John Barrasso

Barrasso stated that Wyoming produces 12 times more energy than it consumes and opposed a year-round E15 mandate, arguing it would hurt small refineries and raise gas prices for consumers by up to 35 cents a gallon.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor during National Police Week to honor fallen law enforcement officers, highlighting Marshal Daniel Hansen of the Cokeville Police Department in Wyoming who died in 1912 and was recently added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor regarding the Federal permitting process, stating that it is "fundamentally broken" and arguing that strict deadlines and restrictions on lawsuits are needed to expedite permit issuance for energy projects.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to describe undersea cables as critical infrastructure carrying 99 percent of the world's internet traffic and supporting $10 trillion in daily financial transactions, while warning that Russia and China pose growing threats to this system through mapping, splicing, and sabotaging cables.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Cekada nomination and announced that the Senator from Alabama was necessarily absent.

Barrasso stated that Republicans in the U.S. Senate passed a budget blueprint that fully funds Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol, and urged House colleagues to pass it without delay.

Barrasso stated that Republicans have negotiated in good faith for more than 2 months to fully fund ICE and Border Patrol, and that Republicans are moving forward alone to fund these agencies without Democratic support and without conceding to Democratic demands.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. 4295, a bill to prohibit aid that would benefit Hamas and place restrictions on funding for United Nations entities led by countries that support terrorism.

Barrasso objected to further proceeding on S. 4280, a bill to amend the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act of 1978 to reauthorize and reform certain authorities and provide greater transparency and oversight, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Barrasso stated that Republicans would fully fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol through the end of President Trump's term without any Democratic votes, and that he met with President Trump at the White House on Friday afternoon along with Senator Lindsey Graham to discuss a targeted reconciliation bill.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 661, which recognizes the 205th anniversary of Greek independence and celebrates democracy in Greece and the United States.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. Res. 661, a resolution recognizing the 205th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States.

Barrasso requested that the name of Senator Blackburn from Tennessee be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso rose to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Uinta Board of Cooperative Educational Services #1, detailing its history since 1986 and its educational and workforce development programs in Uinta County, Wyoming.

Barrasso requested that Senator Ricketts from Nebraska be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso announced the names of senators necessarily absent and how two absent senators would have voted if present.

Barrasso expressed support for the SAVE America Act, stating that voters in American elections should be American citizens and should present a photo ID, and argued that illegal immigrants voting undermines American citizens' voices.

Barrasso requested that the name of Senator Ted Cruz from Texas be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso requested that the name of Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso stated that proving citizenship and showing photo ID to vote are mainstream ideas, that allowing illegal immigrants to vote is a fringe position held by Democrats, and that the SAVE America Act would enable safe, secure elections.

Barrasso was listed as a cosponsor of S. Res. 641, a resolution recognizing Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 114th birthday.

Barrasso joined Ms. Duckworth and other colleagues in submitting Senate Resolution 641 to recognize Girl Scouts of the United States of America on its 114th birthday.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor regarding the State of the Union Address, stating that Republicans stood in support of lower taxes, safe communities, and secure elections while Democrats refused to stand when the President asked lawmakers to affirm that protecting American citizens is the first duty of government.

Barrasso spoke in the Congressional Record about Republican policy achievements, stating that Republicans cut taxes, eliminated wasteful spending, rolled back regulations, restored American energy dominance, and that inflation is at its lowest in 5 years with more Americans working and wages going up.

Barrasso objected to further proceeding on H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, in order to place it on the calendar under rule XIV.

Barrasso asked unanimous consent that the Senate resume legislative session and then yielded the floor.

Barrasso requested the first reading of H.R. 6644, a bill to increase the supply of housing in America, and then requested a second reading while objecting to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Barrasso stated that the minority leader's demands regarding immigration enforcement warrant procedures are radical and extreme, arguing that they would effectively end immigration enforcement by requiring Immigration and Customs Enforcement to use judicial warrants for each arrest, turning America into a sanctuary country.

Barrasso announced the names of two Senators necessarily absent during the roll call vote on the cloture motion for Megan Blair Benton's nomination as United States District Judge.

