-town hall we covered topics such as the BLM, state's rights, the repeal and replacement of Obamacare, and education. I'm looking forward to talking and answering more questions for you during our next town hall on November 14th. Thank you to everyone who participated. The Honorable Thomas W Rumpke, Campbell County 6th Judicial District Court Judge and his family came to Trick or Treat at my Gillette District Office on Halloween. Thanks for stopping by and showing off the Wizard of Oz family costumes! I had a great time at University of Wyoming’s homecoming this weekend and enjoyed watching our Cowboys defeat the Lobos in a blowout! I want to thank everyone who made this homecoming possible and can’t wait to see the Cowboys take on Colorado State tomorrow.       A big congratulations to Shoshoni rancher Lois Herbst, Gillette's Cyclone Drilling Patrick Hladky and Paul Hladky, and Cheyenne's Maury Brown, who will all be inducted into the Wyoming Business Hall of Fame next week and recognized for their lifelong achievement in business. Read more about the hall of famers here: https://goo.gl/6mjZCV Local Literary I had the pleasure of stopping by and speaking to the Wyoming Taxpayers Association annual meeting in Cheyenne last week. For too long our tax code has been overly complicated and burdensome for families and small businesses in our state and we need to provide folks with a new tax system that is more simple and fair. ""We passed a House version that I was proud of,"" Cheney said. ""It had sufficient spending cuts in necessary areas and sufficient resources for defense. That bill went over to the Senate, and the dynamics in the Senate are different. ... The budget we got back didn't have some of the things I would have liked to have seen, but we had a choice to make. We could have forced a conference between the House and Senate, but it would have taken an additional two to three weeks at least, so we made a decision."" Click below to read more: https://goo.gl/GY3w9Z",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=3F25807D-1D38-4D6E-9ED7-EBC314260ED2,Why Congress should give hard-working Americans their money back,2017-11-03,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"We haven’t reformed our tax system in this country since 1986 when most people didn’t have a personal computer or even knew about the internet. To put it mildly, our tax system is outdated and includes a lot of flaws that are hurting hard-working American families and our country. We need to do better! We can do better! That’s why we are working on a tax reform plan, which will make our tax code simpler and fairer for everyone. Our plan will put more money in the pockets of more people so they can better manage their lives - so they can better afford what they need. Our tax plan would let people keep more of their paycheck. It would mean bigger paychecks, which would grow our economy and result in more jobs. More jobs lead to competition to get workers, and that drives up wages. After years of stagnant growth, tax relief for every American would be rain for an economy in drought. The purpose of our tax reform goals is to help folks who are currently struggling to make ends meet. We want to make sure that small businesses, which employ the majority of the employees in the private sector in Wyoming and are the backbone of our communities, have the opportunity to grow and provide more jobs. We want hard-working families to have more money in their pockets, higher wages and more job opportunities. Under the tax reform framework developed by leaders in the Senate, House and the Administration, we could create a larger portion of Americans who pay zero taxes by roughly doubling the standard deduction. Their plan calls for the first $12,000 of income for individuals and $24,000 for couples would be tax-free. The plan would significantly increase and expand the child tax credit. It calls for repealing the death tax that has hurt so many family farms and ranches. Other tax relief for hard-working Americans could be included as the committees in the Senate and the House turn the framework into a bill.  While we seek to provide tax cuts and fairness, we also need to make the tax code simpler. Right now, the code is just too long. It is five times the length of the Bible. Today individuals, families and job creators have to navigate a minefield of deductions and loopholes. If you want to make sure you are following all those rules, it’s going to take a lot of your time and effort and probably means hiring someone to help. By simplifying the tax code we could help ensure hard-working Americans aren’t missing available tax relief. We also hope to change business taxes. And that, too, is about helping folks. If you care about jobs — your job — and if you care about American companies not moving overseas and their ability to compete, then you care about this. The United States has the fourth highest corporate tax rates in the world. If it weren’t for our high-quality products, we would have a hard time competing. Fewer sales hurts workers. And we need to encourage companies to bring back their overseas money to increase the number of jobs here at home. We have also seen more and more companies moving their headquarters to countries with lower tax rates. Lowering our uncommonly high, and uncompetitive, business tax rate would be one of the quickest ways to solve the problem. It’s time we make America a more inviting place to invest, do business and create jobs. Now I have always been concerned about adding more money to the national debt. We can’t afford to keep borrowing from future generations to cover for our overspending. And whenever you cut taxes, you risk adding to the deficit because you won’t get as much revenue. That is why tax cuts need to be designed to encourage as much revenue-generating economic growth as possible.  And because revenues are only half of our fiscal problems, we have also drafted a budget in conjunction with our tax reform plan that will put us on a path to balance by restraining federal spending, reducing tax burdens and boosting economic growth. Why tax reform? Because hard-working Americans deserve better - a system that works for everyone, that will promote higher wages, more jobs and business growth in our country and put more money in the pockets of each and every American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act,Congressman Cheney's Statement on The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act,2017-11-02,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on the release of, H.R. 1, the House Republican tax reform plan, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. ""I'm encouraged by the release today of the House Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The current tax code, which was put in place in 1986 is broken, overly burdensome, far too complicated, and must to be changed. A simpler and fairer tax plan is crucial for our country and for the economy.  This is a pro-growth tax cut plan that will enable folks in Wyoming, especially our middle-class families, to keep more of their hard-earned money. Congress has a historic opportunity here to provide security for American families, create jobs and economic growth, and pass comprehensive tax reform legislation.""",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-floor-speech-resilient-federal-forest-act,Congressman Cheney's Floor Speech on The Resilient Federal Forest Act,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release:  Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) spoke in support of H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forest Act on the House floor this Wednesday. The following is Rep. Cheney’s statement: ""I rise in support, Mr. Speaker, for the rule in consideration of H.R. 2936, the Resilient Federal Forest Act, a bill that will help address the wildfire crisis plaguing our nation as well as begin the very important process of restoring the health of our forests. As you know, Mr. Speaker, this has been one of the largest wildfire years in our nation's history. We have seen livelihoods across the west threatened and the lives of our brave firefighters put in harm's way. These fires are deadly and tragically more than 40 people lost their lives when fast-moving wildfires swept through Northern California just a few weeks ago. Mr. Speaker, we have particularly felt the effects in my state of Wyoming, where we find ourselves in an absolutely indefensible situation. Fires are being caused and worsened by federal mismanagement. Eight years of federal policy opposing proven methods of forest management, and instead focusing on efforts to prevent all human use of our forests, have done significant damage. And this damage is not just to the forests that we have had to watch burn, Mr. Speaker. We have also seen tremendous damage to our water in post-fire situations where the water is contaminated with ash, significant damage to wildlife habitat, the health of our forest, to property, and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, to human life. Under the bad policies and the mismanagement from the federal government, we have seen our forests become overgrown, accumulating unsafe levels of biofuels that have become an absolute tinderbox for these fires. We must take action now. This bill, as my colleagues pointed out, is a bipartisan effort to begin to take steps we know will help reduce hazardous fuels and improve management of our forests. We must also act, Mr. Speaker, as a Congress to fix the fire borrowing issue. The Resilient Federal Forest Act takes a significant step towards ending the practice of fire borrowing and simplifies the process for implementing proper, effective, forest management strategies. Mr. Speaker, I urge, therefore, the adoption of the rule and the underlying bill.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=342AF793-22E6-4094-86FC-44A2A8EA17A0,Barrasso: Senate Should Return to a Better Way on Nominations,2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“Let’s change the Senate rules and go back to the process that Senator Schumer supported in 2013 and 2014. Today the schedule allows us to do one or two nominations in a typical week. If we go back to the 2014 standard, we could clear multiple nominations in a day.” Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor on how the Senate should speed up the nomination process by returning to the rules for debating nominees that the Senate used three years ago. