WASHINGTON – Below are highlights of U.S. Senator John Barrasso’s, R-Wyo., first year in the Senate:
Fighting for Wyoming’s Money
Barrasso continues to fight for Wyoming’s $580 million in abandoned mine land funds from Washington . He is working with a bipartisan coalition of western Senators to ensure Wyoming receives the funds with no strings attached.
“Let’s be clear – $580 million belongs to the people of Wyoming ,” Barrasso said. “It does not belong to Washington and its evasive bureaucracy. Perhaps some in Washington underestimated the dedication each of us share to see this issue through. There should be no doubt left. We don’t intend to lose sight of what is important to our state, our people and our future.”
Standing Up for Wyoming
Senator Barrasso joined a majority of senators in rejecting the Senate immigration reform bill, saying the bill “would have granted amnesty to millions of illegal immigrants.”
Barrasso also pushed for Senate passage of his legislation that would discourage states from issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
“Securing our borders is a chief responsibility of the federal government,” Barrasso said. “I think it is time we stopped the practice of issuing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.”
Ensuring America’s Energy Self-Sufficiency
As Wyoming’s Senator, Barrasso has pressed the federal government to do more to fund clean coal technology, the FutureGen project, and Wyoming’s Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center .
“I believe that when it comes to energy, we need it all,” Barrasso said. “ Wyoming coal, oil, and natural gas will continue to play a pivotal role in meeting our nation’s energy needs.”
He also introduced legislation to foster construction of new electric transmission lines for renewable energy sources, such as wind. It will offer needed assistance to construct these transmission lines, as well as carbon dioxide pipelines.
Improving Rural Health Care
A longtime Casper doctor, Barrasso has taken action to improve rural health care in the state. He successfully fought to include extensions of rural health provisions in the Medicare bill.
“Without this extension, Wyoming doctors, nurses, and hospitals faced large payment cuts that would have made it hard for them to care for seniors.”
Barrasso, a member of the Senate Rural Health Caucus, is also a co-sponsor of the “ Craig Thomas Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act.” This bill addresses inequalities in the Medicare payment system that continually place rural providers at a disadvantage.
Supporting Wyoming Agriculture
Barrasso successfully added an amendment to the 2007 Farm Bill to promote veterinary drug research at the University of Wyoming. The provision would support the Minor Use Animal Drug Program which carries out valuable research for the sheep industry and brucellosis in the cattle industry.
“This amendment is a victory for the sheep industry in Wyoming . It will keep Wyoming ’s 900 sheep producers competitive in the world market.”
Barrasso also co-sponsored legislation to allow shipment of Wyoming beef and lamb products to other states. The provision was included in the final bill.
“ Wyoming’s state inspection program is more stringent than the federal program, and yet we have faced a limit on our product for years. Eliminating this restriction will help spur new small business opportunities for Wyoming ranchers.”
He also successfully fought and voted for implementing country-of-origin labeling (COOL) for American beef.
“American agriculture sets the standard for excellence in the world. Our producers deserve the opportunity to label their product ‘born and raised in the USA.’ Consumers demand it and will buy it.”
Providing for Our Veterans
Barrasso conducted a state-wide tour of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and outreach clinics around the state. He discussed programs and requirements with caregivers and administrators. He also had conversations with veterans at American Legion and VFW halls and held discussions with veteran’s group leaders.
“Veterans are very candid. They know that what works in Wyoming is not what works in Washington . They stressed to me the importance of fighting for what is right for Wyoming ’s vets. They pointed to the regional VA health care centers around the state as key steps in the recent improvement in services.”
Barrasso helped improve services for Wyoming veterans by convincing incoming VA Secretary Peake to assign a full-time benefits officer at the Sheridan VA. A full-time officer was appointed in January and now sees 12 – 15 veterans per day.
He also worked to enhance the Montgomery G.I. Bill to help more military personnel attend college debt-free, and allow them to transfer their unused education benefits to their spouse or children.
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 has 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.
Protecting Our Natural Heritage
Carrying on the legacy of the late Senator Craig Thomas, Barrasso introduced the Wyoming Range Legacy Act of 2007. This legislation has been passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
“The Wyoming Range represents the heart and soul of our state – independent, still wild, rugged, and a wonder for those that come from all over to experience it,” Barrasso said.
“Energy development will always be a pillar of our economy, especially in partnership with recreation and tourism – vital to our quality of life in Wyoming . We achieve that partnership by working to enhance the traditional economic base of the Wyoming Range .”
Barrasso also provided a boost for Wyoming tourism and honored the legacy of the late Senator Craig Thomas by successfully guiding the ‘Craig Thomas Snake Headwaters Legacy Act’ to the Senate floor. The bill designates the Snake River as one of America ’s great treasures while protecting the rights of existing water users.
Honoring Wyoming
Senator Barrasso announced that Wyoming has been selected to provide the 2010 Christmas tree for the United States Capitol. It is the first time in history that the tree will come from Wyoming .
“Wyoming is blessed with spectacular forests, so it struck me as unusual that we had never provided the Capitol Christmas Tree for the people of the United States to enjoy. So, I urged the U.S. Forest Service to consider Wyoming – it didn’t take much convincing,” Barrasso said.
