U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Senate Majority Whip, released a statement following the Senate’s approval of the Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill. The legislation includes measures that Barrasso says fulfill promises made by Senate Republicans to voters.
“Senate Republicans kept our promises to the American people. We voted to put more money in people’s pockets, to make our communities safer, and to stop the largest tax increase in history.
“I worked to secure major wins for Wyoming. Our bill makes significant investments in rural healthcare and the development of life-saving cures. We cut taxes for Wyoming families, workers, and small businesses. We expand the child tax credit. We unleash affordable, available, reliable Wyoming energy.
“Americans elected Republicans to make our country safer, stronger, and more prosperous. This bill does it.”
The bill contains provisions aimed at supporting Wyoming taxpayers and workers through several initiatives focused on energy production and economic growth.
Under new energy measures, H.R. 1 requires the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to hold quarterly oil and gas lease sales in nine western states including Wyoming. It also revives coal leasing nationwide with a mandate for the Secretary of the Interior to make at least four million acres available for coal leasing.
The legislation repeals federal incentives for electric vehicles by removing a $7,500 tax credit for new EVs as well as credits for used EVs and charging stations. It also addresses what is described as a “leasing loophole” related to these incentives.
H.R. 1 encourages carbon capture technology by creating parity under Section 45Q of the tax code so that all forms of carbon capture—whether used for increased energy production or sequestration—receive equal treatment.
Other energy-related provisions include rescinding several Biden administration climate priorities such as pausing a methane emissions tax for ten years.
For small businesses, H.R. 1 allows immediate expensing of up to $2.5 million in equipment purchases—a measure intended to help farmers, ranchers, manufacturers, and other local businesses grow their operations and hire more workers.
Wyoming’s sugar producers are supported through an extension of the sugar program until 2031 along with increases in loan rates and storage rates for both raw cane sugar and refined beet sugar.
Workforce development is addressed through creation of a Workforce Pell Grant program that provides aid for students enrolling in short-term workforce programs or apprenticeships needed for high-demand jobs.
In health care policy, H.R. 1 incorporates elements from Barrasso’s bipartisan ORPHAN Cures Act aimed at speeding up drug approvals for rare diseases. A Rural Health Transformation Program will provide over $500 million in funding accessible by hospitals and clinics across Wyoming.
The bill introduces Medicaid reforms designed to reduce waste while requiring work participation from able-bodied adults; it also restricts federal funds from going to states enrolling undocumented immigrants on Medicaid rolls.
National security measures include additional funding for border infrastructure—including hiring ICE and CBP agents—and $2.5 billion allocated toward modernizing nuclear deterrence systems at F.E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne.