Barrasso stated that President Trump signed five appropriations bills funding 96 percent of the Federal Government through the end of the fiscal year, and that Republicans are ready to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security while Democrats are holding funding hostage with unreasonable demands.

Barrasso stated that Republicans secured the border in record time, achieved illegal border crossings at their lowest level in 50 years, passed the Laken Riley Act and Working Families Tax Cuts, and secured $170 billion for border security and law enforcement including $46 billion for wall construction and $75 billion for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Ganjei nomination and announced that Senators McConnell and Paul from Kentucky were necessarily absent.

Barrasso requested that the Senate stand in recess under the previous order and the provisions of S. Res. 585 following the remarks of his colleagues.

Barrasso requested the first reading of S. 3674, a bill to expand and clarify grounds for civil denaturalization proceedings, and then objected to his own request for a second reading to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Barrasso rose to speak in support of the Iranian people's protests against their government and praised President Trump's Iran policy.

Barrasso spoke in the Senate about the Working Families Tax Cut law, describing its provisions including an increased child tax credit to $2,200 per child, raised dependent care flexible spending account limits to $7,500, a new $1,000 savings account for children born between 2025 and 2028, and permanent death tax relief for family farmers and ranchers.

Barrasso rose to speak about the arrest of Nicolas Maduro, stating that the operation was a successful law enforcement action that advances American national security and that Democrats were using the arrest to attack President Trump rather than advance American interests.

Barrasso spoke about rural healthcare funding, stating that $205 million from the Working Families Tax Cut bill's $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program came to Wyoming for critical access hospitals, emergency medical services, and healthcare worker training.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. Res. 546, a resolution designating November 2025 as "National Hospice and Palliative Care Month," which was considered and agreed to.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 546 designating November 2025 as "National Hospice and Palliative Care Month."

Barrasso requested that Senator Ossoff from Georgia be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to discuss a Republican healthcare plan and stated that Democrats want to send $83 billion in taxpayer money to health insurance corporations, citing Government Accountability Office testing showing that 23 of 24 fake ObamaCare applications were approved.

Barrasso requested unanimous consent to discharge the Committee on the Judiciary from consideration of S. 2584, proceed to its immediate consideration, adopt the Cornyn substitute amendment, pass the bill as amended, and lay upon the table the motion to reconsider.

Barrasso requested that the names of the Senator from Nevada (Ms. Cortez Masto) and the Senator from Colorado (Mr. Hickenlooper) be added as cosponsors of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso asked unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to immediate consideration of S. 3424, the Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025, and that the bill be considered read a third time and passed.

Barrasso stated that Democrats plan to vote on extending Biden COVID bonuses for 3 more years, which he characterized as $83 billion in government checks to insurance companies with no reforms to the Affordable Care Act.

Barrasso stated that Democrats want a 3-year extension of Biden's COVID bonus payments with no reforms to address waste and fraud, and that this would send approximately $100 billion directly to insurance companies while ObamaCare has failed to provide affordable healthcare, with premiums increasing over 220 percent and deductibles doubling since its enactment.

Barrasso requested unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Orso and Rodriguez nominations.

Barrasso requested that the names of the Senator from Arizona (Mr. Kelly) and the Senator from Oregon (Mr. Wyden) be added as cosponsors of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to discuss the Trump administration's policies on border security, immigration enforcement, and national security, stating that President Trump is working to reverse Joe Biden's failures and that securing the border and communities is urgent following a recent attack near the White House.

Barrasso stated that he spent Thanksgiving with Wyoming airmen at Ramstein Air Base in Germany and that he travels annually to thank Wyoming troops serving overseas for their service and sacrifices.

Barrasso requested that the Senator from North Dakota (Mr. Hoeven) be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso moved to proceed to Calendar No. 168, H.R. 5371, a bill making continuing appropriations and extensions for fiscal year 2026.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the LaCour nomination and announced that Senators Lummis and Tillis were necessarily absent before the vote was called.