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “This week, the Senate is moving through a series of votes to fill vacancies in the federal appeals courts. “President Trump has nominated highly qualified, mainstream judges and legal scholars to do these jobs. “Democrats have responded – once again – with delay and with obstruction. “It is clear to me that we need to change the rules in the Senate that govern how we debate nominations in this body. “All year, Democrats have been putting up roadblocks to nominations. “They have forced the majority leader to file cloture, so that we can confirm nominees like these four judges. “As of last Friday, Democrats have forced the Senate to file cloture 47 different times. “Now there were only six cloture votes at this point for the previous four presidents. “These are the kind of hoops the Democrats have been making the Senate jump through in an effort confirm President Trump’s nominees. “This procedure has been set in place to allow for debate. “Debate is a good thing in the Senate as long as debate is actually occurring. “It’s a chance for Senators to stand up, say what they like or what they don’t like about a nominee. “Now if no one wants to debate, we should just move things along and have the vote. “There’s one Senate rule that allows for as much as 30 hours of debate time on presidential nominations after we’ve actually had the cloture vote. “In reality, very little of that time actually has been being used for the debate. “In the past, both sides would agree to waive the time requirements and to move on to other Senate business. “What’s happening now is the Democrats are insisting on cloture votes and then they’re insisting we use hour after hour – even when there’s no one here – to debate the issue or the person in front of us. “It’s time to end this pointless spectacle. “The United States Senate used to be called the world’s greatest deliberative body. “Democrats have turned it into the world’s most paralyzed deliberative body. “We have more than 125 nominees for various jobs who’ve had hearings in committee, who have testified in committee, who committees have voted on, who have cleared through the entire committee vetting process, and are now waiting for a vote on the Senate floor. “Most of these people have bipartisan support. “They will be confirmed easily and eventually. “They should be confirmed immediately. “There should be no reason for Democrats’ stalling tactics except to once again slow down the pace of other progress in the Senate on legislative issues. “Look at what happened with one judge last week. “Scott Palk was nominated by President Trump to serve on a United States District Court. “He had bipartisan support in the Judiciary Committee. “That was in June – more than four months ago. “Apparently that’s not good enough for the Democrats. “They’re only interested slowing down the work of the Senate. “So we had a cloture vote on this nominee – every Republican and 27 Democrats voted for him. “So he had bipartisan support. “We still had to allow all of this wasted time for the debate. “We couldn’t conduct any of the other business in the Senate during the time because the Democrats insisted that we use all the debate time. “Now they could have very easily agreed to waive the rules as we do and go straight to a vote. “The Democrats refused. “So how much of that time – that 30 hours – did the Democrats actually spend on the floor debating this person’s qualifications to be a federal judge? “None. Not one Democrat came to the floor of the United States Senate to talk about that judge. “There were fewer than 20 minutes of total talk on the floor of the Senate actually talking about the judge. “The Senate had to waste hours and hours when we could have finished debating in less than 20 minutes. “Things take time in the Senate – we understand that. “There is no excuse for Democrats abusing the process to make things take even longer. “Democrats aren’t using the rules for debate, they’re not using the rules for deliberation, it is only for delay. “It hasn’t always been this way, and there is no reason it should continue this way. “The Senate had a different standard for nominations a few years ago, that was in the 113th Congress. “In 2013 and 2014, the Senate allowed just two hours of debate after cloture was invoked on nominations for district court judges. “That’s two hours actually more than the Democrats spent debating this judge’s nomination last week. “The rules said that we have up to eight hours to debate executive branch nominations below the cabinet level. “And then for cabinet secretaries, for judges on the Supreme Court or for circuit courts, it was the full 30 hours of debate. “Thirty hours now is what we allow for every nomination today – and Democrats have shown that in most cases it is far too much time because even though we have to spend all of the time, they use very little of talking about the nominees. “We need a fair debate on every nomination. The procedure from 2013 and 2014, is one that was fair. “Now the way that the Democrats are wasting time today to keep us from doing our work is not fair. “I believe it is time to return to the rules for debating nominees that the Senate used three years ago. “A president’s nominations of qualified people to important jobs was never meant to be a tool for delay in the Senate—or to be an obstruction in the way Democrats have been using them. “These rules that we used in 2013 and 2014 were the result of a compromise. “Democrats controlled the Senate at the time; a Democrat, Barack Obama, was in the White House making the nominations. “Republicans agreed to make these changes to the rules. “It was part of a bipartisan group and I was part of that group. There were eight senators – they worked on this compromise. Four Republicans, four Democrats. “Senator McCain and Senator Alexander were part of that group. “Senator Schumer, who is now the Democrat leader, was part of this group. “And there was overwhelming support for these changes on both sides of the aisle. “It’s time to do it again. “Let’s change the Senate rules and go back to the process that Senator Schumer supported in 2013 and 2014. “Today the schedule allows us to do one or two nominations in a typical week. “If we go back to the 2014 standard, we could clear multiple nominations in a day. “The Republican Senate has been busy this year, and we’ve made progress on behalf of the American people. “We have passed 15 resolutions rolling back destructive Obama-era regulations using the Congressional Review Act, signed into law by the president. “We passed a budget that will help us give Americans a raise by cutting their taxes, giving us an opportunity to do the kind of tax relief, tax reform, tax reductions, tax cuts that the American people are looking for. “We need to do more. “It is time for Democrats to stop abusing the rules just to delay the process. “It’s time to go back to the previous standard of debating nominations. “It’s time to pick up the pace, and do the job the American people expect us to do. “Now if Democrats have a different approach and don’t want to accept the standard of debate that was set in the previous Congress, then I believe it is time for us to force that change. “If Democrats maintain their lockstep opposition to real progress on judicial vacancies and other nominees, we should give them the chance to vote on their continued obstruction. “We can vote on these nominees in a straightforward and efficient way, or we vote to return to the precedent of the 113th Congress. “That’s the choice. Either way, it is time to vote.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=815B802B-44B9-4231-A72F-916E190A97F7,Why tax reform? (VIDEO),2017-11-01,2017,2017-11,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Video from Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., on why Congress is focused on passing tax reform.  Why Tax Reform? (Click the photo to watch the video.)",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=E9423183-BEFB-42FF-96A3-774D7DFA5761,Barrasso: Senate Must Change the Rules for Confirming Nominees,2017-10-31,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today at a Senate press conference, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, delivered the following remarks on the need to speed up the confirmation process for nominees after needless delays by Democrats. According to Barrasso, if Senate Democrats won’t respect the standard that was set in the previous Congress – when Democrats were in charge – then it’s time to vote to force that change. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “The Democrats continue to try to obstruct President Trump in getting his team in place. “By this date in the Obama administration, they had twice as many nominees confirmed as we have by this date now in the Trump administration. “This is a process that is designed by the Democrats to delay the president from getting his team in place to the point that 47 times, we’ve had to file cloture on nominees – which of course burns significant amounts of time on the floor of the United States Senate. “In comparison, when you look at the number of times cloture had to be filed up to this date in the administrations of both President George Herbert Walker Bush and George W. Bush, as well as Bill Clinton and Barack Obama – it was a total of six cloture votes compared to 47 for President Trump. “This is an intentional delay. “To give you an example: Last week on the Senate floor, there was a judge who was nominated. The Democrats wanted all of this time to be spent, and in fact only 20 minutes was actually used of all of those hours that couldn’t be used for anything else. “Only 20 minutes was spent talking about that judge, all by the Republicans, all very positive. And then when the vote was finally done on the floor of the United States Senate, 28 Democrats in favor of that judge. “That tells you this is a mainstream nominee with bipartisan support. It is just delaying on the part of the Democrats to slow the process. “I believe it is time to change the rules of the Senate, to change the rules so that President Trump can get his team in place. “There are two different ways to do it. “One is to go back to what we had in 2013 – in the 113th Congress – which was a bipartisan agreement that lowered the number of hours after cloture: certain judges to two hours; members of the administration to eight hours; for Supreme Court and Cabinet members, 30 hours. “That was bipartisan. “It is time to do that again. “It is time to take the vote – either to back what we did in a bipartisan way in the 113th Congress or to go to what we need now because it’s time to vote either for the nominees or for a rules change.”                                                                                                     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=54CC7881-4235-45DA-9701-5636261D7058,Barrasso Statement on President Trumps Opioid Epidemic Declaration,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s declaration of a nationwide public health emergency to address the opioid epidemic. “As a doctor who practiced medicine for 25 years, I know that treating pain in patients is one of the most difficult and important things we do. The abuse of opioids has reached epidemic proportions. These medications are useful and powerful, but are too often misused. Some of the people who become addicted to opioids go on to abuse heroin, as well. “I applaud President Trump for focusing on a problem that’s affecting so many Americans and their families. Tackling this will require all of us – Republicans, Democrats, families, doctors and all levels of government – to work together.”                                                                                                     ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=23B4E890-7BB9-488A-91B5-7B5CA94406A2,Enzi: We are failing our veterans; we must do better on VA Choice,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"As Wyoming veterans continue to experience delays and limited access to care, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is calling for a review of and improvements to the Veterans Choice Program. During a speech on the Senate floor today, Enzi noted that he has not only heard concerns from veterans in need of care, but from providers who have been unable to get reimbursed for medical services. According to Enzi, this means some doctors and facilities have ended their participation in VA Choice because it is taking too long to get reimbursed or they are unable to get reimbursed at all. “Time and again I hear reports of how difficult it is to get simple answers, let alone care or provider reimbursement, from the VA and the contractor administering the program in Wyoming,” Enzi said. “The consequences of this poorly-run program are ultimately borne by our veterans. In a frontier state like Wyoming, losing access to one specialist can mean losing access to the only specialist in the area.” One veteran told his story to Enzi about waiting for a surgery follow-up and cancer screening, but he cannot go to the same doctor because VA Choice never paid the provider. Another veteran was not able to access vision care, and another could not access necessary neurological care because of reimbursement issues. “We created VA Choice to better serve the health care needs of veterans, not create a new source of uncertainty about whether they will be able to get the care they need,” Enzi said. “This is unacceptable. This defeats the entire purpose of the program. And until we improve the program, more providers will drop out of the program and more veterans will be harmed.” Enzi said he is working with the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to make sure that any new version of community care for our veterans takes into account the unique challenges that rural and frontier health care networks face. Established by Congress in 2014 in response to the nationwide crisis of veterans’ access to care, the Veterans Choice Program allows veterans who live more than 40 miles from the closest VA facility, or who face a significant delay in scheduling an appointment, to access non-VA care. Click here to read the full speech.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=C27B9D4E-6519-4C7C-ABB6-C46C6CE32C08,Enzi Applauds House Passage of Senates FY 2018 Budget Resolution,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., today applauded passage by the House of Representatives of the Senate’s FY 2018 Budget Resolution. The joint concurrent resolution approved by Congress will provide committees with the tools they need to focus on enacting tax reform to grow America’s economy and strengthen families and small businesses. Enzi noted the resolution, previously approved by the Senate last week, is focused on restraining spending and growing America’s economy through tax policies that put more money in the hands of hardworking Americans. “I applaud the House for approving this joint budget resolution, which will help restore the trust of the American people who want and deserve a more effective and efficient government,” Enzi said. “Congressional passage of this budget will provide the fiscal headroom needed for the committees in the Senate and the House to produce tax reform legislation to boost America’s economy. Hardworking families deserve a system that works for everyone and provides more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/newsletter-archives?ContentRecord_id=4469066F-46A9-4737-B70A-A5F25D80C68D,The Enzi Update - October 2017 Newsletter,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Hello and happy fall! Wyoming has already received its first snowfall and kids around the state are thinking about how much candy they can get on Halloween - good signs that October is in full swing. It was great to see folks showing their support at the 2017 Wyoming Buddy Walk in Laramie earlier this month, along with the re-dedication ceremony for the Veterans Memorial Plaza at the University of Wyoming. The 14th annual Inventors Conference in Torrington was another great success. I hope to see more inventors at the conference next year.  Back in Washington, the Senate approved a budget resolution. The budget is focused on providing Congress with the tools it needs to enact meaningful tax reform in order to ensure hard-working Americans can keep more of what they earn. If we are able to do it right, it should mean more money for American families, which will help create new jobs and, in turn, raise wages across the board. I trust folks at home to spend their money more wisley than the federal government can. We should also simplify the tax code and make it fairer for all Americans.  Senate approves FY 2018 Budget Resolution supporting tax reform to help American families The U.S. Senate approved the FY 2018 Budget Resolution focused on providing Congress with the tools it needs to enact tax reform to grow America’s economy and strengthen families and small businesses. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the Senate’s Budget Resolution is focused on restrained spending and growing America’s economy through tax policies that put more money in the hands of hardworking Americans.  “This budget resolution is the first step to pro-growth tax reform, as it will provide the fiscal headroom needed for the tax-writing committees in the Senate and the House to produce tax reform legislation,” Enzi said. “Hardworking families deserve a system that works for everyone in order to provide higher wages and more jobs. Pro-growth tax reform can help U.S. businesses and their workers compete in the global marketplace, spur investment and job growth here at home, and free Americans to make their own decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money. Hardworking Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government. And a big part of that is making the tax code work for all American families and small businesses.” Learn more   Senate passes Enzi resolution supporting goals and ideals of National Retirement Security Week In a national effort to help workers focus on their financial needs for retirement, the U.S. Senate designated October 15–21 as National Retirement Security Week. Enzi introduced the bipartisan resolution to designate the week, which the Senate passed last month without any opposition. “Although the cost of retirement is significantly increasing, far too few workers are saving,” Enzi said. “Retirement security is not talked about often enough. Regardless of your age, it is never too early to look at options that can help provide the financial security you will need in the future. Knowing the best way to save for retirement can reap huge rewards down the road.” Learn more     I hosted my 14th annual Inventors Conference in Torrington. Our speakers were informative and set great examples for Wyoming. My goal with the conference is to educate inventors on how to protect their innovations and to inspire people to create their own jobs right here in Wyoming. See more         Congratulations to Burlington Elementary School, Sheridan Junior High School and Sheridan’s Woodland Park Elementary School for being chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2017!  See more   I recently attended the 2017 Wyoming Buddy Walk in Laramie. The purpose of this event is to celebrate the lives of people with Down Syndrome and to raise awareness about Down Syndrome in Wyoming. See more",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/speeches?ContentRecord_id=3B74B93E-7B98-45EF-A802-E842FF7B9280,Veterans Affairs Choice Program,2017-10-26,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Mr. President – I rise today to express my serious concerns on behalf of our nation’s veterans. In 2014, we learned that several veterans died in Arizona while staff at the Phoenix VA Medical Center entered false information about wait times.  Later that year, we found that such scheduling manipulation was widespread, including in my home state of Wyoming.  Congress responded by creating the VA Choice program to help veterans get care in their communities.  Unfortunately, Wyoming veterans are continuing to experience delays and limited access to care. I have heard from many Wyoming veterans who have been unable to receive the care they need, and many providers who have been unable to get reimbursed for medical services. Some doctors and facilities have ended their participation in VA Choice because it’s taking too long to get reimbursed, or they are unable to get reimbursed at all.  Sometimes when they finally get payments, the check is made out to the wrong provider.   Time and again I hear reports of how difficult it is to get simple answers, let alone care or provider reimbursement, from the VA and the contractor administering the program in Wyoming.  The consequences of this poorly run program are ultimately borne by our veterans.  In a frontier state like Wyoming, losing access to one specialist can mean losing access to the only specialist in the area. Sadly, Wyoming veterans continue to tell me about these problems because the situation isn’t getting any better. One such veteran was waiting for a surgery follow-up and cancer screening and cannot go to the same doctor now because VA Choice never paid them. Another veteran was not able to access vision care, and another could not access necessary neurological care because of reimbursement issues. I have even been contacted by veterans worried they will go into collections because of unpaid claims. Without improvements to the program, our veterans will have to continue to wait for needed care and their quality of life will continue to be negatively impacted.   We created VA Choice to better serve the healthcare needs of veterans, not create a new source of uncertainty about whether they will be able to get the care they need.   This is unacceptable. This defeats the entire purpose of the program.  And until Congress steps in to improve the program, more providers will drop out of the program and more veterans will be harmed. These men and women who have given our country so much deserve quality care in an efficient manner. Their providers need to be paid on time so our veterans can get the treatment they need. When the system fails those who never failed us, trust degrades. We can do better than this. We must do better than this. I know my colleagues on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee are working hard to solve these issues. I am working with them to make sure that any new version of community care for our veterans takes into account the unique challenges that rural and frontier healthcare networks face. We owe the highest debt to our veterans. Let us repay that and honor their selfless service by providing them the care they deserve. I yield back the remainder of my time.