Enzi encourages fire departments to explore available federal grant opportunities
2/29/08
The State of Wyoming Fire Marshal’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security will be hosting free workshops March 10-14 throughout Wyoming about the $500 million Assistance to Firefighters Grants program. Enzi is encouraging fire department representatives to attend these workshops and pursue the money that may be available to them.
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Newsmakers
2/28/08
John Barrasso - Hero: "Appointed to the late Craig Thomas's seat, Sen. John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) kept faith with his predecessor by introducing legislation to place 1.2 million acres of prime wildlife habitat in the Wyoming Rnage off-limits to new energy development."
— Published in Field and Stream Magazine, March 2008
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Barrasso’s Wyoming Range Bill Has Its Day in Senate
2/27/08
“The Wyoming Range represents the heart and soul of Wyoming ,” Barrasso said. “The hearing today is a major step toward enhancing the tourism, recreation, and the hunting economy of the Wyoming Range . The bill will protect the splendid natural landscapes of the range for future generations of Wyomingites.”
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Enzi co-sponsors bill to protect Medicare for generations to come, put federal budget on path to control wasteful spending
2/27/08
The bill would reduce Medicare spending by linking Medicare part D premiums to income so that low-income and-middle income taxpayers do not continue to subsidize higher-income older persons. It also would strengthen Medicare by laying a foundation for the budget reform long needed to sustain quality patient care for the elderly and ensuring that health care providers are adequately reimbursed for care provided to Medicare patients.
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Senate votes to renew, improve Indian health care services
Enzi pleased with first update to Indian health in 15 years
2/26/08
“For too long, we have neglected our duty to review the Indian health care program and ensure that it continues to deliver high quality health care efficiently,” Enzi said. “This bill is a critical step to renew and reinvigorate Indian health care services. Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho leaders have contacted me about this issue and I think they will be pleased that we are moving forward.”
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Barrasso Questions Accountability of Federal Oil Plan
2/26/08
“ Washington should not buy vast quantities of oil with prices at historic highs. It simply does not make sense,” Barrasso said. “We must use taxpayer dollars wisely and invest in our long term energy security.” Barrasso noted that the Administration’s plan would require putting an additional 70 000 barrels of oil into reserve everyday for the next 30 years – regardless of price.
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Enzi comment on wolf delisting
2/21/08
“This is what can happen when you put determined people in a room. Decisions are made and actions can be taken that don’t leave anybody out. The Wyoming Game and Fish knows Wyoming’s wildlife. The department will continue to protect the wolf, but it will also protect our state’s big game herds. Wyoming ranchers can now work directly with Wyoming game managers. The presence of the federal government often adds a layer of complexity and distance. This action should serve the needs of Wyoming residents more directly. That is unless this issue is dragged into the courts.
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Barrasso: Wyoming Prevails On Wolf Decision
2/21/08
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., today welcomed a decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to de-list the gray wolves from the endangered species list.
“After years of struggle and debate, common sense and sound science are finally prevailing,” Barrasso said. “Today’s decision is a positive step forward for Wyoming .”
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Cubin Targets DOJ Over Gun Ban
2/19/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) stood up for gun-owners across the Cowboy State last week, sending a letter to President Bush asking him to help uphold our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.
In the letter, Cubin voiced her concern over a legal opinion recently filed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with the U.S. Supreme Court. This brief, filed by U.S. Solicitor General Paul D. Clement, could set a dangerous precedent for law-abiding gun owners in Wyoming and across the nation by allowing the District of Columbia’s firearm ban to be upheld.
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 Applicants for House Districst 56
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Enzi statement on resignation of Cuba's Fidel Castro
2/19/08
“This leadership change is an opportunity to move our strategy into this century,” Enzi said. “For nearly 50 years, the United States has had a policy of isolation toward Cuba, but what our Administrations have failed to realize is that unilateral boycotts and sanctions don't work. Cuba is getting materials and goods from the rest of the world, but the Cuban people are not getting the exposure to freedom that they should be getting from the U.S. If we continue to cut off communication with Cuba, we cannot expect the Cuban people or the Cuban government to strive for the changes that will make their lives better. American families, students, and everyday people should have the opportunity to share their experiences with the people of Cuba and let them know what real democracy is. If we keep doing the same thing we've done all these years then we are going to get the same result."