Barrasso announced that Senator Sheehy from Montana was necessarily absent and would have voted "yea" if present and voting on the cloture motion for S. 3012.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Mercer nomination and announced that the Senator from Alaska (Ms. Murkowski) was necessarily absent.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor regarding a government funding crisis, stating that Senate Democrats had voted five times against a clean continuing resolution and that the shutdown was being driven by pressure from liberal groups on Senate Democratic leadership.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. Res. 442, a resolution condemning Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirming Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 442, which condemns Russian incursions into NATO territory and reaffirms Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty.

Barrasso announced that three Senators were necessarily absent and stated how one absent Senator would have voted if present.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 426 designating the week of October 5-11, 2025, as "Religious Education Week" to celebrate religious education in the United States.

Barrasso requested that the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Sullivan) be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso stated that the House of Representatives passed a bipartisan continuing resolution in the last hour to keep the government funded, and characterized Senator Schumer's spending proposal as "the biggest ransom note in American history" containing "partisan, political poison pills."

Barrasso requested that Senator Daines from Montana be added as a cosponsor of S. 142, a bill to award a Congressional Gold Medal to wildland firefighters.

Barrasso extended a warm welcome to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of his official visit to the United States and noted that his visit coincides with his acceptance of the Templeton Prize.

Barrasso delivered remarks on the Senate floor addressing a tragic shooting involving Charlie Kirk, describing Kirk's 13-year leadership of Turning Point USA, his role promoting conservative debate on college campuses, and expressing condolences to his family.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Dudek nomination and announced that the Senator from Tennessee was necessarily absent.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor regarding presidential nominations, stating that Senate Democrats under Chuck Schumer have broken the tradition of confirming routine nominees by voice vote or unanimous consent, noting that none of President Trump's nominees have been confirmed through these methods in his second term, marking the first time in U.S. history this has occurred.

Barrasso spoke about economic conditions and tax policy, stating that gas prices were at a 5-year low for Labor Day, small business optimism was at its highest in 5 months, half a million new jobs had been created, and that Wyoming families would save $2,400 annually from Republican tax cuts.

Barrasso announced that three Senators were necessarily absent during the rollcall vote on the cloture motion for Luke Lindberg's nomination.

Barrasso stated that Democrats introduced a bill to repeal the healthcare section of legislation that included a $50 billion rural hospital fund, and argued that eliminating this fund would weaken the healthcare system for those who need it most.

Barrasso rose to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Wyoming Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Conference scheduled for August 21, 2025.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to defend Medicaid reform provisions in a recently passed bill, stating that work requirements for able-bodied adults and exclusion of illegal immigrants from benefits strengthen rather than weaken the program.

Barrasso stated that Republicans passed comprehensive legislation called the One Big Beautiful Bill that delivered tax cuts including eliminating taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits, modernizing childcare tax credits, expanding child tax credits, and creating savings accounts for newborns.

Barrasso stated that Senate Republicans have confirmed more than 100 nominees in President Trump's second term and described Democratic obstruction tactics including filibustering all but one of the President's nominees.

Barrasso announced the names of two Senators necessarily absent from the vote on the cloture motion for H.R. 3944.

Barrasso expressed appreciation for Brogan Byram's work as an intern in his Washington, DC office and recognized his contributions to the office and the State of Wyoming.

Barrasso expressed appreciation for Aster Harrison's work as an intern in his Casper office and recognized her contributions to his office and the State of Wyoming.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor opposing foreign aid spending, listing specific expenditures he described as wasteful including $500,000 for electric buses in Rwanda, $6 million for net zero cities in Mexico, $100,000 for media training in Liberia, and $3.3 million for civic engagement in Zimbabwe.

Barrasso called on Secretary Noem and the Department of Homeland Security to reinstate funding for the EMPOWER Program at the University at Albany, which had been canceled through a $3 million grant reduction.

Barrasso asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Gould and Hermandorfer nominations.

Barrasso stated that Democrats filed a lawsuit in Boston challenging legislation signed by President Trump on July 4th regarding Planned Parenthood funding, and that a district court judge appointed by President Obama granted a temporary injunction blocking the law.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to describe the Republican plan as a historic triumph that cuts taxes, secures the border, unleashes American energy, and details specific benefits for Wyoming families and workers.

