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Washington Has a Spending Problem

This week, Congress voted to fund the government, but did nothing to address our spending problem. I fear we are reaching a point of no return, which is why I voted against this massive spending bill.

Washington has added trillions of dollars to the federal debt in just the last few years, and no one seems to have a sense of urgency about paying back that debt. Members of Congress ram as much funding for their pet projects into spending bills as they can, because they know there is no accountability for that spending.

The 2023 omnibus spending bill topped out at about $1.7 trillion. So on top of the American Rescue Plan, the CHIPS and Science Act, the Democrats’ reckless tax and spending spree, and last year’s appropriations bill, Congress has spent nearly $9 trillion during the last two years. That is unacceptable and unsustainable.

I introduced a version of my Sustainable Budget Act as an amendment to the omnibus. This would have created a bipartisan commission tasked with creating a plan to cut the national debt within the next ten years. Unfortunately, that amendment was not included in the final version of the bill.

I also cosponsored Senator Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) amendment to ban earmarks from the omnibus bill. The earmark process adds billions of dollars in unnecessary spending for pet projects that would not pass muster if left to stand on their own. That amendment failed.

I will continue to beat this drum. If we do not address our reckless spending habits, our grandchildren will be left with a bill they have no hope of paying back.

Happy Trails,

WORKING IN WASHINGTON

Legislative Actions:

I cosponsored Senator Ron Johnson’s (R-WI) amendment to the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act to strip all earmarks from the bill.
- Amendments like this help remove unnecessary pork from this massive spending bill. Many folks from Wyoming are concerned about how much Congress is spending, and I am doing all that I can to make sure that this spending is limited.
I introduced an amendment to the omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act to establish a national commission (like Simpson-Bowles) to develop legislation addressing the United States’ fiscal deficit and debt.
- Folks in Wyoming are extremely concerned about the repercussions that they face from our nation's excessive spending. Amendments like this help put America back on the path to fiscal responsibility.

Major Votes:

Motion to proceed to H.R. 2617, the legislative vehicle for FY2023 Omnibus Appropriations
Opposed
- This $1.7 trillion spending package is irresponsible. It is time to seriously pursue spending cuts and budget reform to protect the financial well-being of our nation and the people across Wyoming.

WORKING IN WYOMING

As a frigid cold snap blows across Wyoming, I am hearing concerns about rising propane prices and delayed deliveries. Arctic blasts like this are extremely dangerous, and folks in Wyoming need to be able to properly heat their homes. Many in rural areas rely on propane-fueled generators. Right now, Wyoming is projected to have the 16th highest monthly gas bills in the nation this winter. We need to unleash American energy and harness the natural resources we are blessed with here in Wyoming. I cosponsored the Real Emergencies Act, which clarifies that President Biden does not have the authority to declare a national emergency and limit natural gas production on the premise of climate change.

To address the supply chain and delivery issues, I introduced the LICENSE Act to help get more truck drivers on the road. In the meantime, Governor Gordon has announced a statewide emergency to improve propane supplies. Please stay safe this week and follow the National Weather Service guidelines as we head into the holiday weekend.

News Around Wyoming:

New Privately-Run Tourism Program Aims to Ensure Wyoming Wildlife Here Forever
Cowboy State Daily
Wyoming is where the deer and the antelope play, as well as moose, elk and many other wild creatures.

That untamed wildness draws upwards of $500 million in tourism dollars to the Cowboy State every year.

Wyoming uranium mines to supply strategic reserve, lead industry revival
Casper Star Tribune
Wyoming’s uranium producers have been vocal for months about an impending new era for the industry. As 2022 winds down, they’re gearing up for their first big year in a long time.

In its heyday, decades ago, the state’s uranium industry supported roughly 5,000 jobs.

WYOMING SHOUT OUT

Hazel Homer-Wambeam from Laramie headed out to Connecticut last week to compete in the Miss America 2022 Pageant. She was recognized as being 4th runner up for fundraising through her social impact initiative, EveryBODY Dance: Body Positivity Through Movement. In addition to this great achievement, Hazel is also the first Jewish resident of the state to compete as Miss Wyoming on the national stage. It’s so wonderful to see such a talented and motivated young woman represent Wyoming. Please join me in congratulating Hazel on all of her hard work!

Photo courtesy of Moment Magazine

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Washington, DC

Russell Senate Office Building
Room SR 124
Washington, DC 20510
Phone: 202-224-3424