Senator Working Hard for Wyoming Interests, Families, and Economy
WASHINGTON – October 2 marks John Barrasso ’s 100th day as Wyoming ’s United States Senator. He has hit the ground running committed to working hard for the people of Wyoming .
Working for Wyoming
The new senator criss-crossed the state to meet and hear constituent concerns in 23 Wyoming counties during August — holding 30 town meetings in a six-week period.
During his first 100 days, Barrasso spent 69 of those days in Wyoming meeting with constituents, agency officials, and business owners. Clearly, he continues to uphold his pledge to, “Live in Wyoming and Work in Washington .” In his DC office, Barrasso has hosted 70 meetings with 167 Wyoming constituents.
When it comes to voting, there’s not a single member with a record better than Senator Barrasso’s. After 131 votes in the Senate, Barrasso has a 100 percent voting record.
Barrasso said, “Since being sworn in on June 25, fighting for Wyoming has been my focus – fighting for our people and our priorities.”
“I hit the ground running, working hard for the people of Wyoming – whether it’s fighting for money owed to the people of Wyoming, or holding the line on federal spending, my priority is Wyoming people and their better future,” Barrasso said.
Defending 2nd Amendment Rights
In addition, Barrasso sponsored key legislation to benefit Wyoming and the nation, along with establishing a strong conservative voting record. He sponsored two bills to protect our nation’s Second Amendment Rights – an effort he highlighted in a speech to the National Rifle Association on Sept. 21, 2007.
Supporting Our Nurses
A longtime Casper doctor, Barrasso has taken action to improve rural health care in the state. At a recent nursing event in Sheridan he said, “Rural and frontier areas like Wyoming are hit particularly hard as we must compete nationally to recruit nurses and other health care professionals. I commit to help recruite and retain health care providers.” Barrasso continues to push in the Senate for continued funding for nursing workforce development programs.
Outlining His Vision
Senator Barrasso made his maiden speech in the United States Senate on Sept. 10. He outlined his vision for Wyoming: “I will fight for Wyoming everyday. I’ll fight for quality education for our children, quality jobs for our families, affordable and accessible healthcare for our communities, and our core values.”
Standing Up for Wyoming
In only his second vote in the Senate, just days after being sworn in, Barrasso voted against amnesty for illegal immigrants – a vote in which he broke ranks with the President. “Some people support amnesty for illegal immigrants – I do not,” Barrasso said.
Fighting for Wyoming’s Money
Later, in a committee vote, Barrasso was the lone voice against an Office of Surface Mining (OSM) nominee, who would not guarantee that Wyoming would receive $550 million from the federal government as part of the Abandoned Mine Land program. In order to make sure Wyoming gets its $550 million, Barrasso followed up with the Secretary of the Interior, the White House Chief of Staff, and the President of the United States .
“It’s Wyoming ‘s money,” Barrasso said. “It is Congress’s intent that those payments are made and an outcome I’ll continue to fight for.” Barrasso staked the claim for Wyoming ’s money during a vote in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
Opposing Federal Pick Pockets
Speaking of money, Barrasso took on federal pick pockets when he learned of their intent to take $20 million from Wyoming under the guise of a proposed royalty fee. Barrasso is teaming up with Sen. Mike Enzi to strike the provision from the 2008 Interior Appropriations bill.
Protecting the Wyoming Range
A strong supporter of multiple-use of public lands, Barrasso realizes there are some areas that are so special they need to be protected for future generations. The Wyoming Range is such an area. Legislation to protect the Wyoming Range will soon be introduced.
Keeping Yellowstone’s Gates Open
Barrasso joined many Cody residents to fight the National Park Service’s plan to close the East Gate of Yellowstone at Sylvan Pass. As a member of the National Parks Subcommittee, Barrasso will have oversight of National Park Service activities. He feels strongly that the Park Service needs to remember that the national parks were established for the enjoyment of the people.
Supporting Wyoming Agriculture
Wyoming has a strong agricultural heritage and one that Barrasso will continue to make efforts to safeguard and improve. The senator supports immediate implementation of Country of Origin Labeling and signed onto a bill to improve economic opportunities for Wyoming livestock producers and processors. He has co-sponsored a state-inspected meat bill and is working to include a Livestock Competition Title in the Senate Farm Bill.
