U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, criticized Democrats for not supporting American working families during the recent State of the Union Address. In his remarks, Barrasso highlighted the Republicans’ Working Families Tax Cuts law, which he said reduced taxes for small businesses, farmers, and ranchers.
Barrasso contrasted what he described as a Republican focus on prosperity with Democratic proposals for higher taxes. He referenced a CNN poll conducted after the State of the Union, stating: “62% of the viewers said that President Trump’s economic and immigration policies would move the country in the right direction.” He added that these are “commonsense policies for which the Democrats refused to stand.”
He recounted an incident from the address where President Trump stated: “‘The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.’ Every Republican stood up. Not the Democrats. They sat silently.” Barrasso questioned why Democrats did not support this statement and called their response “astonishing.”
Barrasso also discussed stories of Americans honored at the event, including military personnel and civilians recognized for acts of service or heroism.
Turning to economic issues, Barrasso emphasized Wyoming’s reliance on small businesses and argued that previous administrations imposed regulations and higher taxes that hurt job growth. He credited recent tax cuts with helping create jobs across all states and said these measures provide permanent relief to small businesses.
He explained: “Small businesses can now write off 100% of their cost for new equipment. It’s called full expensing.” According to Barrasso, this change will allow small businesses to grow faster and invest more in workers.
On estate tax policy, he stated: “The Working Family Tax Cuts law supports farmers and ranchers. They receive major relief from the dreaded Death Tax. And this relief is permanent.”
Barrasso estimated that small business owners would receive about $27 billion in additional tax refunds this year due to these changes.
He also criticized Virginia’s newly elected governor—chosen by Democrats to deliver their response—for introducing multiple new taxes on services such as barbershops and gyms within her first month in office. Barrasso said these policies could harm communities like those in Wyoming.
He concluded by reiterating his party’s stance: “Americans are better off today because Republicans cut taxes, because we protect farmers and ranchers, because we support small businesses… Our nation is returning to a position of safety, security, and prosperity.”