Barrasso stated that President Trump's strike on Iran's nuclear facilities was successful, that it protected the country, and that it enforced a redline against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons.

Barrasso stated that since President Trump took office, illegal border crossings are down by 95 percent, that ICE arrested 130 illegal immigrants from Iran in the last 7 days, that 670 Iranian nationals are being detained, and that Republicans are fighting for a comprehensive safety agenda that increases border security funding by $160 billion.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to describe the Republican economic plan, stating it would provide $10,000 more in take-home pay for American families, create 7 million more jobs, achieve 4 percent additional economic growth, and reduce the deficit by more than $2 trillion, while warning that Democratic opposition would result in tax increases and reduced paychecks.

Barrasso stated that the Republican Medicaid plan would strengthen the program for its originally intended beneficiaries, end states' provision of taxpayer-funded healthcare to illegal immigrants, eliminate waste and fraud, and implement work requirements for able-bodied adults on the program.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Dabbar nomination.

Barrasso requested authorization for four Senate committees to meet during the Senate session on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to describe a Republican bill that would stop a $4 trillion tax increase, cut taxes for working families making between $30,000 and $80,000 annually, and strengthen Medicaid by reducing fraud and waste while adding work requirements.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Trusty nomination and announced that Senator Risch from Idaho was necessarily absent.

Barrasso announced which Senators were necessarily absent and stated that Senator Budd would have voted "yea" if present and voting.

Barrasso stated that the Los Angeles protests were riots and attacks on law enforcement, disagreed with Democratic characterizations of them as peaceful, and attributed the unrest to President Trump's deportation of violent illegal immigrant criminals.

Barrasso announced that five Senators were necessarily absent and indicated how three of them would have voted if present.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor to discuss energy policy, stating that the minority leader's comments were "rubbish" and arguing that Republican policies have improved economic conditions including reduced inflation, lower gas prices, and job creation compared to the previous Biden administration.

Barrasso asked unanimous consent to waive the mandatory quorum calls with respect to the Vaden and Hughes nominations.

Barrasso stated that he is a cosponsor of three pieces of pro-Second Amendment legislation: the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act introduced by Senator Cornyn, the SHORT Act introduced by Senator Marshall, and the Protecting Privacy in Purchasing Act introduced by Senator Hagerty.

Barrasso stated that inflation is at a 4-year low, incomes have risen every month since President Trump and Republicans took office, egg prices have dropped 61 percent, consumer confidence reached its largest boost in 4 years, Republicans have a 12-point lead over Democrats on economic plans according to a CNN poll, Senate Republicans used the Congressional Review Act to reverse 18 regulations including California's electric vehicle mandate, and Republicans are committed to stopping a $4 trillion Democrat tax increase while cutting taxes on tips and overtime.

Barrasso stated that the Republican agenda is popular, citing a Rasmussen poll showing a majority of Americans believe the country is heading in the right direction, and outlined Republican priorities including making tax cuts permanent, ending taxes on tips, exempting police and firefighter overtime from taxes, increasing Social Security benefits for seniors, and removing Medicaid benefits from illegal immigrants.

Barrasso stated that he would vote against the Kaine-Van Hollen resolution because it would bring a verified MS-13 member back into the United States, and he argued that allowing illegal immigrant criminals to remain in the country makes communities less safe.

Barrasso stated that energy policy was a reason for the current majority party's electoral success, contrasted affordable energy under the current administration with higher energy prices under the Biden administration, and praised efforts to restore American energy dominance.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the MacGregor nomination and announced four senators necessarily absent and one senator's intended vote.

Barrasso announced that Senators Graham and Hagerty were necessarily absent and stated how they would have voted on the Danly nomination.

Barrasso opposed a resolution by Senator Kaine of Virginia and Senator Van Hollen of Maryland regarding border security and deportation policy.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Crowley nomination and announced that Senator Graham from South Carolina was necessarily absent.