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Enzi honors Thomas’s legacy with “National Day of the Cowboy” resolution
Carries tradition forward in late senator’s name
2/13/08
For the past three years, Thomas – a cowboy himself – honored the heritage of his home state and the West by sponsoring a resolution to name the fourth Saturday in July “National Day of the Cowboy,” which coincides each year with the opening of Cheyenne Frontier Days. This year, in honor of Thomas’s legacy, Enzi is continuing the tradition by introducing the Senate resolution.
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Barrasso: Wyo Governor Headlines Witness List
Senate Announces Wyo Range Bill Witnesses
2/14/08
WASHINGTON – Wyoming Governor Dave Freudenthal will testify in a Senate hearing on U.S. Senator John Barrasso’s Wyoming Range bill. The bill is aimed at protecting more than 1.2 million acres of the Bridger Teton National Forest and the Wyoming Range.
“This is an enormously important issue,” Barrasso said. “The Governor and I share a commitment to the Wyoming Range. We must keep and enhance the sportsmen, tourism and recreation economy of the Wyoming Range. We must preserve this key part of Wyoming's natural heritage.”
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Cubin Calls on Congress to Designate March as ‘MRSA Awareness Month’
2/14/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) introduced legislation today to raise awareness about the rampant spread of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a deadly drug-resistant staph infection currently surfacing across the United States.;
Cubin and Congressman Jim Matheson (D-UT) introduced H.Res. 988, a bill to designate March 2008 as ‘‘MRSA Awareness Month.” Cubin has been a leader in drawing attention to this deadly infection for more than three years. She has spearheaded the fight to combat the rampant spread of infectious diseases that have been plaguing hospitals, schools and community centers around the country.
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Enzi wants Congress on two year budget, similar to Wyoming legislature
2/13/08
Washington, D.C. – Following multiple years of late appropriations bills bundled into one mammoth bill, continued deficit spending and out of control spending, U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., is taking a page from the Wyoming legislature hand book and seeking two year budgeting for the U.S. congress.
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Barrasso Delivers Hearing on Wyo Range Bill
2/13/08
“The Wyoming Range represents the heart and soul of Wyoming , and a wonder for those that come from all over to experience it,” Barrasso said. “This hearing is a monumental step toward enhancing the tourism, recreation, grazing and the hunting economy of the Wyoming Range . The bill will preserve the range as a key part of Wyoming 's natural heritage.””
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Enzi underscores importance of proactive solutions to remedy health care workforce shortage in Wyoming
2/13/08
“In my home state of Wyoming, one of our biggest challenges is providing timely access to healthcare providers. That kind of access has been hampered because Wyoming is currently facing a shortage of health care professionals – and I am not referring only to specialists. Clearly, that is a problem that needs to be addressed on more than one level,” said Enzi. “To begin with, to have access to more health care professionals, we need more than a new, more effective grant program to increase their numbers. We need real reform of our medical system as a whole. I have introduced a Ten Step bill that will, when it is adopted, greatly reduce the health professional crisis we are already seeing in rural areas and inner cities.”
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Providing a Healthy Future for Wyoming Mining
2/13/08
For years, I have written guest editorials in papers all across Wyoming offering a mix of health care advice and common-sense ways for readers to take better care of themselves. In my role as Wyoming ’s U.S. Senator, I want to write about my thoughts on reforming the 136-year old Mining Law of 1872.
This century-old law covers mining hardrock minerals on federal lands. Across the West, those minerals include gold, silver, copper, lead, and molybdenum. In Wyoming , hardrock mining primarily means bentonite, and uranium. The law does not cover coal or trona.
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Barrasso: A New Look at Climate Change
2/8/08
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., has introduced a bill aimed at developing technology to remove existing excess green houses gases from the atmosphere and permanently sequester them.