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=BFEA37C9-39A8-4040-8063-C254DC6C45CB,Barrasso: Time to Break Logjam on Nominations,2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"“The Democrats have blocked judges, they’ve blocked Cabinet secretaries and other high-ranking officials. Many of these nominees even had Democrat support – and they’re not controversial at all, but Democrats are doing everything they can to slow down the process.”Click here to watch Sen. Barrasso’s remarks. WASHINGTON, D.C.— Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor about how Democrats are needlessly delaying the confirmation votes for judges, Cabinet secretaries and other high-ranking officials. Excerpts of Senator Barrasso’s remarks: “President Trump has been in office now for more than nine months. “For the entire time, Senate Democrats have been trying to obstruct him from doing the very job that he was elected by the American people to do. “The president has laid out his agenda to create jobs, to grow the economy, and to help hard-working American taxpayers. “Yet, Democrats will do anything they can to stop the president from putting his team in place to accomplish these goals. “They’ve tried to stop the president’s legislative agenda because they know that his policies –President Trump’s policies –will actually work. “When Republican policies become law, Democrats know that people will see how successful these Republican policies are. “I think Democrats are worried that they may never win another election again once we get these policies into place. “That’s why we’ve seen record amounts of delay and obstruction by the Democrats in the Senate. “They’ve done it on legislation – and they’ve even blocked the president from filling some of the most basic jobs within his administration. “It started on Day One. “Normally on Inauguration Day, the president gets a substantial number of people confirmed to his Cabinet. “The idea is to let the president get his team in place, so that they can hit the ground running. “President Obama had six on Inauguration Day. President Bush –seven on Inauguration Day in terms of secretaries confirmed. “And these confirmations were by voice vote. “Republicans in the Senate didn’t do anything to try to block the Cabinet secretaries for President Obama. “We understood that it’s best to give a new president a chance –for all of us to work together when we can. “George W. Bush—seven. “That’s how it usually works. “Well, not anymore. Not with this group of Democrats in the Senate. “They really were never interested in giving President Trump a chance. “They really don’t seem to be interested in working together. “Last January, President Trump got two people confirmed to his Cabinet on Inauguration Day. “The secretary of defense, and the secretary of homeland security – the only two jobs that Democrats allowed the president to fill. “In President Trump’s first nine months in office, Democrats have continued to block the way. “They’ve allowed just 185 of his nominees to take their jobs. “That’s how ridiculous the Democrats have been in trying to keep President Trump from putting his team in place. By the same time this far into the administration, President Obama had 364 nominees in place. “The Democrats have blocked judges, they’ve blocked Cabinet secretaries and other high-ranking officials. “Many of these nominees even had Democrat support – and they’re not controversial at all, but Democrats are doing everything they can to slow down the process. “In President Obama’s time –first nine months, he had 364. “President Obama has gotten two for every one that President Trump has gotten confirmed. “Today, there are 81 of President Trump’s nominees who have come through the committees and another some today. “That’s 81 people nominated by the president for positions in the government that are just waiting right now on the Senate floor for a vote. “These are people who got through the nomination process in June, who are still waiting and being blocked by Democrats in the Senate. “It’s outrageous. “Do Democrats really think these aren’t important jobs? “I believe we should confirm as many of these as possible today. “There are 13 judges waiting for confirmation. Eight U.S. Attorneys waiting – including the U.S. Attorney for my home state of Wyoming. These are important jobs. “All of these people have followed the process, they’ve done everything they’ve been asked to do. They’ve filled out the paperwork, the disclosures, gone through the committee. “Now it’s time for the Senate to get its work done. So I’d say, let’s do it today. “Interestingly enough in August, Democrats finally allowed a significant number of people to be confirmed. More than 60 people were confirmed by voice vote on one day. “That’s the kind of thing that used to be very routine in the Senate – letting a large number of non-controversial nominees to be approved all at once. “It is now time for us to do it again. It’s time to clear the deck and let these people who’ve been nominated, vetted, gone through the committees, been approved—time to get them to work. “We need to move these nominations, because we’ve got more nominations on the way. “We’re going to have to deal with the nominations of two Cabinet secretaries that are currently vacant. “President Trump has nominated to be Secretary of Homeland Security, Kirstjen Nielsen “It’s an important job–she is very well qualified for it. “Do Democrats plan to obstruct this qualified woman from doing the important job for which she’s been nominated by President Trump? “The president deserves to have his team in place. “The Senate has an obligation to get that work done. “And the Department of Homeland Security deserves to have a secretary in place to keep us safe. “That’s how it’s worked in the past, and that’s how it’s should be working now. “These are people who manage major departments in government, and they manage many career workers. “Because we know that the Washington bureaucracy has grown tremendously over the years. “It’s very difficult to eliminate people who aren’t doing their jobs properly. We’ve seen it in scandals over the years. “Remember the Gold King Mine disaster? “President Obama’s EPA, the group that’s supposed to protect the environment, actually dumped three million gallons of toxic wastewater into a river in Colorado. “Remember the scandals involving bureaucrats at the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the IRS, and the General Services Administration during the Obama administration? “We need presidential appointees in place overseeing these federal workers to make sure that the government of the people is accountable to the American people. “This Senate needs to be involved in providing oversight through our power of advice and consent. “These are important jobs. We have qualified people ready to do their work. “Democrats have delayed for nine months. “It’s time to break that logjam today.” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=E20BDF86-68D4-4231-91E1-4D491C320570,Senate protects consumer ability to use lower cost dispute settlement method,2017-10-25,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Yesterday the Senate reversed a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said would have benefited trial lawyers more than consumers. “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was trying to force everything into court. That's more expensive than arbitration. By reversing the rule, consumers will still be able to take advantage of lower-cost arbitration,” Enzi said. “The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was trying to help trial lawyers rather than consumers.” The CFPB rule would effectively prohibit financial service contracts from using arbitration to remedy disputes consumers have with banks or credit card companies. This rule was recently finalized despite a CFPB study from 2015 finding consumers receive on average more than $5,000 in arbitration hearings and roughly $32 in class-action litigation. In July, the House voted 231-190 to repeal the arbitration rule using the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The CRA allows Congress to repeal regulations released by executive branch agencies. This type of resolution only needs a majority vote in Congress. The resolution will now go to the president for his signature.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/tv-appearances?ContentRecord_id=F5CB1EC6-5EDD-47A5-A858-4AD619B00833,Barrasso on FOX News with Dana Perino,2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"Search Offices Services Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Menu About John Biography Official Photo Wyoming State Facts Wyoming Links Services Legislation Newsroom TV Appearances News Releases Photo Gallery Second Opinion Reports Students Contact Contact Form Office Locations Newsletter Search Privacy Policy",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A14B1E57-3BE8-4721-BFED-E79CC9BC04A9,"Enzi gets commitments from U.S. Customs & Border nominee on Caspers airport, sugar trade deal",2017-10-24,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., secured commitments today on issues important to Casper’s airport and the sugar industry in Wyoming from the nominee to be the next Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Kevin McAleenan. During a Senate Finance Committee hearing on McAleenan’s nomination, Enzi noted that his office had been receiving conflicting information from CBP on a Customs Port of Entry designation for Casper/Natrona County International Airport. The designation is critical in the airport’s efforts to expand their Foreign Trade Zone, which will make it easier for businesses to navigate customs and logistics for imports and exports. McAleenan confirmed that he would commit to reviewing the airport’s request once appointed in order to provide clear communication on the status of the designation. “Obviously Foreign Trade Zones are critical to expanding exports and increasing economic activities,” McAleenan said. “I can assure you that we will clean up and clearly communicate on the requirements and our abilities to work with Casper airport to set that up.” McAleenan also assured Enzi that he would enforce a sugar trade agreement with Mexico. This agreement ensures that American domestic beet and cane farmers, beet processors, cane millers and cane refiners are not injured by imports of dumped and subsidized sugar from Mexico. Sugar beet production is one of Wyoming’s largest agricultural industries. “We are very focused on antidumping and countervailing duty enforcement across all industries,” McAleenan said.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=8A266EF6-6B14-494B-92F0-1E7F50AAA3D4,President Trump Accepts Barrassos Invitation to Address GOP Senators Tuesday,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"***MEDIA ADVISORY*** WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY), chairman of the Senate Republican Policy Committee, announced today that President Trump has accepted his invitation to address Republican senators at lunch on Tuesday October 24. “We are pleased to announce that President Trump will join us next Tuesday to press our common agenda and speed a great American recovery,” Barrasso said. “Leader McConnell and our entire conference look forward to welcoming the president,” Barrasso said. He noted the president said he was eager to attend the policy lunch. DETAILS: WHAT: President Trump to join the Republican policy lunch WHEN: Tuesday Oct. 24 at 1 p.m. WHERE: The Mansfield Room, U.S. Capitol WHY: To discuss the fall legislative agenda Media logistics to follow. ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=D4D446C5-1FE9-4552-8D35-5E47F6389392,Senate Approves FY 2018 Budget Resolution Supporting Tax Reform to Help American Families,2017-10-19,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The United States Senate today approved the FY 2018 Budget Resolution focused on providing Congress with the tools it needs to enact tax reform to grow America’s economy and strengthen families and small businesses. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said the Senate’s Budget Resolution is focused on restrained spending and growing America’s economy through tax policies that put more money in the hands of hardworking Americans. The House of Representatives approved its version of the budget earlier this month and is expected to work with the Senate to come to an agreement on a joint concurrent budget resolution.   “This budget resolution is the first step to pro-growth tax reform, as it will provide the fiscal headroom needed for the tax-writing committees in the Senate and the House to produce tax reform legislation,” Enzi said.  “Hardworking families deserve a system that works for everyone in order to provide higher wages and more jobs.  Pro-growth tax reform can help U.S. businesses and their workers compete in the global marketplace, spur investment and job growth here at home, and free Americans to make their own decisions about how to spend their hard-earned money. Hardworking Americans want and deserve a more effective and efficient government. And a big part of that is making the tax code work for all American families and small businesses.” The FY 2018 Budget Resolution: PROVIDES a path to balance by restraining federal spending, reducing tax burdens, and boosting economic growth. REDUCES spending by $5.1 trillion. PROVIDES reconciliation instructions to spur economic growth: Finance Committee—$1.5 trillion for comprehensive tax reform Energy and Natural Resources—$1 billion in deficit reduction PROVIDES an on-budget surplus of $197 billion in 2027 as a result of fiscal constraint and economic growth. PROVIDES maximum level of regular defense funding allowed under the law—preventing sequestration cuts. The resolution includes a mechanism to adjust these levels if an agreement on revised funding levels is reached. REDUCES nondefense discretionary spending by $632 billion, consistent with previously agreed upon limits in the last conferenced budget resolution. HONORS Social Security’s off-budget status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=4AB86170-7F49-41C2-8799-E4226CB2AE35,Enzi says Senate budget supports tax reform to help American families,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The U.S. Senate today began debate on the FY 2018 Budget Resolution focused on providing Congress with the tools it needs to enact tax reform to grow America’s economy and strengthen hardworking families and small businesses. Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., said after years of stagnant growth, it is clear that the nation needs a simpler, fairer and more transparent tax system that will leave more dollars in the pockets of hardworking families.   “This week, the Senate begins debating the budget blueprint to pursue long-overdue tax relief for families and job-creators that will jumpstart economic growth,” Enzi said. “It is crucial that Congress approve this fiscal framework in order to eliminate the dated and stifling tax policies that are holding back our nation. The Senate budget sets the stage for pro-growth tax reform that will lower taxes on American families and job-creators by a net $1.5 trillion over 10 years. By keeping more money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers and small businesses, these reforms – if done right – will boost investment, wages and productivity here at home.” The FY 2018 Budget Resolution: PROVIDES a path to balance by restraining federal spending, reducing tax burdens, and boosting economic growth. REDUCES spending by $5.1 trillion. PROVIDES reconciliation instructions to spur economic growth: Finance Committee—$1.5 trillion for comprehensive tax reform Energy and Natural Resources—$1 billion in deficit reduction PROVIDES an on-budget surplus of $197 billion in 2027 as a result of fiscal constraint and economic growth.  PROVIDES maximum level of regular defense funding allowed under the law—preventing sequestration cuts. The resolution includes a mechanism to adjust these levels if an agreement on revised funding levels is reached. REDUCES nondefense discretionary spending by $632 billion, consistent with previously agreed upon limits in the last conferenced budget resolution. HONORS Social Security’s off-budget status.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/op-eds?ContentRecord_id=AD399B5C-0771-4BE1-8130-93A099C705EF,Tax reform needs to benefit small businesses in Wyoming,2017-10-17,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"We haven’t reformed our nation’s tax system since 1986, when most people didn’t have a personal computer or even know about the internet. To put it mildly, our tax system is outdated and includes a lot of flaws that are hurting small businesses, hardworking American families and our country. We need to do better! We can do better! That’s why Congress is working on a tax reform plan, which will make our tax code simpler and fairer. And these changes could provide tremendous benefits to small businesses in Wyoming and around the country. One of the first ways Congress could help small businesses through tax reform is by putting more money in the pockets of more people — so they can better afford what they need and spend their extra money from their paychecks in their communities. This would help grow our economy and result in more jobs. More jobs lead to competition to get workers, and that drives up wages, which once again means more money in people’s paychecks. After years of stagnant growth, tax relief would be rain for an economy in drought. Through tax reform, a roughly doubled expanded standard deduction would mean that some American families would pay no taxes. Tax reform with repeal of the estate tax would also provide relief to family farms and ranches, easing the ability to pass on successful businesses to future generations. We hope to change business taxes. And that, too, is about helping folks. The United States has the fourth-highest corporate tax rates in the world at 35 percent, and that hurts American workers by discouraging investment at home. But most businesses in the U.S. do not fall under the corporate tax code. About 95 percent are “pass throughs,” meaning their income is passed along to their owners and taxed at individual income tax rates. Often this means that small businesses are facing a tax rate of almost 40 percent, even larger than the abnormally high corporate tax rate in the United States.  Small businesses employ the majority of the employees in the private sector in Wyoming, and we should be encouraging them to invest more in our communities. With tax reform, these businesses would see lower tax rates. Tax reform could also provide incentives to invest in tangible assets like equipment by allowing full expensing. When we allow small businesses to thrive, so do the communities around them. While we seek to provide tax cuts and fairness, we also need to make the tax code simpler. Right now, the code is just too long. It is five times the length of the Bible. Today taxpayers have to navigate a minefield of deductions and loopholes. If you want to make sure you are following all those rules, it’s going to take a lot of time and effort and probably means hiring someone to help. By simplifying the tax code, we could help ensure hardworking Americans aren’t missing available tax relief. Why tax reform? Because hardworking Americans deserve better — a system that works for everyone, creates more jobs and business growth in our country and puts more money in the pockets of each and every American.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-epa-administrator-pruitts-announcement-end-sue,Congressman Cheney's Statement on EPA Administrator Pruitt's Announcement to End 'Sue & Settle',2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement on EPA Administrator Pruitt's directive to end ""Sue & Settle"": “I strongly support EPA Administrator Pruitt’s directive to end the practice of “Sue & Settle.” For far too long the Obama-era EPA worked hand-in-hand with far-left environmental organizations to promote their extreme agenda at the expense of hard-working men and women in Wyoming. This directive starts a necessary path for the EPA to correct and restore the transparency that was often lacking during the Obama Administration and prevent Wyoming taxpayer dollars from being used to feed an endless cycle of frivolous lawsuits.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-president-trumps-aca-executive-order-announcement,"Congressman Cheney's Statement on President Trump's ACA Executive Order, Announcement on Cost-Sharing Reduction Payments",2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney's (WY-AL) statement regarding President Donald Trump's ACA executive order and the announcement on the cost-sharing reduction payments: “Obamacare is a train wreck that has caused real damage to families across Wyoming.  Earlier this year,  the House of Representatives passed legislation that would begin the process of repealing and replacing this disastrous policy. Now, the Senate must do its job to provide relief to people across Wyoming. President Trump's recent executive order on the ACA and announcement on the cost-sharing reduction payments were necessary steps in light of a federal court ruling that these payments are unconstitutional. The President’s decision highlights once again how important it is for the United States Senate to take action. Senate Democrats and a handful of Republicans, including Senators McCain, Paul, Collins and Murkowski are fully responsible for enabling the survival of Obamacare, against the wishes of the American people, and at a tremendous cost. They must all be held accountable.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=2F855BEA-B178-4E9F-9BD3-7AA6168C4BCC,Enzi statement on EPA announcement to end sue & settle,2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., released the following statement on the directive today from Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt to end the agency’s “sue and settle” practice.  “Our country does not benefit when the EPA ignores its mandates from Congress in order to make deals behind closed doors with environmental interest groups at the expense of the American taxpayer,” Enzi said. “I am glad to hear that the agency is attempting to undo the dangerous practices of ‘sue and settle’ set under the Obama Administration. Transparency at the EPA will allow more voices to be heard and make it easier for states, Congress and the people to hold the agency accountable. It shouldn’t be controversial to know what the EPA is up to.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A3EB1369-7CF4-4650-9701-45B9DA2AF919,November 1 deadline for Enzi U.S. Senate page application,2017-10-16,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is encouraging Wyoming high school juniors to apply to be a Senate page for the spring session in Washington, D.C. There are 30 page positions in the U.S. Senate each session. One of those positions is reserved for Enzi to sponsor a student from Wyoming to serve as a page. The deadline for applications is Nov. 1. “Along with allowing students a front row seat during debates in the Senate, pages have the opportunity to explore the nation’s capital and interact with students from across the country,” Enzi said. “The program provides good experiences that participants will carry with them forever.” Pages play an important role in the day-to-day operations of the Senate. Duties consist primarily of delivering correspondence and legislative material within the congressional complex. Other duties include preparing the chamber for Senate sessions and carrying bills and amendments to the appropriate people on the Senate floor. Pages attend classes at the U.S. Senate Page School until 9:45 a.m. and then work until 4 p.m. or until the Senate adjourns for the day. The Senate Page School provides the necessary requirements for a junior year course of study. Spring page eligibility is limited to juniors in high school who will be 16 or 17 years old by the date of appointment. Applicants must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0. Pages live in Webster Hall located near the Capitol and receive a stipend to cover the cost of the residence. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily. The spring session runs from Jan. 29 to June 8, 2018. Applications and additional information can be found here. Further questions can be directed to Dianne Kirkbride in Senator Enzi’s Cheyenne office at 307-772-2477 or Dianne_Kirkbride@enzi.senate.gov.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=F2BDF278-E5AE-4A13-BE6F-241860EDCE3B,Enzi: National Retirement Security Week is about a secure future for all Americans,2017-10-14,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"In a national effort to help workers focus on their financial needs for retirement, the U.S. Senate has designated October 15–21 as National Retirement Security Week. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., introduced the bipartisan resolution to designate the week, which the Senate passed last month without any opposition. Enzi said he hoped National Retirement Security Week would encourage Americans to learn more about what they can do now to ensure they have a secure retirement plan for the future.  “Although the cost of retirement is significantly increasing, far too few workers are saving,” Enzi said. “Retirement security is not talked about often enough. Regardless of your age, it is never too early to look at options that can help provide the financial security you will need in the future. Knowing the best way to save for retirement can reap huge rewards down the road.” The goals for National Retirement Security Week include increasing public awareness of the various options for saving and educating workers about the importance of retirement planning. Enzi introduced this resolution in 2015 and 2016, which both passed the Senate by unanimous consent.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/congressman-cheneys-october-13th-newsletter,Congressman Cheney's October 13th Newsletter,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Week’s Roundup - On Monday, The Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt announced his plan to repeal the Obama administration’s “Clean Power Plan.” The withdrawal of this plan is an important and necessary step in reversing Obama-era policies that were aimed at killing our coal industry.  For too long, the clean power plan killed jobs and needlessly wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in a misguided attempt to prop up renewable energy by strangling our fossil fuel industry.  Click here to read my full statement: https://goo.gl/i8zDLK -   I was honored Speaker Ryan asked me to serve on the National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee. The NDAA is critical for the defense of our country and I look forward to working with fellow conferees to ensure our service men and women have the resources they need to defend our nation. As the Natural Resource Committee representative for the conference, I will also fight to maintain provisions I had included in the House bill that are important to Wyoming, like the provisions that support operations at F.E. Warren and a restriction on removing the Bells of Balangiga from Wyoming.  -   I sent a letter to Senator John McCain and to Secretary of Defense Mattis regarding the Bells of Balangiga, requesting his support for Section 2841 of the House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Wyoming veterans have served for years as the caretaker and defender of this memorial to fallen American soldiers. I will continue to fight to keep the bells at F.E. Warren and ensure the provision I was able to include in the NDAA will remain during it’s passing to protect the wishes of our veterans. Click here to read the full letter: https://goo.gl/j64LZt -   Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke met with the Coal Caucus this Wednesday. Zinke highlighted all the important steps the Trump administration has taken to help support our coal industry, including the repeal of the Clean Power Plan, ending the moratorium on coal leases on public lands, and moving to repeal and replace WOTUS.  Secretary Zinke also discussed steps underway to look at the possibility of using decommissioned military facilities on the west coast as export terminals for our coal.  Click here to read more about the Coal Caucus’ Accomplishments: https://goo.gl/RYQv4B -   I applaud the State Department for announcing its intention to withdraw from The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).  UNESCO has long been a haven for anti-semitism and anti-Israel bias at the UN and the Trump administration was right to withdraw the United States from membership.  -    I applaud President Donald Trump’s executive order that directs federal agencies to allow the sale of health insurance plans across state lines. Congress needs to repeal and replace the harmful and disastrous Obamacare. Obamacare resulted in high premiums, less choice for consumers, and lower quality for care, folks in Wyoming deserve better and President Trump’s executive order is headed in that direction. -     On Friday, I participated in the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources legislative hearing for the ONSHORE Act. This bill promotes domestic energy independence by handing power back to the states to manage the development and production of oil and gas on federal lands. A part of the ONSHORE Act is the State Revenue Protection Act, a bill I introduced this year to give Wyoming back the two percent of royalties the federal government has been withholding from our state. These funds are crucial to communities across Wyoming and to our state budget.  To read more about the hearing click here: https://goo.gl/gn1erP Constituent Visits It was an honor to speak and take a selfie with this year’s Rumsfeld Foundation fellows this week. It was great to get a chance to talk with bright minds from across the globe from Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. I want to thank the Wyoming Coordinator for the National Day of Prayer Task Force from Laramie, Gina Gibson and Chief Operations Officer for the National Day of Prayer Task Force Lisa Crump, and Gwen Bradley for stopping by the office this week. It was a pleasure getting the chance to speak with you. It was a pleasure to meet and visit with Johnson County GOP Committee Chairwoman Marilyn Connolly, Carolyn Fox, Jayne Sullivan, and Blake Sullivan from Buffalo, Wyoming. Thank you for stopping by. Around Town I had a great time speaking at the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce for over 250 business partners about tax reform, healthcare reform, military awareness, and my continual effort to fight for the needs F.E. Warren Air Force Base. Click here to read more: https://goo.gl/BM8jd8 Last weekend I got the chance to visit Camp Guernsey. I took part in a windshield tour and was able to tour the simulator building and training ranges. I was also able to meet and speak with the Cadets from the Wyoming Cowboy Challenge Academy, a program that provides a safe, structured, and educational environment for at-risk teens to gain life skills to succeed and become productive Wyoming citizens. It was also an honor to be a part of Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan F. Dryer's promotion ceremony at Camp Guernsey. Lt. Col. Dryer is a highly decorated member of the armed services who served overseas in Germany and led combat missions in both Baghdad and Afghanistan. I want to thank him and his family for their service in the United States Military.  The Local Literary  Read more about my visit and speech at the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Congress. “Congressman Cheney serves on the Armed Services Committee and speaking with Partners of the Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce today affirmed her resolve to continue to fight in Washington for the needs of F.E. Warren Air Force Base, local military and the people of Cheyenne and Wyoming.  Cheney also expressed her pride regarding the cooperation of Senators Enzi and Barrasso. She further identified that Wyoming is unlike most States because of their collaborations. Cheney also relayed that there is room for Tax Reform among bi-partisan members to actually help the middle-class.  The new reform would change the current seven-tier tax bracket to a three tier bracket and lower corporate tax to 20%.” Click here to read the full article: https://goo.gl/UMxQLc",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-onshore-act,Congressman Cheney's Statement on the ONSHORE Act,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington D.C. – Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) released the following statement regarding a Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources hearing on the ONSHORE Act. “Today the Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a legislative hearing on the ONSHORE Act, a bill that would promote energy production in Wyoming and across the country by giving states more authority to manage and develop production of oil and gas on federal lands. A part of the ONSHORE Act is the State Revenue Protection Act, a bill I introduced this year to give Wyoming back the two percent of royalties the federal government has been withholding from our state. These funds are rightly ours and are crucial to our communities and state budget. The ONSHORE Act also exempts all oil and gas operations on non-federal land from the burdensome federal permitting process regardless of the mineral ownership. Wyoming’s checkerboard land and mineral ownership combined with the practice of horizontal drilling presents a challenge to producers operating on private land who become subject to the Federal Government’s red tape.