Barrasso requested the first reading of S. 1668, a bill from Senator Merkley to amend Chapter 131 of title 5, United States Code, regarding financial instruments issued by the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, and Senate-confirmed appointees, and then requested a second reading and objected to his own request to place the bill on the calendar under rule XIV.

Barrasso expressed appreciation for Michelle Liu's work as an intern in his Washington, DC office and recognized her contributions and work ethic.

Barrasso announced that three Senators were necessarily absent and that if present, the Senator from North Carolina would have voted yea on the cloture motion for David Perdue's nomination as Ambassador to China.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Caine nomination and announced nine senators who were necessarily absent, noting that Senator Tillis would have voted yea if present.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Huckabee nomination and announced that Senator Mullin from Oklahoma was necessarily absent before the roll call vote was conducted.

Barrasso expressed support for Mike Huckabee's nomination as U.S. Ambassador to Israel, stating that Huckabee is a fierce friend to Israel who has visited more than 100 times and will strengthen the bond between America and Israel.

Barrasso stated that the number one goal of the Republican legislation being proposed is to prevent a $4 trillion tax increase that he said Democrats support.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor about Wyoming coal, stating that it is world-class and low-sulfur, that the nation needs more of it to power America, and that President Trump's executive order demonstrates commitment to American energy independence and coal industry development.

Barrasso spoke on the Senate floor about border security, stating that President Trump is taking action to secure the northern border, that Canada is making changes including deploying more technology and law enforcement, and that Democrats who previously called for northern border security are now opposing commonsense actions to secure it.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. 1206, a bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit the issuance of national injunctions.

Barrasso was listed as a cosponsor of S. 1206, a bill to amend title 28, United States Code, to prohibit the issuance of national injunctions.

Barrasso stated that he traveled to visit over 150 members of the Wyoming Army National Guard stationed in Jordan and Syria, and delivered remarks on the Trump administration's foreign policy approach toward Iran, the Houthis, and American hostages.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 141 recognizing the 204th anniversary of Greek independence and celebrating democracy in Greece and the United States.

Barrasso stated that Americans elected Republicans to get the country back on track, that more Americans say the country is on the right track than in the last 20 years, and that Democratic approval ratings are at historic lows according to CNN and NBC polls because Democrats support positions he characterized as radical, including supporting people who support terrorism, refusing to protect women in sports, refusing to stand with Israel, supporting higher energy prices, and proposing $4 trillion in tax increases.

Barrasso quoted Senator Schumer's 2019 statements opposing government shutdowns and argued that Democrats were responsible for the impending shutdown by refusing to pass a funding bill that had already passed the House.

Barrasso stated that household debt increased due to the previous administration's policies of high prices and open borders, and noted recent economic headlines showing inflation improvement and gasoline prices dropping for the third consecutive week.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Slater nomination and announced that the Senator from West Virginia was necessarily absent.

Barrasso stated that Democrats were threatening a government shutdown to defend wasteful Washington spending and listed examples of federal spending he characterized as wasteful, including $2 million for sustainable recycle models in the Balkans, $19 million for biodiversity conversations in Nepal, $47 million to improve learning outcomes in Asia, $1.5 million on voter confidence in Liberia, and $21 million for voter turnout in India.

Barrasso moved to proceed to Calendar No. 11, S.J. Res. 3, concerning congressional disapproval of an Internal Revenue Service rule relating to gross proceeds reporting by brokers that provide services effectuating digital asset sales.

Barrasso stated that President Trump had kept his promises during his first 7 weeks in office, citing accomplishments including identifying $55 billion in federal spending savings, securing the border through deportations, declaring a national energy emergency, and protecting women in sports.

Barrasso signed the cloture motion to bring to a close debate on the motion to proceed to S. 9, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2025, and announced that the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis) was necessarily absent but would have voted "yea" on the cloture motion.

Barrasso announced that the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) and the Senator from Wyoming (Ms. Lummis) were necessarily absent, and noted that if present and voting, Ms. Lummis would have voted "yea" on the McMahon nomination.

