U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), the Senate Majority Whip, spoke on the Senate floor about recent Republican efforts to address affordability issues in the United States. He criticized Democratic policies during President Joe Biden’s administration, stating that they led to high inflation and increased living costs.
Barrasso argued that “Republicans are making our nation safer and more prosperous. The economy is improving. Inflation has cooled. The economy is growing. Gas prices are at their lowest in four years. For the first time in years, wages are rising faster than prices. America is getting back on track.”
He attributed recent economic improvements to actions taken by Republicans, including passing tax cuts and reducing government spending. Barrasso said, “Republicans are attacking the affordability crisis. We’re tackling it head-on. It was created by reckless spending and higher taxes during the Biden administration.” He pointed out that under Democratic leadership, prices rose over 21 percent in four years and energy costs increased by 31 percent.
Barrasso highlighted specific measures from the Working Families Tax Cuts Act passed earlier this year, such as tax savings for families in Wyoming and other benefits like no tax on tips or overtime for certain workers, a $1,000 account for newborn children, an increased child tax credit of $2,200 per child, and a $6,000 deduction on Social Security income for seniors.
He contrasted these Republican-led initiatives with what he described as Democrats’ support for a $4 trillion tax increase.
Barrasso also discussed ongoing efforts to cut wasteful spending through regular appropriations processes in Congress. He noted bipartisan support for several appropriations bills addressing veterans’ care, food assistance programs like SNAP—which serves millions of Americans—and investments in transportation infrastructure and military modernization.
Regarding recent government funding negotiations, Barrasso said: “The government shutdown is now behind us… Now the government is open again. Republicans are back to investing in the priorities of the American people.”
He concluded: “Republicans are going to continue to put more money in the pockets and purses and of America’s hardworking families. Because that’s where it belongs.”