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/joint-foreign-affairs-committee-statement-iran-nuclear-deal,Congressman Cheney's Statement on the Iran Nuclear Deal,2017-10-13,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. – Representative Liz Cheney (WY-AL), House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23), House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry (TX-13), and House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (CA-39), released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s Iran strategy:​ “The President’s announcement today rightly focuses on the full range of deadly threats from the Iranian regime. Our relationship with Iran should not be defined by one flawed nuclear deal. From Yemen to Lebanon, Iran is working to impose its brutal theocratic rule throughout the region. It supports terrorist groups like Hezbollah, bolsters the ruthless Assad dictatorship, promotes instability through sectarianism in Iraq, and abuses the human rights of the Iranian people. We cannot allow such a regime to become a nuclear power. The nuclear deal has significant flaws that must be addressed if that objective is going to be accomplished. “We are committed to work with the President to address these flaws, hold Iran strictly accountable to its commitments, and support efforts to counter all the Iranian threats. We’ll take an important step to that end on the House floor by passing bills to increase sanctions unrelated to JCPOA that target Iran’s support for terrorism and its ballistic missile program when Congress returns in the coming weeks.”",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheneys-statement-appointment-national-defense-authorization-act,Congressman Cheney's Statement on Appointment to National Defense Authorization Act Conference Committee,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"Washington, D.C. - Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) released the following statement regarding her appointment by Speaker of the House Paul Ryan to serve on the conference committee for the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act.  ""I'm honored to be asked by Speaker Ryan to serve on the conference committee for the fiscal year 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The annual NDAA authorizes critical programs and activities crucial for the defense of our nation and I look forward to working with my fellow conferees to ensure our servicemen and women have the resources they need to defend us against an increasingly complex threat environment. I will also fight to maintain provisions I had included in the House bill that are important to Wyoming, like provisions that support operations at F.E. Warren and a restriction on removing the Bells of Balangiga from Wyoming."" Background: Rep. Liz Cheney was able to secure multiple provision in the 2018 NDAA including requiring the Air Force to review and develop options to improve dormitory and housing options for airmen stationed at F.E. Warren and other Air Force bases, expediting the acquisition of replacement helicopters for the aging fleet of Vietnam-era helicopters that are currently tasked with keeping our missile fields secure, and providing the authority for the Department of Defense to reimburse states for future costs incurred from fighting wildfires caused by DoD. The NDAA also advances a previously negotiated transfer between F.E. Warren and the state of a decommissioned Peacekeeper Missile Alert Facility to create a museum highlighting the import strategic deterrent mission at the base. Rep. Cheney also had language included in the House bill to extend the ban on removing a memorial to American soldiers killed in action during the Philippine-American War known as the Bells of Balangiga from F.E. Warren.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.barrasso.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=75A7AEE7-FE2A-432B-A9AC-21EF10A0AA8E,Barrasso Statement on President Trumps Health Care Executive Order,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,John Barrasso,B001261,www.barrasso.senate.gov,,,legacy,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) released the following statement regarding President Trump’s executive order instructing the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury to examine new policies that increase competition and lower the cost of health care. “Wyoming families need relief from Washington’s failed health care policies. I have always supported giving patients the freedom and flexibility to choose the health care plan that works best for them. President Trump’s decision is exactly the kind of bold action this country needs to make health care more affordable. ” ###",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=FA837D07-F927-434A-89BF-7EBC6D2E71BE,Trump signs order similar to Enzi bill to provide better health care options for employees of small businesses,2017-10-12,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., applauded President Trump’s attempt today to create a path for Americans to have more affordable health care choices through increased flexibility and competition. The executive order paves the way for a change similar to Enzi’s Small Businesses Health Plans Act introduced earlier this year that would allow small business better opportunities to provide affordable health care for their employees. Under the modification, more small businesses could join together as Association Health Plans (AHP), including based on common industry or geography. This would allow more small employers to join together when negotiating health care options for their employees, potentially providing them with advantages that large businesses now enjoy. “I appreciate President Trump taking action to provide relief to Americans struggling under the failures of Obamacare,” Enzi said. “This could lead to multiple small businesses being able to pool their employees, across multiple states, for the purpose of purchasing health insurance coverage. I have long heard from small businesses regarding the need for greater flexibility and more options for providing health insurance coverage to their employees. That is why I introduced a bill earlier this year to take similar action and have been working on this issue for more than a decade.” While the president’s executive order is much needed relief for the health care market, according to Enzi, it clearly does not the end to our nation’s health care discussion. “Obamacare caused massive upheaval to our health care system and it could take a long time to right the ship,” Enzi said. “Congress still has a responsibility to find better alternatives to America’s current health care fiasco.” Enzi said he will continue to work with small businesses to ensure they have the flexibility they need to provide affordable health care options for their employees.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-cheney-s-statement-epa-s-decision-repeal-clean-power-plan,Congressman Cheneys Statement on EPAs Decision to Repeal Clean Power Plan,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"For Immediate Release: Washington, D.C. – Congressman Liz Cheney (WY-AL) released a statement on EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt’s decision to repeal the Obama Administration’s Clean Power Plan. ""EPA Administrator Pruitt's decision to repeal the Obama Administration's disastrous “clean power plan” is an important and necessary step towards reversing the harmful Obama-era policies that strangled our economy. Wyoming's communities and fossil fuel industry were hit the hardest by Obama's anti-coal agenda for the past eight years. For too long the clean power plan killed jobs and needlessly wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in an unsuccessful attempt to increase renewable energy and decrease fossil fuels."" Press Contact: Maddy Weast – Maddy.Weast@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://www.enzi.senate.gov//public/index.cfm/news-releases?ContentRecord_id=A68FB220-180A-4D9C-B784-07EDF121E687,Wyoming delegation applauds decision to end Obama-era Clean Power Plan regulation,2017-10-10,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Michael Enzi,E000285,www.enzi.senate.gov,,,legacy,"The Wyoming delegation applauded Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt for signing a proposed rule today to withdraw the burdensome and illegal Clean Power Plan. U.S. Senators Mike Enzi, John Barrasso and Representative Liz Cheney, all R-Wyo., said the Obama-era Clean Power Plan mandates unrealistic carbon reductions. They also said it would essentially stop new coal power plants from being constructed as well as force most existing plants to close in the coming years. “It is great to see the Trump Administration taking action to roll back the unfair and onerous Clean Power Plan,” Enzi said. “The Obama-era regulation oversteps the EPA’s legal bounds and directly attacks America’s coal industry. The federal government should not pick winners and losers in the marketplace. This rule risks increasing energy prices and destroying thousands of high-paying jobs that support our communities. The end of this burdensome regulation will be a win for Wyoming and our country as a whole.” “I am glad to see that the Environmental Protection Agency is taking formal steps to repeal the Clean Power Plan,” Barrasso said. “The EPA is supposed to issue reasonable regulations to protect America’s air. The Clean Power Plan was unreasonable and unlawful. It would have hurt energy workers in Wyoming and harmed the state’s economy. I look forward to working with Administrator Pruitt as he pursues policies that protect our environment and allow America’s economy to grow.” ""EPA Administrator Pruitt's decision to repeal the Obama Administration's disastrous ‘Clean Power Plan’ is an important and necessary step toward reversing the harmful Obama-era policies that strangled our economy,” Cheney said. “Wyoming's communities and fossil fuel industry were hit the hardest by Obama's anti-coal agenda for the past eight years. For too long the Clean Power Plan killed jobs and needlessly wasted hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars in an unsuccessful attempt to increase renewable energy and decrease fossil fuels."" The EPA’s proposal to withdraw the Clean Power Plan stresses that the rule exceeded the agency’s authority as established by Congress and states that the EPA will hold a public comment period where it will determine what policies are needed in the rule’s place.",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z https://cheney.house.gov/media/newsletters/rep-cheneys-september-29th-newsletter,Rep. Liz Cheney's October 6th Newsletter,2017-10-06,2017,2017-10,Republican,House,WY,Liz Cheney,C001109,cheney.house.gov,,,legacy,"This Weeks Round-Up Our thoughts and prayers this week continue to be with the victims and their families in the terrible tragedy in Las Vegas. As we ended the week in DC, the House passed the Republican budget putting Congress one step closer to rewriting the tax code and fulfilling our most important obligation, to provide for the defense of our nation. The budget that passed provides smart reforms and real savings to domestic programs while also providing our men and women in uniform the resources they need to defend the nation and being to restore our military strength. We are also continuing our work on tax reform.  