Barrasso stated that Democrats are opposing President Trump's national energy emergency declaration and commonsense measures to address high energy prices, and that Republicans are working on two Congressional Review Act resolutions to roll back Biden regulations and cut natural gas taxes on energy producers.

Barrasso announced the names of four senators necessarily absent and noted that one absent senator would have voted yes if present.

Barrasso stated that the Consumer Price Index data released today reflects the final days of the Biden administration and attributed high prices to Democratic policies including reckless overspending and anti-American-energy policies.

Barrasso stated that Democrats are threatening and calling for a government shutdown, citing headlines from USA Today, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and referenced statements from Democratic senators Andy Kim, Cory Booker, and Jeff Merkley supporting such action.

Barrasso spoke in support of Scott Turner's nomination as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, citing his NFL career, experience in Texas state government, his role overseeing opportunity zone investments that secured over $50 billion in private investments for economically distressed communities, and his leadership qualities.

Barrasso stated that Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has the qualifications, experience, determination, and moral clarity to serve as Attorney General, and that she has his vote and vocal support.

Barrasso expressed condolences for the 64 individuals on the American Airlines flight and 3 soldiers on the Army helicopter who lost their lives in the Reagan National Airport flight accident, and thanked the first responders assisting in recovery efforts.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Zeldin nomination vote.

Barrasso expressed strong support for Lee Zeldin's nomination as EPA Administrator, stating that Zeldin is highly qualified, has bipartisan support, and will return the EPA to its original mission of protecting America's air, water, and land without suffocating the economy.

Barrasso spoke on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, condemning anti-Semitism and hatred, and recounting a visit to a vandalized Israeli restaurant in Brooklyn to support its Jewish owners.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the Noem nomination and announced that the Senator from Kansas (Mr. Moran) was necessarily absent.

Barrasso stated that Senate Democrats were obstructing cabinet nominees by delaying the confirmation of John Ratcliffe as CIA Director for 2 days and expressed support for Kristi Noem's nomination as Secretary of Homeland Security, citing her qualifications and bipartisan support in committee.

Barrasso co-sponsored S. 154, a bill to amend the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2015, to reauthorize the Colorado River System conservation pilot program.

Barrasso stated that he watched Pete Hegseth's nomination hearing for Secretary of Defense, that Hegseth deserves swift confirmation, that he will vote for him, and that Hegseth is the right person to address military morale and recruitment problems.

Barrasso rose to discuss the Senate's confirmation process for President-elect Trump's Cabinet nominees, stating that Pete Hegseth should be confirmed quickly as Secretary of Defense and praising other nominees including Doug Burgum, Chris Wright, Lee Zeldin, Marco Rubio, John Ratcliffe, Scott Bessent, Pam Bondi, and Kristi Noem for their qualifications and commitment to addressing issues such as military readiness, energy, border security, and inflation.

Barrasso rose to speak about threats to America's security and stated that over 300 individuals on the Terror Watchlist have crossed into the country illegally over the past 4 years, that terrorists control Afghanistan and parts of Syria, and that Iran is actively funding anti-Jewish protests on college campuses.

Barrasso requested that the name of the Senator from Michigan (Mr. Peters) be added as a cosponsor of S. 198, a bill to amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to modernize provisions relating to rural health clinics under Medicare.

Barrasso stated that he spent Thanksgiving in the Middle East with 400 members of the Wyoming National Guard and argued that the Senate should have passed the bipartisan National Defense Authorization Act months ago to increase troop pay and modernize the military.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 910 designating November 2024 as "National Hospice and Palliative Care Month."

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the motion.

Barrasso asked for the yeas and nays on the motion.

Barrasso co-sponsored Senate Resolution 890 condemning the Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, and supporting Israel's survival and the safe release of United States hostages from the Gaza Strip.

Barrasso spoke in the Senate about the southern border, stating that more than 10 million illegal immigrants have entered the country in the last 4 years under the Biden-Harris administration and that deadly drugs like fentanyl are flowing into American communities.

Barrasso stated that prices are over 20 percent higher than when the Biden-Harris administration took office and attributed the inflation crisis to government spending passed without Republican support.