“My proposal takes a new look at climate change,” Barrasso said. “This approach removes excess greenhouse gasses already in the atmosphere. The GEAR Act aims to tap into human potential and the American spirit to develop the technological solutions we need to address climate change.”
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Cubin Introduces Bill to Stop Federal Pick-Pockets
Legislation Would Return Mineral Royalty Payments to 50-50 Split
2/12/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) introduced legislation last week that would prevent the federal government from taking more than $20 million annually from Wyoming in royalties paid on the extraction of minerals in the state.
“Last December, the federal government robbed Wyoming of nearly $20 million to pay for more government bureaucracy,” Cubin said. “Wyoming deserves its fair share of profits from energy production that occurs within her borders. Our state relies on these critical funds to improve our schools, roads and hospitals. It is high time the federal government stops using western states as its own ATM.”
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Enzi underscores importance of proactive solutions to remedy health care workforce shortage in Wyoming
2/13/08
“In my home state of Wyoming, one of our biggest challenges is providing timely access to healthcare providers. That kind of access has been hampered because Wyoming is currently facing a shortage of health care professionals – and I am not referring only to specialists. Clearly, that is a problem that needs to be addressed on more than one level,” said Enzi. “To begin with, to have access to more health care professionals, we need more than a new, more effective grant program to increase their numbers. We need real reform of our medical system as a whole. I have introduced a Ten Step bill that will, when it is adopted, greatly reduce the health professional crisis we are already seeing in rural areas and inner cities.”
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Cubin Introduces Bill to Stop Federal Pick-Pockets
Legislation Would Return Mineral Royalty Payments to 50-50 Split
2/12/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) introduced legislation last week that would prevent the federal government from taking more than $20 million annually from Wyoming in royalties paid on the extraction of minerals in the state.
“Last December, the federal government robbed Wyoming of nearly $20 million to pay for more government bureaucracy,” Cubin said. “Wyoming deserves its fair share of profits from energy production that occurs within her borders. Our state relies on these critical funds to improve our schools, roads and hospitals. It is high time the federal government stops using western states as its own ATM.”
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Senators ask for swift confirmation of Honaker as Wyoming District Judge
Enzi, Barrasso address Senate Judiciary Committee at nomination hearing
2/12/08
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., asked the Senate Judiciary Committee to approve the nomination of Richard Honaker as U.S. District Judge for Wyoming, asking the committee to move Honaker’s nomination through committee and on to the full Senate for confirmation.
“Mr. Honaker will be an excellent jurist for our home state of Wyoming. He has the experience and the temperament to serve our state and the judiciary well. You will be making the correct decision if you vote to move his nomination forward,” said Enzi. “He knows the difference between legislating - from his experience as a Wyoming representative - and judging - from all his years of court work. Since the criteria is fairness I want to assure you Richard is among the fairest people I know.”
“Richard Honaker is eminently qualified to serve on the Federal Bench in the District of Wyoming,” Barrasso said. “I know Mr. Honaker and respect him as an individual. I admire his legal abilities and his passion for the law. There is no question he is ready to fill the seat for which he has been nominated. He has my full support and I urge the Judiciary Committee to support his nomination as well.”
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Enzi votes against unstimulating stimulus
2/7/08
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., cast a vote against a bloated spending bill that ultimately passed the Senate under the ruse of a stimulus package.
“The biggest problem with this stimulus package is the lure of free money. This bill should be called the deficit spending bill, not a stimulus package. This package in all likelihood will do little to stimulate the economy but it does pass on more debt to our children. I am not convinced that dropping a bunch of tax dollars out of an airplane is going to solve anything,” said Enzi.
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Cubin Votes Against Tax Rebates for Non-Taxpayers
2/7/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) released the following statement tonight after voting against the Senate amended version of H.R. 5140, the Economic Stimulus Package.