We know taxes are too high and our tax code is far too complicated.  We must reduce taxes to generate economic growth and get people back to work.  We are working to lower taxes for everyone and simplify our code.  Our framework reduces the number of brackets from 7 to 3, and will allow most families across Wyoming and the country to file their taxes on a post card.  We are also working to significantly reduce the corporate tax rate to 20% and eliminate the death tax. I've appreciated the input from so many of you at home as we work to adopt changes that will allow Wyoming families to keep more of what they earn, help our small businesses by reducing their tax burden, and eliminate the burden of the death tax. This week I was named to a House GOP task force charged with reviewing our outdated budget process and making recommendations for addressing the need for spending cuts and debt reduction. We are also continuing to work on health care reform.  The Senate defeat of the Graham-Cassidy bill was incredibly disappointing and a setback for repealing and replacing Obamacare. I know Senators Enzi and Barrasso agree that we need to make sure Democrats and Republicans who voted against this bill are held accountable for their role in continuing to perpetuate the train wreck of Obamacare.  Earlier this year the House was able to pass our legislation to repeal and replace Obamacare and I will continue working with our senators to find a solution to fix our failing health care system for all our citizens. The Gray Wolf State Management Act, a bipartisan bill I introduced,  passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on Wednesday. This bill ensures the Fish and Wildlife Services decision to delist the Gray Wolf in Wyoming can no longer be held hostage to frivolous litigation in our court system. After years of court cases, it is long past time for us to be able to implement our Wolf state management plan free from court interference. Read more here:  https://goo.gl/jvSfRT On Tuesday, I managed floor debate, and voted in favor of, the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act which overwhelming passed in the House. It was an honor to manage the Rule debate on the house floor for a bill that protects the sanctity of human life. I will continue to work to ensure we protect the most vulnerable among us, the unborn. Watch here: https://goo.gl/YuFdpT I am co-sponsoring H.R. 3282, the ELD Extension Act of 2017, which will provide relief for Wyoming truckers by extending by two years the deadline to comply with federal regulations that require all trucks to install an electronic device to regulate drivers' hours of service.  This regulations would significantly harm small, independent trucking operations in Wyoming while benefitting larger trucking companies elsewhere in the country who have more resources to comply with this costly federal mandate. Additionally, studies from the U.S. Department of Transportation have shown the effectiveness of ELDs is uncertain. The bill will simply allow for more time to ensure the rule is necessary and small truckers in Wyoming are not disproportionally burdened by the rule. I joined 152 other Republican House members sent a letter to President Trump in support of his call to restore American's military strength. Click here to read the letter: https://goo.gl/5p9Rie President Trump took an important step towards addressing the increasing threat of wildfires throughout the West by requesting funding to support the brave firefighters who battle these wildfires. Congress must work to quickly to pass legislation that was requested by the Trump Administration. These wildfires threaten the livelihoods of families in Wyoming and put folks in harms' way. I also cosponsored the Resilient Federal Forests Act, a significant step towards ending the practice of fire borrowing. This bill would also simplify the process for implementing proper forest management strategies. Under the current policy our forests have become overgrown and accumulated unsafe levels of biofuels that are a matchbox for forest fires. I will continue working with my colleagues and members of the Trump administration to urge adoption of significant reforms in forest management, including a larger role for state and local stakeholders. Secretary of Defense Mattis and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph F. Dunford testified before the House Armed Services Committee this week regarding U.S. defense strategy in Afghanistan.  Since the Trump Administration has come into office, we have seen important changes made to our Afghanistan strategy, including to the rules of engagement.  While congress will continue to conduct oversight of these crucial operations, we must also address the crippling effects of the Budget Control Act.   Congress has no more important constitutional duty than providing for the defense of the nation.  The Budget Control Act, with its arbitrary caps and devastating sequestration cuts, makes it impossible for us to carry out that responsibility. We need to repeal the Budget Control Act (BCA) because it is so incredibly damaging to our military and hinders America's military readiness. Watch here: https://goo.gl/SF7U3Q On Thursday I attended a briefing in the White House Situation Room with NSC Advisor HR McMaster and members of the House GOP leadership to discuss next steps on the Iranian nuclear deal.  The president will soon be making an announcement about his plans for this deal and our overall Iran strategy. I believe every member of congress will be responsible for ensuring we don't perpetuate this terrible deal in its current form.  The Iran nuclear deal is one of the most dangerous legacies left by Barack Obama.  Contrary to claims made by the deal's supporters, it does not prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.  It actually guarantees they have a pathway to do just that. Constituent Visits  One of our many constituent visits was Katie Legerski, the executive director of the Wyoming Contractors Association, Don and Sue McKillop of Gillette's DRM, Inc, and Ray and Catherine Fertig of Cheyenne's 5R Construction. Congratulations to Tracy Ragland, Wyoming's 2017 Principal of the Year from Newcastle High School who stopped by our office this week. Mr. Ragland won the award for his exemplary model of effective leadership and his commitment to ensuring each student's success. It was a pleasure getting to meet with him to discuss challenges facing our schools and our state. I was also, pleased to meet with the Director of the Learning Center at WWCC Liane Lamb and her husband, Thomas Lamb. We talked about the importance of supporting adult education and the ways we can address the need for modernized skills training in today's economy. It was great to meet with Michelle Szmyd from Sheridan and Elaine from the American Occupational Therapy Association. We discussed the need for supporting occupational therapy to promote and support rehabilitative health and reduce hospital readmissions. It was an honor to welcome Casper's Sharrie and Tommy Davis to Washington, D.C. It's always a pleasure to speak with folks from back home. It was great to meet with Fremont County School District representatives from schools in Fort Washakie, Ethete, and Arapahoe. We discussed impact aid appropriations and impact aid legislative issues that affect our public schools. I got a chance to speak with Holland & Hart's Kelly A. Johnson and Westmoreland's External Relations Joe Evers about the Kemmerer coal mine. We talked about the important obstacles and red tape the Kemmerer coal mine is facing in order to become more fully functional. New York Life Insurance Agent Jeff Marsh and I met this week and had an informative conversation about how the upcoming tax reforms will affect the insurance industry. I met with Wyoming NEA Director Amy Simpson. We had a successful discussion about top education priorities that affect our local schools and communities. Last week I had the honor of participating in the first of our regular conference calls with the county commissioners. We talked about the need for a BLM director, tax reform, and land management policy reform. I was also pleased to welcome, along with Senator Barrasso, a delegation from the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce to Washington, DC. It was great to see old and new friends who are dedicated to supporting local business and supporting Cheyenne's economy.  Around Town Be sure to check out my interview with KGAB's Glenn Woods.  We got a chance to talk about how tax reform and health care affects folks in Wyoming and the national security threats facing the United States from overseas.  Listen Here: https://goo.gl/mzJqu4 I was honored to be part of the grand opening of the University of Wyoming's Native American Education, Research and Cultural Center, along with tribal elders, Senator Enzi, UW President Lauri Nichols and many other representatives from across the state. The new center will be an important resource to the community as we make sure Native American students feel welcome at UW and know they don't have to choose between honoring their culture and history while they pursue the world class educational opportunities available at UW. It was also terrific to be at the 10th anniversary of the Cheney International Scholarship Program at the University of Wyoming. The event honored the important work the center has done to provide students with the resources to travel and study internationally. I enjoyed watching my mom and dad interview each other and talk about their experiences in Laramie over 50 years ago. The Local Literary  Check out the Q&A I took part in regarding America's national security and defense. We discussed the many threats facing the United States and our armed forces including North Korea, the need for increased funding for our men and women in uniform, and the defense bill. ""Just nine months into her first term, Rep. Liz Cheney has already established herself as a vocal defense hawk. The Wyoming Republican holds the same at-large House seat her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, held for a decade. She also sits on the House Armed Services Committee."" Click here to read more: https://goo.gl/XJWCzi",1,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z,2026-03-30T12:14:52Z