U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, criticized Senate Democrats on the Senate Floor ahead of a vote on a $9 billion savings package. Barrasso accused Democrats of prioritizing international climate initiatives over tax relief for American workers.
Barrasso referenced a Politico article discussing Democratic efforts to alter proposed climate spending clawbacks. He argued that Democrats are seeking to defend what he described as “wasteful Washington spending,” including support for overseas projects such as Net Zero cities in Mexico and electric buses in Africa.
He stated, “Millions for the Green New Deal abroad. Not one cent for working Americans here at home. That’s the warped priority of today’s Democrat party.”
Barrasso also criticized President Joe Biden’s direction to the Environmental Protection Agency, claiming it prioritized climate policies over affordable energy for Americans. According to Barrasso, this focus contributed to electoral losses for Democrats due to issues like high prices and border security concerns.
He said, “Just weeks ago, Democrats said tax cuts for working Americans were unaffordable. That is why every Democrat in this chamber voted against tax cuts that save tipped workers $1,300 each year. Democrats voted ‘we don’t want you to be able to keep your tips.’ They want you to pay taxes on it so we can spend overseas on climate change. Democrats actually voted to raised taxes by $4 trillion. That’s the largest tax increase in history. Thankfully, we were able to stop it. That would have hurt every working family in America.”
Barrasso described the proposed bill as a measure that would end wasteful federal spending and restore fiscal responsibility by reclaiming funds from programs he characterized as unaccountable or unnecessary.
He added, “The money we’re clawing back today represents the hard work of the American people – farmers, ranchers, and small business owners in Wyoming and across the country. Every dollar the federal government spends should honor their hard work.”
Barrasso concluded his remarks by contrasting Republican priorities with those of Senate Democrats: “I’ve heard Democrats fearmonger about this bill. Let me set the record straight. Republicans are protecting emergency alert systems here at home. Democrats are protecting and promoting electric buses in Africa. In November, Americans rejected wasteful Washington spending. This week, Republicans are delivering on that mandate.”