“I am disappointed that the United States Senate wasted their opportunity to improve the costly and misguided Economic Stimulus Package I voted against last week in the House. In addition to giving approximately $40 billion worth of taxpayer-funded checks to people who pay no income tax, this legislation will further entangle the federal government in the housing market and still fails to provide real long-term stimulus to the American economy.
“The best economic stimulus is a job, and small businesses are America's main employer. We need to provide meaningful tax breaks to allow small business owners in Wyoming to keep more of their own money and use it to expand their ventures and create new jobs. History has shown that the best way to encourage an economic turnaround and help preserve jobs is to ensure that job-creators face a lower tax burden, not provide a once a year bonus to people who do not even pay taxes. It is time to provide hard-working citizens with real economic stimulus that gives our small businesses the breaks they need and permanent, long-term tax relief for all Americans.”
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Cubin Rejects Federal Control of Higher Education And $700 Million Program Increase
2/7/08
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Representative Barbara Cubin (R-WY) sent a strong message to leadership in the House of Representatives today that it is time to responsibly reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA). Cubin voted against H.R. 4137, the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, a reauthorization of HEA that would waste taxpayer dollars on unnecessary new federal programs and place tighter restrictions on both public and private higher education institutions.
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BARRASSO SETS WYOMING FIRST AGENDA ON FOREIGN RELATIONS
Barrasso named to top trade committee
2/6/08
Washington, D.C. - United States Senator John Barrasso was named today to the influential Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a key seat for securing significant trade opportunities for Wyoming's energy and agriculture industries.
"Soda Ash, beef, lamb, wool and sugar beets are key exports for Wyoming. The export dollars support many Wyoming families' lives and are crucial elements to our economy. Fighting for fair trade and enhanced exports means more dollars for Wyoming people and communities, bottom line," Barrasso said.
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Barrasso Grills Energy Secretary
2/6/08
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Barrasso, R-Wyo., today pressed Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Stephen Bodman for answers regarding the Department’s decision to cut Wyoming ’s share of the 2009 energy budget.
“ Wyoming is a national leader in terms of coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, and wind production,” Barrasso said. “A reduction of this magnitude in a state with enormous energy potential is totally unacceptable.”
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Senators throw weight behind ICBM force
2/6/08
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso, both R-Wyo., urged Secretary of Defense Robert Gates to maintain a robust nuclear armed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) through 2030.
“As our nation proceeds to analyze and make decisions on future strategic posture and U.S. nuclear policy, we believe that ICBMs will continue to be the most responsive and stabilizing element of the nuclear triad. Minuteman III is a robust, cost-effective and highly capable system. With your continued support, we believe it will continue to play a vital role in our Nation’s security through 2030,” the senators wrote.
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Enzi: budget needs to be start for fiscal responsibility
2/4/08
“Decreasing the deficit by controlling spending is essential. I applaud the President’s efforts to balance the budget and think the Senate can go even farther to straighten out the financial matters of this country. I am working with my colleagues on legislation designed to change the entire federal spending system so that emergency spending will be anticipated, spending deadlines will be met and there will be more time for oversight of how the money is being used. Any sound budget should have a comprehensive plan to decrease the national deficit and I am pleased the President’s request includes an outline to help stabilize spending. Now it is up to Congress to follow through and restrain spending.”
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Enzi asks Senate to do something, anything to fix health care
2/1/08
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., asked his Senate colleagues to “do something, do anything” to fix the health care crisis in America. Enzi made his case on the Senate floor and reiterated his 10 Step Health Care plan to make health care and health insurance more affordable and accessible to Americans.
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Enzi praises brucellosis free cattle status, looks to full eradication
2/1/08
“The USDA has done a stand up job working to get a brucellosis class free status for our nation’s cattle. The Wyoming agriculture community and state agencies worked together in 2006 to get Wyoming ’s brucellosis class free status in cattle. I am pleased all states have followed suit. However, there is still work to be done to eradicate brucellosis from our free roaming elk herds. Efforts should include developing a more advanced vaccine and improved management in areas of greatest risk for the disease to be passed between wildlife and livestock.”
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